Heather’s Bookshelf: Powerful Purples
Author: Nikki Minty
Released: 10/15/21
Genre: YA Fantasy/SciFi
“Panic rips through me as the pressure of someone’s hand pressing against my shoulder stirs me awake. My eyes flick open to find Kenneth standing above me, and I scream—well at least I try to. He drops to his haunches, and cups my mouth, smothering the sound.”
“Powerful Purples” picks up right where Ruby Red left off. This is the third installment in the Zadok Series and will be reviewed as a stand alone book. If you don’t want spoilers for the series or previous books, don’t read ahead! Instead, check out the reviews for the first novel, Pastel Pink, or the second, Ruby Red.
Powerful Purples follows several new points of view and a couple of familiar voices too. Harlow’s still in the middle of a love triangle but she’s been locked away in a castle where Alex can keep a close eye on her and the babies. Everyone’s safety is at risk if Alex’s mother- the queen- figures out their secret.
Meanwhile, the ceremony continues back in Winter where events are set in motion that will forever change many of our favorite characters. Their decisions and actions result in a mass exodus to the Drake village and a plan to get back Harlow.
Trigger Warning: adult language, violence, attempted rape, descriptions of forced abortion, murder
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It is not a stand alone and should be read after the previous two novels. However, it wrapped everything up from the first two stories nicely and included storylines from all of the main characters. All of your favorites are still around plus development of some of the lesser known characters. Zannah’s voice and point of view were a welcome addition—- relatable, honest, and hilarious. I felt that the author stayed true to the main protagonist as well and kept Harlow’s reactions and responses consistent with her behaviors from the other novels. The only thing I would have liked to see is more of a wrap up or relation back to Harlow as Ruby- interaction with her sister or a transition away from that life and to her new one. It was such a big part of the first tale and such an interesting way to tell the story that I think a nod to it would have been nice in the end. But I am being nit-picky…as a series I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and the world they live in.
I ended up checking out this book on mixed platforms (Audible and ebook). I absolutely recommend this on audiobook. Like the other stories, each of the voice actors are clear and easy to listen to.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
This third book wraps up tales from the previous stories in a satisfying read
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Nikki Minty
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or Audible
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