My journey into The Prison Healer began with a surge of anticipation, but it sadly fell short of achieving its potential. Perhaps my experience was influenced by the audiobook format, which I found excruciatingly slow and monotonous. This sluggish pace hindered my investment in the characters and their struggles. Moreover there were a lot of repetitions.
The Zalindov prison setting, undeniably unique, wasn’t explored to its full capacity even if it was good to see a whole story developed in one place.
Despite being presented as the focal point, the prison trials were not engaging challenges. However, the water test provided one of the book’s most beautiful romantic moments.
Nothing much happened and this volume can be seen only as an introduction to the saga.
Though Kiva‘s survival instinct is commendable, her naivety, particularly towards her family (for ten years!), sometimes grated on my nerves. But the ending served as a refreshing reminder that kindness can inspire loyalty and even self-sacrifice. This element, showcasing the power of the protagonist’s goodness, resonated positively.
The concluding twist, while surprising, hardly felt worth enduring the prolonged stretches of tedium. I couldn’t help but predict the predictable: Kiva versus friends in the second book, followed by family in the third.
Never apologize for loving someone. Even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts.