Saved by the Caladrius: Book Club Review
Saved by the Caladrius by
Mary E. Jung
In the nation of Medela, healing is among the highest of values. In the capital city of Salvation, scholars are among the most celebrated, with groundbreaking discoveries being made. Unfortunately, researchers haven’t been able to solve every disease. Elora has suffered from a chronic thyroid issues for as long as she can remember. It has impacted her ability to work and live, ruining relationships and further reducing her quality of life. When her doctor yet again minimizes her concerns, she is found trailing the line of death. She wakes up in mysterious island of Cantamen with promises from her nurses that they can heal her… in the most unorthodox way.
Birds and Babes: Our Thoughts
Heather
I had a fun time with this book! It was a fast and short read with a super sweet romance. I laughed, I squealed, I swooned. There were some editing issues, but outside of that, this book was a good time. I haven’t read much in the way of monster romances, so this was a great introduction to the genre! I’m going to go devour her backlist. Totally recommend!
Kendall
I agree with Heather that there were quite a few concerns regarding editing, but I was so invested in the story itself it was easy to overlook. I really appreciated having a main character in a spicy novel who represented both plus sized women and chronic illness.
Mary E. Jung noted at the beginning of the book in the author’s note how she has been struggling with an autoimmune disease for over a year now. Writing this book must have been therapeutic, and I feel like Mary and Elora share a personal connection in that way. At the same time that because of Mary’s personal experiences, she was able to create a character that felt so real and honest, which made the book even better.
I’m also happy to share that book two of the Monsters of Medela series will be available March 2025! This is great news if you’re like me and want to experience more of the wonders within the nation of Medela and the island of Cantamen. As well as some more fancy monster romance.
Vibes
Hope
Quotes
Pg. 67: “Gone was her trepidation and in its place was a possibility.”
Pg. 101: “The ultimate crescendo of orgasmic deliverance was on the horizon. All she needed was for it to pop over the edge.”
Pg. 130: “It was monstrous, like the rest of him, in girth and form, but alluring in its peculiarity”
Tropes
Chronic illness rep
Magic monster peen
Winged bird-man
Fates mates
Primal chase
Plus-size FMC
Nesting
Green flag MMC
Spicy monster romance
CW/TW
On-page graphic sex (consensual)
On-page GI distress
Classism
Mention of suicide (not main characters)
Mention of medical malpractice/Gaslighting doctor
Mention of a past bad relationship (FMC)
Skewed power dynamics (caregiver and charge)
Monster and human relationship
Mention of coma (FMC)
Body fluids, both sexual and nonsexual
Minimal cussing
Chronic illness: hypothyroidism
Weight gain due to Illness
Different species relationship
If You Liked This, You’ll Love:
Serpents of Sky and Flame by Rebecca Kenney
This book has shape-shifting dragons and tons of awkward situations that will make you howl with laughter. It’s lighthearted with a sweet romance. It does have a cliffhanger, but the second book is out now so you won’t have to wait long!
