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noveen's review against another edition
3.0
The relationships in this book are all kinda rape-y. I don't see the allure any of the female characters have for the guys they are into.
cavalary's review
4.0
Full disclosure: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This has in no way influenced the opinions expressed in this review.
I became interested in Heiress of Healing hoping it was the start of an epic fantasy series and began reading it fearing it may in fact be merely paranormal romance disguised under a thin veil of more "proper" fantasy. On both counts, I was right and wrong at the same time, because it is something between the two, featuring a decent enough actual fantasy side and a paranormal romance part that, though I generally have no interest in or experience with the genre, I have to recognize as outstanding.
To get this out of the way, yes, that means there is sex as well. No, it's definitely not used for cheap thrills. Whether we're talking about main or secondary characters, and whether it's making love, merely fucking or something in between, each sex scene has a clear purpose, is relevant for the characters and the story, and is portrayed almost perfectly. At times, when this approach is needed and possible, you'll find rather detailed descriptions, while other times you'll see no more than brief mentions. Perhaps most notably, however, the author recognizes when mere words would prove inadequate in conveying the emotions experienced and the bonds created during such an encounter and allows and trusts the reader to understand the moment's intensity and significance on their own.
In fact, Heiress of Healing is greatly aided every step of the way by good writing and a significant amount of polish. Without this being in any way meant as a criticism against the actual contents, it can be said that the writing style was the main reason why I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it definitely was the reason why my initial concerns were quickly forgotten. Sure, those reading with a critical eye or who simply have a penchant for nitpicking may notice the odd style issue here and there, particularly after the first part, but you do need to search for them in order to do so, the overall quality of the writing exceeding not only what one would be tempted to expect from a new and unsigned author, but that found in many well-known and popular works as well.
If I'm to mention some complaints, I must begin with the frustration caused by the behavior and personality of the lead character. I could probably muster some shred of empathy even for the queen, but definitely not for Iminique, particularly since she's usually not the only one paying the price for her actions or inaction, and at times not the one paying the price at all. True, I can't say I found any characters truly worth cheering for, but she's the main one and supposed to be the champion of good, inasmuch as this story has one, which only makes it worse. At the same time, none of this can exactly be said to be a flaw of the book, the author very accurately portraying personalities that one would reasonably expect to find in those positions, considering the world the action takes place in.
As such, perhaps it would be fairer to complain about how jarring it sometimes is when the story jumps forward in time, especially when this is also associated with changing the location and characters. The first time this happened was actually quite a shock for me and I can't exactly say I ever got used to it, so I'm sure there is a better way to do something like this.
In addition, at least one storyline introduced in such a manner not only doesn't get resolved in any way, but doesn't even appear to have an actual purpose, though that becomes understandable once you remember that Heiress of Healing is the first in a series and therefore parts of it are expected to be little more than introductions for the following books. Yet viewing it this way may make one expect it to include details that are not to be found here, the author at times making use of some shortcuts and simplifications that may give those used to complex stories and detailed worldbuilding some reason to frown. Whenever this happens, however, one would do well to remember the genre Heiress of Healing is meant to fit into.
To conclude, if you're looking solely for the next great epic fantasy series, you won't find it here. If, on the other hand, what you're searching for is a character-driven fantasy story that won't give you headaches while trying to follow all that's going on, or perhaps simply some well-written and, at least for a new and unsigned author, surprisingly polished escapism, you could do a whole lot worse than Heiress of Healing. Most importantly, however, if you aim to find an ambitious mix of romance and fantasy that seeks and, for the most part, manages to go beyond many of the limitations one may consider typical of paranormal romance and, as my case proves, may well be thoroughly enjoyable even for those who'd normally stay well away from the genre, then seriously, do yourself a favor and pick this up!
I became interested in Heiress of Healing hoping it was the start of an epic fantasy series and began reading it fearing it may in fact be merely paranormal romance disguised under a thin veil of more "proper" fantasy. On both counts, I was right and wrong at the same time, because it is something between the two, featuring a decent enough actual fantasy side and a paranormal romance part that, though I generally have no interest in or experience with the genre, I have to recognize as outstanding.
To get this out of the way, yes, that means there is sex as well. No, it's definitely not used for cheap thrills. Whether we're talking about main or secondary characters, and whether it's making love, merely fucking or something in between, each sex scene has a clear purpose, is relevant for the characters and the story, and is portrayed almost perfectly. At times, when this approach is needed and possible, you'll find rather detailed descriptions, while other times you'll see no more than brief mentions. Perhaps most notably, however, the author recognizes when mere words would prove inadequate in conveying the emotions experienced and the bonds created during such an encounter and allows and trusts the reader to understand the moment's intensity and significance on their own.
In fact, Heiress of Healing is greatly aided every step of the way by good writing and a significant amount of polish. Without this being in any way meant as a criticism against the actual contents, it can be said that the writing style was the main reason why I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it definitely was the reason why my initial concerns were quickly forgotten. Sure, those reading with a critical eye or who simply have a penchant for nitpicking may notice the odd style issue here and there, particularly after the first part, but you do need to search for them in order to do so, the overall quality of the writing exceeding not only what one would be tempted to expect from a new and unsigned author, but that found in many well-known and popular works as well.
If I'm to mention some complaints, I must begin with the frustration caused by the behavior and personality of the lead character. I could probably muster some shred of empathy even for the queen, but definitely not for Iminique, particularly since she's usually not the only one paying the price for her actions or inaction, and at times not the one paying the price at all. True, I can't say I found any characters truly worth cheering for, but she's the main one and supposed to be the champion of good, inasmuch as this story has one, which only makes it worse. At the same time, none of this can exactly be said to be a flaw of the book, the author very accurately portraying personalities that one would reasonably expect to find in those positions, considering the world the action takes place in.
As such, perhaps it would be fairer to complain about how jarring it sometimes is when the story jumps forward in time, especially when this is also associated with changing the location and characters. The first time this happened was actually quite a shock for me and I can't exactly say I ever got used to it, so I'm sure there is a better way to do something like this.
In addition, at least one storyline introduced in such a manner not only doesn't get resolved in any way, but doesn't even appear to have an actual purpose, though that becomes understandable once you remember that Heiress of Healing is the first in a series and therefore parts of it are expected to be little more than introductions for the following books. Yet viewing it this way may make one expect it to include details that are not to be found here, the author at times making use of some shortcuts and simplifications that may give those used to complex stories and detailed worldbuilding some reason to frown. Whenever this happens, however, one would do well to remember the genre Heiress of Healing is meant to fit into.
To conclude, if you're looking solely for the next great epic fantasy series, you won't find it here. If, on the other hand, what you're searching for is a character-driven fantasy story that won't give you headaches while trying to follow all that's going on, or perhaps simply some well-written and, at least for a new and unsigned author, surprisingly polished escapism, you could do a whole lot worse than Heiress of Healing. Most importantly, however, if you aim to find an ambitious mix of romance and fantasy that seeks and, for the most part, manages to go beyond many of the limitations one may consider typical of paranormal romance and, as my case proves, may well be thoroughly enjoyable even for those who'd normally stay well away from the genre, then seriously, do yourself a favor and pick this up!
marcia_94's review
4.0
I have so many things to say about this book that I don't know where to start. Well, first of all I want to thank Goodreads and Sonya Lano for the possibility of reading this book and for being so nice to me.
Heiress of Healing was a page-turner since the beginning and I enjoyed the book until the very last page (that ending killed me... I want to know what happens next so badly!). The world-building and characters were done very well and I can't really fit the book in only one genre. I'd say it's fantasy; new adult; historical-fiction although the story seems to be set in an alternate world making it high-fantasy. The only thing that I think could make this book better is the pace. Things happen very quickly and time flies by. I understand that the author needed years to pass in order to make the story develop and introduce new characters and aspects of the world. But this is just my opinion and it's been a while since I read a story based in another (complex) world.
My favorite character is Iminique (who doesn't love a strong female character?) but I have to say I'm very curious about Quentyn and Evander. Ara and Elixir left a lot unsaid and I need to know what happens next!
Stars: 3.9
Heiress of Healing was a page-turner since the beginning and I enjoyed the book until the very last page (that ending killed me... I want to know what happens next so badly!). The world-building and characters were done very well and I can't really fit the book in only one genre. I'd say it's fantasy; new adult; historical-fiction although the story seems to be set in an alternate world making it high-fantasy. The only thing that I think could make this book better is the pace. Things happen very quickly and time flies by. I understand that the author needed years to pass in order to make the story develop and introduce new characters and aspects of the world. But this is just my opinion and it's been a while since I read a story based in another (complex) world.
My favorite character is Iminique (who doesn't love a strong female character?) but I have to say I'm very curious about Quentyn and Evander. Ara and Elixir left a lot unsaid and I need to know what happens next!
Stars: 3.9
soulhaven's review
5.0
I'll say a good 4.5 stars.
Stunning writing. Just stunning.
Right from the first I was drawn in to Iminique's world and magic.
This is an epic tale, with a large cast introduced over many chapters. Yet, I never felt bogged down by too many new names. They were introduced with just enough depth to get to know them before others came into the picture.
It's a tale of political intrigue, with a back-bone of love, desire and trust (or not). It heads down some pretty dark paths, so is not for the easily offended.
I think all of the characters had a struggle with morality at some level. Is saving one life worth all the others that may be lost because of this one survival? Does one refuse to pay a debt in order to be with their lover? Can one face the (relatively) short-term torture of a few in order to carry out a bigger plan of attack against dark forces? Compromise, compromise, compromise. The characters were faced with many. The author didn't. She delved into these lives to really make the characters pop off the page, and even get the reader thinking now and again.
Ms. Lano is a talent to watch.
My only real 'con' was that I couldn't find my footing as far as placing my faith in any of the male characters. I really, really, really want to like, and trust, Quentyn... but I'm just not 100% sure. So, I ended up feeling (by the end) that there were no good male role models here... I'm not going to dig into this, because I'm not even sure it's an issue. It was just a feeling I got by the end... I couldn't pick one guy I liked for certain... "Wanted to like", yes. "Liked for sure", no.
Stunning writing. Just stunning.
Right from the first I was drawn in to Iminique's world and magic.
This is an epic tale, with a large cast introduced over many chapters. Yet, I never felt bogged down by too many new names. They were introduced with just enough depth to get to know them before others came into the picture.
It's a tale of political intrigue, with a back-bone of love, desire and trust (or not). It heads down some pretty dark paths, so is not for the easily offended.
I think all of the characters had a struggle with morality at some level. Is saving one life worth all the others that may be lost because of this one survival? Does one refuse to pay a debt in order to be with their lover? Can one face the (relatively) short-term torture of a few in order to carry out a bigger plan of attack against dark forces? Compromise, compromise, compromise. The characters were faced with many. The author didn't. She delved into these lives to really make the characters pop off the page, and even get the reader thinking now and again.
Ms. Lano is a talent to watch.
My only real 'con' was that I couldn't find my footing as far as placing my faith in any of the male characters. I really, really, really want to like, and trust, Quentyn... but I'm just not 100% sure. So, I ended up feeling (by the end) that there were no good male role models here... I'm not going to dig into this, because I'm not even sure it's an issue. It was just a feeling I got by the end... I couldn't pick one guy I liked for certain... "Wanted to like", yes. "Liked for sure", no.
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