Book review: The Healer Book 1 C.J. Anaya

The Healer Book 1 by C.J. Anaya is a young adult paranormal romance, also suitable for new adults. Hope has been protected all her life, shielded and watched over. She remained index hidden, despite the searching eyes of the Kami who sought her out. Hope is the embodiment of prophecy, a mortal with the power of the gods. She is able to communicate with a person’s life force, and instruct it how to repair damage. She is a healer, the survival of a whole race rests on her adolescent shoulders. For so long she had hidden who she was, only her father and a young boy know the truth, not even Angie, her best friend knows her secrets. Using her job as a janitor at the hospital Hope heals who she can and feels a great destiny is laid before her. She has no idea her entire life has already been decided for her. Her two lives, the secret healer and the high school student are forced to merge when two new students arrive in her school. Unusually they captivate her attention, and seem to know more about her than they are willing to reveal. Hope fears someone has discovered her secret. But the arrival of these two is merely the harbinger of danger.

With a first person narrative it is impossible not to be drawn into The Healer, age range it would certainly appeal to its target audience as well as some adults, especially those who enjoy a healthy dose of mythology. The Healer is an excellent example of Fabulism/ Magic realism combining myths and fables from the Japanese culture, as well as touching on a few others. C.J. Anaya has an excellent writer’s voice and sets a brilliant pace. As a holistic therapist I appreciated the clear thought and research that had been invested in creating a realistic healer, it shows an understanding of healing techniques employed in various forms of energy healing, thus enhancing the reader experience. I could have read this book in a single sitting if not for it being so late when I first started reading, it was impossible not to get lost in the story. Real characters, enjoyable dialogue, and fun to read, add secrets, romance, and mythology, what more could you ask for?

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