The Dragon Healer - Tiani Davids

★★★★☆

Is seeking the truth worth sacrificing all you know?

In a world where the death of dragons is not only encouraged but celebrated, Elinta is confronted with the choice of either conforming to her upbringing or forfeiting her way of life to save a wounded dragon long thought to be extinct. Could there be more to this mysterious beast than meets the eye? And how intelligent is it really?

Narrative Voice: 3rd person (limited)
Cussing/profanity: 0/5
Drug/alcohol use: 0/5
Kissing: 0/5
Sex/nudity: 0/5
Violence/gore: 1/5

I got to be an ARC reader for this fantasy adventure novel. Right off the bat, Tiani Davids establishes the setting and stakes of the world of Eldras. I liked the unique description of the Asali race and highly commend Davids for her creation of a full fantasy language! The premise of Elinta being able to feel a dragon’s emotions is fascinating, and the mystery surrounding this ability kept me reading for answers.

Relationships between the characters are wholesome and full of refreshingly clean and humorous dialogue. Niles is my favorite, whose distinct personality got me to chuckle a few times. Elinta is quiet and meek, at least to me, with a passive reactive personality. I like Lorrin better, but it may be because I’m partial to male characters regardless. The setting is quite grounded with not a lot of questing; the story takes place mostly in the palace or nearby forest; a steady point for the plot to bloom.

I personally found the dialogue a little clunky and awkward at times, as well as some disconnected scene transitions, but otherwise this is a well-written and reasonably-paced book; a great clean adventure that’s perfect for fans of How To Train Your Dragon and Eragon.

4/5 would recommend