Growing up in the kingdoms of Wenderall, Kiva Meridan has known political disrest her entire life. The only way she has survived ten years in Zalindov, a brutal prison camp, is the job of Prison Healer, which her father trained her in before he died. When Tilda Corentine, the leader of the rebellion, is captured and brought to Kiva’s infirmary, she faces a sentence worse than death: four trials which have never been survived, and are only achievable by those born with elemental magic. The only problem? Tilda is sick, barely able to move or open her eyes, let alone face four grueling Ordeals. Surprising everyone, even herself, Kiva volunteers in Tilda’s place. If she can survive, she has the chance of freedom for herself and for the Rebel Queen, but that chance is slim for a girl with no power over the elements. Kiva finds unlikely friends, mysterious love interests, and is deceived by false identities. Lynnette Noni’s writing is riveting, full of twists and turns and coded messages, and will have you at the edge of your seat. Her use of colloquial speech characterizes each personality in an engaging and unique way, and elements of magical realism are integrated with ease, creating a fantasy world that is relatively uncomplicated and easy for the reader to step into. If you are a lover of suspense, slow burn romance, and fantasy, this book is for you!

Reviewed by: OHS Student Scarleht