On a simple enjoyment level, Touch of Power ranks decently high. The plot is original and has potential – healers help others by taking their diseases...moreOn a simple enjoyment level, Touch of Power ranks decently high. The plot is original and has potential – healers help others by taking their diseases into their own bodies, but are accused of starting the plague. Avry is the last of the healers and is kidnapped by a band of rogues to save Prince Ryne, whom, at least in the beginning, Avry hates. Moreover, the plot moved relatively quickly – there wasn’t an overdose of romance (no insta-love, thank goodness!), but more action, revenge-planning, and pondering about pain and mystery.
But then, I feel the other aspects of the book fall short. There’s fifteen realms and eleven types of magicians – yet we only encounter a handful of different types of magicians and aren’t even told the names of the realms. Don’t get me wrong – many of the settings were beautifully described – all five senses incorporated, even. However, I just feel that there could have been more – maybe I’m expecting too much, especially from Poison Study?
Moreover, most of the characters could have been a little more developed. I get that Avry’s kind – always wanting to heal children. But why? On the other hand, I’m not sure why someone like Avry would fall for Kerrick, and vice versa – it wasn’t insta-love, but their relationship wasn’t as developed either. As for the supporting cast, I feel that it’s an okay start – I have a general idea of their personalities and can differentiate between them, although they haven’t developed as much as they could have (again, I probably expected more because of Poison Study).
And one last thing – some of the book was predictable and a little unnecessary. For example, you can probably figure out from the beginning that Avry (view spoiler)[will heal Ryne, will survive, and will end up with Kerrick (hide spoiler)]. Not as big of an issue, but still, I wanted to rant on it.
But nonetheless, the unique idea and classic warrior-type heroine will keep me waiting for the next book, Scent of Magic (less)
Being a nerdy teenager, I can't say I know what it would feel like to be "Popular Parker". However, I do understand the feeling she gets when she's un...moreBeing a nerdy teenager, I can't say I know what it would feel like to be "Popular Parker". However, I do understand the feeling she gets when she's under pressure or the guilt she feels for a deed she may not have directly caused.
What I liked best about this book is the fact that it was so realistic, but also emotional and rich at the same time. There's no surprise happy ending popping up in the end (thank God). There's no easy way out. After all, every one must pay for their mistakes, no matter if they were intentional or not.
I liked seeing Parker grow. As Tatiana's review says, Parker isn't that likable in the beginning. And some girls might have thought, Why did she give up everything for nothing? Some of Parker's snarky comments and unwise decisions didn't make her the nicest kid in the neighborhood. However, again, watching her grow, admit her mistakes, and confront others was refreshing.
Another thing I liked was that Parker wasn't head over heels in love with Jake. Most "chick-lit" follow this story line "Boy meets girl --> Girl's in love --> Girl gets rejected/in confused with feelings although guy actually is in love with girl --> Girl and boy are in love --> Something bad happens --> They break up. --> Something else happens --> They make up --> Happily ever after". Definitely not this book. I'm not sure how many times Parker says no to Jake (view spoiler)[until the end, when their relationship is endearing yet complex (hide spoiler)], so she definitely wasn't a week heroine.
Overall, if you're a teenager girl about to enter/in high school, and are looking for a short-ish realistic fiction read, read Cracked Up To Be (or any Courtney Summers book, for the matter)(less)
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