What do you think?
Rate this book
Tuyo #5
Suelen
This short novel is set directly after the events of Tuyo.
Following the great battle in the winter country, a handful of surviving Lau, too badly wounded to travel, were left to the care of Ugaro tribesmen.
Surgeon Dedicat Suelen Haras Soyauta, personal physician to the king of the summer country, can't bear the thought that injured Lau soldiers have been abandoned in the winter country, subject to who knows what barbaric medical practices, perhaps even to neglect or outright abuse. He's determined to cross the river to care for those soldiers -- despite the risk that the Ugaro may condemn, as forbidden sorcery, even magic dedicated to the healing arts.
His act of courage and mercy may change the world.
Following the great battle in the winter country, a handful of surviving Lau, too badly wounded to travel, were left to the care of Ugaro tribesmen.
Surgeon Dedicat Suelen Haras Soyauta, personal physician to the king of the summer country, can't bear the thought that injured Lau soldiers have been abandoned in the winter country, subject to who knows what barbaric medical practices, perhaps even to neglect or outright abuse. He's determined to cross the river to care for those soldiers -- despite the risk that the Ugaro may condemn, as forbidden sorcery, even magic dedicated to the healing arts.
His act of courage and mercy may change the world.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2022
26 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Neumeier
56 books579 followersRachel Neumeier started writing fiction to relax when she was a graduate student and needed a hobby unrelated to her research. Prior to selling her first fantasy novel, she had published only a few articles in venues such as The American Journal of Botany. However, finding that her interests did not lie in research, Rachel left academia and began to let her hobbies take over her life instead.
She now raises and shows dogs, gardens, cooks, and occasionally finds time to read. She works part-time for a tutoring program, though she tutors far more students in Math and Chemistry than in English Composition.
She now raises and shows dogs, gardens, cooks, and occasionally finds time to read. She works part-time for a tutoring program, though she tutors far more students in Math and Chemistry than in English Composition.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 10, 2023
4.5 stars
This is marked as #5, but it can be read right after book 1, Tuyo, so that's what I did.
Really enjoyed this one. I like how these continue to focus on how the summer and winter peoples are learning more about each other. There's respect on both sides being built, whereas before it seemed that it was more just tolerance borne out of necessity for trade.
Suelen is a master surgeon, basically, who goes into the winter country to tend the men who were injured during the battle at the end of Tuyo. Aras warns him against using any healing magic, in case the winter people considered it sorcery. Of course, Suelen disregards this.
I really liked Tasa, the woman healer who helps Suelen. She's competent and thorough, and proves to Suelen that the gender roles of the summer people aren't quite kosher. Guess what? Women can practice medicine. Shocking, I know. 🤭 Varoya was a surprise as well. I wasn't expecting that he'd . Larokana and Taralas were also interesting new characters, and I wonder if we'll see them again in other books.
This is marked as #5, but it can be read right after book 1, Tuyo, so that's what I did.
Really enjoyed this one. I like how these continue to focus on how the summer and winter peoples are learning more about each other. There's respect on both sides being built, whereas before it seemed that it was more just tolerance borne out of necessity for trade.
Suelen is a master surgeon, basically, who goes into the winter country to tend the men who were injured during the battle at the end of Tuyo. Aras warns him against using any healing magic, in case the winter people considered it sorcery. Of course, Suelen disregards this.
I really liked Tasa, the woman healer who helps Suelen. She's competent and thorough, and proves to Suelen that the gender roles of the summer people aren't quite kosher. Guess what? Women can practice medicine. Shocking, I know. 🤭 Varoya was a surprise as well. I wasn't expecting that he'd . Larokana and Taralas were also interesting new characters, and I wonder if we'll see them again in other books.
June 19, 2022
Suelen is an elderly Lao physician to his king in the South. He makes his way across the river to the North, into Ugaro lands, in order to heal the wounded Lao soldiers left behind after the battle that had taken place in Tuyo. There are also many Ugaro wounded, so he cares for them as well.
Suelen is a southern physician, so he habitually uses sorcery to reinforce and/or speed up the healing process. But the Ugaro harbour a fierce mistrust of any type of magic; the use of sorcery in the North earns a swift execution for those practicing. As a consequence, Suelen needs to use it sparingly, and on the sly. For the sake of maintaining the tenuous cease-fire, he was ordered to refrain from its use entirely, and if the patient dies that's the way things need to happen. Since he is a physician devoted to his patients' well-being, he ignores this order.
And that's all I'm going to say so that I don't turn into an obnoxious spoiler-er.
Suelen is a southern physician, so he habitually uses sorcery to reinforce and/or speed up the healing process. But the Ugaro harbour a fierce mistrust of any type of magic; the use of sorcery in the North earns a swift execution for those practicing. As a consequence, Suelen needs to use it sparingly, and on the sly. For the sake of maintaining the tenuous cease-fire, he was ordered to refrain from its use entirely, and if the patient dies that's the way things need to happen. Since he is a physician devoted to his patients' well-being, he ignores this order.
And that's all I'm going to say so that I don't turn into an obnoxious spoiler-er.
August 11, 2024
Suelen is a short side story in the Tuyo world. The use of 'magic' or invocations/prayer in the practice of medicine. More importantly in the practice of battlefield medicine. Woe be the practitioner using such techniques among the winter people who despise sorcery. Cultures clash.
An interesting outcome. A fun, quick read.
An interesting outcome. A fun, quick read.
July 5, 2025
Very good. There has just been a battle and a senior surgeon wants to go into barbarian lands to treat injured soldiers.
The story is from his point of view with lots of detail as he conducts surgeries.
It is best that you read at least Tuyo before this one.
Neumeier is a new discovery for me. And a bit of a find for 2022.
The story is from his point of view with lots of detail as he conducts surgeries.
It is best that you read at least Tuyo before this one.
Neumeier is a new discovery for me. And a bit of a find for 2022.
January 29, 2023
I like this one.
I like to see the POV of a physician in the world and someone older too. :)
I like meeting the new characters and re-meeting some we've already know. I want to know more about Tasa!
I like how expectations have been proven wrong and how some new friendships are being formed.
Yeah, I like it. :)
I like to see the POV of a physician in the world and someone older too. :)
I like meeting the new characters and re-meeting some we've already know. I want to know more about Tasa!
I like how expectations have been proven wrong and how some new friendships are being formed.
Yeah, I like it. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2023
Hahaha after two reads I just realized that the character of Suelen could have been based on MASH’s Charles Winchester III. 😂 Does that make Ryo the analog of Radar O’Reilly?
June 20, 2022
I really enjoy the world of Tuyo, so I was excited to get this book.
Here, we have someone meeting the Ugaro for the first time, trying to get accustomed to the cold climate, and dealing with very different cultures while speaking only a few phrases in the language. Good reminder of what it's like to be a complete expert and then find yourself almost floundering for some things.
I like the subtle differences in physiology between the two peoples and how good the Ugaro are to the wounded foreigners (double tents, braziers, plus their medical treatment).
Suelen takes his responsibilities as a physician very seriously.
I wondered who Oras was going to turn out to be. Interesting that it's enough of a historical problem that they have a tradition for what to call the patient. Also, Suelen writes -- why doesn't he give Oras something to write with?
Here, we have someone meeting the Ugaro for the first time, trying to get accustomed to the cold climate, and dealing with very different cultures while speaking only a few phrases in the language. Good reminder of what it's like to be a complete expert and then find yourself almost floundering for some things.
I like the subtle differences in physiology between the two peoples and how good the Ugaro are to the wounded foreigners (double tents, braziers, plus their medical treatment).
Suelen takes his responsibilities as a physician very seriously.
I wondered who Oras was going to turn out to be. Interesting that it's enough of a historical problem that they have a tradition for what to call the patient. Also, Suelen writes -- why doesn't he give Oras something to write with?
August 3, 2024
This novella is an aside taking place after the end of Tuyo, the first book, in which a renowned Lau doctor travels into the Winter Country alone to treat the wounded left there after the battle.
The doctor is a little thoughtlessly arrogant, set in his ways, and high-handed without meaning to be. He's also selflessly dedicated to the sick and injured, and despite crashing into the Ugaro camp and culture gracelessly, they find a way to work together toward a common goal. He has surprising things to teach the Ugaro, and they have things to teach him in turn that he never expected.
This is an interesting addition to the series, because we see far more of "good" Lau magic and how it works than we've ever been shown before. I liked all the nitty-gritty medical details, the negotiation of culture clash, and overall thoroughly enjoyed this story.
The doctor is a little thoughtlessly arrogant, set in his ways, and high-handed without meaning to be. He's also selflessly dedicated to the sick and injured, and despite crashing into the Ugaro camp and culture gracelessly, they find a way to work together toward a common goal. He has surprising things to teach the Ugaro, and they have things to teach him in turn that he never expected.
This is an interesting addition to the series, because we see far more of "good" Lau magic and how it works than we've ever been shown before. I liked all the nitty-gritty medical details, the negotiation of culture clash, and overall thoroughly enjoyed this story.
January 5, 2025
Fans of the Tuyo books will definitely enjoy this interesting little side story. I missed Ryo and Aras, both of whom were minor characters in this one, but I really enjoyed getting to know Suelen. As a doctor, his perspective is very different from the other POV characters I've encountered in the series so far. The author does a great job of showing the kinds of details a doctor would naturally notice in a new place (e.g. about science, anatomy, culture as it relates to medical practice, etc.). His compassionate personality and determination to care for any injured patients who need him, even at the expense of his own safety, make him a character worth getting to know. You'll want to read Tuyo, Tarashana, and Tasmakat before going on to this one, but once you do, I definitely recommend Suelen!
July 12, 2022
Love this book
So glad to return to the Tuyo series. The POV here is a little different and fresh - a Lau point of view in the winter country, contrasting with Ugaro in the summer country or Lau in the summer country. As such, it's another very rich exploration of cultural nuances. Very character driven as are all Ms Neumeier's stories. Also tells the story of building a cross cultural friendship / understanding which is highly satisfying and a common theme to her works. If you liked the other books in the series as I did, you'll like this one. I would devour every book she writes in this series and the Death's Lady series ...I wish they would keep coming forever.
So glad to return to the Tuyo series. The POV here is a little different and fresh - a Lau point of view in the winter country, contrasting with Ugaro in the summer country or Lau in the summer country. As such, it's another very rich exploration of cultural nuances. Very character driven as are all Ms Neumeier's stories. Also tells the story of building a cross cultural friendship / understanding which is highly satisfying and a common theme to her works. If you liked the other books in the series as I did, you'll like this one. I would devour every book she writes in this series and the Death's Lady series ...I wish they would keep coming forever.
August 22, 2022
https://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2022/0...
Yes, I did spend the entire weekend reading this series! This fifth one is another side story, involving the summer king's personal physician deciding to go to the winter country to tend to their people who were left behind (too wounded to travel) after the battle from the first book. He has to confront his prejudices about the “barbarians” and also has to try to do his magical healing in secret bc they hate magic, which grows complicated. But this was actually a chill book and very satisfying to read. I’m glad more in this series is coming soon. A/A-.
Yes, I did spend the entire weekend reading this series! This fifth one is another side story, involving the summer king's personal physician deciding to go to the winter country to tend to their people who were left behind (too wounded to travel) after the battle from the first book. He has to confront his prejudices about the “barbarians” and also has to try to do his magical healing in secret bc they hate magic, which grows complicated. But this was actually a chill book and very satisfying to read. I’m glad more in this series is coming soon. A/A-.
September 29, 2023
Suelen is a short novella set directly after the events of Tuyo, before Tarashana. It concerns a new character, Suelen, who is a master Lau surgeon and practitioner of the magical invocations the Lau use to heal grievous injury and deadly illness (which is magic but NOT sorcery, thank you very much). In the immediate aftermath of Lorellan’s defeat, Suelen obtains permission from the king of the summer country and from Lord Aras, the king’s scepter-holder, to journey to the winter country to aid the wounded Lau and Ugaro after the battle.
This is a classic story of hubris and overcoming it. Suelen is at first a rather difficult protagonist to like. He is getting on in years and set in his ways, a master of his field and dead convinced that his knowledge of healing is far superior to anything the “barbaric” Ugaro might know. He is also casually sexist in keeping with Lau culture, never outright disrespectful of women but firmly believing that women are only suited for certain limited roles, such as motherhood and assisting him in surgery. He is also incredibly stubborn and even a bit selfish; he’s so convinced that he’s right that once he makes his mind up, he does not allow anything to shake his decision, not even an outright command from a superior or a threat to his own well-being.
That said, Suelen is not a bad man. He cares so deeply about helping the sick and injured that everything else, and I do mean everything, falls to the wayside. He straight-up forgets crucial information while treating others and even interrupts an Ugaro leader when he gets a new idea, which is a major no-no. It’s about equal parts enthusiasm, arrogance, and exhaustion from all the work he’s doing, and he does make great strides through the book to dismantle his faulty assumptions and gain greater understanding.
One of the high points of this series is the culture clash between the Ugaro and the Lau. This story is almost an inverse of the original Tuyo, with a Lau coming among the Ugaro and learning how different their way of life is. Suelen is not as likeable and compelling a character as Ryo, but he still grows a lot. His crowning moment is when he teaches a worthy Ugaro—a woman, no less—the vows and powers of a Lau healer and thus spreads his knowledge to the tribes, and gains a far more lasting legacy than anything else he could have hoped for. All in all, a good and engaging side story, and I am always happy to spend more time in the world of Tuyo.
This is a classic story of hubris and overcoming it. Suelen is at first a rather difficult protagonist to like. He is getting on in years and set in his ways, a master of his field and dead convinced that his knowledge of healing is far superior to anything the “barbaric” Ugaro might know. He is also casually sexist in keeping with Lau culture, never outright disrespectful of women but firmly believing that women are only suited for certain limited roles, such as motherhood and assisting him in surgery. He is also incredibly stubborn and even a bit selfish; he’s so convinced that he’s right that once he makes his mind up, he does not allow anything to shake his decision, not even an outright command from a superior or a threat to his own well-being.
That said, Suelen is not a bad man. He cares so deeply about helping the sick and injured that everything else, and I do mean everything, falls to the wayside. He straight-up forgets crucial information while treating others and even interrupts an Ugaro leader when he gets a new idea, which is a major no-no. It’s about equal parts enthusiasm, arrogance, and exhaustion from all the work he’s doing, and he does make great strides through the book to dismantle his faulty assumptions and gain greater understanding.
One of the high points of this series is the culture clash between the Ugaro and the Lau. This story is almost an inverse of the original Tuyo, with a Lau coming among the Ugaro and learning how different their way of life is. Suelen is not as likeable and compelling a character as Ryo, but he still grows a lot. His crowning moment is when he teaches a worthy Ugaro—a woman, no less—the vows and powers of a Lau healer and thus spreads his knowledge to the tribes, and gains a far more lasting legacy than anything else he could have hoped for. All in all, a good and engaging side story, and I am always happy to spend more time in the world of Tuyo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
This book really dug into the culture clash aspects of the series, which I really appreciated. Interesting how much more the Lau tend to judge the Ugaro, rather than the reverse. Or perhaps judge differently; there’s a perspective on one side that feels about civilization, while on the other side, the question is about honor. There is something very interesting in terms of utility and freedom. (Or I read Davids Graeber and Wengrow earlier this year and some of it stuck).
Also I love the way this story complicated and played with the mythology of the book.
And I do love a good medical drama.
Also I love the way this story complicated and played with the mythology of the book.
And I do love a good medical drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2022
ANOTHER WINNER IN THE TUYO WORLD!
Wonderful to visit the winter lands once more. I read this in one sitting as soon as it came out. This series is another visit to a fascinating culture. The author's world building is impeccable. I feel like I did when I first encountered Andre Norton and C. S. Lewis as a twelve year old...pulled right out of this world into another. Thoroughly delightful in every way.
Wonderful to visit the winter lands once more. I read this in one sitting as soon as it came out. This series is another visit to a fascinating culture. The author's world building is impeccable. I feel like I did when I first encountered Andre Norton and C. S. Lewis as a twelve year old...pulled right out of this world into another. Thoroughly delightful in every way.
September 5, 2022
4.5 stars. I enjoyed this one more than Nikoles. Suelen is an easier character to get into, and I really enjoyed following his POV. Surgeries have never been so nail-biting! While not Ryo (who can compare to Ryo though?), Suelen is still a lot of fun. I love how kind and dedicated to his craft Suelen is, and the generosity he constantly offers. It's also a welcome change to see the Ugaro more intimately through an older Lau's eyes. A great addition to the Tuyo series.
July 7, 2024
The author apparently decided to people this very detailed world with people with world-changing ambitions. It was not enough for Aras and Ryo to turn their respective societies upside down; their actions had to inspire Suelen to turn the worlds of medicine and faith equally upside down. Cultural conflict and shock has never been so intriguing to me as it has been shown to me in this series. No wonder I am getting addicted.
October 15, 2022
All the joys of medicine
In this novella, Rachel Neumeier further explores how very different cultures come to understand each other, this time in the setting of post-battle medical care. This tale offers a different type of action and romance than most, while remaining enthralling (maybe a dangerous word to use in this world). And her medical descriptions are correct!
In this novella, Rachel Neumeier further explores how very different cultures come to understand each other, this time in the setting of post-battle medical care. This tale offers a different type of action and romance than most, while remaining enthralling (maybe a dangerous word to use in this world). And her medical descriptions are correct!
March 4, 2025
I loved the other books in the series so much - all genuine 5 star plus for me, which is rare for me. So this one didn't quite work. I didn't really like Suelen, who was passionate about healing but didn't really understand people all that much, didn't hear how patronising he could be, and didn't warm to anyone.
It's a fish out of water story, with a lot of medical commentary. The other books have been so amazing, but this one didn't work for me.
3.5 rounded up.
It's a fish out of water story, with a lot of medical commentary. The other books have been so amazing, but this one didn't work for me.
3.5 rounded up.
June 17, 2022
A short and fun side-story. I enjoyed Suelen as a new character with a very different personality, someone who is much less used to diplomacy and compromise and listening to other people than Ryo and Aras.
July 25, 2022
My favourite of the series
I really enjoyed the healer storyline of Suelen. Tasa was an amazing character. watching Suelen 's dedication to healing enough to break laws and his and Tasa's growth and acceptance of eachothers skils.
I really enjoyed the healer storyline of Suelen. Tasa was an amazing character. watching Suelen 's dedication to healing enough to break laws and his and Tasa's growth and acceptance of eachothers skils.
December 12, 2022
a beautiful piece of writing
What a beautiful piece of writing. I’ve been reading Neumeier’s series and as it goes along, the writing gets better and better. A remarkable exploration of two different cultures.
What a beautiful piece of writing. I’ve been reading Neumeier’s series and as it goes along, the writing gets better and better. A remarkable exploration of two different cultures.
April 24, 2023
Wonderful side story in the Tuyo series
This is a wonderful side quest that takes place right after Tuyo. A quick read, but heartwarming. Suelen bridges the customs of Ugaro and Lau while trying to heal the wounded men in his care.
This is a wonderful side quest that takes place right after Tuyo. A quick read, but heartwarming. Suelen bridges the customs of Ugaro and Lau while trying to heal the wounded men in his care.
August 22, 2023
Short novel set in the Turo world just after the events of book one with a different POV character, a Lau surgeon named Suelen. I enjoyed seeing how magic worked for healers, and the clash of cultures between Lau and Ugaro provided extra tension.
August 4, 2024
Another excellent story
I thoroughly enjoy the development of this world and these cultures. I find it both entertaining and believable and look forward to the next book in the series.
I thoroughly enjoy the development of this world and these cultures. I find it both entertaining and believable and look forward to the next book in the series.
November 1, 2025
This is a book about a physician/surgeon and his oath. Suelen is an interesting character, somewhat naive and ignorant, but dedicated to his craft and his patients. His dedication helps the Ugaro break through their prejudices against sorcery and magic.
December 12, 2025
Realistic and heartwarming
A great addition to the Tuyo series. Sharing knowledge between different cultures is always good. The characters and their differences and similarities were well shown and the story was enjoyable.
A great addition to the Tuyo series. Sharing knowledge between different cultures is always good. The characters and their differences and similarities were well shown and the story was enjoyable.
June 18, 2022
I love all the Tuyo world books, and this was no exception!
July 3, 2022
me: 💀
*ryo shows up*
me: omg ryo hi!!!!!! \o/
*ryo shows up*
me: omg ryo hi!!!!!! \o/
August 26, 2022
An interesting side story, a description of medicine in Ryo world. Short enough to be okay.
Are there any more stories planned?
Are there any more stories planned?
April 23, 2023
I love writings that make me feel a truth, an awe, a heartfelt emotion, so strongly that I get shivers and tingles, and maybe a tear. Not in sadness, but recognition.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews