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Pandemus Chronicles #2
Healing
In a world that's gone to hell, will you let old fears keep you from the chance at more than just survival?
When Duncan stumbles into a pharmacy in search of something to fix his broken leg, he’s surprised to find someone else there. Like the rest of the post-pandemic world, it appeared empty. Instead, he discovers Mark, a former nurse who walked away from his profession after losing too many patients to the virus. Despite swearing he’d never practice medicine again, Mark patches Duncan up over Duncan's protests. He even finds an abandoned house in the tiny town, and they settle in until Duncan heals enough to look out for himself. Much to the chagrin of both, they find themselves caring for each other.
Duncan welcomes it, thrilled at finding someone he can trust. However, he’s well aware of the shadows in Mark’s eyes and understands Mark’s reticence as he learns the story. But as he’s starting to do things for himself again, Duncan realizes he doesn’t want Mark to leave. He’s not sure if can get Mark to let go of his fears so they can stay together and love. But Duncan’s damned sure going to try.
When Duncan stumbles into a pharmacy in search of something to fix his broken leg, he’s surprised to find someone else there. Like the rest of the post-pandemic world, it appeared empty. Instead, he discovers Mark, a former nurse who walked away from his profession after losing too many patients to the virus. Despite swearing he’d never practice medicine again, Mark patches Duncan up over Duncan's protests. He even finds an abandoned house in the tiny town, and they settle in until Duncan heals enough to look out for himself. Much to the chagrin of both, they find themselves caring for each other.
Duncan welcomes it, thrilled at finding someone he can trust. However, he’s well aware of the shadows in Mark’s eyes and understands Mark’s reticence as he learns the story. But as he’s starting to do things for himself again, Duncan realizes he doesn’t want Mark to leave. He’s not sure if can get Mark to let go of his fears so they can stay together and love. But Duncan’s damned sure going to try.
98 pages, ebook
First published October 29, 2014
137 people want to read
About the author
Grace R. Duncan
34 books250 followersGrace Duncan grew up with a wild imagination. She told stories from an early age - many of which got her into trouble. Eventually, she learned to channel that imagination into less troublesome areas, including fanfiction, which is what has led her to writing male/male erotica.
A gypsy in her own right, Grace has lived all over the United States. She has currently set up camp in East Texas with her husband and children - both the human and furry kind.
As one of those rare creatures who loves research, Grace can get lost for hours on the internet, reading up on any number of strange and different topics. She can also be found writing fanfiction, reading fantasy, crime, suspense, romance and other erotica or even dabbling in art.
A gypsy in her own right, Grace has lived all over the United States. She has currently set up camp in East Texas with her husband and children - both the human and furry kind.
As one of those rare creatures who loves research, Grace can get lost for hours on the internet, reading up on any number of strange and different topics. She can also be found writing fanfiction, reading fantasy, crime, suspense, romance and other erotica or even dabbling in art.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 6, 2014
Healing is set in the same world as Duncan's
, but the only thing these stories have in common is the dystopian setting. This novella provides a broader backstory for this bleak future so the reader has a better sense of how the pandemic unfolded.
Mark was a nurse and lost every patient he had when the virus hit. He's sealed off his heart and refuses to get attached to anyone, so he moves from town to town, never staying in one place too long.
Yet when Mark runs into Duncan and sees that Duncan is injured, Mark's caretaker instincts kick in and he stays to help Duncan.
Duncan doesn't like to be dependent on anyone, but he starts to fall for Mark. Suspecting that Mark will leave if he realizes how attached to him Duncan has become, Duncan tries to hide his feelings.
I really liked that this book was focused on the relationship, although I think having some tension develop through the plot (this is a scary dystopian future, after all) would have worked to add interest to the story. The men seem to live in a vacuum, and I never got a good grasp of the setting.
The two MCs were fairly well-developed characters, and I enjoyed the slow buildup, but the ending was incredibly rushed. There is no steam in this story at all, save for one short kiss, and as soon as the men come to a tentative resolution, the book ends. I was so shocked by this, I flipped back on my Kindle, thinking I had missed a page or twenty, but no, the story just stops.
I don't like investing myself in characters only to be left dangling.
, but the only thing these stories have in common is the dystopian setting. This novella provides a broader backstory for this bleak future so the reader has a better sense of how the pandemic unfolded. Mark was a nurse and lost every patient he had when the virus hit. He's sealed off his heart and refuses to get attached to anyone, so he moves from town to town, never staying in one place too long.
Yet when Mark runs into Duncan and sees that Duncan is injured, Mark's caretaker instincts kick in and he stays to help Duncan.
Duncan doesn't like to be dependent on anyone, but he starts to fall for Mark. Suspecting that Mark will leave if he realizes how attached to him Duncan has become, Duncan tries to hide his feelings.
I really liked that this book was focused on the relationship, although I think having some tension develop through the plot (this is a scary dystopian future, after all) would have worked to add interest to the story. The men seem to live in a vacuum, and I never got a good grasp of the setting.
The two MCs were fairly well-developed characters, and I enjoyed the slow buildup, but the ending was incredibly rushed. There is no steam in this story at all, save for one short kiss, and as soon as the men come to a tentative resolution, the book ends. I was so shocked by this, I flipped back on my Kindle, thinking I had missed a page or twenty, but no, the story just stops.
I don't like investing myself in characters only to be left dangling.
October 8, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Healing is the second book in this series, and even though I haven't read the first one, I was able to understand this perfectly well.
The world has been hit by a pandemic that's killing off scores of people, and the few survivors struggle to find food and basic necessities. In a world which is literally "each man to his own", there's no way to see if a person will agree to team up with you or if they'll shoot you on sight to take your food. To avoid that, most people prefer to be alone.
Duncan especially wants to stay alone since he had an incident earlier on, but he gets hurt. Lucky for him, he happens to meet Mark, who was a nurse before the pandemic hit.
The two manage to find shelter and food and medical supplies for Duncan's hurt leg, and a friendship is formed between them. Mark doesn't intend to stay beyond Duncan making a full recovery, but he also doesn't intend to catch feelings for the first guy he's befriended and helped in a long while.
The overall setting of the book is pretty neat, and the writing also was clear and good. The MCs are fleshed out well, and I sympathised with both characters.
One thing that disappointed me was the fact that there wasn't more information about the pandemic. Maybe it's covered in the first book, maybe it's not, I just wished we knew a little more about it in this book.
And the ending was rather quick. I would have liked to read a bit more about them. If the starting was slow-mo, the ending felt like it was fast forwarded 4x. It left me feeling a little unsatisfied.
But it was a good book, if a little short. I'd recommend it if you want a quick read that has more focus on the slow build of the relationship and not the sex (because there is none).
Healing is the second book in this series, and even though I haven't read the first one, I was able to understand this perfectly well.
The world has been hit by a pandemic that's killing off scores of people, and the few survivors struggle to find food and basic necessities. In a world which is literally "each man to his own", there's no way to see if a person will agree to team up with you or if they'll shoot you on sight to take your food. To avoid that, most people prefer to be alone.
Duncan especially wants to stay alone since he had an incident earlier on, but he gets hurt. Lucky for him, he happens to meet Mark, who was a nurse before the pandemic hit.
The two manage to find shelter and food and medical supplies for Duncan's hurt leg, and a friendship is formed between them. Mark doesn't intend to stay beyond Duncan making a full recovery, but he also doesn't intend to catch feelings for the first guy he's befriended and helped in a long while.
The overall setting of the book is pretty neat, and the writing also was clear and good. The MCs are fleshed out well, and I sympathised with both characters.
One thing that disappointed me was the fact that there wasn't more information about the pandemic. Maybe it's covered in the first book, maybe it's not, I just wished we knew a little more about it in this book.
And the ending was rather quick. I would have liked to read a bit more about them. If the starting was slow-mo, the ending felt like it was fast forwarded 4x. It left me feeling a little unsatisfied.
But it was a good book, if a little short. I'd recommend it if you want a quick read that has more focus on the slow build of the relationship and not the sex (because there is none).
December 11, 2014
4 out of 5 stars
Description ~
In a world that's gone to hell, will you let old fears keep you from the chance at more than just survival?
When Duncan stumbles into a pharmacy in search of something to fix his broken leg, he’s surprised to find someone else there. Like the rest of the post-pandemic world, it appeared empty. Instead, he discovers Mark, a former nurse who walked away from his profession after losing too many patients to the virus. Despite swearing he’d never practice medicine again, Mark patches Duncan up over Duncan's protests. He even finds an abandoned house in the tiny town, and they settle in until Duncan heals enough to look out for himself. Much to the chagrin of both, they find themselves caring for each other.
Duncan welcomes it, thrilled at finding someone he can trust. However, he’s well aware of the shadows in Mark’s eyes and understands Mark’s reticence as he learns the story. But as he’s starting to do things for himself again, Duncan realizes he doesn’t want Mark to leave. He’s not sure if can get Mark to let go of his fears so they can stay together and love. But Duncan’s damned sure going to try.
My Review ~
What would your life be like if the world has gone to hell and you've lost everyone and everything that mattered to you?
That's what both Duncan and Mark have faced since the pandemic has decimated the world. Both have lost loved ones, friends, and their day to day way of living. Duncan was a librarian, Mark an emergency room nurse but now both struggle to survive what's become of the world around them.
A chance accident, Duncan fracturing his leg, brings them in contact with each other at a pharmacy. Mark being the healer that he is, can't allow Duncan to try to heal on his own so he decides to stay and help him. So they stick with each other, moving into an empty house in town while Duncan heals and gets stronger. As the days go by they get to know each other and get closer, even though both are not sure what's next for either of them they make the best of the situation.
This was a really solid, well told dystopian/apocalyptical story. I haven't run across many in the M/M world so this was really a pleasant surprise. I loved Duncan's solidness, and his unabashed nerdiness when it came to survival. He faced it head on and wasn't afraid to use his librarian skills to supplement what he didn't know or had never experienced. Mark, to me, was the more damaged character after the pandemic destroyed everyone around him, he ended up withdrawing into himself. It was harder for him to cope in someways then it was for Duncan. That's not to say Duncan wasn't scarred but the events, he just dealt with it differently.
I liked the the slow build up between the two, while there was instant attraction on Duncan's part they didn't dive into more. In fact Duncan wasn't sure if Mark was even interested and he didn't want to push him away by making a move. I'd have loved this to be a full length novel just to get more backstory on both characters and also to see what happens to them next.
I definitely recommend this for anyone that enjoys dystopian based stories. But also for anyone that enjoys their stories character driven and their characters a little less than perfect.
Description ~
In a world that's gone to hell, will you let old fears keep you from the chance at more than just survival?
When Duncan stumbles into a pharmacy in search of something to fix his broken leg, he’s surprised to find someone else there. Like the rest of the post-pandemic world, it appeared empty. Instead, he discovers Mark, a former nurse who walked away from his profession after losing too many patients to the virus. Despite swearing he’d never practice medicine again, Mark patches Duncan up over Duncan's protests. He even finds an abandoned house in the tiny town, and they settle in until Duncan heals enough to look out for himself. Much to the chagrin of both, they find themselves caring for each other.
Duncan welcomes it, thrilled at finding someone he can trust. However, he’s well aware of the shadows in Mark’s eyes and understands Mark’s reticence as he learns the story. But as he’s starting to do things for himself again, Duncan realizes he doesn’t want Mark to leave. He’s not sure if can get Mark to let go of his fears so they can stay together and love. But Duncan’s damned sure going to try.
My Review ~
What would your life be like if the world has gone to hell and you've lost everyone and everything that mattered to you?
That's what both Duncan and Mark have faced since the pandemic has decimated the world. Both have lost loved ones, friends, and their day to day way of living. Duncan was a librarian, Mark an emergency room nurse but now both struggle to survive what's become of the world around them.
A chance accident, Duncan fracturing his leg, brings them in contact with each other at a pharmacy. Mark being the healer that he is, can't allow Duncan to try to heal on his own so he decides to stay and help him. So they stick with each other, moving into an empty house in town while Duncan heals and gets stronger. As the days go by they get to know each other and get closer, even though both are not sure what's next for either of them they make the best of the situation.
This was a really solid, well told dystopian/apocalyptical story. I haven't run across many in the M/M world so this was really a pleasant surprise. I loved Duncan's solidness, and his unabashed nerdiness when it came to survival. He faced it head on and wasn't afraid to use his librarian skills to supplement what he didn't know or had never experienced. Mark, to me, was the more damaged character after the pandemic destroyed everyone around him, he ended up withdrawing into himself. It was harder for him to cope in someways then it was for Duncan. That's not to say Duncan wasn't scarred but the events, he just dealt with it differently.
I liked the the slow build up between the two, while there was instant attraction on Duncan's part they didn't dive into more. In fact Duncan wasn't sure if Mark was even interested and he didn't want to push him away by making a move. I'd have loved this to be a full length novel just to get more backstory on both characters and also to see what happens to them next.
I definitely recommend this for anyone that enjoys dystopian based stories. But also for anyone that enjoys their stories character driven and their characters a little less than perfect.
July 17, 2023
Healing is a story with so much heart, in a setting where it's rare for people to be able to focus on matters of the heart, due to the challenges of survival. Through the experiences of Duncan and Mark, we get a good glimpse of how the world changed due to a pandemic that ravaged the population. And through their time together, we get to see hope for the future, at least for these two men. I enjoyed the building of their relationship over the course of the story, and the struggles they both faced. The characters' emotions felt so real through the story's well-crafted prose. The ending was sweet and satisfying.
An interesting side note: for all the sexual tension in Healing, there is no actual sex between the protagonists. But it works well that way, and the story doesn't feel incomplete for the lack of sex. (I mainly note this because most of the author's other works novella length and longer include super hot sex between protagonists).
Though this is the second book in the Pandemus Chronicles, it is not necessary to read the first to understand and enjoy it (though I do highly recommend reading Celebrating You as well). I look forward to reading future stories in this world, especially ones that revisit Mark and Duncan, as well as Celebrating You's Daniel and Jack.
An interesting side note: for all the sexual tension in Healing, there is no actual sex between the protagonists. But it works well that way, and the story doesn't feel incomplete for the lack of sex. (I mainly note this because most of the author's other works novella length and longer include super hot sex between protagonists).
Though this is the second book in the Pandemus Chronicles, it is not necessary to read the first to understand and enjoy it (though I do highly recommend reading Celebrating You as well). I look forward to reading future stories in this world, especially ones that revisit Mark and Duncan, as well as Celebrating You's Daniel and Jack.
January 17, 2015
I picked up book because I love post-apoc stories. I was pleasantly surprised to find out one of the main characters is bisexual, which I also love and adore. And it's a great version of bisexual.
This story moves quickly in the sense of time, but I felt as though the two characters really got to know each other well. Normally I would call it insta-love, which I'm not a fan of, but since these two are completely and utterly alone, totally dependent on each other and because the story is so well-written and it slows everything down time wise, it completely works.
I did feel as if the ending was wrapped up too quickly with confessions of love and getting over said hurt (trying not to spoil, but the name of the book is Healing, so yeah). I wish it had taken a bit more time on the second part. Promises are good, but they don't prove much in the way of reality. Which I think was missed a bit.
Overall, great quick read with loads of sexual tension. 4 stars.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AJ
This story moves quickly in the sense of time, but I felt as though the two characters really got to know each other well. Normally I would call it insta-love, which I'm not a fan of, but since these two are completely and utterly alone, totally dependent on each other and because the story is so well-written and it slows everything down time wise, it completely works.
I did feel as if the ending was wrapped up too quickly with confessions of love and getting over said hurt (trying not to spoil, but the name of the book is Healing, so yeah). I wish it had taken a bit more time on the second part. Promises are good, but they don't prove much in the way of reality. Which I think was missed a bit.
Overall, great quick read with loads of sexual tension. 4 stars.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AJ
November 6, 2014
What a wonderful post apocalyptic / pandemic world story! This story has a fascinating premise, a virus that wiped out most of the worlds population, sending what's left into a nearly MadMax kind of barbaric hoarding of resources... and yet, these two men stumble across one another in an abandoned pharmacy (ergo the cover, which is perfect) and through recovery and stumbling, find much more than either ever thought to hope for.
This is the second in the series, but it stands alone quite well.
If you love love, hope, and a world gone to hell, then this is the perfect story for you!
This is the second in the series, but it stands alone quite well.
If you love love, hope, and a world gone to hell, then this is the perfect story for you!
December 1, 2014
4 star review by Cindy
With all the post-apocalyptic movies, TV shows and books out there, all full of zombies running rampant, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Grace Duncan had written a more character driven end-of-the-world story.
Duncan is a man who’s become used to surviving on his own. After losing his boyfriend to the virus that has taken most of the world, he roams alone, just trying to find enough to eat and avoid being killed. When he injures himself doing something stupid, he goes looking for medical supplies in a small pharmacy.
Mark is a man who has been touched by death more than most and it’s left him broken and afraid. Being a nurse had him on the front lines when the plague came calling and he had to watch helplessly as everyone around him died. Still, when he and Duncan find each other, he ignores his first impulse to run and finds himself reluctantly helping the injured man.
What follows is an interesting look at two men who can’t decide if they are more terrified of being alone or of taking a chance.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to have no one in your life. Not a friend or a family member to be found and I’m guessing the desire to not be alone must be overwhelming. Duncan is going from city to city looking for anyone he knew who might be alive, but Mark has decided that losing people is too painful and avoids other survivors as much as possible.
The whole scenario did have me stop and pausing to think about what I would do if I found myself in the same situation, but it led me to the same place is always does…with absolutely no desire to be a survivor of any kind of apocalypse!
Anyway, I digress.
I really admire how Ms. Duncan created two characters with very different personalities that I found very easy to connect with. She made it simple to understand the motivations behind their actions and to sympathize with the decisions they made.
I enjoyed watching them circle closer and closer to each other. Duncan’s fear that the fact that he was healing would mean Mark leaving him lonely again was palatable. Mark’s terror of losing someone else he’s attached to is staggering and I totally understood his reluctance to take a chance.
The only complaint I have about this story is the feeling of it not being finished. I understand that the author is meaning it to be part of an on-going series of stories, but I finished the book feeling a little cheated. It felt like I’d been handed the first half of an epic tale with the vague promise of “something more” in the future. This story is the second in the Pandemus Chronicles and as the first part featured an entirely different pair of men, I would assume that the next part would be about another different couple. I can only hope for future glimpses of this wonderful couple in future stories.
That being said, the writing is excellent. Ms. Duncan draws a perfect picture of a broken world without much hope for the future but still manages to infuse her characters with almost reluctant promise.
I will be looking for more in this series in the future.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
With all the post-apocalyptic movies, TV shows and books out there, all full of zombies running rampant, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Grace Duncan had written a more character driven end-of-the-world story.
Duncan is a man who’s become used to surviving on his own. After losing his boyfriend to the virus that has taken most of the world, he roams alone, just trying to find enough to eat and avoid being killed. When he injures himself doing something stupid, he goes looking for medical supplies in a small pharmacy.
Mark is a man who has been touched by death more than most and it’s left him broken and afraid. Being a nurse had him on the front lines when the plague came calling and he had to watch helplessly as everyone around him died. Still, when he and Duncan find each other, he ignores his first impulse to run and finds himself reluctantly helping the injured man.
What follows is an interesting look at two men who can’t decide if they are more terrified of being alone or of taking a chance.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to have no one in your life. Not a friend or a family member to be found and I’m guessing the desire to not be alone must be overwhelming. Duncan is going from city to city looking for anyone he knew who might be alive, but Mark has decided that losing people is too painful and avoids other survivors as much as possible.
The whole scenario did have me stop and pausing to think about what I would do if I found myself in the same situation, but it led me to the same place is always does…with absolutely no desire to be a survivor of any kind of apocalypse!
Anyway, I digress.
I really admire how Ms. Duncan created two characters with very different personalities that I found very easy to connect with. She made it simple to understand the motivations behind their actions and to sympathize with the decisions they made.
I enjoyed watching them circle closer and closer to each other. Duncan’s fear that the fact that he was healing would mean Mark leaving him lonely again was palatable. Mark’s terror of losing someone else he’s attached to is staggering and I totally understood his reluctance to take a chance.
The only complaint I have about this story is the feeling of it not being finished. I understand that the author is meaning it to be part of an on-going series of stories, but I finished the book feeling a little cheated. It felt like I’d been handed the first half of an epic tale with the vague promise of “something more” in the future. This story is the second in the Pandemus Chronicles and as the first part featured an entirely different pair of men, I would assume that the next part would be about another different couple. I can only hope for future glimpses of this wonderful couple in future stories.
That being said, the writing is excellent. Ms. Duncan draws a perfect picture of a broken world without much hope for the future but still manages to infuse her characters with almost reluctant promise.
I will be looking for more in this series in the future.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
October 17, 2016
*A free copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.*
Two men, a fiercely independent ex-librarian and a trained medic left jaded by his work, each struggling to survive in a post-pandemic world, lose their faith in humanity and have learned to survive on their own. A chance meeting has the men cautiously assess each other, when Mark realises Duncan is in need of medical aid, he calls on his nursing experience to help.
This read like I was on the set of the Walking Dead, minus the zombies, which was a definite plus for me since I can't get enough of post-apocalyptic fiction. For such a short read the setting was adequately described, however, there is a detachment (from the world not the characters) that is experienced when the story never ventures beyond Duncan's and Mark's interaction with each other - that's not necessarily a bad thing but the post-apocalyptic atmosphere becomes muted and their budding relationship is left being the sole focus of the story.
As such the slow burn was very much appreciated and consequently the HFN more plausible than a HEA would have been. While I did not mind the the HFN, the ending did seem somewhat abrupt, leaving me wanting more from the two lovable characters.
An easy and enjoyable read for M/M romance lovers. The story is not particularly heavy on the post-apocalyptic theme, so those that aren't fans of the genre shouldn't let it deter them from reading it.
Two men, a fiercely independent ex-librarian and a trained medic left jaded by his work, each struggling to survive in a post-pandemic world, lose their faith in humanity and have learned to survive on their own. A chance meeting has the men cautiously assess each other, when Mark realises Duncan is in need of medical aid, he calls on his nursing experience to help.
This read like I was on the set of the Walking Dead, minus the zombies, which was a definite plus for me since I can't get enough of post-apocalyptic fiction. For such a short read the setting was adequately described, however, there is a detachment (from the world not the characters) that is experienced when the story never ventures beyond Duncan's and Mark's interaction with each other - that's not necessarily a bad thing but the post-apocalyptic atmosphere becomes muted and their budding relationship is left being the sole focus of the story.
As such the slow burn was very much appreciated and consequently the HFN more plausible than a HEA would have been. While I did not mind the the HFN, the ending did seem somewhat abrupt, leaving me wanting more from the two lovable characters.
An easy and enjoyable read for M/M romance lovers. The story is not particularly heavy on the post-apocalyptic theme, so those that aren't fans of the genre shouldn't let it deter them from reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2015
I download a sample of HEALING before deciding to review it because I'm not an overall fan of apocalyptic stories; they tend to be a bit... depressing. In this case, all it took was for me to read the opening scene and I was hooked. Duncan and Mark drew me into their story, and I simply had to follow the path they were taking.
Trust does not come naturally in post-pandemic America, especially for two men who learned the hard way that only the cautious survive. Despite their initial hesitation, something draws Mark and Duncan together. Be it compassion, loneliness, desperation, or that intangible feeling one sometimes gets when fate whispers in your ear; seemingly against their better judgement, they begin to grow comfortable in each other's company. Unfortunately, memories can be a terrible thing; especially when the ghosts of the past threaten to overcome their chance at a future.
HEALING'S plot is well developed, and I didn't feel that I was missing a piece of the puzzle by starting with book 2 in the series. The characters are understandably damaged yet retain their humanity, which makes them endearingly earnest and easy to empathize with. HEALING delivers a powerful emotional combination of sweetness and strength.
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly’s Book Reviews
Trust does not come naturally in post-pandemic America, especially for two men who learned the hard way that only the cautious survive. Despite their initial hesitation, something draws Mark and Duncan together. Be it compassion, loneliness, desperation, or that intangible feeling one sometimes gets when fate whispers in your ear; seemingly against their better judgement, they begin to grow comfortable in each other's company. Unfortunately, memories can be a terrible thing; especially when the ghosts of the past threaten to overcome their chance at a future.
HEALING'S plot is well developed, and I didn't feel that I was missing a piece of the puzzle by starting with book 2 in the series. The characters are understandably damaged yet retain their humanity, which makes them endearingly earnest and easy to empathize with. HEALING delivers a powerful emotional combination of sweetness and strength.
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly’s Book Reviews
August 4, 2015
3.5 Stars
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This story takes place 3 years after a pandemic swept across the world. Most people died and those that lived spend every day trying to survive. Cities became overrun with gangs and towns became deserted.
The story starts with Duncan trying to get to the nearest town. He was careless and jumped off a ledge and broke his leg. He remembered that there was a pharmacy in the town where he can search for supplies. Mark has been moving nonstop since the pandemic. He comes across a deserted town and decides to scavenge for supplies. While he was in the pharmacy he sees someone else come in. He's learned to stay away from strangers, but when he sees the other person injured his life spent as a nurse kicks in and he can't walk away.
This is a very short story about two men who lost everyone they cared about. Each has been only surviving the past three years. When Mark decides to help Duncan it brings up painful memories for each of them and the thought of actually caring for another individual is something both struggle with.
Overall this story is a slow burn, but very sweet with little angst. They setting was nicely depicted and the writing was very good. I would love to read more about these two.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This story takes place 3 years after a pandemic swept across the world. Most people died and those that lived spend every day trying to survive. Cities became overrun with gangs and towns became deserted.
The story starts with Duncan trying to get to the nearest town. He was careless and jumped off a ledge and broke his leg. He remembered that there was a pharmacy in the town where he can search for supplies. Mark has been moving nonstop since the pandemic. He comes across a deserted town and decides to scavenge for supplies. While he was in the pharmacy he sees someone else come in. He's learned to stay away from strangers, but when he sees the other person injured his life spent as a nurse kicks in and he can't walk away.
This is a very short story about two men who lost everyone they cared about. Each has been only surviving the past three years. When Mark decides to help Duncan it brings up painful memories for each of them and the thought of actually caring for another individual is something both struggle with.
Overall this story is a slow burn, but very sweet with little angst. They setting was nicely depicted and the writing was very good. I would love to read more about these two.
August 2, 2015
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Duncan and Mark are living in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious disease has wiped out most of the population, leaving only a few who were somehow immune. The details behind what the world is like now aren't really given other than a few chance remarks about what sounds like anarchy and rule-by-power. Duncan and Mark first meet in a pharmacy in a small town where no one else is around. Duncan has hurt himself and is looking for medical supplies. Mark, a former ER nurse, is just trying to get supplies. While both were hesitant to trust at first, Mark's training and compassion kick in. And Duncan really isn't in much of a position to protest. What starts is a slow-burning story, where both have trust issues and an uncertain future looms.
Despite not being much of a post-apocalyptic or dystopian story fan, I actually did enjoy the way in which these two met. The relationship grew naturally because there wasn't anyone else around, and there weren't too many outside influences. The biggest issue (as with so many other stories) was the issue with communication. Overall a good read for those who like post-apocalyptic (but non-violent) settings.
Duncan and Mark are living in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious disease has wiped out most of the population, leaving only a few who were somehow immune. The details behind what the world is like now aren't really given other than a few chance remarks about what sounds like anarchy and rule-by-power. Duncan and Mark first meet in a pharmacy in a small town where no one else is around. Duncan has hurt himself and is looking for medical supplies. Mark, a former ER nurse, is just trying to get supplies. While both were hesitant to trust at first, Mark's training and compassion kick in. And Duncan really isn't in much of a position to protest. What starts is a slow-burning story, where both have trust issues and an uncertain future looms.
Despite not being much of a post-apocalyptic or dystopian story fan, I actually did enjoy the way in which these two met. The relationship grew naturally because there wasn't anyone else around, and there weren't too many outside influences. The biggest issue (as with so many other stories) was the issue with communication. Overall a good read for those who like post-apocalyptic (but non-violent) settings.
August 23, 2015
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This story talks about Mark and his meeting with Duncan after the pandemic hit the world. People keeps dying because of the virus and the few survivors run away, trying to find a safer place. But, it’s not that easy.
Duncan is alone. Mark is a nurse and after losing all his loved ones, he wants to stay alone and hidden with his Glock. But, when a very injured Mark happen to step inside the place where Duncan’s staying in search of painkillers and stuff to patch his leg up, Duncan can’t stay away from Mark and the nurse inside of him takes charge. They start to talk and even if Mark doesn’t want to care about Duncan, he stays with him. From there, the attraction between the two guys can’t be helped but Mark wants to stay away from Duncan. But love has its way and Mark can't keep his heart hidden anymore. I liked the story but I really wanted to read more about their future, surviving and more.
3.5 stars
This story talks about Mark and his meeting with Duncan after the pandemic hit the world. People keeps dying because of the virus and the few survivors run away, trying to find a safer place. But, it’s not that easy.
Duncan is alone. Mark is a nurse and after losing all his loved ones, he wants to stay alone and hidden with his Glock. But, when a very injured Mark happen to step inside the place where Duncan’s staying in search of painkillers and stuff to patch his leg up, Duncan can’t stay away from Mark and the nurse inside of him takes charge. They start to talk and even if Mark doesn’t want to care about Duncan, he stays with him. From there, the attraction between the two guys can’t be helped but Mark wants to stay away from Duncan. But love has its way and Mark can't keep his heart hidden anymore. I liked the story but I really wanted to read more about their future, surviving and more.
3.5 stars
August 21, 2015
Healing by Grace R. Duncan is a story that surprised me at how much I enjoyed it. Sic-fi and post-apocalyptic are not usually my favorite type of read, but this one was close enough to what might happen in the not too distant future. Mark and Duncan are modern, likeable and realistic. For some reason I was expecting zombies, so I am glad they didn't appear. The author has a great style and allowed us to see interesting glimpses into the characters feelings and motivations. One thing that felt rushed was the quickness and strength of the main characters' relationship. That element could have been more credible. Duncan and Mark find each other just at the right time, and in each other, exactly what they are in need of. Their budding relationship had me routing for a happily ever after in the midst of a dark and dangerous world . A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2015
This book was given to me free by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Generally, I am not a great fan of dystopia. However I did really enjoy this book. Two men who are totally alone in the world meet in a pharmacy.
Duncan, who having broken his leg is looking for painkillers. Mark, a nurse is just restocking.
Meeting Duncan brings Marks caring side out again, and he treats his broken leg. The 2 decide to stay together moving into an abandoned house.
The build up to their relationship us slow. Neither wanting to admit their feelings in case they lose the other.
I would have liked the book to be a little longer so we can see what happens in the future.
Generally, I am not a great fan of dystopia. However I did really enjoy this book. Two men who are totally alone in the world meet in a pharmacy.
Duncan, who having broken his leg is looking for painkillers. Mark, a nurse is just restocking.
Meeting Duncan brings Marks caring side out again, and he treats his broken leg. The 2 decide to stay together moving into an abandoned house.
The build up to their relationship us slow. Neither wanting to admit their feelings in case they lose the other.
I would have liked the book to be a little longer so we can see what happens in the future.
Want to read
January 11, 2015Come check out our interview with Grace Duncan about this book and leave a comment on our post for a chance to win any of her previously published books!
http://www.myfictionnook.com/2015/01/...
http://www.myfictionnook.com/2015/01/...
January 28, 2016
2.5 stars. It was okay. Longer than it needed to be, though.
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