The quick cut: A girl with the ability to manipulate biology finds herself thrown into the middle of an aristocratic family's tragedy.
A real review:
We all wish we could change our bodies, especially when they're hurt or sick. What would you do if you had that ability? Would you share it with the world or hide it away? For Nhika, it's a pertinent question.
Nhika has a rare gift known by her people as heartsoothing, where she can manipulate biology of other people. However, her gift is also known by another name: bloodcarver. Made a myth by the people, her abilities are seen as an evil that can kill you with just a touch. When an appointment turns into a capture, Nhika is sold to a wealthy family and suddenly thrown into an important mystery: who killed their father and why. Can her abilities bring back the only witness? Or will she only put herself in danger?
This is such a unique story, especially considering the type of ability heartsoothing is. It's also awesome how the author spends the time to see the positive and negative spin of what that talent is. Intention really does make the biggest difference here and it's an important life lesson at its core.
Nhika is just trying to survive day by day in a society that has villainized her. Some see her as a deadly weapon while a rare few see her as a healer. She's left in the middle of a war she never asked for and seeing her navigate the delicate situation honestly made me admire her.
The lore building here is just as strong as the character development, which is what makes it such a powerful story. The characters feel real, the world a true place, and the stakes an important feat. It all comes together so beautifully with an ending that leaves you desperate for the next.
An amazing fantasy novel that transports you to a new world.
My rating: 5 out of 5