The Traitor’s We Are Review
Author: Michael Roberti
Rating 8.5 GREAT
What’s it about? In a world where writing disappears when the author dies, 22-year-old Cael Oberlan watches the last gasping breaths of his best friend. He pulls a scrap of paper out of his pocket as his friend’s signature fades. Cael only wants vengeance for his friend and to create a reality where he no longer has to bow before any man. However, the nagging suspicion that his father, who started this war, hasn't given him the whole story about his role in this conflict threatens to unravel everything he ever thought he knew about himself and the people he is fighting to free.
The Traitor’s We Are by Michael Roberti is another one that’s been on my TBR for far too long. I’m thrilled to finally be able to say that The Traitor’s We Are is great! This book took me through a roller coaster ride of emotions leading up to a very satisfying conclusion that has me clamoring for more.
“The images repeated and alternated with a different victim’s face every time. Impalings. Arrows. Decapitations. A parade of violence.”
What intrigued me from the start is the very basic premise of when we die, everything we have ever written disappears. This obviously comes into play throughout the story but isn’t too heavy handed. That’s the first thing I’ve noticed about Michael Roberti’s writing. He doesn’t show his hand until the timings just right. Much like many of the character’s within this book, the author introduces bits and pieces of each character and slowly reveals things throughout the story creating some of the most tense and engrossing narratives I’ve read. Each character has a very strong and distinct personality that feels real and that I could relate to in some way.
The author’s modern voice added to the story so well. Often times I’d have a plot device in my head that needed answering and every time, without fail, the author would provide a satisfying answer. All in due time of course. That “Aha” moment left me smiling with each new revelation or it left me grinding my teeth with every back stabbed. As the plot started to thicken, I found each page turning faster and faster leading to some very late nights.
Admittedly, the first quarter of the book I felt was the weakest. Some of the humor, while funny, felt a little out of place. There were also a few sudden POV shifts that felt disjointed and a bit jarring. It’s possible this could put some readers off towards the beginning of the book. Fortunately, these issues were dismissed as the story really began to take shape. The author does a fantastic job at making you feel as though you know everything, all while giving you an uncomfortable feeling as though you know nothing at all. I felt like I was always looking over my shoulder. (Metaphorically speaking) This brought the tension of the story to a fever pitch for me.
I would be remise if I didn’t mention the expertly crafted contrasting cultures within this book. The clashing of these cultures forced together under extraordinary circumstances lead to some unforgettable moments. The story gave ample time for each culture to really take shape so you could understand the characters motivations within the world. This made each character more relatable and believable.
I cheered, cried, laughed, gasped, and at one point found myself mumbling obscenities. That’s what The Traitor’s We Are brings to the table. A unique story that’s told with great skill. It gives you characters and cultures you’ll love or hate or love to hate. It was so nice to read something that you could clearly tell the author poured their heart and soul into. I highly recommend The Traitor’s We Are by Michael Roberti. Come for the porridge, stay for the victory beer.