While this book has some more generic tropes, it does it in an interesting way that doesn't bore the reader. I was instantly hooked to the story, even though the author sometimes is a bit too obvious with taking the reader's hand and guiding them through the story. But since this book is a debut novel, I can't fault the author too much for that. Their next book will most probably be better.

My main complaint of this book is that I absolutely detested the main character. Believe me, I am all for annoying and flawed characters, but Nara didn't seem to learn from any of her mistakes or experiences, but rather continued doing the same thing over and over again. I missed the character growth which should have at least been a little bit present after all the character went through. But nope, there was absolutely none. Hopefully the sequel will show an improved side of her, because right now it isn't as entertaining to follow someone who is so racist to her potential love interest.

Yet, I do feel like this book and author are worth the read. The idea of the book is good, although not necessarily new, and the book is entertaining. Sometimes it is worth it to detest the main character, but if you are someone who solely reads for the characters... than this isn't the book for you. If you are a plot driver reader? Sure, you can pick it up!

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is complicated for me. I really enjoyed parts of it, and thought some parts were a little slow.

The plot is pretty interesting, a speculative fiction almost. I enjoyed the beginning and the end well enough, but the middle was a bit dull for me. I would expect this from a fantasy series that has a lot more to do, but this is a duology, so I expected a bit faster paced. That being said, I was constantly wondering what would happen next. I live a very busy lifestyle through the warmer months, so it’s hard for me to sit and read hours on end when it’s pretty outside and I work 60 hour weeks. All things considered, I did really enjoy the plot (minus the middle bit).

The characters are interesting and don’t fall flat; Nara’s spunk almost gets annoying by the end, but thank goodness she gives in. Both male love interests have pros and cons, but I’m solidly Wrangler. I appreciate the realism of the characters and how difficult it is for them to accept some things indoctrinated into them from a young age. I’m curious to see how this continues in the next book.

I enjoyed this book overall, but it did drag for me through the middle 25%. In an epic fantasy series, it would’ve been well placed and understood for exposition purposes, but considering the duology aspect, I feel as though it could’ve moved just a little faster. I definitely want to read the second one, I’m very curious to see where this goes. 3.75⭐️ overall

3.5 stars

Thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for my digital review copy

This book starts with us thrown in the deepend of the setting and world (as many good fantasy books do). I loved slowly piercing together what living in the world was like.

The setting itself is a high fantasy, where there are levels o society depending on if you were born with a mark (a branding) or not and society prefers people who are pure.

This felt very reminiscent of "The Handmaiden's Tale", due to how pure women are treated as a commodity and required to give birth to the next generation.

In this book, we follow Nara - a girl who doesn't want to be part of the system. Nara is an angry character; she's constantly rebelling against what she is supposed to do. It was fun to follow her and see how she adapted to what challenges were thrown her way.

The emphasis on the bond between Nara and Osha was one of the core relationships in this book and watching their relationship change through the book was interesting. There is also a slow-burn romance with Nara, and I did enjoy seeing this develop over the course of the book.

An issue I have is the ending. It ends on a quite abrupt cliffhanger that had me going "wait, there's not more?" when the next page was the acknowledgements. Given the plot points that were left open by the final chapters, I'm intrigued to see how this will play out in the second book. There also wasn't much development in the magic of the world and I hope that is expanded on in the sequel.

This was such an interesting mix of dystopian and fantasy which I wouldn’t have thought worked but it had me utterly hooked. This was so close to being a 5 star read for me but I need answers before I can give out that final star!

I thought the pacing was well done, I enjoyed the writing style, the plot was really interesting and a fun combination of tropes. Characters were good (some more developed than others) but I felt like our central group were a solid bunch of well written personalities. I adore a slow burn romance and I just loved watching the tension build and build!

There are lots of strengths here, but by far the one that gets me most excited is how prevalent strong, nuanced and developed the female characters were. Women led a lot of my favourite scenes and I loved how the relationships between them were also trying to show nuance and complexity.

What I will say though, is that this is clearly the first book in a series (I’ve heard talk of duologies and triologies so I’m not sure) but because of that there is a lot being set up here which does make it a little bit heavy on some of the basic world building and relationship set ups. But you’re going to get that in the first book and I don’t mind it. There’s also a lot of unanswered questions with mysteries only seeming to deepen without answers anywhere in sight - but again that’s pretty much to be expected when you’re starting on a new series.

Overall, this was so much better than I was expecting and I desperately need the sequel! As soon as I finished the last page I went looking to see if I could buy the next stage in this adventure and I am heartbroken that I’m going to have to wait!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC

3 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This one... I struggled a bit. But not because it's badly written au contraire it's because the subjects it deals with. Every time I see a book with The Handmaid Tales vibes, I stir away from it, and if I knew this had those vibes, I wouldn't have picked it up. Still. This was interesting, and although intense, it was also very engaging.
I liked the twins, Osha, a bit more than Nara and their journey.
Overall, this was a good book 1, and I'm definitely picking up the rising next!

I was excited to receive an eARC of The Branded after seeing its author was said by Juliet Marillier to be “A strong new voice in fantasy”.

I finished this one quickly and believe it to be a compelling first book in a fantasy duology with dystopian undertones. It has an intriguing plot, empowered FML, captivating prose, steady pacing, immersive world-building, and relevant themes such as, racism, identity, sexism, classism, etc. And while the story’s concept isn’t entirely fresh, it was still a great example of genres blending well together. In fact, I am still thinking about the story in terms of direction as it ended on an abrupt cliffhanger.

But I did have two major gripes with it. One, I wish we’d gotten dual perspectives to add dimension to the plot and fully flesh out the characters. I didn’t dislike our FML’s perspective, but it did limit my experience of the world and the relationships between side characters. Because Nara is initially cagey and mistrusting of others, we only ever see through her harsh lens how the world is and should be. And this sways the reader’s opinions on many things, such as what is true and fair, who is most deserving of justice/compassion, and whether someone is truly good or bad, or simply human. In fact, despite the story wanting to convince the reader that being biased and jumping to conclusions is wrong and dangerous, I found Nara to be constantly in error here.

Two, I felt her relationship with the Wrangler would have made a better impression if it had developed as a true slow burn rather than happening suddenly (the two were constantly at odds until they weren’t). Enemies-to-lovers is a classic trope, but it needed to be handled with more care. I really wanted to see Nara lowering her guard to let someone in, not engaging in physical relations just to purge her lust when it suited her. It made the romance feel a bit cheap and insincere. And I felt bad for the Wrangler, even though he too was flawed. In fact, both characters seemed to use each other and expressed their love on a need bases. So was it really love they shared? I don’t know.

Otherwise, all the story elements worked well to tell a cohesive and engaging tale about two sisters who would do anything for each other, to survive in a world set against them, that perceives women as commodities and people as expendable. I will definitely be reading book two. In fact, I’m annoyed it’s not being published till 2025 (Pretty please send me an eARC Angry Robot, I need to know what’s going to happen!). And whatever Jo Riccioni writes next, I’ll be sure to read. I believe she will only grow as a writer and look forward to witnessing it.

Final resting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5/5 (Rounded up to a 4-star as I cannot give half-stars).

This book was pretty good, I would definitely recommend

~This was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

In a world set after a global contagion, a new way of life has started. Most of the population (that are left) are Branded, physically weaker and prone to catching any illnesses that are around. Plus, they are left with a physical mark at birth, something that shows they are Branded. And then there are the Pure, those who are unbranded, physically stronger and immune to illnesses. And the Pure Women, Mors, are sought after as they can birth more healthy and strong and pure offspring. And in the Citadel, a Pure Woman is pampered and treated well, but also used like a breeding sow.

Nara and her Twin are Pure, though they had not been born in the Citadel. And Nara chafes at the restricted life she has to lead, she wishes to run and hunt in the woods as she had done in her younger years. But when a twist to her life happens makes her a target, and her and her Sister have to run, but may be on a path to save the world.

This was a great book, some solid world-building, and the narrative was easy to follow. I can not wait for the next book in the series.

I was extremely excited to read this book, and even though the first several chapters were a little hard to get through due to the world-building, it was so worth it.

With themes similar to The Handmaid’s Tale, this book is centered around a dystopian society where Pure’s are nobility and kept locked away from the Branded folk. Nara and her sister were taken in once they were discovered to be Pure around 8 years old after their grandma was killed and their home burned by savages. Prior to her death, their grandma raised them in the wilderness as Solitary people, teaching Nara to hunt and her sister Osha to heal.

Though Osha is prepared to face her future as a broodmare for whatever Pure man she is paired with, Nara seeks a different life- which she ends up getting after unexpectedly being exiled from the citadel and the safety of the Pure’s care.

Once you get through the initial world building, which I feel was very needed even if it did make for a slow first few chapters, the story picks up and I was HOOKED.

I read the whole thing in a day, unable to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen, and where Nara would end up next.

The adventure was enthralling, and the love triangle was timeless. Very similar vibes to Fourth Wing in that regard. Along with the whole finding out everything you’ve been raised to believe is a lie. Which I am a SUCKER for.

When I got to the last page, my heart sank. I am devastated that I have to wait for the next one to learn what the future will hold for Nara and Osha. Who is the chosen one? And will Nara’s vision come to fruition? I need to know!!


10/10 will be recommending to everyone I know who enjoys fantasy and dystopian themes!

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I really wanted this to work for me. But when it comes to fantasy, all of this felt just a tad cliche. Corrupt systems and chosen one tropes and having to leave people behind and the entire time I was just gripped with the urge to move on to something a little more interesting.

This wasn’t badly written, I just really wanted more out of it.

3⭐️

This is a book that never really worked for me, I’m sorry to say.

The protagonist Nara, and her twin sister Osha, are both Pure. They live in one of the last bastions of civilization, on the edge of the tundra. Some indeterminate-but-long time before the book began, a pandemic swept the world, leaving many people with marks on their skin referred to as brands. The disease doesn’t kill, but leaves those infected smaller, weaker, and vulnerable to other diseases and infections. The Pure are those few with natural immunity, and it is the duty of Pure women to bear as many children as they can.

Nara, as one would expect of a fantasy book protagonist, chafes against what fate has in store for her. Her life gets complicated when - among many other things happening - she learns that there is a prophecy about a Pure woman who will act as a messiah, curing the world of the disease and eliminating the division between Branded and Pure.

Overall this book was fine. I never felt the urge to DNF it, but it never really gripped me either. It was all very familiar. Redheaded heroine, possibly the Chosen One. Possible misdirection over who the Chosen One actually is. Childhood crushes fading for reasons good and bad; new attractions resisted and acted upon, also for reasons good and bad. People who refuse to explain things or be honest with each other, for no real reasons I can understand. A protagonist coming to realize that the obviously corrupt system she was raised to believe in is obviously corrupt.

As I said, it’s all fine. Nothing bad about it, but nothing that made me feel any particular desire to seek out the sequel when it comes out.

I do have one bit of particular praise, though. This book deals with sexual assault, and it’s handled very well. None of the character-building cliches that happen so often in literature. I don’t want to say much about it because of spoilers, but that part was … satisfying isn’t the right word, but it’s the best I’ve got.

Thank you to Jo Riccioni, Angry Robots, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of The Branded in exchange for my honest review.

Let me tell you, I LOVED this book. It was everything that I never knew I needed and so much more. The world building was outstanding and the characterizations even better. The Branded follows Nara, an orphan who's only surviving family is her twin sister Osha. Nara and Osha have been sequestered in the citadel, raised to be "Mor" or mothers. The world as a whole has been devastated by a plague, that leaves a noticeable brand on the skin. The citadel hosts the "pure" or those who are not branded. Unbranded women are trained to be the ideal mother, in order to pass on their genetics to future generations. The society as a whole if very hierarchical with men at the top. When Nara is forced to flee the citadel, she has mixed emotions as she has always wanted to return to Fornwood, where she grew up, but is without her beloved twin. While Nara is not alone, she finds herself in a position where she must rely on others for help, even those who would betray her to get what they want. Navigating the future, and an ancient prophecy, Nara takes goes on a journey of self-discovery in order to learn what is truth, and what she has been lies.

The branded is a great example of a book that contains both great plot development and good character development. The society in which Nara and Osha live is sexist, racist, and prejudiced. While Nara has always detested have to be a "Mor," when she gets to leave as she has always wanted, she begins to realize that the beliefs she has been raised upon have been deeply ingrained into her way of thinking. I appreciated how these manners where not handled lightly, and they did not just resolve because the main character realized what was happening. The Branded reflects society in several ways, and highlights how just because you are told something, or realize something is wrong, does not mean everyone is going to be willing to change. Nara goes on a big journey throughout this book, both literally and figuratively. By the time the book ended, I was devastated. I wanted more, I craved more. There is a visceral desire to know what happens next, and I do not want to have to wait until book 2 is released to find out.

I am so gutted that there's not a whole series to devour of this already because I need more!

The world-building in this is absolutely phenomenal. We're transported to a fantasy world that has been ravished by a plague that has lowered the immune system of the majority of the human population leaving their skin branded marking them distinctively as a 'Brand'. The Brands are left in poverty to fend for themselves. However, the 'Pure' that are immune to the branding are confined within the safety of the walls of Isfalk where the 'Pure' women, the 'Mor', are rounded up and bred like cattle. It almost has a Handmaid's Tale element to it while set in a fantasy world, which I loved.

Our FMC, Nara, and her twin sister are two Mor that originated from outside Isfalk but because of being 'Pure' have been raised in Isfalk to become breeding stock after tragedy struck their family. Nara is a strong, witty FMC that is able to fight, hunt and speak her mind, which includes not wanting to become part of the breeding stock of Isfalk. Soon, the two sisters find themselves on the run to learn the dark secrets behind Isfalk, which is not all it seems to be, and the uncover their own family history and powers.

The slow-burn romance in this is incredibly slow but boy is it worth it! The chemistry between The Wrangler and Nara has you rooting for them the entire way through the story despite their hurdles along the way.

Not only are the characters well-written, the plot well-executed, and the world-building magnificent but the themes of sexism, ingrained prejudice, and classism are accomplished. This was a five star read for me!

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!

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!

Nara and Osha are orphaned twins living in Isfalk. In Isfalk there are two types of people the disease susceptible, Branded, and the immune strong Pure. The girl live at the citadel being educated as Mor- pure females used for breeding immune strong children. When it’s discovered Nara is branded she is banished from the citadel. Nara comes up with a plan to return to the wilds of the Fornwood. She is forced to accept help from a mysterious Branded, Wrangler. In her attempts to reunite with OSHA and escape to Fornwood she learns of a prophecy that will change the sisters’ lives as they know it.

Things I enjoyed
-the women in this book for being seen more as property were strong females.
-Wranglers quips, he is very cheeky and seems like he knows a lot more than he cares to share.
-the magic, an unexpected addition to the story.
-Haus and Osha boy did I see this from a mile away but I could not love it anymore than I do! I truely appreciate the emotions it brought to the book.
-Haus, his back story his determination and care of other characters. I could follow his lead any day!
-Lyfhort, what isn’t there to love about this bond.
-Fec, I will be using this now. Thank you!

Things I didn’t like:
Brim- he comes across as a blind follower of his upbringing no matter what the world shows him. I wasn’t expecting him to be as whiny as he becomes either.
The love triangle- this bored me. I felt like ya you can like both for different reasons but stop dragging your heels and pick one! And the ending forehead palm slap. To make a complication situation even worse, I just can’t wait to see how this plays out.
-the pacing, it was a little slow to me. I almost gave up but then we get to the moon pools and my patience paid off.

If you are looking for a book with spicy this isn’t it. But the story is very captivating even if it is slow to take off. I would definitely read book two!

I give this one a solid 3.5 stars.

Thanks NetGalley, Jo Riccioni and Angry Robot for the arc in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley & Jo Riccioni for a digital galley of The Branded in exchange for an honest review.

Out of all the fantasy books I’ve read recently, this one was probably my least favorite. With that said, it wasn’t bad – just not as good as many others I’ve recently read.

One big turn off for me were the uber long chapters. I lose interest and become bored really quickly when chapters last FOREVER. That may just be a personal preference, but I feel like if the chapters had been shorter, my opinion might be just the tiniest bit higher.

So many things were done well by the author. The character development, the world building, the lore & main idea of the story were fantastic. The author is obviously very talented.

The main character irritated me to no end & the whole story seemed a little juvenile for my tastes.

I know many readers enjoyed this book, but it is one that I will pass on continuing with for the series.

I am rating it 3-Stars. I will not be promoting it, but I also will not speak negatively of it.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book!!! I was hooked from the beginning. The female lead was strong, feisty and everything you want in a fantasy. I loved the other characters as well and can't wait to watch the growth of them in the next book. This was Handmaid's Tail, witches, a not-necessarily deadly infection, and a little Hunger Games sprinkled into one beautifully written book. One of the relationships gave Daenerys and Khal vibes and I loved that. I also appreciated that the romance did not overpower the plot.

Overall this was a very unique read and I can't wait for book 2!

I want to express my gratitude to Angry Robot for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. From the very start, this book captured my heart and kept me engrossed throughout.

The depiction of breeding in the story stirred up strong emotions in me, evoking anger, yet the portrayal of Nara as a resilient and evolving young woman filled me with hope.

I was completely immersed in the world that was created, a dystopian setting with subtle echoes of other works in the genre yet wholly unique and thoughtfully articulated. This world drew me in and held me captive, adding depth and richness to the overall narrative.

"The Branded” is a rollercoaster of emotions, encompassing feelings of hope, anger, sadness, intrigue, and frustration. I am eagerly anticipating the release of the next and final book in this captivating duology.

Oh my goodness, where to start??? This book grabbed my attention and help it from start to finish! Nara and Osha are a wonderful pair of sisters who have to deal with a world of political deception, propaganda, mystery, and all sorts of revelations. The relationship that the sisters share is very sweet, and goes through a lot of change and growth throughout the novel. The characters all have been incredibly fleshed out and have flaws and strengths that make them incredibly realistic. I am on tenterhooks waiting for the sequel to come out!!!!!!