[Skye’s Review]: The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

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.

From bestselling author Lynette Noni comes a dark, thrilling YA fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, and Sabaa Tahir.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Attention all YA Fantasy fans, The Prison Healer is a book that needs to be on your radar. This debut is chock full of lovable characters along with an intense, anxiety-inducing plot and setting. As I’m sure you’ve deduced from the title, this book takes place in a prison. But, what you don’t know is that Zalindov prison is unlike any other. This prison is notorious. The inmates are as ruthless and deadly as you can imagine. This unique setting alone should be enough to entice you to pick up this book.

If you need more reasons to check out this book, allow me to introduce the characters that will steal your heart. Kiva is our main character and the healer at Zalindov. Kiva has been a prisoner in Zalindov for 10 years–since she was 7 years old. She became the prison healer at the age of 12 after the previous healer died. Kiva survives by not allowing herself to grow attached to any of her patients and fellow inmates–except for Tipp. Tipp, my favorite character, is the most innocent, sweet 11 year old you can imagine.  Ever since Tipp’s mom died, Kiva has taken him under her wing. Tipp works as her helper in the infirmary. Believe me when I say Tipp is the sweetest cinnamon roll ever. He deserves all of the happiness in the world. Next, we have Jaren. Jaren is a new inmate that befriends both Kiva and Tipp. Kiva tries to keep him at arm’s length, but it proves difficult when he continuously shows up in the infirmary. Last, but certainly not least, we have Naari. Naari is a guard at Zalindov who actually shows Kiva kindness–rare behavior for a guard.

I’m really excited to read the next book in this series! The author ended this book perfectly. She left us desperate for more. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

TW: talk of self-harm (cutting), sexual harassment, violence, scenes of physical and emotional abuse, bullying, and torture.

Skye

Hi, I’m Skye! I’m a college student by day and a bookstagrammer and book blogger by night. 😉 I’m also fluent in the language of sarcasm, so my kryptonite in any book is great witty banter.

Check out my Instagram account if you want to see my latest book obsessions! Also, feel free to reach out to me on social media if you ever need someone to fangirl with! I love meeting new bookish friends. 🙂