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The Kidnapped Novice : A Lost Souls of Eraphon Novella
Not yet published
Expected 8 Aug 26What Honora thought would be the best day of her life turned out to be a nightmare.
On her trial day, Honora expected to open a portal into her Uncle’s office, obtain the highest level in the coven hierarchy, and move on with her life. Instead, the interim ruler of the underworld walked through. Now kidnapped and imprisoned in the dungeons of Gehenna, she must rely on her new allies to escape.
But, deep in the caves and great halls of the underworld, there are whispers of a prophecy. One that involves a witch bride who will unite the covens under the King of the Underworld’s rule once again. Now, Honora must use her wits to break free from her enemy and a wedding she never wanted.
On her trial day, Honora expected to open a portal into her Uncle’s office, obtain the highest level in the coven hierarchy, and move on with her life. Instead, the interim ruler of the underworld walked through. Now kidnapped and imprisoned in the dungeons of Gehenna, she must rely on her new allies to escape.
But, deep in the caves and great halls of the underworld, there are whispers of a prophecy. One that involves a witch bride who will unite the covens under the King of the Underworld’s rule once again. Now, Honora must use her wits to break free from her enemy and a wedding she never wanted.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 8, 2026
About the author
G.V. Hext
2 books40 followersBorn and raised in Upstate New York, G.V. Hext can usually be found either writing, reading, or snuggling with one of her pets. Her love for fantasy and romance catapulted her into worlds of mystery and heartbreak, both of which she embraces in her books. She hopes you agree
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 🌟
What I love about this series is that nothing is ever as it seems. What appears prima facie defective is not necessarily flawed, and the golden child suddenly doesn't seem so golden after all.
This novella follows Nora's katabasis into the underworld during the events of The Vatra Witch; recontextualising the first book from the other side of the portal.
Characters
Nora is not the character I expected, which is why I admire G.V. Hext's writing. Her stories are populated by multi-faceted and morally complicated characters, whose identities are constantly redefined by war, survival and the burden of protecting those they love. Although Nora initially appears pampered and slightly judgemental on the surface, we're quickly introduced to her grittier persona. One who makes impulsive decisions and endures inhumane conditions. Though she still remains stubborn, I was surprised by her intelligence and strategic resourcefulness despite her circumstances. I loved watching her character develop once she quickly realises no rescue is coming and that she must save herself.
The banter between Nora and an incorporeal Shadow Man haunting her was hilarious! The second he opened his mouth, I knew their dynamic would be entertaining. She throws pillows straight through him; he insists on calling her Little Dove… lol.
It was the perfect balance of levity amidst an otherwise dark and bleak plot narrative.
There were also twists I was not expecting!
Every time I pick up a G.V. Hext book from now on, I know I will get moral whiplash. The series in its entirety, invites you to reevaluate the traditional notions of good and evil. It subverts the classic "Overcoming the Monster" plot (from Christopher Booker's The Seven Basic Plots) that presumes a clear moral binary between the hero and the beast. Hext redefines this dichotomy by disassembling the taxonomy of the monster.
Rather than presenting evil as something inherited (by darkness or by status in society or even, by species), she gives the reader agency to reassign the label of the "monster". In doing so, she compels readers to reconsider who benefits from the label of "monster" and how perspective itself constructs moral judgement.
Who is the real betrayer, and who are Nora's true allies?
Nora descends into the underworld only to discover it possesses more humanity than expected. This is precisely why Sera and Nora function so effectively as narrative foils; each character functions to challenge the assumptions through which we judge the other.
Ultimately, this is a story of survival and sacrifice. As much as I hope for the best for these characters I've come to love, I know better. This wouldn't be a Hext novel if survival came freely.
There is a tandem reading guide on the author's site!
🩷 Tropes:
🔮 Prophecies
🔥 Strong Female Characters
🖤 Shadow Daddy
🩸 Demon bargains
🕯️ Gothic dungeon-esque atmosphere
🖤 Morally grey characters
👭🏽 Sisterly bonds
💔 Emotional Damage
💪🏼 Survival
🌶️ Spice:
No spice in this novella — but the series overall is a 2/5 🌶️🌶️
Recommendation:
If you like Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, or Amber V. Nicole books for the epic plot and strong female characters, you would love this series!
Thank you G.V. Hext for the eARC!
What I love about this series is that nothing is ever as it seems. What appears prima facie defective is not necessarily flawed, and the golden child suddenly doesn't seem so golden after all.
This novella follows Nora's katabasis into the underworld during the events of The Vatra Witch; recontextualising the first book from the other side of the portal.
Characters
Nora is not the character I expected, which is why I admire G.V. Hext's writing. Her stories are populated by multi-faceted and morally complicated characters, whose identities are constantly redefined by war, survival and the burden of protecting those they love. Although Nora initially appears pampered and slightly judgemental on the surface, we're quickly introduced to her grittier persona. One who makes impulsive decisions and endures inhumane conditions. Though she still remains stubborn, I was surprised by her intelligence and strategic resourcefulness despite her circumstances. I loved watching her character develop once she quickly realises no rescue is coming and that she must save herself.
The banter between Nora and an incorporeal Shadow Man haunting her was hilarious! The second he opened his mouth, I knew their dynamic would be entertaining. She throws pillows straight through him; he insists on calling her Little Dove… lol.
Nora ripped one of the pillows from behind her and chucked it at the shadow. It sailed right through his torso. “That was rude.” Nora shrugged her shoulders. “At least I know you can’t hurt me.”
"You are shaking like a dove with a broken wing."
It was the perfect balance of levity amidst an otherwise dark and bleak plot narrative.
There were also twists I was not expecting!
Every time I pick up a G.V. Hext book from now on, I know I will get moral whiplash. The series in its entirety, invites you to reevaluate the traditional notions of good and evil. It subverts the classic "Overcoming the Monster" plot (from Christopher Booker's The Seven Basic Plots) that presumes a clear moral binary between the hero and the beast. Hext redefines this dichotomy by disassembling the taxonomy of the monster.
Rather than presenting evil as something inherited (by darkness or by status in society or even, by species), she gives the reader agency to reassign the label of the "monster". In doing so, she compels readers to reconsider who benefits from the label of "monster" and how perspective itself constructs moral judgement.
Who is the real betrayer, and who are Nora's true allies?
Nora descends into the underworld only to discover it possesses more humanity than expected. This is precisely why Sera and Nora function so effectively as narrative foils; each character functions to challenge the assumptions through which we judge the other.
Ultimately, this is a story of survival and sacrifice. As much as I hope for the best for these characters I've come to love, I know better. This wouldn't be a Hext novel if survival came freely.
There is a tandem reading guide on the author's site!
🩷 Tropes:
🔮 Prophecies
🔥 Strong Female Characters
🖤 Shadow Daddy
🩸 Demon bargains
🕯️ Gothic dungeon-esque atmosphere
🖤 Morally grey characters
👭🏽 Sisterly bonds
💔 Emotional Damage
💪🏼 Survival
🌶️ Spice:
No spice in this novella — but the series overall is a 2/5 🌶️🌶️
Recommendation:
If you like Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, or Amber V. Nicole books for the epic plot and strong female characters, you would love this series!
Thank you G.V. Hext for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm lucky enough to be part of the permanent ARC team, so received this as an ARC!
I absolutely devoured this book, like I could not put it down. I wasn't expecting to enjoy being in Nora's head as much as I did. She definitely isn't the easiest character to love, especially after meeting her in The Vatra Witch, but that's exactly what made this novella so interesting. Instead of trying to make her instantly likeable, G.V. Hext lets you witness her being challenged in ways she's never experienced before. Watching her beliefs, priorities & understanding of the world slowly shift made her character feel so incredibly real. I came away with a completely different opinion of her, & I'm really excited to see where her journey goes next. I still wouldn't say I'm her biggest fan (will always be a Sera girlie through & through 😍) but I have started to understand her more now.
The supporting characters were fantastic & quickly became some of my favourite parts of the story. Every interaction felt meaningful, & there were several moments that genuinely caught me off guard. The reveal surrounding the Shadow Man completely surprised me, & the final chapters left me desperate to know what happens next.
One thing G.V. Hext consistently does so well is create a world that feels alive. The blend of witches, demons, danger & magic kept me hooked from start to finish, & even though this is only a novella, it never felt lacking. There was banter, suspense, twists, all that good stuff. Every chapter served a purpose & left me wanting more.
I read this after finishing The Vatra Witch, but after seeing how perfectly the two stories fit together, I'm already planning to do the tandem read before book two releases. I can already tell it'll add another layer to the experience. 🥰
I absolutely devoured this book, like I could not put it down. I wasn't expecting to enjoy being in Nora's head as much as I did. She definitely isn't the easiest character to love, especially after meeting her in The Vatra Witch, but that's exactly what made this novella so interesting. Instead of trying to make her instantly likeable, G.V. Hext lets you witness her being challenged in ways she's never experienced before. Watching her beliefs, priorities & understanding of the world slowly shift made her character feel so incredibly real. I came away with a completely different opinion of her, & I'm really excited to see where her journey goes next. I still wouldn't say I'm her biggest fan (will always be a Sera girlie through & through 😍) but I have started to understand her more now.
The supporting characters were fantastic & quickly became some of my favourite parts of the story. Every interaction felt meaningful, & there were several moments that genuinely caught me off guard. The reveal surrounding the Shadow Man completely surprised me, & the final chapters left me desperate to know what happens next.
One thing G.V. Hext consistently does so well is create a world that feels alive. The blend of witches, demons, danger & magic kept me hooked from start to finish, & even though this is only a novella, it never felt lacking. There was banter, suspense, twists, all that good stuff. Every chapter served a purpose & left me wanting more.
I read this after finishing The Vatra Witch, but after seeing how perfectly the two stories fit together, I'm already planning to do the tandem read before book two releases. I can already tell it'll add another layer to the experience. 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
Damn... this novella was so good! Thank you G.V. Hext for the ARC!
Nora has such a sense of entitlement that she believes she's above everyone else. That the name Honora Wildrick actually means something in the underworld.
But honestly, it's understandable why she thinks that way. With everything her mother has made her believe, along with the amount of power she possesses, it's no wonder she feels invincible. Her mother has pitted Nora and Sera against each other since they were young.
As the story unfolds, you start to feel sympathy for Nora. All she has ever wanted was to honor the Wildrick name (pun intended), but you can tell how much she truly cares for Sera, even though her mother has spent years convincing her that Sera's magic is an abomination and that she's weaker than the rest of them.
And the relationship between Nora and the Shadow Man was so intriguing. She obviously doesn't trust him at first, but over time, she starts to confide in him. When she's finally given the chance to escape, she squanders it to help him instead. That was the moment she really started to redeem herself in my eyes.
You have to admire her perseverance. She never stops trying to escape Gehenna. And even though she starts out as an entitled brat, throughout her imprisonment you see her slowly begin to show compassion.
One of my favorite quotes was:
"There is good. There is evil, and then there is the gray. That's where we live. Even the villain is a hero in his own story."
Not like I had a shred of doubt, but this was an absolute ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me.
Now I'll just be over here pouting until book two comes out.
Nora has such a sense of entitlement that she believes she's above everyone else. That the name Honora Wildrick actually means something in the underworld.
But honestly, it's understandable why she thinks that way. With everything her mother has made her believe, along with the amount of power she possesses, it's no wonder she feels invincible. Her mother has pitted Nora and Sera against each other since they were young.
As the story unfolds, you start to feel sympathy for Nora. All she has ever wanted was to honor the Wildrick name (pun intended), but you can tell how much she truly cares for Sera, even though her mother has spent years convincing her that Sera's magic is an abomination and that she's weaker than the rest of them.
And the relationship between Nora and the Shadow Man was so intriguing. She obviously doesn't trust him at first, but over time, she starts to confide in him. When she's finally given the chance to escape, she squanders it to help him instead. That was the moment she really started to redeem herself in my eyes.
You have to admire her perseverance. She never stops trying to escape Gehenna. And even though she starts out as an entitled brat, throughout her imprisonment you see her slowly begin to show compassion.
One of my favorite quotes was:
"There is good. There is evil, and then there is the gray. That's where we live. Even the villain is a hero in his own story."
Not like I had a shred of doubt, but this was an absolute ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read for me.
Now I'll just be over here pouting until book two comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to G.V Hext for sending me an advanced reader copy of this novella. I also read The Vatra Witch, myltiple times. and not once did I think this MCs POV had THIS much to bring to the table. Now, this is where G.V Hext truly is an artist. Her worldbuilding is IMPECCABLE, and if you ever think a little novella stops her from doing just as a thorough job you are sorely mistaken. This is not fast paced, hurried or lacking of anything. This novella sheds a light on Noras character and her journey to the underworld. What we know of Nora, is she is the typical little sister. In this novella, she gets challenged, tested and experiences major growths in both her character and her knowledge in the workings of the world. “Aren’t you just as entitled as I assumed? The Citadel and all its glory might have raised you, but you don’t know anything about the world you live in.” Some emotional ruin later, this naive girl has to take matters into her own hands, and she has to own her mistakes.
We get introduced to new characters, and also, we expand the worldbuilding in a way I am desperate to see more of in book 2. Also.. I am now emotionally invested in .. a shadowman.
“You don’t understand, dove. I cannot leave. I am not a man, nor a demon, nor a warlock.” -shadowman
Thank you for gifting us this insight into the wonderful world you have created, I loved getting to read this novella, and I am hungry for more!
Favourite quote from the novella? sure, glad you asked: “There is good, there is evil, and then there is the gray. That’s where we live. Even the villain is a hero in his own story.”
This is how G.V Hext rolls. Buckle up.
We get introduced to new characters, and also, we expand the worldbuilding in a way I am desperate to see more of in book 2. Also.. I am now emotionally invested in .. a shadowman.
“You don’t understand, dove. I cannot leave. I am not a man, nor a demon, nor a warlock.” -shadowman
Thank you for gifting us this insight into the wonderful world you have created, I loved getting to read this novella, and I am hungry for more!
Favourite quote from the novella? sure, glad you asked: “There is good, there is evil, and then there is the gray. That’s where we live. Even the villain is a hero in his own story.”
This is how G.V Hext rolls. Buckle up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW ✨
Firstly, a huge thank you to GV Hext for trusting me with an advance reader copy of The Kidnapped Novice. This novella can be tandem read alongside The Vatra Witch and I genuinely cannot recommend reading it that way enough!
I loved getting Honora's side of the story. Going into The Vatra Witch, she's easy to dismiss as the spoiled, youngest sister who's always been a little sheltered—but this novella adds so much depth to her character. Beneath that privileged upbringing is someone whose heart is always in the right place. She's brave, fiercely loyal, and lives up to her name in every sense.
One of my favourite things about this novella was meeting even more of the side characters. I became so attached to them, and when the identity of the Shadow Man was finally revealed... I actually gasped! I never saw it coming!
If I could erase one book from my memory just to experience it again for the first time, it would be 'The Vatra Witch'—purely so I could tandem read it with The Kidnapped Novice. It adds so much emotion, context and richness to an already incredible story.
Firstly, a huge thank you to GV Hext for trusting me with an advance reader copy of The Kidnapped Novice. This novella can be tandem read alongside The Vatra Witch and I genuinely cannot recommend reading it that way enough!
I loved getting Honora's side of the story. Going into The Vatra Witch, she's easy to dismiss as the spoiled, youngest sister who's always been a little sheltered—but this novella adds so much depth to her character. Beneath that privileged upbringing is someone whose heart is always in the right place. She's brave, fiercely loyal, and lives up to her name in every sense.
One of my favourite things about this novella was meeting even more of the side characters. I became so attached to them, and when the identity of the Shadow Man was finally revealed... I actually gasped! I never saw it coming!
If I could erase one book from my memory just to experience it again for the first time, it would be 'The Vatra Witch'—purely so I could tandem read it with The Kidnapped Novice. It adds so much emotion, context and richness to an already incredible story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to Soft Beta/ARC read The Kidnapped Novice and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Sera is obviously my favorite Wildrick sister, but Nora was a nice surprise. She is brilliant, but in a clueless way. She is truthfully the classic golden child that is also the younger sibling who thinks she is above and better than everyone else. I will be honest as the elder sister, I was a bit annoyed at her sometimes. Did I love her? No… Did I hate her? Also no. Her story was enjoyable and I am excited to see where her character development goes.
Now….. who I loved was the MMC, I cannot give out spoilers, but shadow man is amazing. The side characters were interesting and the ending was shocking, it gave me so many theories for the next book.
I love the world G.V. Hext has created and I am hoping for another novella so I can get to know the characters at a deeper level.
Sera is obviously my favorite Wildrick sister, but Nora was a nice surprise. She is brilliant, but in a clueless way. She is truthfully the classic golden child that is also the younger sibling who thinks she is above and better than everyone else. I will be honest as the elder sister, I was a bit annoyed at her sometimes. Did I love her? No… Did I hate her? Also no. Her story was enjoyable and I am excited to see where her character development goes.
Now….. who I loved was the MMC, I cannot give out spoilers, but shadow man is amazing. The side characters were interesting and the ending was shocking, it gave me so many theories for the next book.
I love the world G.V. Hext has created and I am hoping for another novella so I can get to know the characters at a deeper level.
Review of advance copy received from Author
one of my favorite novella's by far.
G.V. you have done it again, you created another beautifully alluring piece that has left me craving for more.
I wanted to read the book none stop by of course life made it's course. it didn't stop the fact that I absolutely love this. I whole heartedly enjoy the book from page one.
we got insights of Sera's little sister Nora, also more on what she had been doing in the time and events of book one.
I have grown to love Nora more as time went on.
this book has me more excited for the second book in the beautiful series.
the characters are of course amazingly written, the world had entrapped me just like Nora and my heart pounded at plot twists and intense moments.
thank you G.V. for letting me read your amazing book, it is an absolute joy.
now I wait for book two.
G.V. you have done it again, you created another beautifully alluring piece that has left me craving for more.
I wanted to read the book none stop by of course life made it's course. it didn't stop the fact that I absolutely love this. I whole heartedly enjoy the book from page one.
we got insights of Sera's little sister Nora, also more on what she had been doing in the time and events of book one.
I have grown to love Nora more as time went on.
this book has me more excited for the second book in the beautiful series.
the characters are of course amazingly written, the world had entrapped me just like Nora and my heart pounded at plot twists and intense moments.
thank you G.V. for letting me read your amazing book, it is an absolute joy.
now I wait for book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Devoured: The Kidnapped Novice follows Nora during the events of book one, and I loved getting to see what was happening from her perspective. It adds so much to the story and makes the world feel even bigger.
Now I really want to do a tandem reread of The Vatra Witch and this novella before book two because I know there are going to be so many little details to catch.
I also have to mention the Shadow Man... 👀 I already have so many questions, and I have a feeling Gigi is setting up something really special for the next book.
This may be a novella, but it definitely doesn't feel like "extra" content. It genuinely expands the story and has me even more excited to see where this series goes next.
Now I really want to do a tandem reread of The Vatra Witch and this novella before book two because I know there are going to be so many little details to catch.
I also have to mention the Shadow Man... 👀 I already have so many questions, and I have a feeling Gigi is setting up something really special for the next book.
This may be a novella, but it definitely doesn't feel like "extra" content. It genuinely expands the story and has me even more excited to see where this series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Rating of 4.75 ⭐
Just like before, this world is beautifully complex and I love the different angles. If you liked the redemption arc of Nesta, then Nora will be along parallel lines. She has her reasons, she has her lessons to learn, and it definitely is not an easy process at all for her. This book is fast paced, being a novella, but does a good job filing in the blanks and giving a larger picture of what goes on during the Vatra Witch behind the closed doors of Gehenna. Honestly, if you can, do the tandem read! ;] cheers to Nora and Levi's story continuing in book number 2 and mixing with Sera and Vasso's wild ride.
Just like before, this world is beautifully complex and I love the different angles. If you liked the redemption arc of Nesta, then Nora will be along parallel lines. She has her reasons, she has her lessons to learn, and it definitely is not an easy process at all for her. This book is fast paced, being a novella, but does a good job filing in the blanks and giving a larger picture of what goes on during the Vatra Witch behind the closed doors of Gehenna. Honestly, if you can, do the tandem read! ;] cheers to Nora and Levi's story continuing in book number 2 and mixing with Sera and Vasso's wild ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you G.V. Hext for being part of your ARC team. This novella wow what can I say it’s great and and I really enjoyed getting to see what was happening from Honora’s perspective. Even though it's a quick read, it adds a lot of depth to the story and fills in important pieces of what was happening behind the scenes. If you've read The Vatra Witch please do if you have then I recommend picking this one up before continuing the series. It adds another layer to the world and makes Nora's journey even more insightful.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
G.V. Hext
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
G.V. Hext
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Kidnapped Novice was a great short companion novella to The Vatra Witch. I really enjoyed getting Nora's perspective and finally seeing everything she experienced after being kidnapped while Sera was desperately searching for her.
Even though it's a quick read, it adds meaningful depth to the story and fills in important pieces of what was happening behind the scenes. If you've read The Vatra Witch, I definitely recommend picking this one up before continuing the series. It adds another layer to the world and makes Nora's journey even more impactful.
Even though it's a quick read, it adds meaningful depth to the story and fills in important pieces of what was happening behind the scenes. If you've read The Vatra Witch, I definitely recommend picking this one up before continuing the series. It adds another layer to the world and makes Nora's journey even more impactful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this follow up to the Vatra Witch, told from Sera’s sister Nora’s point of view. A prisoner of the underworld, magic blunted, Nora finds that she has been trapped to fulfill a prophecy that has been hidden from her people for centuries. Or has it? Through valiant though failed attempts to escape she befriends fellow prisoners and an ancient creature that help her to see that maybe things aren’t always as black and white as they seem. My only complaint is the end is a total cliffhanger and now I have to wait on the 3rd book to find out what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This gives you the POV from Nora.. While Sera is on her journey, this shows you what is happening to Nora after her kidnapping. The growth in Nora in this novella just shows you how strong the sisters could be if they stand together. I can't wait for book 2, this was just a tease to refresh you on the wait for the story to continue.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was gifted an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this! It was a great companion novel to The Vatra Witch, and answered so many questions I had about why Nora was taken and what happened to her while Sera was on her own journey! I can’t wait to continue the series. G.V. Hext is now one of my auto-buy authors!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this novella! It was the perfect way to learn more about Nora and the events that led up to Book 1, The Vatra Witch.
Even in just a few pages, G.V. Hext doesn't disappoint. She throws you straight into the action while answering questions I had after reading the first book. It adds great depth to Nora's story without ever feeling rushed.
Now I'm even more excited to dive into Book 2!
Even in just a few pages, G.V. Hext doesn't disappoint. She throws you straight into the action while answering questions I had after reading the first book. It adds great depth to Nora's story without ever feeling rushed.
Now I'm even more excited to dive into Book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love this behind the scene book of characters we didn’t get to know well in book two and have not met yet! This novella is a perfect addition to this series. I am so ready for book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was privileged to beta then arc read The Kidnapped Novice. This is an honest review:
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - tempted to knock it down because I wanted MORE.
I don’t discriminate when it comes to genres. I love dark stories, intelligent characters, and emotional depth; anything that encourages me to think, feel, or laugh out loud. This book delivers on all of that.
The Kidnapped Novice by G.V. Hext is a novella that follows Honora, better known as Nora, after she is taken by a demon during her placement trial. Nora is the kind of character you love to hate. She’s consumed by her own needs and desires, and her entitled, self-centered perspective has blinded her to everyone else’s pain.
That changes when she finds herself imprisoned in a dark, filthy dungeon. There, she experiences genuine suffering: pain, hunger, fear, and betrayal. She finds comfort and companionship in the most unlikely allies and bears witness to horrific atrocities committed against the people who become her friends. For the first time, her heart truly begins to break.
And yet, this story is still very much about Nora.
What I adored most about this book is Gigi’s ability to take a character we’ve grown to dislike, or at the very least, be endlessly frustrated by, and transform her into someone we can genuinely understand. Nora slowly begins to see the world through the eyes of others, realizing that everyone has value, regardless of how “lowly” she once believed their place to be.
She evolves from someone who thinks:
“Sera was little better than human. The pittance of magic within her still didn’t make sense for someone who bore the Wildrick name. Then the abomination had taken hold.”
and
“Sera had refused to look at her. Out of all the days… Would it have been so hard to wish her luck? Give her a smile? Care for someone other than herself?”
to someone capable of recognizing things like:
“Despite her lack of magic, Sera had her own skills. Her sister noticed subtle cues. If Nora pursed her lips too much, she’d be bombarded with questions. Sera knew what kind of mood their mother was in just by her footsteps. She’d memorized which stairs creaked…”
and perhaps my favorite:
“What a thing to fathom. That someone might live with pain for so long they grew used to it.”
That final quote hit home for me. As someone who has lived with chronic pain for nearly twenty years, I felt seen and understood in a way that doesn’t happen often in fiction.
By the end of the novella, you may not love Nora. You may not even forgive her. But you will almost certainly understand her more than you did at the beginning… and that, to me, is the mark of exceptional character writing.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - tempted to knock it down because I wanted MORE.
I don’t discriminate when it comes to genres. I love dark stories, intelligent characters, and emotional depth; anything that encourages me to think, feel, or laugh out loud. This book delivers on all of that.
The Kidnapped Novice by G.V. Hext is a novella that follows Honora, better known as Nora, after she is taken by a demon during her placement trial. Nora is the kind of character you love to hate. She’s consumed by her own needs and desires, and her entitled, self-centered perspective has blinded her to everyone else’s pain.
That changes when she finds herself imprisoned in a dark, filthy dungeon. There, she experiences genuine suffering: pain, hunger, fear, and betrayal. She finds comfort and companionship in the most unlikely allies and bears witness to horrific atrocities committed against the people who become her friends. For the first time, her heart truly begins to break.
And yet, this story is still very much about Nora.
What I adored most about this book is Gigi’s ability to take a character we’ve grown to dislike, or at the very least, be endlessly frustrated by, and transform her into someone we can genuinely understand. Nora slowly begins to see the world through the eyes of others, realizing that everyone has value, regardless of how “lowly” she once believed their place to be.
She evolves from someone who thinks:
“Sera was little better than human. The pittance of magic within her still didn’t make sense for someone who bore the Wildrick name. Then the abomination had taken hold.”
and
“Sera had refused to look at her. Out of all the days… Would it have been so hard to wish her luck? Give her a smile? Care for someone other than herself?”
to someone capable of recognizing things like:
“Despite her lack of magic, Sera had her own skills. Her sister noticed subtle cues. If Nora pursed her lips too much, she’d be bombarded with questions. Sera knew what kind of mood their mother was in just by her footsteps. She’d memorized which stairs creaked…”
and perhaps my favorite:
“What a thing to fathom. That someone might live with pain for so long they grew used to it.”
That final quote hit home for me. As someone who has lived with chronic pain for nearly twenty years, I felt seen and understood in a way that doesn’t happen often in fiction.
By the end of the novella, you may not love Nora. You may not even forgive her. But you will almost certainly understand her more than you did at the beginning… and that, to me, is the mark of exceptional character writing.
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