Lets talks The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

 Hello readers, welcome back! 

I actually read this series 2 years ago, and have only just gotten round to writing a review. I stumbled upon The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni while shelving in the bookshop. There was a quote from Maria V. Snyder on the cover, and immediately knew I was going to love this book. And, I wasn't wrong... 

At Zalindov, the only person you can trust is yourself.

Seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan is a survivor. For ten years, she has worked as the healer in the notorious death prison, Zalindov, making herself indispensable. Kept afloat by messages of hope from her family, Kiva has one goal and one goal only: stay alive.

Then one day the infamous Rebel Queen arrives at the prison on death's door and Kiva receives a new message: Don't let her die. We are coming.

The queen is sentenced to 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. Aware the sickly queen has little chance of making it through the Trials alive, Kiva volunteers to take her place. If she succeeds, both she and the queen will be granted their freedom.

But no one has ever survived.

And 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. 

From the very first sentence, "Death arrived at twilight", I knew this was going to be good. 

Set within Zalindov Prison in Evalon, one of the kingdoms of Wenderall, Kiva has been an inmate and the prison healer for 10 years, after arriving as a prisoner with her father aged 7. Although the book takes place within the prison walls, the plot takes us to so many quarters, such as the infirmary, quarry, stables, aquifer and gallows. I loved this because you feel like you're exploring with the characters and it was very reminiscent of Poison Study, which is predominantly set within the Commander's castle, so an instant win. 

I loved the three main characters; Kiva, Jaren and Tipp. It was refreshing to have the mmc introduced as a friend rather than an enemy, and watching Kiva let her guard down and trust was beautiful.

The book is written in the 3rd person narrative, which works well as you aren't influenced by Kiva's bias and really get to know each character objectively.

This is a YA fantasy, and so there isn't any "spice" or heavy romance but don't let that put you off, the friendship, action and twists more than make up for it! Plus, I'm a firm believer that if an author is good at writing, they don't need to state the obvious, I can infer...

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni is full of magic, action, adventure, and high-stakes. It is now a firm favourite. 

Until next time, readers!