The Branded cover art

The Branded

The Branded Season, Book 1

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The Branded

By: Jo Riccioni
Narrated by: Leah Filley
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About this listen

Isfalk is divided into two classes – the Branded, who are vulnerable to disease, and the Pure, who are bigger, stronger and immune. Orphaned twins Nara and Osha are sequestered in the citadel, where their unbranded skin entitles them to a life of privilege, as precious breeding stock.

Nara itches to escape her confines and return to the wilds of the Fornwood where she and her sister grew up, but when she is forced to run, she discovers there's much more at stake than her own life. The Branded are on the rise, and the girls are caught up in their prophecies.

Forced to accept the help of a mysterious southern Brand known only as the Wrangler, Nara discovers the latent power lying dormant in uncanny abilities she's had since childhood. But in a world where women are traded as commodities, who can she trust in the lands beyond the Fornwood? What does the Wrangler know about her forgotten childhood? Two sisters without a past hold the weight of the future in their hands.

Shortlisted for the Small Press Network Book of the Year Award

©2022 Jo Riccioni (P)2023 Bolinda Publishing
Dystopian Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction

Critic Reviews

'An outstanding fantasy debut, evocative and thought-provoking.' (Juliet Marillier, author of the Sevenwaters series)

'A rollicking fantasy novel that grounds complex concepts in a pair of fallible, intriguing protagonists and a rich high-fantasy setting that is a genuine pleasure to discover.' (Books+Publishing)

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I loved this book - strong FMC, good world building, interesting love interests. The females gave magical properties, the men are just Ken 😉
It was narrated so very beautifully by an Australian actress which was refreshing for me as an Australian to listen too.

Intriguing story and read beautifully

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