The Healer's War by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough

I thought the book did a good job of humanizing war. While working in the hospital, Kitty divides her time before treating American soldiers and Vietnamese civilians. Scarborough worked hard to make the Vietnamese characters seem real, well-rounded people.

Later, during the jungle portion of the story, Scarborough shows how the ordinary people are trapped. In order to just survive, they have to keep both sides of the conflict happy. It's not an easy job, and it takes a huge toll.

I liked the magic The magical talisman doesn't help Kitty "win;" she doesn't gain some kind of power that allows her to overcome her challenges. Rather, it helps her see what lies underneath the surface of those around her.

The first-person narrative of the book is vital -- if it were told in third person, the story would not have been quite as effective. Also, as a woman, Kitty didn't have to go to Vietnam. She could have found plenty of work in an American hospital. But she took a commission voluntarily because she wanted to help. I think the book would have had a much less vibrant perspective if it were through the lens of a drafted serviceman or even a male nurse.

I think this is an important book, particularly because it shows the personal effect of battle on people. It thinks about who is involved -- the "good guys," the "bad guys," and the people just caught in the middle. It also ends well, showing Kitty struggling with PTSD and finding a way out.

It's especially important because the genre tends to glorify war to a certain extent. I wish there were more stories like this. I'd recommend this for people who are looking for a different kind of look at the violence people inflict.

The Fisher of Bones by Sarah Gailey

NOTE: You can read Fisher of Bones for free on Fireside Magazine.

This is a story I can't stop thinking about it. Fisher of Bones tells the story of a small group of people who are looking for their Promised Land. 

The viewpoint character is their Prophetess, recently appointed by the previous Prophet (her father) right before he dies. She has to keep the fractious group united until they reach the Promised Land, and the job proves difficult.

I loved this story for several reasons. The first was the format. It's a novelette written as a series of short vignettes that are packed with character detail and emotional tension. They draw you through each chapter all the way to the ending. Because it's so short, the world building is dense. There are very few superfluous words.

A lot of other reviews I've seen has asked for more details. But I don't think more is necessary. After all, the Gods are not the driving force of the story. The act of living in the tension of community is the true focus. The Gods are, in a horrid sense, a Macguffin.

Faith in the Gods and their Promised Land drives and cements the community. The tribe wants to believe, but they have doubts. Since the Prophetess is the voice of the Gods, she receives the brunt of the angst her people are feeling. 

As is often in life, faith in this story leads to a place that's dark and scary and mysterious. If the Gods were revealed in more detail, the mystery would be destroyed.

Also, I loved that the Prophetess struggled so much with faith. Often, religious leaders have to put on a brave front for the rest of their group. Many of them have the most doubt, though. I thought this was a great aspect to the Prophetess, and loved seeing how it affected her relationships with her closest family and friends.

All-in-all, a remarkable piece of fiction that speaks a truth that is both real and memorable.