Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for this honest review.

"Dark" books aren't usually my thing, but I really enjoyed The Prison Healer. It's certainly not light and fluffy - trigger warnings include sexual assault (several mentions although no on page action), self harm (mentions of past action) and on page violence (including one particularly graphic scene) - but the darkness is well balanced with moments of light and lovable characters, and the book as a whole is a pretty easy read, even if the content is often heavy and intense.

The characters are fairly diverse, including some disability representation which is often forgotten. Although none of the main characters are explicitly written as being LGBTQ, there are mentions of same sex relationships with side characters that are treated as if it's perfectly normal and not comment worthy. If you're going to write a fantasy world, there's no excuse for it not to be a diverse one.

A word of warning - this might not be the same in the final version, but in the ARC whenever a note from Kiva's family arrived the image shown is the same one, which contains all the notes sent over the course of the story. If you do what I did and go "Ooh, a puzzle, can I solve this?" you WILL spoil yourself for the rest of the book, including the final reveal. Would not recommend. And yet despite that, the story still managed to surprise me.

I already have a copy of the hardback coming on its release, and as soon as I finished reading this ARC (literally, straight after I put my phone down) I preordered the sequel, so I guess that covers whether or not I'd recommend it. I do agree with the people who've said they hope the final release has a map though - I'd love one of the prison and one of Wenderall as a whole.

4.5 stars out of 5

The Prison Healer is the first book by Lynette Noni I’ve read and I was excited to dive into this intriguing sounding novel. The description and concept of a story set entirely in a prison caught my attention, so I was very happy to be approved for an eARC and get the opportunity to read The Prison Healer early. Unfortunately, the opening chapters didn’t capture my attention and I almost DNFed quite early on. I kept on reading and the last quarter or so of the book had me much more riveted, so I was glad I didn’t give up on it. Until that twist on the final page, which left me feeling incredibly exasperated. More on that later.

The beginning of this review will be spoiler-free, with a section at the end containing major spoilers so I can properly explain why this twist ending was so frustrating. I’ll clearly signpost when the spoilers start so you can avoid them if you wish to.

The idea of a book set entirely in a deadly prison is very intriguing. Setting is really important in books located in entirely one location like this, the setting has to be considered as another character. Unfortunately, the setting didn’t have any personality. I wanted to be completely immersed in this dark and dangerous place, but I didn’t feel anything. There was no atmosphere or tension. We’re told people hardly ever leave this prison alive, that Kiva is unique for having managed to survive ten years. Almost everything we know about the prison we’re told, not shown. Because there was no atmosphere, it felt flat. In the latter half we did get to see the darker side to the prison, but for most of the book I didn’t feel afraid for the main character, I didn’t feel the tension that should come from a deadly prison setting.

The highlights of this book were the trials as these were the parts where I felt some suspense. The sections in between the trials, however, felt a little slow and didn’t keep me engaged. However, one of the best parts of this book was the friendship between Kiva and Tipp and how much she cared about him. I also liked how Kiva’s friendship with Naari slowly grew over the course of the book. At the beginning Kiva is quite closed off, but she slowly lets people in.

With the very last page, my feelings on this book plummeted dramatically. The twist is in some ways predictable for this sort of book, but I didn’t see it coming because there was no set up for it. And the twist related to the POV character, whose perspective we’d been seeing the whole story through. I felt a little cheated, to be honest, because crucial information about Kiva is kept secret from the reader so there can be a twist ending. But that twist just didn’t work for me. I actually stared open-mouthed at my Kindle because I was so stunned and baffled. Because of this revelation, almost everything Kiva thought and felt in the whole book made no sense. Even if you argue she’s an unreliable narrator, I don’t think it really works. I’m not completely against the final chapter twist – it could have worked if it had been handled differently, if I wasn’t left feeling so disconnected from the main character.

*This next section of my review will contain major spoilers for two major twists*

*Have you looked away yet*

*I’ll give you a bit more time…*


On the last page of the book, we find out that Kiva is actually a princess and the daughter of the Rebel Queen. The reason this was so frustrating to me was because I felt like I didn’t know Kiva at all. This book is told in third person but it’s a fairly close POV so we get to see a lot of Kiva’s thoughts. Considering the bombshell of the final page, all the thoughts and feelings from Kiva in the book no longer make total sense. It felt like I’d been lied to by the main character for the entire book, like her real thoughts and feelings had been hidden, so I was left feeling totally disconnected from her. If we’d had some hints that Kiva was hiding something, if we’d had some insight into her thoughts, that she has a secret that would have deadly consequences if anyone found out, that would have been intriguing, and also meant the twist end wouldn’t have come out of nowhere.

Once I read the final page, it also instantly made sense to me why the book had felt a little flat and all the emotional beats felt off, which could have been resolved by telling the reader Kiva’s identity from the start. Now that is a book I would have loved to read – a secret princess stuck in a prison for 10 years, hoping her family will rescue her, and having to keep her magic and her identity a secret. Then the Rebel Queen is brought to the prison – her mother. If we knew who she was and her relationship to Tilda, it would have given this story so much more emotional impact. We would have seen Kiva reunited with her mother, who she hasn’t seen for 10 years but still loves, but she’s sick and dying, and Kiva can’t give away that Tilda means something to her personally. But we didn’t get any of that. There was so much potential for emotional stakes which were missed.

The main reason for Kiva taking Tilda’s place in the trials is set up as being because Cresta threatened to kill Tipp if Kiva couldn’t keep the Rebel Queen alive. But looking back with the knowledge of Kiva’s identity, surely another motivation which we don’t see is that the queen is her mother.

Then there’s the other major twist, which comes in the second half of the book – that Jaren is actually a prince. If we knew who Kiva was, this would have provided so much conflict and tension, because he’s a prince on the opposing side of the civil war to Kiva. It would have left Kiva feeling conflicted between her feelings for Jaren and her part in the rebels’ plan to overthrow his family.

The ending also changed my feelings on Kiva herself completely. I felt deceived and frustrated. She seemed like this good person, albeit a bit standoffish, who wants to help people and be a good healer throughout the book, but then at the end she comes across as this princess who intends to rise and overthrow Jaren’s family. It just felt… off… for her character. And made me feel like perhaps everything I knew about Kiva’s character was a lie.


*End of spoilers*

The Prison Healer has such an interesting concept, but one big choice threw the whole thing off kilter and spoiled the book for me. Something about this book just felt off while I was reading it from the start and I just didn’t connect with it unfortunately. If the story had been told in a slightly different way, I think I’d have loved it a lot more. I’ve seen a some really positive reviews, so maybe others enjoyed the twist ending. I wish I could end this review on a more positive note, but unfortunately this book just didn’t work for me.

Many years has passed since Kiva was taken, to the notorious death prison, Zalindov where every day is a fight for survival and most prisoners succumbs within the first month or two. While her position as the prison healer saves her from the worst of the horrors, Kiva is far from safe, her life hanging on by a very thin thread. A thread that becomes impossibly thinner when a new, mortally sick prisoner arrives. A prisoner that Kiva for several reasons cannot allow to die. And death is always near by within the walls of Zalindov.

This is a story of a young girl who believed so much in a family that she survived within a death prison for a decade, clinging on to the hope that some day her family will come. Some day her family will get her out. Or will they?

The Prison Healer is an absolutely brilliant book; very well written story with infinite potential, lovable and brilliant characters, an interesting magical system and a strong plot all set in a world which I want to discover so much more which I’m pretty sure we’ll get to do the next book (which, b.t.w. can’t come soon enough!) The book is funny, sad (sometimes even devastating), cute, a bit steamy (but not more than what’s fitting for a YA book) and completely amazing. I cannot wait how Kiva’s story continues.

It’s absolutely one of the best books I’ve read so far this year and it would be a shame if you didn’t add this to your tbr at once because, believe me, you don’t want to miss out on this fantastical adventure. Especially since I have a feeling that this adventure has only begun.

I devoured this book.

The story follows Kiva, a teenage girl who lives and works in the continent’s prison as a healer. Her family was accused of committing treason when she was young, and she was taken into prison with her father. Years have passed, now two intriguing prisoners have arrived close in time. A boy who seems to want to get to know her and the rumoured Rebel Queen. Kiva receives a note from her family telling her to protect the Queen, and they’re coming to collect her. But to keep her alive, Kiva will have to take part in her Trial by Ordeal instead.

Does this book not sound so good? Yes, some of the plot elements may sound a little cliché. But they actually really work. Noni has built up this world and only fed you bits and pieces. Which makes sense because the setting of prison is limited. Kiva hasn’t been anywhere in years, and she only knows what she remembers or what other people tell her. As things are revealed, the reader learns more and the second book looks set to explore a lot more. I’m very excited about that.

I liked Kiva as the main character. She tried to be cold and detached because she didn’t want to lose anyone. But the care she put into looking after all the prisoners, even if they hated her, is a lot more telling. There’s a plotline I don’t want to reveal in this, but it seriously highlights that this isn’t just a way for Kiva to pass the time. She wants to make sure all the prisoners are okay. She’s doing her best in some difficult circumstances, and I respect that.

I was about to say one of my favourite characters is- but then I had to stop. Because honestly? I love so many of them. Tipp is completely adorable, and I love that Kiva has this little brother figure. Naari is fun and seems like she could seriously kick some ass, and I really want to see that. Jaren was a good love interest who though technically does some questionable things. Actually seems to have a good heart. Then there’s Mot and gah- There were obviously characters I hated too, but I can’t help but gush. What I will say is that though there is a clear villain of sorts within this setting. And a rebellion set up against one of the kingdoms. It’s not clear who the big bad is actually going to be. You can see the points of both sides of the rebellion, and the prison villain might not have much influence outside of it. So you end the book wondering what could happen next as it’s not obvious.

And that’s a good thing.

It’s not a cliff-hanger. Not really. The story ends at a fitting point with hints as to where the second is going to go. But the book finishes on a reveal – though one that I will admit is pretty obvious – and it opens up a lot of places the second could go.

Overall I loved this book, and I’m so glad I read it. I didn’t even realise I needed another book in this sort of setting until I picked it up. I’m so glad there’s not a massive wait between books one and two (The Prison Healer is out in April, and The Gilded Cage is out in October) as I really need that second book now.

I couldn’t recommend this book more!

I think I probably wasn't in the mood for such a depressing and brutal book. The aspects that were meant to be exciting (the trials) turned out to be quite boring. However, I enjoyed elements of it, particularly the healing aspect and the affection between Kiva and Tipp. The ending was completely unexpected and was the best part of the book. I'll probably read the sequel as the premise sounds more exciting than this one.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for sending me this ARC. This book took me on a journey to the fictional prison notorious for its cruelty and I enjoyed each page of my stay there. This book is everything I need from a YA fantasy.
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Plot(non-spoiler): Kiva, the daughter of a healer was sent to a prison with her father. After her father passed away, she took over his father's role in the infirmary of the prison. When the rebel queen of a kingdom arrived the prison half-dead and was sentenced with trials, Kiva faced threats and promises and had no other choice than to take over the rebel queen's trials as her own. Meanwhile, the prison is endangered by an infectious disease spreading among the prisoners, and the prisoners only. Kiva had to fight different fights at the same times and she had no clue what she ought to do.
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The choice of making the healer the protagonist is rare. More than often they're the side characters that are more or less the saints. This book proved that the healers are just as interesting as assassins, and to me they are the coolest among all (yes- I'm a med student so I'm biased). Kiva is a complex but sweet character. Most prisoners hated her and saw her as the traitor, but needed help when they were troubled by physical ailments. She had to toughen up in order to survive in a place where nobody survives long, but her heart is not as stoic as it seems. Kiva is such a precious character, and I was so glad she has made valuable connections (albeit not many) in prison. This book also contains a handful of other characters that I fell in love with.
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The romance in this book is subtle, but sweet. The plot twist in the end however made everything more complex. If you liked the Cruel Prince, I'm sure the sequel of this book will satisfy your taste. I'm a little scared to read the sequel, because I'm expecting some heartbreaks. But I'm pretty sure I will read it and in fact, I can't wait to see how the story progresses and to meet the characters again. But before that, I can't wait for this book to be published and get popular so I can rave about it xD.

I rated this book 5/5 on Goodreads.

I should have known I would love this. I have read all of Lynette Noni’s previous books and honestly each book just gets better and better and now this one has taken it to a whole other level.

I was addicted all the way through and just knew the ending was going to be epic. Now I’m devastated that I have to wait to read the next book.

BUT be aware that there should be multiple trigger warnings on this book: torture, self harm, murder, sexual abuse, parental abuse, addiction and suicide attempts.

This book was dark and brutal and I loved it but please make sure you or whoever you are recommending it to knows what they are going into.

Some feedback that I don’t know if you can pass along but I HIGHLY recommend including trigger warnings at the start of the book and a list of contacts people can get help at the end. I’ve seen this done in other books and more books should be doing this when covering heavy themes.

But overall I loved this start to a new series and can’t wait to read the rest.

I’ve reviewed this book on Goodreads and will be mentioning it on my social media, the store social media and hand selling it in store.

Thank you 😊



Claire Leyton
Bookseller, Reviewer and Blogger
Instagram: @claireevareads & @paperchainbookstore

“At Zalindov,the only person you can trust is yourself”.

The book follows 17 year old Kiva Meridan,who’s spent the past 10 years in Zalindov, a death prison for the worst kind of criminals. Kiva has managed to survive by using her knowledge of healing,whilst holding on to the hope her families secret messages bring.

“We are Safe.Stay alive.we will come”

Until the day a new prisoner arrives close the death,the Rebel Queen and with her Kiva’s family send a new message “don’t let her die.we are coming.” But the Queen has been sentenced to trial by ordeal- a trial involving dangerous tasks (each based on an element: air,fire,water and earth). So in order to heed her families wishes at keeping the Queen alive,Kiva volunteers to take her place.

If she survives they’ll both win their freedom,if she fails - they both die. But with a deadly sickness sweeping Zalindov,Prisoners on the brink of rebellion and the handsome new prisoner vying for her affections,the trials are the least of her troubles.

The first book in a new series,from Lynette Noni is an addictively enthralling read,with a well written cast of characters including our strong female lead,Kiva.The setting definitely set the tone and though we don’t get to see much of the world outside of Zelindov (aside from a flashback), it made the interactions and revelations between characters more meaningful. I certainly couldn’t predict that ending which was fantastic and now I cannot wait for the sequel. I also hope the elemental magic system which was introduced here can be explored in more depth.

I’d definitely recommend For fans of YA Fantasy and S.J Maas (trust me the ending is S.J Maas worthy),this tale of resilience and Survival is a must read of 2021!

And also a huge thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Net Galley for this ARC

Thank you, thank you, thank you Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for giving me the E-Arc of The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

This is the first book in a new trilogy and it truly is a total ride, packed to the brim with action, adventure, emotion, magic and romance!

Kiva Meridan has survived ten years of the hell of Zalindov prison since her incarceration with her father at the age of seven. Zalindov is the prison hell of hells; the only escape anyone can hope or pray for us death. Zita is the prison healer, practicing the skills she learnt from her now deceased father amidst an environment of disrespect, fear and violence, just doing her best to survive and keep those close to her safe, including being the warden’s informer.

Those Zita wants to keep safe include the cheeky, but oh so precious Tipp, Mot, a grumpy, old ex-apothecary and more recent arrivals including the handsome Jaren, who seems determined to break through her barriers and Naari, a prison guard.

Ziva’s life undergoes a sudden and dramatic upheaval when the seriously ill and wounded Rebel Queen is brought into the prison to undergo the ancient Trial by Ordeal, four elemental trials to decide her fate...death or freedom. Shocking the prison population and even more so herself, Kiva volunteers to be the RQ’s champion in the trials. If Kiva survives they will both go free.

There are a number of triggers in this book ranging from violence, physical, mental and sexual to self-harm, but this is a story set in a maximum security prison and it shouldn’t be a shock.

This book is packed to the rafters with suspense, drama, emotion and the final few chapters blew me away with a whole multitude of plot twists! A total 5 star read for me!

All I have to do now is channel my inner Ziva, she survived ten years in the hell of Zalindov, I just need to hold on until the second book is published!

Well, those last chapters were definitely a ride. So maybe it’s a 4.5.

This book was like a combination of the first two Throne of Glass books: our MC is in a prison, she has to undergo a series of trials to get out of it, there’s some magic here and there, and a jaw-dropping ending. It was a great foundation for what I can already see becoming an epic fantasy story. All I can do is hope the coming books will put it to good use.

Now let me tell you what The Prison Healer is actually about:

Welcome to Wenderall (think of a world like Erilea or Westeros, with different kingdoms ruled by different royal families). This world has a prison (think WWII concentration camps) were criminals from all kingdoms are sent. There is where our story takes place.

The prison of Zalindov is all 17 year-old Kiva has known ever since she and her father were thrown into it 10 years ago. Now the prison healer, Kiva stays afloat with the scarce messages she manages to smuggle to and from her family. And 12 year-old Tipp, who is Kiva’s helper in the infirmary (as well as a sunshine-covered cinnamon roll who can light anybody’s day) and who she sees as a little brother who she must protect. Other than Tipp, Kiva tries to keep her distance from everyone else, because at the end of the day all Zalindov can bring is death to those who you care about.

That is, of course, until a new prisoner is bought to Zalindov and just so happens to be equal parts handsome, sweet and kind, so we all know how that's gonna go. Oh, and he’s got Ashryver eyes (not that it matters in any way).

Fast forward a couple days or weeks and the next new prisoner brought to Kiva is no other than the Rebel Queen. A very-sick-almost-dying Rebel Queen. And she comes with a note from Kiva’s family: "Don’t let her die. We are coming." The queen is sentenced to Trial by Ordeal but, since she can’t even stand on her own feet, Kiva volunteers to be her Champion. If she succeeds they will both be free, but if she fails they will both die. The trick? No one has ever survived a Trial by Ordeal.

That, alongside some royals coming to watch the Trial, tiny little glimpses of magic and great characters, pretty much sums up this story. Kiva is a perfectly crafted character and I loved Tipp, Naari, Jaren and even Mot, and can’t wait to see what the gang will be up to in the coming books.

Also, I think the plot twists are worth mentioning. I did see them coming, but then again, I usually see all plot twists coming (except for the Kaz Brekker kind). Anyways, they were very well thought out, hints were left throughout the story if you knew what to look for, which was a perfect build up to the actual revelations. The crafting was just exquisite.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the e-ARC in exchange of an honest and voluntary review.

“Holy Moly! This was fantastic!” I may have not used the exact words, probably something more colourful, but this book really left me with so many feelings and a dropped jaw that took me ages to fix. I am actually really excited to share this review.

The Prison Healer tells you the story of our brave Kiva, who has been brought to the prison of Zalindon when she was very little, where nobody ever leaves, unless dead. She was smart enough to find a way to make herself unexpendable, and for many years survived working as the prison’s only healer. She manages to smuggle some messages to and from her family, which gives her more strength to continue living among all the horrors and cruelties of the prison. She needs to muster all the courage she can when the Rebel Queen is brought into the prison and a message from her family instructs her not to let the new prisoner die. She has no other choice but to undergo the Trial by Ordeal instead of the Rebel Queen, with impossible chances of survival, but this could be her only option to get out of this prison and regain her freedom.

The story is told from Kiva’s perspective, and through her eyes, we follow the harsh realities of Zalindor and the life of various prisoners and guards. There should be a massive trigger warning at the beginning of this book because the descriptions of the life inside the prison are quite horrific, sometimes it felt more like reading a book about the Holocaust than a fantasy story.

This still remains a fantasy story, a brilliantly crafted one. As we are told the story from inside the prison, from Kiva’s point of view, we just get glimpses of the outside world, and we are kept completely in dark. Not even for a moment did I have the faintest idea where the plot was going. There are two story lines that go parallel. One is Kiva’s attempt to get back her freedom by taking part in Trial by Ordeal instead of the Rebel Queen. The other one is the mystery of a stomach sickness which is decimating the inmates and Kiva is the only one who can try to find a cure. It was great to see these two lines joining together towards the end.

Kiva is a great character and so are all the others, such as the other two prisoners, Jaren and Tipp, as well as Naari, the only guard who shows some compassion and support towards Kiva (she was definitely my favourite). You can’t help but love this band of prisoners and guard, but at the same time deep down you can’t help but doubt every single word they say.

However, the most amazing thing about The Prison Healer is the series of revelations you get at the end of the story, and above all that killing cliffhanger right at the end of the book, which had my head spinning and made me feel so dumb because I didn’t see it coming. The hints were there, and the writer did a splendid job hiding them.

I am at a loss here. I started this book with a fear of getting another disappointment, but the writer knocked me out. This story was a massive rollercoaster of emotions, I couldn’t put it down. Without disclosing too much, I honestly can’t wait to see where book two will take Kiva and discover more about this world and its magic system.

There were some harsh bits, again, this story is a massive trigger warning, but there was also romance, which is always a welcome component for me. It was not the main part of the story but I still enjoyed how it developed. Throughout the whole story, you get the feeling that there is so much more to say and I am dying to talk about the ending with someone. With a solid world-building, all-rounded characters, and gripping plot, this story is an absolute must-read and 5-star review.

Simply boring. The characters, the setting, the story - well, except for the very end, then there's some action going on. But it's too little, too late. Also, the repetition of just how brutal and evil the guards and the prison are was exhausting.
Some plot twists were oh so predictable. The Trial by Ordeal was utterly ridiculous. They are supposed to be very dangerous but they were just plain stupid and didn't make any sense. What the hell.

The thing is, the cliffhanger at the end does make me curious. The second book could be very good. But this book is sooo boring, not sure I can forgive that. Moreover, WHY does this have to be a trilogy. Duology would've been enough, and then I would definitely read the sequel.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion!

This book was no doubt one of the best YA books that I have read in a long time.
It was dark and gruesome. The characters were properly developed, even secondary characters. And the story had some twists and turns that not everybody will be able to guess.
The setting in Zalindov was really dark but convincing. Nothing was sugarcoated and that made it feel real. This is a place no one in his right mind would like to visit.
We follow Kiva who is the prison healer but she is also so much more. She is determined and strong but also compassionate and full of empathy, even after 10 years in this hellhole. But the supporting cast of Jaren, Naari and Tipp made this book what it was.
The Worldbuilding was proper and not too much, considering that Kiva has been stuck at Zalindov for 10 years. But I do hope that the final book has a map in it just so one can visualize the prison better and I like maps sooo...
And with the Trial by Ordeal the story picks up rather soon into the book and it makes for an exciting read!
Oh and the cliffhanger in the end?! I suspected something like that a tiny bit BUT it still shook me and I cant wait for book 2!
I would definitely recommend picking this book up, unless you are uncomfortable with violence and mentions of assault then this book might not be for you.

Wow I loved this book so much. This why I love netgalley its helps me find different books and new authors to try.
I liked everything about this book from the world building in the Prison to the characters.
My favourite characters were Kiva and Tipps. I would definitely recommend its.
I cant wait for book next after the cliffhanger at the end

5 star read!
This book was everything I didn't know I needed. A ya fantasy book set in a prison with an uprising of rebels in the background. I have no words. The plot is so original and the world building was fantastic.
I loved reading how each character developed along the way and yes it had me in tears at one point. I'm not going to ruin anything in this review but I must say, that ending is criminal!!
Cannot wait for book 2.

Thank you so much for letting me read the arc, I loved it. Will be posting a review on my blog and Goodreads.

-- Thank you to Hodder for the eARC. All opinions are my own. --

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni, out on April 1st from Hodder, is the start of an exciting series. Set in Zalindov, a prison for multiple kingdoms, the book centres around Kiva, the seventeen-year-old in charge of medicine in the facility. When a high-profile prisoner gets brought in and Kiva tasked with her survival until the prisoner is supposed to undergo a trial by ordeal, Kiva unexpectedly volunteers to take her place. Aided by a mysterious young man, a guard who is more compassionate than any of the others and a boy Kiva feels responsible for, she fights to survive the trial which no one has survived before. An intriguing world full of rebellion and deception. I enjoyed The Prison Healer, although I felt that some of the plot twists were too left field and for me personally destroyed much of the build-up. I am curious to read book two though.

The Prison Healer is set in a horrifying prison/labour camp called Zalindov, once prisoners enter they rarely leave alive or even last long for that matter. Kira, our 17 year old protagonist is an exception to that rule. She’s been at the prison for 10 years and as the title suggests, is the Prison’s healer. Her life changes dramatically thanks to the arrival of two new characters to the prison. The first, Jaren, takes a particular liking to our MC, we see him spending a lot of time trying to win her friendship,looking out for her and defending her honour with the other prisoners. Next, the Rebel Queen arrives. She has been captured and sent to the prison to complete an elemental trial to win her freedom, the trial is made up of 4 elemental ordeals, all must be won or the Rebel Queen will be put to death. Tilda (the Queen) arrives very poorly and in no fit state to even get out of bed, never mind participate in the ordeals so Kira volunteers to take her place..

This was my first experience reading a book written by Lynette Noni, but it definitely won’t be my last, I loved her writing style! It flowed really well, the pace was perfect and I enjoyed the world she created. It’s a good length book at 416 pages but it never once felt like a chore to get through.

I think my favourite part was the unique cast of characters, particularly Kira’s little circle- Tipp, Jaren, Mot and Naari, I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions throughout the story.

The Prison Healer is a fresh take on a popular YA fantasy trope, that will keep you entertained and give you a few plot twists along the way. I would definitely recommend this book. I’m already looking forward to book two of the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing an arc in exchange for a honest review

This book was such an interesting concept to me with the elemental magic, a prison that no one leaves and a Trial by Ordeal. It was a highly intense read with some really gritty moments that really reflect how horrible Zalindov is as a prison( there are some trigger warnings for this book including Tw: sexual assault/ self-harm/ violence).

Kiva is a great protagonist who would do anything to ensure her survival over the ten years she has spent in the prison. This has led her to be ostracised by some other prisoners as she became the prison healer. We see her interacting with numerous new comers to the prison including a new female guard and male prisoner. The friendships that were developed throughout the book were enjoyable to read as you could see Kiva slowly opening up. I'm excited to learn more about the side characters and how the relationships will continue to develop.

There is so much going on in the book that really keeps your attention including Kiva receiving a secret message to ensure she keeps the rebel queen, a new comer to the prison alive. Alongside this Kiva is trying to find information to cure for a disease killing numerous inmates.

I love books where you have the opportunity to workout some plot points by yourself and still be shocked by some of the plot twists and Noni did this perfectly. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

The Prison Healer is exceptionally well written, with captivating world building and a setting akin to Auschwitz-Birkenau. The premise is that there is an inescapable prison in which Kiva works as a healer, and once you're in you would be lucky if you live for very long regardless of her healing skills. When a Rebel Queen is thrust into the prison and into Kiva's care, she swiftly realises that the only way to save her may be to volunteer to take her place in a series of elemental/magical trials which allegedly ascertain if you are guilty or innocent. Not that it really matters, since you'll probably die before you win a trial.

Kiva, having spent ten years within the prison, has notoriety which keeps her safe. Her cunning and general acceptance of the situation she finds herself in, and the hopelessness she therefore shares with others, is the kind of resign that you will often see in period literature or WWI/WWII fictionalised texts. It has a really unique and believable undertone which just smacks of that sort of writing and this made the opening few chapters, or perhaps even the first half of the book, completely and utterly compelling.

But once the trials kick in towards the second half, and Kiva begins fighting for the rebel queen's survival instead of her own, the story started to feel a bit too convenient, with lucky escapes and the classic "protagonist passes out at the most opportune moment and can't remember what happened' plot devices thrown in, which invariably rescues the author from having to create a plausible explanation for what actually happened.

I liked Kiva quite a lot. Her resilience and resolve were admirable and certainly made for a less than typical approach to "the hero" of the story. But there were plot points and dull moments which felt too predictable or just unbelievable to really work in such a stark setting; I thought the magic would take more of a forward focus too, and actually it was just a small feature in the novel. As the novel progressed I found myself wondering if it was a joke that Kiva kept finding unsurvivable situations far too easy to survive, with others intervening and convenient saves which meant she actually didn't ever have to save herself.

Ultimately, the setting is what makes this book great and certainly worth a read, but the plot leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe I'll come back to this novel at a later date when I'm feeling more patient and see if it has a different ring to it.

ARC provided from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Prison Healer is arguably the next Throne of Glass. With a similar writing style, it's a perfect fantasy novel for fans of Sarah J. Mass. We follow seventeen year-old heroine Kiva Meridian who is imprisoned at the notorious prison Zalindov and who has taken the mantle of "prison healer". Her only goal: to stay alive. At 416 pages, The Prison Healer is slightly longer than it needed to be, but it does have loveable side characters, elemental trials, magic, prison rebels, found friendship and a sweeping romance as well as a killer ending. Off-page rape scenes (and on-page scenes with the victims) were uncomfortable to read and ultimately reduced my overall enjoyment of the story. I would recommend a trigger warning is included for these.

Review to be published on Goodreads Spring 2021.