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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Kind of awesome. There were a few "mehhh" moments, but they were pretty rare! I loved the magic and the badassery. For whatever reason it reminded me of Legend of the Seeker in some moments, and that gives me happy/sad memories, SO that's good. Awwww, babies.
This was cute. You wouldn't think it what with the man eating plants and the death from plague and whatnot, but somehow, I finished the book with the vague thought of "cute". Go figure.
Touch of Power takes Avry, quite possibly the last healer alive (healers have been hunted down and killed because the populace thinks that they were the ones to start the plague), and places her square in the middle of political intrigue as she's forced into a group of men who want her to heal their prince. See, plague has stricken the land and scores of people have died left and right. What they don't know is that Avry is able to heal the prince, but if she does so, she'll take on the plague and die. And off they go on a rambling adventure through thecountryside mountains and whatnot, dodging other people who want Avry for their own (mostly because she'll fetch a lot of gold if they turn her in). Of course there are rival factions and a mad prince, as well as dissonance within the group.
If nothing else, Avry is likable. She's strong and knows her own mind, and she sure as hell won't be bullied into anyone else's bidding without some conditions of her own. The main male lead, Kerrick, is not nearly as likable (especially in the beginning), but I suppose he grows on you (like mold) as time goes on. What was appreciated was how interesting (and entertaining) I found some of the other characters to be--Belen, for example, you just sort of want to hug.
To be honest, I wish the book had a bit more depth to it. It was good, but I found that I wanted things fleshed out a bit more, that I wanted to delve deeper into the world given to us instead of having glossed over explanations. The characters were cute, but I never grew very attached to them. I liked them, but I didn't love them. Some of the word choice and dialogue also seemed off to me, some turns of phrases struck me as more out of place.
It was just shallow, I suppose. Enjoyable, but nothing that really arrested my attention. 3 stars.
Touch of Power takes Avry, quite possibly the last healer alive (healers have been hunted down and killed because the populace thinks that they were the ones to start the plague), and places her square in the middle of political intrigue as she's forced into a group of men who want her to heal their prince. See, plague has stricken the land and scores of people have died left and right. What they don't know is that Avry is able to heal the prince, but if she does so, she'll take on the plague and die. And off they go on a rambling adventure through the
If nothing else, Avry is likable. She's strong and knows her own mind, and she sure as hell won't be bullied into anyone else's bidding without some conditions of her own. The main male lead, Kerrick, is not nearly as likable (especially in the beginning), but I suppose he grows on you (like mold) as time goes on. What was appreciated was how interesting (and entertaining) I found some of the other characters to be--Belen, for example, you just sort of want to hug.
To be honest, I wish the book had a bit more depth to it. It was good, but I found that I wanted things fleshed out a bit more, that I wanted to delve deeper into the world given to us instead of having glossed over explanations. The characters were cute, but I never grew very attached to them. I liked them, but I didn't love them. Some of the word choice and dialogue also seemed off to me, some turns of phrases struck me as more out of place.
It was just shallow, I suppose. Enjoyable, but nothing that really arrested my attention. 3 stars.
I quite liked this book. I especially likes how Avry is not a typical girl who needs saving all the time, and the concept of her healing powers is quite interesting. The story was quite a nice read, not average, but not one of my top books either.
I would have liked it a bit more if the characters had a bit more depth, as sometimes I felt like they didn't have much. Also, at times I thought the story was too fast-paced.
I felt like it was okay that the author left the plague a little bit of a mystery, but maybe a bit more information about the plague would have made it a better read.
I would have liked it a bit more if the characters had a bit more depth, as sometimes I felt like they didn't have much. Also, at times I thought the story was too fast-paced.
I felt like it was okay that the author left the plague a little bit of a mystery, but maybe a bit more information about the plague would have made it a better read.
I was bored for most of the entirety of the book until around 70% of the way through. Then things got real interesting real fast. I still find myself a little disappointed as Snyder's books receive so much praise and I loved her Inside Out series. I hope to at least pick up the second book in this series at some point.
I was obsessed with Snyder's Poison Study Series when it was first published, recommending it to every fantasy lover I know. So I don't know why it's taken me so long to read this series.
The magic system is always interesting in Snyder's books and Avry's Healer gift, compared with the other eleven magical skills the Realms magicians use, is developed well. Up the ante with an incurable plague that has killed a great proportion of the population, and Avry must heal a victim, Prince Ryne, at the potential cost of her own life. So far, so good.
However, the thing that niggled me was the relationship between Avry and Kerrick which didn't ring quite true because:
"No one else has backhanded me, starved me, manacled me to a tree and let me freeze each night."
Quite! The man has a temper, but backhanded abuse? No, I didn't like. Avry is too forgiving and kind, but then she is a Healer. Still, that was the only thorn in the tale...
I'll definitely be reading the next, soon!
The magic system is always interesting in Snyder's books and Avry's Healer gift, compared with the other eleven magical skills the Realms magicians use, is developed well. Up the ante with an incurable plague that has killed a great proportion of the population, and Avry must heal a victim, Prince Ryne, at the potential cost of her own life. So far, so good.
However, the thing that niggled me was the relationship between Avry and Kerrick which didn't ring quite true because:
"No one else has backhanded me, starved me, manacled me to a tree and let me freeze each night."
Quite! The man has a temper, but backhanded abuse? No, I didn't like. Avry is too forgiving and kind, but then she is a Healer. Still, that was the only thorn in the tale...
I'll definitely be reading the next, soon!
Almost made me cry in the end and i am not one to shed tears i can not wait to read the second one
This was really good.
Super glad I read this.
I don't think its on the same level as Poison Study but I did still really enjoy this.
Super glad I read this.
I don't think its on the same level as Poison Study but I did still really enjoy this.
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. It started as a 5 for me but lost it really quickly.
The writing is very simple. There are almost no descriptions for anything, be it surroundings or characters, which makes it really hard to get into the book. Even after an entire book spent with some characters I found it really hard to differentiate between them. The bad guys don't seem so bad and the good guys (except for a few exceptions) just seem boring. It made sense that Avry, the main character who is a healer, was so selfless and caring, but honestly it got on my nerves at a certain point. Everything seemed so rushed, I sometimes felt like I was reading a summary of the book and not the actual one. It doesn't leave time to process emotions, neither for the characters (the little emotions they show don't come across as genuine) nor for the reader (which is me. i didn't feel the feels.)
But of course, 3.5 isn't a bad rating, so there have to be good things as well, right?
I loved the idea behind the world building (not it in itself, as i said not enough descriptions). The different realms in war with each other, the different type of magic, particularly Avry's gift, the plague and the story behind it.
I loved the way that the entire story is around a journey, I haven't read a fantasy novel like this in a while, and while sometimes I was wondering why they even were on this journey or why it was taking them so long to get there, it seemed like one of the good ol' fantasy novels I loved when I was younger.
In contrary to lots of reviewers I've seen, I actually felt chemistry between Avry and her love interest. It wasn't insta-love (thank you very much) and it built up naturally, maybe a bit to fast towards the end, but hey, still better than a lot of what's out there.
(I also kinda liked that the characters were in their twenties, which is mostly because I'm in my twenties and I probably read too much YA about people not in their twenties, so my fault)
I'd recommend it to people who like fast-paced stories with lots of actions but not too much logic or substance behind it.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It started as a 5 for me but lost it really quickly.
The writing is very simple. There are almost no descriptions for anything, be it surroundings or characters, which makes it really hard to get into the book. Even after an entire book spent with some characters I found it really hard to differentiate between them. The bad guys don't seem so bad and the good guys (except for a few exceptions) just seem boring. It made sense that Avry, the main character who is a healer, was so selfless and caring, but honestly it got on my nerves at a certain point. Everything seemed so rushed, I sometimes felt like I was reading a summary of the book and not the actual one. It doesn't leave time to process emotions, neither for the characters (the little emotions they show don't come across as genuine) nor for the reader (which is me. i didn't feel the feels.)
But of course, 3.5 isn't a bad rating, so there have to be good things as well, right?
I loved the idea behind the world building (not it in itself, as i said not enough descriptions). The different realms in war with each other, the different type of magic, particularly Avry's gift, the plague and the story behind it.
I loved the way that the entire story is around a journey, I haven't read a fantasy novel like this in a while, and while sometimes I was wondering why they even were on this journey or why it was taking them so long to get there, it seemed like one of the good ol' fantasy novels I loved when I was younger.
In contrary to lots of reviewers I've seen, I actually felt chemistry between Avry and her love interest. It wasn't insta-love (thank you very much) and it built up naturally, maybe a bit to fast towards the end, but hey, still better than a lot of what's out there.
(I also kinda liked that the characters were in their twenties, which is mostly because I'm in my twenties and I probably read too much YA about people not in their twenties, so my fault)
I'd recommend it to people who like fast-paced stories with lots of actions but not too much logic or substance behind it.
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Procurement
eARC via NetGalley.
My Grade
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Romance: 5
Overall: 30/30! AMAZING!
Title/Cover Bonus: 5
Overall
An amazing epic journey of one girl and several young men, all with the intent to save one King's life, by Kerrick's forceful hand at least.
First Line
The little girl wouldn't stop crying.
Most Memorable Scene
There are so many! I'd probably go with the first time Kerrick and Avry were running through the forest.
Plot
I was engrossed with this story from start to finish. Avry and Kerrick are on an epic journey to help heal a King. The many obstacles that they face and overcome are plentiful and exciting. I couldn't stop reading to find out just how they were going to end their journey.
Setting
What a beautiful setting Maria made with her exquiste words! I was throw into this time period and didn't want to leave. With the elemental and supernatural skills being used alongside the scenery it was a world that engulfs you completely.
Writing
Brilliantly written! I loved seeing the story from Avery's first person, present point of view. You know I'm a sucker for the dual points of view but I actually liked not knowing what was going on in Kerrick's head. It left another mystery to be solved right along side their journey.
Originality
I loved this book so much I can't seem to think of any other book I've read quite like it. It is chock full of epic fantasy but not in the sense that you're feeling the journey stretched to the max. I actually didn't want it to ever end! It's very much a mix of historic romance meets epic fantasy meets dystopia. I was thoroughly engrossed into all elements the story had to offer.
Characters
Avery is my kind of character. She's a super strong lead character. She uses her special skill with care and you just know she's a great person. She's had a rough life but she is strong willed. The journey with Kerrick makes her a much stronger person it's enlightening to see her change.
Kerrick is an amazing male lead character. At first I didn't know if I should hate him or love him. In the end he was one of my favorite characters ever.
Kerrick's men are a great pack of boys and men. I thoroughly enjoyed their presence in the book and was very attached to them.
Romance
It blossoms very slowly but it's such a sweet, strong bond. The relationship between Kerrick and his men is one of the best bromances I've read.
Title/Cover Bonus
I LOVE the title and the cover is a-okay in my book!
Ending
Brilliant. It was so touching and I can't wait to read the next book!
Series
Scent of Magic (Healer, #2) sometime in 2012.
eARC via NetGalley.
My Grade
Plot: 5
Setting: 5
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Romance: 5
Overall: 30/30! AMAZING!
Title/Cover Bonus: 5
Overall
An amazing epic journey of one girl and several young men, all with the intent to save one King's life, by Kerrick's forceful hand at least.
First Line
The little girl wouldn't stop crying.
Most Memorable Scene
There are so many! I'd probably go with the first time Kerrick and Avry were running through the forest.
Plot
I was engrossed with this story from start to finish. Avry and Kerrick are on an epic journey to help heal a King. The many obstacles that they face and overcome are plentiful and exciting. I couldn't stop reading to find out just how they were going to end their journey.
Setting
What a beautiful setting Maria made with her exquiste words! I was throw into this time period and didn't want to leave. With the elemental and supernatural skills being used alongside the scenery it was a world that engulfs you completely.
Writing
Brilliantly written! I loved seeing the story from Avery's first person, present point of view. You know I'm a sucker for the dual points of view but I actually liked not knowing what was going on in Kerrick's head. It left another mystery to be solved right along side their journey.
Originality
I loved this book so much I can't seem to think of any other book I've read quite like it. It is chock full of epic fantasy but not in the sense that you're feeling the journey stretched to the max. I actually didn't want it to ever end! It's very much a mix of historic romance meets epic fantasy meets dystopia. I was thoroughly engrossed into all elements the story had to offer.
Characters
Avery is my kind of character. She's a super strong lead character. She uses her special skill with care and you just know she's a great person. She's had a rough life but she is strong willed. The journey with Kerrick makes her a much stronger person it's enlightening to see her change.
Kerrick is an amazing male lead character. At first I didn't know if I should hate him or love him. In the end he was one of my favorite characters ever.
Kerrick's men are a great pack of boys and men. I thoroughly enjoyed their presence in the book and was very attached to them.
Romance
It blossoms very slowly but it's such a sweet, strong bond. The relationship between Kerrick and his men is one of the best bromances I've read.
Title/Cover Bonus
I LOVE the title and the cover is a-okay in my book!
Ending
Brilliant. It was so touching and I can't wait to read the next book!
Series
Scent of Magic (Healer, #2) sometime in 2012.