The Progeny
A Novel
by Tosca Lee
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Jun 01 2016 | Archive Date Aug 11 2023
Description
Audra Ellison has no idea why she’s had her memory wiped clean, only that she chose to erase her past to protect someone else. But soon, a handsome stranger tells her she’s special. Unique. That she has the power to influence the minds of others. And that her life is in danger.
She soon discovers that she is the descendant of a serial killer, the infamous “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory, and that she, like all her relatives for generations, is being hunted for the sins of her ancestor. She also discovers that she erased her memory to forget something important—important not only to her, but to those who want to see the line of Bathory ended for good.
Reunited with others like her—young, powerful Progeny living defiantly on the edge of extinction in Europe’s underground—she is hounded by danger at every turn and driven deeper into the inner circles of two ancient orders intent on destroying one another with a weapon only Audra can find. And as those around her start disappearing, Audra realizes the only thing that can save them all is piecing together a past she no longer remembers.
As she works to unravel the web of secrets and lies, Audra is thrust into a world of faith and doubt, of truth and deceit, of life and immortality, and she must decide who to trust—and what to believe. What she ultimately uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about who she is and what her lineage means.
A kaleidoscopic thriller that brings the underground world of the ancient cities of Eastern Europe to life like never before, The Progeny is a taut, breathless story of centuries-old intrigue and modern love and forgiveness.
Advance Praise
"Suspenseful" and "entertaining" - Booklist
“An intricately woven tale that is intriguing and romantic, I literally couldn’t put it down.”
—Jennifer L. Armentrout # 1 New York Times bestselling author
“Tosca Lee is a masterful storyteller who has created a rich and engaging tale
of adventure, mystery, and loyalty in the face of perpetual betrayal, which
kept me on edge from the first page until the last. The Progeny is
a fantastic first installment that will leave you wanting more. I can’t
wait to see where the story goes from here.”
—Jobie Hughes, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A brilliant read and a thrilling ride—all the more fantastic because it is set in the real world and based on historic facts and secrets. Anyone could be a Progeny. Even you.”
—Michael Napoliello, Radar Pictures
“The Progeny is the best kind of page-turning thriller, a spellbinding tale that makes the reader question every character’s veracity. Exotic and lush with crackling dialogue and stunning twists, the pounding heartbeat of this story is a puzzle from the past that comes together masterfully by the last page. Lee is a phenomenal talent known for bringing history to the present, making it exciting and relevant while never forgetting that love is the ultimate motivator. Think Da Vinci Code meets The Blacklist.”
—Lissa Price, international bestselling author of Starters and Enders
“With each chapter of The Progeny, I became a bigger fan of Tosca’s! Wow! What a ride. Tosca has done it again.”
—Randy Goodwin, actor (The Vampire Diaries) and director (The Job)
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781476798691 |
| PRICE | $26.00 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Jenn W, Book Trade Professional
I couldn't put this book down. There were some really beautifully written passages, and the characters Emilie/Audra interacts with are all fairly well constructed. Sure, a few aren't as clear as the others, but I think it's only because they will play a larger part in the next book and/or their part here was only passing.
I'm looking forward to the second book very much. This one hooked me with the idea of Bathory and her descendants, and the story that has come out of that raises questions, answers them, and raises more and more.
(review posted on Goodreads)
Reviewer 213889
I have never read this author before but will be making a b-line to my store to find more. As a reader, you are quickly drawn in by the mystery and intrigue... you quickly find it impossible to put down. This book is very well written, with "real" characters and excellent world building. The book is a fast-paced, intriguing, must-read.
Reviewer 219741
I'm a fan of Tosca Lee's books. She writes amazing stories and I don't even have to know the synopsis of her new books because I'm sure I'm going to love it anyway. But when I read the synopsis for The Progeny, it just blown my mind. It sounded very different from her previous works, so I had very high expectations for this book.
The beginning was a bit slow, but once the story continued, it was absolutely fast! I think the way it started made perfect sense because it helped me to understand the characters and what they were going through.
This book is an authentic thriller. Tosca Lee has written and unstoppable story and you can't even try to guess what's going to happen next because it's full of twists.
I love female protagonists who are brave and are not crying in very page, so Emily was such a great character to read. She surprised me with her complex personality and unusual gifts.
The setting is also great. While reading, in my mind was like a movie full of vivid colors and wonderful characters.
The ending left me gasping and looking for the next page, so I'm more than excited to read the next book in this series and I really REALLY hope not have to wait for a long time.
Kim S, Reviewer
I think it mght be a disservice to compare this book with The Da Vinci Code and others of this genre. This book stands on its own from the very first page. I held my breath from the first page to the last and then....... The storyline might be a bit fantastic or maybe not but the author knows how to write a fast moving, sharp, twisty read. Suffice it to say that I will look for the next edition of this series.
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy.
Stephanie A, Librarian
Tosca Lee and her writing are FREAKING AMAZING! I love her! I've read her previous work and this is a very interesting addition to her bibliography. It's part thriller, part historical fiction, part paranormal, part romance. It's got everything, and it's all wrapped up in fluid, addicting, and expertly-executed prose.
The emotions, the tension, the conflict is palpable and is real enough to pull readers fully into the story. Lee also has a gift for setting and imagery to the point where readers will feel fully a part of the world within The Progeny.
I particularly loved the main character, who is a badass (as is her group of friends), but she has to relearn who she is and what her past entails. This makes her flawed and complicated, just as her friends are--though I don't know if I'd call them friends.
There's enough suspense to keep readers turning the pages, and to keep wanting the pages to turn long after the story's finished.
Tosca Lee remains at the top of my "must reads" list, and she's completely and totally one of my "unquestionable buys" with every book.
I love, love, love this book.
A similar review will be posted to my website and social media sites closer to the actual release date.
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