Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Review: Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Healer #3
Publication Date: 1st January 2014
Pages: 357
Book Source: Harlequin Teen & NetGalley

Synopsis: She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?
What would you do if the future of your world rests on your decision?
Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.
But there's a more immediate theat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry’s healing powers are needed now more than ever.
Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully...because lives are depending on her.
My Thoughts:
Well it's been an enjoyable and action packed journey with Avry & Kerrick across this trilogy and I'm relieved that Taste of Darkness was a satisfying end to the series.  

No spoilers, mostly it's about tying up loose ends but the good vs evil battle is of course not without some touch and go moments, one being the Skeleton King, a particularly foul and highly nauseating antagonist ... yep my stomach contents threatened to exit a couple of times. 

So glad that the camaraderie and banter was back in this installment, with Quain, Loren, Odd and sweet Flea providing that light element I really missed in book 2. I love how protective the Monkeys are towards Avry ... like really annoying big brothers. 

I've liked Avry from the start but she really shines in this book and the romance between Avry and Kerrick is fanned along in captured moments together. I love their loyalty to each other and the cause and the loyalty and respect they inspire in others.

I'm going to miss the magic; the magic system and landscape are characters in themselves, continuing to fascinate and surprise throughout the trilogy. 

All up, a darker installment as the title suggests but my favourite of the series ... I'm just a little bereft it's over.  

Cover: I'm a fan of the Aussie cover (above) but I do like the UK. How 'bout you?


US/Canada cover


UK cover

See my reviews of book 1 & 2 Touch of Power and Scent of Magic 


Connect with Maria V. Snyder
Website
Blog
Facebook





11 comments:

  1. Review twins! I really liked this book too and I think I know exactly what you mean about the Skeleton King (I obliquely referenced that one scene in my review). I think this has been Snyder's best trilogy yet and I look forward to her next series!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are lol ... totally on the same page. Can't wait for her next series!

      Delete
  2. I can't say I like the Au cover at all

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like the UK cover!! This series sounds amazing!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. really good YA fantasy series if you like it on the darker side but with a splash of romance too :)

      Delete
  4. I like the UK cover. This series has been on my to-read list for a while - I should really get around to it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hope you can squeeze it in Belle, it's worth it :)

      Delete
  5. This series sounds great and 2014 is to be the year that I finally delve into the Paranormal/Fantasy genre so maybe I'll kick it off with this series.

    I do love the Aussie cover, but the purple in the US cover caught my eye too.

    Great review Teddyree.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YAY can't wait for you to branch out into Fantasy, do you think you'd like it being quite dark and graphic, especially this book??

      Delete
    2. lol…maybe it shouldn't be my first pick Teddyree…although Game of Thrones certainly has me strengthening my stomach!

      Delete

Thanks for taking the time to leave some comment love, I'm a 'comment back' kinda girl. Don't forget to check the 'Notify me' box