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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
3
Very interesting concept (especially to read during a pandemic). The characters, mostly, have unique personalities, but Quain and Loren were indistinguishable and lacked depth, which bothered me since they were in the story almost as much as the protagonist. If you're looking for depth, this isn't the book. The world building, development, and background history/story are all quite shallow and surface level.
The resolution to this book felt rushed in comparison to the rest of the book, but it was an entertaining and quick read, even if the end felt incongruent with the rest, in terms of pace, resolution, character choices, etc.
Probably won't read the second one. Seems to be a problem with Snyder's books...I never make it beyond the first in a series.
Very interesting concept (especially to read during a pandemic). The characters, mostly, have unique personalities, but Quain and Loren were indistinguishable and lacked depth, which bothered me since they were in the story almost as much as the protagonist. If you're looking for depth, this isn't the book. The world building, development, and background history/story are all quite shallow and surface level.
The resolution to this book felt rushed in comparison to the rest of the book, but it was an entertaining and quick read, even if the end felt incongruent with the rest, in terms of pace, resolution, character choices, etc.
Probably won't read the second one. Seems to be a problem with Snyder's books...I never make it beyond the first in a series.
I loved this book. The world building, as usual for Maria's books, is beyond amazing, the characters well developed, the plot line intriguing. Though it is a complete story in and of itself, the ending left enough openings that I am sure it is part of series, which I will definitely read more of.
In this story, Avry is the last healer left alive and Kerrick needs her to heal his friend, Prince Ryne. Unfortunately for him, she wants nothing to do with Ryne. On their journey, it is up to Kerrick to convince her otherwise, even though healing Ryne will probably mean her death. I did have some issues with the romance part - especially with the way Kerrick treats Avry - but overall the fantasy part of the story was good.
They traverse mountains, snow, outrun thugs, deal with ex-lovers who want them dead, mad kings and more. This is a book full of action, adventure, introspection, and even a little romance.
This is definitely fantasy at its best. If you like Maria's other books, you'll love this one. If you've never read one, pick one up, especially if you are a light fantasy lover.
In this story, Avry is the last healer left alive and Kerrick needs her to heal his friend, Prince Ryne. Unfortunately for him, she wants nothing to do with Ryne. On their journey, it is up to Kerrick to convince her otherwise, even though healing Ryne will probably mean her death. I did have some issues with the romance part - especially with the way Kerrick treats Avry - but overall the fantasy part of the story was good.
They traverse mountains, snow, outrun thugs, deal with ex-lovers who want them dead, mad kings and more. This is a book full of action, adventure, introspection, and even a little romance.
This is definitely fantasy at its best. If you like Maria's other books, you'll love this one. If you've never read one, pick one up, especially if you are a light fantasy lover.
Let me start by saying that I read through this book in one day. lt's another one of Maria V. Snyders series that I love. lt's similar to the chronicles of Ixia.
Sexy-Time-Rating: Low
Sexy-Time-Rating: Low
Expected Publication Date: December 20th 2011
Touch of Power was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Harlequin.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
2.5 stars
The Storyline
Touch of Power is a new series by Maria V. Snyder that introduces Avry of Kazan, a Healer who is able to take illnesses away from another and take them as her own. The only illness that she can’t take without expecting to survive is the plague. Unfortunately, people believe that Healers are the reason the plague exists and she is forced to keep her abilities hidden from others. When she’s abducted by a band of rogues and told that they require her help to heal a prince who is sickened with the plague she must decide who’s life is worth more because only one of them will be able to survive.
Thoughts
This is actually the first novel I’ve read by Maria V. Snyder so I’m unable to compare it to her past works. I must say I did enjoy it, although I was hoping for more in the end. Even though this book is marketed to YA, I appreciated the fact that the main character was 20 years old and actually acted her age.
Overall there was a major disconnect in the building of the story as a whole for me. I would have loved to see more explanation regarding Avry and maybe some information about her past. It was briefly touched upon but I think it could have been expanded even more. The world that Avry lived in had the potential to be a truly fascinating fantasy world but the author didn’t seem to find it fitting to expand upon that either. The lacking of explanation really made everything really confusing because it seemed like a fantasy world in olden times but there were various modern references that didn’t exactly fit. The author did best with the character development, their relationships, and their interactions.
I’m not sure if I’m left with enough interest to continue the series but I’m sure this will become a favorite of die-hard Maria V. Snyder fans. Unfortunately, that just doesn’t include me.
Touch of Power was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Harlequin.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
2.5 stars
The Storyline
Touch of Power is a new series by Maria V. Snyder that introduces Avry of Kazan, a Healer who is able to take illnesses away from another and take them as her own. The only illness that she can’t take without expecting to survive is the plague. Unfortunately, people believe that Healers are the reason the plague exists and she is forced to keep her abilities hidden from others. When she’s abducted by a band of rogues and told that they require her help to heal a prince who is sickened with the plague she must decide who’s life is worth more because only one of them will be able to survive.
Thoughts
This is actually the first novel I’ve read by Maria V. Snyder so I’m unable to compare it to her past works. I must say I did enjoy it, although I was hoping for more in the end. Even though this book is marketed to YA, I appreciated the fact that the main character was 20 years old and actually acted her age.
Overall there was a major disconnect in the building of the story as a whole for me. I would have loved to see more explanation regarding Avry and maybe some information about her past. It was briefly touched upon but I think it could have been expanded even more. The world that Avry lived in had the potential to be a truly fascinating fantasy world but the author didn’t seem to find it fitting to expand upon that either. The lacking of explanation really made everything really confusing because it seemed like a fantasy world in olden times but there were various modern references that didn’t exactly fit. The author did best with the character development, their relationships, and their interactions.
I’m not sure if I’m left with enough interest to continue the series but I’m sure this will become a favorite of die-hard Maria V. Snyder fans. Unfortunately, that just doesn’t include me.
Absolutely love Snyder's work! Prefect fantasy every time.
OMG! I'm in love with Maria V. Snyder and her wonderful writing. I don't know how she does it, but this book was fantastic! It has everything I loved about the Poison Study series and more! I honestly CANNOT wait for the next book "Scent of Magic" which is coming out in 2013!
RE-READ REVIEW
Okay, so I realize that my first review is very lacking in just how awesome this books is. Sadly, when I first read this book, I got distracted and when the second book came out, I didn't have the time to read it. But a couple days ago, I got this deep urge to read Scent of Magic, this prompted me to reread Touch of Power just to remind myself of its epicness and all that.
And damn! I don't regret reread it because watching the whole story unfold again after having read it so long ago, I really enjoyed it. And now I'm on to the next one.
Anyway, this books has everything we love about Snyder's other trilogies. We got the action that's unstop and always keeps you and the characters on your feet. We got the awesome friendships which has always been one of my favourite things about Snyder's books, both Yelena (from the Study trilogy) and Opal (from the Glass trilogy) had awesome loyal friends. And of course, the epic and heart warming and awwwww inducing love is also present. I love how the friendships and love happen organically. Nothing's forced, but even the action or the pace of the plot. Everything happens when it needs to happen and not a minute sooner or later.
Snyder caught in her web of storytelling and writing the second I read the first chapter of her Poison Study book and I haven't looked back.
If you enjoyed reading [a:Kristin Cashore|1373880|Kristin Cashore|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1273894652p2/1373880.jpg] , [a:Rae Carson|4074051|Rae Carson|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1284052029p2/4074051.jpg] , or [a:Sarah J. Maas|3433047|Sarah J. Maas|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1269281353p2/3433047.jpg] then you'll love [a:Maria V. Snyder|445303|Maria V. Snyder|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1224476079p2/445303.jpg] .
RE-READ REVIEW
Okay, so I realize that my first review is very lacking in just how awesome this books is. Sadly, when I first read this book, I got distracted and when the second book came out, I didn't have the time to read it. But a couple days ago, I got this deep urge to read Scent of Magic, this prompted me to reread Touch of Power just to remind myself of its epicness and all that.
And damn! I don't regret reread it because watching the whole story unfold again after having read it so long ago, I really enjoyed it. And now I'm on to the next one.
Anyway, this books has everything we love about Snyder's other trilogies. We got the action that's unstop and always keeps you and the characters on your feet. We got the awesome friendships which has always been one of my favourite things about Snyder's books, both Yelena (from the Study trilogy) and Opal (from the Glass trilogy) had awesome loyal friends. And of course, the epic and heart warming and awwwww inducing love is also present. I love how the friendships and love happen organically. Nothing's forced, but even the action or the pace of the plot. Everything happens when it needs to happen and not a minute sooner or later.
Snyder caught in her web of storytelling and writing the second I read the first chapter of her Poison Study book and I haven't looked back.
If you enjoyed reading [a:Kristin Cashore|1373880|Kristin Cashore|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1273894652p2/1373880.jpg] , [a:Rae Carson|4074051|Rae Carson|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1284052029p2/4074051.jpg] , or [a:Sarah J. Maas|3433047|Sarah J. Maas|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1269281353p2/3433047.jpg] then you'll love [a:Maria V. Snyder|445303|Maria V. Snyder|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1224476079p2/445303.jpg] .
I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.
The plot and characters were well developed. Avry was a strong protagonist that I ended up really liking, eventhough I can't get over the fact that Kerrick used force against her and she still ended up falling for him.
Buuuut... Kerrick turned out to be not such a bad guy that I may have found myself falling for him as well. XD
All I can say in conclusion is... On to the next one. On to the next one.
The plot and characters were well developed. Avry was a strong protagonist that I ended up really liking, eventhough I can't get over the fact that Kerrick used force against her and she still ended up falling for him.
Buuuut... Kerrick turned out to be not such a bad guy that I may have found myself falling for him as well. XD
All I can say in conclusion is... On to the next one. On to the next one.
I liked Poison Study, though not the two books that followed. But then i heard this one was good and I wanted to give it a go. And it was good, YA fantasy where everything is nice and sweet, even if there is war and death around.
I liked the idea of a bad bad plague sweeping through the land, killing most people and now people are struggling to survive while a few leaders are trying to conquer and bring peace in their own way. And I also liked that healers have been killed to extinction, to not get me wrong, it is awful. But it sure brings drama to the book.
And the heroine Avry, is one of those healers and she is running for her life. I must say that the more I learnt about healers the more I thought their job seriously sucked. I have no idea how she did it.
Out merry bang of soldiers then, they were a good cast. And of course I knew at once who would become a love interest even though it took a long time.
Now on to the negative things. Honestly, how is this woman still alive?! She was sarcastic, snarky and bitchy towards the wrong people. She should have been lying in a puddle of blood, every bone in her body broken. How am I am supposed to take the baddies seriously when they let her get away with things like that? And then there was the baddy who stole kisses from her, oh please, he is a baddie, you all know what would happen. But this is YA, and that is what I meant at the beginning that everything is so sweet and nice. Then some bad things are thrown in and am I supposed to be shocked? No way, I was still waiting for someone to beat the crap out of Avry.
And the baddies then. Yeah, was I supposed to think that Tohon was evil? Sure he was. But Estrid persecuted people cos of religious views and kidnapped people. And the king that Kerrick wants her to save is just as bad as the rest of them. I can't like him them. Either be bad, or not. And I liked Tohon, actually the best of all the characters in this book.
The world is also different, so very medieval, and then not. Suddenly modern things are thrown in. It works because of the way they are used. I guess some just hide technology better.
In the end this was a good book, even if a bit too nice, considering events. There was no major cliffie and I do want to know what happens to this world.
I liked the idea of a bad bad plague sweeping through the land, killing most people and now people are struggling to survive while a few leaders are trying to conquer and bring peace in their own way. And I also liked that healers have been killed to extinction, to not get me wrong, it is awful. But it sure brings drama to the book.
And the heroine Avry, is one of those healers and she is running for her life. I must say that the more I learnt about healers the more I thought their job seriously sucked. I have no idea how she did it.
Out merry bang of soldiers then, they were a good cast. And of course I knew at once who would become a love interest even though it took a long time.
Now on to the negative things. Honestly, how is this woman still alive?! She was sarcastic, snarky and bitchy towards the wrong people. She should have been lying in a puddle of blood, every bone in her body broken. How am I am supposed to take the baddies seriously when they let her get away with things like that? And then there was the baddy who stole kisses from her, oh please, he is a baddie, you all know what would happen. But this is YA, and that is what I meant at the beginning that everything is so sweet and nice. Then some bad things are thrown in and am I supposed to be shocked? No way, I was still waiting for someone to beat the crap out of Avry.
And the baddies then. Yeah, was I supposed to think that Tohon was evil? Sure he was. But Estrid persecuted people cos of religious views and kidnapped people. And the king that Kerrick wants her to save is just as bad as the rest of them. I can't like him them. Either be bad, or not. And I liked Tohon, actually the best of all the characters in this book.
The world is also different, so very medieval, and then not. Suddenly modern things are thrown in. It works because of the way they are used. I guess some just hide technology better.
In the end this was a good book, even if a bit too nice, considering events. There was no major cliffie and I do want to know what happens to this world.
The world is fairly original and the story is engaging, but I wasn’t in love with the characters.
The plague ha struck. 1/3 of the population are left. And healers are the blame. Healers are able to absorb a person's illness and recover 10x faster, but they refuse to heal the plague. This has triggered a man hunt and the belief that healers started the plague.
Avry is a healer on the run. She finds the notion of healers starting the plague ridiculous. But non the less has to hide and try and resist the urge to help others. One night she knows the crying baby next door will dye from her illness. She can't let it go on any longer. She goes and tells the mother to rest (the mother trusts her as Avry has baby sat many a time). It's worse than Avry thought, the babe wouldn't have lasted another hour. Avry takes on the illness and the babe stops crying. The mother returns in shock and awe as she hadn't been able to calm her for days. Avry returns her to her mum calming just to have a soothing touch and stumbles back to her apartment. Knowing she should flee ,that she has been discovered. She passed out into a healing slumber, unable to resist.
The next morning Avry is awakens to guards bursting down her door. The child's family had turned her in. Unable to escape the guards, Avry is held in prision and now on death row, until an unlikely crew of bandits help her escape. Why? When no one else trusts healers. Of course they need a healer.
The story turns from mediocre to brilliant - the characters are developed, the story becomes more intricate and the plot doesn't end the way I expected. I really enjoyed the world building (although not very in depth), imagining a post plague medievil era with magicians of the element types - air, earth, life, death, forest, water etc. I am not going to lie I may have shed a tear or two.
However I did dislike the lack of building in a realtionship between two characters - I predicted it happening but it just seemed forced. I also disliked the motivation of Tohon, it seemed a little childish. Aside from that, I really enjoyed the read.
Avry is a healer on the run. She finds the notion of healers starting the plague ridiculous. But non the less has to hide and try and resist the urge to help others. One night she knows the crying baby next door will dye from her illness. She can't let it go on any longer. She goes and tells the mother to rest (the mother trusts her as Avry has baby sat many a time). It's worse than Avry thought, the babe wouldn't have lasted another hour. Avry takes on the illness and the babe stops crying. The mother returns in shock and awe as she hadn't been able to calm her for days. Avry returns her to her mum calming just to have a soothing touch and stumbles back to her apartment. Knowing she should flee ,that she has been discovered. She passed out into a healing slumber, unable to resist.
The next morning Avry is awakens to guards bursting down her door. The child's family had turned her in. Unable to escape the guards, Avry is held in prision and now on death row, until an unlikely crew of bandits help her escape. Why? When no one else trusts healers. Of course they need a healer.
The story turns from mediocre to brilliant - the characters are developed, the story becomes more intricate and the plot doesn't end the way I expected. I really enjoyed the world building (although not very in depth), imagining a post plague medievil era with magicians of the element types - air, earth, life, death, forest, water etc. I am not going to lie I may have shed a tear or two.
However I did dislike the lack of building in a realtionship between two characters - I predicted it happening but it just seemed forced. I also disliked the motivation of Tohon, it seemed a little childish. Aside from that, I really enjoyed the read.