Touch of Power
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publish Date: December 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Laying hands upon the injured
and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes 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 Territories, 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.... (From Goodreads)
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.... (From Goodreads)
This is the first book I’ve read by
Maria V. Snyder. I had intended on picking
up the others but something or another always came up and I haven’t yet had the
opportunity to read them. Thereof I was
completely void and had no expectations other than an intriguing story when I
began reading.
I love the created world. Sometimes
it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I would love to live here though. Even in
the population bare of the kingdoms. The world is so creative I get the
impression of something Final Fantasy esk. It’s got its swords and daggers, but
then it’s modern labs and studies. And Lilies are my favorite flowers. ^_~
The characters are equally creative.
Avry is what every doctor should be.
Friendly, nice, caring, and not above learning something new. Her fears
are very real as well, and while she’s apathetic about some things, in
understanding her background as the book progresses it’s clear to understand
why. There are some things that just can’t be avoided and she deals with them
in stride.
Her counterpart is Kerrick. He is her opposite but not opposite in many
ways. While not as apathetic as she
seems to be; he’s just as stubborn and hard headed as well. He’s also charming
and caring when he allows himself to be. It’s interesting to read the conflicts
caused by their personalities.
The story is fast paced. There is never
nothing happening. Most of it is caused by Avry herself, although there are a
few situations that are caused by sheer stubbornness on Kerriks’ part. I loved
reading it. The banter was clever and very often sarcastic, but then most
stubborn, apathetic people are. It’s their take on life.
The great story progression is
emphasized by the great character relationships. There’s no instant “OMG I love
you” romance that can be so tedious in teen romance. There’s not instant hate to love either. It’s
a gradual progression of hate to wariness to tentative friendship to love
that’s so natural there’s no scoffing at the unrealistic-ness of it.
Overall this was a great read. I sat
in one sitting and read from start to finish. I also growled at everyone that
interrupted me and finally ended up locking myself in my bedroom to read in
peace. ^_^ It’s an absolutely fabulous book with an absolutely fabulous world
and set of characters. It’s definitely a must read. I wasn’t disappointed in the least and I am
ecstatically looking forward to the next book.
My Rating:
