A review by allingoodtime
Barbarian's Beloved by Ruby Dixon

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I originally read this book a couple of months ago and somehow lost the review I had already written, which upsets me because I really loved this book. Instead of skipping posting a review or trying to remember details I decided to reread the book. I’m glad I did because I think Ruby Dixon does a lot with this story.

Ariana has always been a character who was just chilling in the background that everyone seemed to be annoyed by. She cried. A lot. But why was she always crying and keeping herself separate from the others? Turns out Ariana has extreme anxiety issues and, even with medication, could easily go into a spiral. As soon as she realizes what happened to her and that it meant no more medication or talk therapy she cannot calm her brain. Instead of being irritated with her like the rest of the tribe and humans, Zolaya is drawn to her and just wants to make her smile.

Zolaya and Ariana are perfect together. While all the Sa-Khui are protective of the tribe, especially their mates, Zolaya is also a natural caregiver. Because the Sa-Khui don’t have a preconceived notion about mental illness and the struggles that come along with it he never makes Ariana feel bad about her anxieties. In fact, Zolaya becomes her calming presence. And he loves that role. He loves making her smile and knowing he makes her feel safe. I found I have a lot of similarities to Ariana and my husband is my calming presence. The author did a beautiful job of portraying that relationship. The helplessness and frustration Ariana felt for needing someone else and not being able to do it on her own. As well as the peaceful calm she could get from the one person who didn’t judge and understood her mind.

I am very appreciative that Ariana’s anxiety was portrayed as something her body did, not something that she was doing wrong. Zolaya knew that from the start and the healer reiterated that later. Her mental state had to do with her body’s chemistry, not her being weak or unreasonable.

As much as I loved this book for its mental health representation, it also had great chemistry. I love this couple and now look back at our little peeks at them throughout the series a bit differently. This story also introduces the possibility of there being another seer into the tribe via one of the children and I found that part of the story to be fascinating. 
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