Every now and then you read a book and you think, “This is how it’s done.”
Crystal Healer by S.L. Viehl is one of those books. I love it.
This is a story I’ve told before. When I was in law school, a friend recommended the Stardoc series by S.L. Viehl. That was in 2001, I think. Eight years of books. Eight years of falling in love with these characters. I mentioned this is science-fiction, right? The best kind, which makes you wish that you could hop on a ship and fling yourself out into the stars.
I’ve been struggling with how to write this post for days. Literally, days. You want to know why I haven’t updated the blog since Wednesday? This is it. Because it’s hard, when you’re as emotionally invested as I am in these characters, to articulate what makes a book so delicious. It isn’t just revisiting old friends, it’s like living their lives, finding yourself smiling with them, feeling their joy—or, alternatively, suffering their heartbreak.
Because there is heartbreak in this book. You’ll get slammed, because Viehl is just that good. And fearless. Her books have heart, and that is rarer to find than you might think.
Here’s the official description, and you don’t need to read prior books in the series to enjoy this one (though I suggest you do):
Genetically engineered interstellar surgeon Dr. Cherijo Torin, her husband Duncan Reever, and a handpicked crew journey to the planet oKia to locate a strange black mineral that is the source of an intergalactic epidemic. When one of the crew members becomes infected, his body slowly begins to crystallize. While Cherijo races to save the crew member, mercenaries arrive in the oKia system, wanting Cherijo’s genes—and her near immortality. It will take all of her abilities to elude the mercenaries and discover the black crystal’s secrets before it’s too late.
To celebrate the release, I’m giving away all nine books in the series (and buying another set for myself, because my current copies are getting battered, and I want a fresh set for the new library).
To enter, leave your name in the comments (I’ll pick the winner on Tuesday)—and if you like, some recommendations for other Science Fiction books that you enjoy. I know, without a doubt, that you’ll love the Stardoc series. And, in case you haven’t guessed, S.L. Viehl is also Lynn Viehl of the Darkyn series, and her blog is excellent.