ARC Review: The Burning Empire #1

Seek The Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth

Publication Date: May 12, 2026

Summary from NetGalley:

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.

ARC provided by Tor Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.

Confession:

This was such an enjoyable book. It is a blend of so many genres, and oftentimes that doesn’t work, but the blending here is so smooth and excellent that no matter what genre you prefer, you will want to read this book. The characters are complex, believable and you will fall in love with some of them. The world building is excellent and the complexities of this world are well laid out. This was truly a well thought out book with many themes and genres coming together for a great read.

The story is told through three points of view, although Elegy and Theren carry most of it. Both of them are great characters who go through quite a bit throughout this story. Elegy is a woman who doesn’t believe in prophecy and pretty much wants nothing to do with hers, until things start to happen and force her to face her destiny. She has a very strong moral compass and wants to do what is right to save her world. Theren captured my heart from the start. He goes through so much, both physically and mentally, it was amazing that he survived it all. He is broken in many ways, but is beginning to heal. Their romance was well done, no insta love here, and plays out in a very realistic way. Hela is the last point of view with only a handful, but very important chapters devoted to her. I really like her and her part in the story is important. I hope we get to know her better in the next book.

The world building in this story is phenomenal. It is complex, and while the places and names have changed, you can totally accept that this is Earth. The two different factions that are at war were also well thought out and totally believable. One is religious in nature, worshiping a Fever that kills you and then resurrects you, maybe, with powers. The powers are not necessarily what you would normally expect either. Nothing too magical, but certainly toeing the line of it. The societal reactions on both sides to the fever and the religion that surrounds it are integral to the story. There are many villains in this story, on both sides. Their stories are woven seamlessly into the narrative. I appreciated how these villains weren’t necessarily evil, but making tough choices based on the harsh reality of this world.

I could go on forever about this book, it is so rich and complex. If you enjoy books with a lot of depth and complexity and characters that are just as human as you, then you need to read this one. I am eagerly anticipating the sequel.