ARC Review: Seek The Traitor's Son m(The Burning Empire #1) by Veronica Roth

 

A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor's Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

Title: Seek The Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire #1)

Author:Veronica Roth

Publisher:

Expected Publication Date: May 12, 2026

Review:

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Tor Publishing Group, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I have been a fan of Roth since Divergent first published. And, when everyone else was too mad at her to continue reading her titles because they didn't agree with how she ended that series, I stuck by her because she's chose to stick by her vision of that series and see it through. I've really enjoyed her other works immensely. I was excited to read this one because of it's mix of science fiction, dystopia, and romantasy. I was ready for Roth to bring me elements beyond what I've seen her write about in the past and I have to say I was not disappointed.

I had the opportunity to listen to this as well as read a paper ARC of it. I have to say I enjoyed the audio version very much. Imani Jade Powers, Max Meyers, Rebecas Solar, and Steve West did a really great job. Powers truly brought Elegy's character to life. She imbued such a great amount of emotion into her narration for this character who struggled throughout the book to come to terms with who she is and what she represents. And Meyers as Theren. I will say at times it was hard to understand him because he tended to deepen his voice when Theren was actually speaking. I had to turn up the volume or rewind quite a few times to catch what he was saying. But overall Meyers did a fabulous job voicing this character. I love Solar from when she narrated Fourth Wing so she, once again, did not disappoint with her narration for Hela. Steven West does not have a very big role in the book but what he did voice was really great. I'll need to look into him more as I don't believe I've ever listened to anything he's narrated. Overall, the cast that was chosen for this book was spot on with their representation of their characters and kept me wanting to find out what was happening.

Roth has a way of building a world that is intricate and supremely connected to the politics of the time. As often happens with Dystopia, you have to suspend your belief a bit to really grasp the plot of the story and why it is important to the characters. But once you're invested, there's no way you can turn back. I appreciate that she does not info dump but rather weaves the world together through her characters experiences. I enjoyed the conflict between the Cedrae and the Talusar. There was a lot of political posturing that happened with her villainous character, Rava Vadir. Roth presents us with a prophecy and builds it up until it practically explodes from the page at the end. There is violence and death but there are also friendships and alliances formed.

I cannot begin to define the emotional rollercoaster these characters endure. The characters are all damaged and endure grief while seeking their true identities. Roth does not hold back at all. And because I was invested in them, I endured it right along with them. These characters are complex and well developed. Roth has once again created an MMC that you just cannot help but feel for. He's so damaged but pushes through to try and be the best person he can be. And the FMC definitely helps get him there, despite their past (not going to spoil that for you, so you'll just have to read it).

This one is slated adult. While the characters are technically adults, you can still feel they are not fully mature. So it reads a bit like a YA book. But there's much more emotional umph than you would experience with a YA book. If you're looking for spice, this one doesn't really give that. There are scenes, but they are in no way spicy. I'm actually happy Roth relied on the more emotional connection of the characters rather than their physical attraction.

While there is some traditional family in this book, it does rely heavily on found family, which I love. Found family friendships are so deep and enjoyable. The characters are deeply invested in one another. I cared about each and every character Roth brought across the page. I felt the tension between them but also the emotional trust that had to take place in order for them to fulfill their mission.

I did enjoy all the sacrifices the characters were willing to take in order to ensure their world remained stable. I was surprised when the FMC chose to do the one thing that could end in her ultimate sacrifice but knew there wasn't enough time left in the book for it to end differently than what Roth chose to do with her. I'm also really happy Roth chose to write this one in multiple POVs. Unlike Divergent, which didn't have multiple POVs until book 3 (and those of us who know that series, know exactly why she chose to give us that second POV), this book gave me so much more insight into the characters and world because of how they were presenting things. Can I say I kind of wish the villain had her own POV. I really think that would have made things VERY interesting indeed!

The thing that made me lower my rating for this one was the romantic relationship between the FMC and MMC. It started off as this slow burn build up that I was totally there for. Then suddenly it was just there in your face and I just didn't feel their chemistry as much as I wish I could have. Yes, they have an emotional connection and a bond that was formed in their past, but you don't get to see much of that because of the way things happen at the beginning of the book. There is no time for them to form any type of relationship at that time and we are relying on what happens in the after to bring them together. It just didn't click as much as I would have liked.

Once again, Roth has captured my attention with her amazing writing and plot. This one will grab you by the throat, toss you around, eat you, and spit you out on the other side all while you say you'll continue to endure what it does to you. I'm throughly looking forward to the second book in this series as this one definitely ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm desperate to return to this world and see how the next part plays out! Bravo, Roth, for once again stealing my heart with your characters and my breath with your story!

4.5/5 stars rounded to 5.

Author:

Veronica Roth is the New York Times best-selling author of Seek the Traitor's Son (coming 5.12.26), When Among Crows, Arch-Conspirator, Poster Girl, Chosen Ones, the Carve the Mark series, and the Divergent series. She lives in Chicago, Illinois with her husband and dog.

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