Series Reviews: Touch of Power, Scent of Magic & Taste of Darkess (Healer series) by Maria V. Snyder

I LOVE this series! My review for the first book is spoiler-free but the next two books do contain spoilers so please proceed with caution :)

Touch of Power (Healer #1)

by Maria V. Snyder

December 20, 2011

390 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honoured 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, the 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.

 

Review

I loved Maria Snyder's Study series and have been eyeing her other works but I didn't plan on reading any of them yet. I was in a mood for some fantasy the other day so I grabbed this one. I couldn't put it down! The story was captivating, the characters were all so loveable and the slow-burn romance was to die for!

Avry's the last healer alive and she's being hunted because of a misunderstanding. The world wants her dead and after being on the run for three years she was finally caught. Kerrick and his company end up rescuing her but only because they needed her to heal their prince. So began their journey to reach said prince. Most of the story focused on their trek across the land and I savoured every second of it!

Just like Yelena from the Study series, Avry was smart and independent. My favourite type! Kerrick was frustrating but in a good way (if that makes sense). Belen and the others were loyal and essential. Their trip was surrounded by secrets and mysteries. They encountered horrible things, formed unlikely friendships and made sacrifices. Best of all, the romantic tension simmered deliciously. Seriously. So. Good.

Maria V. Snyder really knows how to craft the perfect story. Honestly, if you haven't read any of her books yet, you're missing out!!

Scent of Magic (Healer #2)

by Maria V. Snyder

December 18, 2012

414 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again.

Review

Another work of magic by Maria V. Snyder! The story carries on in intensity and the characters are as busy as ever.

The book starts off with Avry and Kerrick happily together. Soon they go their separate ways because they each have things they need to do. Kerrick needed to go assist Prince Ryne while Avry wanted to repair her relationship with her sister Noelle. As the story moved forward, we see just how independent and capable they both are. They were constantly on each others minds but they don't let that get in the way of their current duties. I love them!

We witness just how brilliant of a strategist Prince Ryne is and prepare for battle against Tohon's army of dead. Kerrick encounters danger when he gets sent to fight off another threat, the Northern tribes. Avry stays strong and uncovers more about the mystery surrounding the Death and Peace Lilies. They're magnificent but complex plants. There are surprises, heartaches and betrayals. I always knew Flea wouldn't stay dead! Now I'm anxious to find out what exactly happened to Belen and how are we going to get rid of Tohon once and for all.

Something odd I found was the language used. Some dialogues sounded very....modern. Words such as boarding school was thrown around a lot. This was the case in the first book too. That being said, it kind of added comedic effects hearing those words coming out of the characters' mouths. They were hilarious and even adorable so I didn't mind it at all.

I'm so glad I started this series after all the books came out. Just knowing I can jump right into that final book made that ending more bearable. I don't think I would've stayed sane if I had to wait.

Taste of Darkness (Healer #3)

by Maria V. Snyder

December 31, 2013

458 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat: The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.

Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

Review

A beautiful and wonderful conclusion to an epic series! I can't get enough of the world and the characters!

The story stepped up a notch in this final book. There was a new enemy, the Skeleton King but also some powerful allies, Noak and his warriors and the lady warriors. For the most part, Prince Ryne handled everything meticulously. His three components to a successful attack, surprise, speed and intensity, served him well. It was just a bit annoying and unfair how much he left Avry out of the loop. Belen, Flea, Loren and Quain were invaluable and still very supportive.

Over and over again Avry proves herself. She was stubborn and headstrong but she was always selfless. Among other things, she managed to save Melina from Estrid's extreme beliefs and sacrificed herself in order to kill Tohon. All her actions were so admirable. I had no doubt Kerrick would keep his word to Avry. The difficulties he endured with his connection to the living green only reiterated how much he loves Avry. I'm so thrilled she knew how to break that troublesome bond so they can be permanently together forever~ Oh and that the Peace Lily saves her life again. I could just hug those Lilies!

Everything came together really quickly at the end. Maybe a tad rushed but I still immensely enjoyed it all! It was a most satisfying conclusion. Thank the Flea! SERIOUSLY, JUST READ THIS SERIES!!!!!