BOOK REVIEW - TOUCH OF POWER by MARIA V. SNYDER - HEALER # 1

Digital Book Cover

By : Maria V. Snyder
Published By: Harlequin Teen
Released : JANUARY 2012
Details: ARC Paperback , 392 Pages

RATING : 4.5 KERRICK AND BELEN STARS!!

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...



BOOK REVIEW:

What an exciting start to this series. I absolutely loved this book. I loved the characters, the story, the originality, wonderful!! Well done Maria!!


I received an ARC from the publisher and I am so glad that I did. I have read Inside Out by Maria, a dystopian and really enjoyed it.


Touch of Power has danger, betrayal, magic, magicians, healers, Death Lilies, Belen ( this guy is just a big teddy bear, I love him!) the fight for power, trust issues, Princes, pain, bounties, a plague, Kerrick ( Mr Cranky Pants...), the two monkeys and Flea and some juggling...oh and a psycho King and 15 Realms that are being fought over.


Avry is a 20 yr old healer who has been on the run for three years , she is a survivor, until her luck runs out. Healers are no longer in favour and are being executed. Avry is a very selfless character who is rather excellent at using knives, even though she doesn’t want to kill anybody, after all it goes against being a healer.


Enter Kerrick ,Mr Cranky, Mr Moody, Mr Do As I Say, but does Avry of Kazan do as he says.....nope! I can’t wait to read more about Kerrick, he is the guy you know Avry will love, eventually, they have that relationship where they refuse to agree with each other. But of course there is a lot more to Kerrick , as that unfolds, you just love him. Kerrick has some secrets of his own that he keeps close.


Belen, is just the most awesome guy and loyal friend of Kerrick. Avry without really trying has him wrapped around her finger.


The two monkeys, Vinn and Quain are quite funny when they feed off each other and Flea, he is the little brother you want on your side. He has had it tough and he knows how to survive, what to look out for.


Touch of Power is a means to finding Prince Ryne , rescuing him and saving his life. This is a tall glass to be filled as Avry well understands. She must be convinced he is worth saving.

A bounty has been put on Avry’s head. Mercenaries are out to bring her in. King Psycho ( Tohon) he adds a nice mad scientist , creepy, sometimes smexi, but then back to being loopy ,addition to this book. I quite enjoy his psycho character.


This is a wonderfully fast paced adventure, with Kerrick and his crew trying to keep Avry safe, get to Prince Ryne and hope that all ends well.


But! King Psycho has his own agenda.


I am looking forward to the next book rather eagerly. I think I miss these guys already. Maria has written a story with wonderful characters you will love. I could very easily see this as a movie.

Michelle