Just smile all the while.

A divided America with different governmental values. The Republic, which is one of individual free for all, and Democrovia which purports to make life good for everyone. Teenager Corrag comes from a comfortable and (yes, despite the political so hype) privileged family in Democrovia, has worked quite hard at school and soon will be taking the testing for her augment, which will not only connect her to the Cloud and the knowledge to be found within but will also ensure her a good position in society. It is even rumoured that augmentation will soon convey immortality. But as the time for testing approaches, she becomes increasingly uncertain about what she wants in life - other than to be free to chose. This indecision eventually leads her first to go stay with her cousins in the Republic and then move through various groups, always clueless as to what she really wants.

If this is supposed to be a social critique, to be perfectly frank it would have been more interesting to read a sociology book: the environments are insufficiently painted to really give cause for Corrag's constant griping. As a thrilling story, it becomes tedious, as the girl is simply moving about, sometimes chased, for no real reason, no direction of cause, until, perhaps, the end. Fine for a short part of a book but not for several hours. Perhaps because I had not read book one of this trilogy, or because I am older, no longer an angst ridden teenager who had everything offered on a plate, this book to this reader seemed flat and pointless. A great pity because the writing itself was good and the idea certainly had potential.

Also good was the narration by Diane Neigebauer. Her voice is very pleasing to the ear, her reading clear with understanding and that little dash of emotional input so necessary to maintain interest, and her characters have individual voicing. There are occasions when the pause at the end of a phrase or sentence is a little too prolonged, but overall, her pacing is fine. Only one glitch in the recording that I noticed, too.

My thanks to the rights holder of The Victor's Heritage, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. I had expected to enjoy this story and was very disappointed at it's simple lack of vibrancy. The main protagonist came over as rather pathetic, a spoilt kid causing trouble for no reason other than her own self absorption and self pity. She needed to be far more gutsy and aware and the societies with which she took fault presented with a more vivid presence. But others might well disagree and find that they can relate more fully with her.
Unfortunately, not a book I can recommend even to the young adult age range, though it might better appeal to members of that group.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!