FORBIDDEN by Kimberley Griffiths Little, 2014

In the unforgiving Mesopotamian desert where Jayden’s tribe lives, betrothal celebrations abound, and tonight it is Jayden’s turn to be honored. But while this union with Horeb, the son of her tribe’s leader, will bring a life of riches and restore her family’s position within the tribe, it will come at the price of Jayden’s heart. Then a shadowy boy from the Southern Lands appears. Handsome and mysterious, Kadesh fills Jayden’s heart with a passion she never knew possible. But with Horeb’s increasingly violent threats haunting Jayden’s every move, she knows she must find a way to escape—or die trying. (Goodreads)

Reviewed by Emma - College Student

FORBIDDEN is a mind-blowing read! First of all, this is the oldest setting for a historical fiction YA book (according to the Epic Read’s Age of YA timeline). I could tell that the author, Kimberley Griffiths Little, took so much time researching this time period. It was so impressive that she was able to make one believe, save for some details, that Jayden, the main character, was living in this real, magical, and dangerous world. Somehow, the author, Kimberley Griffiths Little, was able to make this book, which was completely clean, into a down-right steamy book. It was a really fun experience, though, because many things in today’s standards, such as talking to a boy alone or holding hands, was viewed as very scandalous back then, so while reading that she only just touched his hand made me blush.

My only major frustration came from Jayden’s sister Leila. Oh my goodness! She never realizes what a shame she is becoming for her family. I cannot imagine what was going through her head. That being said, Kimberly is also a mastermind at getting into odd characters’ heads, Leila being one example. She has masterfully understood how these strange people think.

I had sort-of hoped that this was a standalone while reading it, just because she left it on such a cliff-hanger and I knew that was going to happen if it was a series. I al super excited to read the next book and very curious to see how Kimberly expands this ancient world she has reconstructed for her readers.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves Fantasy or Historical Fiction. It has amazing world building, romance, and dynamic characters, what isn't there to love.

Also, a huge shout out and thank you to Kimberly for giving me my copy of Forbidden! I cannot wait to read the next one! And merry belated Christmas!

You can see the Epic Read’s awesome timeline here: http://www.epicreads.com/blog/the-age...

Market: Young Adult

Language: None

Sensuality: Mild, but makes you feel like there is more

Violence: Mild

Mature Themes: priestesses of Asherah, abusive arranged marriage