Review & Giveaway: Ada, Legend of a Healer

Ada, Legend of a Healer

R.A. McDonald

Series or Stand Alone: Book one in a planned (Legend of a Healer) series

Release Date: January 2011

Publisher: House of Lore

Pages: 260

Book Site: http://www.adaslegend.com/

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Received for review from publisher

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

No sickness, No injuries, No pain, No limits.

If you had the power to heal, what would you do?

For fifteen-year-old Ada discovering that she can heal feels more like a curse than a gift. When she learns of the mystery surrounding her mother’s disappearance, and sees the indifference of so-called friends, she sets out for Paris to find her.

The power to heal protects her, but also has her hunted by a man who sees her as nothing more than his fountain of youth. Ada realizes her true power is her will to survive, and that her only chance at freedom is to become the best at escaping.

Review:

I haven’t read a book in one sitting in quite a while. I forgot how it felt to be sucked in by a really great story. I forgot how time seemed to be non-existent and not really matter much. R.A’s writing is simple, clean, and very engaging. And I just love the fact that there are illustrations in the book. I never considered myself a big visual learner or anything but when a book has pictures to go along with the story I always seem to enjoy it better. I just like images to go with what I’m reading about. Of course, good books that can put images in my head from written details win major points with me as well. But back to my point…the illustrations go perfectly with Ada’s story. They are dark yet full of heavy emotions, like Ada herself.

Ada’s had a tough childhood bouncing around different foster homes and dealing with different adults that never took the time to get to know her or really take care of her. It doesn’t really help that Ada’s got a pretty bad attitude about life and isn’t afraid to show it. What really sets her apart from the rest of the world isn’t the way she dresses, the way she talks, or the way she acts…it’s her amazing healing abilities. She’s always been able to heal herself and others and looks upon her gift like a burden.

After getting kicked out of her last foster home Ada’s only hope is her estranged aunt Jessie. Jessie is very mysterious when she’s first introduced but she’s very kind and has a warm personality. After spending some time with Ada Jessie tells her that she is a healer too. She also tells Ada a little bit about her past and Ada soon learns that her mother is in Paris. Ada doesn’t remember much about her mother because she’s been in foster care for so long. After Ada finds out her mother is a healer Ada is determined to find her and more information about who she is. The adventure really begins in Paris when Ada embarks on her journey to find her mother. It’s in France where Ada’s transformation begins. Ada becomes a different person as danger presents itself almost daily and she is forced to come to terms with her healing powers and make them apart of who she is.

I enjoy having to put myself in a character’s shoes and ask myself what I would do in their situation. R.A. provides some really great reading guide questions that really help to open the reader’s mind. At first glance, I would of course love healing abilities. I would probably also be of Jessie’s mind and want to help everyone out with my gift. However, Ada’s attitude about being a healer makes sense to me as well. She doesn’t really resent her abilities so much as she feels she shouldn’t have to be responsible for every sick and hurt person. I know I myself would be torn, wanting to save the entire world but have some semblance of a normal life. It’s really a tough decision and one that I could probably go on and on about…

Ada, Legend of a Healer was not what I expected. It was so much more than just a story of a girl with powers. It highlighted an independent teen facing the world alone with danger and tribulations around every corner. It’s full of fast-paced action, a sweet-budding romance, and a deep underlining message that will get you to question your own beliefs. I’m really looking forward to seeing what R.A. has in store for Ada next.

P.S. (cover talk)

Like the other artwork in the book, I find it dark yet emotionally powerful. It goes really well with the story!

Thanks to House of Lore I have 2 paperback copies available for 2 lucky readers!

To enter simply fill out this form!

Giveaway ends July 18th.

US/Canada Entrants Only

Good Luck!