No One Else Could Heal Her

Clem & Wist #0.5

by Hiyodori

“I want to see you cry. I want to see you destroyed.”

No One Else Could Heal Her (a prequel to the Clem & Wist series) marks the contentious beginning of a lifelong f/f romance. Their slow-burn relationship deepens in a stratified magical academy packed with rules designed to keep them apart. They’re opposites in every way. Their feelings for each other are stifled, unfamiliar, charged with resentment. And impossible to deny.

In this modern-era fantasy world, mages get all the magic and glory. Mages run the nation. Healers shuffle around in their shadow.

Clematis is a talented healer. That’s what traps her at a prestigious boarding school for high-class mages and the healers being trained to serve them. Her only keep her head down. Pretend to be mediocre. Avoid catching the interest of any mages whatsoever.

Tall, dark-haired Wist is a quiet loner, despite being the strongest mage student in the entire academy. She seems just as determined as Clematis to cover up her true gifts. Yet every once in a while, she cracks and shows more glimpses of her power. For some reason, those moments usually have something to do with Clematis.

Clematis can’t begin to understand why a top-tier mage would try to avoid the spotlight. The sheer infuriating mystery of Wist keeps dragging her in closer. Even if they're supposed to be enemies. Even if it means making herself a target for envious classmates. Even if every step she takes toward Wist puts her at risk of expulsion.

Once Clematis would’ve been thrilled to escape the academy. Now—confronted with a cold, secretive, long-suffering mage unlike any other—she finds herself scrambling for excuses to stay.

The Clem & Wist Series
No One Else Could Heal Her
Book 1: The Lowest Healer and the Highest Mage
Book 2: The Reverse Healer Case Files

Each novel revolves around the same couple. The prequel can be read either before or after the rest of the series. (The prequel and Book 1 also work as satisfying standalone stories.)

Genres: Fantasy, Queer, Lesbian, Romance, Fiction, LGBT, Magic

506 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2022

About the author

Hiyodori is not a bird. But she is dearly fond of her namesake, a plain-looking brown-gray bird that likes to perch near her Tokyo apartment and unleash the most incredible primal screams. Hiyodori (the human author) loves stories with fantastical settings and complicated, difficult-to-define relationships. All of her books—including Masks Worn by Magical Wives, her latest standalone novel—take place in the same shared fantasy universe.

Reviews

[Daphinie Cramsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s five hours later and I’m still in a great-book fog. Don’t worry, I spent some of the time carefully arranging a birthday wishlist that contains just the rest of the books of this series. I’m regretting getting a paperback copy and not hardback because I can see many rereads in my future. I just found my comfort book.

So, to summarize: Clem is a healer. In this world if you have any 'magical' use it’s being a mage or being a healer. Clem used to want to be the best healer ever until after a warning from a healer from their neighborhood. This warning was to NEVER bond with a mage. Healers aren’t respected, they’re used up in the pursuit of a mage’s growth. And once you bond, you’re stuck with them until one of you dies. So, when Clem gets to the academy (a government requirement for healers and mages) she does her best to jussstttt be good enough to not be kicked out. And that’s saying something because she has a tendency to not hold back saying what she’s thinking, no matter how sassy or sarcastic. If she gets kicked out, her parents will have to pay back the ‘government assistance’ and that’s more than they could ever afford. Clem’s good at low effort, no reward…great even. And then an S Class mage’s general lack of participation and downright broodiness turns Clem’s plans on their head. Wist has more magical branches than any other mage Clem has ever heard of, so why does she insist on being quite the loner? As Clem becomes a target for restless ego driven mages, Wist keeps pulling Clem into the spotlight. Wist is cold, secretive, and a complete mystery so why does Clem catch herself thinking about her every moment she’s not around. Why does she only want herself to heal Wist and no one else, ever? This is a sapphic romantasy set in a modernish society academy (think Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle style of mages and world). There is discussion of classism, chronic pain, and finding yourself against it all. This is also the first in a series. (Technically a prequel book to the earlier written books).

As I update and write these reviews everywhere, I have read all but one of this authors work. (Don't worry, I'm starting the last book tonight :3) and with each book I have that feeling...Was this written for me? Which to me, is the holy grail of reading. Every book has been such fun, emotional, and just so well done, I can't get enough. Thank you Hiyodori, I'll never forget these for the rest of my life. I will be buried with a copy of each of these books.

[Aster · Rating 5 out of 5]

the academy prequel or clem's coming of age as a sadist

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

every book i have ever read has been in pursuit of finding this one. hiyodori if you ever stop writing i will go clinically insane

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two........... reading this with the knowledge I have from book 1 is especially wild. Wist........ Wist. The crazy woman that you are.

[J. Aceyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't be productive.

I spent the weekend doing the bare minimum essentials to survive and the rest of the time I had my head stuck in this book.

If you have read Thr Lowest Healer and the Highest Mage, and you enjoyed it, this will be no different.

The story of how they met. Wow. It's crazy knowing what I know from the first book, and imagining what Wist was actually thinking during the time period this book took place.

I love the cynicism, the stark contrast between Wist and Clem. I think Hiyodori did some exceptional world creation, in a way that struck me as highly original and so intriguing. Not to mention the writing style, it's also very unique but so clean and makes it so much easier to follow Clematis's reasoning for things.

I have so many questions I want to ask the author, and I couldn't be more grateful that there's another book in Clem and Wists world on its way.

I, for one, will always be here supporting their story. Hiyodori you are truly an amazing author, and please never stop captivating me with tales of these two.

Now I'm going back to read the first two again, see if I can get some of my questions answered 😁

[Vicky R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book!

Was so excited when I saw that this series had a new addition. ( Amazon... you suck when it comes to updating the authors I follow! ) Like school girl giddy! I absolutely adore Clematis! I want to cuddle Wisteria for All eternity. Without a doubt, one of my top five favorite series. Might just re-read the other 2 books just so I won't miss them so much! 😆 Hiyodori! I have many questions! Lol!

[Susan Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one didn't hit quite as hard for me as the other two in the series. Some of that is just down to personal preference - I get much more enjoyment out of reading about established, powerful adults than stories about teenagers figuring stuff out. Still I welcome any return to the world of Wist and Clem and will happily read any addition to this world.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiyodori is so masterful at writing impish, fun, slightly annoying characters that you feel giddy to watch win and heal. Loving the Clem and Wist series.

[✩☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

holy fuck

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So. Good. Couldn’t put it down.
And I want to mention this because no one else did:
Jealous Wist is freaking hilarious!

[yazaleea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, this was so good! I am so happy to have finally found a sapphic fantasy I loved!!! This is the prequel to the Clem & Wist series, and I was wondering whether I should read it in chronological order or in the order of release, but i decided to go with chronological and start with this one. I will see after book 1 whether I regret this or not, but this book can be read as a standalone, and it was great. I loved both Clem and Wist a lot, and I absolutely can’t wait to read more about them and see what happened to pit them against one another after such a positive ending.

The magic system and societal hierarchy was super interesting, a bit complex maybe, but I am happy the sequel took its time to explain everything. It felt a bit info dumpy at times, but I didn’t really mind because I legit found it fascinating. Mages being the oppressive top of society but the more powerful the magic, the more painful its price. Healers are kind of forced into serving Mages, and are usually chained to a mage through a bond. Clem, a healer, saw her first love become a cautionary tale when she got bonded to a way older Mage. Clem decided she would never stand out and risk a Mage courting her to bond her, but she never expected to meet Wist, the quiet, insanely powerful and thus constantly in excruciating pain Mage who she wanted to hate but ended up… maybe loving?

I really like the author’s writing style, it flows so well and I ended up devouring the book. Time to read the first official volume of the series and finally learn what the heck happened to my babies.

[heartzvanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

why was this so cute😭😭

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clematis is like a fungus, she grows on you

Really, I just love how at such young age she had already a smart mouth and witty. Besides the main plot, the highlights to me is being able to get her commentaries about anything and everything. It could be a slice of life book and I'd be excited to hear her. Delightful doesn't begin to describe it and Wist... Even though she's all clammed up, Clematis POV shows us enough that one cannot not bond with her. Your gotta sympathise, root for the underdogs.

I hope we get a few more books about them, either in the past or the future, I just don't want to say good bye very soon.

[AmEricaNo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Neither prequels nor abusive magical schools are really my thing, but I wanted to read No One Else Could Heal Her before I became too invested with Clem and Wist back in the adult timeline. I’ll admit it took me much longer to become invested in this novel than it did with the others (around the 30%) mark, but once it hit, I was hooked. Part One was good, but Part Two and Three were great. I wasn’t prepared for nearly every side character to make a comeback (or become vital to the plot) in the later chapters, but it was so rewarding when they did! One of Hiyodori’s best skills is her ability to masterfully execute set-up and pay-off, and it’s on full display here.

[Dee I · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I started out reading Hiyodori with “The First and Last Demon”. I loved that crazy, wonderful world building, clever and well written book. But while reading it, I noticed this couple…..
And that couple started in this book. Hiyadori has such a way in writing these stories and this series. I’ve never felt such deep feelings like these 2 have for each other. Yes I’ve felt very strong love and romance between characters in other books. But there’s something else with Clem and Wist. It’s something really special and I absolutely love it. And I love this series. Keep em coming Hiyadori.

[Stateria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy when I came across this book. I’ve read every other book in this series and I’ve become so fond of this story and the way this author writes their books! I am hoping that we will see more books with Wist and Clem! I might even say these books have easily become my fav books!

Is it bad that I want to go back and re read all of them again?

Highly recommend everyone read these!

I’m also going to be buying the physical copies of these books!

[platyrhyco · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of those books that I just have nothing to nit pick about.
okay maybe the titling sense isn't exactly to my taste but seriously, nothing else!

I loved the pacing and the writing. It's often a complaint of mine that I wish I had another hundred pages or two of character interaction aside or parallel to the "main plot". I still wish that but now it just feels greedy.
There's so much here and I love it. God, I love these characters.

[Ani King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh Young Clem and Wist!

Listen, these books are really good. So good. The world building is seamless, the characters are memorable and three dimensional, and before you know it you’ve devoured all of Clem and Wist and you can’t wait to go back for more.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome series every single book 5/5

These two feel so real at this point, that i feel like they are memories from the past instead of stories ive read. You are an amazing writer.

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book, story, fantasy world. Well-built all around. And stuff. First book I've read by this author, and first, though a prequel, book in a series.

Wasn't really planning on immediately writing anything about this book. A young adult book with a solo POV starring a woman going to a magic academy who learned, too late, that there are bad consequences for someone like her, a healer, to stand out in the world. Be spotted. A world where there are basically three magic classes (possibly four, but not sure about if no one has magic). There are mages, healers, and those who are, nominally, a mage or healer but do not have enough power to actually do magic (I think they get called subliminals or something like that). Statistically, as a percentage of overall population, there are not a significant number of full power healers out there. And they don't have the physical, mental, magical, or numerical power to be anything other than, basically, second class citizens to mages. This is, basically, what the lead character learned right before going off to the most prestigious university in the country. A co-ed school. Here co-ed means a school for both mages and healers. Though it is also a mixed school, gender-wise.

Right, so. Main character, Clem, is a healer and can't get out of going to the school. Why? Because she's going on a full scholarship (I think everyone does), but if she drops out, is forced out, and/or can't complete the full four years, her parents would instantly go into great debt. They'd be on the hook for the entire four years of education. Even if Clem dropped out before day 1. So, Clem decides to do enough to stay in school, but not to stand out, and not attract Mage attention. She fails, but not really her fault.

She gets mixed up with another student at the school, Wist, and Wist's problematic family. They also grow closer together over the course of the book.

Which is why, in a way, I'm writing anything in this here box. This is a prequel. I looked at the next book in the series. Which is set something like 20 years after this book here. And the description of that first book . . . well I already went down a slow burn (sssssuper slow burn) story about Clem & Wist becoming friends and more. I just . . . can't go into a book set 20 years later wherein the book description indicates that Wist betrayed Clem (or, at the very least, put her in jail) and now read them coming back together again. I just can't get myself to read that. So. Read a prequel. Now can't read the series. heh. oops. Basically the spoiler noted certain issues which would slow my reading the actual series this here book is the prequel.

Rating: 4.95
May 5 2024

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I’m always a sucker for the training stories. Young-ish kids coming in with unexpected skills or powers, but also weaknesses that the older or meaner kids can take advantage of. Divergent, Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, Her Spell That Binds Me… it’s no surprise I thought this was great too.

The thing is, it wasn’t just that. Clem was a great protagonist, so desperately wanting to avoid the fate that appears to be in store for her, and then slowly opening her eyes over the course of the book. And Wist was surprising amazing opposite her. Who’d have thought a stone-faced character who speaks in monotones and reveals nothing could be so enthralling? And with layers…

As with other books in this world, this does a fantastic job of revealing just enough to keep the story ever more intriguing while not making the unknown parts frustrating. And the surprises keep coming! Though sometimes the broad outlines were foreshadowed, the details were always unexpected.

Between the careful unveiling of the plot and the perfectly paced alliance that develops between Clem and Wist, this was a story I just couldn’t put down. And I found it an excellent introduction to their series, as it was so much better to dive into the rest knowing the characters and their world already. While I think it would work fine as a standalone story, I’m much too eager for more to just leave it there.

So… on to the next!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up way too late reading this on at least three different occasions. So, yay, it was nice and long - more Clem and Wist is always a good thing. Boo for lost sleep. But I really, really enjoyed this. So sad I'm now out of Clem and Wist stuff until the author writes something else.

Anyway, this story is a prequel to the other two. It's how Clem and Wist met at school, and it's really interesting to see how they haven't yet grown and had the experiences that shape them further, but how each already is the essential character she is in the later books. And to see how Clem views Wist throughout their early encounters, and to speculate with her about what Wist may be seeing or thinking of Clem. (because with Wist, you never completely know, until you absolutely for certain do know.)

A lot more information on Wist's upbringing and how that shaped her.

And I really hope the next book takes us out of Osmanthus to see how other countries handle the healers, mages and subliminals in their goverments and social structures.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical Girl and Her Punk rock Girlie friend

This is my second time reading a F/F and it was very enjoyable. And to be honest I read it because the cover looked so nice ! The reviews of the book also pushed me to read it as well. The characters are so unique and the world building is so much like our own yet so dystopian. I truly wish the healers were treated so much better in the book because they are huge part to the mages functionality. Wist and Clems dynamic was such a slow burn and it made me wish why can’t all these romantasy books follow suit! I can see why Clem fell for Wist such a smooth and mysterious person. And Clem is so hilarious and out spoken it had me smiling the whole time! The book does get repetitive and does this thing where it will explain a scene, but explain it again in more of poetic detail. It made reading a chore to get through but in the end all is well and girls are happy! 😊

[Jennifer Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

I felt there was a bit too much info-dumping at times, along with leaps in the narrative from us being told things by future-Clematis. I suspect I would have begrudged that less if I had started with the other books in the series and gone back to this one afterwards (didn't know about the publication order!); such storytelling would likely have struck an even more pleasantly nostalgic note, I assume. Oh well, perhaps I'll revisit this book someday after reading the others. It was still quite melancholy, somehow. I'm already getting the vibes of seeing an old couple looking back upon the blossoming of their youthful love, but without the context of their adult selves, I could only savour it so much ;)

Still, it felt both like an end and a beginning, and it made me sigh in longing. To gaze out at the ocean...

Cool magic system!

[Vervada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clem was just as hilarious and awesome as a teenager as she is when she's grown, but she was definitely less jaded and more hopeful. For someone who's already read "The Lowest Healer and the Highest Mage" that part, her hopes and aspirations for the future, was sometimes painful to read. But, maybe, future books will change that. There wasn't a lot of action, yet I was never bored; in fact, Clem and Wist's developing relationship kept me glued to the pages. It was really nice to see more of Wist and her past and understand why she is the way she is.

I'm really glad I read this prequel and I'm hoping that this series will turn out to be one of those really long ones because I'm really loving these characters and this world.

[Kenneth Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

TLDR... Awesome. Highly recommended.

A captivating prequel to the "Clem & Wist" series, "No One Else Could Heal Her" by Hiyodori dives into the complex beginnings of the fiery relationship between Wist and Clem. Set in a world stratified by magical abilities, the story explores the challenges they face from classmates, faculty, and even family. Despite the adversity, their bond strengthens as they are forced to stand alone against a world stacked against them.
This well-written novel offers a glimpse into the rich world Hiyodori has built and serves as a satisfying introduction to the series' central characters. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy romance and those seeking a story about the power of resilience and defying expectations.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically a prequel to the Clem & Wist series but I think you'd be really confused if you jumped straight from this to book one. It does make sense but the only way to explain it is a major spoiler.

Anyway, I finally got around to reading this one and it immediately triggered a series reread. I keep telling myself to take a break and read something from my overwhelming to-read pile but no, the brain has decided it's Osmanthus or bust.

Series tone: cozy and melancholic, with a main character who knows she's an asshole and doesn't pretend otherwise, which helps to balance out how self-destructively self-effacing the other main character is.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad I read this prequel as the third book in the series. There is no specific mention that the story of Clem and Wist will continue further than currently three books published, but I would die to read more. One specific comment from a character made me think perhaps for a plot point in the future, but we’ll see. In the mean time, I’ll just have to reread these books! All the praise to Hiyodori for writing a story with the perfect amount of setting, characterization and development, plot and most all, feeling!

[Caerolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wist and Clem, so glad I got introduced to them! I read the 'last' book first (First and Last Demon) and this one second, so a big jump! Lots of growth between those books, and lots of struggles. Sadly not much innocence even here at the very beginning, but I loved seeing how they met and grew to be friends. They endured a lot, but leave the book with hope.

Loved this book so much, and esp love Wist. I will be living with this book for a long time, and with the other three books currently in the series, too. Love Wist and Clem and want so badly for things to go well for them.

[glo · Rating 5 out of 5]

OHMYDGOZAYSOCTAIDYOZGWKFYAOWGFOZGQORYSOQGEKGFAIWYFISVQKEUSOAG.
this might just be one of the best books I've ever read. oh i was HOOKED. pains me to say it but SOOOO much better than nellietiller. IM IN LOVE WITH CLEM THAT'S GF THAT'S LITERALLY GF she's so funny so special so ugh. and wist is so princess. And what they HAVE UGHHH THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD BOOK I NEEDED THE FUNNY COMMENTARY BUT ALSO A GREAT SETTING AND PLOT AND DRAMA AND EVERYTHING guys this is a very very very very good book im so glad i read. cant wait to read book one now teehee