The Healer, Book 1 by C.J. Anaya is a young adult paranormal romance, also suitable for new adults. Hope has been protected all her life, shielded and watched over. She remained hidden, despite the searching eyes of the Kami who sought her out. Hope is the embodiment of a prophecy, a mortal with the power of the gods. She is able to communicate with a person’s life force, and instruct it how to repair damage. She is a healer, and the survival of a whole race rests upon her adolescent shoulders. For so long she had hidden who she was and only her father and a young boy know the truth; not even Angie, her best friend, knows her secrets. Using her job as a janitor at the hospital, Hope heals who she can and feels a great destiny is laid before her. She has no idea her entire life has already been decided for her. Her two lives, the secret healer and the high school student, are forced to merge when two new students arrive at her school. Unusually, they capture her attention, and seem to know more about her than they are willing to reveal. Hope fears someone has discovered her secret. But the arrival of these two is merely the harbinger of danger.

With a first person narrative, it is impossible not to be drawn into The Healer. It would certainly appeal to its target audience as well as some adults, especially those who enjoy a healthy dose of mythology. The Healer is an excellent example of Fabulism/Magical realism, combining myths and fables from the Japanese culture, as well as touching on a few others. C.J. Anaya has an excellent writer’s voice and sets a brilliant pace. As a holistic therapist, I appreciated the clear thought and research that had been invested in creating a realistic healer. It shows an understanding of healing techniques employed in various forms of energy healing, thus enhancing the reader experience. It was impossible not to get lost in the story. Real characters, enjoyable dialogue, and fun to read - add in secrets, romance, and mythology ... what more could you ask for?

In a great read by author C.J. Anaya, The Healer, the first book in the planned The Healer series, follows the story of Hope, a woman hiding a very powerful secret. She has the ability to heal the breach between the living and the dead. Two separate gods are in love with her, and prepared to do almost anything to get her, and another power wants her for his own nefarious purposes as well. Readers will be on the edge of their seats almost from the very start of this story, waiting to see what will happen to Hope and the world she inhabits. Will the secret of her dangerous gift be realized, and if so, for what purpose? You'll need to read this incredible book to find out!

I very much enjoyed The Healer. Author C.J. Anaya has done a great job in creating characters that readers will connect with, relate to and truly come to care about, thinking of them long after the last page has been read. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I'm not sure what is. The author's world creation abilities are simply second to none and this story, while set in a somewhat fantastic setting, comes across as completely realistic. Any reader who enjoys young adult fiction with a mythical sense and a strong romantic undertone should absolutely read this book. I highly recommend The Healer, and I look forward to reading more from the very gifted author, C.J. Anaya, as soon as I possibly can!