Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - The Prison Healer

Reviews tagging 'Sexual violence'

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

62 reviews

emmyb's review against another edition

3.0

I have mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, it cured my reading slump with its fast pace and easily digestible prose. On the other, I didn't connect with the characters deeply enough, leaving the emotional depth the author was attempting to create feeling forced.

The story quickly sucked me in and was very engaging throughout the first 100 or so pages, but I started to get bored and speed read the second half of this book. If the trials aspect of this book appealed to you most, prepare to be disappointed. They were extremely anticlimactic, required no actual effort or skill from Kiva, and she only survived them because one person directly helped her all four times (I'd hardly call this a spoiler--it's the first book in a series, the main character was always going to make it out alive).
The four trials were incredibly lackluster:

trial 1: a really long, impossible jump at a tall height. The prince saves her by breaking her fall.
trial 2: survive for 10 minutes without burning alive inside a crematorium. The princess gives her a magical necklace that keeps her from burning.
trial 3: tied to the bottom of a water pit for 15 minutes. surprise! Jaren has magic and saves her.
trial 4: escape a tunnel maze. Jaren gets thrown in with her as punishment and uses his magic to literally just show them the path out.

A lot of this book felt very flimsy. Even though life in the prison is harsh for the prisoners, they have a LOT of freedom--they're allowed to roam around the grounds however they please, are never subjected to pat-downs or security searches of any kind. There were never many guards around, and when they were present, the inmates weren't handcuffed or bound in any way. It also felt way too convenient that this infamous traitor queen was so casually placed in the infirmary with only a few healers and one guard at a time on watch. With her importance and high number of enemies she's said to have, why didn't anyone try to break in and harm her? Kiva was also always conveniently saved or favored by powerful people without much reason.

With all this being said, the reveals at the ending shocked me, and the cliffhanger was good enough to make me interested in giving book 2 a try.

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anushar's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

The book was predictable and yet somehow I completely devoured it. It’s plot line is basic and there was maybe one plot twist (a minor one) in this entire book that I was mildly shocked by. That being said, this book was addicting and I read it in a weekend. I found the characters to be lovable, although the writing did drag a bit. I thought the initial plot was very reminiscent of throne of glass, which was probably why I was able to predict so much. However the ending left me wondering what road our main character would go down, because it almost insinuated an evil-ish character arc that has me very intrigued. Anyway I will definitely be reading the next book, even though this was more of a 3.75/5 stars.

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astralbooks's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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jolovestoread's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

What a surprise of an ending. The beginning is slow. I wonder if the Rebel Queen hadn't of been mentioned in the blurb if this would have added more tension earlier on. However I don't know what else to have included to make the blurb standout. I read this slowly and wouldn't liked to have been forced to read it quicker for a readathon or some other goal. However the final 100 pages were fantastic. So many twists and turns and that LAST PAGE PACKED A PUNCH. I cannot WAIT for the next book, thank heavens it's going a month and a half until it comes out.

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louise_o's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Guessed that Jaren was the prince but didn’t guess that Kiva was Tilda’s daughter. Romance fell a little flat but that probably just because I was rooting for the rebels the whole time so didnt really like Jaren. We better get an amazing betrayal scene in book 2

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motherofheleus's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I felt betrayed by the ending--in the best possible way. However, I still felt as though Kiva betrayed me and I'm apprehensive, excited, and, more than a little, frightened to see what happens next!

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cheseliz's review

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

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readundancies's review

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challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

When I first picked up The Prison Healer, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

The first half of the book is very much meant to set up the events of the second, but it does so with a rather slow and meandering pace. So while I was invested and entertained, I was not so engrossed that I couldn’t put it down. I think that has a bit to do with the world-building itself.

Now don't get me wrong, the world-building as a whole was not poor, but I wanted more out of it, especially since we were supposed to be in a prison setting. I never truly got a proper feel of Wenderall, let alone Zalindov, and I'm not sure if that's because I really wanted to feel fear in it's imposing presence or because the map and it's gorgeous design wasn't enough in comparison to what the writing actually depicted of the setting.

(AN ASIDE: Regarding the map(s), Francesca Baerald you wily ass cartographer you - I'm no artist but damn, that is how you map people. The compass at the bottom of the world map is simply parfait.)

But world-building aside, the slow plot progression of the first half gives way to the much more invigorating and suspenseful second half, with all the truth bombs and heavy twists that I was waiting for.

Yes, I say waiting for because in terms of plot predictability, I'm giving this an arbitrary rating of 90%. Which is not actually to the books detriment, because I thought the decisions made in terms of plot were executed really well, even though I knew they were bound to occur. Some context might be helpful here in terms of my exact thoughts when certain reveals were made:

About Jaren: “I knew it” - Not completely in terms of accuracy but I was essentially close enough that it doesn't even matter.
About Kiva: “I fuckin’ knew it” - This one I saw coming a mile away. The moment the jealousy induced tragedy of a history between Evalon's royalty was told just cemented Kiva's role in everything.
About Tilda: “Okay, cool. Cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool.” - This one got me. I thought it was an interesting twist, but also was kinda meh about it at the same time because it also put the entirety of Kiva's character into question at the end and I have a love-hate relationship with unreliable narration.

Speaking of relationships, the relationship between Jaren and Kiva is definitely hinting at a slow burn. But Kiva’s got some mountains to traverse that will not be like climbing molehills when it comes to cultivating that relationship because one side has revealed quite a bit about themselves and the other, not so much. Can we talk about the slow burn though? Because I need it. I need it like air and water and the sequel.

The characterization within the novel was done well for the most part. I'm not in love with Jaren or Kiva, but I'm 100% behind Naari and Tipp even though I feel like there's still more we can get out of their characters. The Warden Rooke and Cresta acted as fairly tolerable antagonists but in terms of actual threats? I wasn't convinced.

I'm interested to see how all the political machinations are going to come into play in The Gilded Cage, especially because Kiva seems extremely naive considering she's got no idea how the outside world actually works since she's been in prison for the better part of a decade and also because the role she seems destined to play is not one in which you can just slip into that easily. Also, Kiva’s family better have some damn good reasons of atonement because I’m not impressed with their lack of efforts with respect to prison break. Unless of course there's a more sinister reason behind it

(like maybe they're meant to be the true endgame villains?)

in which case, yes please.

All of this is just to say, that yes, this book was great.

Yes, I will be picking up the sequel.

And yes, you should too.

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larainsidebooks's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I picked this up because I wanted to read something with a plot twist that would left me surprised. It's been a while since I read something that completely surprised me and blew my mind, but this was a perfect book for this feeling!

There is so much in here than just being in a prison for 10 years. There are mysteries to be solved, the past that haunts you, a hope of being rescued, a rebel movement rising (both inside and outside of prison) and Kiva is just in the middle of all of it. And then Jaren shows up. He is kind, considerate, protective and everything else you could imagine about a potential

love interest

.

I loved Naari and Kiva as characters. Kiva is so layered and I love the way she thinks. As the prison healer, she is responsible for the lives of new inmates, as well as for everyone else who gets hurt or ill. The stomach virus isn't exactly helping, and it's no surprise that the problems she faces just keep piling up. Especially with the arrival of the Rebel Queen, who Kiva must keep alive (for various reasons).

Like this all isn't enough, Kiva volunteers to take her place to fight for their lives in the Trial by Ordeal, which means if Kiva wins, they are both free. However, if Kiva fails, the Queen dies.

The whole plot about the Trials was less interesting to me, as I was sure that Kiva could make it, but I was more intrigued about the mysterious sickness that was spreading through the prison.

Kiva's backstory was so wonderfully explained, through flashbacks and her tender conversations with Jaren. I loved how the author didn't shy away from discussing heavy topics like addictions, grief and self-harm. All of that really added to the story in the best way possible.

MY SPOILER THOUGHTS BELOW

AZGWAGFZFHAFH THE REBEL QUEEN IS KIVA'S MOTHER AFAZVBAFVH
this explains why she wanted to hear the story about Kiva's father again
I also can't imagine how hard it must've been for Kiva to try to keep her alive, not just because Cresta threathened her, but because she was her mother!!!

I have to say, Jaren's identity was constantly in the back of my mind, but even when I was almost sure that he was the prince, when he saved Kiva during the Trial by Water, I suspected that he was just some "anomaly", as he said that there could be people not of the royal bloodline who had the powers!

Also, the fact that Jaren (can't and won't stop calling him that) goes by his middle name in the prison and that only friends and family call him that makes me think of Poppy and Hawke (From Blood and Ash)!

As for Kiva's powers, since she was the healer and the moment they were discussing the two bloodlines with different powers, something in the back of my mind stirred and whispered: "Could this mean something for Kiva??" Of course I forgot about that so I was still shocked when her true origin was revealed. Even if I figured that she must have healing magic, I would've considered her not of royal blood, so that made the final reveal even more shocking!

I knew going into this that I can expect plot twists and I imagined something with an identity switch, but even knowing that, this book really shocked me!

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peculiarb's review

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tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This review can also be found on Bookstacked: https://bookstacked.com/reviews/book-reviews/the-prison-healer-review-lynette-noni/

After being captured with her father when she was seven, Kiva has endured ten years in what is essentially a death camp where prisoners are worked to death in horrid conditions. As the prison healer, she is tasked with overseeing new arrivals and branding them, which weighs heavily on her. Combined with her close association with the Warden, she finds herself at odds with most of the prison population, so she keeps to herself, going out of her way to form as little connection as possible.

This isolation is a central aspect of Kiva’s character as she finds herself facing the unexpected in a new guard and inmate. Given all she’s endured, she’s very slow to open up, but she’s never pushed into it. Both Jaren and Naari take care to respect her boundaries, physical and mental, until she herself is ready. I found this aspect of the book particularly moving as Noni takes care to emphasise just how careful the two are towards Kiva, through dialogue as well as body language.

Another central aspect of her character is the guilt she carries. Despite the brutal conditions of life at Zalindov, each brand she makes and each patient she loses weigh on her. A prominent subplot of The Prison Healer is her extensive search to find the source of the plague, during which she goes above and beyond for fellow inmates that all but spit on her when she passes. Above all, Kiva is kind and that shines through her every action.

Jaren and Naari provide the support Kiva needs to grow throughout the story. Jaren’s easygoing and lighthearted attitude in the midst of Zalindov sets him appart from most other prisoners, whereas Naari’s honour is what shines in her characters. Along with 11 year old Tipp, they work tirelessly to help Kiva survive, both the Trials and prison life.

As far as the plot goes, The Prison Healer is very dynamic. There wasn’t a single dull moment throughout the book as Noni fills in the weeks between the Trials with all sorts of interesting subplots. Other than the plague, Noni infuses life in the infirmary with anticipation, while venturing outside carries its own dangers from guards and inmates alike. I was happy that it wasn’t all action, however. Kiva’s memories, her interactions with others, even just walking from place to place are full of interesting information on the characters and life in Zalindov.

Noni’s worldbuilding is focused on Zalindov. Kiva is barely aware of what happens outside the gates, so the readers only have access to what other characters offer. This was an interesting decision as it allows Noni to concentrate on the details of the prison, making the world come alive. Even when there are few characters present, it feels like the infirmary is bustling with activity while Kiva’s venturing around the prison grounds provides a scale of the activites and the place itself.

A note on the world: Noni doesn’t sugarcoat life in Zalindov. While the depictions of violence and death are not gratuitous, they are present throughout, as is the threat of violence (physical, mental, and sexual) and Kiva’s fear of it. Showcasing the brutality of it all only emphasises how kind Kiva is, and how corrosive unchecked power is.

Overall, this book surprised me. I thought I could predict the overall plot, but I barely got anything right, with plot twists only seeming obvious after the fact. The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni is excellent, the latter half especially blew my mind and placed it firmly among my favourites of 2021.

Trigger warnings include blood, violence, death, self harm, torture, child abuse.

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