Every now and then I actually get to sit and read and when I do, I really appreciate it when the story I’m reading is worth the time I spend on it.
Such was the case when I got to read The Healer’s Rune, by Lauricia Matuska.
Back cover blurb:
Three hundred years after a great war shattered the Council of Races, the warriors of Rüddan have all but eradicated their cousins, the faerie Aethel. In so doing, they decimated the Dryht sages and enslaved mortal Humanity. Now a voice rises above the chaos and calls her people to rebel. Young Sabine, one of the Human slaves, must learn to overcome centuries of lies and prejudice to forge an alliance between four enemy races. But what chance does she stand to overthrow the Rüddan with her dangerous secret, a secret that threatens not only her own life but the existence of all the races on the planet?
This recently released book is the first in a series that promises to be epic.
I love a good fantasy, especially when I can get sucked into a world and enjoy the plight of the characters, and this book totally delivered. I read it in about three days, because I couldn’t put it down. It’s one of those stories that gets in your head and makes you eager to come back to it. Matuska’s writing is clean and compelling, and her characters are layered and interesting.
I particularly loved the dynamics between the races and the way that played out, with Sabine’s position as a Healer undermined by her status as a Human. I’m excited to see where the author takes these dynamics in the sequels.
I also loved the relationship between the main character, Sabine, and her sister. It felt very real and relatable, especially toward the end when some of the backstory was explained.
The one thing I thought it could use, and I suspect this will come out more in subsequent novels, is the nature of magic and Sabine’s actual powers. This book primarily covered Sabine’s journey to figure out what’s happening in the world and uncovering the truth, and I’m looking forward to seeing some more depth to the world.
I gave this book 5 stars on Amazon, because I really enjoyed it, and I absolutely recommend it for anyone who enjoys Christian fantasy.
There you have it. You can buy it on Amazon here. Enjoy!