In The Healer's Way (Book 8), the eighth installment of this portal progression fantasy series by Oleg Sapphire and Alexey Kovtunov, the Bulatov family faces escalating threats. While internal conspiracies from local aristocrats continue to hinder their progress, a more significant danger looms. Offworld invaders, previously engaging in sporadic raids, have united and conquered a neighboring city. This forces a critical decision: should the Bulatovs prioritize the internal aristocratic struggle or confront the unified offworld threat? With both enemies poised to strike, protagonist Ilya must rely on his skills and resources, facing a challenge that could reshape the fate of Arkhangelsk and beyond.
Review The Healer’s Way
Honestly, The Healer's Way (Book 8) left me with a bit of a mixed bag of feelings, much like the overall reader response seems to indicate. It's definitely a fun, engaging read, continuing the fast-paced, action-packed adventures of Count Mikhail Bulatov that I've come to expect from this series. The constant juggling act between thwarting the machinations of the local aristocrats and dealing with the increasingly organized offworlder incursions keeps the plot exciting. There's a satisfying sense of escalating stakes; the offworlders aren't just random raids anymore, they've taken a neighboring city, raising the tension significantly.
The humor, particularly involving Kooky and his avian escapades, remains a highlight. Those pigeon-related anecdotes are consistently laugh-out-loud funny, offering a much-needed comedic counterpoint to the often intense conflicts. The descriptions of Kooky's "dragon" and the camouflaged pigeons in helmets are pure gold. They perfectly illustrate the lightheartedness that Oleg and Alexey weave into the narrative, preventing it from ever feeling too grim. Even the descriptions of Mikhail's resourcefulness—turning his disadvantages into advantages—are inspiring and amusing.
However, several readers, and I find myself agreeing with them to some extent, mentioned the book’s brevity. While the rapid pace is exhilarating, it sometimes feels a little rushed. I craved a deeper exploration of certain plot points. For instance, the evolving relationship between Mikhail and Vika, with her burgeoning necromantic abilities, could use more development. Their interactions are intriguing, but I wanted to see more nuanced exploration of their dynamic and how their respective powers intertwine. Similarly, the internal conflicts among the aristocratic factions felt somewhat underdeveloped; the constant plotting felt predictable at times, almost repetitive.
The short length also contributes to a feeling that some storylines are truncated. The resolution of some conflicts feels a bit abrupt. While I appreciate the cliffhanger ending, leaving me eager for the next installment, it felt like certain crucial conflicts weren't given the thorough resolution they deserved.
The cost is also a valid concern raised by several reviewers. While the books are entertaining, their length doesn't quite justify the price point for some readers. It is a point I can appreciate. Despite these minor critiques, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the book immensely. It's a highly entertaining installment within a series I find captivating. The authors have created a vibrant world with memorable characters, and the blend of action, humor, and fantasy makes this a page-turner that keeps you hooked. While I would appreciate more depth and length in future installments, I eagerly anticipate the continuation of Mikhail's adventures, and I wholeheartedly recommend the Healer's Way series to anyone looking for a fun and engaging portal fantasy series.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 351
- Publication date: 2024
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