The Poisonous Healer

In a world where monster hunters are hailed as heroes, a man is treated as an outcast because of his looks. On the day he learns he is dying of an unknown illness, monsters attack his neighbourhood. His sister's sacrifice saves him, and he awakens as a poisoner. The premise is an outcast's awakening with an unusual power.The strongest element is the power. Toxic healing is a striking idea, and it gives the story a fresh spin on the awakened-hunter genre. The protagonist's sympathetic struggle keeps the stakes personal.The weakness is familiarity. The outcast-awakening arc follows well-known beats, and some plot turns are predictable. The supporting cast is less developed than the lead.If you enjoy urban fantasy about outsiders finding their strength, it is a worthwhile pick. It is grim and earnest. Expect dungeon battles, a healer who is dangerous to touch and a story about earning a place in a world that judges by appearance.