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Touch of Power (Healer #1)

by Maria V. Snyder (Goodreads Author)

4.27 of 5 stars 4.27 · rating details · 9,168 ratings · 1,546 reviews

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, shock...more

Kindle Edition, 396 pages

Published January 1st 2012 by Mira (first published December 20th 2011)

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Oct 29, 2012 Maria V. Snyder rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

LOL - Every little star counts! Such shamelessness ;>

Okay - so how weird is this?? I have the audio copy of TOP and it's read by Gabra Zackman, who did a fantastic job on my Study books. So I wanted to listen to a couple chapters of TOP to see how Gabra did the voices and pronounced the character names...

I'm on Chapter 11! I've gotten sucked into my own book - how weird is that? I'll blame Gabra. She brings the story to life - it's a different experience from reading the book as she's acting...more

193 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2012 Meg ♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-books, favs, z-2012-reads, cover-lover, botm-selections

3.5 Stars

Avry is a healer in a harsh world where healers are hunted, because everyone believes they started a plague. In fact, most healers have already been killed, and Avry has been in hiding for two years trying to avoid being murdered. She is soon abducted by a group of rogues who are trying to convince her to heal a prince that she really doesn't like. Throw in the fact that if she saves him, she loses her life and you see why they must convince her that the prince is worth saving. They tak...more 3.5 Stars

Avry is a healer in a harsh world where healers are hunted, because everyone believes they started a plague. In fact, most healers have already been killed, and Avry has been in hiding for two years trying to avoid being murdered. She is soon abducted by a group of rogues who are trying to convince her to heal a prince that she really doesn't like. Throw in the fact that if she saves him, she loses her life and you see why they must convince her that the prince is worth saving. They take a long, wild journey to find the prince.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the adventure and characters. Avry is a sweet, strong, smart, selfless character. Usually when I think about a character so selfless the term "doormat" comes to mind, but this is absolutely not the case with Avry. She's willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good, but if you make her mad she will get in your face with a sharp comeback. Her band of friends are also really fun. Belen was such a sweetheart, and Kerrick was a great leader. I loved the loyalty and bond they shared for each other.

The plot was okay. I would give it stars for originality as I do think it was a unique story. For me it was a nice pace. The story moved quickly, but was easy to follow. Deduct stars for the fact that the plot pretty much goes nowhere, though. More about that in spoiler below.

What I did not enjoy was the predictability and pretty much everything about the ending. This part contains spoilers so more on that is here: (view spoiler)

This is my first book from Maria V. Snyder, and I find her to be an excellent story teller. Snyder's world building was exceptional in this book. As they went on their adventures I felt there with them in the forests, caves, castles etc... Her descriptions were raw, and the parts where Avry took someone's illness to herself felt really intense.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book until the last 1/3 of it. Despite my complaints, I feel the book was still quite good, and I'm glad I read it. I will definitely continue to read this series. I just wish we did not need to wait until 2013 for it!

Recommended for anyone looking for a fun, fast paced fantasy that you can just enjoy without having to think.
(less)

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Oct 03, 2011 Tatiana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: hardcore Snyder fans

Recommended to Tatiana by: memories of "Poison Study"

Shelves: 2011, fantasy, series-dropped-lost-steam, ya

On the surface, there is nothing wrong with Touch of Power. Avry, a 20-year old magic healer in a world where healers are persecuted and blamed for spreading deadly plague, is a nice character. She is kind, courageous, smart, strong, self-sacrificing, caring, self-sufficient, moral, a quick learner, a good friend (you see where I am going with it?) Avry's adventure is fast-paced, something exciting is constantly happening. There is no instalove. The magical system with 11 kinds of powers (one of...more On the surface, there is nothing wrong with Touch of Power. Avry, a 20-year old magic healer in a world where healers are persecuted and blamed for spreading deadly plague, is a nice character. She is kind, courageous, smart, strong, self-sacrificing, caring, self-sufficient, moral, a quick learner, a good friend (you see where I am going with it?) Avry's adventure is fast-paced, something exciting is constantly happening. There is no instalove. The magical system with 11 kinds of powers (one of which is the healing power) is fairly interesting. The theme of uniting a plague-torn country is... good.

The problem is, there is nothing below the surface of this story. There is no depth to it. The characters are simple and flat, their emotions and personalities are superficial, juvenile even. Avry is condemned to death in the first chapter, for being a healer, and her only response to the death sentence is to shrug her shoulders and go to sleep. Her calling is to heal people by taking in their pain and illnesses, and never once does she feel resentful towards this ability, she always welcomes other people's bruises, cuts, whip lashes, infections, fevers. Does she enjoy pain? (No, this is not that sort of book, maybe unfortunately.) There is hardly a moment of contemplation or any complex feeling in this story. Why bother with sappy stuff I guess if there is a new adventure or a game of hide and seek or a knife-throwing practice just around the corner?

The world-building is equally thin. It is hard to fully grasp it, especially if you pay attention to the language that is used to describe it. After finishing Touch of Power I have this vague image of a medieval land of 15 Realms, with mages, castles, princes, wooden carts and swords, but then once in a while the author would drop in a "syringe," "toxins," "virus" or "president".

Then there is the familiar dilemma - is this YA/is this adult fic? Avry and her love interest are in their twenties; conflicts, violence and sex are of YA variety; and the writing style is so simple and void of nuance it would better fit a children's book.

But what bothers me the most about this novel is the whole concept of healing. Avry can transfer aches and illnesses from sick people into herself. Then she experiences it and heals, faster than a normal person would. However, a lethal disease will kill her, just like any other person. My question is, if Avry can only take away treatable illnesses, why not allow the patients heal on their own? Are her sacrifices truly necessary?

It is probably time for me to abandon all hopes of ever reading something written by the author that is as good as Poison Study. I sometimes even think that maybe that book isn't nearly as great as I remember it.

I would only recommend Touch of Power to Maria V. Snyder's most dedicated fans and those readers who like books where stuff happens on every page, but who do not expect to grow fond of the characters, swoon at romances or be enchanted by new fantasy worlds and mythologies. Everyone else, try Finnikin of the Rock instead.(less)

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Feb 24, 2012 Diana (Mrs. Barrons) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, series

The plague has spread wiping out millions of people, and healers are being blamed. Despite the fact that they've been helping people for generations, taking people's symptoms of illnesses and injuries upon themselves to save their fellow townsfolk, they are now being hunted and killed virtually on the spot. Avery has been on the run for over 3 years, but her natural urge to heal overpowers her. She heals a child, and is therefore caught. The night before her execution she's "rescued" and subsequ...more The plague has spread wiping out millions of people, and healers are being blamed. Despite the fact that they've been helping people for generations, taking people's symptoms of illnesses and injuries upon themselves to save their fellow townsfolk, they are now being hunted and killed virtually on the spot. Avery has been on the run for over 3 years, but her natural urge to heal overpowers her. She heals a child, and is therefore caught. The night before her execution she's "rescued" and subsequently taken prisoner by a band of men who want to use her for their own gains. What follows is the twists and turns of a story where Avery is a powerful political pawn. Which side will she choose, and will she make it out of this alive?

I love me a good fantasy. Kings, swords, forests, and magic. What's not to love? The story telling and world building were wonderful. I fully got sucked into the story, if for no other reason than the characters.

Avery - A very realistic, every day heroine, you know, outside of the whole magic healing thing. She's caring, but strong, standing up to herself and those who need it. She's smart and logical and not easy to take advantage of. I liked that she didn't start as a superwoman, but that she was taught self defense throughout the book, so that she didn't end up some helpless damsel in distress either.

Kerrick - I have to admit, he was not an easy character to love. Kind of an ass, and not in a way I appreciated. I know he had his reasons, but trying to like him strained me.

Belan - Poppa Bear. Big, kind, lovable protector. I loved him right from the start.

Quinn, Loren, Flea - I'm grouping them together since they're more of secondary characters, but I was a big fan. I would totally love to be captured by them ;-)

Ok, dislikes: I didn't love that I felt the story was a little predictable. My mind is sometimes uncontrollable, and though I try not to guess the endings, I often times can't help it. Though there were a ton of twists and turns, I was able to guess at a lot of them too easily for my liking. The book left me with a lot of questions, which I guess is perfect since there's a book 2 coming out next year.

Oh, I must add that there's not a ton of romance in the book, so beware for the romantically needing, though there is some. Its more of a romantic tease, and I love me a good tease.

I will most definitely be picking up the next one.

For more reviews check out http://nightlyreading.wordpress.com/(less)

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Jan 07, 2012 Kaitlynne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: awesome-covers, absolute-favorites

I have absolutely no doubt that this book is going to be amazing!

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Jun 04, 2012 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-dystopians, m-audible-dot-com, theme-heroine-heals-hero, genre-sci-fi, genre-fantasy, fast-read, genre-ya-young-adult, bom-nbrc, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge, amazing-secondary-characters, m-library-sj-dead-tree-version, reviewed-by-me, theme-hero-heals-heroine, buddy-read-nbrc, authors-m, authors-v, authors-s

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★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) I just loved this one and Gabra Zackman, a narrator I’ve never heard before, did a wonderful job. Kerrick, the hero, in this book is grumpy – and boy does she make him sound that way! LOL! Though, why Quain, part of the entourage, has a Scottish accent in a post-apocalyptic/dystopian/fantasy book, I’m not sure. **shrugs** Still, Ms. Zackman convinced me she was the heroine, Avry, as she narrated from a first person POV.

This is the first in...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Sans rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 1st-in-series, young-adult, fantasy, special-ability-genetically-altered, magic-mages-witches-druids, rocked-my-socks

2013? You mean I have to wait a full year before the next book is out? Well shit. It'll be well worth the wait though.

This was awesome on so many levels. It resembled Poison Study a bit, but not so much that I felt like I was reading the same book with different character names. I was also reminded of Graceling in a few places, but since that's one of my favourite books ever, I didn't mind at all.

Avry was everything a YA heroine should be: Brave, sensible, smart, compassionate, self-sacrificin...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Mitch rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of the top fantasy’s I’ve ever read. Everything about this book’s subtle, the characters, the plot, the back stories, the world building. I was so immersed in the story that its quality, like everything else, really snuck up on me, and it was only when I paused about a third of the way through to digest everything I’d read that I really realized how good it was.

The main character, Avry, is interesting even in the beginning but her character development is just phenomenal. She starts off as w...more One of the top fantasy’s I’ve ever read. Everything about this book’s subtle, the characters, the plot, the back stories, the world building. I was so immersed in the story that its quality, like everything else, really snuck up on me, and it was only when I paused about a third of the way through to digest everything I’d read that I really realized how good it was.

The main character, Avry, is interesting even in the beginning but her character development is just phenomenal. She starts off as weary and jaded from three years being hunted and on the run and Snyder captures that perfectly – Avry feels like she doesn’t have a purpose and decides that it’s not so bad to be executed for healing a sick child – not when she sees a future for the child and no future for herself. And then she falls in with a band of rogues, finds some real connections, and eventually a purpose that gives her new strength and resolve.

Even better, the camaraderie between Avry and her companions felt incredibly natural, easy going, and well developed. I loved Avry’s relationship with Belen, Flea, and the rest; every one of them was so well developed individually that just from the way they act around each other I can easily see how close-knit the group becomes. Avry’s antagonistic relationship with Kerrick is the same, she starts off with some false assumptions and hates him but it never rises to the ugly level of meanness or disgust that would ruin the characters. Their relationship, like everything else, forms slowly and subtlety.

Best of all, I like how the back story and plot development come in small, satisfying doses throughout every chapter. Things are explained, not all at once in some grand speech near the beginning, but in little bits and pieces that move the story and characters forward in twists and turns. Avry for example gives like ten different excuses for why she refuses to heal the prince, all of them true and understandable, before finally getting to the real reason, a reason Snyder slowly teases through hints and clues over several chapters. The bad guys, their motivations, and their relationships with the heroes are similarly developed, not at once, but through plot twists and timely reveals of past events that pulled me in.

There are also a couple of small things that really makes this book a standout. In a lot of fantasy books, authors get carried away building their fantasy worlds to the point that the fantasy lingo overtakes the plot and story. I’m glad that’s not the case here, this book was not only interesting but easy to read too. And also, this is a story about life and death, with plagues and executions and fighting and the walking dead, so the Death and Peace Lilies and their connections to everything was really a nice touch (Avry’s even holding one on the cover). I don’t think those connections are fully explained in this book, but the sequel’s gotta be about something.(less)

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Aug 21, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Melissa by: Mitch

Shelves: light-fantasy-test

This book got me hooked from the first page and there was never a dull moment. Snyder created such a fascinating world with her magical writing style. The author does an awesome job in involving the reader in everything that happens. She doesn't overwhelm with info, but bit by bit the puzzle pieces fall into place.

I'm not really good with spoilers so just to be sure
**SPOILER ALERT**

Avry is by far the most kickass female MC I read about. It is not that she's a lethal fighter or anything like that...more This book got me hooked from the first page and there was never a dull moment. Snyder created such a fascinating world with her magical writing style. The author does an awesome job in involving the reader in everything that happens. She doesn't overwhelm with info, but bit by bit the puzzle pieces fall into place.

I'm not really good with spoilers so just to be sure
**SPOILER ALERT**

Avry is by far the most kickass female MC I read about. It is not that she's a lethal fighter or anything like that, but for me she is kickass because of who she is. In a world where she has to run and hide for years from executioners of healers like her, she doesn't loose her courage and strength. And what made me immediately like her was the fact that although she's like a prey on the run, she still believes in human kind and saves a baby, and with that risking her own life. I can't put it differently than: the girl has balls! Another thing I really appreciated about Avry was the fact that she decides for herself who she will heal. She doesn't want to heal prince Ryne just because others think he's worth saving. She demands arguments to decide about this herself. And in the end, when she makes up her mind, it feels right.

When Avry gets involved with a group of rogues, she slowly starts to trust again and she even starts to care about them. It was interesting to see the change in her and to watch her opening up again, making friends. Also her relationship with Kerrick developed in a very realistic and believable way. It was refreshing to read for once about two people who don't want to rip each other's cloths off the second they met. I understood Avry's reaction towards Kerrick, in the beginning as well as in the end. Just like Avery, I didn't like him at first (view spoiler). But together with her I started to appreciate and like Kerrick more so when they finally get together, it was the most normal thing. Another proof of how well Snyder builds up situations.

I loved the world Snyder created. I am not good in using my own imagination while reading, but the way Snyder describes everything in such a beautiful way, I had the feeling I was actually there. A part that really sticked with me was when Avry finds a death lily with the petals pulled wide open. It was as if Tohon was torturing the flower. Well I guess in some way it really is torture. But still, it is a flower. Usually I don't have strong feelings toward plants... But this really touched me. And I'm sure this is due to Snyder's writing style. To be honest, I was really sad when one of Avry's friends died but when I read about the flower I almost had tears in my eyes. Weird, I know... But an author who manages to get that reaction from me (for a flower!) really impresses me and deserves some kind of applause.
There are still some unanswered questions I have, like how will the relationship between Avry and her sister develop, what's up with Tohon and his experiments, what is the story behind the peace lilies? I hope these will be answered in the sequel which I really look forward to read!
~~Actually, I'm dying to read the sequel, but don't want to sound melodramatic...~~(less)

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Aug 26, 2012 Navdha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: awesomeness-overloaded, it-made-me-giggle, it-was-a-w-e-s-o-m-e, oh-my-god, reaallly-gooood

Everything about this book was wonderful, from the pacing to the world building to the suspense, the action, the characterization, the romance, just about everything. Review to come.

EDIT: Full review

There are very few books that can charm you with the world building, the pacing, the characterization, the story line as well as the romance. Touch of Power is one of those books that doesn’t disappoint in any aspect.

Avry, our lead protagonist is a healer who has been on the run since the plague hit...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Lady Jaye rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012, stars-5, fantasy, favorites, loved-it, magic, part-of-a-series, netgalley, new-to-me-author, awesome-heroes, awesome-heroines, dark-or-gritty-or-raw, young-adult, 2012-favorites

Wow.

Avry is a healer, a member of a profession that once once respected and revered across the 15 realms. You see, healers work their magic by absorbing other people's sicknesses into themselves, and then fighting the illness off - healers can do this because they heal ten times faster than normal people. Nowadays, healers are hunted criminals because they are thought to be responsible for the plague that spread throughout the kingdoms and killed about two-thirds of the population. So for the p...more Wow.

Avry is a healer, a member of a profession that once once respected and revered across the 15 realms. You see, healers work their magic by absorbing other people's sicknesses into themselves, and then fighting the illness off - healers can do this because they heal ten times faster than normal people. Nowadays, healers are hunted criminals because they are thought to be responsible for the plague that spread throughout the kingdoms and killed about two-thirds of the population. So for the past three years, Avry is on the run. A decision to heal a little girl proves her undoing. She is captured and sentenced to death. But then Kerrick and his men step in and rescue her in return for her journeying with them to heal a friend of theirs. Avry later find out that this friend is Prince Ryne, the man she holds personally responsible for the hatred of healers. Touch of Power is about the journey to Prince Ryne.

This is a fantabulous story. I can't say enough good things about it - the prose, the characters..everything about this book was fantastic. I was engaged from beginning to end, from the very first word to the last. The plot twists were simple and very effective, and the prose is gold.

Avry is a wonderful character. She didn't so much as grow as blossom as the novel progresses. She is a wonderful: very self-assured and quick to remind others of her own agency. She owns her decisions and never lets others force her to do things she doesn't want to do. Even under duress, she manages to do things on her own terms. I never once felt her to be helpless, even though she found herself in helpless situations. She is smart, mature, assertive, resourceful, and able to reason, and learn to get past her prejudices; she is a stickler for doing the right thing. She is one of the best YA heroines I've ever read.

Kerrick. He didn't grow either; or blossom. Rather, he unfolded. Watching his development was like watching a tightly coiled flower open up to the sun. And as he opens up, you see a different sort of man: not the man who backhands Avry, or is willing to forfeit his best friend's life, but the one who is strong, loyal, and wants so desperately to save the world from the horror of Tohon. I loved him too.

Belen, Quain, Vinn, and Flea were wonderful, and it was a treat to spend time with them.

Ms. Snyder also writes some great villains. I could see Tohon and Daneen and Jael in my mind's eye so clearly, essentially very spoiled brats. Well, Daneen has very extenuating circumstances to excuse her, but that doesn't change the fact that some sense ought to be severely beaten into her. Tohon sends chills down my spine. I can't wait to see how all of this will resolve and for them to get their comeuppance.

I hear tell this is the ninth novel by Ms. Snyder. If the others are anything like this one (and I have it on Sans' authority that they are), then it means eight absolute gems of books are somewhere in the world waiting for me to get my hands on them!

*I received this ebook free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*(less)

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Jan 10, 2012 Lissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, favourites, kick-ass-heroine

WOW.

Just wow.

There's a famous quote by Toni Morrison: “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”

For the past few years I've taken this quote to heart and written the types of things I love to read.

But now I may as well just give up.

Touch of Power is the perfect novel for me.

Sure the writing style is different to mine, and I'd do a completely different approach, and there's nothing in plot, characters or themes that are remotely similar to m...more

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Dec 10, 2011 Sarah (saz101) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Kristin Cashore's Graceling and Fire

Recommended to Sarah (saz101) by: Kristin

Shelves: fantasy, 2011-releases, young-adult

Uhhhh, WOW! Move over Across the Universe and Shatter Me, I have a new favourite book of 2011 (don’t worry, I still love you. It’s a shared first place). How to describe Maria V. Snyder’s Touch Of Power? Magical, gripping, and compulsively readable, Touch Of Power offers a tough heroine, multi-faceted characters, fantasy and, well, I mean, what else could you ask for?

Three years ago, plague tore through the Fifteen Kingdoms, decimating the population, destroying governments and kingdoms, and sha...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Stephanie (The Night Bookmobile) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, reviewed

Touch of Power is a magical new fantasy novel sure to delight readers of Snyder’s previous books… so long as they don’t expect it to be Snyder’s previous books. Like many others, I fell in love with Snyder’s writing during the first pages of Poison Study, the first book in her Study series. I loved the mystery, the grittiness of the story, the mix of medieval and magic. While all of that can also be found in this story, it’s true that the story of Yelena Zaltana is hard to top, and I see many re...more Touch of Power is a magical new fantasy novel sure to delight readers of Snyder’s previous books… so long as they don’t expect it to be Snyder’s previous books. Like many others, I fell in love with Snyder’s writing during the first pages of Poison Study, the first book in her Study series. I loved the mystery, the grittiness of the story, the mix of medieval and magic. While all of that can also be found in this story, it’s true that the story of Yelena Zaltana is hard to top, and I see many reviews that say that this book can’t hope to match up to the books Snyder has previously written. Personally, I don’t think that it needs to. I think this book can stand on it’s own and be appreciated for its own weaknesses and strengths. Maybe we are too quick to compare books to their predecessors – in this way it feels as though people treat Poison Study as Touch of Power’s big sister – instead of viewing them individually. I think that is a mistake, because it prevents people from seeing the parts of this story that do shine, even if they don’t shine quite as bright as moments from the older series.

Touch of Power is the story of Avry of Kazan. Avry’s world is one touched by a plague so severe, that even she and her fellow Healers could not stop the spread. Avry is on the run, because she is living in a world where Healers are blamed for the plague, and hunted. Avry’s kindness toward others is her weakness, and she is soon captured and awaits her execution, but healers are hard to find, and her story isn’t quite over yet. Avry sets out on a brand new adventure – not quite one of her own choosing – with the character Kerrick and his group of loveable misfits.

The characters in this novel are well developed. Avry’s voice was sarcastic but kind, which is something I love and relate to in a heroine, and this made it easy to see the world through her eyes. Her friendships with Flea, Belen, Vinn and Quian were sweet, playful and believable. I enjoyed Flea and Belen’s stories in particular. I also found the “bad guy” in this novel to be an interesting character – though I wish we could delve a little deeper into why he is the way he is. Perhaps that is to come.

I really enjoyed the world building, even if I felt it was a little slowly done. Initially I was confused, the history was given too slowly, and I felt that it would have suited the novel better to have more explanations come toward the beginning. Despite that, I was very interested in this plague riddled world that Snyder created, and turned the pages quickly. There are many mysteries surrounding the plague that I am very eager to see unravel as the series continues.

Another wonderful thing about this novel was the multiple types of magic. The magicians can be of eleven different types– forest, earth, water, fire, air, life, rock, death, moon, sun and healing. I enjoyed Kerrick’s forest magic the most. I also thought the contrast of Life/Death magics was very interesting. They are so very similar – and yet so completely different at the same time – that it is fascinating.

Now that I’ve talked about what I enjoyed, I think it’s time to discuss the one part of this novel I found problematic. This is the part that kept me from loving the book as I might have otherwise; it’s the romance. While I’ll be the first to tell you that InstaLove is not my cup of tea, it’s certainly preferable to InstaAbuse. I don’t think that a man hitting a woman is acceptable under any conditions – no matter how stressful. It made me uncomfortable that Avry seemed to be making excuses for his temper throughout the story…

“He had such good control, no wonder when he lost his temper, he exploded.”

I don’t like the “hero” being the guy who starts the story by tying the girl to a tree because she refuses to do what he wants. That’s not a leading man that I can root for. It makes little sense that she would choose to so easily love and trust someone who has hit her and tied her to a tree night after night, without at least reflecting upon the circumstances or consequences of these specific acts, and not just casting them aside as part of his personality.

Another disturbing turn of events involves another magician in the story, who is able to use his magic to affect Avry’s emotions, so that when he is touching her she is helpless to stop him from doing anything he desires, and while under the influence of the magic she even wants him in return. What’s worse is that as Avry comes out of these magical stupors where she loses control of her emotions and body, she doesn’t seem to even feel violated, or have any emotional pain connected to the acts. As a woman, this does not feel realistic to me at all. Women are still fighting for full control of their bodies to this day, and it makes no sense that the character would not feel at least slightly traumatized after these incidents, where the magician’s hands and lips have been all over her.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book with a few warnings attached regarding the sexual and physical violence that occurs. I will say that the violence/romance is such a small part of the story that, for me, it didn’t keep me from enjoying the rest of the book. If you are looking for for a book that includes a medieval magical setting, deeply flawed but still loveable characters, and an intriguing magical system, and you’re willing to overlook smaller parts of the story that may be hard to stomach, then Avry’s world may be for you.(less)

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Nov 26, 2012 Inspired Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

I love Maria Snyder's writing. Her Poison Study series is one of my favorites. I read her Inside Out Series hoping to love it but thought it was just so-so. Honestly I had high expectations for Touch of Power and thankfully I was not disappointed. This book had a similar feel to her Poison Study series. I loved how the relationship between Avry & Kerrick developed. Their constant bantering back and forth was so fun to read.

I was sucked into the story from the first page and this was a book I...more

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2012 Shauna rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: draíocht

2.5 stars

This book just didn't do it for me. I was really hoping for another Poison Study, or even another Storm Glass…well, I got neither.

There's no depth to Touch of Power, the underdeveloped characters fall flat and the world-building is equally thin.
Kerrick, the 'love interest', is a ruthless prick who backhands, starves and exposes our heroine to the elements in the hope that a bit of hypothermia will crush her resolve. Charming. The villain of the piece gave her better consideration than...more

9 likes · like · see review

Sep 21, 2011 Jen at Reading Lark rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review is for an ARC kindly given to me by the Amazon Vine UK Review program.

Touch of Power is Poison Study good!!! *HUGE CHEER* I haven't enjoyed a book by Maria V Snyder so much in a long time (even though they are usually great); I stayed up reading til all hours and was even late to work because I couldn't put it down! I really hope you agree with me when you get a chance to read it. I would definitely recommend this as required reading for Maria fans ASAP!!

I really liked Maria's new h...more This review is for an ARC kindly given to me by the Amazon Vine UK Review program.

Touch of Power is Poison Study good!!! *HUGE CHEER* I haven't enjoyed a book by Maria V Snyder so much in a long time (even though they are usually great); I stayed up reading til all hours and was even late to work because I couldn't put it down! I really hope you agree with me when you get a chance to read it. I would definitely recommend this as required reading for Maria fans ASAP!!

I really liked Maria's new heroine, Avry. She is fierce and stubborn, but also kind and brave. I liked her so much more than Opal from the Glass trilogy. She is as engaging as Yelena from Poison Study without being too much like her... both characters share similarities, but they are not one and the same. Avry is a healer, who can take peoples' illnesses from them as a cure, but she must suffer the illness herself. Fortunately she has an advanced speed of healing, or she'd never get anything done!

The story picks up in the aftermath of a devastating plague, which the healers guild were unable to cure without dying themselves. As a result, healers are not revered by society, but rather they are hunted drifters. Avry finds herself incarcerated, awaiting death, but then is rescued by a motley crew who want her to heal their leader, Ryne, who lies in suspended animation in a magical coma in a distant land. He has a bad reputation, and he has the plague; healing him would kill Avry.

The gang (Kerrick, Belen, Vinn, Quain and Flea) do their best to convince Avry, through any method possible, that she should heal Ryne as they believe he is the only person who can bring all the shreds of their plague-ridden kingdom together and restore order. There are several other potential leaders who disagree though, and they all make a play for Avry to varying success. One develops into a wonderful villain, who just made my skin crawl! (Excellent work Maria!!)

Avry travels with the gang for most of the book, and there is a really beautiful camaraderie which grows between them, after some testing times... of course there is a love interest, and the development of that aspect was simply delicious to read. When there was finally some kissing, I was in seventh heaven!!

What I really enjoy about Maria's writing, as a whole, is that she creates characters with believable skills. I know she often learns these skills herself, and this time I really enjoyed reading about juggling and knife throwing! Magic is also woven very carefully through the seams of the book; no one is all powerful, but some people have really interesting talents. I also love how rich her characters are; I really feel like I know Avry, Belen, Kerrick, and Flea.

I was initially completely baffled by the bizarre mention of the peace and death lilies, giant plants which can consume a man whole, but actually it all made sense in the end, and I am totally gutted that I have to wait for the story to continue!! This has all the makings of a really wonderful fantasy trilogy... now... how long do I have to wait for the next one?!

(less)

15 likes · like · see review

Jun 22, 2012 Alex rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: no-cover, jan-12

Great Character Developing, Realistic and Hilarious Dialogue, Brilliant Plot, Kick-ass heroine and beautiful writing! Thorough review to come! Maria V. Snyder does not disappoint!

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 Renu rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, favourites

I'm a huge fan of Snyder's Study trilogy, so when I heard about Touch of Power I was beyond excited. Full of magic, adventure and a spell binding romance you wont be able to put this book down!

Snyder has once again done a fantastic job of creating a set likable and layered characters. Avry is kind, smart, and strong willed - everything I admire in a female lead. I loved her interaction with Kerrick and his men, the banter between them was hilarious.

At first, I wasn't a fan of Kerrick. However, a...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 29, 2013 Ferdy rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: boring-crap-hero, doormat-heroine

Spoilers

I enjoyed Snyder's Study series and I had high expectations for this… suffice to say it didn't deliver.
Avry is a healer, she's been running and hiding for three years as anyone found to be a healer is executed, the healers are blamed for starting a plague that killed millions of people. Avry is in prison awaiting execution after it is discovered that she is a healer… she's saved from death by Kerrick and his friends who want her to heal their friend who is dying of the plague. Avry find...more Spoilers

I enjoyed Snyder's Study series and I had high expectations for this… suffice to say it didn't deliver.
Avry is a healer, she's been running and hiding for three years as anyone found to be a healer is executed, the healers are blamed for starting a plague that killed millions of people. Avry is in prison awaiting execution after it is discovered that she is a healer… she's saved from death by Kerrick and his friends who want her to heal their friend who is dying of the plague. Avry finds out that the friend who needs healing is Prince Ryne, someone who she refuses to heal as she believes that he is responsible for many deaths and is not worth saving. Avry very reluctantly agrees to go with them to where Prince Ryne is hiding as the alternative would be death and Kerrick and his friends Belen, Flea, Loren try to convince Avry that he is worth saving. On their long journey to Prince Ryne..they are encounter enemies, magicians, killer plants and zombies.
The world building was mediocre at best. I did like that Avry suffered every time she healed someone.
I despised Avry's attitude, she was treated like shit and she just forgave and forgot instantly, she felt guilty and responsible for anyone who was hurt even if they had hurt her or stood by and watched her get hurt, she gave her loyalty too easily… it was unbelievably frustrating.
Kerrick her love interest was despicable he slapped her so hard she fell down just because she said she would not heal his friend Prince Ryne, he then goes onto manacle her to tree for weeks at night and only gives her little food and no blanket as further punishment for refusing to heal his friend, he is cold and talks down to her… he only starts treating her better when he realises his tactics to make her co-operate are not working. When he does start to get feelings for her he's not guilty or remorseful about the way he treated her — he just gives a very underwhelming apology and Avry doesn't even mind his past treatment of her!! He's also been grieving for the past 4 years because his ex girlfriend who was the love his life dumped him for someone else… Avry is basically a rebound. He more or less even says at the very end when they're 'in wuv' that he would have rather saved his friend's lives than her's. He's an awful hero and Avry is a crap heroine for getting involved with a man who hit her and then tortured her for weeks… it's a fucked up message to be sending young readers.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 04, 2012 Ariana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, fantasy

3.5 stars.

I have this strong belief that you should read someone's books in the order they have been published, because usually the last ones are better than the first ones. Of course this is not a rule, and it doesn't really apply here either.

I had high hopes after reading Poison Study last year. It's not that I feel disappointed, it's just that I wanted more.
More world and character building, a better relationship between the characters, a better bad guy, etc.

THE GOOD:

For like 3/4 of the boo...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 Skyla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Skyla by: Lissa Bilyk, mle

Shelves: ya, paranormal, magic, kick-as-heroine, i-love-this-love-interest, healer, historical, need-sequel-asap, plague, friend-gave-it-to-me

Find this review and more over at my blog: http://happygolucky-skyla.blogspot.ca/

This was not what I was expecting from this book after reading multiple reviews and watching the book trailer on repeat. I had expected so much more than what I got but I still enjoyed it.

The characters were all well rounded and interacted with each other brilliantly. Avry, our MC, was an actual heroine. She had a mind of her own and you know an actual brain. I loved the band of merry men and I loved Avry and Mom....more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 31, 2011 Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-in-series, pre-release-review, harlequin, 2011, arc-or-galley, fantasy, netgalley, series-fantasy, series-up-to-pub, supernatural, winter-reads, favorites

Reviewed for Wickedly Bookish Reviews
http://wickedlybookish.blogspot.com/

When I first started reading this, I was a bit put off by how rushed it felt. Much of the time the characters spend together is off page leaving weeks unaccounted for. I felt disoriented, almost like there wasn't enough thought put into the actual events of the book, but once I hit about a third of the way through, the story really opened up to me. Details about the world, the catastrophe it has suffered, and its characters...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 22, 2012 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, book-boyfriends, 2012, adventure, all-time-favs-even-better-than-fav, fantasy, favorites, love-the-cover, really-liked, review, ya-romance, young-adult, fantasy-kick-ass-fighting

YAAAAYY!! YAAAY!!!! I'm so happy right now. You wanna know why: because this book is amazing!! Yes, yes, yes. I'm so glad I read this book because I finally, finally, have a reason to like Maria V. Snyder again. Not that I didn't already love her, but after I read Storm Glass and thought it was horrible, I had a lower opinion of her. Now, it's soarin' with the birds. And I can tell you now, this is going to be a short review because I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

This book is amazing. That's really all I ca...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 06, 2011 She Known As Jess BlogSpot rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Are there any words that can really describe the brilliance that is transferred into dialogue and pages upon pages of compelling writing? Writing that simply yearns for you to sink your teeth into its substance; drain the essence into your system, indulge in the romance, mystery and challenges that develop before our eager eyes. Touch of Power is that of a reaching hand; place your mind in your hands and hold on tight to the grasping palm, allow yourself to drown in the raining magic, awake in a...more

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 26, 2011 Danny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fantastic!!!! It's been forever i stayed up all night to finish a book!

Read full Review

I just adored Avry, she was lovely, strong, determined and very stubborn! I loved her compassion and that she's willing to take so much pain just to heal someone else. She's a true hero and I admired her!!Dark, Mysterious and Enigmatic Male Lead & and fantastic Secondary Characters.

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 04, 2011 Vidya-BooksAreMagic rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-netgalley, fantasy, favourite-romance, series, start-of-the-series, i-own, action

First, thanks to the Harlequin publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of the "Touch of Power", written by Maria V. Snyder.

This review can also be found in Books Are Magic

Touch of Power is the first book in the Healer series. The magic, plot and characters are absolutely fantastic. There are 15 realms, ruled by kings and there is 11 kinds of magic (air, water, rock, earth, moon, sun, forest, life, death, etc.). Healing is one such type of magic and is very rare.

The story starts with Avry of Kazan r...more

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Nov 19, 2011 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: harlequin

Originally posted at Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me

Maria V. Snyder never disappoints. All of her books are amazing and Touch of Power is right there at the top, next to her Study series. Once again, we join a strong heroine on her dangerous journey to faraway lands. Avry is the only healer left in the world and all sides will come charging in order to gain one of the most valuable, and possibly dangerous, assets one can have in these times of strife. With a bounty on her head, Avry's attempt at sav...more Originally posted at Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me

Maria V. Snyder never disappoints. All of her books are amazing and Touch of Power is right there at the top, next to her Study series. Once again, we join a strong heroine on her dangerous journey to faraway lands. Avry is the only healer left in the world and all sides will come charging in order to gain one of the most valuable, and possibly dangerous, assets one can have in these times of strife. With a bounty on her head, Avry's attempt at saving a life leads to a betrayal and her ordered execution. That's until Prince Kerrick and his four men come to the rescue, needing her to cure Prince Ryne, a man she loathes, of the plague. Join Avry as she discovers her inner warrior and learns what things are most important in life. Can she sacrifice her own in order to help another King reign? Is he really the enemy or are her opinions of him skewered?

The very best thing about Touch of Power is the brilliantly vibrant cast of characters. They're different to each other in so many ways, yet their personalities balance out perfectly. Avry is the stubborn but selfless healer, Kerrick is the hardened but secretly kind earth magician, Flea is the puppy-dog teenager, Quain and Vinn are the monkeys and Belen is the sweet "poppa bear"! While Avry is initially reluctant to travel with these men to her death, the six bond like no other and become a tightknit family she can't imagine living without. Even when given the opportunity to leave, she can't bear the thought of parting with her closest friends. All of the relationships in this novel are beautiful and will touch your heart like they did mine!

Kerrick. Kerrick, Kerrick, Kerrick. The romance had fireworks flaring. You can't not love him and Avry together! It's absolutely stunning to watch them go from hate to love. It's a long process, trust me, but so worth it. Kerrick and Valek (from Maria's Study series) are quite similar so it's no surprise that I fell in love with him! Kerrick isn't exactly Avry's best friend in the beginning, being borderline cruel, but things, of course, change. Many important discoveries are made as the novel progresses and they'll greatly alter your views on everything, but until then...go insane!

The worlds Snyder creates are always detailed and, in a way, very realistic. With the help of maps and vivid descriptions, it's not difficult to imagine the fifteen realms and nine mountains. It's a magical landscape, perfect for a magical story. With gripping mysteries and exciting adventures, I never wanted the book to end! All of these great elements come together to form an explosive novel, so prepare for Maria to blow your mind.

Give me more! Give me more! I need to know what happens next! Maria has done it again, with a new refreshing cast of characters and plot. Previous fans of her novels will fall in love all over again, while new readers will be eagerly scrambling to feast their eyes on her other work. What a brilliant start to a magnificent series!(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 26, 2011 Sarah ~Slow reader, or slowly reading? ;) marked it as started-but-put-aside · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, ebook, meh, probably-wont-finish, assassins, arc, fantasy, i-have-espn, not-for-me

I tried. I really did- but I couldn't finish this book. I just think me and Ms. Snyder aren't ever going to hit it off. It wasn't a bad book- it just seemed to drag on and on with nothing exciting happening. Pretty boring. Bummer.

This ARC Galley was kindly provided to me from Harlequin Books through NetGalley :)

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 02, 2011 Ayesha rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, advanced-reader-copies

I loved the relationship betwen Avry and Kerrick, but........ the rest of the book just didn't do anything for me. The plot was well thought out and everything, but the writing was just so very, very blah. There was no emotion, no description, nothing. It was like a listing of events. People healed, died, got in life threatening situations, fell in love, and it was all narrated in this very nonchalant, "Oh this happened, and then this happened, and thennn this..." manner. There was absolutely no...more

6 likes · like · see review

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Who's better? Valek or Kerrick?	84	242	May 21, 2013 04:17am
YA Buddy Readers'...: Healer Series (Touch of Power & Scent of Magic) by Maria V. Snyder - starting May 3rd 2013	34	28	May 06, 2013 11:22am
Prince Ryne...??	8	71	Feb 08, 2013 05:17pm
Which magic would you want?	15	31	Jan 12, 2013 05:06pm
Who was uncomfortable with Kerrick as love interest?	19	70	Jan 11, 2013 11:15am
Reccommendations	17	42	Jan 05, 2013 10:23am

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About Maria V. Snyder

Maria V. Snyder earned an MA in Popular Fiction Writing from Seton Hill University. Her freelance articles appear in magazines and newspapers, and she enjoys teaching fiction writing classes at the local college.

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Quotes from Touch of Power

“...things happen that are out of your control.'
Kerrick gave him a tight smile. 'You mean I'm not omnipotent?'
'You're not even semi-potent.'
'Is that even a word?' Kerrick asked.
'He probably means you're impotent,' I offered.” — 118 people liked it

“The heart is a strange beast and not ruled by logic.” — 85 people liked it

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Touch of Power (Healer #1)

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