Claire Nicholls

Yeah, it's its original name.

And in order to explain the whole relevance of these new places and these new names, you better explain, if you can, Veronica, the world in which this story, Seek the Traitor's Son, is set.

Yeah, very like old school versus new school in a way.

Yes.

And need I ask where fevers and quarantine, where that inspiration came from?

I love that the nation, which includes Australia, the Sedra Nation, is very tech focused.

And we do have people living in a space station.

So there's this kind of space element to this novel as well and a kind of intergalactic.

I mean, you've set your goalposts so wide.

Does it get overwhelming?

So if they're the things you care about, what are the things you don't care about?

I think you've identified for me so many of the reasons why I really love this book, Veronica, because while it is this kind of epic scope, it is about personal relationships.

So let's talk about the people.

Our heroine is Elegy.

Great name.

She is the second daughter of the sword.

Do you want to explain what that means?

And she's a great character.

Tell me what you like about this woman.

A little bit of salty with the sweetness.