Thursday, December 22, 2011

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

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...
I have been told by many other bloggers that I need to read a Maria V Snyder book. I have the first magic book on my tbr but have yet to get to it. So, when I had the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at it. Plus, I have to admit, I do like that cover.

I have to say I did get involved in this book. I found this world very interesting. A world in which Avry has to live as a fugitive for healing because of fear. She is "rescued" by a band of men who want her to heal a prince she personally hates. To heal him will cause her death, so she refuses. The leader of the men is angry and desperate and causes Avry harm when he swore he wouldn't. Therefore I really hated the guy. I was also angry that he would become her love interest. Ah, but before you take my head off because I spoiled so much... trust me, none of that is secret and you know it all from the beginning of the book as soon as they meet.

Yes, I hated Kerrick. Spoiler altert (highlight to see) He hits her in a fit of anger. He also chains her up and tortures her to gain her compliance. The first is pretty unforgivable IMHO, the second COULD be seen later as a desperate attempt if shown in the right light. Honestly, I don't think he fully grasped why that was wrong and so it still upsets me. (end spoiler) I also did not like his zealotry for this prince. It never fully made sense to me no matter how many stories were told. I get how he became loyal, but a zealot? Not so much. However, I will submit, I did soften a bit to him in the end when I felt he was sincere with Avry about who he was and trusted her fully. Still~ *sigh*

Avry was a entirely different matter. I really loved her character with the exception of her flaw above (hah! You thought I already forgot! LOL). She was snarky and refused to follow orders. She lived her life as a choice and not as a victim. I really loved that about her. She chose who to heal and who not to heal. It was HER body on the line and her pain. She refused anyone who tried to tell her different. She was strong, intelligent, and willing to learn. She also made several hard choices and discovered things that I am now curious about. Yes, she is the main reason I want the next book in the series.

So, what do I give this book? To be honest, this is a hard question. So, it came down to this for me. Did I enjoy it? Yes. It also gave me a bit of an emotional ride (including anger). I want to read the next one and I'm willing to forgive Kerrick (although I preferred Belen ~ no not a triangle, but I loved the big guy!) because she has already. I mean this isn't real life, so therefore, he won't have that problem again. *sigh* Oh yea... the rating. So, I give it 4 stars. Mostly because of Avry.
I was given this book from NetGalley and the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

13 comments:

  1. it sounds like an interesting world to discover. I really like her other series (even of I still have the last book to read in my TBR pile). THis one sounds like a nice read, I'm glad you enjoy it.

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  2. To be honest I was so caught up in the story myself I forgot how Kerrick was towards Avery at the beginning! Now you've reminded me, I agree that it wasn't the best way of handling Avery - but she never gave in or was cowed by it. I loved her and Belen as well! I do want to know more what happens in this world as well. :-)

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  3. Woot! I can't wait to read this one. I've been saving it for the holidays when I can sit down and relatively not be bothered for a long period of time. I'm curious about the spoiler, didn't read it, and your emotions to Kerrick. I read her Poison series and loved it. Definitely my favorites from last year.

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  4. I'm so intrigued as to why Avry isn't honoured, I mean surely this is a wonderful gift.

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  5. Great review! I am looking forward to this book, and I will have the same issues you do. Hitting and torture? And still loving him? No way!

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  6. Lol, everyone thinks I hate Avry, I do not. I just feel she got away too easy ;)

    And he was an ass! I did not understand his blind local faith

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  7. @Melliane... I thought the world was very interesting. In the end, yea... I did enjoy it.

    @Mel... For me it was not just the worst way, but it shouldn't have happened. Especially who he was! Even so... *grrr* I still think Belen is the best! :D

    @Rummanah... I'll be curious as to see if you felt the same way. I know there will be people who don't. :)

    @...Petty... That was an interesting way to vilify her ability. I thought that really rang true! I hope you get it and find out. ;D

    @Aurian... YaY! I'm not alone! ;) He did apologize, but... Let's just say Belen rocks! ;D

    @Blodeuedd... I didn't think you hated her, but were astonished by her health with those guys. LOL I just was surprised you liked the sociopath (the baddie)! *giggles*

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  8. Love that this book gave you some good emotions! I want to read this book cause I loved her other ones. Great review!

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  9. Hmm. I have some reservations about Kerrick's treatment of Avry, but 4 stars? That's a pretty awesome rating. I've wanted to read a Maria Snyder book FOREVER, so maybe I'll give this one a try even if Kerrick sounds like an a-hole. :)

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  10. It's funny how you and Blodeuedd had polar reactions to the same character. Now it makes me think that perhaps I should see for myself if I'd like her or not.

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  11. I've been hearing mostly positive things about this one, but it's always nice to have another opinion as well. And it sounds like you still enjoyed it, apart from your frustration with Kerrick. I recently felt similarly with Will from Clockwork Prince, though I wouldn't go so far as to say I hated him. He just got on my nerves.

    Anyways, since you thought Touch of Power was decent, I'd recommend trying Poison Study by Maria V Snyder. I recently read it and really enjoyed it! Unfortunately, I wasn't as fond of the sequel, but maybe the last book will be better. Who knows?

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  12. I've been told by many that I need to read a Snyder book, too. But have I? No! *sighs* I'm a loser.

    Avry sounds like my kind of chick! Snarky characters are fun to get to know. And yes, that cover is beautiful!

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  13. Oh yes. I want this one! Really, I want it. Sounds like an amazing read. Thank you! :D

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