A review by mary_soon_lee
Elisha Barber by E.C. Ambrose

This is the first book in the Dark Apostle series, which is a historical fantasy. I note that the book contains considerable brutality and violence, with the protagonist being a medieval barber (barber here encompassing surgery as well as hair cutting). The fantasy elements don't surface for a while, but become increasingly significant, and I thought that aspect of the book was well done, as was the medical aspect. However, I found other aspects pushing me away (spoilers ahead....)

Spoiler

Firstly, I didn't care for the romance elements. This may have been the author's intention, as the hero's romantic counterpart proves to have an agenda that clashes with his. Intended or not, I didn't like it. Secondly, and with a caveat that other readers may have a different experience, the secondary characters seemed subservient to the plot rather than their own selves. That said, I did -- mostly! -- sympathize with Elisha, the central character.

Overall: I am not the right reader for this book.