Friday, February 3, 2012

Kimberly's Review of 'Touch of Power"


Kimberly's Review of 'Touch of Power' by Maria V. Snyder

Book: Touch of Power
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Reason I read it: Because it’s by Maria V. Snyder

I’ve been waiting what feels like forever to read this. I will pick up any of Maria’s books. I’ve read all of her books and short stories and enjoyed them immensely. I waited for the release date of this book, counting down the days until I could walk into Barnes and Noble and pick it up. Finally December 20th came, I went to Barnes and Noble and… no book. I was told by a bookseller that they wouldn’t be carrying it! I was shocked. They had always carried her books.

So what was I to do? They said they’d “try” and order it for me. That didn’t sound very promising…

Then there was Amazon. I have prime membership. Free two day shipping. I might as well do that… But then I’d still
have to wait several days.

*sigh*

Finally I put aside my “I want to read it so I’ll just download and read it instantly” mentality and waited. I ended up ordering it from the UK (I liked the cover art better).

Only to go back to Barnes and Noble two days later, ask a different employee about the book on a whim and… lo and behold, they had a huge stock of them.

(I’m doing my best not to harbor any hard feeli ngs against the first employee I talked to.) Maybe it was her first day. Or at least, that’s what I’m hoping.

As for the book? It was every bit as good as I expected and was better than I could have hoped for. Avry is a fantastic heroine. Tough as nails, but not so tough that she has no heart. Let me tell you a bit about this story.

“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 h er 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….” (From Amazon.com)

Maria has an incredible ability when it comes to world building and developing her characters. Two pages in and you’re hooked. You love the main character and you’re hungry to learn more about this world they live in.

She also has a wonderful sense of humor. Wit is prevalent throughout the book. Action, romance, humor, and fantasy are mixed wonderfully to creat e a fantastic story.

There was something else I liked about Avry… She’s different that a lot of female protagonists in a unique way. Most heroines are described as being very small and petite. Or they’re blond. Or they have some other characteristic that gives them the ‘perfect’ image. Avry on the other hand, is described as being 5’8, has dark hair and has green eyes. I don’t really care what the heroines in the books I read look like, but Avry was a refreshing change from the norm. Plus… I’m 5’8, have dark hair and green eyes. I couldn’t help but like her a bit more. ; )

The story will draw you in, you will fall in love with every one of the characters. The banter between the main characters is hilarious, it’s heartwarming and fun to see the various relationships develop.

As usual with Maria’s books, there is romance. But Avry doesn’t spend her time worrying about her feelings and whether she has a boyfriend or not. She stands on her own. Maria adds just enough romance to keep things interesting, without letting it overtake the plot.

If you are a fan of fantasy, like strong heroines, or are just looking for a good read, I highly recommend you pick this one up. You won’t regret it!

5+ Stars!

10 comments:

  1. So glad you liked it! And boo to the employee who told you they wouldn't carry it! I absolutely loved this book and have enjoyed all Snyder's books in the past! :) I agree that it was refreshing that Avry isn't your standard petite girl! And I really enjoyed the banter as well! I thought Belen was such a great papa bear and I loved the romance between Avry and Kerrick once he stopped being an ass ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha, totally agree. I knew that the romance was going to happen, but Kerrick sure took his time.

      Delete
  2. Confession: I've never read Snyder's books BUT I'm really trying to read more fantasy so perhaps I'll give her books a try since I've heard fabulous things! Great review! It's got me intrigued.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Jamie. You MUST read her books! If you're looking to start reading more fantasy, Maria's books are the place to go. Although you might be disappointed by other fantasy novels after her books.

      Delete
  3. I absolutely LOVED this novel. This is the first Snyder novel that I've ever read - and just because it was so amazing, I really want to read everything else she's written!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes yes! Her other books are fantastic! I'd say read the Inside Out/Outside In books, (They were the ones that I enjoyed the least, still excellent books though.) Then read the Study Trilogy, the first one is Poison Study. Then read the Glass Trilogy, it starts where the Study series ends.

      I hope you love them as much as I do!

      Delete
  4. Now this sounds like an interesting read. I have never heard of the author, but it's always refreshing to try out something new. I am definitely going to add this to my TBR list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She really is a fantastic author. I stumbled across her books by accident, and I'm so happy I did. Her novels are excellent.

      Delete
  5. What an awful B&N story-I know I've had some grr experiences with staff there! Still at least you did end up getting the book and loving it-I think this might be my 2nd favorite of her books (after Poison Study, of course). I cannot wait to find out what comes next!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Avry is motherly character, that's what I love from female lead :3

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails