Taste of Darkness

Taste of Darkness

By Maria V. Snyder
Healer trilogy, book three

She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat: The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.

Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

I love Maria Snyder's books. She writes such an interesting world - fantastic in the types of magic within it but so believably realistic, too.  I always feel as if I could drop right into the world and actually feel the grass beneath my feet...probably before I'd be running for my life for one reason or another, LOL. The scenery seems to just come to life off the page.  

Her characters are also so multifaceted and entertaining. Not only do the main characters, like Avry and Kerrick, seem to dance so smoothly through my imagination, but she manages to create these fabulous secondary characters that I cannot help but love. I gobble up every scene that Belen, Odd, and Flea make appearances in! It was the same in her Study series! 

No matter what she writes, I will read Snyder's books.  I will say that right now I'm DYING to read the next book in the Study series - Shadow Study. It was sort of a surprise that she went back to those characters, but one that I, at least, am SOOOOO grateful for...Valek! *swoons*

Full disclosure: eARC received from Netgalley, ebook purchased for my Nook 

Scent of Magic

Scent of Magic

by Maria V. Snyder

Healer series, book two

 

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomaniacal King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confidant, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

 

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon's opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon's most horrible creations yet: an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.  War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible…again. (description from Amazon.com) 

Snyder writes another engrossing tale.  Though I did not love this one as much as Touch of Power, I did rip right through it.  I think what I missed in this one (and it's the same element that Poison Study had which I adored...) was the burgeoning romance.  Snyder has a magic touch when it comes to two characters discovering that they cannot live without one another. 

While I missed the romance, I did thoroughly appreciate the danger and excitement of this book. With all of the realms at war, some conquered, some still holding out in hopes of maintaining their independence, danger lurked in all corners.  Armies of walking dead, a false king that can hurt with a touch, and roving packs of dead ufas...all elements that upped the "creeptastic" factor as I read.  Not only can poor Avry not find a safe place in all the realms, but the losses she suffers among friends and family broke my heart. 

With another ending that leaves you hanging, I cannot wait to read the final book in the trilogy!

Full disclosure: eARC received from NetGalley for review