The Lost Healer: A Fantasy of Love

by Rachel Robins

When raiders come to Daelfjord, Frida is taken away from her home and everyone she's ever known, doomed to a life of slavery. Although she belongs to Agnarr, lord of Groenthjal, she can't seem to escape the attention of Daegal, the town's resident magician. Sparks fly as their personalities clash, but it is eventually Daegal who helps her escape from the raiders. The magician has his own plans for Frida's newfound freedom, however, and it isn't for her to return home to Daelfjord. Instead, he is convinced that her very existence was prophecized and that she will be instrumental in battling the evil forces coming from the Borderlands. All Frida wants is to return home, to her comfortable life of healing the sick and wounded, but it seems that fate has other plans for her. Will she eventually get what she wants? Or will she only trade Agnarr's slavery for Daegal's control?

Genres: Fantasy

110 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2016

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella gets 3.5 fantastical stars!!

This was just a glimpse of what is sure to be a series full of wonder. The heroine, Frida, was incredibly brave and fierce. She pulls off a disguise, such as Viola did in Twelfth Night, when invading forces come to her home to find men (slaves) in order to save herself from the same fate as the other women. It was very clever and showcased her quick thinking and adaptability.

I loved how the author introduced Daegal. He was initially described with unattractive words but as it turns out, he was indeed an handsome man and the author subtly maneuvered him into a potential love interest. It was unexpected and a welcome surprise.

We're introduced to the mystical and learn that Daegal's a dragon shifter (so cool) with magical powers and he can sense the magic that is within Frida. A magic she had no idea she possessed. A battle is brewing, but unfortunately the details of said battle were both descriptive and vague (not sure how that works) so I'm not sure which side Frida and Daegal will be on. However, I can tell it will be an intriguing read in the coming books. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a combination of romance, fantasy, and some steamy times!

Release Date: December 7, 2016
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
POV: Heroine - 3rd person
Steam: 2.5 out of 5
Book Type: Prequel novella

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frida, The Lost Healer,dressed as a man is taken prisoner when Daelfjord is attacked by the war lord of Groethjal. She becomes friends with Daegal another slave and together they escape to return to Daelfjord and journey north in a time of unrest where the magician's of the Borderlands are getting ready for war.

The story contains an element of romance, danger of recapture and takes Frida on a journey toward her destiny and ends with a cliffhanger as to what she will do next.

The Lost Healer was a bonus book in another book by the same author that I borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.

[gail mollencopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Cliffhanger, well written and characters are good. Still seems much is missing in this story, probably have to get the next one to fill in the gaps

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first read from author Rachel Robins was an audio edition. The book was well written, the story line engaging, making you want to read the sequel. The narrator did a good job with his voice inflections adding to the story.

[Angela Tolsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is really good but the editing really takes away from it. With some fine tuning I would really enjoy this book. Lots of scenes needed to be flushed out and built better. Other scenes need to be reworked to better suite the characters inner monologue. I ended up reading the story twice. Once for just the story and the second time to see if my first read really did feel the same way about the editing. Unfortunately the editing really did take away from the experience of the story and that's a sad thing, because I so wanted to enjoy this.

Frida is an interesting character. This story is definitely about her coming into herself. What I liked is I assumed her to be closer to my age, and given the adult details of the story I would guess I am right. Because of this it feels easier to connect with her. What would I do in her situation? Chop my hair off and pretend she did or go a different route? I'm not sure, part of me was frustrated that she didn't fight or try anything before being captured. But when you are hiding who you are it kinda makes sense.

The last quarter of the book when Daegal and her are at the inn is where the writing takes a turn and the editing goes up a couple notches. Which is probably why I enjoy this part of the book most. The reason for the lower rating on this book, is due to the editing. As I've mentioned it really took from the experience. I would read this again and continue the series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Happy Reading.

[Jane Blanchard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lost Healer: A Fantasy of Love by Rachel Robins is a lead-in to the "Fortress Invasion" series. Frida, the healer, is unaware of her magical skills. She becomes a slave when her fortress is invaded by Agnarr. Daegal, another of Agnarr's slave, spots her abilities and helps her escape to the north. Along the way, Rachel realizes that her heart is calling her to a different direction.

The story has potential but there are unresolved issues that I wish Ms. Robins would have developed in this book rather than keep them for another book in the series. What is the relationship between Agnarr and Daegal? How does the shape-shifting fit into the book? Why does Frida who does not believe in magic or prophesies leave Daegal after her dream? Without having resolved these issue there is no denouement; the book is merely an unsatisfying teaser.

In addition to developing the story arch, the book needs editing for grammar and spelling. This is a start for what could be a great story. I hope Ms. Robins returns to complete this book before she starts the next.

[April Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of what could turn out to be a very good series. I love reading fantasy/sci-fi type books that involve magic and healers. This one even has clans of barbarians. Frida is a young healer who has always longed for adventure and yet knows her place is to heal others using various methods her grandmother taught her. She has been treated as a sort of outcast and just wants to be accepted for who she is....once she figures out who that truly is.
She pretends to be a man when her village is invaded and along the way meets a unique priest who can tell there is much more to Frida than meets the eye.
I really enjoyed this story and would very much like to read more about these characters. The only major issue that I had with this book was that it almost moved too fast and the romance portion of the story could have used more build up.

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 4 out of 5]

*voluntarily and honestly reviewed an ARC I received from the author*

I love when I find (or in this case introduced to) another book that has that tone of 'village lifestyle, magic in the air' type of thing. Frida is a pretty endearing woman, alone but resilient and stubborn. Her reluctant journey overseas by captives that invaded her little home is more mysterious than anything. Why? Because the priest, Daegal, slowly becomes an interesting character. He's always there, always helping. What does he want?

So I liked this a lot XD Loved the writing style, the characters, and especially the world set up. I can't wait for the next one, and I hope the author decides to continue with this. It sounds like a lot of exciting things will happen. Now if only she'd give Daegal a break..

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
This was a fast paced enchanting story about a magician (Daegal) and a healer (Frida) who meet under unfortunate circumstances. Frida is forced to flee her fortress in Daelfjordl when the raiders invade. She disguises herself as a man and is taken as a slave by Agnarr the war king. Frida meets a priest named Daegal who knew from the start she was a woman. The two then embark on a journey to find out more about the prophecy and they soon realize that together they share a very magical connection. I really enjoyed this debut novel and can't wait to continue the story in the next book.

[Paula D · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a very unique story! Frida is held captive as a slave when soldiers took her thinking she was a man but Daegal the priest new she was a woman. How did Daegal know? Will Agnarr be upset that Frida is a woman and let her go or kill her? Who exactly is Daegal? Will Frida ever escape and go home? Will Frida finally believe she has powers of a healer and more? Wow what a intense book drama, romance and shocking at parts. Loved it! 4/5 stars can't wait to find out what happens next *** I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book ***

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this ebook for an honest review and found it to be a well-written fantasy, with good, believable characters and sense of place. I didn't enjoy the 'sex scenes' but that's just personal preference rather that poor writing.

It's difficult to say too much so as not to give spoilers, but it was certainly a promising first book of the series and can imagine it'll continue to have mystery, suspense and some twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Worth a look.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing fantasy that involves north-European history, shapeshifting and magic all in one. And it works.
The characters are well defined and fleshed out, with locations described for the reader to readily imagine and follow the journey of the heroes in the tale. And I assure you, the are plenty of unexpected twists coming your way. Enjoy