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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
3.5 stars. Good plot. I think it couldn't have more action and excitement. The romance story fell flat.
This book is a collection of overused plot twists melting down into one story like a series of dots connected for the sake of a story. The protagonist, Avry of Kazan, is portrayed to be a brave, loyal and smart heroine when all she does in the story is make sarcastic 'witty' clapbacks but screws up in making plans. I also didn't get the point of Kerrick of Alga backhanding (physical violence!) Avry when he got mad at her and then at the final chapter, ending up on the bed with her. The friendships among the characters here are shallow, only based on saving each other and snapping at each other, which I wouldn't really call a strong bond. And finally, Tohon, the antagonist who makes out with Avry all the time, can be a little bipolar sometimes. He is this rational and manipulative being and then an arrogant, lustful beast next.
I didn't realize how much I missed the Study series quality until I read this book (book 1 in her Healer series). Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the Glass and Inside/Out books, but the Glass series didn't quite have the same quality and the Inside/Out books were sci-fi and just, well, different since I'm not a huge sci-fi fan (even though Inside/Out is not that steeped in sci-fi). This series is much more similar in style to the Study series and the quality is there for the comparison too (at least when comparing first books). To say the least, I can't wait till the 2nd one comes out and it's too long to wait before it comes out in 2013!
At any rate, I liked Avry as a character. She's kind, stubborn, intelligent, etc. Kerrick was annoying in the beginning and when he hits her the one time, it truly made my blood boil, but you learn to like him in the end. However, Belen is the one you just can't not adore. He's just loveable, tough, and kind. He really is "Poppa Bear." There were sad moments in the book, but also funny sarcastic moments too. I appreciate the sarcasm as I'm pretty sarcastic. I also enjoyed the bond between Avry and "the guys."
The book sets up an interesting "medical mystery" over the peace and death lilies; she set up an interesting political game for the future books; there are despicable people you hope somehow see their demise in fitting ways; there's the team you can root for; and there's always the romance to watch too. It'll be interesting to see how she ties everything up in 3 books (I assume it's a trilogy) since there seems to be a lot of ground to cover, but who knows what the plan is also. I will say that the days of wandering through the forest in the beginning were a little tedious after the quick, bang, flash of a beginning, but it warms up quickly and I couldn't put the book down and, therefore, finished it in one day.
An excellent book my Snyder and I can't wait for the second one.
At any rate, I liked Avry as a character. She's kind, stubborn, intelligent, etc. Kerrick was annoying in the beginning and when he hits her the one time, it truly made my blood boil, but you learn to like him in the end. However, Belen is the one you just can't not adore. He's just loveable, tough, and kind. He really is "Poppa Bear." There were sad moments in the book, but also funny sarcastic moments too. I appreciate the sarcasm as I'm pretty sarcastic. I also enjoyed the bond between Avry and "the guys."
The book sets up an interesting "medical mystery" over the peace and death lilies; she set up an interesting political game for the future books; there are despicable people you hope somehow see their demise in fitting ways; there's the team you can root for; and there's always the romance to watch too. It'll be interesting to see how she ties everything up in 3 books (I assume it's a trilogy) since there seems to be a lot of ground to cover, but who knows what the plan is also. I will say that the days of wandering through the forest in the beginning were a little tedious after the quick, bang, flash of a beginning, but it warms up quickly and I couldn't put the book down and, therefore, finished it in one day.
An excellent book my Snyder and I can't wait for the second one.
I LOVED IT. If you like books like Fire, Poison Study, etc you will like this too.
ONTO THE NEXT ONE!
ONTO THE NEXT ONE!
Same author, different series.
When I first grabbed this book I thought it would be another Ixia story. I admit that was all in my head. This book has nothing to do with the others, outside of the fact that this world doesn't like magicians either.
In this book all the Kingdoms killed off every healer save for one. Why you ask? When a plague came through they were not able to heal it and so the people got furious and mobbed. Avry has been on the run for the last 3 years just trying to survive. Unfortunately her kind heart wont let the suffering of a child continue and therefore she is caught and sentenced to be executed the next morning. She is rescued in the early morning before the hanging by group of men that have one purpose, to find a healer and save the realms. Sounds great until she realizes the leader they want her to save has the same plague. What is she to do?
I enjoy Snyder's writing style of fast paced first person. It allows you to be a part of her inner struggle and share her thought process. I don't know why she keeps writing about cultures that dislike magic and try to kill everyone who has any, but it works for her.
Now starting book 2!
When I first grabbed this book I thought it would be another Ixia story. I admit that was all in my head. This book has nothing to do with the others, outside of the fact that this world doesn't like magicians either.
In this book all the Kingdoms killed off every healer save for one. Why you ask? When a plague came through they were not able to heal it and so the people got furious and mobbed. Avry has been on the run for the last 3 years just trying to survive. Unfortunately her kind heart wont let the suffering of a child continue and therefore she is caught and sentenced to be executed the next morning. She is rescued in the early morning before the hanging by group of men that have one purpose, to find a healer and save the realms. Sounds great until she realizes the leader they want her to save has the same plague. What is she to do?
I enjoy Snyder's writing style of fast paced first person. It allows you to be a part of her inner struggle and share her thought process. I don't know why she keeps writing about cultures that dislike magic and try to kill everyone who has any, but it works for her.
Now starting book 2!
I liked this a lot and will definitely be picking up the rest of the series, but one glaring thing stood out and drove me crazy the whole book: Lilys. LILIES. If "lily" were a made up word Snyder could pluralize it however she wanted but come on. Lilys?
Avry of Kazan has been on the run for three years, running for her life, she's being hunted because she's a Healer. Healers were blamed for a devastating plague that killed many and Healers are seen as unnatural by some. Healing anyone doesn't get you their undying devotion, it's gets you killed, so Avry has to be careful about healing anyone in fear of not being turned in afterwards. Avery keeps to herself mostly and doesn't stay in one place too long and is always around dying people but Avry's weakness is children. She can't seem to walkaway from a dying child. When Avry gives in a heals a little girl her escape attempt wasn't so lucky this time, turned in by the child's' father, she is locked up and awaits hanging, Avry's luck turns, or does it when she is rescued by Kerrick of Alga.
Kerrick and his band of merry men doesn't seem to have a problem with Avry being a Healer and she starts to get comfortable with them, traveling treacherous grounds, where you can meet your death by the hands of mercenaries, man eating plants, or huge animal beasts to name a few. Things are looking up for Avry until she finds out the friend they rescued her to heal is none other than Prince Ryne of Ivdel Realm who she despises and blames for the death of her people.
I loved Avry, she wasn't the skilled badass fighter but she can definitely take care of herself. I like her quick wit and her stubbornness. Or is it determinedness? She was a spunky and adept character.
I like Kerrick enough, okay fine I really like him. I figured I would end up liking him from the beginning but I wondered how would he redeem himself from his typical Alpha Male charm. Kerrick and Avry's relationship didn't start on the best of terms and it kept getting worse but it was obvious she was getting under his skin, in good way.
Kerrick's merry men were the most lovable bunch of guys ever, and I loved seeing their friendship and respect for Avry grow. Belen and Flea are my faves but I love the others just as much.
I thoroughly enjoyed Touch of Power, I don't believe I've every read a book entirely based in a world of it's own, I've certainly read many books based in the "real" world but also takes place or(eventually) ends up in a another realm or world. Didn't know I would enjoy reading a high fantasy story as much as I enjoy watching them.
With a clever concept and superb world building, the story kept me enraptured and intrigued. Great storytelling with a lot of twists and turns. There is so much more that took place in the story, a lot of unexpected surprises.
Kerrick and his band of merry men doesn't seem to have a problem with Avry being a Healer and she starts to get comfortable with them, traveling treacherous grounds, where you can meet your death by the hands of mercenaries, man eating plants, or huge animal beasts to name a few. Things are looking up for Avry until she finds out the friend they rescued her to heal is none other than Prince Ryne of Ivdel Realm who she despises and blames for the death of her people.
I loved Avry, she wasn't the skilled badass fighter but she can definitely take care of herself. I like her quick wit and her stubbornness. Or is it determinedness? She was a spunky and adept character.
I like Kerrick enough, okay fine I really like him. I figured I would end up liking him from the beginning but I wondered how would he redeem himself from his typical Alpha Male charm. Kerrick and Avry's relationship didn't start on the best of terms and it kept getting worse but it was obvious she was getting under his skin, in good way.
Kerrick's merry men were the most lovable bunch of guys ever, and I loved seeing their friendship and respect for Avry grow. Belen and Flea are my faves but I love the others just as much.
I thoroughly enjoyed Touch of Power, I don't believe I've every read a book entirely based in a world of it's own, I've certainly read many books based in the "real" world but also takes place or(eventually) ends up in a another realm or world. Didn't know I would enjoy reading a high fantasy story as much as I enjoy watching them.
With a clever concept and superb world building, the story kept me enraptured and intrigued. Great storytelling with a lot of twists and turns. There is so much more that took place in the story, a lot of unexpected surprises.
I've had these books on my physical bookshelves for quite a while now, and have finally read the first one. I loved it! This is my first Maria Snyder read as well.
It's not really a literary masterpiece but I felt compelled to read it each night and sometimes read for too long, therefore staying up way past bedtime - so clearly it had fairly strong charms. ;)
I was glad with how it ended, but obviously there is a lot more to come of this story, so I'm ready to crack book #2 open tonight at reading time!
It's not really a literary masterpiece but I felt compelled to read it each night and sometimes read for too long, therefore staying up way past bedtime - so clearly it had fairly strong charms. ;)
I was glad with how it ended, but obviously there is a lot more to come of this story, so I'm ready to crack book #2 open tonight at reading time!
I read this book in a day. Loved the original story line and couldn't put it down. Hope the second in the series will be just as good. Maria builds the story, giving you bits and pieces along the way, it is exciting and the last 20% I couldn't stop until I finished it.
Touch of Power was definitely a unique and fun world to jump into. Even after reading the description, I was a little fuzzy about what it was about exactly, but I couldn't pass up the cover! :) I'm glad I didn't because this was definitely a good read and it's been a long time since I've read a full-blown fantasy (not urban fantasy) novel. It is hard to define if it's young adult or not though. The main character and those around her are between 20-30 years old, so definitely not teenagers. If you're a young adult only kind of reader, I would say give it a shot though. There's really no more intimacy than you would find in a young adult novel and everything else reads like one as well.
What I loved most about Touch of Power was probably the adventure aspect of it. I really love a book that has a journey the main characters are on. It just makes the world feel bigger because we get glimpses of different areas and can form a larger picture. I also really loved the magic, not only with the various sorcerers, but also with the world around them. Everything was so different and fun to discover.
The one downside is that, as with a lot of journey-filled books, there were definitely times where the book seemed to drag. It wasn't that bad though, and in between the slower moments we got lots of action so it balanced out pretty well. The other downside (for me) is that it's going to be a series. Normally I'm all over a new series, but after reading this one in it's entirety I feel like it should be a stand-alone book. It left off with some mysteries as to what would happen in the future, but I don't think they needed elaborating on. I think it would almost be better to let our imagination fill in the blanks. I'll be curious to see how the world builds and grows in the next books, but I don't feel like they're necessary.
Overall though this was a great book. If you're a fan of fantasy and magic then you'll certainly need to pick this one up. I've been eyeing Snyder's Study series for awhile now and this has definitely given me an oomph to try it. Loved her writing style, the mystery, magic, and world she's built.
What I loved most about Touch of Power was probably the adventure aspect of it. I really love a book that has a journey the main characters are on. It just makes the world feel bigger because we get glimpses of different areas and can form a larger picture. I also really loved the magic, not only with the various sorcerers, but also with the world around them. Everything was so different and fun to discover.
The one downside is that, as with a lot of journey-filled books, there were definitely times where the book seemed to drag. It wasn't that bad though, and in between the slower moments we got lots of action so it balanced out pretty well. The other downside (for me) is that it's going to be a series. Normally I'm all over a new series, but after reading this one in it's entirety I feel like it should be a stand-alone book. It left off with some mysteries as to what would happen in the future, but I don't think they needed elaborating on. I think it would almost be better to let our imagination fill in the blanks. I'll be curious to see how the world builds and grows in the next books, but I don't feel like they're necessary.
Overall though this was a great book. If you're a fan of fantasy and magic then you'll certainly need to pick this one up. I've been eyeing Snyder's Study series for awhile now and this has definitely given me an oomph to try it. Loved her writing style, the mystery, magic, and world she's built.