Audiobook ARC provided by #NetGalley.

The Branded, written by Jo Riccioni and narrated by Leah Filley, is the first part of a duology called The Branded Season.

The story follows a young woman named Nara, who lives in a world where the people are divided into two classes - the Branded and the Pure. Those who are Branded, born with marks upon their skin, are considered weak and prone to diseases. Those who are Pure, born with no markings at all, are considered, well, pure, and do not get ill. Nara, along with her sister Osha, are "Pure" and live among the privileged, taught and treated to be paired with Pure men to continue the lineage of Pure population.

The basis of the story feels like Handmaids Tale, but with a fantastical twist. Trials and tribulations, trust and mistrust, sisterly love, enemies to lovers, this book has a lot going for it.

I especially enjoyed listening to the audiobook, and Leah Filley's voice is soothing and brings life to the characters and captures their emotions and personalities quite well. I don't think I would have read this book otherwise. Leah gives characters a slight British accent, which sometimes with word pronunciations made me look at the physical version of the book to confirm what I was hearing was correct or not (Warder I kept hearing as Water).

Overall, a 4/5.

That cliffhanger of an ending has actually made me want to finish this series.

ARRRGH!! I feel like screaming from excitement. That's best way that I can review this book.
It's truly been a while (maybe years?) since I last dove into a book that I could not put down for the life of me. I finished the entire audiobook in less than 48 hours and threw out all ideas of a regular sleep schedhule until I had finished it. I truly adored all of the characters and already from the first chapter, I was captured by the story. The world building, the flawed yet lovable characters, the slow and steady building of tension.. This author really knows how to keep you on your toes and reveal just enough information to keep you massively engaged without spoiling anything. I can honestly say that I did not know where this book was going most of the time which was a great thing. It does not feel like a copy-paste version of so many other novels, where you can predict half the plot long before you get to those plot points.
I truly cannot wait to read the second book in this series. Jo Riccioni, I am hooked!

I found myself immersed in Jo Riccioni's fast paced adventure story "The Branded". The characters were well rounded, likable, and interesting. The narrator did an outstanding job bringing each character to life. The world building was perfect, my only question is will there be a part two?

As I've said a million times, I'm not a big romance fan. That being said, this sounded too good to pass on just because of romance. Luckily, the romance was pretty minimal and it wasn't the main plot.

Isfalk has two classes, the Branded, who are highly susceptible to disease, and the Pure, who are immune and therefore superior.

Nara and her sister Osha are orphans. Since they are Pure, the Citadel took them in. The Pure are raised there and prepared for their lives as breeders.
Nara hates it there. She wants to go home to the Fornwood where she lived before her family was killed.

Meanwhile, rebellion is brewing among the Branded. A Prophecy that may be about the sisters could put them in the middle of the two classes and also put them in danger.

I liked this a lot! The magic is great, and I thought the two classes were very interesting. The narrator is fantastic. I had a great time listening to her. There were still a lot of questions unanswered, so I look forward to the next one.

The Branded by Jo Riccioni is quite an engaging read. I enjoyed the world-building and the story-telling. The characters had depth and I really enjoyed Nara’s character. The story progressed at a good pace and there was enough action to keep the story ticking along. I thoroughly enjoyed my read of this and am looking forward to reading the sequel.

Firstly fantasy is not my usual genre hence I wanted to try something a little different and I was not disappointed by the Branded. For me it's like a mix of reality of outlander / mythical of Lord of the rings, similatities to handmaids tale, going back in time with honour, herbalists, beliefs of those who see intuitively are different all mixed with fantasty and magical style of time and space and even reality...

It's difficult to express too much on this story without giving away all detail of what actually happens other than the book description already explains. The book is full of questions of family bloodlines, the history of Nara and Osha's family searching their family herritage, who they are where they came from how the 2 sisters came to be different as they are. Prophecies, women warriors, spiritualism, honour, love, romance, magical timelines. It explores deeply the abilities of intuition being able to see another's soul, having visions, healers being able heal, illness, health, warriors having an uncanny strength fighting for themselves. The separation of 2 societies the Branded and true bloods making this story an all encompassing of how division can be caused so easily between people, families where love overcomes and unity brings the Branded and pure blooded together. It is extremely relatable considering all we have all lived through these last few years and how our world has been divided by covid with varying beliefs & understandings of this subject for me this could very easily be a book of the future in some way whilst living in the present!!

Regarding the narration wow ~ I absolutely was engrossed from the beginning the narrator was perfect for this story, the tones were all hit en point bringing all the emotions and feelings to life, pitch was poignant with the voice raising at appropriate times making the listener listen more closely. I honestly felt as if I was watching a movie in my own head it was all so easy to follow every single character sounded different and it flowed extremely well there wasn't a point where I felt i was left wondering who is who it was all very clear. Exceptionally well narrated.

I look forward to the next book becoming available on audio The Rising.

The book cover is absolutely beautiful and perfect for this book, it's simple but calls to you and captures the eye the colours are perfect as is the detail with the phoenix rising at the bottom just as Nara has done in particular throughout the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bolinda Audio & Jo Riccioni for the opportunity to listen to this book in return for an open honest review.

I just couldn't get into this book, which is unusual. The narrator was quite monotone and I found it really hard to concentrate. I didn't finish them book because of this.
However, just because it's not for me, didn't mean someone else won't enjoy it.

I received The Branded as both an audiobook and an ebook. I started with the audiobook, and while I enjoyed the narrator, I had a little difficulty with the world building. Words like "Mor" are significant in the book, but the audio was a little harder to follow to decipher the unique terminology. I switched to the ebook, and it was much easier to get into and understand.
This book was interesting as a fantasy novel. It has a unique magic system that I hope is explored more in a sequel. The caste system and blatant racism explored adds depth to the political systems. I enjoyed the intrigue more than the romance aspect. I wanted there to be more of that, but it seems that was also mostly left to a sequel.
Speaking of a sequel, it appears both The Branded and The Rising were published previously. I'm not sure if this is a rerelease or they were previously published only in a non-US market, but there were reviews posted under a different punisher.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I'd be happy to read a sequel when released!
Thanks to NetGalley, Angry Robot, and Bolinda Audio for the advanced copies to review!

I absolutely loved this book, my only regret was that it ended too soon. This book reminded me of a combination of books like Fourth Wing, Hunger Games, and shows like Handmaid's Tale. It's a dystopian world of survival, love triangles, and adventure. I really love the world building and character development throughout. This is a high school and older story. Some parts of the book were unable to put down and I am still thinking of this story days after finishing it. Reasons why I wish it was longer: I feel some of the scenes could have been elaborated on or detail could be more intense, certain parts felt rushed.

I do love that the story is told in 1st person so that you really feel what is going in the main character's head. I really am looking forward to the second and final book. I have tried to order it already from Australia because it was published there in 2023 but I am going to have to wait till next Jan. for the US release.

I also LOVED the narrator. I could listen to her all day, she did a great job of telling the tale and making you feel invested in the character.

I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book felt like there were so many parts to it. It felt reminiscent of an early 2010s YA dystopia, then it turned into an adventure book, which quickly became a gladiator book?? And finally, back to adventure. There was a lot going on, with very little fantasy, but I enjoyed it.

The romance was super slow burn, but it was so worth it in the end. I liked how the relationship developed, but i also didnt like it. Not because it wasn't written well, but because of how it happens despite all the nonsense. I feel like Nara was just too trusting for me. The ending had a huge cliffhanger which annoyed me, mostly because there were answers I was looking for that were never addressed but maybe book 2 will fix that.

The audiobook was well done, the narrator did a fantastic job bringing this book to life. Definitely recommend it.

The story went along at a good pace, and the characters were relatable. I felt that the beginning enticed the audience in and remain engaged.

As the story progressed I found the FMC to be quite annoying with her attitude to the situations she found herself in.

However, the story overall was enjoyable.

Loved this audiobook! The narration was really well done and kept me thoroughly engaged. I would love to get the next one on audio when it comes out.

The story was really enjoyable. The pacing was just right for me- it built the world and introduced all sorts of characters and dynamics without belaboring any of it. I really enjoyed the premise of a plague dividing people, and the outcome was very Handmaid's Tale, which was awesome. Finally, the sisterly dynamics were really enjoyable.

Definitely recommend this to anyone interested in a well done fantasy romance audiobook.

Listened at 2.5x speed with no issues. Narrator was solid.

As part of a planned series, this book takes a little time to get going. The world building, background stories, and character development take time to flush out--which is fine because the story does still progress forward with interesting elements. Nara's love triangle is an early element that the reader can see coming, so it's her twin Osha's story that adds more mystery and surprise. The juxtaposition of the two girls' personalities and experiences is believable and creates a lot of interest.

The sexism and classism are front of mind all throughout the book without slogging down the reader. There are breadcrumbs along the way to give depth to the story, and only finding answers to some questions just made me want to continue to read for answers without being frustrated.

I was completely invested in the story and was so sad when the audiobook came to an end. I'll be awaiting the next installment!

Overall: 4 stars (I really liked it)

I'll tell my students about: language, sex, LGBT+, parental death, violence/gore/murder, supernatural, trauma, physical abuse, rape (mentioned)

**Thank you to NetGalley & Bolinda Audio for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.** Review posted to GoodReads 5/2/24

The Branded Series first book centers around orphaned twins Nara and Osha. Isfalk is full of the Branded and the diseased, with the immune and strong Pure. The citadel is full of those with unbranded skin, ripe for men to leer at girls like their own personal feast, to wed and bed.

Nara wants nothing to do with becoming breeding stock. She finds herself in the wilds of the Fornwood, and is forced to flee into those very woods when the Branded come to call. The girls in those prophecies are forced to go on the run.

Wrangler, our main love interest, is a mysterious southern Brand. Nara slowly begins to learn her own abilities, discovering this hidden magic that flows through her veins. Childhood memories tell of this latent power that thrums beneath the surface, begging to be released.

Trust is a fragile thing in a world where women are traded and sold like cattle. Nara does not trust easily, and she want to put her whole heart into the Wrangler. Except, Nara knows that the Brand is hiding something that has something to with her forgotten childhood memories.

This fantasy sci-fi has an intriguing world, charming characters, and sizzling romantic chemistry. The banter is witty and engaging, not at all cheesy. The themes of sexism, prejudice, and classism are found throughout this well-written tale.

This book was so immersive, with magic and witches, prophecies, adventure, infections, disease, and healers. Our Main character, Nara is talented in fighting and hunting. She is inspiring and makes me want to be strong, in the way that she is strong.

The romance between Wrangler and Nara is very slow, but so worth it in the end! The suspense, the intrigue, and the satisfying crashing of lips like waves against the shore. This story and its characters felt very unique, even though the elements of chaos and magic and action-packed scenes can be found in other stories.

The Branded has a wonderful plot and was executed beautifully. The way that this novel presented powerful women and their journeys stuck with me. I am excited to read more from Jo Riccioni. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

This was such an exciting read. It plunges you into a new world full of danger, politics, love, and magic. This books touches on important topics such as class and gender divisions and corruption in politics, but somehow it’s not a heavy or overly academic book. It’s a fun read, with tense moments where I worried for the characters, complex relationship, convoluted pasts, and secrets galore.

The FMC is full of personality. Her pigheadedness can be frustrating at times, as many of the other characters would undoubtedly agree. But overall she is a character I found it easy to root for, strong, resilient, and intriguing. She is flawed, which makes her realistic.

The MMCs are interesting and the dynamics developed kept me on my toes. The ending though…I am so eager to read the sequel now, after that big reveal!

This was a great adventure romantasy with minimal spice. It had surprises, culture, and sweet tender moments throughout.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bolinda Audio, and author Jo Riccioni for access to the audiobook. The narration provided by Leah Filley was a great match to the story and I really enjoyed the audiobook. Leah has a soft, sweet voice, doing a great job of sounding gruff or rough when the character called for it. The audiobook was immersive enough that I can picture many of the scenes from the book in my mind.

First of all, I really like the cover its simple and still has a lot of details, its really pretty.
Then there is the narrator, I find it kind of hard to review the narrator because I feel like its either really bad or just natural. This was four sure not bad and I would have no problem at all if I ever heard a book narrated by Leah Filley, so basically, I liked it.
And of course the book/the story, it didn’t feel like a task when hearing this audiobook, like some books can. and it wasn’t written in a way where I got bored all the time.
It was an interesting world, and I liked the characters, Tho I obviously didn’t like the “evil” characters (I am not sure if saying the names is a spoiler).

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First of all, I'm not the right demographic for this book. It has elements I love in a book, but as a whole it wasn't my bag, baby. HOWEVER I am giving this book 4-stars for what I can recognise as a good story and attractive to the right demographic - a younger, fantasy fanbase. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, and I loved the soothing voice of the narrator on the audio.

The Branded thrusts the reader into a divided world and fully immerses them. I throughly enjoyed this book and liken the feelings I got to when I read Forth Wing, as it read like a celebration of previous reads. For example, there is the dystopian vibes of The Grace Year and The Hunger Games. Themes of sexism, classism, prejudice and racism are explored. In terms of fantasy elements there’s witches, healers, prophecies, deadly viruses and wastelands. The FMC is badass and a hunter/fighter. Basically a recipe for plenty of action and adventure. The tropes/characters aren’t new but they still felt unique. There’s a very slow slow-burn romance that was not at the forefront of the story and I liked its understated nature. Definitely invested in this book now, especially with that ending!
The audiobook is great, as the chapters are a bit long this was a good way to not be focused on that fact and just enjoy it! The flow was great and definitely recommend this method to read it.
A great plot, pace and a celebration of powerful women. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

I very much enjoyed this audio book.

They story was really good and reminded me a lot of the Grishaverse books which I also loved. And I am definitely looking forwards to book two when it comes out in audiobook.

The narrator was just right for the story, clear and precise and easy to listen to . Her voice of the witch did make me laugh though. I would listen to more books by this narrator.

I really enjoyed this audiobook, it was just like I was reading it to myself. I got immersed into all of the characters and could easily tell who was saying what.

The story was so different people lived very different lives if they were born with a brand as uposed to pure people.

There is an adventure, a touch of magic, and a cliffhanger - you'll want the second book handy.