Title: The Electric Heir
Author: Victoria Lee
First published March 17, 2020
480 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781542005074 (ISBN10: 1542005078)
Rating: 4.26
Overview
In the sequel to The Fever King, Noam Álvaro seeks to end tyranny and oppression in the magical nation of Carolinia. But first, he must confront the trauma and pain of his past, as well as the dangerous secrets he has uncovered.
As Noam navigates a treacherous web of political intrigue and personal relationships, he realizes that the fight for justice may come at a cost he’s not willing to pay. With the help of his friends and allies, including the enigmatic Dara Shirazi, Noam must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in order to create a better future for all.
The Electric Heir is a gripping tale of power, rebellion, and the bonds that hold us together in the face of adversity.
About the Author
Victoria Lee spent her formative years in Durham, North Carolina. During this time, she was fond of crafting ghost stories and daydreaming about enrolling in a boarding school.
With a Ph.D. in psychology, Lee applies her expertise to scrutinizing fictional characters and introspecting as well. She authored A Lesson in Vengeance, as well as The Fever King and its follow-up, The Electric Heir.
Currently, she resides in New York City with her significant other, feline companion, and ill-natured canine.
Editoral Review
Victoria Lees The Electric Heir is the highly anticipated follow-up to her successful debut novel The Fever King. The novel was first published on March 17, 2020 and is a dystopian, fantasy LGBTQ+ YA novel.
Lee has once again crafted a powerful story that weaves together themes of love, loss, identity, and political turmoil. Following the events of The Fever King, readers are once again transported to a world where magic is a deadly virus that can kill or grant extraordinary powers.
However, the focus of The Electric Heir shifts to the aftermath of the revolution that occurred in the first book. The novel follows Noam lvaro as he grapples with the cost of the revolution, the burden of leadership, and the intense feelings he has for his former nemesis and friend, Dara Shirazi.
The novel is set in the fictional country of Carolinia, where those with magical powers are treated as second-class citizens and are forced into concentration camps. Noam discovers a horrifying secret about the Carolinian government and begins to work with other activists to bring about change.
But in a world filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and mistrust, Noam must navigate treacherous waters while trying to keep his loved ones safe. The Electric Heir is a stunning work of speculative fiction that deals with themes of power, corruption, and morality.
Lees writing is vivid and emotional, drawing readers in with her richly detailed world-building and complex characters. Noam is a compelling protagonist, and his internal struggles and growth throughout the novel are beautifully written.
His intense relationship with Dara is also explored with nuance and heart, highlighting the complexity of their feelings for each other. The novel also touches on issues of race, class, and privilege in a way that feels relevant to our current social and political climate.
Lee is unflinching in her portrayal of the oppression faced by marginalized communities and highlights the importance of intersectionality in activism. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
The pacing can occasionally feel rushed, with certain plot points and character arcs not fully fleshed out. The ending, while satisfying, could have benefited from more exploration and development.
Additionally, some readers may find the heavy themes and graphic violence difficult to stomach. Despite these limitations, The Electric Heir is a triumph of storytelling and a worthy successor to The Fever King.
It showcases Lees growth as a writer and her ability to craft deeply emotional stories with political relevance. For fans of YA fiction, dystopian fiction, and LGBTQ+ fiction, this novel is a must-read.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
