North

by Ann Michelle Harris, Rachel Batiste

A boy who can heal from any injury is destined for a lot of suffering. Kai is orphaned and illegally trapped in slavery. As someone who's lost everything, nothing is as annoying as the spoiled rich girl who walks into the path of his crossbow when he's trying to hunt. A girl with a murdered father and absent mother has a lot to deal with, especially when Cara is a princess whose uncle wants to trap her in a political marriage. But Cara is a fierce warrior determined to prove her worth as she helps her kingdom defend continuing attacks from the North.

Kai's sharp weapons skills and rapid healing power make him just the fighter Cara needs. In the beautiful South Kingdom, Kai's chance encounter with the royal children leads to a very different kind of fairy tale. Life at the palace means danger, prejudice, and political intrigue. But when Kai suddenly disappears, will Cara risk everything to save Kai, and her kingdom, from the queen of the North?


7 hrs. 22 min.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 6, 2025

Reviews

[Sophie Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

North was an interesting concept and I enjoyed some of the world building but felt this could have been developed more. I enjoyed the concept of the Hunter blood and healing properties but felt this only become pivotal to the story at the end. However, this felt hurried and anti-climactic in the end. I received an advance review copy for free, in return for an honest review.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one write a review, when the book itself is indescribable in such an amazing away. I’ll try my best…Harris delivers a story that defies typical YA tropes, blending rich world-building, compelling relationships, and a badass PoC female lead who takes center stage. The romance is equal parts sweet and fierce, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the plot. From the first page, I was hooked, unable to put it down until the end—and even then, I wanted more. This book is fresh, immersive, and utterly captivating. For romantasy lovers, it’s an absolute must-read. Suffice to say, Ann Michelle Harris you have a fan for life 😍

[Max Davine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ann Michelle Harris' North is what so many teenage girls were scrawling away at in their high school notebooks - chiseled teenage boys with razor sharp jaws and full lips and uniquely colored eyes either hues of grey or gold and a quasi-mediaeval setting just renaissance enough for princes and ballgowns but with enough anachronistic comforts that everyone is cleanshaven and there are plastic tubes and syringes in hospitals. Harris' world is caste system lite. The world is extremely basic - the four major kingdoms are called North, East, West, and South. The South is the sunbaked progressive one where royalty hangs slaveowners for cruelty without worrying about taking hit to their economy due to lost production - perhaps the most fantastical element in Harris' work that also features rapidly healing hunters and snakes that turn you to ash on contact.

The titular North is a giant wasteland with a corrupt ruler and just a little bit of political intrigue but nothing that will cause any head scratching or wondering what will happen next. While the dialogue is amateurish, Harris' work is not bad. It could pass for cosy fantasy. Chaste romance, sanitary violence, easy passages that show Harris is a capable writer who in time could come up with something brilliant.

Stories like North have their place. The romance is chaste, the good and evil are absolute and instantly definable, there are no greys, no ambiguities, the violence is sanitary, and Mormons will appreciate the ending. A few more drafts could have ironed out some flaws. But North will not offend, trigger, scare, deeply move, or upset anyone and if that's the read you like then here it is.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read fantasy, but this fairy tale plot intrigued me. And good characters transcend any genre. This novel had great character development, captivating world-building, and a satisfying romance.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints, but the main protagonists are Kai (an orphan boy with an unusual blood type that allows his body to heal quickly from wounds, which is a valuable trait for a warrior) and Cara (a fiercely independent princess whose uncle, the King of the South, wants to marry her off to form a strategic alliance). Although Kai and Cara soon fall in love, they are not permitted to be together because she's royalty and he's a commoner.
Like the Land of Oz, the world is divided into directional quadrants. The North is very cold, and most of its residents are prisoners. Slavery is still allowed. The people are starving, and mercenaries routinely attack citizens in the other regions. The South has an alliance with the East and West to combat the North, but how strong is it really?
As with any good fairy tale, there are morals and parallels with the real world. The author tackles issues such as class, friendship, and loyalty.
This was an enjoyable read—even for someone who doesn't care for fantasy.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading more and more fantasy books and this one really appealed to me. The plot was really intriguing and the characters sounded good.

The characters had fabulous development and were well thought out. And the world building was good.Slavery is still allowed in this world and there were some uncomfortable scenes.

Told from multi viewpoints we see the story from their sides.

There are morals that the reader will learn, and the author tackles subjects such as class, friendship and loyalty.
Many thanks to Book Sirens for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tenesha L. Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An illegally enslaved orphan with the power to rapidly heal himself from physical harm is rescued from a life of bondage by the kingdom’s prince.

After the slaver is put to death and the orphan is officially adopted into the royal family, he must begin to make a life for himself even as political forces seek to use his power for their own social and financial gain.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed this fantasy. This is a mix of strong friendships, political kingdom drama, and strategy with a dash of romance. I wonder if this will remain a stand-alone are continue as a series. Either way, I would read the next book. Give this one a try!

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and beautifully written! North is a captivating journey with vivid worldbuilding and a deeply immersive story. Ann Michelle Harris delivers a powerful narrative full of emotion, rich characters, and unexpected twists. A compelling read that will stay with you long after you finish!

[Elyse Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating plot and characters. Quick read, really enjoyed it!!

[Amanda Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

[Faith Schofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to my friend Roni and to the author, Ann Michelle Harris, for providing me with a copy of this great book! I was in the mood for a good fantasy recently and North really scratched the itch. The world building in this book was just so interesting and unique. I really enjoyed getting to see different parts the world and the way that you can really see Harris’s creativity shine through. The characters were also really fascinating and the plot twists that unfolded throughout the story had me gasping. Overall a great fantasy read and would definitely recommend!!