Review: Scent of Magic

* Sequel to Touch of Power *

SPOILERS ahead if you haven't read the first book!

Avry's the last Healer in the realm - a realm that's on the brink of war. She knows she's going to be needed when the time comes, but she also has personal missions - one that includes finding her sister again.

Avry and Kerrick split up on different quests. Kerrick reunited with Prince Ryne to determine how to fight King Tohon. Avry runs into trouble and her plans change. Instead of heading away from danger, she goes directly toward the woman who wants her dead. She hides in the army camp, under disguise, and begins to train the soldiers to move silently in the woods.

The army leaders do not believing the truth about King Tohon and his horrible soldiers. Avry wants to help out the realm as best she can without revealing her true identity. Her past can't remain a secret forever, and when it comes out, everything will change. Can the two sides come together to fight against King Tohon?

My Thoughts: I'm a HUGE fan of Maria V. Snyder. Her books are enchanting. I devour them, loving the action, the danger, and the romance. I love the secondary characters. They have a great sense of loyalty and affection between them. The banter provides comic relief from the serious nature of the book. I love Avry and her abilities. I like watching her learn more about herself and her magic as she tries to understand what she can do and how to go about saving the world. I love Kerrick. His power is unique, but impressive. I enjoyed the dual perspectives of this book, which is different from Snyder's previous books. Overall, a fantastic read. I can't wait to read what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: Netgalley

Review: Touch of Power

Avry's a healer, with a price on her head. All healers have been wanted for capture since the plague hit.  As the healers couldn't save anyone from the plague, rumors swirled that the healers started the terrible disease.

Avry lives on the run, moving from city to city. If she stays in one place too long, she inevitably finds a sick child. Unable to help herself, she heals the child.  This time, before she can run, she's caught.

Just before she's about to hang, a man rescues her. Kerrick wants her to heal a Prince. Avry doesn't want to heal him, she's fighting Kerrick tooth and nail to release her. It's of no use. He and his band of men are too strong for her. She relents that she might heal him if Kerrick can convince her while they travel.

Kerrick's convinced that healing the Prince will bring peace to the land. Avry's not certain, but the more she learns about the land and the politics, the more scared she becomes for the future. Can she really be the one to save everything?


My Thoughts: I adore Maria V. Snyder. This new one reminded me a lot of Poison Study -which I also loved. I loved the tension between Avry and Kerrick. I loved the healing descriptions and the infirmaries. I loved Belen. I enjoyed Flea.  I liked learning about the plague and how it started. I liked the political drama and disputes. I loved Avry's soft heart, determination, strength, and wit. A wonderful start to a new series by one of my favorite authors.


Cover Thoughts: I don't like it


Source: Inter-library Loan


Up Next: Scent of Magic (coming 2013)

Cover Reveal: Touch of Power

I LOVE Maria V. Snyder!
I can't wait for her new book TOUCH OF POWER. Coming out December 20, 2011. Check out more information on her blog

The US cover: It's ok.
The UK cover: Which I LOVE

December seems SO far away!