Monday, 16 January 2012

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of Power (Healer, #1)Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Add it: Goodreads 
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Mira (Harlequin)
Release Date: December 20, 2011
Format: Paperback, 394 pages

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.
Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Okay, who wasn't filled with DELIGHT when they read this summary? It can't have been just me! Touch of Power is just my kind of book and Maria V. Snyder has impressed me on multiple occassions... it's not too surprising that I loved this book!

Avry is such a strong character. She's compassionate but also smart enough to survive in a time when her kind is being rounded up and killed. She's firm in what she believes in but also not completely unmoveable. In addition to the very capable Avry, Snyder introduces us to a whole crew of charming guys.

I really think that Maria could have written an entire novel about the characters hanging out, no plot whatsoever, and I would have been fine with it. Their interactions are funny and compelling (especially those with Belen!) and I looked forward to all of them as I was reading.

Of course, among the band of rogues is their leader -- Kerrick. Talk about a rocky start! Avry and Kerrick do not exactly start off friendly... their relationship reminded me a bit of Valek and Yelena's for those that have read the Poison Study series. It is a journey to see these two come together and one that I personally thought was well worth the hassle!

The backdrop for this novel is splendrous, exactly how I like them in fantasy. The setting is beatifully described and the world is expertly crafted. A job well done! I can't wait to see how everything -- namely the Death Lilies and Peace Lilies -- is developed in the upcoming sequels.

Maria V. Snyder is a must-read author for fans of fantasy!

Cover Comments: I love all of the vibrant colours used in this cover! Seriously gorgeous.

4 stars

15 comments:

  1. Awesome review as always! I absolutely loved this book. It may not haven beat my love of the Poison Study series but it was pretty close. Loved it.

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    1. I don't know if any of Maria's books will beat Poison Study for me <3 So much love for that book (I really want to re-read now!). Thank youuu! :)

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  2. OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG *GASP* OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!

    YOU READ TOUCH OF POWER!

    I <3 you for this alone.
    SOOOO glad you loved this. I ADORED it. It went in my top 3 books of last year, along with Across The Universe and Shatter Me. Which I thought were amazing.

    Ummmm... confession? I thought this may have actually been BETTER than Poison Study *shock* I KNOW.
    SO, to explain: I like Yelena and LOVE Valek more, but in terms of writing, the plot, the pacing, the storytelling... I LOVED this.

    But... Poison Study is one of my favourite books ever, and ToP hasn't QUITE exceeded my fondness of it. So we'll see :)

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    1. You are my favourite person EVER, Sarah <3 I loved both of those books too!! I can't wait for their sequels :D

      Reaaaally? I see what you mean! It's the same with me, I think... Poison Study is just the first I read and probably can't be replaced by Maria's other books.

      Thank youuuu!

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  3. Your third paragraph is EXACTLY how I felt!! Yes, I adored all the magic and action and bad guys, but seriously? Give me 500 pages of Avry + the guys and MY LIFE IS CONTENT. Oh man and I loved how Avry/Kerrick's relationshio built... I get way too excited about love/hate bonds :D

    So happy you loved this Sonia!! Awesome review!

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    1. Exactly! :D Hopefully the next book will feature much more of them!

      Thank you!

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  4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV9O3N1oUDc


    Touch of Power book trailer!!!!!!!

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    1. Ooh, I hadn't seen that! Thanks for sharing :) I love it.

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  5. When will I ever read Snyder's book? *sigh* FABULOUS REVIEW!!! This Kerrick is intriguing. Looking at Sarah's & Brodie's comments make me why I haven't read the book, lol. So you've read the whole Poison study series too, Sonia? I really hope to read Snyder's books soon!!!! So glad you enjoyed it! :)

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    1. WHEN WILL YOU LEARN, CELINE? GOODNESS, CHILD.

      LOL thank you! I hope you do end up liking her books :) I've read the Study series as well as the Glass series.

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    2. Yes, when will I learn? HAHAHA. I promise to read this, Sonia!! Forgive me!! LOL. I wanted to read the Study series first but it seems that I might actually read Touch of Power first because I already got the copy! :D

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  6. I've never actually read anything by Maria V. Snyder before... Love the sound of this one though! The characters all sound awesome - I mean, if you think that the book could have just been all characters, and no plot, then clearly they are something special :P. And I love fantasy. Really want to read this one now - fab review, Sonia!

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    1. Another book for your never-ending list? ;) I looooved the characters! So funny and they just all had great chemistry. Fantasy <3 Why don't I read more? MERCI, LUMINOUS! (I totally forgot I was going to call you that, LOL.)

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  7. I've heard amazing this about Maria V. Synder. This one looks intersting. Awesome review, Sonia!

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    1. She's one of those names, isn't she? :) Thanks!

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