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Chronicles of the God-Sage #1
Forbidden Healing
A mysterious deity, power-hungry priests and two young people fighting to stay alive.
Kyla Tarthwen longs to join the ranks of the religious elite, the God-Sage’s Sacred Core. But Kyla has a secret that could kill her. When an acolyte is murdered during Kyla’s initiation, Kyla wonders if she is next. Can she do what it takes to secure her place in the Sacred Core, before the religious elite turn their watchful eye on her?
Marlowe Tide is grieving the deaths of his parents, executed as traitors to the God-Sage. He is desperate to keep his sister safe. But Valora is a healer, and healing is a crime. She ought to be dead already. When Kyla Tarthwen arrives at Marlowe’s door on a mission for the God-Sage, can Marlowe save his sister?
When Marlowe and Kyla meet, events take place that will change the course of both their lives, if they don’t kill each other first…
Kyla Tarthwen longs to join the ranks of the religious elite, the God-Sage’s Sacred Core. But Kyla has a secret that could kill her. When an acolyte is murdered during Kyla’s initiation, Kyla wonders if she is next. Can she do what it takes to secure her place in the Sacred Core, before the religious elite turn their watchful eye on her?
Marlowe Tide is grieving the deaths of his parents, executed as traitors to the God-Sage. He is desperate to keep his sister safe. But Valora is a healer, and healing is a crime. She ought to be dead already. When Kyla Tarthwen arrives at Marlowe’s door on a mission for the God-Sage, can Marlowe save his sister?
When Marlowe and Kyla meet, events take place that will change the course of both their lives, if they don’t kill each other first…
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2021
47 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Want to read
March 13, 2022I have a feeling this one will be really good.
April 24, 2022
Potential spoiler and TW ABELISM!
I just finished Forbidden healing, the first book in the god-sage series. I will start to say that I find the pace kind of weird, like it felt like nothing exciting happened in the first 160 pages and then a lot of things happen at a very fast pace which kind of ruins the impact of situation. And I dont feel like i get any connections to the characters so when someone dies, i dont really react to it. However the society and the idea of the god is interesting.
I found the book disturbing and I feel like it needs a big fucking trigger warning for ableism! To voice a discussion about discrimination towards disabled people is important but to discribe a society that indirectly beleives that if you arent pure, which means that if you arent abled you deserve to die is harmful. And to have characters directly discriminate and be verbally if not physically abusive towards Valora is unnecessary. You can write a good fantasy book without sexual assault and abuse. The only positive note is that Valora herself does not mind her disability, she is content and loves herself. But then we have her brother, the MC, who constantly uses negative connotations when discribing how she looks. For instance "See her pull the blanket tighter around her humped body". It is completely unnecessary to include the word humped. To use a language with harmful slurs and describe a character as grotesque is so fucking harmful.
I dont know of the second book is better buy i really cant recommend anyone to read this. If the book werent so problematic i actually think that it could have been good
I just finished Forbidden healing, the first book in the god-sage series. I will start to say that I find the pace kind of weird, like it felt like nothing exciting happened in the first 160 pages and then a lot of things happen at a very fast pace which kind of ruins the impact of situation. And I dont feel like i get any connections to the characters so when someone dies, i dont really react to it. However the society and the idea of the god is interesting.
I found the book disturbing and I feel like it needs a big fucking trigger warning for ableism! To voice a discussion about discrimination towards disabled people is important but to discribe a society that indirectly beleives that if you arent pure, which means that if you arent abled you deserve to die is harmful. And to have characters directly discriminate and be verbally if not physically abusive towards Valora is unnecessary. You can write a good fantasy book without sexual assault and abuse. The only positive note is that Valora herself does not mind her disability, she is content and loves herself. But then we have her brother, the MC, who constantly uses negative connotations when discribing how she looks. For instance "See her pull the blanket tighter around her humped body". It is completely unnecessary to include the word humped. To use a language with harmful slurs and describe a character as grotesque is so fucking harmful.
I dont know of the second book is better buy i really cant recommend anyone to read this. If the book werent so problematic i actually think that it could have been good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
Well paced and intriguing. The world built by the author is almost dystopian, but with magic and fantasy. The characters developed well and made a great ensemble. I want to know more about them and am invested in what happens to them. I hope we get to see more about the inner workings of the Sacred Core too and I want to know all about the history of the Naliri. So many questions that I MUST have the answer to. I truly enjoyed reading this story and will be first in line when the next book is available.
*I received a free copy of the book for my honest review
*I received a free copy of the book for my honest review
December 18, 2021
I can say that as someone who is not typically a fan of fantasy novels this really captured my attention. For a debut novel it was beautifully developed and I found myself invested in the lives of Kyla and Marlowe, the two narrators of the story giving alternative perspectives on an alternative world ruled by faith—one is a believer while the other is not.
I gave one star off because the climax was a little slower building than I wanted, but with that being said it leaves a lot to look forward to in a sequel.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I gave one star off because the climax was a little slower building than I wanted, but with that being said it leaves a lot to look forward to in a sequel.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2022
Forbidden Healing is a strong debut novel by a talented new author in YA fantasy. With a cast of memorable characters and fantastic worldbuilding, this is a series I'm excited to continue with.
My favorite part of this book was probably the worldbuilding. It's a bleak, dark world that feels almost dystopian, and in that way it sort of reminded me of the worldbuilding in Mistborn. The magic is heavily controlled and restricted by those in power, and this restriction/control is justified by the religion of the world which centers on the God Sage and an emphasis on purity. There are harsh consequences for anyone considered "impure" or anyone found to be breaking the rules. Even if we set aside the society and culture of the world, there's also have a lake full of flesh-eating eels. So, you know, not exactly the most cheerful fantasy world to live in.
Honestly, I didn't find either of the two main characters to be particularly likeable and was irritated with them in one way or another throughout the book, but they were still interesting to follow and I was always curious to see what would happen next. Even though I was annoyed by them, I could always understand why they were reacting they way they were or why they were making certain choices. Of the two, Kyla was probably my favorite and more interesting to me. As someone born and raised in a high-demand religion that I have since left behind, I found that I could really relate to some of her perspectives in a way that was honestly a little uncomfortable because it reminded me of my own old ways of thinking. I can see why people might have a difficult time with her character or find her to be naive/brainwashed, etc. However, as someone who has gone through a similar experience myself, I found her very relatable and hope to see her shed some of those beliefs and harmful ways of thinking as the series goes on. Marlowe was an interesting enough character in his own right. I found his constant anger and lashing out to be kind of grating sometimes, but again, I understood why he reacted that way and would love to see some deeper character development from him in future books. His sister Valora and Kyla's long-time friend Max are more level-headed and serve as a good balance for the two main characters, and I really liked both of them as well.
I can see a lot of great potential for this series and have already picked up the second book. This first book seemed smaller in scale with more of an emphasis on characters and their personal struggles, but there are definitely some hints of a bigger conflict and interesting relationship dynamics to play out between certain characters, which is always fun to see. I look forward to seeing where the story takes the characters next.
My favorite part of this book was probably the worldbuilding. It's a bleak, dark world that feels almost dystopian, and in that way it sort of reminded me of the worldbuilding in Mistborn. The magic is heavily controlled and restricted by those in power, and this restriction/control is justified by the religion of the world which centers on the God Sage and an emphasis on purity. There are harsh consequences for anyone considered "impure" or anyone found to be breaking the rules. Even if we set aside the society and culture of the world, there's also have a lake full of flesh-eating eels. So, you know, not exactly the most cheerful fantasy world to live in.
Honestly, I didn't find either of the two main characters to be particularly likeable and was irritated with them in one way or another throughout the book, but they were still interesting to follow and I was always curious to see what would happen next. Even though I was annoyed by them, I could always understand why they were reacting they way they were or why they were making certain choices. Of the two, Kyla was probably my favorite and more interesting to me. As someone born and raised in a high-demand religion that I have since left behind, I found that I could really relate to some of her perspectives in a way that was honestly a little uncomfortable because it reminded me of my own old ways of thinking. I can see why people might have a difficult time with her character or find her to be naive/brainwashed, etc. However, as someone who has gone through a similar experience myself, I found her very relatable and hope to see her shed some of those beliefs and harmful ways of thinking as the series goes on. Marlowe was an interesting enough character in his own right. I found his constant anger and lashing out to be kind of grating sometimes, but again, I understood why he reacted that way and would love to see some deeper character development from him in future books. His sister Valora and Kyla's long-time friend Max are more level-headed and serve as a good balance for the two main characters, and I really liked both of them as well.
I can see a lot of great potential for this series and have already picked up the second book. This first book seemed smaller in scale with more of an emphasis on characters and their personal struggles, but there are definitely some hints of a bigger conflict and interesting relationship dynamics to play out between certain characters, which is always fun to see. I look forward to seeing where the story takes the characters next.
March 20, 2022
This is a really good debut novel! I felt the world building was fantastic and the two different perspectives fantastic. Kyla isn’t my favorite character, I feel like her beliefs in her faith make her very naive, and I also feel like more cocky then she should be as I feel like in her haste she caused a lot of problems, and her haste was because all she cares about is not moving forward in her faith, it came off as very greedy. I wish she would open her eyes to the fact that I don’t think the others around her are as naive with the faith as she is.
Marlowe is the complete opposite with no faith in the God-Sage at all. And with good reason. At this point in time I feel like I side with him in how things are being run and that there is definitely something fishy happening. I hope to see more development out of his character past just the all consuming anger.
Marlowe is the complete opposite with no faith in the God-Sage at all. And with good reason. At this point in time I feel like I side with him in how things are being run and that there is definitely something fishy happening. I hope to see more development out of his character past just the all consuming anger.
December 8, 2021
I immensely enjoyed reading this book. The storyline and plot is extremely unique and far from any cliché fantasy book. It was honestly refreshing to read.
What made the book was well developed and in depth characters of Marlow and Kyla. You read the book through their viewpoints and experience everything through their eyes. What I found amazing was how the Author really made you feel what they were feeling in the moment. You literally feel the characters lows, highs and hopes. I tip my hat off to this author for that point expectially, because that right there is why every reader reads, to become the characters and experience their story alongside with them and Rachel did that.
I highly recommend this book. It really will leave you wanting more by the end.
What made the book was well developed and in depth characters of Marlow and Kyla. You read the book through their viewpoints and experience everything through their eyes. What I found amazing was how the Author really made you feel what they were feeling in the moment. You literally feel the characters lows, highs and hopes. I tip my hat off to this author for that point expectially, because that right there is why every reader reads, to become the characters and experience their story alongside with them and Rachel did that.
I highly recommend this book. It really will leave you wanting more by the end.
December 17, 2022
Forbidden Healing
17/11/21
Interesting first book from this author.
Like the depth of the characters and the great world building .
Everything gelled together well. The storyline was smooth with multiple points of view from the characters which , for me, was a great way to read the story.
For me the mark of a good book, especially a new author , is was I entertained, did I enjoy it, and did it keep my interest.
Well it’s yes to all three. So I am definitely interested in seeing how this series develops.
No spoilers from me but a wholehearted recommendation.
Well worth my time.
17/11/21
Interesting first book from this author.
Like the depth of the characters and the great world building .
Everything gelled together well. The storyline was smooth with multiple points of view from the characters which , for me, was a great way to read the story.
For me the mark of a good book, especially a new author , is was I entertained, did I enjoy it, and did it keep my interest.
Well it’s yes to all three. So I am definitely interested in seeing how this series develops.
No spoilers from me but a wholehearted recommendation.
Well worth my time.
March 27, 2022
This was surprisingly dark, but I'm intrigued to know what happens next. There are so many ways this could go wrong!
March 26, 2022
Plot – 5*
Characters – 5*
Writing – 5*
Overall – 5*
Summary:
Healing is illegal. So is being healed.
Marlowe and his sister Valora are both outcasts after their parents were killed for being traitors to the God-Sage. But Valora has healing magic and will be killed if anyone finds out.
Kyla is accidentally healed by an acolyte the night before her initiation into the Sacred Core, a close-knit group of top soldiers, she’s terrified. But when the acolyte who healed her is murdered during her initiation ceremony, Kyla must venture out to find a replacement for her in the hopes that the God-Sage will forgive her, and she will be allowed into the Core.
My Thoughts:
Kyla is my queen. I love her. She has a goal and she’s determined to get to it. She starts to sprout some doubts towards the religion and it’s interesting to watch her inner turmoil try to fight it away without even giving it another thought.
Marlowe is outright against the people that run things. His grandfather is the reason his parents are dead, and he has been cast out of their home. His love for Valora is strong, if sometimes over-protective. He seems to have no trust in the God-Sage, which would brand him a traitor himself should anyone look too deeply.
These characters are written so well; they both have genuine flaws alongside the wonderful parts of them.
And the PLOT? I was anxiously waiting to see what happened next. I’ll admit, I was more leaning for Kyla’s side of the story but that might be because I related to her more strongly and tend to favour female characters and I liked her hidden turmoil, but both had such major things to deal with and I was so curious to see how their lives would entwine.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good bit of adventure. It reminded me a little of the Serpent & Dove series, but without the spice (this is YA so, obviously, none of that) and personally, I thought it was better.
Characters – 5*
Writing – 5*
Overall – 5*
Summary:
Healing is illegal. So is being healed.
Marlowe and his sister Valora are both outcasts after their parents were killed for being traitors to the God-Sage. But Valora has healing magic and will be killed if anyone finds out.
Kyla is accidentally healed by an acolyte the night before her initiation into the Sacred Core, a close-knit group of top soldiers, she’s terrified. But when the acolyte who healed her is murdered during her initiation ceremony, Kyla must venture out to find a replacement for her in the hopes that the God-Sage will forgive her, and she will be allowed into the Core.
My Thoughts:
Kyla is my queen. I love her. She has a goal and she’s determined to get to it. She starts to sprout some doubts towards the religion and it’s interesting to watch her inner turmoil try to fight it away without even giving it another thought.
Marlowe is outright against the people that run things. His grandfather is the reason his parents are dead, and he has been cast out of their home. His love for Valora is strong, if sometimes over-protective. He seems to have no trust in the God-Sage, which would brand him a traitor himself should anyone look too deeply.
These characters are written so well; they both have genuine flaws alongside the wonderful parts of them.
And the PLOT? I was anxiously waiting to see what happened next. I’ll admit, I was more leaning for Kyla’s side of the story but that might be because I related to her more strongly and tend to favour female characters and I liked her hidden turmoil, but both had such major things to deal with and I was so curious to see how their lives would entwine.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good bit of adventure. It reminded me a little of the Serpent & Dove series, but without the spice (this is YA so, obviously, none of that) and personally, I thought it was better.
Read
December 8, 2021Loved this new series by Rachael Watson , the first book in The Chronicles of the God-Sage series, in a cruel world where the only healers are a group of chosen priests with a magic circle of light and acolytes choose who can enter the circle to be healed , and if not healed ,they are executed by hanging.
Kyla a young girl who has an overbearing abusive father wants to join the Sacred Core and become one of the healers is one of my favorite characters strong and determined to advance herself and break free of her treacherous father.
A tale of adventure and mystery with twists and turns to surprise you and keep the reader wanting more!
Kyla a young girl who has an overbearing abusive father wants to join the Sacred Core and become one of the healers is one of my favorite characters strong and determined to advance herself and break free of her treacherous father.
A tale of adventure and mystery with twists and turns to surprise you and keep the reader wanting more!
September 25, 2022
Booktok brought this to my attention
The author not only produces fun videos, but she also an entertaining writer. It’s like Hunger Games meets High Fantasy. This book establishes a corrupt theocracy in which the main characters are rebelling against in some fashion. While there are no dragons, there is magic and a reference to a mysterious race that might hold the key to the secret of the God-Sage. If you like fantasy series, this is a good one to invest in.
The author not only produces fun videos, but she also an entertaining writer. It’s like Hunger Games meets High Fantasy. This book establishes a corrupt theocracy in which the main characters are rebelling against in some fashion. While there are no dragons, there is magic and a reference to a mysterious race that might hold the key to the secret of the God-Sage. If you like fantasy series, this is a good one to invest in.
September 30, 2022
Very different
Rachael Watson has done what few new authors manage - she has created a totally different world and peopled it with believable characters. ‘The God-Sage deserves a pure city’. Sounds quite innocuous but is actually very sinister. As it was said (approximately), he who controls the healers controls the world. Only the three ancient Sages can heal at the God-Sage’s behest, and only in the Healing Circle in the temple in Moriya. But other people can heal too, and die for using their power. It doesn’t matter how many of the poorer people might die for the lack of that power. I really recommend that you read the prequel to this story ‘Forbidden Healing’. It will give you more insight into Kyla Tarthwen and Max, as well as the religion of the God-Sage.
Rachael Watson has done what few new authors manage - she has created a totally different world and peopled it with believable characters. ‘The God-Sage deserves a pure city’. Sounds quite innocuous but is actually very sinister. As it was said (approximately), he who controls the healers controls the world. Only the three ancient Sages can heal at the God-Sage’s behest, and only in the Healing Circle in the temple in Moriya. But other people can heal too, and die for using their power. It doesn’t matter how many of the poorer people might die for the lack of that power. I really recommend that you read the prequel to this story ‘Forbidden Healing’. It will give you more insight into Kyla Tarthwen and Max, as well as the religion of the God-Sage.
January 16, 2024
I think this is a great introduction for the series. It definitely got me curious to read and it was a well paced story. There were a few things that didn’t sit right with me but overall I enjoyed this book.
December 16, 2021
This was an interesting, unique YA novel, I am definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes in book 2!
March 29, 2022
This book came to me at the exact right time. It single handedly brought me out of a reading slump. Excellent world building, great pacing, and a unique fantasy story. I loved it!
September 19, 2022
Excellent. Cannot praise enough. Brilliant debut.
December 16, 2021
This review is spoiler-free.
An interesting debut, a tale of righteousness in the face of adversity with likable characters. With multiple pov, it manages to keep my interest piqued and my mind yearning for an answer.
I hope Watson will continue to take us on this wonderful journey.
An interesting debut, a tale of righteousness in the face of adversity with likable characters. With multiple pov, it manages to keep my interest piqued and my mind yearning for an answer.
I hope Watson will continue to take us on this wonderful journey.
December 6, 2021
In her debut novel this author displays an admirable maturity of grasp of her craft.
Forbidden Healing’s characters, their interrelationships and the book’s intersecting storylines are all so well formed and well crafted that you are drawn inexorably into their world … carried along in such breathless fashion that renders you close to incapable of putting the book down until you reach its climax.
There is obviously more to come … I can’t wait!
Forbidden Healing’s characters, their interrelationships and the book’s intersecting storylines are all so well formed and well crafted that you are drawn inexorably into their world … carried along in such breathless fashion that renders you close to incapable of putting the book down until you reach its climax.
There is obviously more to come … I can’t wait!
December 5, 2021
Beautifully written story, fast paced, great characters. Well worth reading
September 2, 2024
I am ABSOLUTELY ENAMOURED with this book.
I am by no means an easy win when it comes to reviewing books.
Forbidden healing has been a breath of fresh fantasy air.
Here is a world that is beautifully built, fresh and believable dialogue that is so well crafted.
It's really so refreshing reading a book that isn't predictable or stale or overdone. I'm completely lost in the world and awaiting what's going to happen next with anxiously bated breath.
The ending was awful. Awful in the sense that it was over too quickly and I was very much aware of the fact if I hadn't already received book 2 to move on to instantly, that cliffhanger would have been unbearable.
I'm 50% of the way through Book 2 already and all I want to know is who is going to pay my therapy bills while I wait for the next book!?
I am by no means an easy win when it comes to reviewing books.
Forbidden healing has been a breath of fresh fantasy air.
Here is a world that is beautifully built, fresh and believable dialogue that is so well crafted.
It's really so refreshing reading a book that isn't predictable or stale or overdone. I'm completely lost in the world and awaiting what's going to happen next with anxiously bated breath.
The ending was awful. Awful in the sense that it was over too quickly and I was very much aware of the fact if I hadn't already received book 2 to move on to instantly, that cliffhanger would have been unbearable.
I'm 50% of the way through Book 2 already and all I want to know is who is going to pay my therapy bills while I wait for the next book!?
March 11, 2022
Religious persecution done well.
The God-Sage deserves a pure city, and the army make sure it stays that way, hanging traitors they find at the gallows and requiring the entire city to watch.
As with any religion it can be used and abused and in this instance its the noblemen of the country who are doing just that.
In the city of Palantar we see Lord Aralorn doing just that. He has had his own daughter and son in law executed for treasonous healing, and now has turned to their children, his grandchildren to make them pay for the crimes of their parents. For the fact that his daughter besmerched his good name and even in death will prevent him from becoming more than just a Lord of a small outpost town.
Marlowe and Valora have had their entire lives pulled from under them. Marlowe had always expected to take over his grandfather's position as Lord and his noble upbringing in Aralorne Hall is what he is used to. His parents own a farm house and the family are well looked after. However, with the death of his parents and Lord Aralorne wanting to make them pay further, Marlowe and Valora are evicted from their own house and led to the slums, to a single room, barely big enough for them to sleep.
Marlowe tries to see his grandfather, to plea on behalf of his sister who is disabled and unable to do much for herself. The guards turn him away. We follow their struggles.
At the same time we follow Kayla Tarthwen and her fellow soldier Max as they prepare for her promotion into the sacred core. The armed guard for the priests and acolytes of the God-Sage.
Her father is commander of the army in the City of Moriya and she has followed his footsteps into the army, becoming the only female soldier in the army and making waves becoming the first female to be admitted into the sacred core.
Their journey in preparation for her initiation leads them to Palantar, crossing paths with Marlowe and Valora. The peasant grandchildren of the noble Lord know who Kayla is immediately. She is the daughter of the man who ordered their parents execution. As much as Marlowe's rage wants to be let out against the woman, she is a soldier of Moriya and could have him arrested and executed for treason too. He doesn't want to leave his sister alone in the Moriyan's clutches, so he forces the rage down, knowing he's been cornered.
*******Spoiler***********
Kayla is certain the God-Sage has put them in her path for a reason and she is going to take them back with her to Moriya to prove she is worthy of the sacred core, whether they want to go or not.
The God-Sage deserves a pure city, and the army make sure it stays that way, hanging traitors they find at the gallows and requiring the entire city to watch.
As with any religion it can be used and abused and in this instance its the noblemen of the country who are doing just that.
In the city of Palantar we see Lord Aralorn doing just that. He has had his own daughter and son in law executed for treasonous healing, and now has turned to their children, his grandchildren to make them pay for the crimes of their parents. For the fact that his daughter besmerched his good name and even in death will prevent him from becoming more than just a Lord of a small outpost town.
Marlowe and Valora have had their entire lives pulled from under them. Marlowe had always expected to take over his grandfather's position as Lord and his noble upbringing in Aralorne Hall is what he is used to. His parents own a farm house and the family are well looked after. However, with the death of his parents and Lord Aralorne wanting to make them pay further, Marlowe and Valora are evicted from their own house and led to the slums, to a single room, barely big enough for them to sleep.
Marlowe tries to see his grandfather, to plea on behalf of his sister who is disabled and unable to do much for herself. The guards turn him away. We follow their struggles.
At the same time we follow Kayla Tarthwen and her fellow soldier Max as they prepare for her promotion into the sacred core. The armed guard for the priests and acolytes of the God-Sage.
Her father is commander of the army in the City of Moriya and she has followed his footsteps into the army, becoming the only female soldier in the army and making waves becoming the first female to be admitted into the sacred core.
Their journey in preparation for her initiation leads them to Palantar, crossing paths with Marlowe and Valora. The peasant grandchildren of the noble Lord know who Kayla is immediately. She is the daughter of the man who ordered their parents execution. As much as Marlowe's rage wants to be let out against the woman, she is a soldier of Moriya and could have him arrested and executed for treason too. He doesn't want to leave his sister alone in the Moriyan's clutches, so he forces the rage down, knowing he's been cornered.
*******Spoiler***********
Kayla is certain the God-Sage has put them in her path for a reason and she is going to take them back with her to Moriya to prove she is worthy of the sacred core, whether they want to go or not.
May 2, 2022
"Pain belongs to the God-Sage. Suffering belongs to the God-Sage. Only he may alleviate it."
BLURB:
Brother and sister, Marlowe and Valora, were just trying to survive being outcasts.
Kyla Tarthwen, on the brink of being the first female to join the rank of the religious elite, has a secret and a mission.
THOUGHTS:
(Just to preempt before I share my thoughts: Every time I read a YA, regardless of genre, I need to constantly remind myself that it is YA thus the target audience is not me. Most definitely because I find that I’m far too old for teenage angst. Now with that out of the way let us begin.)
‘The God-Sage deserves a pure city’ is the principal ideology of this fictional kingdom that governs the lives of its people. The politics, religion, and world building in this book were all effectively presented in that we can’t help but understand and sympathise with the plight of our main characters.
It is well written that there were instances where you can’t help but refuse to put the book down because that particular section was either intriguing, full of action, and/or revelations. And finally, the book ended in such a clean cut that it just feels like one was closing a chapter with an anticipation for the next one.
My only issue was that since this is a YA, I constantly need to remind myself that THIS IS A YA. Which I recognise is a ‘Me Problem’. That is more because there are instances where I find the characters exasperating. But then I would remember that these are teenagers, faced with dilemmas that even adults might have difficulty facing. Which, at the same time, I would have to give kudos to the author for writing characters that were very much on point.
Overall, a great Young Adult book in which I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Forbidden Healing is Rachel Watson’s debut novel and the first book in the Chronicles of the God-Sage series. The Dream Key, the second book to the series, is already available on ebook.
BLURB:
Brother and sister, Marlowe and Valora, were just trying to survive being outcasts.
Kyla Tarthwen, on the brink of being the first female to join the rank of the religious elite, has a secret and a mission.
THOUGHTS:
(Just to preempt before I share my thoughts: Every time I read a YA, regardless of genre, I need to constantly remind myself that it is YA thus the target audience is not me. Most definitely because I find that I’m far too old for teenage angst. Now with that out of the way let us begin.)
‘The God-Sage deserves a pure city’ is the principal ideology of this fictional kingdom that governs the lives of its people. The politics, religion, and world building in this book were all effectively presented in that we can’t help but understand and sympathise with the plight of our main characters.
It is well written that there were instances where you can’t help but refuse to put the book down because that particular section was either intriguing, full of action, and/or revelations. And finally, the book ended in such a clean cut that it just feels like one was closing a chapter with an anticipation for the next one.
My only issue was that since this is a YA, I constantly need to remind myself that THIS IS A YA. Which I recognise is a ‘Me Problem’. That is more because there are instances where I find the characters exasperating. But then I would remember that these are teenagers, faced with dilemmas that even adults might have difficulty facing. Which, at the same time, I would have to give kudos to the author for writing characters that were very much on point.
Overall, a great Young Adult book in which I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Forbidden Healing is Rachel Watson’s debut novel and the first book in the Chronicles of the God-Sage series. The Dream Key, the second book to the series, is already available on ebook.
October 19, 2022
I debated if I should give it 5 stars, but in the end it was more like a 4. I did really enjoy the book, it just wasn't perfect.
The world itself is interesting. You get the sense right from the beginning that all is not right with the picture portrayed by the dominant people, and that only becomes more obvious as things progress. What I found really interesting about the world was the description of fanatism and religious brainwashing, which are in interest of mine. The world itself is pretty small. We learn about two cities and the path between them, and not really a lot about anything else. It does keep thing streamlined and leave space for further exploration.
There are two POV characters, Kyla and Marlowe. They're very different people, and not just because one is a guy and the other one is a woman. Their narrative voice is different too, so that was well done. I found Kyla's story a bit more interesting in this book, but things were just amping up for Marlowe at the end, so this will probably be a bit different. I think we do get more chapters with Kyla, so that was actually a good thing, since not a lot happened to Marlowe.
Now let's talk about the story. The story itself is rather simple. There is a hint of something more complex going on in the background, but this isn't a very long book. So this portion of the story is mostly straight-forward. There is a lot of foreshadowing for future books. I don't want to spoil anything, but it is farely obvious that by the end of the book the two main characters meet. As for predictability, I did guess a lot, though nothing totally specific. So it was still enjoyable.
Overall, a grea start, but it definitely feels like a start. I'm so glad all three books are out now, because I'm going to gobble these up.
The world itself is interesting. You get the sense right from the beginning that all is not right with the picture portrayed by the dominant people, and that only becomes more obvious as things progress. What I found really interesting about the world was the description of fanatism and religious brainwashing, which are in interest of mine. The world itself is pretty small. We learn about two cities and the path between them, and not really a lot about anything else. It does keep thing streamlined and leave space for further exploration.
There are two POV characters, Kyla and Marlowe. They're very different people, and not just because one is a guy and the other one is a woman. Their narrative voice is different too, so that was well done. I found Kyla's story a bit more interesting in this book, but things were just amping up for Marlowe at the end, so this will probably be a bit different. I think we do get more chapters with Kyla, so that was actually a good thing, since not a lot happened to Marlowe.
Now let's talk about the story. The story itself is rather simple. There is a hint of something more complex going on in the background, but this isn't a very long book. So this portion of the story is mostly straight-forward. There is a lot of foreshadowing for future books. I don't want to spoil anything, but it is farely obvious that by the end of the book the two main characters meet. As for predictability, I did guess a lot, though nothing totally specific. So it was still enjoyable.
Overall, a grea start, but it definitely feels like a start. I'm so glad all three books are out now, because I'm going to gobble these up.
December 30, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was intriguing read with interesting characters, although their role in the plot isn't something entirely new. We have a religious-based setting where the basic magic system is presented throughout people possessing healing magic. However the city of is ruled by few great sages, who are part of a society called the Secret Core. They are the only ones who can channel healing power and be the physical embodiments of their deity - the God Sage. Those who possess real healing magic are hunted down and executed.
And here we have our main trio - Orphaned brother and sister with royal parentige that literally lost everything band are forced to live among those poorest and rejected in the slums; and a soldier who desperately wants to become the first priestess in the history of the Sacred Core that is, of course, consisting of only men.
Marlowe will make everything to keep his sister Valora safe and her healing abilities hidden and Kyla will stop at nothing to achieve her goal.
The narrative follows smoothly and is engaging, although the conflict isn't something new - a group of religious psychopaths that rule the nation and play gods by deciding who to live and who to die as well as a girl with the power to truly save lives and possibly truly connect with the real divine power. However the characters themselves make the story intriguing and engaging, so even though I admit I'm not a fan of this kind of religious plot line, the characters kept me reading page after page. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.
It was intriguing read with interesting characters, although their role in the plot isn't something entirely new. We have a religious-based setting where the basic magic system is presented throughout people possessing healing magic. However the city of is ruled by few great sages, who are part of a society called the Secret Core. They are the only ones who can channel healing power and be the physical embodiments of their deity - the God Sage. Those who possess real healing magic are hunted down and executed.
And here we have our main trio - Orphaned brother and sister with royal parentige that literally lost everything band are forced to live among those poorest and rejected in the slums; and a soldier who desperately wants to become the first priestess in the history of the Sacred Core that is, of course, consisting of only men.
Marlowe will make everything to keep his sister Valora safe and her healing abilities hidden and Kyla will stop at nothing to achieve her goal.
The narrative follows smoothly and is engaging, although the conflict isn't something new - a group of religious psychopaths that rule the nation and play gods by deciding who to live and who to die as well as a girl with the power to truly save lives and possibly truly connect with the real divine power. However the characters themselves make the story intriguing and engaging, so even though I admit I'm not a fan of this kind of religious plot line, the characters kept me reading page after page. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.
March 16, 2022
You know a book is good when you put it down after a few chapters, go to bed and dream about the world created by the author...
Forbidden Healing follows Marlowe and Kyla, two teenagers in different towns. Marlowe used to be a nobleman, but since his parents got executed he and his sister are considered the lowest of people. Kyla is the only female soldier and soon to be the first female member of the Sacred Core. Their stories intertwine as the plot develops, but I'll leave you to find that out yourself.
The religious aspect is so well written by Watson. There is a deity, the God-Sage, who is the only one capable of healing. He channels this through the three Sages, who are protected by the Sacred Core. Then there are acolytes, who play an important part in the rituals surrounding these healings. But as the plot develops, you find out that what the religious elite presents as the truth, is actually far from it. The book shows religious indoctrination in a beautiful way.
What strikes me the most about this world is the unfairness of it all. Marlowe and his sister Valora have become outcasts because of the actions of their (now dead) parents, as Kyla struggles to find her own voice in a world dominated by religion. Then there is the position women have in this book, with Kyla as the first female soldier but still not deemed good enough.
Forbidden Healing is a book I couldn't put down, with great world-building and characters that take a place in your heart. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Forbidden Healing follows Marlowe and Kyla, two teenagers in different towns. Marlowe used to be a nobleman, but since his parents got executed he and his sister are considered the lowest of people. Kyla is the only female soldier and soon to be the first female member of the Sacred Core. Their stories intertwine as the plot develops, but I'll leave you to find that out yourself.
The religious aspect is so well written by Watson. There is a deity, the God-Sage, who is the only one capable of healing. He channels this through the three Sages, who are protected by the Sacred Core. Then there are acolytes, who play an important part in the rituals surrounding these healings. But as the plot develops, you find out that what the religious elite presents as the truth, is actually far from it. The book shows religious indoctrination in a beautiful way.
What strikes me the most about this world is the unfairness of it all. Marlowe and his sister Valora have become outcasts because of the actions of their (now dead) parents, as Kyla struggles to find her own voice in a world dominated by religion. Then there is the position women have in this book, with Kyla as the first female soldier but still not deemed good enough.
Forbidden Healing is a book I couldn't put down, with great world-building and characters that take a place in your heart. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
June 11, 2022
4.5 stars :)
This is a fantastic indie fantasy book, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. The formatting was well done, though the prose/editing tripped me up on occasion (though really not a huge offender).
I usually like romance in my fantasy, so I was a little hesitant when I found out this one wouldn't have any (though there are hints about there being some in the series later on.) Honestly, it was a great story without any romance. Kyla is a very emotionally closed-off character with trauma and plenty of secrets surrounding her to delve into. Marlowe is loveable and misfortunate. The dual POV did well.
I knew someone would die. I knew how they would die. But I second-guessed things and enjoyed the plot twists. I told myself I wasn't emotionally invested enough to actually cry, but I did.
I wish it had been longer, and assumed the characters would have changed more/more progress would have been made in their journey by the end of the book, but it was still satisfying. I wanted Kyla to come to a different place in her character arc, but it wasn't unrealistic the way this book ended.
I'm excited but nervous about the next book(s). What they are planning to do at the end of this book is absolutely nuts, and couldn't possibly work out for them. I worry about how things will go regarding Marlowe's sister. A severe deformity in a book about magical healing is dangerous grounds for people who want to see disability representation in books, so it will be interesting to see where the author goes with it.
This is a fantastic indie fantasy book, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. The formatting was well done, though the prose/editing tripped me up on occasion (though really not a huge offender).
I usually like romance in my fantasy, so I was a little hesitant when I found out this one wouldn't have any (though there are hints about there being some in the series later on.) Honestly, it was a great story without any romance. Kyla is a very emotionally closed-off character with trauma and plenty of secrets surrounding her to delve into. Marlowe is loveable and misfortunate. The dual POV did well.
I knew someone would die. I knew how they would die. But I second-guessed things and enjoyed the plot twists. I told myself I wasn't emotionally invested enough to actually cry, but I did.
I wish it had been longer, and assumed the characters would have changed more/more progress would have been made in their journey by the end of the book, but it was still satisfying. I wanted Kyla to come to a different place in her character arc, but it wasn't unrealistic the way this book ended.
I'm excited but nervous about the next book(s). What they are planning to do at the end of this book is absolutely nuts, and couldn't possibly work out for them. I worry about how things will go regarding Marlowe's sister. A severe deformity in a book about magical healing is dangerous grounds for people who want to see disability representation in books, so it will be interesting to see where the author goes with it.
March 23, 2022
In terms of how the book is written, I must say it is very well. If you are jumping between characters then you are given a chapter change (the same if you are given a town change as there are a couple of prevalent towns). This together with the length of the chapters is one of the things that I like about the book, the chapters being a manageable snaps of the story.
One should bare in mind that this book takes place over the span of less then a week, in order to give the reader build up and make sure that they know the backstories of each of the characters. It is also a story which requires you to come at it with an open mind, I myself did not like the story until I read a couple of reviews from people who gave me more of a context and it was the only reason that I turned my mindset around and in the end found the story to be quite enjoyable.
I will read the second book in the story as the ending did leave me asking myself questions that I definitely will need answers to. I would recommend this book to people who don't mind reading a slow, relaxing book that doesn't require high stakes action and who don't mind having back stories woven into the duration of the story. There was also some romance backstories thrown in there and a lot of family conflict which ironically I did find quite pleasant.
One should bare in mind that this book takes place over the span of less then a week, in order to give the reader build up and make sure that they know the backstories of each of the characters. It is also a story which requires you to come at it with an open mind, I myself did not like the story until I read a couple of reviews from people who gave me more of a context and it was the only reason that I turned my mindset around and in the end found the story to be quite enjoyable.
I will read the second book in the story as the ending did leave me asking myself questions that I definitely will need answers to. I would recommend this book to people who don't mind reading a slow, relaxing book that doesn't require high stakes action and who don't mind having back stories woven into the duration of the story. There was also some romance backstories thrown in there and a lot of family conflict which ironically I did find quite pleasant.
March 23, 2022
I absolutely love fantasy and this is a fantastic series opening. The world is built up solidly and without too much unnecessary details. The story is mainly told from two points of view.
Siblings Marlowe and Valora are orphaned and disowned from their royal heritage. They now live in squalor and are struggling just to survive.
The only female soldier in history Kyla is approaching the eve of her vows to the Sacred Core, holy knights who devote their lives to The God-Sage, forsaking all personal relationships and responsibilities.
Mysterious events unfold revealing blasphemous information to Kyla, and new information of their past brings even more uncertainty into Marlowe and Valora's lives.
This was an enthralling tale that I quickly read and I would find appropriate for a younger audience! The only possible negative would be the overarching theme of a controlling religious group. It is painted in a fantasy setting which to me makes it interesting but if you dislike a theme of religious persecution and piety this may not be your cup of tea.
This story was well written and edited exceptionally. I look forward to digging into book 2 asap.
Siblings Marlowe and Valora are orphaned and disowned from their royal heritage. They now live in squalor and are struggling just to survive.
The only female soldier in history Kyla is approaching the eve of her vows to the Sacred Core, holy knights who devote their lives to The God-Sage, forsaking all personal relationships and responsibilities.
Mysterious events unfold revealing blasphemous information to Kyla, and new information of their past brings even more uncertainty into Marlowe and Valora's lives.
This was an enthralling tale that I quickly read and I would find appropriate for a younger audience! The only possible negative would be the overarching theme of a controlling religious group. It is painted in a fantasy setting which to me makes it interesting but if you dislike a theme of religious persecution and piety this may not be your cup of tea.
This story was well written and edited exceptionally. I look forward to digging into book 2 asap.
March 15, 2022
This story was a fast read for me at just under 300 pages. but the world was unique and creative. The religious-centric society made the entire world believable, and the storytelling grabbed my interest right away.
I don't finish books I don't enjoy, and I read this within 24 hours. The characters were compelling, and the pacing was well done.
The two primary characters were introduced quickly, and were interesting enough that I care what happens to them and want to know more. The magic in this world is intriguing and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series set in this complicated reality
TW: it has a brief attempted rape, mentions rape by name in that scene once, but the description of the incident is implied and not graphic.
It also has several scenes with eels wriggling under skin and other gross descriptions of the eels coming out of a man's body that I had to skim over because that sort of thing grosses me out a lot. It served the story well, though, so I wasn't upset. Just had to skim.
I don't finish books I don't enjoy, and I read this within 24 hours. The characters were compelling, and the pacing was well done.
The two primary characters were introduced quickly, and were interesting enough that I care what happens to them and want to know more. The magic in this world is intriguing and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series set in this complicated reality
TW: it has a brief attempted rape, mentions rape by name in that scene once, but the description of the incident is implied and not graphic.
It also has several scenes with eels wriggling under skin and other gross descriptions of the eels coming out of a man's body that I had to skim over because that sort of thing grosses me out a lot. It served the story well, though, so I wasn't upset. Just had to skim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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