Mundie Moms

Friday, September 20, 2013

Touch of Power by Maria V Snyder, Book Review


Published by: Mira / Harlequin 
Released on: 12/11/12
Source: purchased book
5 Stars: I Loved It!
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it to Goodreads

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....


I LOVE Maria's writing. Back when I first started reading YA books I was introduced to Maria's Poison Study series. Well at that time this series was in the adult section at book stores vs the YA. It was love at first chapter. I was hooked, and since then I've added everyone one of her books to my shelves. I have loved her Study, Glass and now Healer series. I'm a sucker for the way she's able to blend together fantasy & magic elements with her romance, and create these really strong female characters that not only can kick butt, but they can endure all they go through with their heads held high.

Avry is one of those characters I not only sympathized with right from the get go, but I also admired her for her strength, and courage. She's smart, always willing to help others even if that means putting herself in danger, and logical. She knows when to stand her ground, and when to ask for help, and I liked that. That is part of what made her such a realistic character. I loved that Avry wasn't some pretty girl who couldn't take care of herself. Through out her entire journey she learns more about how to protect herself, and how to become the fierce person she ends up being. Avry is a HEALER. Someone who posses the magically ability to heal anyone she touches, weather that be from wounds or diseases. Since the plague that killed scores of people, not only does she not know if her family survived, but a bounty was placed on all the Healers. On the run and in hiding for the past few years, Avry has been utterly alone. Never staying in one place too long, she lands in jail after healing a small sick child, only to be rescued a short time later. The only problem is, her would be rescuer has a selfish reason for breaking her out, and now she is his captive.

Oh yes. Kerrick is one character I admit I became smitten with as the story progressed. After all, it takes a certain kind of man to be put in his place by a women like Avry. Kerrick is not someone I started off loving. In fact, I was more intrigued by him than anything, and at times I wanted to punch him. Let's just say he's not so nice to Avry for part of the beginning of the book, and boy does she stand her ground with him. I loved it! Especially after the fact he is pretty much more than a jerk to her. She didn't wavier one bit, and I'm glad she didn't give in. Don't get me wrong, he had his reasons for doing what he did, but still. The banter and the chemistry that develops between Kerrick and Avry is fabulous. I love how their relationship started out one way, and took a complete turn half way through the book. It made sense to me. I love how their romance slowly developed, and I'm surprised I felt that way, given there isn't a whole lot of romance in this book. Maria knows how to write chemistry and sexual tension. Okay, enough of about these two. I LOVED Kerrick's band of misfits. Okay, they're not really misfits as much as their are loyal followers. They brought the humor to the book, and gave Avry the protection she needed while with them. 

I admire Belan! He stood up for Avry and got in Kerrick's face when he needed to. I respected him for it, because he's someone who respected Avry. Plus what's not to love about a big ole lovable guy who could easily take a guy out, and yet stands up for a women. Along with Belan are Flea, Loren and Quinn. One of the things I love about Maria's writing is her secondary characters. These guys are just as memorable and easy to love as the main characters, Avry and Kerrick. Like each of Maria's books, there's fabulous "good" characters, and some fabulously written not so nice characters. Maria has a knack for writing "evil" characters I can't help but want to know more about them. Sometimes I do sympathize with them. King Tohon is one of those cunning, good looking, bad guys that you can't help with being smitten with, but then feel repulsed you even thought because of what he does. Not only does he get to Avry, he knows how to get under Kerrick's skin. I loved the history that each kingdom's rule has together. It made what was going on that much more personal.

Maria's done a fabulous job with her new series. I love the fantasy elements. I especially loved that much of this story is set outdoors, and the role the woods have in this story. It plays into the magic on of the characters possess. I also love the romantic teases she includes. Again, Maria has created another fantasy world that has completely hooked me. There's plenty of magic, danger, action, and a few stolen romantic moments that kept me glued to this book. I can't wait to read book two. 

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