An amazingly immersive story following the survival of Kiva, the designated Healer of the death prison 'Zalindov'. The character are all so well thought out and you will fall in love with all of them, even the horrid Warden has his moments. I could not put this book down as soon as I started reading. It had me laughing, crying, and yelling quite loudly, all in just one chapter! I am so excited for the next installment, it's gonna be huge!

BOOK REPORT for The Prison Healer (The Prison Healer #1) by Lynette Noni
Cover Story: Ya Basic
BFF Charm: Destiny’s Child
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Surface-Level Fantasy
Bonus Factor: Secrets & Lies
Factor: Mysterious Illnesses
Anti-Bonus Factor: Awful Grown-ups
Relationship Status: Second Date


Trigger Warning: Discussion of sexual assault (nothing explicit), death, a character gets whipped

Cover Story: Ya Basic

I don’t know why, y’all, but this cover brings to mind a chastity belt (maybe the lock combined with the flower??). There’s nothing abhorrent to my eyes, I’m just…bored. Nothing about this would get me to pick up the book if I hadn’t read the synopsis.

The Deal:

For ten years, Kiva Meridan has lived, worked, and suffered in Zalindov prison for the crime of being around when her father was captured. She occupies the roles of healer and Warden’s informant on the imprisoned rebels, and tries to keep her head down while she waits for her remaining family to rescue her. See, every so often they’ll pass her a note telling her to be patient; they’re coming. Kiva’s daily routine is shattered as Jaren, a mysterious new prisoner arrives and seems intent on becoming her friend. Then the unthinkable happens: the elusive Rebel Queen—who’s forces have been sowing dissent and violence against the Crown for years—arrives at Zalindov, captured and half-dead. Instead of a life sentence, she’s been tasked to complete the Trial by Ordeal: 4 elemental tests that no one without magic can survive. When Kiva gets word from her family that they are coming and must keep the Rebel Queen alive, she realizes she’s about to face the most impossible task.

BFF Charm: Destiny’s Child

Kiva hides her bleeding heart behind a prickly demeanor, which I adore in a book BFF. Of course you’d be buttoned up too if you were living in a prison like Zalindov, where every move you make is being monitored and a little light torture for funsies at the hands of a bored prison guard was a regular occurrence. I appreciated that Kiva was decent at her core (despite herself, she cares for a young boy, Tripp, who is a ball of pure sunshine) but also understood that to survive you sometimes have to do the pragmatic thing and suck up to the right person or play into the unearned reputation someone thinks you have. Sometimes being too good and honorable can get you killed.

Swoonworthy Scale: 5

Kiva has kept her head down and avoided attachments for ten years, but she’s a hot-blooded seventeen year old, and Jaren is probably the finest—and most charming—prisoner who has come through her infirmary. What’s that they say though? The course of true love never did run smooth. Jaren is more taken with Kiva right off, but for the most part the text understands that our characters are hanging out in a prison and it’s decidedly unromantic. Also there are a lot of secrets that need to be aired and two more books, so strap in.

Talky Talk: Surface-Level Fantasy

This book is pure fantasy-lite, in that there are a lot of broad strokes vis a vis an elemental magic system, made-up countries, and in-world folklore, but frustratingly little in the way of deep, actual details. So be warned: the focus is character and plot versus world-building. (Perhaps we’ll get more in the coming books.) The writing is serviceable and straightforward and, at times, meandered more than it needed to, but after struggling a bit with some other recent reads, this was an easy story to sink into. If you’re an avid YA reader, I think you’ll guess most of the big plot points before they pop up, but that didn’t turn me off enough to stop reading.

The only part of the author’s style that drove me batty was her tendency to recap the plot “up to now” for me as if I were an amnesiac who forgot she just read the last chapter. I had to start skipping entire paragraphs whenever Kiva began to ruminate alone. It always makes me feel like the author isn’t giving me, the reader, enough credit to put together their story’s (not-exactly-Sherlockian) twists and turns. I was prepared to chalk it up to a debut author faux pas, but then I realized Noni has a bunch of books under her belt so…I guess she just wants to be really clear.

Bonus Factor: Secrets & Lies

Obvi, I don’t want to give away any of said secrets, so this is a bonus factor that I can’t really discuss. I know; I’m super helpful. But if you like a story with dramatic flair…

Factor: Mysterious Illnesses

I’ll admit I was expecting a bit more out of the plotline about the mysterious stomach virus that was killing prisoners left and right. Just like with the general world-building, plot points like this had all the makings of good intrigue but unfortunately stayed kind of spongey and undercooked.

Anti-Bonus Factor: Awful Grown-ups

Seriously, screw the Warden and his demented prison guards. And, like, I know Kiva is super hopeful that her family is going to break her out of prison, but—my dudes! It’s been TEN FREAKING YEARS and all she gets are the occasional 5-10 word note smuggled in by the stable hand. Rude!

Relationship Status: Second Date

I’m intrigued enough for a second date, Book. I get the feeling after that ending that you’ve got a lot more up your sleeve, so feel free to go ahead and wow me. Just be aware—I have a good memory, so no need to recapitulate.

FTC Full Disclosure: I received my free review copy from HMH Books for Young Readers. I received neither money nor peanut butter cups in exchange for this review. The Prison Healer is available now.

Where do I begin?! Behind with reading already with working extra because of covid - I have been just randomly grabbing books so I don’t waste time choosing. I am so happy I chose this one! Not at all what I was expecting and I enjoyed every second.

Kivas story takes place at the Zalindov prison where she’s been for the past 10 years when she abd her father were captured. She’s become the prison healer. The one to patch up and carve up the inmates. She’s just trying to survive and keep her head down and not make friends but some people sneak through her defenses (love Tipp, Mot, Naari and of course Jaren!).
One day the supposed Rebel Queen gets dragged in and sentenced to the trials by ordeal and foolishly kiva takes her place in the trials because the Queen is too sick. From then on you are brought on this chase of how Kiva will manage to make it through the trials, how will she save the Queen, the other prisoners who are falling ill and stay under the radar of the guards. The twists are fantastic. The friendships are fun and endearing. The romance is just perfect. But...the ending makes you question it all! I need book 2 NOW! Highly recommend this book for fantasy lovers out there.

Initial Thoughts
This was one of my most anticipated 2021 reads. First of all, SJM blurbed this book so I knew it was going to be great, and more importantly, the synopsis sounded fascinating.

Some Things I Liked
Dark themes and mystery. This book is DARK. This book is definitely not suitable for all readers but the author handled the subject matter in a respectful manner that I found fitting for the plot. I still believe this is YA but there are themes that some readers might not appreciate. That being said, I really enjoyed the darkness and thought it enriched the mysteries in this story.
Subtle romance. I really liked the romance in this story but liked that found family love was the more prominent theme. Kiva had her group and I loved that they were fiercely loyal to one another. While I love romance, I loved that it was understated in this book.
Enemies to Lovers set up. I won't lie, I saw the "big reveals" coming a mile away but I'm so here for the set up for book 2. I can't wait to see how the various relationships evolve in the subsequent sequels.

Series Value
I CAN'T WAIT for the next book. HMH Teen, please, please, please, send me a copy of The Gilded Cage because I am desperate to keep reading. I loved so much about the set up for the sequel as well as the world building in this story. I will absolutely keep reading.

Final Thoughts
This book is not for everyone. I'll say that. But, I loved it. I couldn't put it down and I loved Kiva's journey. This book was dark but it showed an amazing journey and I can't wait to keep reading what Lynette Noni writes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommended for fans of
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Court of Fives by Kate Elliot

Not exactly what I expected but I definitely enjoyed the dark atmosphere and want to preface by saying there are a lot of triggers in this one. The Prison Healer fits the bill when you think of young adult and the different nuances that come along with it and I still found myself drawn into the storyline and overall vibe of the plot. Kiva, the prison healer at Zalindov (a death prison) has a daunting task of healing those in the direst of circumstances. I did take a bit longer than normal to connect with her character and am still debating my overall feelings towards her. I’m not sure if it was the writing style or how she comes off, but I preferred Tipp out of all of the characters. Maybe it was the utter cuteness that resonated with me considering the conditions they existed in?! There is a lot of despair that comes along with this ride and some of the plot points did not fully make sense with the overall scheme of things. Especially, how the ending tied in for me. I may have overthought some aspects honestly, but the author has definitely given me a book I am still contemplating.

The worldbuilding is unique but overall simplistic in location and shows the darker side of this novel with the torture and a horrific living existence. Things start to pick up when the rebel queen comes to Zalindov at death’s door and Kiva risks her own life in the elemental challenges called Trial by Ordeal to save the queen and herself. The trails are by far the most intriguing aspect of this novel and I really wanted more. Still a few questions lingered for this portion too. It does lend to a decent lead-in to the next novel though and I am intrigued by the prospect of what the second installment holds.

Some content mentions surrounding self-harm, rape, torture and abuse should be noted. I recommend checking out some of the other reviews if you are curious about the triggers. I went in blind and like my novels on the dark side personally, but this may not be for everyone. Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group and NetGalley for the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. True rating 3.5/5.

Who doesn’t love a novel with political rebellion, a possible prison break, AND swoony romance? The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni has all of this and more. Plus a neck-snapping cliffhanger ending. Sheesh. I did not see that coming.

The Prison Healer

Rating: 5⭐️

Thank you to the publisher for giving me an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this novel. It’s was an interesting fantasy books that kept me hooked from the prologue. We follow Kiva who works as a prison healer to survive. She’s been a prisoner for ten years in Zalindov since she was kidnapped as a child. When the Rebel Queen comes into her care with a mysterious note “Don’t let her die. We are coming.” She takes it upon herself to save the rebel Queen by performing her trials. With the help of a mysterious prisoner and the friends she’s made in her time there, she works through unbeatable trials to prove her worth and attempt to escape with her life.

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Tip was a light in the darkness and Jaren was freaking amazing. (Hello new book boyfriend!) Kiva is so strong and i was rooting for her the entire time! I also really liked the magic system! It was neat. The book gave me hunger games vibes which was cool, but it was still super fun and different! I need the sequel now!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

Listen, I just need the next one ASAP. What was that ending?? Noni you can't just DO that to us!!

The world building in this is absolutely beautiful, We've only seen one little part of the world surrounding the prison, but from the stories they tell I can't wait to experience the rest. I am unsure if I am on the side of the Crown or the rebels, but I know I want Kiva to be happy. Maybe I'm not on any side. Maybe I'm just on Jaren's side.

I loved watching Kiva become a person outside of her bounding box she'd put around herself. I loved how Jaren refused to give up. All the secrets and little twists and coded notes I just knew there was more going on than we were told, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one. I need more Naari and Tipp!

Thank you to NetGalley for an early look at this absolute gem!
Talk about a book hangover. I can't think about any other book until I get the second and find out what's on the other side of that cliff! I need more Kiva and Naari and Jaren!

Many years ago, the land was joined under the union of two elementalists- one with control of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water-- the other in control of healing- a King and a Queen who loved each other and their power. Eventually, they grew apart, and when one became even more power hungry, they split and the king became leader of a rebellion. They never had children together, but they did with their new partners, and the magic lineage was passed down to their children from other partners, but by the time the story begins magic is all but unheard of. The king's line still desires the crown.

The Prison Healer is the story of Kiva Meridan, a young woman who was thrown into prison with her father when he is accused of treason against the crown and being part of the rebel insurrection. When her father dies, she takes his place as healer. Because of this, she develops a crude sense of duty and will heal any who are brought to her, despite what "side" they are on. This line that she refuses to cross is one of my favorite things about her. She makes no friends. She forges no relationships. She does her job, and secretly waits for her family to come to rescue her.

When the rebel queen is brought to the prison injured, Kiva discovers a coded message from her family telling her to keep the queen alive. Because of this, Kiva takes her place in the trials she was set to endure. The trials, and her developing relationship with one of the inmates that refuses to let her stay on her side of the line, really drives the story forward. I loved the character development of Kiva, and the secrets that are revealed throughout the story really keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I keep wanting to know more about the lore and the history of this world, and things are slowly beginning to be revealed. By the end, I was so hooked that I couldn't believe where the author chose to end it and immediately began to wait for the next one.

Noni has a way with words that I think most high schoolers and new adults would enjoy. The tensions she creates are palpable. Overall, I would recommend this book and I eagerly await the next!

A hard book to review and maybe why I am reviewing post street date. I had a hard time with this book and I think it is because I was so excited about the summery. What I wanted I did not get. I will say I liked this story but did not love it. I found a lot of moments to just not be written well and left me frustrated. There are many times that the characters do something in regards to something they have no nothing about. So, overall there are a lot of plot gaps. Characters are either liked or hated right from the get go and that doesn’t change much. I will not say that they even change or grow much over the course of the story either. However, I hear this book is a series so maybe they will later. What makes me say that I “liked” this book was the ending. It was not the first 30% that hooked me it was the last 10% that made me say yeah I may keep reading this series. To sum it up this book is nothing special and if you are looking for some reading candy to fill a void then pick it up; otherwise, move on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

We follow Kiva, a girl that has spent last 10 years of her life in Zalindov, worst prison there is. At first I was surprised by how dark it is. Not very common for YA book. Incredible settings, infringed, lowest layers of society all looking just to survive. Dark and atmospheric, depicting all sides of human behavior. You will find the worst of the worst in Zalindov. Kiva is navigating this world for years, do what need to be done, trust no one, don’t bond or make connections, and all in order to survive. She is a testament to human resilience and silent bravery, all while being utterly humane and just.

I was worried i would enjoy this book, and it did take me a little to get into it I’ll admit. But when it starts, it starts, Story is rich and layered. Characters complex and compelling. All i can say i cannot wait for book 2, so happy its also coming in 2021!

THE PRISON HEALER • Lynette Noni • Pub Date: April 13, 2021 • ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫{rounded up}

Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I tried to type out a brief synopsis, but honestly there is so much going on in this book - rebellion both inside and outside the prison walls; a mysterious disease taking more lives by the day; a budding romance; the Trial by Ordeal (a series of elemental challenges that are meant to result in the challengers death); MAGIC; and the sweetest cinnamon bun of a side character you'll ever meet.

Let's just say that if you liked Throne Of Glass? You'll like this book. If you liked The Hunger Games? You'll like this book. Oh, and our main character Kiva is also much less angsty than your average YA heroine (a refreshing change imo). Not to mention, instead of a badass warrior type, Kiva is a badass healer. Far too few fantasy books celebrate the healer! Thank you Noni for changing that.

I will say that the pacing in this one was slow for me. I felt like too much time was spent focusing on the day-to-day duties Kiva found herself tasked with. There are also a LOT of trigger warnings that should be attached to this book, so tread carefully. But ultimately, this was a great first book to a series. The characters were great, the plot was engaging, and WOW, that ending!? The ending alone is enough to pick up this book.

TL;DR: The Prison Healer is the start to what will no doubt be a great series. I am hooked!

As a huge Sarah J. Maas fan, I've kind of heard of Lynette Noni before though I've never read any of her previous books. I'm so glad that The Prison Healer was my entry into Lynette's writing. This had a lot of things I love in YA fantasy books, from the fast-paced, tension-filled plot to the swoony love story. I cannot wait for the next book!

#ThePrisonHealer #NetGalley

I've found a new favorite author to follow.

I'm so grateful to have read this book by Lynette Noni. Having had some trouble reading in the last few months, this is the first book in quite some time that I've finished and immediately needed to review to tell all how wonderful I thought it was. It gripped me from the beginning throughout the end. Kiva, taken prisoner at seven years of age, along with her father, is a survivor. Seeing all prisoners as the same, she does her best to heal them despite the death sentence the prison carries for all prisoners. To survive, she becomes an informant, despised by all prisoners, abused by the guards, yet she is able to continue her father's tradition by healing all who come her way. Even the Rebel Queen. I don't want to give the plot away, so all I can say is that Prison Healer was so well-written and Kiva's character is a person I would like to have as a friend. Reminded me much of Sarah Maas, but in a distinct and separate way. I can't wait to read more of Lynette Noni, especially if there are more books in this series.

I loved the characters in this book! While I saw some of the plot points coming, there were still some surprises that made me crave more.

I read this in a day because I just couldn’t stop! I have had an arc of this book for so long and I don’t what on earth had me waiting so long to pick it up! This book was absolutely amazing!

Kiva has been a prisoner at Zalindov for the past 10 years, spending many of those years as the prison healer. It is her duty to heal whoever ails, just as her beloved father did and taught her to do before his demise in the very same death prison.

She spends her days caring for sick and injured inmates and guards alike, always doing her very best not to grow attachments to anyone she meets. The only exception to that rule has been a young boy, Tipp, who assists her and the new inmate Jaren, who no matter how hard she tries to keep him at arm’s length, gets under her skin.

When the Rebel Queen is captured, with the secret note from Kiva’s family telling her to keep her alive because they are coming to save her, Kiva will stop at nothing to do just that. But, there is no way the extremely ill Rebel Queen can withstand the “Trial by Ordeal” which is a series of elemental challenges only people with magical abilities could survive... In a moment of part courage, part backed-into-a-corner, Kiva announces that she will take the ailing woman’s place in the trials...

But Kiva doesn’t know how she will survive without the magic of the royal bloodlines. On top of that, the prison is breaking out with an illness that is killing in droves. Kiva must figure out how to pass the trials and determine not only a cure for this mysterious illness, but figure out what is causing it.

The stakes are in incredibly high in this wonderful ya fantasy. There is so much rich history and fantastic world building. This world that Kiva lives in is a terrifying place. She is constantly fighting or her life. There are so many people she must protect herself from. And I loved every single minute of it! The ending of this book made my freaking head spin!!! I cannot wait to see what is in store for The Gilded Cage!

✨The Prison Healer✨


Thank you to Netgalley, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Lynette Noni for providing a copy.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:
Lynette Noni is a new-to-me author and what a way to be introduced to her work! I absolutely devoured The Prison Healer and I’m eagerly awaiting book two, The Gilded Cage!

This wonderfully woven, utterly unique and enthralling tale of surviving against all odds, learning to trust and learning to love. Tipp had my heart from the minute he was introduced, Mot had me chuckling, Jaren had me swooning, I want a friend like Naari and most of all I want Kiva in my corner. This ragtag bunch of prisoners (and one guard) made for an imaginative and vivid read. The characters are likeable and relatable, the plot developed wonderfully, the romance is a nice slow-burn enemies to lovers and the friendships are second to none. The world building was fantastic and with a few heart stopping, jaw dropping plot twists, this is a story that is not to be missed. One of the most exciting new stories to come out of 2021 so far!

4.5 Stars

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni is pretty far out of my comfort zone, however I was willing to give it a try because Noni’s Whisper series was so enjoyable. I am glad I decided to pick this one up, as its fast pacing and high stakes gripped me from page one. The main character is also dynamic, and the setting is described in vivid detail. For those looking for a darker fantasy, this is definitely one to check out.

Having spent ten years in a death prison working as a healer, Kiva has managed to survive, running on the hope that she will someday be rescued. But, when the Rebel Queen arrives at Zalindov, clinging to life, Kiva volunteers to take her place and assume her punishment: undergoing four elemental trials. Should she succeed, they will both be granted freedom, however, no one has survived all four trials. This is a fast-paced and tense novel with wild twists you’ll never see coming.

❀ CHARMING CAST OF SIDE CHARACTERS

I loved Kiva’s character–there is so much depth to her. As a healer, it is natural that the is caring. She helps everyone in the prison, no matter how they have treated her in the past, and she has developed incredible mental strength. At the same time, Kiva is reserved in order to protect herself, and I enjoyed watching her slowly learn to open up to people. There is also a charming cast of side characters alongside Kiva. I especially enjoyed her relationship with Tipp, a young boy in the prison, along with the quietly compassionate guard and the mysterious new inmate.

❀ COMPELLING SETTING

One of the book’s highlights is its compelling setting. Noni captures the atmosphere of the prison extremely well, and many interesting details are woven throughout the story. The norms of the prison are also well established, making it believable. Since Kiva has been in the prison for 10 years, we don’t know much about the outside world, but these details are supplied at just the right moments, and in the right quantity to build suspense.

❀ SURVIVAL AND FRIENDSHIP

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni is a darkly compelling story about survival and friendship, even in the harshest of environments. I was rooting for the main character, and the book’s setting is vividly described. I absolutely can’t wait until I can get my hands on book two!

From the moment I saw the cover to The Prison Healer and then immediately went and looked up the synopsis, I was drawn to it. Then from the moment I was accepted for a eARC via NetGalley, I knew I had to pick it up IMMEDIATELY (which I did) and now I’m mad that I have to wait, for what will now feel like a VERY long time, for the next book because I enjoy it THAT much!

The Prison Healer follows Kiva who’s been a prisoner at Zalindov for ten years and has been its main healer for most of that time, while fighting to survive the prisons perilous conditions. So when the leader of the Rebellion is captured and forced to face dangerous trials in order to be found not guilty, Kiva being the healer that she is, decides to face the trials for the Rebel Queen all while facing an incurable plague sweeping through the prisoners inner walls. But if you think that’s all this amazing story is about, be prepared to guess again!

When I read the synopsis and seen that this story involved trials, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. But what I didn’t know was how much I’d end up loving it and how impatient I will be for the next one to release. This book was so much more then I expected it to be and I’ve found some new characters that I seriously love. If you’re looking for your next cinnamon roll kind of character, Tipp is it. He just breaks my heart because I love him so much. I don’t want to give my love away to some of the characters just yet, but know, I love so many of them!

Also dare I say there is a slow(?) burn romance maybe budding throughout this story?! Pretty much my conclusion is, I NEED the next book like an hour ago?!

Anyway, this was a FANTASTIC read but be aware, there are definitely some trigger warnings here but also the ending is *chefs kiss* and one of my favorite parts of the book.

Calling all Sarah J. Maas lovers! Award-winning author Lynette Noni is known for captivating readers with her YA series and her newest one is sure to do the same! Published on April 13th, The Prison Healer is the book all fantasy fans need to read.

I loved Kiva and her strength throughout the novel. The way she continues to do her job and survive in the prison, despite certain feelings and loyalties, was admirable and inspiring. She is a character I found myself continually rooting for and was turning page after page just to see what would happen next. In addition to Kiva, all the rest of the characters were so well written and it helped enhance the plot of the novel even more.

Speaking of, the plot was absolutely fantastic! Even though this is technically a YA novel, it was so nuanced and refined that even adult fantasy lovers will fall in love with this book. I don’t want to give too much away so I'll just say this: I laughed, I cried (multiple times...), and the ending had me FLOORED! Just when I thought I had things figured out, Lynette Noni decided to hit me with some plot twists that had me shocked. Like I can’t even tell you how long I just sat there at 1am contemplating everything I had just read...

All I can say about this book is HOLY SH*T ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR IMMEDIATELY! As for me, I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series to come out to see what the heck is going to happen next!

*I received an ARC from HMH Teen via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.