Veronica Roth Discusses 'Seek the Traitor's Son' and 'Divergent' Series Return

Veronica Roth has released her new bestselling book, "Seek the Traitor’s Son," and announced the return to the "Divergent" universe with "The Sixth Faction" later this year. Both books mark the beginning of new duologies.

Roth initiated work on "Seek the Traitor’s Son" in September 2019, developing the character Theren, a failed Knight. The novel is set on a future Earth ravaged by a virus that kills some and grants supernatural gifts to half of those it brings back to life. Rarely, the virus produces future seers. The story follows soldier Elegy Ahn, who is summoned by these seers and informed she is central to a prophecy that could either save her people or lead to their destruction. The prophecy also foretells her falling in love with a man who will bring her death.

Roth has noted her affinity for dystopian fiction, particularly its capacity to build social systems like governments and religions while maintaining an intimate focus on characters within a large world. She describes "Seek the Traitor’s Son" as a blend of dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy, and romance, incorporating elements she enjoys, such as sword fights, futuristic viruses, special abilities, space stations, and politics.

The author confirmed that the "Fever" concept in her new book was influenced by the recent global pandemic. She described the creation of a fantastical element from a real-world crisis as a coping mechanism and stated that observing public reactions to the pandemic significantly informed the worldbuilding for the novel.

Roth also shared that writing "The Sixth Faction" helped her address past "baggage" and trauma she carried regarding the original "Divergent" series. The book is anticipated to be released in October.

According to IGN, these insights were shared during an exclusive interview with Veronica Roth.