OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Healer" by Jeffrey G. Roberts.]

The Healer by Jeffrey G. Roberts is a science fiction novel of 264 pages. This book is an easy read that flows well. The story is first placed on Mars. A doctor is on a sponsored sabbatical to study an ancient artifact left behind by an ancient Martian civilization. The artifact? The Martian face.

Dr. Cully and his family are caught up in the maelstrom that surrounds the Martian face and the revelations it brings. Using Martian technology, Dr. Cully travels to Earth’s past to solve a medical mystery. Events culminate when he is stranded by a terrorist act in a technologically primitive past, 168 years before his time. Under injunction to keep himself and his 2181 technology hidden in this strange past world, he is beset by his current circumstances, his need to remain true to his Hippocratic oath, and a possibly irrevocable separation from his family.

This is not not a hard science fiction story and seems to subscribe in many areas to Clarke’s third law: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” The story is told through multiple points of view, and the first half of the book is fast paced and more intriguing with each new revelation. The second half is slower paced and felt a bit more passive; although there are no actions the doctor can take to improve his circumstances, he is also not facing any particular hardship outside of them. A bit more character and relationship development in the second half would add needed depth to the story.

There were many open ended questions which were intentionally left by the author. Although it was given an ending sufficient to provide some closure for the reader, these openings leave the reader to consider the implications and use their imagination. There are enough open areas to explore in any potential sequel.

There are religious themes woven throughout the story, which manage to portray both wonder and the kind of fanaticism that can only be found when faith is twisted by the darkest parts of human nature. Some readers may find some of these themes to be sensitive although they are not the focus of the book.

This book is enjoyable and engaging; however, the characters could have used additional development. That being said the characters were very human with realistic reactions and the depiction of the technology left behind by the Martian race are both fascinating and enticing. This book is appropriate for readers of all ages. Overall, I give this book 3 out of 4 stars.

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The Healer
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Nice, insightful review! The subject matter seems unique and interesting. I love the cover artwork.

Thank you, bookowlie! I was nervous since this was my first review. It is an interesting book. There are some surprises left in this story too

Good review. I enjoy stories that are told from multiple perspectives so I may have to add this to my list. Thanks for your review!

Happy to be of service!

anonanemone wrote:Thank you, bookowlie! I was nervous since this was my first review. It is an interesting book. There are some surprises left in this story too

Well, congratulations on your first review! I am happy for you that your first review book was one that you enjoyed. The first book I reviewed didn't have much of a plot at all, so it was hard to write the review!

Congratulations on your first review! Good work!

Thank you, gali.

And thank you to Jeffrey Roberts for your book and this opportunity to read it!

I think that this is a sound first review. It looks like you touched on many of the points that should be present in a review and the whole piece seems to flow well from start to finish. I did not notice any glaring grammar or technical errors as I read. I know that with the books available to review, sometimes getting a well-written book can be hit or miss. This can make the review harder or easier to write and can change how you approach the review. I hope that your success on this review helps alleviate any anxiety you may have about future reviews!

Thank you so much, @rachel_jacks! I appreciate your feedback.

This ended up being a good first book to review. Especially since the book has such good editing, so I didn't have any of those extra distractions from typos or grammar misuse. I felt like this book was right up my alley!

Very interesting and insightful. Thanks for the review, you did a wonderful job on your first review.

Thank you! @literarycat

I am intrigued by those open ended questions. Sounds like an interesting book. Great review!

Thank you, Tanaya!

That didn't sound like it was a first review. It was well written and flowed so well! You should be extremely proud. I think you've given me enough courage to click the comit button.