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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Things often seemed a little convenient in this book, but an average Maria V Snyder book is still better than a lot of other people's worsts.
TL;DR Review:
3 stars. Didn't care for the first half. Enjoyed the second half (mostly). So conflicted.
Read more reviews @ The BiblioSanctum.
Touch of Power follows Avry, a healer on the run. After a large portion of the population is decimated by a plague, healers are blamed for the outbreak mainly due to a poorly worded missive released during the early stages of the outbreak that directed healers not to heal anyone with the plague because it was fatal to healers. Healers draw pain, wounds, and sickness from the bodies of others onto themselves, allowing their natural healing abilities to help them recover quicker than the normal person. Despite the fact that no one is no longer being infected by the plague years after the outbreak, healers are still hunted by impoverished communities for gold offered by the rulers. Avry finds herself in the middle of a political struggle after a group of men rescue her from certain death to help an ailing prince that she blames for many things that happened to her people but who may be the realm's only hope of salvation in this new ravished world.
The people who recommended this book to me weren't kidding when they said that the "zombies" in this story were very background. (Refer to this post.) In fact, I almost forgot there were supposed to be zombies in this book until the end when they were a peripheral threat. Overall, the story was a bit shallow, which means I found that I didn't invest much emotion into the characters or their world. I was disappointed that there was not much more to Avry other than to be the long-suffering healer who takes everything in stride without complaint. You'd think someone who took people's pain, illnesses, and injuries would express some discontent from time to time, especially when you consider she's the one who ends up bearing their scars. I did enjoy learning more about the healers and their powers, though, and the connection it forged between a healer and those she helped.
The other characters were essentially basic molds and forgettable, but you still kind of develop a soft spot for them. The love interest is one that's typical of the genre. You know, the asshole that the girl just can't help liking who turns into total mush near the end. The one, though, takes the cake. It's one thing to be an asshole. It's another to initially be an abusive asshole, and I refuse to try to explain away his actions earlier in the story. His logic is, "Yeah, I might've shackled you to a tree, starved you, and attempted to coerce you to do what I wanted by walking you to exhaustion while you're half-starved and freezing, but I saved you from jail and mercenaries. So, there's that. I'm not a bad guy, really. I love you. Love me." With that being said, the romance part of this book didn't overwhelm the story that Snyder was trying to tell. And I could've liked Kerrick in the end if he hadn't pulled that dick move in the beginning. Honestly, most of the men in this book seemed to have a "I do what I want, Thor!" mentality. And that's pretty meant you're going to do what they want whether through charm, force, or magic. Sometimes, this book was like reading about a bunch of 10-year-old boys.
The writing had a tendency to feel like it was skewed for a much younger audience despite Avry being on the older side of the young adult spectrum. At the same time, the story was allowed more adult moments since the characters are all in their twenties, which did lead for some non-graphic, sensual moments. Gabra Zackman was a solid narrator. The only thing that really irked me about it was the voices she used for the male characters. She sounded a bit stilted and awkward while trying to voice them. However, this was an okay story. I dare say it's good even if it sounds like I hated. The writing is tight, and I thought the last half of the book was much more engaging than the beginning which is largely why this got at least three stars. If I'd just based my rating on the last half of the book, I could've given it 4 stars. I did actually start to care more toward the end and was sad that the feeling I had during the last half of the book hadn't translated to the whole book and then, it was over. I tend to be overly critical of anything that categorizes itself as speculative YA, so my opinion is to be taken with a grain of salt. I think that most people who typically enjoy YA of this variety will be mostly pleased with this because there's much here to enjoy especially during the second half. Despite being underwhelmed, I do still want to try Snyder's Poison Study. I'm still trying to decide if I want to continue with this series or not.
3 stars. Didn't care for the first half. Enjoyed the second half (mostly). So conflicted.
Read more reviews @ The BiblioSanctum.
Touch of Power follows Avry, a healer on the run. After a large portion of the population is decimated by a plague, healers are blamed for the outbreak mainly due to a poorly worded missive released during the early stages of the outbreak that directed healers not to heal anyone with the plague because it was fatal to healers. Healers draw pain, wounds, and sickness from the bodies of others onto themselves, allowing their natural healing abilities to help them recover quicker than the normal person. Despite the fact that no one is no longer being infected by the plague years after the outbreak, healers are still hunted by impoverished communities for gold offered by the rulers. Avry finds herself in the middle of a political struggle after a group of men rescue her from certain death to help an ailing prince that she blames for many things that happened to her people but who may be the realm's only hope of salvation in this new ravished world.
The people who recommended this book to me weren't kidding when they said that the "zombies" in this story were very background. (Refer to this post.) In fact, I almost forgot there were supposed to be zombies in this book until the end when they were a peripheral threat. Overall, the story was a bit shallow, which means I found that I didn't invest much emotion into the characters or their world. I was disappointed that there was not much more to Avry other than to be the long-suffering healer who takes everything in stride without complaint. You'd think someone who took people's pain, illnesses, and injuries would express some discontent from time to time, especially when you consider she's the one who ends up bearing their scars. I did enjoy learning more about the healers and their powers, though, and the connection it forged between a healer and those she helped.
The other characters were essentially basic molds and forgettable, but you still kind of develop a soft spot for them. The love interest is one that's typical of the genre. You know, the asshole that the girl just can't help liking who turns into total mush near the end. The one, though, takes the cake. It's one thing to be an asshole. It's another to initially be an abusive asshole, and I refuse to try to explain away his actions earlier in the story. His logic is, "Yeah, I might've shackled you to a tree, starved you, and attempted to coerce you to do what I wanted by walking you to exhaustion while you're half-starved and freezing, but I saved you from jail and mercenaries. So, there's that. I'm not a bad guy, really. I love you. Love me." With that being said, the romance part of this book didn't overwhelm the story that Snyder was trying to tell. And I could've liked Kerrick in the end if he hadn't pulled that dick move in the beginning. Honestly, most of the men in this book seemed to have a "I do what I want, Thor!" mentality. And that's pretty meant you're going to do what they want whether through charm, force, or magic. Sometimes, this book was like reading about a bunch of 10-year-old boys.
The writing had a tendency to feel like it was skewed for a much younger audience despite Avry being on the older side of the young adult spectrum. At the same time, the story was allowed more adult moments since the characters are all in their twenties, which did lead for some non-graphic, sensual moments. Gabra Zackman was a solid narrator. The only thing that really irked me about it was the voices she used for the male characters. She sounded a bit stilted and awkward while trying to voice them. However, this was an okay story. I dare say it's good even if it sounds like I hated. The writing is tight, and I thought the last half of the book was much more engaging than the beginning which is largely why this got at least three stars. If I'd just based my rating on the last half of the book, I could've given it 4 stars. I did actually start to care more toward the end and was sad that the feeling I had during the last half of the book hadn't translated to the whole book and then, it was over. I tend to be overly critical of anything that categorizes itself as speculative YA, so my opinion is to be taken with a grain of salt. I think that most people who typically enjoy YA of this variety will be mostly pleased with this because there's much here to enjoy especially during the second half. Despite being underwhelmed, I do still want to try Snyder's Poison Study. I'm still trying to decide if I want to continue with this series or not.
I really enjoy Maria Snyder's books. She does a great job at making me believe in the world and care about the characters. I sped through this in a day and look forward to the next. I don't love that her successful conclusions always involve sleeping together out of wedlock, but at least it is tastefully handled.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love the start to Snyders new trilogy. Avery is a woman who has a desitiny but needs to learn to live again. With magic, mayhem and mystery this is a book for any fantasy lover. Avery’s first person POV gives us an an introduction to this new fantasy world of the 15 realms which is currently having a struggle for power after a plague. The mystery in the book is sprinkled about, keeping you asking questions as they are slowly answered. Fast paced and full of some fun characters and a detailed fantasy world I give it 5 stars and have already bought the next book.
3.75 stars. A number of repeating anachronisms kept me from sinking into this one as much as I'd have liked to, and I was mystified when the characters didn't figure out things that were clear to me from the beginning.
This book gave me no chance at all to deal with my physiological needs like a normal human being.
I. Couldn't. Put. This. Down.
Giving synopsis is not my strong suit so please don't expect one. And I think it's better to read this not knowing much of the premise anyway.
Avry is my new favourite heroine. She's brave, stubborn, strong, kindhearted, selfless and has a great sense of humor which I appreciate a lot. I gave her an imaginary standing ovation everytime she stood her ground against Kerrick and refused to blindly follow his orders. I couldn't help but root for her.
The romance took a backseat here. Or maybe it's in the trunk because we didn't get to the good parts until the last five chapters. It was a slow burn romance that will make you feel all snuggly and warm inside.
The story was very complex. It was magnificently crafted and built with so much precision you couldn't help but wonder if this world really does exist. The lines are blurred now, my friends.
The writing was unbelievably gorgeous. It was alluring. You wouldn't find its brief paragraphs lacking of vivid descriptions and pragmatic illustrations. Maria V. Snyder's way of introducing us to the characters were more "show" than "tell" which I find very appealing. Her ability to tell a story is fantastic, she knows exactly that a great story shows.
I am one of those people who get easily annoyed with lengthy explanations of character because where's the fun in that? I want to be the one to discover them. Not to be given on a platter.
"Why ‘Flea’?"
A full-out grin spread across Flea’s face. “’Cause I’m fast and hard to catch.”
“Because he’s a pest and hard to squash,” Belen said.
“Because he jumps about three feet in the air when you scare him,” Loren added.
“Because he’s annoying and makes us itch with impatience,” Quain said.
“Thanks, guys. I love you, too.” Flea made exaggerated kissing noises and patted his ass.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
"I taught him too well. Either that or Quain is half eagle.”
“A bald eagle?” I quipped.
Kerrick smiled a genuine smile. One that reached his eyes. Good thing I was already lying down or I would have fainted in surprise. It faded as he studied me.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
He still didn’t trust me. I decided to let him sweat for a bit. “Let’s see. I promised her that Loren and Quain will babysit her granddaughter anytime. That Flea would give her soldiers lessons on how to pick pockets and that Jael can use you for target practice. I offered to keep Jael company for that one.”
The others suppressed their grins, but Kerrick failed to find it amusing. “Avry,” he growled.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
I am very attached to these characters it's not funny.
Definitely a must-read. A solid 5 out of 5 stars.
I. Couldn't. Put. This. Down.
Giving synopsis is not my strong suit so please don't expect one. And I think it's better to read this not knowing much of the premise anyway.
Avry is my new favourite heroine. She's brave, stubborn, strong, kindhearted, selfless and has a great sense of humor which I appreciate a lot. I gave her an imaginary standing ovation everytime she stood her ground against Kerrick and refused to blindly follow his orders. I couldn't help but root for her.
The romance took a backseat here. Or maybe it's in the trunk because we didn't get to the good parts until the last five chapters. It was a slow burn romance that will make you feel all snuggly and warm inside.
The story was very complex. It was magnificently crafted and built with so much precision you couldn't help but wonder if this world really does exist. The lines are blurred now, my friends.
The writing was unbelievably gorgeous. It was alluring. You wouldn't find its brief paragraphs lacking of vivid descriptions and pragmatic illustrations. Maria V. Snyder's way of introducing us to the characters were more "show" than "tell" which I find very appealing. Her ability to tell a story is fantastic, she knows exactly that a great story shows.
I am one of those people who get easily annoyed with lengthy explanations of character because where's the fun in that? I want to be the one to discover them. Not to be given on a platter.
"Why ‘Flea’?"
A full-out grin spread across Flea’s face. “’Cause I’m fast and hard to catch.”
“Because he’s a pest and hard to squash,” Belen said.
“Because he jumps about three feet in the air when you scare him,” Loren added.
“Because he’s annoying and makes us itch with impatience,” Quain said.
“Thanks, guys. I love you, too.” Flea made exaggerated kissing noises and patted his ass.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
"I taught him too well. Either that or Quain is half eagle.”
“A bald eagle?” I quipped.
Kerrick smiled a genuine smile. One that reached his eyes. Good thing I was already lying down or I would have fainted in surprise. It faded as he studied me.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
He still didn’t trust me. I decided to let him sweat for a bit. “Let’s see. I promised her that Loren and Quain will babysit her granddaughter anytime. That Flea would give her soldiers lessons on how to pick pockets and that Jael can use you for target practice. I offered to keep Jael company for that one.”
The others suppressed their grins, but Kerrick failed to find it amusing. “Avry,” he growled.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
I am very attached to these characters it's not funny.
Definitely a must-read. A solid 5 out of 5 stars.
Absolutely loved this book!!! I was up really late finishing it last night. I'll try and write a coherent review after I've had some caffiene to get rid of my up-too-late-because-I-couldn't-put-the-book-down hangover.
1/4/12 It's been over a week since I finished this book and I still get a silly grin on my face when I think about it. This book has everything I love in a book- a strong, independent heroine, a moody, brooding love interest, a set of sidekicks that are loyal and funny, a villain that makes my skin crawl, magic and lots of action and adventure. I loved being in this new world that Maria has created! I don't want to say much because I will spoil things (which is why I'm terrible at writing reviews). Just trust me on this one- if you are fan of Maria's Poison Study series you will love this book.
1/4/12 It's been over a week since I finished this book and I still get a silly grin on my face when I think about it. This book has everything I love in a book- a strong, independent heroine, a moody, brooding love interest, a set of sidekicks that are loyal and funny, a villain that makes my skin crawl, magic and lots of action and adventure. I loved being in this new world that Maria has created! I don't want to say much because I will spoil things (which is why I'm terrible at writing reviews). Just trust me on this one- if you are fan of Maria's Poison Study series you will love this book.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes