A really interesting story about a plague impacting the world. I think I may be the wrong audience for this one but young adult fans will love it. 4/5 stars.

This was a fabulous read!

I can't wait for the sequel now. A wonderful combination of world building, plot, slow burn romance, love triangle with tones of societal commentary. Nicely written and paced with characters that are easy to like. I will definitely hope to buy a physical copy and will be keeping an eye on this author.

The Branded is a fantasy dystopian of two classes, Pure blood and Branded. The Branded who are susceptible to disease and sickness are left to fend for themselves no are known by their branding on their skin. The pure blood girls are protected and isolated and prepped for a pairing and a life of breeding more pure bloods. Osha has accepted her fate but her sister Nara dreams of more. Will she ever find out who she really is and why her past is so mysterious?
I loved the relationship of the sisters and didn’t mind the slow world building. I expect that in a fantasy to get a good feel of the world. Will be looking out for book 2.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Branded - it's characters, world and scope were top-tier. The idea of a society split by the privileged of being infected or not was interesting, and was built on so that we got to explore the lives and lands of the haves and the have-nots alongside our fierce FMC. I liked that there was a depth of history to the plot as well, which unfolded as the story progressed, instead of in the usual information dump that many authors fall prey to.
I really liked the writing, and by the time I was halfway through I was thoroughly caught up in the story. Loved the gladiatorial scenes and the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance that the leads had throughout. Will be looking for the sequel!

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to this world. The discussion around power, misinformation and bias was particularly interesting in today’s pandemic. The characters were sharp and likeable, especially Nara and Nixim. Being able to confront what you have always firmly believed is also a big step in life. The twist at the end was a great shock, and now my only disappointment is that I will have to wait for the next book, which when it is available, I will eagerly grab!

I don’t even have the words to explain how I feel about this story! Firstly, the world building is incredible as is the characters that belong in those worlds. I did find the world building very dense at the beginning but necessary to understand the complex system in place. I love the characters and how they were all quiet different and yet similar due to their circumstance in life.

If you like:

Enemies - to- lovers - to - enemies
Childhood friends - to - lovers
Arranged marriage
Hidden identities

You need to read this book! I’m eager for this release and the sequel to find out how the story continues.