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The Hawk & the Healer
Three women. Three lives. One thread connecting them all.
Orla lives in a land fractured by conquest, where her people, forgotten and fading, suffer inside a magical barrier. When she crosses paths with a dangerous lord from the ruling Aevari, she’s forced into a world of decadence, violence, and twisted devotion. Her only ally? A deadly, stoic captain who seems strangely invested in her survival.
Xanthe, meanwhile, serves quietly in a temple devoted to the goddess Bela, training for a life she never chose. When a wounded sentinel stirs forbidden hope—and a famed Aevari warrior reveals chilling secrets— she begins to question everything she's been taught. As buried memories rise and loyalties fray, Xanthe uncovers a darkness that could destroy more than just her future.
Worlds away in Tokyo, exchange student Lia is unraveling. She worries for her sanity as vivid dreams of places she’s never been, people she’s never known, and ends she’s never met all begin to bleed into her waking life. And when a familiar stranger insists they've been bound together by the gods themselves, she must confront the terrifying possibility that perhaps she isn't going crazy.
As danger tightens around them, each woman must decide - will she accept the path laid before her—or fight to forge her own?
Orla lives in a land fractured by conquest, where her people, forgotten and fading, suffer inside a magical barrier. When she crosses paths with a dangerous lord from the ruling Aevari, she’s forced into a world of decadence, violence, and twisted devotion. Her only ally? A deadly, stoic captain who seems strangely invested in her survival.
Xanthe, meanwhile, serves quietly in a temple devoted to the goddess Bela, training for a life she never chose. When a wounded sentinel stirs forbidden hope—and a famed Aevari warrior reveals chilling secrets— she begins to question everything she's been taught. As buried memories rise and loyalties fray, Xanthe uncovers a darkness that could destroy more than just her future.
Worlds away in Tokyo, exchange student Lia is unraveling. She worries for her sanity as vivid dreams of places she’s never been, people she’s never known, and ends she’s never met all begin to bleed into her waking life. And when a familiar stranger insists they've been bound together by the gods themselves, she must confront the terrifying possibility that perhaps she isn't going crazy.
As danger tightens around them, each woman must decide - will she accept the path laid before her—or fight to forge her own?
491 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2025
14 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 5, 2025
Very good book! I loved reading this, and the author is so nice! The plot and characters are great!
July 27, 2025
I enjoyed the concept of this book but it was a little hard to track in the beginning. This was a slower read for me because I had to remb which character was which. I enjoyed each character though in their own worlds & there were times where I wish there was more, a longer chapter and more storyline for a particular character. There were moments where we jumped through a scene so quickly that I was disappointed it didn’t last longer. That’s not necessarily bad but good because I wanted more. I’d rate more of a 3.5 overall. Again, great overall storyline, but I could totally have had like 200 more pages here!
August 20, 2025
This book is wonderfully woven together. Multiple POV make it a bit challenging to follow at first but once you get into the rhythm of the characters, it becomes easier.
Fantasy, romance, and some mysticism rolled together. The main characters are brave, fierce, and yet flawed. The story flowed beautifully and unwrapped the layers between the characters very well.
Fantasy, romance, and some mysticism rolled together. The main characters are brave, fierce, and yet flawed. The story flowed beautifully and unwrapped the layers between the characters very well.
January 15, 2026
The Hawk and the healer
This book was fun y’all! It kept me guessing up until a little more than halfway through then I kind of figured out what was happening. It took me a minute though! Here we go let’s meet our characters you’ll love them.
Tala (she committed to save her people) and Soraki (he’s a God) he is supposed to kill Tala for the Goddess Bela. But he falls in love with her instead. So begins the story of many characters in different times. We have Xanthe an acolyte, Orla a mortal trapped by a dangerous powerful man, a foreign exchange student Aurelia living in Japan. All three of these women have amazing adventures and some trauma. They’re all strong in their own ways and they all fall in love and they all have a mysterious red thread around their finger when they meet the man they are in love with. The reason I loved this book was first the cover. I am a huge bird fan. Hawks,ravens and owls are in this book and I love it. These birds are pivotal to the story and are so fun to see when they appear. Their personalities are so sweet. They’re important to the story. All of these stories are connected that’s all I’ll say. Be prepared there are some hard themes. Domestic violence, explicit sexual content and thoughts of suicide. But if you love a Romantasy/contemporary story this is for you. This is the first book in The sacred feast series. The next book is The owl and the acoltye. Which I was so blessed to receive an Arc, I’m onto that one now.
Spice
Shifters
Magic
Mystery
Intrigue
Friends
Powerful FMC’s
Sexy MMC’s
Gods
Goddess
Acolytes
Great plot and a great story
Did I mention birds?
Ravens,owls and hawks.
This book was fun y’all! It kept me guessing up until a little more than halfway through then I kind of figured out what was happening. It took me a minute though! Here we go let’s meet our characters you’ll love them.
Tala (she committed to save her people) and Soraki (he’s a God) he is supposed to kill Tala for the Goddess Bela. But he falls in love with her instead. So begins the story of many characters in different times. We have Xanthe an acolyte, Orla a mortal trapped by a dangerous powerful man, a foreign exchange student Aurelia living in Japan. All three of these women have amazing adventures and some trauma. They’re all strong in their own ways and they all fall in love and they all have a mysterious red thread around their finger when they meet the man they are in love with. The reason I loved this book was first the cover. I am a huge bird fan. Hawks,ravens and owls are in this book and I love it. These birds are pivotal to the story and are so fun to see when they appear. Their personalities are so sweet. They’re important to the story. All of these stories are connected that’s all I’ll say. Be prepared there are some hard themes. Domestic violence, explicit sexual content and thoughts of suicide. But if you love a Romantasy/contemporary story this is for you. This is the first book in The sacred feast series. The next book is The owl and the acoltye. Which I was so blessed to receive an Arc, I’m onto that one now.
Spice
Shifters
Magic
Mystery
Intrigue
Friends
Powerful FMC’s
Sexy MMC’s
Gods
Goddess
Acolytes
Great plot and a great story
Did I mention birds?
Ravens,owls and hawks.
August 12, 2025
The Hawk & the Healer by Clara Bracco is one of those stories that quietly wraps itself around your soul and refuses to let go. From the moment I stepped into this fractured, magic-laced world, I knew I was in for something layered, emotional, and achingly beautiful and Bracco delivered exactly that.
Told through a web of timelines and perspectives, this book doesn’t hold your hand and that’s what I loved most(but be sure to pay attention to those details). There’s a subtle complexity in the way each thread unravels, pulling you deeper into the fates of three women connected by more than just circumstance. Orla’s journey in particular gripped me: trapped between survival and submission, devotion and rebellion, her arc is steeped in tension and emotional grit. The Aevari world is rich, brutal, and hauntingly real.
The romance is slow, weighty, and intense, made even more compelling by the stoic captain whose investment in Orla is laced with mystery and restraint. This is not a lighthearted love story it’s one where you feel the tragedy building long before it hits, but you're still desperate to witness every moment of the unraveling.
The poetic writing style made it easy to fall into the story, even with the shifting timelines, though at times the pacing required a bit more focus to keep track. That said, I was completely invested by the end, and I’m still thinking about where this could lead in future installments.
Told through a web of timelines and perspectives, this book doesn’t hold your hand and that’s what I loved most(but be sure to pay attention to those details). There’s a subtle complexity in the way each thread unravels, pulling you deeper into the fates of three women connected by more than just circumstance. Orla’s journey in particular gripped me: trapped between survival and submission, devotion and rebellion, her arc is steeped in tension and emotional grit. The Aevari world is rich, brutal, and hauntingly real.
The romance is slow, weighty, and intense, made even more compelling by the stoic captain whose investment in Orla is laced with mystery and restraint. This is not a lighthearted love story it’s one where you feel the tragedy building long before it hits, but you're still desperate to witness every moment of the unraveling.
The poetic writing style made it easy to fall into the story, even with the shifting timelines, though at times the pacing required a bit more focus to keep track. That said, I was completely invested by the end, and I’m still thinking about where this could lead in future installments.
July 3, 2025
"The Hawk and the Healer" has all of the story beats you've come to expect from the romantasy genre, but the twist makes this feel fresh.
There are "humans" and "fae" (kind of), only they're called Terrans and Aevari (who are more like demigods). And then there are gods.
It's a romance first and foremost, so if you're expecting high or epic fantasy, this is not for you. But there is a lot of mythology, both created and from Japan, that's woven in and keeps things interesting.
I really love these types of stories that bounce around timelines. Characters pop up between them, and there are actions taken in the past that have real effects on the story later on. Only the fun part is that you're often seeing the consequences first.
It's the kind of book that, once you figure out what's going on, you'll want to read again to pick up all those little Easter eggs.
It does get a little dark, and there are trigger warnings listed in the beginning of the book you should check out if you have any.
Downsides - the heroine is a little "woe is me" sometimes. She's more gentle than strong, and a little passive, but also realistically so. Like, there isn't much she can do, so she doesn't, if that makes sense.
I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are "humans" and "fae" (kind of), only they're called Terrans and Aevari (who are more like demigods). And then there are gods.
It's a romance first and foremost, so if you're expecting high or epic fantasy, this is not for you. But there is a lot of mythology, both created and from Japan, that's woven in and keeps things interesting.
I really love these types of stories that bounce around timelines. Characters pop up between them, and there are actions taken in the past that have real effects on the story later on. Only the fun part is that you're often seeing the consequences first.
It's the kind of book that, once you figure out what's going on, you'll want to read again to pick up all those little Easter eggs.
It does get a little dark, and there are trigger warnings listed in the beginning of the book you should check out if you have any.
Downsides - the heroine is a little "woe is me" sometimes. She's more gentle than strong, and a little passive, but also realistically so. Like, there isn't much she can do, so she doesn't, if that makes sense.
I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2025
I received an ARC and am happy to leave a review.
Wow! This is a richly detailed love story for the ages. I love stories where you know tragedy is coming, but you have to read to find out exactly how and why. Watching the pieces fall together out of time keeps you engaged, and I can't wait to see how this plays out in the next books.
Read this NOW!
Wow! This is a richly detailed love story for the ages. I love stories where you know tragedy is coming, but you have to read to find out exactly how and why. Watching the pieces fall together out of time keeps you engaged, and I can't wait to see how this plays out in the next books.
Read this NOW!
July 22, 2025
The Hawk and The Healer BY FAR exceeded my expectations. I was interested in the story concept, but I had no idea it would turn out to be such a compelling story, full of twists and turns! I can’t wait to see where the author goes with book 2 and I am on the edge of my seat over the dot connecting that is sure to take place!
First, I love a time jump concept along with reincarnation and “I’ll find you in every lifetime” type of love. This book checked all of those boxes for me. I also love a good gods vs their creations vs mortals dynamic to a cast of characters. I think this was very well done in this book and I can’t wait to see more of the gods/goddesses and the backstory to their creation in future books in this series.
All in all, well done Clara!!
First, I love a time jump concept along with reincarnation and “I’ll find you in every lifetime” type of love. This book checked all of those boxes for me. I also love a good gods vs their creations vs mortals dynamic to a cast of characters. I think this was very well done in this book and I can’t wait to see more of the gods/goddesses and the backstory to their creation in future books in this series.
All in all, well done Clara!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
The Hawk and the Healer (The Sacred Feast: Book 1) is a beautifully crafted journey into a world where spiritual truths and gripping storytelling blend seamlessly. Richly textured with vibrant characters, this novel explores the profound connection between healer and warrior, delicately balancing action with moments of deep emotional insight. The author's lyrical prose draws you in from the very first page, inviting you to savor each revelation. A captivating start to a promising series—highly recommended for lovers of meaningful fantasy.
Read
July 21, 2025An intrigant read of 3 women through 3 different generations.
Orla lives in a barely survive atmosphere until kidnapped by a war Lord who has lot of ownership issues and demands.
Xanthe given to the temple as the law demanded to be trained for destiny in the capitol and under the King's personal demand of her next portion of life after turning 18.
Aurelia, a student in Tokyo, starts having dreams for times she didn't know she had been part of. With new boyfriend and others they try to connect the dots.
Enjoyed
Orla lives in a barely survive atmosphere until kidnapped by a war Lord who has lot of ownership issues and demands.
Xanthe given to the temple as the law demanded to be trained for destiny in the capitol and under the King's personal demand of her next portion of life after turning 18.
Aurelia, a student in Tokyo, starts having dreams for times she didn't know she had been part of. With new boyfriend and others they try to connect the dots.
Enjoyed
July 16, 2025
Thank you, Book Sirens and Ciara Bracco, for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this fantasy romance novel. This is book one in The Sacred Feast series. It was captivating and immersive with well-thought-out characters and a poetic writing style, which made me invested in the story. A lot is going on, with blending timelines. So it's easy to miss things if you are not paying attention. Overall I enjoyed it and would read the next book!
I really enjoyed this fantasy romance novel. This is book one in The Sacred Feast series. It was captivating and immersive with well-thought-out characters and a poetic writing style, which made me invested in the story. A lot is going on, with blending timelines. So it's easy to miss things if you are not paying attention. Overall I enjoyed it and would read the next book!
July 25, 2025
This is a written puzzle with each chapter adding another piece, in the end resulting in a beautiful finished work of art.
I felt wrapped in the stories of Orla, Xanthe, and Lia as they evolved throughout their journeys.
Strong FMCs, spice, fated mates, magic, gods … a must read for everyone who loves a devoted MMC and a love that never ends.
I felt wrapped in the stories of Orla, Xanthe, and Lia as they evolved throughout their journeys.
Strong FMCs, spice, fated mates, magic, gods … a must read for everyone who loves a devoted MMC and a love that never ends.
August 21, 2025
yeah actually it took me a minute to piece together reincarnation. i feel like a fool for not seeing blonde hair, gray-blue eyes, early 20s girl + falls in love with a tough guy who would do anything for her = reincarnation. the signs were there and i didn't see them until it was becoming very obvious (when xanthe and lia started dreaming) that they were all the same person. i loved each of those girls so much i literally feel like i just watched a little sister fall in love like giggling kicking my feet the whole thing. i love the world(s) i guess that we saw, the whole concept of gods and aevari and terrans and reincarnation and the LORE and WAR and mythology was very interesting. i feel like i need another week to finish thinking before i can actually talk about more than "cool world cutie fmcs" bc i have too many tears in my eyes rn.
I received an arc for my honest review!
I received an arc for my honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
The Hawk and the Healer is one of the best books I have ever read. It took me several chapters to get my bearings as there are so many moving parts in this book, but once I got dialed in I ATE THIS UP. This book is the embodiment of “our love is so intricately woven that I will find you in every lifetime”. The different women and their stories, the “birds” the literal bonds that tie them all together; I am in awe at how beautifully written this book was. I am also heartbroken, and the cliffhanger took me out! Author Clara Bracco- you are so talented and you deserve to be celebrated for this awesome work! I can’t wait for book 2. I am dying to see how this story ends.
July 16, 2025
Love how the different storylines weave together! Can’t wait til book 2.
July 20, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book!
The many different povs had me a bit confused at first but when I got into it, it was not as hard as I thought it would be to get through the book.
AND the plot twist at the end?? I cannot wait for the next book!
I recieved an advance review copy for free of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
The many different povs had me a bit confused at first but when I got into it, it was not as hard as I thought it would be to get through the book.
AND the plot twist at the end?? I cannot wait for the next book!
I recieved an advance review copy for free of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews