*An epic, high-concept speculative novel* presents a gripping premise with explosive ideas centered around gender, class, and power, all wrapped in a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seat. The world-building is rich, with the division between the Branded and the Pure providing a deep, thought-provoking backdrop for the story. The class conflict—between the vulnerable, disease-prone Branded and the immune, privileged Pure—offers a unique lens through which to explore societal inequality, making this book more than just an adventure.

The central characters, Nara and Osha, are compelling, particularly Nara, who stands out as a young woman eager to escape her sheltered life and face the dangers of the world beyond the citadel. Their journey from a life of luxury to the brutal realities of the Wastelands is an engaging plot choice, though at times the transition feels a bit abrupt. The stakes are immediately high, and the tension is palpable as the sisters face constant danger and discover new, mysterious aspects of their world.

The introduction of Nara’s powers—linked to her uncanny hunting abilities—adds an exciting supernatural element to the story. However, the development of these powers and their connection to the larger plot feels somewhat rushed, particularly when it comes to Nara’s growing closeness with the Wrangler. While their relationship offers both romantic tension and conflict, it can feel a bit forced, especially considering the brevity with which it develops. The Wrangler himself is an intriguing, morally gray character who adds complexity to the plot, but there’s a missed opportunity to delve deeper into his motivations and backstory, which would have strengthened his dynamic with Nara.

Despite some pacing issues and the rapid unfolding of key events, the narrative momentum remains strong, and the conflicts—both personal and external—are gripping. The themes of gender and class are subtly woven into the narrative, creating a story that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. The exploration of privilege, power, and survival in a fractured world resonates long after the book ends.

While the story doesn't always give characters or relationships the time they deserve to fully develop, the world-building and core conflict make this an engaging read. The novel has immense potential, and with a little more depth in character arcs and emotional beats, it could easily evolve into a standout in the speculative genre. For fans of fast-paced dystopian tales with complex social themes, this novel is certainly worth picking up.

Really enjoyed this dystopian fantasy debut. The world-building is vast and well-developed, the writing is strong, and though there’s a slow-burn romance within it, the plot is rich and complex, full of sister relationships, government secrets and propaganda, disturbing control of women’s bodies (a la Handmaid’s Tale) diverse tribes, mysterious symbols and abilities, a prophecy, and a twist at the end. Immediately started the second installment and can’t wait to see where it goes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

This was so good! 4 stars!!

The story is set in a divided world where the Branded are vulnerable to disease and the Pure are immune. Orphaned twins Nara and Osha live a privileged life in the citadel, but Nara yearns for freedom and the wilds of the Fornwood.
When Nara is forced to flee, she discovers latent powers within herself and gets entangled in the rising prophecies of the Branded. The journey is filled with explosive ideas around gender and class, and the narrative pace keeps you hooked.
What I loved most about this book was the world-building. The concept of a society divided by immunity and the struggles of the Branded was both thought-provoking and engaging. Nara's determination to protect her sister and her quest for freedom resonated with me deeply.
The characters are well-developed, and the slow-burn romance adds another layer of intrigue to the story. It's a tale that explores power, oppression, and the fight for freedom in a unique and captivating way.
Overall, this is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and speculative fiction. Very good

Thank you to NetGalley, Jo Riccioni and Angry Robot for giving me a complimentary copy of The Branded in exchange for an open and honest review.

The Branded had spot-on world building and character development- especially the female characters! The magic system was tasteful and enjoying to read. However, I didn't feel enraptured by the book. I couldn't quite put my finger on why I didn't DNF or why I continued.. the book was OK overall. The abrupt ending was also a little annoying.. but I do think I'll give the second book a shot to see if the duology concludes on a stronger note.

The Branded by Jo Riccioni is a fantasy novel set in a world divided by two classes, the branded and the unbranded. I enjoyed this story and they way the author showed the divide between the classes. I loved the characters and I loved how more and more is revealed slowly over time while Nara traverses a brutal world.

I wanted to like this book. I really enjoyed the concept when I read the description and it very much felt like a me kind of book, unfortunately that wasn’t the case.

I couldn’t get on with the main character, nor could I get on with the supposed romantic interest which was dotted around the book (bare in mind I did only manage around 50% of the book). The language was also something I couldn’t get on with as it kept jolting me out of the story.

I did enjoy the magic concept and I did enjoy the bits where we got to focus on the different characters talents but they felt few and far between. Overall, simply a book not for me but I could see why others would enjoy it.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This was a seriously interesting dystopian read that had me hooked from the start. Set in a bleak future where everyone is “branded” to fit into a strict social order, the system described in the story is all about keeping people in line and under control.

The story follows Josi, who starts off pretty much brainwashed but slowly starts to see through all the lies around her. The world-building is dark and immersive (definitely gives "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" vibes but with its own unique twists). Josi is a solid character to root for; her journey from blind obedience to full-on rebellion is well done. If you're into dystopian stories with big themes like freedom and self-discovery, "The Branded" is worth picking up!

Riccoini has successfully written an excellent introduction novel into a series!! Absolutely loved the world building and characters! Honestly, a fun (as fun as Dystopian can be) and enjoyable read. I found the pacing was good, story development was well done and the characters were easily relatable. Told in first person POV, Nora was a great character. I really am looking forward to more in this series.

And props to beautiful cover art.

I was really loving the start of this one. But past 8% it was so boring I just couldn’t continue there was nothing for me to really grab onto to care about the characters. I was intrigued by the romance at the beginning and was hoping that was going to be enough for me to but it was wasn’t.

The story needed something to hook me and this just didn’t have it.

The book was enjoyable, but I feel there is room for improvement in developing the characters and world-building. But it doesnt elevate any experience to me.

Liked this book and it was interesting to read. I like really much the dystopian plot and i cannot wait the book 2

The excellent start of a new fantasy series featuring intriguing characters and set in a fascinating world.
I liked world building, magical system, and the fleshed out characters.
Can't wait to read the next one
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I was sent a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.....for a full review please see my Amazon and Goodreads accounts

Really enjoyed this fast paced fantasy. Narrated by Nara, the story moves along, the world building is seamless with the action and I found myself involved with the characters. It’s an interesting set up, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I was feeling pretty nuetral about this book for the first half but things really started to pick up and I ended up really liking it.

The story is set in a dystopian world where disease has essentially wiped out the "Old World". Most people are born with a visible mark on their bodies that is referred to as a "brand" and is supposed to indicate that they are weaker and more prone to disease. People born without a brand are "Pure" and they basically run shit. The marks are genetic so they are essentially just running a massive breeding program trying to get Pures to have babies with other Pures to repopulate the world and of course women are treated like livestock. There are some Handmaid's Tale vibes and a pretty standard awful class system. You start out with a very narrow understanding of the world, and as you move through the story and travel throughout the continent you're able to get a better picture of how utterly messed up everything is.

Nara is your typically fiery fmc that strains against the bonds of the life she was born into. I thought at first maybe she was going to be too predictable (and sometimes that was the case) but there were times when she made me laugh out loud with her antics. There was a decent amount of action and twists. I was entirely satisfied with the romance, its a slowwww burn. Enemies to maybe friends who wanna see each other naked then back to enemies, then lovers and then, and then and then.. it's honestly great. The ending is kind of a cliffhanger so I'm really looking forward to continuing the series.

Interesting world building, but I wanted to know more as a personal preference. The Branded is a unique story, bordering on a fantasy dystopia where there is a clear dissension between the classes, a nod to a health pandemic, and a society that oppresses women.

It was a bit hard to read at times, in terms of content, but again it was a personal preference. I enjoyed the writing style, and the foundation of this world.

Overall an enjoyable read.

This book was really fast paced and a great start to a series. The world building was well written, immersing readers into the very unique dystopian aspects of this story. The characters were also very well written, including an immense amount of depth to the story. Thank you Angry Robot Books for sending me this book.

The Branded surprised me; it was rather slow in the beginning with the Handmaids Tale, forced/coerced breeding, but then turned into something more fresh and exciting. I imagine we will return to that plot point, but liked that it didn’t continue to be an central to the story as we progressed,

I loved Nara, plus the Narkat nickname was pretty cute. I liked the relationship between Nara and Osha as the “flamehead” twins with the added dynamic of the hunter and healer. I liked starting to get a glimpse into the world of magic with the sways and intrigued as to where this story is going. I also liked Nixim with Nara and I need to know what happens next!

Pretty quick read, but very enjoyable and like the direction this series is going in. Looking forward to the next instalment!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of The Treasures of Egypt. All opinions of this ARC are honest, unfiltered, and solely my own.

ok, first and foremost, can we talk about the cover? Um, spectacular. This is one of those books I am immediately attracted to for the shelf aesthetic. As a bonus, it also happens to be fabulous to read. Incredibly well-written, intricate yet tangible storylines, great character building, and the romance? Uh, *chef's kiss. This one really had me turning page after page and enjoying every minute of the experience. I felt connected to Riccioni's writing style in a way I truly fell in love with. After this experience, I would read anything she put out. Thank you.