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

Touch of Power

Touch of Power

by Maria Snyder

Healer series, book one



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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…. (description from Amazon.com)

Maria Snyder wowed me again. I have not ripped through one of her books like this since I originally read Poison Study.  This one is now officially my second favorite of all her books. :)

I loved not only Avry, who was a strong-willed, determined, and compassionate character, but also the fascinating world that she lives in.  The plague that has beseiged their world and what she comes to think may be the cause...

Of course, there is also romance, danger, intrigue, and poison... all elements that combine into a whirlwind of a fantastic read.  The descriptions were wonderful, the world building was great, and the characters touched my heart. Definitely worthy of a GOLD STAR.

I cannot wait to dive into Avry's story again in book two of the Healer series, which sadly does not come out until 2013.  I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait!!

Full disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley