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The Zero Enigma #4
The Family Shame
Isabella Rubén is a traitor - at twelve years old.
Disgraced, abandoned by her friends and shunned by her family, Isabella is sent into exile with scant hope of returning to her former home. Her destination, Kirkhaven Hall; a stone mansion miles from civilisation, inhabited only by a pair of older exiles. Existence as she knew it is over.
But as she tries to settle into Kirkhaven Hall, and a life far from the one she enjoyed before her fall from grace, she discovers that the hall has secrets. Intruders on the grounds, ghostly shadows moving at night ...
... and a plot that may destroy everything she once held dear.
Disgraced, abandoned by her friends and shunned by her family, Isabella is sent into exile with scant hope of returning to her former home. Her destination, Kirkhaven Hall; a stone mansion miles from civilisation, inhabited only by a pair of older exiles. Existence as she knew it is over.
But as she tries to settle into Kirkhaven Hall, and a life far from the one she enjoyed before her fall from grace, she discovers that the hall has secrets. Intruders on the grounds, ghostly shadows moving at night ...
... and a plot that may destroy everything she once held dear.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2018
380 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 3, 2018
A riveting, well written "side story" in the Zero Enigma series. Very nicely done. Entertaining and exciting. It certainly gave me a more sympathetic appreciation for Isabella, who comes across poorly in the first three books in the series. Certainly well worth reading, and I look forward to further installments. Appropriate for adolescent and teen readers, but enjoyable for adults, as well.
March 20, 2022
From a brat bully to an angelic little girl wishing harm upon nobody. Unfortunately, all of this happens between books, and she is changed to this new person upon page 1. The author's note at the end explains that apparently this was written to show that you should forgive because one does not deserve to have one's life ruined due to one mistake made when you are 12. I fully agree with this, I do not have any blame for this character as obviously everyone in her surrounding encourages this behavior. Her family encourages the feuds, and the school she attended rewards bullying and rule-breaking, as long as one can get away with it. Within the context of this universe, it's clear that everything she did and felt went along with the ideals envisioned by the society she lived in.
Whatever the author wanted to convey ran into the problem of "You can't have your cake and eat it". Isabella is set up as an antagonistic bully, and any sympathy we could have felt for her is never realized because Isabella is never given any redeeming or sympathetic qualities. The previous book ends with her being comically evil by wanting to literally enslave Cat and follow along with a revolution leading to countless deaths. These characters are not really written, or act, as if they are 12, so it would be a laughable excuse to say that she was unaware of the consequences. Starting this book, however, she does not have a bad bone in her body, a character change that feels entirely unearned.
Whatever the author wanted to convey ran into the problem of "You can't have your cake and eat it". Isabella is set up as an antagonistic bully, and any sympathy we could have felt for her is never realized because Isabella is never given any redeeming or sympathetic qualities. The previous book ends with her being comically evil by wanting to literally enslave Cat and follow along with a revolution leading to countless deaths. These characters are not really written, or act, as if they are 12, so it would be a laughable excuse to say that she was unaware of the consequences. Starting this book, however, she does not have a bad bone in her body, a character change that feels entirely unearned.
June 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this book - it was a bit slow in places, but generally had good pace. Character development was a little lacking, but this was minor. All in all, a good read with a satisfying and believable ending.
August 6, 2018
This is a kind of spin-off to the series
Rather than keeping with Caitlyn Aguirre, we get the perspective of her arch-ennemy, Isabella. Which is a kind of problem, really, because I realized at one point that there isn't much of a difference between both girls. They have different backgrounds, different abilities, but there is not that much difference in their internal voices... I would have liked more Ruben-Aguirre differentiation.
The book is still fine and sets a possible other opposition. Could have been closer to 5-star.
Rather than keeping with Caitlyn Aguirre, we get the perspective of her arch-ennemy, Isabella. Which is a kind of problem, really, because I realized at one point that there isn't much of a difference between both girls. They have different backgrounds, different abilities, but there is not that much difference in their internal voices... I would have liked more Ruben-Aguirre differentiation.
The book is still fine and sets a possible other opposition. Could have been closer to 5-star.
September 23, 2022
Book 4 in the series is actually a major shift, as we move away from Caitlyn Aquirre, and focus exclusively on Isabella Ruben. This story is told from Isabella’s point of view, after she was arrested and detained, and then sentenced to exile for her part in the attempted coup by the Crown Prince and Caitlyn’s Aunt Stregheria Aguirre. The Prince and Stregheria were stripped of everything and summarily executed for high treason by the King. However, because Isabella is so young, she was exiled. She has been sent to Kirkhaven Hall, to go and live with some distant relatives, her Uncle Ira, and the woman who lives with him Morag, who is also a member of the Ruben family.
Both Uncle Ira and Morag are also exiles at Kirkhaven, which is a dank, not very clean, old musty hall, and far below the standards that Isabella, who has been pampered her entire life, is used to.
Isabella gets a very rude awakening upon arrival at the hall, Morag explains things to her in no uncertain terms (putting Isabella in her place very quickly), so that Isabella understands just how far she has fallen.
This is a fascinating story, as we get to see how Isabella Ruben, the daughter of one of the most powerful houses in Shallot, has fallen. Isabella was, potentially a rival to lead that house when the Father dies, given her twin Akin does not want to lead the house, but she has no hope of this now. She will be lucky to ever return to Shallot.
As she is pondering her future, her life, and deciding on what to do, several different things unfold for Isabella. Isabella is banned from leaving the grounds or lands of Kirkhaven hall, although she is allowed to roam the extensive grounds. Whilst walking around the grounds, she finds a young boy around her age. After talking for a while, he convinces her to leave the grounds, against her Uncle’s wishes, and whilst out, they are confronted by the towns bullies. It is here, that Isabella discovers that she is actually quite a bit stronger than the two strongest bullies.
She also starts to have an epiphany about herself, and who she has been, how she has treated people. It is fascinating watching as this rather spoiled character, who in the first three books, we had all come to despise, becomes a character that you really like and understand, and can empathise with.
As this book unfolds, we get to really explore Isabella Ruben’s character and past, and she is an intriguing character. Her friendship with Callum is a lot of fun, and it is wonderful to watch as Isabella literally changes before our eyes. Without giving too much away, her transformation is just outstanding and so great to read.
However, everything is not as it seems at Kirkhaven Hall, Isabella does not feel right about the place from the moment she steps into the place. She sees a ghost almost immediately, but is told it is just the wards as they are old and not maintained well. On top of that, her uncle is very strange, and wants her to take up potions, so she can help him with brewing things. He also wants her to try some things that he has made, stuff that she is not sure what it is, and there is nowhere to go….
In the first three books, we learned to absolutely Hate Isabella Ruben, as she was a total bitch to everyone, especially to Caitlyn and Rose. In this book however, we get to see a different side of her, and it is a testament to Nuttall’s character writing that we not only get to understand Isabella, but also start to like her.
The world-building continues to be exceptional in these books, Nuttall creates these stunning back drops in which to tell his stories. Kirkhaven Hall is beautifully described, with its eerie halls, and wards that are constantly in flux due to their age. The grounds of Kirkhaven are just as stunning, and the surrounding area including the village is just wonderful. Nuttall does a masterful job of not only describing the village, but those that live there.
Whilst this is a major deviation to the storyline from the first three books, it is an absolute must read, not only as it is integral for later books in the series, but just because it is an outstanding addition to this series!!
Thrilling, fast-paced, and with some of the best character work to date in this series, this is a book not to be missed!!
Both Uncle Ira and Morag are also exiles at Kirkhaven, which is a dank, not very clean, old musty hall, and far below the standards that Isabella, who has been pampered her entire life, is used to.
Isabella gets a very rude awakening upon arrival at the hall, Morag explains things to her in no uncertain terms (putting Isabella in her place very quickly), so that Isabella understands just how far she has fallen.
This is a fascinating story, as we get to see how Isabella Ruben, the daughter of one of the most powerful houses in Shallot, has fallen. Isabella was, potentially a rival to lead that house when the Father dies, given her twin Akin does not want to lead the house, but she has no hope of this now. She will be lucky to ever return to Shallot.
As she is pondering her future, her life, and deciding on what to do, several different things unfold for Isabella. Isabella is banned from leaving the grounds or lands of Kirkhaven hall, although she is allowed to roam the extensive grounds. Whilst walking around the grounds, she finds a young boy around her age. After talking for a while, he convinces her to leave the grounds, against her Uncle’s wishes, and whilst out, they are confronted by the towns bullies. It is here, that Isabella discovers that she is actually quite a bit stronger than the two strongest bullies.
She also starts to have an epiphany about herself, and who she has been, how she has treated people. It is fascinating watching as this rather spoiled character, who in the first three books, we had all come to despise, becomes a character that you really like and understand, and can empathise with.
As this book unfolds, we get to really explore Isabella Ruben’s character and past, and she is an intriguing character. Her friendship with Callum is a lot of fun, and it is wonderful to watch as Isabella literally changes before our eyes. Without giving too much away, her transformation is just outstanding and so great to read.
However, everything is not as it seems at Kirkhaven Hall, Isabella does not feel right about the place from the moment she steps into the place. She sees a ghost almost immediately, but is told it is just the wards as they are old and not maintained well. On top of that, her uncle is very strange, and wants her to take up potions, so she can help him with brewing things. He also wants her to try some things that he has made, stuff that she is not sure what it is, and there is nowhere to go….
In the first three books, we learned to absolutely Hate Isabella Ruben, as she was a total bitch to everyone, especially to Caitlyn and Rose. In this book however, we get to see a different side of her, and it is a testament to Nuttall’s character writing that we not only get to understand Isabella, but also start to like her.
The world-building continues to be exceptional in these books, Nuttall creates these stunning back drops in which to tell his stories. Kirkhaven Hall is beautifully described, with its eerie halls, and wards that are constantly in flux due to their age. The grounds of Kirkhaven are just as stunning, and the surrounding area including the village is just wonderful. Nuttall does a masterful job of not only describing the village, but those that live there.
Whilst this is a major deviation to the storyline from the first three books, it is an absolute must read, not only as it is integral for later books in the series, but just because it is an outstanding addition to this series!!
Thrilling, fast-paced, and with some of the best character work to date in this series, this is a book not to be missed!!
January 22, 2025
In this book we step away from the protagonist of the first three books in the series to look at what happened to her nemesis from those books.
The story here is a solid fantasy adventure, with evil villains and a good sidekick. We get more world development, including bits of the backstory that was alluded to in the previous book. The protagonist previously a stereotypical "mean girl", is depicted as having learned her lesson from her mistakes. I see this as a too facile heel-face-turn, but it works for this book.
Note: In the whole series, the ages of the protagonists doesn't match their actions. This is not the way that 12-year-olds act. But if you assume that they are 16 or so instead, the stories work pretty well.
This series isn't ever likely to be a favorite of mine, but it seems to be finding its way into a solid school fantasy.
The story here is a solid fantasy adventure, with evil villains and a good sidekick. We get more world development, including bits of the backstory that was alluded to in the previous book. The protagonist previously a stereotypical "mean girl", is depicted as having learned her lesson from her mistakes. I see this as a too facile heel-face-turn, but it works for this book.
Note: In the whole series, the ages of the protagonists doesn't match their actions. This is not the way that 12-year-olds act. But if you assume that they are 16 or so instead, the stories work pretty well.
This series isn't ever likely to be a favorite of mine, but it seems to be finding its way into a solid school fantasy.
August 27, 2019
An enjoyable little side trip, this book gives an insight into one of the prominent, but not main, characters of the previous books.
As we left the last book, #3 in the series, Isabella is not really a character that is deserving of much sympathy. This book casts her in a different, better light. Not a whitewash but we can understand her a bit better, hell, she's only 12 - give her a break!
Loved the cover.
As we left the last book, #3 in the series, Isabella is not really a character that is deserving of much sympathy. This book casts her in a different, better light. Not a whitewash but we can understand her a bit better, hell, she's only 12 - give her a break!
Loved the cover.
March 1, 2020
Magic school, after a fashion. Fascinating taking a nemesis and writing a story from her point of view. She’s younger that I’d remembered from the main trilogy. Good ideas, one huge coincidence but set up (somewhat obviously) near the start. Nice development of the tension and storyline and her realizations of how she’d behaved in the past. Overall a satisfying read. Only one grammatical error that I noticed, and one dropped word. So editing is getting better.
September 13, 2019
The best of the series so far
The first 2 books of this series had the distant shadow of The Hogswort Academy this is just an observation, and not a criticism. The 3rd book has the distant shadow of Andre Norton’s High Hallack cycle at least with the landscape. Very good so far looking forward to see how this series precedes.
The first 2 books of this series had the distant shadow of The Hogswort Academy this is just an observation, and not a criticism. The 3rd book has the distant shadow of Andre Norton’s High Hallack cycle at least with the landscape. Very good so far looking forward to see how this series precedes.
July 5, 2018
Rather heavy-handed moral near the beginning: Bad girl sees the error of her ways and determines to be Good. After that, however, the story gets interesting as all Christopher Nuttall's stories do. There could be a follow-up to this book. I would read it.
July 26, 2018
Great side story for fans
This adds another dimension to the larger plot and leaves some hidden enemies of the Great Houses at large. The ghosts have yet to be explained as to their significance.
This adds another dimension to the larger plot and leaves some hidden enemies of the Great Houses at large. The ghosts have yet to be explained as to their significance.
August 1, 2018
Great book better closing
I am a Nuttall fan and I have purchased most all of his novels, but the reason for the five star review is not necessarily for this novel but for Chris’s comments he makes at the end of the novel. Thank you Chris, I couldn’t agree more.
I am a Nuttall fan and I have purchased most all of his novels, but the reason for the five star review is not necessarily for this novel but for Chris’s comments he makes at the end of the novel. Thank you Chris, I couldn’t agree more.
November 14, 2018
Brilliant!
An excellent new facet of this brilliant writers world where magic meets the merchant guilds of 1500s Venice and their young, or so it feels! A brilliant addition to the Zero series but also an enjoyable standalone read. Another top notch book from Christopher Nuttall!
An excellent new facet of this brilliant writers world where magic meets the merchant guilds of 1500s Venice and their young, or so it feels! A brilliant addition to the Zero series but also an enjoyable standalone read. Another top notch book from Christopher Nuttall!
May 12, 2019
A side journey but an interesting one with harrowing challenges!
A background character takes center stage and ties up many loose ends in this continuation of the saga. Who will she end up interacting with next? A fun read but a bit scary at the end.
A background character takes center stage and ties up many loose ends in this continuation of the saga. Who will she end up interacting with next? A fun read but a bit scary at the end.
November 14, 2022
Least favorite of this series so far. What I hated in the first books-too much thinking-is far worse in this one. Very little action to save the story. I had my listening speed up as far as I could and still understand just to get through the story faster.
July 28, 2018
From goat to heroin
Well written story of what remorse can accomplish. I would like to see this story line continue. I enjoyed it from cover to cover.
Well written story of what remorse can accomplish. I would like to see this story line continue. I enjoyed it from cover to cover.
January 7, 2019
Disappointed it didn't follow the original chars. Felt less well designed with out really delving into the motivations of 'Uncle' or the sudden massive change in attitude of Isabella
March 20, 2020
3.5 to maybe 3.75 stars, pretty good and I did enjoy it.
March 20, 2021
This title in the series is more of a single story and it has a character who has character and develops. Not bad.
September 12, 2021
Disappointing
A whole book devoted to a minor evil character. I was looking forward to more Catalan. this was a big let down.
A whole book devoted to a minor evil character. I was looking forward to more Catalan. this was a big let down.
December 10, 2021
Villian
When all the main characters are villains you have to find the most likeable villain. In this book Isabella is shockingly that villain. Her uncle is insane. And her other distant relative is just weak and mean.
When all the main characters are villains you have to find the most likeable villain. In this book Isabella is shockingly that villain. Her uncle is insane. And her other distant relative is just weak and mean.
April 13, 2021
This was superb! When the author suggested various ideas to follow up the first three Zero Enigma books, I was opposed to the idea he picked--what a fool I was! This may be the best book yet. There is a late element of horror that I did not like AT ALL, and almost lowered my rating to 4 stars, but loved how he wrapped up the book. I am immediately anxious to dig into the next months in the main characters lives! Another thing I wish to applaud him on is that Isabella really seemed more her age in this book.
Well-done! Completely engrossing!
Well-done! Completely engrossing!
May 7, 2022
DNF 18%
This book started from the perspective of the antagonist from the first three books... and just stayed there. This was a girl who straight-out tried to murder the protagonist, a twelve-year-old girl, and then went on to join an effort to kill/enslave a whole city. I was hoping a shift in POV would happen, but it didn't.
In addition, the story just didn't get going. Nothing of significance happened to the point at which I gave up.
This book started from the perspective of the antagonist from the first three books... and just stayed there. This was a girl who straight-out tried to murder the protagonist, a twelve-year-old girl, and then went on to join an effort to kill/enslave a whole city. I was hoping a shift in POV would happen, but it didn't.
In addition, the story just didn't get going. Nothing of significance happened to the point at which I gave up.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews