Estimated Reading Time: 9min
Dark, grimy and elemental powers describes this one. If you want to see a dangerous prison, unexpected romance, ruling powers that have to be brought down (of course)… this is the one.
The Prison Healer
When the Rebel Queen is captured, Kiva is charged with keeping the terminally ill woman alive long enough for her to undergo the Trial by Ordeal: a series of elemental challenges against the torments of air, fire, water, and earth, assigned to only the most dangerous of criminals.
Then a coded message from Kiva’s family arrives, containing a single order: “Don’t let her die. We are coming.” Aware that the Trials will kill the sickly queen, Kiva risks her own life to volunteer in her place. If she succeeds, both she and the queen will be granted their freedom.
But no one has ever survived. With an incurable plague sweeping Zalindov, a mysterious new inmate fighting for Kiva’s heart, and a prison rebellion brewing, Kiva can’t escape the terrible feeling that her trials have only just begun.
Content Warnings
Violence (graphic), gore (moderate), self harm (moderate), sexual assault/harassment (moderate), Child abuse (moderate), torture (graphic), confinement (graphic)
My Review
I was surprised at how much I actually loved this book. The entire plot centres around the elemental trials and life in this crazy dangerous prison.
Our main characters are engaging, interesting and encircled by such an interesting world.
The ending……. I went out and got the next two books on almost that alone. I GOTSTA know what happens next!
Careful of content/trigger warnings (I will list below) but the author didn’t go tooooo far with those so just be aware.
The Gilded Cage
Content Warnings
Moderate violence/gore
Mild sexual content
Moderate kidnapping
Moderate drug use
My Review
I loved seeing Kiva outside of the Zalendov context in this story. Her battle between loyalties was interesting and played out quite well.
I was punched in the gut several times in this book – especially at the end.
The Blood Traitor
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug Use, Violence
Moderate: Suicidal Thoughts, Death, Drug Abuse
Minor: Death of a Parent, Torture, Domestic Abuse
My Review
Finally got some answers! Called some of it, didn’t call others.
Rushed ending “big bad level” moment/s but ending was really satisfying.
Characters were put through the ringer.
I didn’t mind where we went and ended up.
From a prison escape book, to a strategise overthrowing the throne book, to finally a quest book this series was really great and I’m almost sad to say goodbye to the characters.
Would I Recommend This Book?
Yes, so long as you have a good stomach for violence, some gore and some pretty dark topics and explorations.
Similar Books You Might Like
If you are thinking what kind of books would have similar feel, themes or content, here is a list that you can consider:
- Inheritance Games (Jennifer Lynn-Barnes)
- The Shattered Realms (Tracy Higley)
- The Songkeeper Chronicles (Gillian Bronte Adams)
See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace
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