I went into The Prison Healer expecting fun times, and I was totally not disappointed! I believe a good story must start with the characters, and here is where I think the characterization of our protagonist really shines. I am now a completely sold and a hundred percent going to be all over the sequel. While The Prison Healer ended on a semi-cliffhanger in that not everything is hunky-dory but you still know they’ll turn out okay, I’m nonetheless itching to get my hands on the next book to see what happens next. That’s the power of a good story, one that allows you to just kick back and have fun.
Full review to come on my YouTube channel.

I really liked this book. I was drawn into it from the very beginning. I really think the entire thing was such a dark and depressing place. Almost hopeless really. Also, the characters were so bent on survival I wasn't sure how they'll connect and build any type of lasting relationship. There were however a few rays of hope and light and I can't wait to see how the rest of the series pan out. A must read for fantasy and YA lovers.

Ok, this book's ending took me by surprise. Up until then, I found it a little predictable, but fantastically written, Like I didn't mind the formulaic aspects since the characters and story were really creative. And then... that ending. BOOM. Mind blown. Give me book two right now!!!

I didn't expect to love this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I think Noni did a great job with the characters and with bringing a new storyline to a saturated fantasy genre. Definitely looking forward to the sequel,.

This book was beyond incredible. My jaw was dropped the whole time I was reading it because it was just so amazing and captivating.

Unfortunately I DNF'd Prison Healer as it wasn't really my type of fantasy. I think it was more of a mistake on my part for requesting the novel because I know plenty of readers who would love this book and I will recommend it to them instead.

Wow, just wow. Prison Healer is an amazing fantasy by Lynette Noni. I enjoyed all of the characters in this book and loved how character driven the novel was. The plot and descriptions were also top notch. Noni keeps you engaged even though the story takes place entirely at Zalindov Prison. I thought I had everything figured out by the end of the book until that final chapter swept the rug out from under me. I love how strong Kiva is and the love she has for others even though she swears she won’t let herself get attached. The descriptions throughout the story had me pulled in and at points had my heart racing! At the end of it all it really comes down to the question of how well do you know someone? How well do you know yourself? I devoured this book and I can’t wait for book two!

I really enjoyed this book! The ending totally surprised me, and the book is a wonderful introduction to a series. I loved the main character, the adventure, and the action. This one leans into a darker fantasy with romance, action, trials, tension, fast pacing, and vivid imagery. I am very much looking forward to the next installment.

Given the high praise that my favorite author, Sarah J. Maas has given this book, I could not wait to read this... and it didn’t disappoint! I loved it from start to finish. If you enjoy young adult high fantasy books, you will definitely devour this one!

Kiva has spent the last ten years of her life in Zalindov, a prison that houses thousands of criminals from the surrounding countries. She has survived longer than most by keeping her head down and earning her keep as the prison's healer. But her life is about to be upended when two new prisoners arrive. The first is Jaren, who is steadily breaking down the walls that Kiva has built around her heart. The second is the Rebel Queen, a woman who is wreaking havoc and rebellion in one of the countries outside Zalindov.

I found The Prison Healer to be a quick and easy read. Kiva is a well-developed character who I found myself rooting for as the story progressed. The side characters are equally as engaging, though I would have liked a few of them to be more fleshed out than they were. Though I predicted several of the twists that occurred, it didn't make the story any less engaging.

My one complaint about The Prison Healer, though, is how repetitive the phrasing is. Several times throughout the book, the author uses the same phrasing and repeats the same facts - for example, the fact that Kiva has been a prisoner for 10 years is mentioned at least once a chapter.

Though I found myself skimming a few parts, I still enjoyed The Prison Healer immensely and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy.

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni promised to be a action packed fantasy read - the premise of a fantastical prison break meets rebellion, made me superemly excited, it seemed like this book was made for me.

I am sad to say this was just okay.
I thought the pacing needed some work and the twists of the story were rather predictable.
However, what really annoyed me was the set up - I am not saying every story has to be completely unique but I also feel like certain tropes do not always need to be used and the Prison Healer for me just seemed like a bucket full of them.

I will say the book started strong and the initial chapters held me captivated, however the ending of the book made me far more annoyed and so the rating sadly shows this.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

Oh my, I am mindblown! It was hard for me to get into the story in the beginning but when the Trials started, I was so interested. This was a very rare read for me as it was situated in a prison. The plot was intriguing, the friendships of the protagonist with Naari, Tipp and Mot had me crying and wanting more. The twists and turns had me at the edge of my seat! It was a very interesting read and I cannot wait for the other books especially after that ending...

4.5 stars!💖

Thank you @hmhkids @lynettenoni & @netgalley for the #gifted copy of this book for my honest opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 Stars

While this book is technically a YA Fantasy, it does cover some heavy topics (hello... it’s setting is inside of a death prison). While it does talk about some triggering subjects, it doesn’t go into too much detail which made it easier for me to see for YA readers.

What I enjoyed:
💣 Unique storyline
💣 A strong female lead what has been through hell but is still strong and caring
💣 Great complex side characters, Tipp was one of my favorites!
💣 There are several aspects of the story that will keep you guessing
💣 A few great twists sprinkled throughout
💣 There is a cliffhanger that will have you begging for more of the story

The only think that I didn’t love was that it had a little bit of a slow start, but once it started to roll it was addictive.

Pros
Third Person: A lot of YA--especially YA fantasy--features a very voicey first-person narrator, which is great. That type of narration definitely has its merits--when well done. But because of its ubiquitousness, finding a well-executed third person narration is both exciting and a good break from the norm. Lynette Noni creates a narrative that is easy to fall into and evocative, but the sense of character and style is by no means diminished. Because of this narrative choice, this book has a sort of traditional fantasy feel--in a very good way.

Unsettling Setting: There are no glitzy palaces or seedy taverns in this book. A prison creates the backdrop for the plot: a stark healer's ward, cold showers, and the ever-present eyes of guards. All of the uncanny pieces of this unusual setting fall into place to create a backdrop that is unique, evocative, and just as much a part of the story as the characters are. In fantasy--a genre that tends toward broad and sweeping landscapes--having such a confined space for the setting only adds a layer of discomfort to the characters and their plight. Noni's world-building is beautifully dark and immersive.

Elemental Magic: Elemental magic isn't that common in fantasy, and where it is found, it isn't often well done. In Noni's book, this powerful magic is as exciting and unexpected as it is cruel and full of limitations. From gusting winds to fire protection, this magic is fun. Each of the Ordeals that the Rebel Queen--and subsequently Kiva--must face features one of the four "elements" in the royal line of magic. I only wish that there was more magic in this book than there ultimately was.

Cons
Obvious Twists: I won't give any spoilers here, of course. I don't want to ruin the surprise for anyone who doesn't guess it themselves. But for me, unfortunately, from the very beginning, I had a feeling about where things were going--the underlying truth beneath the iceberg tip that Noni was revealing. I still found this book great fun, and I had no problem settling in and going along for the ride. But the twists and turns weren't as surprising as I think they're meant to be.

Vague Religion: Now, this one might just be a personal peeve of mine at this point, but a lot of fantasy (this book included) doesn't really deal with the religious implications of the world--and yet includes a vague, pointless religion nonetheless. Little nods toward some vague sort of religious system seem to be good enough--like the ubiquitous (and here-present) "gods-damned." Not every fantasy world needs to have gods behind it. Why must every fantasy world have a plot-unimportant polytheistic religion going on, I am left to suppose, in the background? There's no need to throw a supposed pantheon of gods into the mix just as a nod toward something. Make it important or leave it out--it wouldn't really make a difference here to cut it entirely.

Lagging Sections: Noni's book is well-written. The plot is interesting. The characters are fun to follow. Even so, there were a few sections that seemed to drag a bit between the major plot points. This didn't stop me from continuing on. It didn't really diminish my enjoyment of the read. But if I found it a little difficult to slog through, others will definitely be craving more action in between.

Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8/10

Those who enjoyed the death-prison-deadly-competition combination of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass should dive into Kiva's desperate scenario as well. Anyone who got fired up by the rebellion of Sam Taylor's We Are the Fire should take a seat for this slow-brewing world of rebels and riots.

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Publication Date: April 13, 2021
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Description from NetGalley...
“Seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan has spent the last ten years fighting for survival in the notorious death prison, Zalindov, working as 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.
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Thank you to @netgalley @hmhbooks @hmhteens for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
Book two, now! The book started off well, the middle dragged on a bit but that was because we were provided with more details and character development. The ending was such a thrill! The whole story was based in a prison, which meant that some parts of the narrative described what occurred in a vile prison setting populated by sadistic guards. This was darker than most YA fantasy I have read. There was a budding romance which was quite PG or even G, but the violence was more intense. There wasn’t much world building yet, because of the one location, but the magical details were really good. The secondary characters were great - oh Tipp - and I connected with the protagonist. I really enjoyed Noni’s writing style and the twists!! I cannot wait for book two.

Thanks to @NetGalley for an eARC of this book, even if I was a bit late in getting it reviewed! I'd give this a 4.25-4.5, so I'm technically rounding down to 4 stars.

Kiva Meridan has lived in the horrible Zalindov prison for 10 years now - and she’s kept herself alive by helping others live as well. As the prison’s main healer, Kiva walks the line of being needed by everyone while playing spy for the Warden to stay safe from the prison’s many evils. But when the mysterious Rebel Queen is captured and is put under Kiva’s care, she’s forced to make a choice to keep them both alive. Kiva takes on the queen’s Trial by Ordeal sentence, a challenge of four elemental tasks to prove their innocence. But all is not as it seems at Zalindov, and this book provides many twists and turns literally all the way up to the final page.

If you find yourself bothered by sensitive topics, even some that would happen offscreen, I’d recommend looking up trigger warnings for this book. It’s not heavy-handed in dealing with said topics, but it is a prison, and doesn’t shy away from the gruesome things that can happen in such a place. All of that aside, I really enjoyed this book and I’m dyingggg for the sequel now after that crazy ending!

This book was so magical and mysterious. I think it was so much more than the books it was related to. I cannot to read the sequel. The first half of the book was used to set up the action and the situation. It was not necessarily super developed world building, but the magic building was there. I loved the movement that began in this book, and I cannot wait to see how that plays out in the second book. I thought the characters were fantastic!

I loved this book. It was a bit slow in the start but then I completely fell in. I loved the characters and their dynamics. I got mad at the main character quite a few times but those frustrations were eventually satisfied. The end. Oh my gosh. THE END!

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni is now one of my favorite fantasy books. I usually take a while to read fantasy books because they contain a lot and I need time to process. However, this book was spectacularly written and I couldn’t stop reading it. I was captured right from the start, I fell in love with the story line of a girl who is in prison as a healer for an unknown reason. You get a clip from her early childhood and then you are thrown to the present, this made the need to continue reading almost unbearable, in a good way. I loved each character, I cried and laughed with them and for them. I can not recommend this book enough, the twists and plot line are incredible. This is like no other book I’ve read. If I could give it over 5 stars I would. Thank you NetGalley for providing this copy to me!

This was such an enjoyable, unique YA fantasy! Lynette Noni was able to create what felt like such an expansive and fully realized world even though the story was set in just one place, the prison Zalindov. The worldbuilding details were woven in pretty seamlessly and I'm so excited to experience the rest of the world she's created in the next book of the series. The writing style of this book was also so enjoyable (it reminded me a lot of Sarah J. Maas' YA) to read and I found I was getting a lot more pages in during my reading sessions compared to other books I've read recently. With that being said, despite the fact that I was reading quickly, I did feel that the pacing was a little slow at times, especially compared to how fast the end of the book moves.

Onto characters, I really liked Kiva as a protagonist, I LOVED Tipp (so precious), and really enjoyed the relationships that were built up over the course of the book. The setting was such a bleak place but the character relationships really shone through and gave so much life to the story. I will say though, I have mixed feelings about the big plot twist/reveal at the very end because it just didn't entirely make sense to me and felt like it was placed at the end more for shock value than anything else. I think I would've been more invested in the story had that information been revealed earlier because certain aspects would've made a lot more sense and things would have been made more compelling in terms of character motivation and drive. However, it does make me really intrigued to see how things will play out in book two, and overall this was still a very enjoyable and exciting read!

*3.5/3.75 stars