Thursday, December 13, 2012

Touch Of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Healer #1
Publication Date: Dec 2012 (Au re-issue) 1st published 20th Dec 2011
Pages: 390
Book Source: the fabulous Harlequin Teen

Synopsis: 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 ... 


My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed Maria's Study series so I had high expectations picking up her Healer series and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed. Touch of Power has a similar feel to Poison Study and Ms Snyder has a knack for writing strong female characters with smart mouths.  

Touch of Power has a little of all that is good; adventure, danger, magic and romance with a cast of characters you can't help but fall in love with. I liked Avry of Kazan, the healer right from the start, Kerrick (prickly bastard) grew on me and Kerrick's loyal band - Belen, Flea, Quain and Vinn wormed their way into my heart. The banter and bond between these six is really endearing, they end up quite a tight knit little family. The death & peace lilies were almost characters in themselves and I can't wait to find out more about their role.

My other favourite thing in Touch Of Power - the magic system, lots of lovely magic, 11 different types of magic actually. Magic plays an integral part in the Fifteen Realms world and the vivid detailing of Kerrick's forest magic and Avry's healing magic was particularly fascinating.

Having already devoured an ARC of The Scent Of Magic (book 2 due for release January 1st 2013 thanks to Harlequin Teen) I can safely say this is shaping up to be another wonderful fantasy trilogy. 

Want to know more about Maria V. Snyder visit her website.


I love the cover art of the Australian re-release but here's the original. I'd be happy with any cover except the US ... blah. But that's just my opinion ... what's your pick?



original Aussie cover

US cover

UK cover




17 comments:

  1. Loved this book! Maria has such a great writing talent. I'm rarely disappointed by her books. Great review!

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    1. Can't wait to see what you thought of book 2 Erin

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  2. I do not like this new Aussie cover, the previous one looks good.

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  3. When I first started reading your review, I thought this didn't look like cup of tea, but now I'm intrigued. 11 types of magic? Likeable engaging characters? :-) Great review!

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    1. 2 big draw cards, endearing characters and magic, but not quite the same appeal in book 2

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  4. Oh I really like the US cover-I think the colors are super pretty. This book did remind me a lot of Poison Study, which is great since PS is one of my favorite books of all time. I can't wait to read the second part!

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    1. it did me too! Book 2 seems to be getting mixed reviews but I liked it, just not as much :)

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  5. This is one author who is being recommended so many times. I need to really pick up one of her books, you make them sound really good - even though i am not sure I like this genre.

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    1. I've got more of Maria's books to try Veens, just takes me a while to get around to them if they're not review books lol

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  6. I want to like this author but tried Poison Study and thought it was boring. However, I would be willing to start out with the first book here and give her another chance because of your 4 rating!!

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    1. I'd pretty much guarantee you won't think this one's boring Staci but book 2 is a little much :)

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  7. I enjoyed the Study series and Inside Out and Outside In. I have to get to this set. Glad you liked it. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. If you enjoyed those then I'm pretty sure you'll like this series Martha :)

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  8. Great review - I couldn't help but laugh at your prickly bastard comment! He certainly was :) I just loved all the characters in this and the book really took me by surprise. I'm excited to continue the journey in book two.

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