veronica roth – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Length: 432 pages
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: May 12th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook.

WHO KNEW?

Reading a Veronica Roth book wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card because I swore to never read another after Allegiant. The power of friendship compelled me to try this one out and you know what? It went well. I will read the sequel. BUT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN I QUIT FOREVER.

Anywho.

I loved the dystopian + magic vibes in this book. The fever idea was intriguing and the world building is grand. Some of it did get a bit confusing but hopefully that’ll shake out in the sequel. There were two POV’s that I’m unsure of why they were there? And that tends to bug me as a reader. I’m counting on a good explanation soon.

I did like the romance. The set-up felt more unique than the usual I’ve read and it’s got a good slow burn quality as well. The time jumps and flashback memories were a little meh for me. Actually the time jump didn’t bug me, the flashbacks did. I think that slowed down the pacing more than necessary in the dreaded middle zone.

The complicated relationships and character to character dynamics was the best part of this book. I like the non linear nature of these moments. Combining that with the dark world and intense clawing for survival and you’ve got a good book on your hands.

Also, the audiobook is great!! I love having multiple narrators for multiple POV’s and blessed be, that was here.

Overall audience notes:

Dystopian Romance
Language: moderate
Romance: 2ish vague open door
Violence: high
Content warnings: war themes, blood/gore, loss of loved ones, imprisonment, deadly viruses

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

I saw this tag on Sara’s page and wanted to see if I could do it! I’m also trying to push myself and do a new tag/or other content on Saturday’s. Since I had my tag from last week, I’m moving forward this week!

Rules:

Answer these questions truthfully.
Once you’re done, tag 5 other book bloggers to answer these questions next.

Which book, most recently, did you not finish?

I didn’t even bother writing a full review (but I did leave one on Goodreads). This book was utterly ridiculous and I have no regrets putting this one away. Luckily it was free, so I’m not losing sleep over it.

Which book is your guilty pleasure?

This isn’t a guilty pleasure necessarily, but it is the book I read most often. I’m guilty of loving this story so much. I still feel all the things every time I open it.

Which book do you love to hate?

Okay, I really couldn’t find an answer on this. I guess I’ll go with Nicholas Sparks books. I haven’t read one since 2015, but I find it humorous how much I enjoyed the ridiculously dramatic romances once upon a time.

Which book would you throw into the sea?

Even considering putting a book near a source of water makes me hyperventilate. Though, I think we can all agree: ALLEGIANT would be the one to go.

Which book have you read the most?

I already discussed this under the guilty pleasure question, but definitely ACOMAF.

Which book would you hate to receive as a present?

I guess something by an author I don’t like, or a genre I’m not interested in? Whenever “present” times come up I send a list of books I want. I take out the middle-man of guessing haha.

Which book could you not live without?

Trying to mix up my answers here, so I suppose Kingdom of Ash. I would have been upset if I never had some closure since we had to wait over 1.5 years (millennia in book world right?) to get this epic conclusion.

Which book made you the angriest?

Most recently? Evermore. The review will provide all answers, but boy, was I upset with this turn of events.

Which book made you cry the most?

Kingdom of Ash was the one I cried during last. So let’s dive into history (when I was 8) and pull out the first book I remember crying over. THIS TORE MY SOUL IN TWO. I already feel like hugging my dogs against their will.

Which book cover do you hate the most?

Rather than say what books covers I hate the most, what I hate even more is when book covers are randomly changed in the middle of the series without good reason. Or even worse WHEN THE SIZE CHANGES. AHH. This happened to me last year and I am still flabbergasted.