The Physician's Barbarian

Not-So-Savage Barbarians, Book 5

By: Amy Padilla

Narrated by: Kirt Graves, Jonathan Lake

When my father schemed to marry my sister off to a decrepit old man to boost his standing, I swore I'd protect her.

Together, we drove suitors away, but his fury only grew. To punish us, he rigged the barbarian lottery—and when Evelyn's name was drawn, her fate was sealed. Unless I stopped it.

There was only one way to spare her. I would take her place.

I'd do anything for my family. Even if it meant becoming a barbarian's tribute.

©2025 Amy Padilla (P)2026 Podium Audio

Short and Sweet!

While I like this book in the series, it was quite short. With that said, given that the story did not include much angst there wasn’t much room to play. I loved the connection between the stallion and Ambrose.

I just love this series

Each book never gets old. It’s just so sweet, and the VAs perform the roles so well. I enjoy the tribe brotherhood, character development, and sweet love stories. Looking forward to more.

Good book

I enjoyed reading the books and and enjoyed the audible version as well. The narrators both gave good performances.

Physician

The fifth book brings the series its first single dad: Ambrose, a healer who volunteers as tribute in his sister’s place, arrives with the baggage of an unannounced child and a guardedness the earlier tributes did not carry. Padilla also flips the comfort dynamic, pairing him with Godr, the clan’s cheerful horsemaster, and letting the barbarian be the one who needs steadying for once; it is the freshest character idea the series has tried in a while. What costs it the half-step is structure: the language barrier and a detour that promises Ambrose to another clan keep the leads apart for long stretches, so they share fewer real scenes than the strongest entries, and fate reunites them a little too neatly to give the angst its full weight. Warm and compelling as ever.

Too good to be so short

I'm a big fan of this series and a big fan of anything with barbarians, Vikings, and the like. What I really love though is the introduction of apprehensive newcomers to a barbarian clan where preconceived ideas are blown out of the water and they manage to make a life despite the challenges. This book is really well written with great, engaging characters I cared about, and the best part in my opinion about this particular book in the series is the introduction of the tribute actually already having a son that comes into play. It was such a great story but I wish it was longer! Narration by Kurt Graves was excellent! as far as spice goes, I'd give it a 3/5🌶️'s. Perfect for a shorter car trip! Definitely worth I listen, you won't be disappointed!