Curse of the Healer

Yet another wonderful journey into medieval Ireland, in this story we have Sean's cousin Aednat, if you read Seventh Son you may remember her. Well she's all grown up now and a healer within Sean's clan, there is however, a small problem, there's a very nasty man, called Black Oengus and he's after Aednat because he thinks she's the great healer of legend who will grant him much power and make him High King if he takes her virginity.

So to get Aednat to safety, Sean calls on one of his chiefs Dairmuid, and asks him to marry and protect her. They both don't really want to marry but as Sean is their overlord they do as he bids. Dairmuid and Aednat soon find that they quite like being married, but all to soon Aednat is in danger and Dairmuid has to rescue her.

Look out for another familiar name from Seventh Son, you'll be surprised.

Ashley York has once again written an exciting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, or in my case, up all night so I could finish the book as I didn't want to put it down and miss anything.

I voluntarily received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley and all views are my own.

(Note to publisher-will have more links once book is live.)

Curse of the Healer by Ashley York is a tale worthy to be re-read over and over again. It pulls at the heartstrings, and also leaves you on the edge of your seat for worry over the characters. I was excited to read Aednat’s story because we were introduced to her in the The Norman Conquest Series. A disabled heroine that focuses on healing, not expecting love, but has oh so much to give.


I love that the heroine was not perfect. Her disability (A club foot) was the source of her being shunned in her early years, but because of her cousin, she was able to have a life and explore her passions, which includes healing. Her low self esteem makes her think that love is not an option, so that proves to be a problem for her when she meets Diarmuid.

Can it be said that Diarmuid brings out her passions? YES! From the moment they met it was a constant battle of wits. Her headstrong opinions begin to shine through and of course that makes an alpha hero excited. A scene including mushrooms is especially amusing.


In Diarmuid’s POV, he never even thinks about Aednat’s disability. He obviously knows about it and there is an exceptionally sweet scene where he tends to her that made me love Diarmuid as a character. I’m pretty sure it makes Aednat melt as well.

The reader gets a sense of foreboding when the tale of Brian Boru is mentioned.

“There is also the tale of Brian Boru got his mighty strength from sleeping with the Great Healer. A virgin as well. His wife!”

This is the premise of the suspense and action that takes place later on in the story. It slowly builds to the climax. Loathsome people want to take Aednat’s virginity because of a myth. It set me on edge. BUT, it was probably my favorite part in the whole story. Sorry, Aednat; you being in danger actually was a fun read.

So, if you like sweet yet smoldering romances, Medieval myths and rotten characters, and of course happily ever after, then this story is for you.

Curse of the Healer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ashley York

Dairmuid of Clonascra is a renowned warrior considered a legend in battle. Dairmuid has no desire to marry but when his overking requests his presence and asks him to protect their healer Aednat he has little choice but to obey.

Dairmuid tries to keep his distance from headstrong Aednat. Aednat never expects to marry and find love. Aednat has a disability of a clubbed foot and has always been shunned as she grew up. Anyone with a disability was relegated to live in the wild. When the overking takes her in and see to her wellbeing she flourishes, although very self conscious of her handicap.

When Dairmuid appears he does not see her handicap only seeing a fiery beautiful woman. As Aednat is around Dairmuid her passions become alive.

This book is like a fairy tale. The story has so much depth and twists and turns keeping your complete attention. Ashley York has fulfill every romance readers fantasies with this beautiful novel. A must read.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Curse of the Healer by Ashley York is her newest novel and a start of a new series called Descendents of the High King. Ashley York is the queen of writing about the early Middle Ages. She not only makes us feel like we are among the characters, but we worry about them and care about the outcome. We met Aednat before in a previous book and learned about her difficult early life.

Aednat is the healer from the title. She has trained and accepted the consequences of that - to be alone - no children, no husband. That is her curse. However, there is also another legend about a ruler who marries ‘the healer’ will be so strong that he will become the next high king.

Diarmuid of Clonascra knows he needs a wife, but certainly not Aednat. He needs to keep away from her, until he can’t as ordered by the High King. Aednat knows she needs to stay away from him, until she can’t as ordered by the High King… and so a new story goes.

Aednat and the Curse of the Healer by Ashley York was a great book to read. I loved the characters and how they have to fight for their life. Their passion for life and for each other makes the story resonate over the thousands of years into today. I love reading Ashley York’s books, with her descriptions and details from the past.

'Curse of the Healer' by Ashley York is Book One in the "Descendants of the High King" series. This is the story of Aednat and Diarmuid. I cannot get enough of Ms. Yorks's books...she is one of my favorite authors. This book just added to my love of her writing.
Aednat has appeared in Ms. York's series: The Norman Conquest in the book "The Seventh Son " which was book Four. In addition, Sean is Aednat's cousin who took her in. We met Sean in the book titled "The Irish Warrior" in the same series: The Norman Conquest. But you don't have to have read that book to enjoy this one. But I will say that series was great so you might not want to miss out.
Aednat was a strong, loving, and she was also disabled somewhat with a club foot. Although it did not slow her down it did give her a limp and she was shunned by her family but a cousin named Sean, did take her in where she was given love and learned to be a healer. Sean now fears that Aednat life may be in danger and has asked his friend Diarmuid to come and help with her protection. Diarmuid tries to keep himself emotionally distant from her but its a battle he is not winning. Diarmuid did not really notice her disability and just saw Aednat as what she is...a loving, smart women.
This book you just couldn't put down...loved it! I can't wait for more books in this series!
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Once again this author sweeps the readers back to a time long ago in Ireland. This story ensnares one from the first pages and keeps the momentum until the last pages. Enjoyed the characters and as this is the first book to a new series, am looking forward to reading more in this series.

Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

Aednat has spent her entire life training to be the great healer and her a legend arose so great she could raise a man from the dead. Aednat’s life is in danger from many fronts for legend believes the great healer’s virgin’s blood could make any man the next king. Sean, the over-king, her cousin knows her life’s in danger and has asked his friend to help. Diarmuid of Clonascra is renowned for his bravery in battle, but he has no place in his life for a wife. Diarmuid’s over-king and friend, Sean has asked him to keep her safe from the craven warriors intent on kidnapping her to steal her power. Diarmuid ignites a passion in Aednat she never dreamed possible, she’s always believed she was damaged goods and no man would want her for his wife. Diarmuid realizes the only way to keep her safe is to stay by her side, but he knows the bold headstrong healer is too tempting for his peace of mind. These two go through hell and back to keep Aednat safe, to find a love neither thought was possible nor risk losing their hearts. A great new book from Ashley York, I found it both captivating and hard to put down!!!
This is my honest review I received an ARC from Net Galley and the publisher.

The Curse of the Healer by Ashley York is the beginning of what promises to be a great new series, "The Descendants of the High King".
What a fast paced, action thrilling tale of love, myths, legends, with the promise of love and a HEA.

"After the death of Brian Boru in 1014, a legend arose of a healer so great she could raise a man from the dead, with a power so strong it could make any warrior the next high king of Éire...and to steal it away from her, he need only possess her." Adenat could possible be that healer, thus the story begins.....

This is the story of Dairmuid of Clonascra and Aednat. Dairmuid is a renowned fierce, fearless warrior. Dairmuid's over king asks him to protect Aednat with his life if necessary, Dairmuid is a bit weary. Aednat is the cursed but great healer, she also has a disability, a clubbed foot, which has made people shun her her entire life and made her an outcast, her main focus is healing not falling in love. These two characters are worthy of love and prove their character when they are forced to marry out of desperation to keep Aednat safe. She is being haunted by a man wishing to possess her and claim the legend of the cursed healer. Which, could mean he would be the next high king of Eire and miraculous healed of his troubles. Is the legend true or just a myth? Will Dairmuid be able to save Aednat?
Fast paced, well written with well-developed and captivating character, and an intriguing, heart pounding plot. These characters captured by heart from the beginning and the plot held my attention throughout, as I read and hoped Dairmuid and Aednat found their HEA. Ashy York made the reader breathless with her characterization and her vivid descriptions. I was breathless when I thought Aednat would lose her life, she is a very resourceful lass, I must say. Although, her entire was for this moment in time. I can't wait to read more of the secondary characters, and learn more of the other healers in this amazing series. I can not say enough about Ms. York, her writing or the beginning of what promise to be a captivating and intriguing series.
Ms. York is truly a talented author, one who never disappoints me, she always entices me to wait impatiently, I might add, for the next grand adventure. She is one of my favorite Medieval Romance authors. A definite must read and a true treasure. I foresee reading "Curse of the Healer" more than one time. A definite keeper! Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, romance, legends, danger, mystery, suspense with a strong welled lass and a fearless warrior.

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

What a wonderful story. Aednet is a healer of great skill but has a deformity. Diarmuid is a great warrior and king, alone and riddled with guilt. they meet at a gathering of the clans. A clan with no land seeks a great healer and Aednet comes into danger. Diarmuid tries to keep her safe. The author has created such marvelous characters, lush with details about their lives and what moves them. The plot includes all the elements to make an amazing story. She even includes a small glossary at the end to explain some of the words she uses. I found the story mesmerizing and could not put it down. I received this book for free for an honest review, which I have tried to give here.

This novel was a very good read. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. The story contains romance and action, as well as judgmental people.
Aednat is a healer who lives with her cousin since she was cast out by her grandfather due to her clubbed foot. Who would want to marry someone with a deformity? She is seen as "weak", but Aednat is far from that. It is believed she is the Great Healer who could make any warrior the next high king of Éire.
Diarmuid of Clonascra is a warrior and leader of his people. Many fear his skills in battle and he has a reputation. He is afraid of taking a wife, due his experiences of how women are based on his mother and even his sister. Diarmuid also blames himself for his brother's death.
When Aednat and Diarmuid meet, sparks and words fly!! They are both attracted to each other, but each has their own fears. When an enemy comes to take Aednat as his own for her healing skills, Diarmuid agrees to marry her. However, Aednat fears her deformity and people fear her for her healing abilities. Diarmuid fers she will act like his mother. However, both surprise the other and accept the other's abilities and characteristics. However, when Aednat is kidnapped, Diarmuid will do anything to get her back, realizing how much he loves her and needs her in his life. Aednat realizes she loves Diarmuid too, and hopes he will save her before the enemy uses Aednat to steal her healing abilities to become a king.

The setting is Ireland in the year 1095, when most people have converted to Christianity, but some people are still pagan and practice the ""dark arts". Some of them are healers and at times people who can heal others are looked at with suspicion.

There is a woman named Aednat who is defective in that her foot is clubbed, a birth defect. It is enough to cause her grandfather to cast her out at a young age. She grows up in a cave with her grandmother and a few other outcasts. When her cousin, Sean takes over the crown Aednat is welcomed back into the clan and is destined to be their healer, which suits her just fine since no one will want to marry a woman with a club foot. She is past marrying age, 22 years old, when her life begins to change drastically. Her cousin calls a meeting with a neighboring clan. She is in charge of the care of her cousin's son, Lorcann, who is about 5 years old, hears a rumor that the leader of that clan is a giant and he eats children.

The story goes on to be a romance, Aednat finds out that men find her beautiful, but they fear her and her abilities. It is a fun read, if readers appreciate the Outlander series, they will likely enjoy this book also since they both have a similar theme.

I loved this book!!! The story kept me interested from beginning to end! Love the characters and story development!