Thoughts On... The Traitors We Are by Michael Roberti
A character-driven novel about a clash of cultures and constant backstabbing. (And porridge.)
The Traitors We Are by Michael Roberti is a book I won’t soon forget. It’s a character-driven narrative with scheming and betrayal down to its core, as more and more layers of conniving are folded upon themselves.
It started slow for me, the story plodding forward at a pace that didn’t quite meet my expectations. But that was before I realized how important to the narrative it was to deeply explore the internal experiences of the characters. It was a book I had to learn how to read, at it took me at least the first third of the novel to really understand it.
Having said that, the first part of the book did something very well: it showed that the impacts of war are terrible and deadly. People die in war—people you’re close to. The costs of war are laid out before you and they are horrific.
The meat of the story swiftly follows as we explore the corners of high society through the lens of characters not used to that world. Cultures clash and the results are full of intrigue. Scheming is rampant and you remain unsure of who is pulling the strings.
Several characters attempt to stake their claim to the spotlight, but my possibly unpopular choice of favorite character ended up being Ordan. During scenes from his POV, I felt especially immersed in his worldview. Very few characters in recent novels I’ve read have captivated me to such a degree and I applaud the author for his writing of Ordan.
This book has a style and approach to storytelling I haven’t often seen in the fantasy genre. Strong literary influences are clear and are largely effective throughout the book. It was fascinating to see it come together on the page.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and appreciated how the tangled web of betrayal weaved its way around and within the lives of the characters. We are left with plenty of questions as the series continues in book two and I look forward to exploring this world more. What else is going on behind the scenes? Who will step up where others are left in the dust? How many fabulous porridge recipes have been lost to the disappearing writing of the great cooks who have died? So many questions, some of which I’m certain will be answered.
Book description and links to buy:
After people from across the sea take control the Midlands, the Reach launches a war to retake their home. Treachery and intrigue lead to questioned honor and loyalty, as leaders sell out friends and brothers in a personal bid for power.
Have you read The Traitors We Are? If you have, what were your thoughts on it? Please feel free to let me know.