Jo Riccioni’s The Branded: A Must-Read Book Review
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Jo Riccioni’s The Branded is an outstanding fantasy debut that thrusts readers into the divided world of Isfalk, where orphaned twins Nara and Osha must navigate the harsh realities of their society. In this high-concept speculative novel, unbranded skin entitles the twins to a privileged life in the citadel as precious breeding stock, but Nara’s fiery spirit yearns for freedom. When she is forced to flee, she encounters a mysterious southern Brand, the Wrangler, who reveals the latent power lying dormant within her. As Nara and Osha become entwined in the rising prophecies of the Branded, the story unfolds with explosive ideas and a quick-fire narrative pace. Drawing comparisons to Juliet Marillier, The Branded is a compelling read that delves into themes of gender, class, and power, setting the stage for an epic journey in the Warrior Bards series.
When I went into The Branded, I didn’t have any real expectations for it. I had never heard of the book and had never read from the author before. Pitched as a story that is a cross between The Handmaid’s Tale and Mad Max. And I have to say that pitching was spot on.
Title: The Branded (The Branded Season, 1)
Author: Jo Riccioni
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Concept Speculative Fiction
Star Rating: 4 stars
Spice Rating: 1 chili peppers
The Review
The story initially throws us into Nara’s world with zero context. It is hard to relate with the characters with no understanding or background as to why they are where they are in the first place. Eventually, that reasoning and understanding do come. We get bits and pieces until the deluge hits, revealing the reasoning behind why everything is the way it is.
In turn, I can’t help but wonder if the story isn’t for me. Maybe it’s the wrong time to devour this particular tale. In the first 50 pages (while laying groundwork) nothing happens to spark interest and investment (and the repetition that they are for show and breeding being knocked into my head REPEADTLY does little for the waning interest.) The story flutters just beneath the surface of intriguing and captivating. The words get lost in the wind of a story being told, forgetting the moment they are uttered into my consciousness.
But let’s back up a little, and give some initial context to the story. A long time ago (we are talking centuries) the Brume virus came and swept across the land. It decimated the continent branding the majority of the survivors while a small minority remained untouched. The ones infected by the “disease” were Branded with midnight blue flecks splattered along their skin like ink flick upon the surface. Having been branded by the disease means that you are more susceptible to sickness.
“Through Pairing and Progeny to Purpose”
Those without are The Pure. And it is just what the name says. Their skin is Pure no blemishes and markings. Never been infected. They are the “prized possessions”. Living like queens in the citadel. The citadel essentially uses them as breeding cows. Once they finish their schooling and complete their Pairing, they must birth a child every year. Throwing themselves into motherhood to make strong warriors for the race. But, there is a catch to this (of course there is, and no I won’t tell you because I think that would be in spoiler land.)
The Branded doesn’t officially pick up until page 60. Throwing in a twist that you would never see coming, setting the hook, and making the ascent.
What I don’t understand (read the book so we can have a chat about it PLEASE) is that they talk about the virus as if it is a person, living and breathing. Inflicting its machinations upon a selected few. With a line that says “It is not the Brume that kills but it’s henchmen”. I hope book two, “The Rising,” expands upon it.
“Show me what you’ve got, Little Scourge.”
Eventually, the Branded blooms into a magical little tale. With excellent foreshadowing, leaving crumbs and revealing with each step taken. Feeling like the warmth of a cup of tea sitting against your hands on a frigid day.
Nara’s character development is a sight to behold. Starting a pampered princess who longs for the outside world with severe prejudices into a woman who fights for what is happening beyond the walls. For what is right.
A testament to The Branded’s progress and buy-in to the story is that Nara’s question become my own. How did her father come by the special gold? When the same emblem is stamped into a coin, it signifies a mark of authenticity or a symbol of authority, often representing the issuing body or government. However, this raises questions about plot holes that I hope are answered in The Branded Season book 2. Who or what are the Reis? What is their significance? These questions flutter around in my brain, like butterflies long after I have finished. Wanting, NEEDING answers!
But with this glowing review also comes some gripes. One from a reader’s perspective The Branded would have been better coming from a dual POV. One of course from Nara’s but also one perspective from a Branded like maybe Wrangler’s with them eventually converging into one. Not only are the Branded major players in the storyline but so is Wrangler. Giving more dimension to the story.
“Come on. Back to me, Nara.” I like the sound of my name in his mouth…”
Nara mistrusts everyone (and rightfully so for the lies she has been fed). But because of that lack of trust, the story feels one-sided. Convincing you (because it is the only thing you know) that what she sees and how she sees it is correct. Not allowing you to formulate your own thought processes about which side you stand on.
Point two is that the relationship between Wrangler and Nara feels rushed. And I wish there was a little more tension and angst. But, I think this goes back to Nara’s mistrust. The two were constantly at odds with one another, and then BOOM—they kiss. Back at odds, they eventually engage in sex (which I think would be considered closed-door, though we do get some vague descriptions). Then back at odds. If their relationship had taken a longer approach she would have been able to let someone fully in, instead of trying to rid herself of being in love with her best friend and using Wrangler to do it.
Overall, once The Branded’s storyline hooks you, it becomes an engaging tale you won’t want to put down. I will be picking up book two when it releases in 2025 (ugh!)
Thank you to Angry Robot Books for sending me a copy of The Branded. Please send me a copy of The Rising. I am dying to know how the story ends!
Check Out These Posts:
A Rivalry of Hearts: A Tale of Love, Conflict, and Redemption