Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Release Date: 6th January, 2011

Publisher: Mira Books

Pages: 400pgs

The Story

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 of the price of peace may well be her life . . .

The Review

A big thanks to Gabrielle from Harlequin Australia for sending a review copy of this book!

TOUCH OF POWER is the first book of the new Healers trilogy. When I was sent a lovely package from Harlequin Australia, I was literally over-the-moon when I got an ARC copy of this book because everyone knows how much of a fangal I am of Maria V. Snyder. She's not only a fantastic author but she's the kind to always surprise me and indeed she did in this new, thrilling, and adventurous trilogy!

In the book TOUCH OF POWER it tells of a tale of a young girl named Avry, who is a healer and is the last of her kind. She has been on the run since the healers were blamed for the plague, killing thousands in their wake, and Avry has managed to hide her abilities and go under the radar for a long while - until now. Avry is soon kidnapped by a group of rogues who decide to use her 'abilities' on their terms, instead of killing her like most people would if they found her. And with that, Avry must decide whom to heal at the expense of her own life.

Seriously this book is back to the high quality of Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study series. It may not be as good as the Poison Study series but it's not so far behind. Avry in particular was the main reason why I loved this book so, so much. She's a very strong-minded character with a lot of fight in her and she's one of those young women you can't help but admire. And she's smart which is always a good trait for a female heroine to possess. Same praise goes to the supporting cast of followers in the book, who have just the right amount of purpose and have individual personalities that intrigue you in all sorts of directions.

As for the storyline itself it was absolutely brilliant in its fantasy elements without going too overboard. But considering that we're talking about Snyder here, as a writer she can go overboard as much as she likes because much like the story she's a brilliant writer. Not to mention I will read anything of hers. With enough action, adventure, magic, and war explored in the novel, there was plenty of things to fall in love with and Snyder explores a well-established world forging together something of the old and something of the new to create something that is beautifully different compared to most books of today.

Overall, TOUCH OF POWER may not be your Poison Study but by the end of the book fans of Maria V. Snyder's writing will be satisfying in all accounts. As you slowly become fascinated with the blended mixes of fantasy and experience what Avry must go through in the fight of her life, by the end of the book you will be left wanting more and more of this series. And boy did I love every moment of it. I can't wait for the next book now!

The Rating

5/5 stars