Hesper by Naomi Obasi

My Rating - 4 out of 5 stars

Publisher - Self-Published

Genre - Dark Fantasy
Publishing year - 2023
Language - English
ASIN - B0C27Y19Z4
Pages - 130 

Book Review - 

Read and reviewed this book as a Judge for the Indie Ink Awards 2025

Hesper by Naomi Obasi is the gripping first instalment in the Artefact series, introducing readers to a dark, emotionally charged tale of vengeance, betrayal, and hidden power. 

Set in the kingdom of Luthia, the story follows Jolene, a housemaid with no family, no friends, and a painful past. Once naive and hopeful, she believed in kindness, even among the elite—until life proved otherwise.

Born into poverty, Jolene’s fate was sealed by the cruel hands of her former masters, who left her with a deep facial scar, a permanent mark of her suffering. Despite her hardships, she yearned for love and acceptance, finding a fleeting sense of both in Lord Aiken. But her trust was misplaced. Betrayed and left to die, she endured a pain far worse than death itself.

But Jolene does not succumb. Instead, she rises—fuelled by vengeance and the discovery of a hidden power within her. This revelation reshapes the course of her life, setting the stage for a thrilling journey ahead. However, much of this transformation unfolds in the final chapters, leaving a wealth of untold mysteries for the sequel, Haima.

Jolene’s character is deeply compelling—her suffering is heartbreaking, yet her resilience makes her a protagonist worth rooting for. Watching her transition from a powerless victim to a force of reckoning is both satisfying and intriguing. Beyond revenge, her path hints at something greater—a journey into magic, justice, and the complexities of ambition.

The book is short and fast-paced, which keeps the tension high, though the ending could have been stronger. While Jolene uncovers the truth, a more intense closing—perhaps her vowing vengeance or taking decisive action—would have made for an even more impactful conclusion.

Overall, it is a solid read, particularly for those looking to break out of a reading slump or seeking a dark, immersive tale. It lays the foundation for what promises to be a thrilling series, and I’m eager to see where Jolene’s journey takes her next.

Trigger Warnings: Abuse, rape, child loss, and bullying.

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