MISS

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The Zadok Series

  • Written by MISS.com.au

From one ending comes a new beginning…Reincarnation is real.

The Zadok Series is a three-part series which explores the impact of inclusion and equality within a racially diverse world.

The first book in the series, Pastel Pink, introduces readers to Ruby, who was murdered on Earth 18 years ago and reincarnated on Zadok as a Pastel Zeek named Harlow. Born at the bottom of her race’s caste color system to a middle-class family of Magentas, Harlow is a source of conflict among the ruling Purples, and a source of derision from all three colors.

In a plot twist, Harlow’s human spirit is unexpectedly drawn back to Earth, and her double life has her toggling between Zadok, where she is embroiled with a young man determined to disrupt the caste color system; and Earth, where she finds herself tempted by an impossible relationship with a handsome human. The decisions Harlow makes could have dire consequences on both planets.

Books two and three of the trilogy, Ruby Red and Powerful Purples, dive deeper into Zadok’s history, reveal new secrets, introduce new characters and follow Harlow’s future exploits. She and those in her orbit continue to navigate romance, political intrigue and moral dilemmas while attempting to neutralize the color caste system on their way to a surprising resolution.

With undercurrents of the importance of inclusion and looking beyond someone’s color and creed, The Zadok Series touches on timely topics and aims to create a vivid, immersive experience for teens and young adult readers.

The story behind The Zadok Series

My son Randall Jackson, AKA RJ, helped to inspire The Zadok Series.

We were sitting in the library waiting for his sister to finish her art class, and he asked me “I wonder what happens after you die”.

RJ said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if every time we died, we regenerated onto a different Planet?”

Of course, I jumped on this idea and together we discussed what the different races on the next planet would look like and what new capabilities/powers they would have.

As a tribute, I’ve modelled a character after my son RJ. He has Aspergers/Autism and is quirky with a brain like an encyclopaedia.

Reviews

★★★★★
“I went into this one fresh off when it was announced that this was included in the 2022 Audie Awards Finalists list. Now, that’s a feat especially because one of the best books I read in 2021 was on that list and another one I wanted to read was in there. But I completely understand why this was nominated and made it that far. It was an unbelievably well-produced and done audiobook – especially for being independently done. I speak to this having read LOTS of audiobooks in my time.”
– Brian @ Brian’s Book Blog

 
★★★★★
“I can't tell you how much I loved this book!
There were so many elements that I adored, from the characters, to the world building and that's not even mentioning all the twists and turns.Nikki Minty has done a brilliant job in creating a world that just demanded my attention and admiration. Harlow/Ruby, Alex, Zavier, Jax, Floss, etc. what a great cast of characters, each with a depth that made me want to know more.I can't wait for the second book!I need, NEED to know what happens next!Definitely one of my favourite reads of the year.Thank you Nikki for a fantastic story!” – Author, Tjalara Draper

 ★★★★★
"5.0 out of 5 stars A promising start to a fascinating saga
Pastel Pink is the first book in The Zadok Series by rising author Nikki Minty. First of all, I need to tell you that this saga is targeting young adults and combines beautifully written fantasy with captivating magical realism.
This novel features some really interesting characters and their lives on two different planets: those who die on Earth are born again on Zadok, which is a completely new and fascinating world based on a race caste color system.

Pastel Pink is well written, fast paced, intriguing, thrilling, filled with emotion and highly entertaining. If you like YA Fantasy featuring colorful characters and a vivid world, you will love Pastel Pink by Nikki Minty. I plan to return to this captivating series as soon as possible and I'll be sure to post reviews for the next audiobooks in this extremely promising saga!" - The Audiobook Blog

★★★★★
“This book was fascinating. I was honestly hooked from the very beginning and had to know how things played out for Harlow (and so many others!). All of the characters were intriguing to me, with there being so many, I'm glad that their personalities didn't fall flat. I can't wait to see how things work out for each of them.
The world that was fleshed out on Zadok was so interesting, I loved all the information on each race and their colors and everything. I really hope in the next one we get to see more beyond the Zeeks and Vallons in the next book. Then you had the human world and everything unfolding there and with Alex as an additional layer. After everything that happened- especially towards the end! I need the next book ASAP. I can't wait to continue the series!” – Blogger, Lauren @ Bookschiefmanaged

Awards

Honorable Mention for Science fiction/Fantasy ebook - 2021 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards

Best Books in the Category of Audiobook - 2021 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award

2021 Literary Titan Book Award

Category, Science Fiction - 2022 Audies Finalist

Best Books in the Category of Audiobook - 2022 Independent Press Award

Category, Sci-fi & Fantasy - 2022 Maxy Runner-up (silver)

Audiobook Fiction - 2022 IPPY Awards (bronze)

About the Author

Born in Queensland, Australia, 1984, Nikki Minty rose into this world with a wild imagination. As a young girl, she would lie in bed with her family, co-telling stories about the big bad wolf and his turbulent adventures.

Nikki Minty is a writer and avid reader of YA. She loves fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural elements, magical realism and romance. Amanda Hocking is her all-time favorite author, she has a huge collection of Monster High Dolls, and her favorite color is red.

Twitter - https://twitter.com/NikkiMinty1

Instagram -
 https://www.instagram.com/nikstamint

Website -
 https://nikkiminty.com

Goodreads -
 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21088034.Nikki_Minty

Amazon -
 https://www.amazon.com/Nikki-Minty/e/B08TG5CQJS

Audible -
 https://www.audible.com/search?keywords=Nikki+minty