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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
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.
Weepy at Whole Foods as I raced to the end. So glad I waited until the series was complete before beginning :)
The plague has spread wiping out millions of people, and healers are being blamed. Despite the fact that they've been helping people for generations, taking people's symptoms of illnesses and injuries upon themselves to save their fellow townsfolk, they are now being hunted and killed virtually on the spot. Avery has been on the run for over 3 years, but her natural urge to heal overpowers her. She heals a child, and is therefore caught. The night before her execution she's "rescued" and subsequently taken prisoner by a band of men who want to use her for their own gains. What follows is the twists and turns of a story where Avery is a powerful political pawn. Which side will she choose, and will she make it out of this alive?
I love me a good fantasy. Kings, swords, forests, and magic. What's not to love? The story telling and world building were wonderful. I fully got sucked into the story, if for no other reason than the characters.
Avery - A very realistic, every day heroine, you know, outside of the whole magic healing thing. She's caring, but strong, standing up to herself and those who need it. She's smart and logical and not easy to take advantage of. I liked that she didn't start as a superwoman, but that she was taught self defense throughout the book, so that she didn't end up some helpless damsel in distress either.
Kerrick - I have to admit, he was not an easy character to love. Kind of an ass, and not in a way I appreciated. I know he had his reasons, but trying to like him strained me.
Belan - Poppa Bear. Big, kind, lovable protector. I loved him right from the start.
Quinn, Loren, Flea - I'm grouping them together since they're more of secondary characters, but I was a big fan. I would totally love to be captured by them ;-)
Ok, dislikes: I didn't love that I felt the story was a little predictable. My mind is sometimes uncontrollable, and though I try not to guess the endings, I often times can't help it. Though there were a ton of twists and turns, I was able to guess at a lot of them too easily for my liking. The book left me with a lot of questions, which I guess is perfect since there's a book 2 coming out next year.
Oh, I must add that there's not a ton of romance in the book, so beware for the romantically needing, though there is some. Its more of a romantic tease, and I love me a good tease.
I will most definitely be picking up the next one.
For more reviews check out http://nightlyreading.wordpress.com/
I love me a good fantasy. Kings, swords, forests, and magic. What's not to love? The story telling and world building were wonderful. I fully got sucked into the story, if for no other reason than the characters.
Avery - A very realistic, every day heroine, you know, outside of the whole magic healing thing. She's caring, but strong, standing up to herself and those who need it. She's smart and logical and not easy to take advantage of. I liked that she didn't start as a superwoman, but that she was taught self defense throughout the book, so that she didn't end up some helpless damsel in distress either.
Kerrick - I have to admit, he was not an easy character to love. Kind of an ass, and not in a way I appreciated. I know he had his reasons, but trying to like him strained me.
Belan - Poppa Bear. Big, kind, lovable protector. I loved him right from the start.
Quinn, Loren, Flea - I'm grouping them together since they're more of secondary characters, but I was a big fan. I would totally love to be captured by them ;-)
Ok, dislikes: I didn't love that I felt the story was a little predictable. My mind is sometimes uncontrollable, and though I try not to guess the endings, I often times can't help it. Though there were a ton of twists and turns, I was able to guess at a lot of them too easily for my liking. The book left me with a lot of questions, which I guess is perfect since there's a book 2 coming out next year.
Oh, I must add that there's not a ton of romance in the book, so beware for the romantically needing, though there is some. Its more of a romantic tease, and I love me a good tease.
I will most definitely be picking up the next one.
For more reviews check out http://nightlyreading.wordpress.com/
This review is from my blog, Starting the Next Chapter.
Touch of Power is my first reading experience with a Maria V. Snyder novel and, I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. This book took me back to a time when fantasy was all I ever read and reminded me just why I loved (and still love) the genre. The story of Avry, the last healer in the 15 realms, is one full of action, sadness, betrayal, and discovery. It is a riveting fantasy containing many of the finest points of the genre: magic, adventure, intrigue, and more. While there are a couple of things that occurred within the pages of the book that I was appalled by, the story overall is one that I was fascinated by and couldn't get enough of.
I loved the storyline that made up Touch of Power. There is so much magic and adventure that I became fairly well-immersed in the tale. The premise of healers being blamed for the spread of a plague and becoming persecuted to the point of being executed is both interesting and fresh. Reading about the aftermath of the plague and the power struggle that commences upon its recession adds an entirely new dimension to the story, one that provided an excellent amount of information, without which the imagination wouldn't have much to work with. In fact, the world in which the story takes place is so utterly fascinating that I wanted to know more. The concept of Peace Lilies and their carnivorous counterparts, Death Lilies, is probably the most intriguing aspect of this world in my opinion, at least.
While the world-building is well done, I feel compelled to make mention of a huge pet peeve of mine that I encountered while reading Touch of Power. I understand that is is an eGalley and, as such, is likely an unproofed version, but the sheer number of typos that I came across in this book is both staggering and alarming. I can't recall a single page where there wasn't a typographical error. Everything from misspellings to punctuation errors to interchanged words were present and I would feel remiss if I were to ignore that in my review. However, I tried not to let this affect my rating too much since it is a galley copy. I do hope that the proper editing will be done prior to the book's printing, though.
The characters that make up Touch of Power are a lively gang, one which will make you chuckle at some moments and tear up at others. Their adventure to save Prince Rhyne and thwart the efforts of the evil King Tohon is accompanied by camaraderie, humor, and loyalty. While Kerrick, the leader of the group, does present moments of boorish behavior and, even more appallingly, unwarranted violence, he also has many interesting characteristics that set him apart from the rest of his cohorts. Avry, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. This girl can take care of herself, for the most part, and is in possession of both keen intelligence and wit. She is a selfless individual when it comes to the needs of the ill and injured, which makes her all the more wonderful as a character. As no one is perfect, however, she does have a few traits that make her a frustrating character, at times. Fortunately, this added to the story rather than affecting it in a negative manner.
Touch of Power is the perfect read for those looking for a fantasy novel with a touch of romance. Please don't let my remarks upon the typos turn you away from the book. After all, I wouldn't be much of an English major if I didn't notice and remark upon it. I do still recommend picking up the finished version and giving it a try before you do so. Otherwise, you will miss out on a fun, engrossing story, which would be a shame, indeed.
Obligatory legal statement: This eGalley was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
Touch of Power is my first reading experience with a Maria V. Snyder novel and, I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. This book took me back to a time when fantasy was all I ever read and reminded me just why I loved (and still love) the genre. The story of Avry, the last healer in the 15 realms, is one full of action, sadness, betrayal, and discovery. It is a riveting fantasy containing many of the finest points of the genre: magic, adventure, intrigue, and more. While there are a couple of things that occurred within the pages of the book that I was appalled by, the story overall is one that I was fascinated by and couldn't get enough of.
I loved the storyline that made up Touch of Power. There is so much magic and adventure that I became fairly well-immersed in the tale. The premise of healers being blamed for the spread of a plague and becoming persecuted to the point of being executed is both interesting and fresh. Reading about the aftermath of the plague and the power struggle that commences upon its recession adds an entirely new dimension to the story, one that provided an excellent amount of information, without which the imagination wouldn't have much to work with. In fact, the world in which the story takes place is so utterly fascinating that I wanted to know more. The concept of Peace Lilies and their carnivorous counterparts, Death Lilies, is probably the most intriguing aspect of this world in my opinion, at least.
While the world-building is well done, I feel compelled to make mention of a huge pet peeve of mine that I encountered while reading Touch of Power. I understand that is is an eGalley and, as such, is likely an unproofed version, but the sheer number of typos that I came across in this book is both staggering and alarming. I can't recall a single page where there wasn't a typographical error. Everything from misspellings to punctuation errors to interchanged words were present and I would feel remiss if I were to ignore that in my review. However, I tried not to let this affect my rating too much since it is a galley copy. I do hope that the proper editing will be done prior to the book's printing, though.
The characters that make up Touch of Power are a lively gang, one which will make you chuckle at some moments and tear up at others. Their adventure to save Prince Rhyne and thwart the efforts of the evil King Tohon is accompanied by camaraderie, humor, and loyalty. While Kerrick, the leader of the group, does present moments of boorish behavior and, even more appallingly, unwarranted violence, he also has many interesting characteristics that set him apart from the rest of his cohorts. Avry, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. This girl can take care of herself, for the most part, and is in possession of both keen intelligence and wit. She is a selfless individual when it comes to the needs of the ill and injured, which makes her all the more wonderful as a character. As no one is perfect, however, she does have a few traits that make her a frustrating character, at times. Fortunately, this added to the story rather than affecting it in a negative manner.
Touch of Power is the perfect read for those looking for a fantasy novel with a touch of romance. Please don't let my remarks upon the typos turn you away from the book. After all, I wouldn't be much of an English major if I didn't notice and remark upon it. I do still recommend picking up the finished version and giving it a try before you do so. Otherwise, you will miss out on a fun, engrossing story, which would be a shame, indeed.
Obligatory legal statement: This eGalley was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have been waiting for two years to read this book. When I saw that the author was releasing a new series I couldn't wait to start them. But then I found out that between the books there is a whole year, so I even though I wanted to read the novel, I decided to wait until the last one in the series came out. And I did, barely, but I made it ! Two years and Maria V. Snyder didn't disappoint. It was worth the wait. Now moving on to the second novel.
slow slow burn but loved it so much
great world building
great world building
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Best thing about this book is that it throws you right in — the worldbuilding doesn’t drag and it’s easy to get swept up in the story. The writing is all over the place at times (the dialogue is sort of modern for it being an antiquated fantasy world), and sometimes the pacing is too. The perspective almost felt a little detached when a major character died. </I>. Definitely didn’t break the wheel but it was a fun, easy, quick read.
A very satisfying fantasy book with a strong heroine, a company facing an impossible task and an interesting magical world ravaged by a plague.
Despite the various well known tropes used in the story, it manages to be original and entertaining until the very last page.
I'm looking forward to seeing how things turn out for our heroes in future books in the series, starting with [b:Scent of Magic|12027429|Scent of Magic (Healer, #2)|Maria V. Snyder|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1335295226s/12027429.jpg|16993521] next.
Despite the various well known tropes used in the story, it manages to be original and entertaining until the very last page.
I'm looking forward to seeing how things turn out for our heroes in future books in the series, starting with [b:Scent of Magic|12027429|Scent of Magic (Healer, #2)|Maria V. Snyder|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1335295226s/12027429.jpg|16993521] next.