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Stardoc #9
Crystal Healer
NINTH IN THE "CONTINUOUSLY SURPRISING AND DEVIOUSLY WRITEN" SERIES
Genetically engineered interstellar surgeon Dr. Cherijo Torin, her husband Duncan Reever, and a handpicked crew journey to the planet oKia to locate a strange black mineral that is the source of an intergalactic epidemic. When one of the crew members becomes infected, his body slowly begins to crystallize. While Cherijo races to save the crew member, mercenaries arrive in the oKia system, wanting Cherijo's genes-and her near immortality. It will take all of her abilities to elude the mercenaries and discover the black crystal's secrets before it's too late.
Genetically engineered interstellar surgeon Dr. Cherijo Torin, her husband Duncan Reever, and a handpicked crew journey to the planet oKia to locate a strange black mineral that is the source of an intergalactic epidemic. When one of the crew members becomes infected, his body slowly begins to crystallize. While Cherijo races to save the crew member, mercenaries arrive in the oKia system, wanting Cherijo's genes-and her near immortality. It will take all of her abilities to elude the mercenaries and discover the black crystal's secrets before it's too late.
366 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Viehl
31 books225 followersAlso see Lynn Viehl, Gena Hale, Jessica Hall and Rebecca Kelly.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 3, 2009
I just finished this and have to comment on it. I think I got this early - perhaps my local bookstore shelved it a week early - because according to every other place I checked, it's not supposed to be out until Tuesday, Aug. 4. That said, I'm done with it.
Okay, I liked this series from the start - until Rebel Ice, which I hated with a passion. After I got the gist of it, I skimmed it, and it immediately went to Goodwill.
Then, I found Plague of Memory on the "new books" shelf at the library. It was free, so I read it. And, I was again intrigued. Given the titled, I was convinced that Jarn/Cherijo would somehow become integrated. Not so. Still, the plot was captivating, and I thought Jarn learning to live in a "new" culture (i.e., Jorenian) was interesting.
So, I bought Omega Games, and I liked it. I re-read the series, minus Rebel Ice, and I discovered that I liked Jarn. I liked the fact that she loved her husband, Reever, whereas I never quite believed Cherijo loved him. While Jarn was just as intellectually sharp, there was something more compassionate and more womanly, something I always felt was missing from Cherijo (the feminist movement notwithstanding).
When I noticed Crystal Healer on the bookshelf, I picked it up immediately. And - SPOILERS AHEAD - began to read. I knew when Marel related her dream that her momma would not come back that the end would not be a pleasant one, though not quite what I expected.
I did enjoy this book. It furthered the plot Viehl has been developing, though I'm disappointed that she's moving towards a religious/spiritual ideology rather than the scientific ideology she's previously exploited.
But, I don't like what happened at the end with Jarn. I really came to like her. And the good-bye (death) scene at the end with Marel really did me in. I simply don't understand why Jarn couldn't have integrated Cherijo's memories - either dramatically and with a whole novel devoted to that - or gradually, as it seemed was happening. Certainly, integration would fit with the spiritual aspect Viehl is heading for, so I am very disappointed that Jarn's character simply had to die - to be replaced with sharp-tongued, bitchy Cherijo.
The next book in the series better be a free one at the library, or it won't get picked up by me.
Okay, I liked this series from the start - until Rebel Ice, which I hated with a passion. After I got the gist of it, I skimmed it, and it immediately went to Goodwill.
Then, I found Plague of Memory on the "new books" shelf at the library. It was free, so I read it. And, I was again intrigued. Given the titled, I was convinced that Jarn/Cherijo would somehow become integrated. Not so. Still, the plot was captivating, and I thought Jarn learning to live in a "new" culture (i.e., Jorenian) was interesting.
So, I bought Omega Games, and I liked it. I re-read the series, minus Rebel Ice, and I discovered that I liked Jarn. I liked the fact that she loved her husband, Reever, whereas I never quite believed Cherijo loved him. While Jarn was just as intellectually sharp, there was something more compassionate and more womanly, something I always felt was missing from Cherijo (the feminist movement notwithstanding).
When I noticed Crystal Healer on the bookshelf, I picked it up immediately. And - SPOILERS AHEAD - began to read. I knew when Marel related her dream that her momma would not come back that the end would not be a pleasant one, though not quite what I expected.
I did enjoy this book. It furthered the plot Viehl has been developing, though I'm disappointed that she's moving towards a religious/spiritual ideology rather than the scientific ideology she's previously exploited.
But, I don't like what happened at the end with Jarn. I really came to like her. And the good-bye (death) scene at the end with Marel really did me in. I simply don't understand why Jarn couldn't have integrated Cherijo's memories - either dramatically and with a whole novel devoted to that - or gradually, as it seemed was happening. Certainly, integration would fit with the spiritual aspect Viehl is heading for, so I am very disappointed that Jarn's character simply had to die - to be replaced with sharp-tongued, bitchy Cherijo.
The next book in the series better be a free one at the library, or it won't get picked up by me.
November 14, 2010
A bit better than the last book. But I just didn't enjoy Jarn. She's a pill. The different perspective on familiar characters and situations is interesting, but she's just to judgmental and sanctimonious to be likable. Although she and Reever are perfect for each other, she doesn't mind being pushed around and he's still a jerk. Cherijo was sometimes rash and immature, certainly prickly, but she was vibrant, funny, and interesting. It's unclear from the end what's really going to happen to these "2" women. I assumed an integration would turn then into one better person, but perhaps not. We'll see!
Finally some progress was made on the big, universe-wide story arc. After yet more captures and imprisonments. It appears that the black crystal has invaded every settled world in the galaxy except three; was it (annoying) luck or some kind of fate that hooked Cherijo up with the crystal-clear Jorenians? The author has fooled me before when I felt like something was too much coincidence but was later revealed as story-dictated and supported. I'm also now hoping that Cherijo's perfect health is responsible for her being one of the few Terrans in the galaxy who isn't a total bigot, despite being raised in the home world. Perhaps the black crystal is responsible for the mass hysteria. That would be a good twist.
The next book is indeed the final one in the series, so it looks like it's going to be a big rush to cram in the real story before the finish, after all of the leisurely detours and imprisonments. The pacing of this series has been very odd.
Finally some progress was made on the big, universe-wide story arc. After yet more captures and imprisonments. It appears that the black crystal has invaded every settled world in the galaxy except three; was it (annoying) luck or some kind of fate that hooked Cherijo up with the crystal-clear Jorenians? The author has fooled me before when I felt like something was too much coincidence but was later revealed as story-dictated and supported. I'm also now hoping that Cherijo's perfect health is responsible for her being one of the few Terrans in the galaxy who isn't a total bigot, despite being raised in the home world. Perhaps the black crystal is responsible for the mass hysteria. That would be a good twist.
The next book is indeed the final one in the series, so it looks like it's going to be a big rush to cram in the real story before the finish, after all of the leisurely detours and imprisonments. The pacing of this series has been very odd.
June 19, 2012
Spoiler Alert![return]I picked up this book reluctantly since I am fond of Cherijo, and not overly enamored of Jarn. THe last two books have been entertaining, but my heart was not with Jarn--I missed Cherijo. So, I made myself a deal. I would read this book and if Cherijo was not back in this book I would not follow the series. Thankfully she is back.[return]The book is written with Viehl's usual skill and the story lines are great. We revisited a few characters from the past and met a few new ones, but for me the end was worth it. I really thought that Jarn was annoying, and a little dense, if Viehl did not have the skill of telling a tale I would have dropped the series two books ago, but now I must wait impatiently for the next one!I missed you Cherijo![return][return]I would have given this four stars except for my extreme dislike of Jarn. Is that a fair thing to do, to not rate higher, because I don't like a character? Hmmm, pondering.
August 11, 2009
Loved Cherijo and her real human being, three dimensional, conflicted personality. Loved how she grappled with issues of immortality, healing, personal vs. universal destiny, definition of personhood, etc. Hated, absolutely HATED Jarn, whom to me was nothing more than a 2D monolithic plot device who wanted nothing more than to backpedal from any philosophical conflict and go live a boring threescore and ten with her equally un-conflicted friends and family. Agreed with Xonea who felt (although it was clearly not Jarn's fault) that Jarn was just another in the long list of occurrences destined to deprive Cherijo of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Was smiling all the way through the "heartrending" Jarn bye-bye scene. First novel in the series I've truly enjoyed since Eternity Row.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2020
Crystal healer is the ninth book in the StarDoc series. The main character is Cherijo Torin (formerly Greyveil), a Terran doctor who was engineered to be immortal. Because of what was done to her before she was born, half the galaxy wants to capture and experiment on her for the secrets of immortality, but every time she’s managed to eventually escape.
Until she ended up crashing on the alien iceplanet Akkabarr. She meets her end on the ice when the memory centers of her brain are destroyed. The only problem is, her body can’t die, so on that day a new personality is born, Jarn. When Cherijo is finally rescued two years later, it’s Jarn who rejoins Cherijo’s life. It’s Jarn who is wife and mother, along with being a healer among her adopted people the Jorenians.
It’s not easy and it means forming a new relationship with Reever, Cherijo’s husband, and Marel, her daughter. But in some ways Jarn is able to be more to them than Cherijo was, because she puts family first always. And although it’s hard for Cherijo’s loved ones to accept that she’s gone forever they slowly come to love Jarn for herself.
There’s just one problem—after finally being sure that Cherijo is never coming back it seems like certain parts of the Terran’s memories are returning, leaving Jarn scared. For her, Cherijo returning would be death and the people encouraging her to try and remember don’t seem to understand that.
And one person in her life refuses to accept that Jarn is there to say. Her clanbrother Xonea seems determined to do anything he can to keep Cherijo’s body safe, no matter what that means for Jarn.
When Jarn and Reever are forced to go off-planet to investigate the mysterious black crystal that has been plaguing them for years, Xonea tries to stop them, but finally accedes only if he is the one who brings them on their investigation. Coming along for the ride is a new character, but one who just might have a major connection to both Jarn and Cherijo.
As Jarn gets closer to finding the answers they seek, it gets harder for her to pretend that Cherijo’s memories aren’t coming back. Terran modes of speech, slang, things she was never around to see edge their way back into her mind. In the end, will she be pushed out so the original inhabitant of the body can return? Or will her love for her husband and child be enough to keep her intact.
As usual the author is fantastic at fleshing out new worlds and new alien species. There’s non-stop action and all the little side-plots help build a full and beautiful story. I cried at the end of this one, just from the emotions it raised. Highly recommend you read the whole series.
Until she ended up crashing on the alien iceplanet Akkabarr. She meets her end on the ice when the memory centers of her brain are destroyed. The only problem is, her body can’t die, so on that day a new personality is born, Jarn. When Cherijo is finally rescued two years later, it’s Jarn who rejoins Cherijo’s life. It’s Jarn who is wife and mother, along with being a healer among her adopted people the Jorenians.
It’s not easy and it means forming a new relationship with Reever, Cherijo’s husband, and Marel, her daughter. But in some ways Jarn is able to be more to them than Cherijo was, because she puts family first always. And although it’s hard for Cherijo’s loved ones to accept that she’s gone forever they slowly come to love Jarn for herself.
There’s just one problem—after finally being sure that Cherijo is never coming back it seems like certain parts of the Terran’s memories are returning, leaving Jarn scared. For her, Cherijo returning would be death and the people encouraging her to try and remember don’t seem to understand that.
And one person in her life refuses to accept that Jarn is there to say. Her clanbrother Xonea seems determined to do anything he can to keep Cherijo’s body safe, no matter what that means for Jarn.
When Jarn and Reever are forced to go off-planet to investigate the mysterious black crystal that has been plaguing them for years, Xonea tries to stop them, but finally accedes only if he is the one who brings them on their investigation. Coming along for the ride is a new character, but one who just might have a major connection to both Jarn and Cherijo.
As Jarn gets closer to finding the answers they seek, it gets harder for her to pretend that Cherijo’s memories aren’t coming back. Terran modes of speech, slang, things she was never around to see edge their way back into her mind. In the end, will she be pushed out so the original inhabitant of the body can return? Or will her love for her husband and child be enough to keep her intact.
As usual the author is fantastic at fleshing out new worlds and new alien species. There’s non-stop action and all the little side-plots help build a full and beautiful story. I cried at the end of this one, just from the emotions it raised. Highly recommend you read the whole series.
July 9, 2021
Cherijo is still an amnesiac, yet her current personality is beginning to remember a little, and she doesn't like it. Reever and Marel have adapted to the situation, though Marel is not happy about her parents heading out for another mission. They end up on a planet that is notably insular to try to find a cure for an insidious plague. There's some space skirmishes, romantic tension, politics, but mostly medical mysteries and alien contact. This book is evenly paced with nothing that truly drags.
February 14, 2019
This is a fun series, but it's been a while since I read the earlier books and I had forgotten a lot. Viehl gives clues about earlier events in the story so that one is not completely lost, but personally I prefer to actually remember stuff! So I hope that I won't let another 5+ years go by before I read the next Stardoc novel.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
March 14, 2021
3.5 stars
April 25, 2013
Oh my gosh, I'm sitting here blubbering thinking, "No, this can't be!" I've been reading a few reviews for the next/last book in the series and I have a feeling it's going to be harsh like I'm imagining.
Wonderful, terrific, fantastic series. I would definitely recommend it. ***** stars - I'd give more stars if I were able.
Wonderful, terrific, fantastic series. I would definitely recommend it. ***** stars - I'd give more stars if I were able.
January 17, 2013
This book was slow compared to the others in this series. Not a lot of action, too much scientific jargon and sadly an ending that I did not like much.
As much as I disliked 'Rebel Ice' and the plot twist that the author introduced in that book, I have to say, that I was disappointed with the ending of this book. I suppose that Jarn has grown on me and that her opinion/view of Cherijo has influenced me a bit, but I was sad to see how the author ended this book.
I am not too sure that I am going to be pleased with the next book and am wondering if the ending of this series is going to be a disappointment for me. I suppose that there is only one way to find out...........
As much as I disliked 'Rebel Ice' and the plot twist that the author introduced in that book, I have to say, that I was disappointed with the ending of this book. I suppose that Jarn has grown on me and that her opinion/view of Cherijo has influenced me a bit, but I was sad to see how the author ended this book.
I am not too sure that I am going to be pleased with the next book and am wondering if the ending of this series is going to be a disappointment for me. I suppose that there is only one way to find out...........
October 31, 2012
My review will contain a spoiler about the end of the book.
THANK GOD FOR THE END OF THIS BOOK.
I was so over Jarn it was beginning to get ridiculous. Everything about her character grated on my nerves, whereas Cherijo I found to be a very interesting and delightful (if a bit angry and hurtful) character. As soon as the end of the chapter hit, I nearly did a dance. I had a huge grin on my face, because I feel like I can finally get back to the point of this series: Cherijo.
Reading about Jarn has been similar to watching your favourite show suddenly switch the main character from someone interesting to someone who has the likeability of a moldy potato.
THANK GOD FOR THE END OF THIS BOOK.
I was so over Jarn it was beginning to get ridiculous. Everything about her character grated on my nerves, whereas Cherijo I found to be a very interesting and delightful (if a bit angry and hurtful) character. As soon as the end of the chapter hit, I nearly did a dance. I had a huge grin on my face, because I feel like I can finally get back to the point of this series: Cherijo.
Reading about Jarn has been similar to watching your favourite show suddenly switch the main character from someone interesting to someone who has the likeability of a moldy potato.
September 16, 2009
Long story short, I'm glad Jarn is gone because she irritated the everloving hell out of me. I was so glad to get Cherijo back, and even though I hate hate HATE the Cherijo/Reever pairing, I'm interested in seeing what happens next in their dynamic. Although I also hope he gets bumped off soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2013
This book feels like 85% one story, which is left unfinished, followed by 15% of something else. There's no good narrative arc in book 9. And yet there's something addictive about these books as I keep reading them.
May 9, 2010
it's ok. This series has kind of lost its luster for me. yet it is a habit, not quite ready to give up on them.
April 28, 2012
One of the best books in the series, if you ask me.
July 14, 2011
Almost to the end. I did enjoy this one more, and am amazed at how many plots, sub-plots, etc. the author can squeeze into a series. More info on the crystals and the buildup to the final book.
July 15, 2011
I have no idea what happened. I know it was virtually nonstop action... but, wha? and why?
Yet still I can't wait until I get the next one.... a strange addiction. I am helpless.
Yet still I can't wait until I get the next one.... a strange addiction. I am helpless.
December 17, 2009
This title will be released on August 4, 2009.
July 20, 2010
*sighs* I do not like the turn the series has taken; but the writing is still superb.
April 10, 2017
Knowing that there is only one more volume in the Stardoc series fills me with trepidation. I have followed Cherijo/Jarn and Duncan since the first book came out in 2000, going from world to world, and adapting to new alien cultures in each adventure. I DON'T WANT IT TO END! *Sigh* *Sniffle* Maybe that's why it took me until 2017 to read this, which came out in 2009 ... I wanted to extend my reading pleasure for as long as possible, and not say goodbye to characters who have become familiar friends.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews