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Heir to Power (The Healing Crystal #1)

by Michele Poague (Goodreads Author)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 20 ratings · 12 reviews

The colony of Survin has been hidden for centuries, protecting an ancient religious artifact called the Healing Crystal from men who would steal or destroy it. Kairma, heir to the Crystal, is destined to mate with the handsome Naturi and become the leader of the reclusive colony, but she is too young to realize the peril soon to arrive. At sixteen, Kairma is too young to r...more

Paperback, 564 pages

Published December 27th 2010 by iUniverse.com

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Dec 20, 2011 Laura Bastian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Some Spoilers, but nothing major.
It was great. It starts out interesting from the very beginning. The story is about a sixteen-year-old girl who is the next in line to lead a small colony called the Survinees. She will be the one to hold an ancient religious artifact called the Healing Crystal. She is also destined to marry a handsome guy who has been training to be the support he needs to be to her leadership. But... She starts to have feelings for someone else.
This book has so much going on in...more Some Spoilers, but nothing major.
It was great. It starts out interesting from the very beginning. The story is about a sixteen-year-old girl who is the next in line to lead a small colony called the Survinees. She will be the one to hold an ancient religious artifact called the Healing Crystal. She is also destined to marry a handsome guy who has been training to be the support he needs to be to her leadership. But... She starts to have feelings for someone else.
This book has so much going on in it that you'd almost be confused if I told you all about it, but as you read it, it is so clear and easy to follow. But let me try to sum it up.

Kairma is next in line to lead the colony, but since she had a childhood illness that left her looking like the race of almost albino looking men, the people in her colony almost fear her. She's nervous about what's expected of her, her younger sister Kinter wants to be the one in line for the power. Kairma is supposed to marry Naturi when she comes of age within the year, and he's willing, but then she starts to have feelings for a guy who happens to be her big brothers best friend.

Meanwhile, a traveling archaeologist from the outside world discovers their colony and is almost put to death since no one in the outside world is allowed to know the secret of their colony (The Healing Crystal), but the matriarch (Kairma's grandma) decides not to kill him, but hopes he'll bring his woman back to help increase the numbers of the colony since disease and infertility have wiped out the colony and they don't want to have inbreeding going on.

Some of the people go to the outer civilization and see what they've been missing in the hundreds of years since their colony has hidden themselves while those in the colony discover a hidden vault in the mountain near a monument with four faces carved into the mountain. (Yeah, that place) In this vault are things that you would recognize, but the Survinees don't know what it is and as they try to interpret what they find you begin as a reader to piece together what might have happened.

It's considered a science fiction book, but it reminded me of old west meets lost tribe that has remained unchanged over the centuries. It's science fiction because it takes you to the future but makes it feel like you've gone back in time or to an alternate universe.

Though they try to keep their life the same it has been for so long, the outer world can't be stopped from influencing their colony.

I like the last sentence of the blurb on the back of the book: "A battle is raging between insider and outsider and Kairma holds the power to bring peace, but is she strong enough to save the world she loves?"

Kairma is a great Main Character and I really liked how Michele Poague developed her. The interactions between characters are great. The story line is creative and complicated in just the right amounts. I really can't wait to read the next one in this series.

It's a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
(less)

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Dec 19, 2011 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars

I liked that in Heir to Power, Kairma starts off feeling maybe she really isn't able to live up to everything everyone always expects of her, that becoming the hier to power is more of a burden than anything else. She resents it in many ways. But I loved the character Arc as she grows throughout the story and discovers inside of her strenghts and abilities she never new she possessed in addition to finding some mysterious things that cause her to question what is going when the White Ones begin...more I liked that in Heir to Power, Kairma starts off feeling maybe she really isn't able to live up to everything everyone always expects of her, that becoming the hier to power is more of a burden than anything else. She resents it in many ways. But I loved the character Arc as she grows throughout the story and discovers inside of her strenghts and abilities she never new she possessed in addition to finding some mysterious things that cause her to question what is going when the White Ones begin to show up around her. She also begins to embrace her differences rather than hide from them.

Also the growth Collin , her and her brother's best friend goes through is very fun to be a part of as he realizes the importance of bringing new information into the colony and wants to explore beyond it even though it is forbidden. With the arrival of the stranger, Trep, Collin becomes fascinated with what is beyond their little valley and is determined to leave, and bring back innovations that will help their community to grow and protect themselves more efficiently. He is also the most willing to accept Trep for who he is and sees that it is a good thing that he came, and tries to convice those in the colony not to be threatened by him Trep's presense. He also realizes how much he is willing to fight for what is important to him, and on top of that list is Kairma. He knows that Naturi is expected to be her mate, but he will not let it be easy for Naturi to take her.

Naturi, has always known he would be the one to stand by Kairma when it came time to take a mate. He has trained all his life to take his place in the healing family and lead the community. It is something he has looked forward to all his life, but when Collin leaves the colony with the stranger, he along with Kairma's brother go with him. While gone he discovers there is more to life than what he expected and he begins to see things differently.

I found the changes and discoveries the characters made fascinating, and was drawn in by each new thing they found about themselves and the world around them. I looked forward to what would happen between Naturi and Collin. I loved how Kairma found that she was ok with who she was and that she could be confident too. I really liked how all the little things play in together to create intrigue and mystery, that make me excited about the next book in the trilogy.

Heir to Power was a fast paced page turner. It drew me into a world that was familiar in many ways, but had so many differences that I wanted to see how they overcame them. I liked the interaction between the many different characters. I found the prejudice over simple things the members of the colony display toward things that are different or unfamiliar. There is suspicion and intrigue brought out. It was nice to see how each character handled the different challenges that came and how growth resulted. I am really excited to see what is in store next in the next book, to see who wins Kairma, Collin or Naturi.

Personally, I hope Collin wins Kairma's hand. He is one of my favorite characters. His independent thinking and strength really called to me. I am keeping my fingers crossed and look forward to the next book to see what happens.

Heir to Power is appropriate for all ages. I didn't want the story to end, and look forward to finding out what happens next.(less)

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Dec 04, 2011 Alice rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-futuristic

This book took me a long time to read and I really think it can be shortened by at least 200 pages. There is a very "technical" feel to it and I wasn't surprised when reading that the author has written technical manuals. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a manual instead of a piece of fiction.

I think that Poague's overall idea is a great one. The tribe of Survinee people whom which the book were based upon were very intriguing, and seeing the world through their eyes felt almost like being an...more This book took me a long time to read and I really think it can be shortened by at least 200 pages. There is a very "technical" feel to it and I wasn't surprised when reading that the author has written technical manuals. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a manual instead of a piece of fiction.

I think that Poague's overall idea is a great one. The tribe of Survinee people whom which the book were based upon were very intriguing, and seeing the world through their eyes felt almost like being an adventurous child again. That was probably the aspect of the book that I enjoyed the most: seeing my world through the eyes of someone who has never experienced it. Come to think of it, the two weeks that it took me to read this book was a little like I was a foreign exchange student experiencing a whole new place.

I definitely think that this book is being classified in the wrong genre. There were only about 5 paragraphs in the whole book that left the reader with any feeling of futuristic, much less science fiction. If you took out those 5 paragraphs, this book could have been a work of non-fiction about any ancient civilization.

I felt like the author left a lot of loose ends at the closing of the book which is always frustrating to me and I just read another review on goodreads that says the author plans to make a trilogy (which would explain the loose ends.) I know I am no expert but if I were to sit down with the author and have a perfectly honest talk (I don't believe I am even capable of being anything but completely honest) I would tell her to forget the trilogy and to get a good editor to cut the book length in at least half. Use the ideas for a trilogy to make ONE sound book that has a faster cadence with a whole lot less detail and technicalities. This will take a lot of letting go emotionally for the author, but I do think it would be to her great advantage in the book sales department.

As of right now, the one word that comes to mind with this book is "long." which I don't think any author wants to have on the book cover. However, I do think the story-line and the author have a lot of potential and Poague could have a great best seller on her hands with some editing.

This book made me think about Emily Dickinson. She wrote and wrote all day, but only let the public see a small 1% of what she found her best writing. I hope that when I write that book I've been dreaming about one day that I will be able to self-edit because I am also long-winded.

Check out the goodreads book synopses, even it is long:

The colony of Survin has been hidden for centuries, protecting an ancient religious artifact called the Healing Crystal from men who would steal or destroy it. Kairma, heir to the Crystal, is destined to mate with the handsome Naturi and become the leader of the reclusive colony, but she is too young to realize the peril soon to arrive. At sixteen, Kairma is too young to realize many things...

Kairma would rather go spelunking with her brother and his best friend than study ancient medicine and religious laws, but the discovery of a tomb containing ancient artifacts leads Kairma to question her religion and the true nature of the Crystal. To further complicate Kairma's ascent, a childhood illness has left her resembling a nearby race of men both hated and feared by the people of Survin. Because of this, Kairma's younger sister Kinter, who is in love with Naturi, believes she is the rightful heir.

Disease and infertility have decimated Survin, but bigotry and religious laws forbid the introduction of new members so things heat up when a traveling archeologist stumbles upon the reclusive colony and introduces a powerful new weapon. Forced into a larger world, the Survinees discover they hold an object of unimaginable power, a power other men covet, a power that might save or forever damn the human race(less)

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Dec 02, 2011 Sandra "Jeanz" rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First of I want to say I love the cover of the book and in a bookstore it would definitely draw me to the book. The book is about a place called Survin and centres on the Healing Family. Isontra is the head healer and Miral and then after her both jobs should pass to her daughter Jettena, but in a break with tradition the job of Miral will pass to Kairma who is Jettena's eldest daughter. The community head is always a woman, and her mate is chosen by a contest of sorts. The one that becomes her...more First of I want to say I love the cover of the book and in a bookstore it would definitely draw me to the book. The book is about a place called Survin and centres on the Healing Family. Isontra is the head healer and Miral and then after her both jobs should pass to her daughter Jettena, but in a break with tradition the job of Miral will pass to Kairma who is Jettena's eldest daughter. The community head is always a woman, and her mate is chosen by a contest of sorts. The one that becomes her mate takes the title of Comad. Kairma almost died and her younger sister Kinter would have taken the title as Miral so Kinter is somewhat jealous of Kairma and Kinter also loved Naturi the male most likely to be kairma's mate and become Comad. Zedec is Kairma's brother and he has a best friend named Collin. Collin secretly falls in love with Kairma. Personally I think Collin would be the better match and mate for Kairma, but I am sure you will all have your own favourites when you read the book.
One of the problems of the community is keeping the Healing Crystal safe, so strangers are not welcome, but then comes a quandry as the population falls people are becoming more closely related to each other, so new blood is really needed in Survin for their population to survive.
Of course like all suggested changes to the old ways Isontra and Kairma come up against opposition, some of wich is quite verbal. Kairma is not totally accepted by the community and some of them are even physically abusive towards her.
I seriously do not want to spoil the book so will not give spoilers. I will say I would definitely recommend this book. I would compare it to Bithmarked and Prized by Caragh O'Brien, or Outside by Shalini Boland, it also has a little Forest Of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Ryan thrown in too. It does have a dystopian feel to it, which I loved. I enjoyed reading about the different characters in the book and how they change as different events happen. I reeeally reeeally want to read book 2 as I think it will be as good if not even better. The description is so well done in the book that you can see the places described and actually imagine what they look like. The book ended with so many questions as to what would happen next! What will happen with Kairma, Naturi and Collin? What will happen in Survin? Will there be more strangers? Will the society of Survin progress more?(less)

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Sep 04, 2011 Gmr rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: teens and adult readers

The first book in a trilogy or series is notorious for introducing us to the characters and general story, but not usually tackling anything rich and meaty. In this case however, we get many an introduction but also quite a bit of forward motion in the storyline. We glimpse the Healing family as well as the whole of the Survinee village in both childhood and present times. We come to understand ,at least to the level that they understand, the teachings of their people and the value of the crysta...more The first book in a trilogy or series is notorious for introducing us to the characters and general story, but not usually tackling anything rich and meaty. In this case however, we get many an introduction but also quite a bit of forward motion in the storyline. We glimpse the Healing family as well as the whole of the Survinee village in both childhood and present times. We come to understand ,at least to the level that they understand, the teachings of their people and the value of the crystal beyond that of riches. We see the struggles they face both now and ahead, especially with the interference provided by a recent influx of strangers. Tie all of this together with an unexpected find within their temples, technology they certainly don't understand and a desire to keep the peace that when put to the test could withstand the blows of a thousand swords, this is one novel that doesn't suffer from the "book one syndrome".

Survin is an idyllic setting for a story such as this. It's removed from the world as we know it allowing it to flourish and thrive for many many annums (years) without the forward motion of progress. Some would say they should be pitied for being left behind, but for these people it's just another day, not another dollar. Perhaps no society is truly perfect, but at the very least this one is pure in their intentions even if those that surround them are not always that way.

Character wise, we've a wide range even in this small culture. Kairma is a delight to see as next in line for the position of Miral. She's uncertain, a bit rough and tumble, different in many senses of the word....in short, not whom you'd expect for such a set group of people, which is exactly why I love the position she's in. It gives readers a chance to see that destiny does not always knock on the door of the most popular, the most beautiful, or the most cunning; sometimes it simply chooses us for who we are and let's the rest take care of itself. Her sister Kinter is one of those characters you want to throttle at times for their infantile behaviour while her brother Zedic is the epitomy of all a brother should be. Her mother Jettena is carrying more emotionally than first meets the eye while her grandmother, Miral Isontra steals the show in her quiet yet commanding ways.

Next we have the villagers with their many talents...and opinions. What? You didn't think everything the Healing family said was met without any disagreements now did you? Ha! Far from it. Though most are settled rather quickly, opposition does show its war face now and then especially with several of the elders and their stiff ideas of what should and shouldn't be done. Progress is the natural way of things...to a degree....even in this remote society. When change is introduced to their long held laws, they are not quick to welcome it; certainly adds for some lively discussions. Let's not forget about the city folk and the mysterious White Ones who round out the extensive cast. Rest assured there are many waiting to make your acquaintance in this book...

Moving on to two things we didn't see (and I know the author was simply holding out on us here)... first, the explanation of what they uncovered out at the God Stones. I don't want to spoil it for anyone so I'll keep the details under wraps but it makes me curious about those that left it behind. Are we talking future civilization or a past ahead of itself? Only time will tell I'm afraid as the trilogy progresses. Second on the list of things not seen....Kairma's Seridar. It's sort of a coming of age party and her formal introduction as Vice Miral (or village healer)....as well as the time when the new Comad will be chosen, who just so happens to be her mating partner (aka husband). Grant it, that's not the entire point of the story (the love interest portion at least) but it does provide for a rather interesting quandary as it flusters the characters involved, pushing them to sort out their feelings and stake their claim as it were before its too late.

All in all, an enjoyable read through and through. You get adventure, a taste of history, a smidge of romance, and danger all in one package making it easy for everyone to find some aspect they'd enjoy. It's a book about the journey and time passing, not about a quick and tidy ending for a fast entertainment fix. Best set some time aside when you start this one...as the people of Survin will invite you in with open arms so you'll never want to leave...even if you could.

Recommended for teen readers through adults as the intimate scenes are demure and violence is sparse on details.(less)

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Jan 11, 2012 James Paddock rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to say I really enjoyed reading Heir to Power by Michele Poague. The beginning seemed a little slow with trying to figure out who these very tall people were--Gentle giants, one might call them, the Survinees of the colony of Survin--and in what time frame they were living, and with sorting through the various characters with names I had a hard time pronouncing in my head, like Isontra, Jettina, Kairma, and Naturi. Then I found a Q&A on the author’s website that provided the phonetic...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Lexie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Heir to Power is an amazing book with a fascinating and complex story. It might seem weird, but it almost feels like a dystopian Cowboys vs. Aliens. And I loved it!

I am usually a little leery of reading "epic" fantasies. A lot of times authors spend so much time describing the elements of the fantasy world that they forget the characters. Luckily, Heir to Power does not have this problem. Even though the fantasy elements of this book are intriguing and well depicted, the main focus of it is the...more

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Dec 07, 2011 Danica Page (One Page at a Time) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: asked-to-review, young-adult, fantasy, science-fiction, dystopia

Received for review as part of Tristi Pinkston's book blog tours.

This book was one of those books that teetered between three and four stars. Something would happen to bump it down to a three and then immediately after something happens to bump it up to four stars.

This is a fairly long novel coming in at 564 pages, but I really did enjoy it. The novel started out slow for me, but it quickly started building and catching my interest.

I really loved the character within this novel. As expected, K...more

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Dec 16, 2011 BetteRose Ryan rated it 5 of 5 stars

The dialog is outstanding, the characters memorable and the story fresh. I could not put this book down until I had read the whole of it.

While I believe this book will attract young adults, anyone who remembers their years between childhood and becoming an adult will love it.

Beyond this, the action in this book, the fighting, running, pursuing, are all full of the tension that makes a good read. The characters' motivations are clear, understandable, and reasonable.

The plays between the siste...more

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Feb 28, 2011 Bob Mahood rated it 5 of 5 stars

Outstanding!!!! I can't wait until Book 2 of the trilogy to be released.

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Feb 17, 2012 Ester Matthews rated it 5 of 5 stars

My first impression tells me Michele is a gifted storyteller.

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Sep 25, 2012 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

This first book in the series took about 12 chapters to get moving for me. Once I got to know the characters, I was sucked right in. There was a lot of world building in this 1st book, but it sets everything up perfectly for book 2!

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Shelves: fantasy, 2010

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About Michele Poague

My parents lived in Denver in 1956 and often went home for the holidays. My uncle Jim was totally freaked out driving 800 miles, in the dead of winter, through Nebraska farm land, with a woman who could go into labor at any minute, so I was born Michele Rae Jeffryes in Newman Grove, Nebraska.

I grew up in southwest Denver with 5 sisters and a brother. Of course in the 1960's, that meant somewhere...more

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Heir to Power (The Healing Crystal #1)

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