The Healer's Keep

Those who did not love this book seem to be the ones who loved Seer and the Sword, and were disappointed because this book was different. However, there were plenty of people who loved both Seer and the Sword and this book. ----If you loved Seer and the Sword, you might not like this book because: 1. It has much more magic, and so is less "realistic" fantasy. 2. For some people, the magic part of this book was confusing. 3. Landen and Torina, who you loved in the last book, are not in this book much at all. 4. The characters in this book have different personalities than Landen and Torina did, or seem less developed. 5. In comparison to Seer and the Sword, the plot was slower and/or less interesting and captvating. ---------For those who have or have not read Seer and the Sword: I myself loved both books equally, and think that anyone who likes fantasy will have no problem with the magic, and that older or better readers will not think the plot is slow, not interesting, or confusing. This book is great for any age, as long as you have a good reading ability. There is not constant action with swords, but that is not a requirement for a good book. I am surprised that someone who likes Lord of the Rings (and I love them, too) thinks this book was slow moving, because the Lord of the Rings books are equally or more slow moving at times. I think the characters are as developed as in the first book, and it is a good thing, not a bad, that Hanley did not repeat her old characters, but was instead able to create original ones. The key to making a good sequel is writing the sequel in a different way, which Hanley has done. If you loved Seer and the Sword, keep an open mind- it's different, and good in a different way.

I loved the Seer and the Sword, and have great affection for Landen and Torina. I too would have liked to see a sequel to that book, and Healer's Keep is not a sequel. But I don't let my desire for a sequel blind me to the amazing story told in the Healer's Keep. The plot is extraordinary, and would make a great movie. The characters drive the story. Each of them must choose, at some point, whether to let evil stand or do their part. The choices are very difficult and involve great risks. Jasper is a fine hero because he doesn't think of himself as a hero but he is one. Saravelda must experience all the humiliation of falling in love with the wrong man. Dorjan has to decide whether to go into danger to help his sister. Also, if you're able to see beneath the surface, this book is full of meaning, spiritual symbolic meaning. There are many layers to this story, and it can be read again and again. Personally, I loved it, and I think it could easily be marketed to adults.

The seer and the sword is better, but thats expected because that book is the greatest book of all time. The Healer's Keep proves that Victoria Hanley is one of the most amazing, best authors ever!!!! The Seer and the Sword was something i fell in love with.. and you'll be glad just to get close to that world again! And this book doesn't disappoint!!Does Hanley every disappoint? I'm starting to believe she never could... with works like The Healer's Keep and the Seer and the Sword in her credit. Read the Seer and the sword first... and then this one. You'll like it even better!!! Also read: The Arkadians, Chronicles of Narnia(if you havent already!), harry potter, and the Prydain Chronicles!!!

I couldn't put this book down. From the first page in the bath house with Maeve I was enthralled. There is wisdom, adventure, suspense and magic. I am reminded of the best of Marion Zimmer Bradley. The characters are rich, vibrant - coming to life in your hands. The story is riveting and leads us along a path of self-discovery; learning to stand up for what you believe in against the tide; doing what is right rather than what is popular; recognizing deception and greed... It is a magical book full of hope.I loved the Seer and the Sword, and, if possible, this book builds on and goes beyond that wonderful book. Highly, highly recommended. A wonderful read for the young adult, and the young at heart adult!

This book was truly a masterpiece of storytelling, blending rich characters with deep plots and lots of action. The story was complex and stimulating, an exciting battle between good and evil that kept me up for two nights! That Victoria Hanley could express so much in only one book speaks of a great talent, talent that I think was only hinted at in her first book, The Seer and the Sword. I loved the four main characters and their fight to keep the world safe from the Shadow King had me biting my nails, hoping against hope that all these lovable people would somehow be alright in the end. I think this was a fabulous book, the best out of the many I've read this year. I would suggest it to anyone who is a fan of great fantasy, whatever their age, and am anxiously awaiting the next book from this promising new author.