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Taste of Darkness

(Healer #3)

Maria V. Snyder (Goodreads Author)

4.08 · Rating details · 14,058 ratings · 1,063 reviews

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 a ...more

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Paperback, Australian, 458 pages

Published January 2014 by HarlequinTeen Australia (first published December 31st 2013)

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May 10, 2013 Maria V. Snyder rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Wow - I just announced the new title for the book and here it is - already fixed!! For those who might be confused, the third Healer book was originally titled, TASTE OF DEATH, but has been changed due to a variety of reasons (see my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mvsfans for more details) and is now TASTE OF DARKNESS.

The book is written, but I'm working on edits. So far, my husband said it's the best of my Healer books! I realize he's my husband and you're suspicious, but he doesn't nor ...more

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Dec 23, 2014 Katerina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

“You have my heart, my soul, my life. I'm an empty shell without you.”

Taste of Darkness was the perfect conclusion to a perfect series! In this book, Avry and her boys had to make some serious choices about their loyalties and their priorities, while Ryne didn't hesitate to use them to achieve his goals, the Skeleton King slaughtered innocent people and then fed them to his armies, a new plague emerged and Tohon even frozen in a death stasis did not leave Avry alone. Did I mention the walking dead, Belen's disappearance and Kerrick's troubles with his forest magic? Surrounded by foes and spies, facing double crosses and ambushes, trying to figure out strategic military positionings and the extent of her powers, Avry of Kazan Realm came to find out whether she could really heal the world.

"But they fight in the name of the creator."
"I don't care if they fight in the name of broccoli. The goal remains the same."

The funny thing is, every power player had the same goal; bring peace to the Fifteen Realms. Some of them though wanted to crash their opponents and the means they used differed a little. The addition of the Skeleton King and the tribes completed the power puzzle and set the stakes even higher. I really admire the way Maria V. Snyder set up the chessboard, making Avry the Queen. I couldn't predict her next decision, I had a lump in my stomach throughout the book and could hear my heart beating fast and unsteadily in my chest. Kerrick and Avry had many scenes together (thank the Flea!), but Kerrick's condition made me nervous. I felt so connected with these characters, I considered them my family. I can't count the times I laughed with Quain's remarks and his banters with Loren, the times I felt warm inside with the love and the affection between the gang, and the ones I swooned over Kerrick. Oh, and the ones I wanted to feed Tohon to the Skeleton King!

I really loved the way Taste of Darkness combined romance, war, magic, friendship, sacrifices and betrayals , and even though I trembled and almost died of agony, it is my favorite book in the series! If you haven't tried Healer yet, it's about time you do! ...more

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Dec 31, 2013 Ferdy rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: abusive-hero, blah, magic, awful-love-interest, rubbish, bastard-hero, cheesy, fucked-up-romance, blah-romance, hero-dick-to-heroine

Spoilers

Hated it, I spent the majority of the book rolling my eyes. The plot, the characters, and the writing were all poor — there was nothing remotely interesting or good about them.

-What's what: Avry thinks her abusive boyfriend is dead, obviously he's not, everyone's happy but not for long as they have to beat the one-dimensional-evul Tohon and his army of dead. That means going from one place to another, running into bad guys, fighting and then separating, and then fighting some more. Yea, ...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Stefani marked it as to-read · review of another edition

December 2013 huh....why do you hate me Maria Snyder? Why? All I've done wrong is to love these first two books. Is that so bad? Why must you punish me? Don't say it's because secretly I like it...that is not the point! You simply cannot end Scent of Magic on THAT note and then expect me to wait a year. It's just not going to happen, it's not.

Oh, I'll tell you what I'm going to do about it! I'll break into your house and steal the manuscript from you! That's what I'll do!! *officially crosses t ...more

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Dec 20, 2013 Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, fantasy, reviewed, paranomal-general, 3-stars, read-in-2018, royalty, pn-romance, read-more-than-once, read-in-2014

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Should've been a better ending*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
This review is purely for me and might contain spoilers and facts from the book to keep myself in the known at all time. It's also long and somewhat detailed.

Re-read: 09.06.2018
We're back with the last book with Avry of Kazan (21), who is a healer; she absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself by laying hands upon the injured and dying. Tohon is frozen in stasis, his second in command has taken over, the sister of said second in comm ...more

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Nov 20, 2017 Irene Sim rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-read, audio, romance, fantasy-sci-fi

5 "Thank the Flea" stars!!!

Review Tomorrow. ...more

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Dec 28, 2013 Monika rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Maria is one of my favourite authors - not just because of her writing - but because she is lovely person - generous to her fans and just all round nice :)
Lol that being said - if I write a review about a book - it will always be completely honest because 1. It's my personal opinion and 2. what's the point of writing a review otherwise?

I really enjoyed the first two books in the series. I was happy that Maria had kept the theme of "magic" going as she had with the Study and Glass series. I re-re ...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Nithya rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mind-blown-awesome-breathtaking-tee, can-t-stop-thinking-about-just-awed, my-favourites-that-will-live-on-ins

:O warning spoilers
That was my face wen I finished the book
Aghhhhh I actually can't beleive I've finished it
I've been waiting a whole year and as soon as I heard it was out I screamed with delight and rushed around not mowing what to do.
But finally I did it (punching my fist up with triumph)

The skeleton king is a new interesting charecter in the book and I almost puked seeing what he does to his prisoners
Avery is a whole new person and I just love her.
When I started the book and found out Kerri ...more

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Nov 08, 2013 Rachael rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs, fantasy

ARC received via NetGalley

My review in one word: disappointing.

I don't know what went wrong. Honestly. I can't decide if her writing changed completely with this book or if my standards (boy that sounds pretentious) are different. If I went back and read the first of this series would I like it as well I as remember? If I reread the Study series would I love it still? I'm hesitant to test that theory.

It just felt so sloppy. The dialogue felt so basic and at times forced to create a chuckle. But ...more

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Dec 21, 2013 Deniz rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

2,5Stars

If I had to describe Taste of Darkness with one word, I would probably choose lacklustre.
Sadly so, and with great regret because Touch of Power was one of my favorite reads in 2012, not only that, one of my favorite fantasy book. I adored Avery and her boys. Loved the storyline and world building, but my favorite part was the character building. And we all know I am a sucker for great character driven novels. Scent of Magic was more plot driven. And one of the disappointing sequels of 2,5Stars

If I had to describe Taste of Darkness with one word, I would probably choose lacklustre.
Sadly so, and with great regret because Touch of Power was one of my favorite reads in 2012, not only that, one of my favorite fantasy book. I adored Avery and her boys. Loved the storyline and world building, but my favorite part was the character building. And we all know I am a sucker for great character driven novels. Scent of Magic was more plot driven. And one of the disappointing sequels of 2013- i chalked it up to second book syndrome. But sadly Taste of Darkness wasn't better, it was worse in my opinion.

Look if I am honest, if Touch of Power wasn't so awesome, I would have had less expectation. But then again, I think if I wouldn't have liked ToP so much I would have never finished this one.

Snyder writes really well. I love her writing style. But this time around the great dialogues felt a bit flat. They were way more fun the first time around. She definitely knows her craft and this come through in this novel as well.
Minor issue I had with the no chapter and no separation between POV situation of the ARC. I do hope this is just because it was the ARC? It would be a odd choice, and I had to every now and then read back, because the sudden change made me confused.

The character building was mainly made in the first book, there are some new developments. Flea is the biggest change, I actually loved how he grew and changed and took on the change of things. Kerrick was less stoic in this book, one of the things I found a bit annoying in Scent of Magic about him. But I found his desperation for Avery a bit grating, let's not even talk about his jealousy. Annoying deluxe. Avery was same old same old, and while her stubbornness was fun and cute in the first couple of novels- well let's just say the fun and cute factor wore off. A lot.
But in general it was fun to revisit the group- and the group has become quite a number of people. And I knew who they were despite my rather nonexistent name memory, which speaks for Snyders writing skills. And while I am being super critical about the characters, I should mention, that the character building is still pretty awesome.

The story line was well - a mash between first and the second book somewhat. Be prepared for a million and one rescue ops. I don't find them quite as enticing as I did in the first book. Then there was the "big"showdown. Which was not that big after all. And the end, while it was satisfying at some level, it was kinda well underwhelming. If I would have to describe the plot in a few words this would be it: rescue operations (like a million of it), research, arguing, friendship, fighting, discoveries and tidbits of lovey-dove- the end. In my opinion the story line was a bit all over the place, it felt like there were some event just added up and then at 90% the show down happened. By that point I was actually wondering if Snyder is planning to finish the story or writing another book. Which quite frankly I probably wouldn't have read. But then it did happen, a rather underwhelming and lacklustre experience actually. The finishing bits were actually rather nice and left me pleased. Still it took me 4days!! to work through this. Because it felt mechanic and to a degree tedious.

Which leads me to the question that plagued me from about 20% into Taste of Darkness. Why did Snyder write 3 Books?! Why not do a standalone? Why pull this over more than a 1000pages? Ok maybe two books I would understand, but three? It makes no sense, because not much is gained reading this third book. So sadly a totally underwhelming finish to a series. Though it does give you closure

A book for the fans of the author and the series. Still be warned it will take you one a ridiculous amount of rescue ops and there will be plenty of not so cute arguing.
...more

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Jan 09, 2014 Yoonji rated it did not like it · review of another edition

http://www.theinkgobbler.blogspot.com/

I remember reading Maria V. Snyder's "Study" series a couple years ago and finding myself completely enraptured by the crazy adventures the butt-kicking heroine went on. Which, of course, led me to devouring all of her other books with a speed faster than the Road Runner--beep beep. "Taste of Darkness" is the finale to the "Healer" series, bringing Avry's fight against Tohon and the Skeleton King to a close. Forgive me if I'm sounding a little lukewarm; I ha http://www.theinkgobbler.blogspot.com/

I remember reading Maria V. Snyder's "Study" series a couple years ago and finding myself completely enraptured by the crazy adventures the butt-kicking heroine went on. Which, of course, led me to devouring all of her other books with a speed faster than the Road Runner--beep beep. "Taste of Darkness" is the finale to the "Healer" series, bringing Avry's fight against Tohon and the Skeleton King to a close. Forgive me if I'm sounding a little lukewarm; I hate to say it (trust me, I really do), but I was so relieved when I finally hit the last page because the book was just so slow! Disappointment is a big, fat jerk.

Avry of Kazan has fought death and won. She survived the plague and defeated King Tohon, but when she wakes up one morning to find Kerrick gone from her bedside, Avry knows only fear. But that's not all that she has to deal with. The Skeleton King is plotting to take the Fifteen Realms for himself, and armies of the dead threaten to overwhelm Prince Ryne's forces. As virtually the last healer in the realms, Avry is needed now more than ever. Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully, or the kingdom will crumble under darkness.

I mentioned earlier that I found "Taste of Darkness" slow. And, unfortunately, I meant it. The plot of the final book in the "Healer" series is frustratingly plodding, even to the point where I ended up skimming over a good portion of the book. There really isn't much that happens in the story. In fact, it seemed as if Ms. Snyder was just using the last installment of the trilogy to wrap things up and give her readers a nice, clean ending. Having said this, wrapping things up doesn't have to be in such a lackluster manner! It's strange because I don't recall feeling this way whatsoever with the previous books in the series, yet with this last book, I was just bored out of my mind. I never got the feeling that something was at stake. Sure, I got that the Fifteen Realms would fall under the Skeleton King or Tohon's rule, but I never really felt that tension. In fact, I think one of the major problems in the storyline is that there really isn't a clearcut antagonist. It's basically Avry and her friends against the Skeleton King, Cellina and Tohon, and, because there are so many enemies, their respective threats diminished greatly. It's just such a huge disappointment, because there's some awesome potential with the series, and it had to end this way!

Another thing I noticed while reading the novel was that the writing style was a little awkward and pretty clumsy. Again, I don't know if it's always been like this and I just hadn't noticed, or if it suddenly got clumsier (chances are it's the former). For example, there were lots of sentences that could've flowed a lot more smoothly had there been a comma or two in them, since they ended up sounding like run-on sentences. Another thing is that the words and phrases used seemed a little...immature. I mean, Avry's already twenty one-years old, but her narrative voice gave me the impression that she could easily be fifteen. The same can be said about the other characters. I get that there's meant to be humourous banter, especially between the monkeys and within their group of friends, but it doesn't have to be lame. The characters weren't exactly witty, and the slightly awkward writing didn't help with that either.

I know I sound like I'm seriously bashing on this book, but I just have to say one more thing about the characters. I've always admired Ms. Snyder's heroines, because they're indubitably kickass and stubborn and compassionate and all that jazz. In "Taste of Darkness," I found that, yes, Avry was still a strong protagonist who has a good head on her shoulders, but she became pretty flat and static as a character. There wasn't any change within her, no more development that would've made her a dynamic and truly interesting main character to read about. This also ties in with the flat storyline, since there weren't many things that challenged her and pressed her to question herself and change into a stronger, better person.

Overall, "Taste of Darkness" is a rather disappointing finale to what could've been a fun fantasy series. Things just fell flat: the plot, the writing, and the characters. I'd probably give this one a miss--but I definitely recommend checking out Ms. Snyder's "Study" series! It's what had me thinking I'd found my new favourite author (though maybe not so much anymore).

Rating: 1/5 ...more

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Nov 25, 2012 AH rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: magic, zzread-dec-2013, bl-reviews, arc-netgalley, sos-bookshelf-bingo, mages, romance, babr-reviews, paranormal

Initial Thoughts: The best book in the series! After a slow start and trying to remember the huge cast of characters, I quickly got into this story and enjoyed it immensely. I loved the world created by the author and the book was a lot of fun to read. Full review to come...

The Review:
I've been a fan of Maria V. Snyder's Healer series for quite a while now. When the opportunity to read and review the third book came along, I jumped at the chance. The Healer series focuses on Avry, a remarkable y ...more

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Jun 24, 2016 Maye rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

"You have my heart, my soul, my life. I'm an empty shell without you."

Actual rating is 3/5 stars.

Hell, this book felt too long and too slow. You'd think since they're in war that they'd have limited time to do important things but no. Several months passed by before things escalated. There's just too many back and forth that had me rolling my eyes and wanting it to just end. The end wasn't even that thrilling!

Sigh.

Anyway, I'm really happy with all the character growths. Avry wasn't the heale ...more

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Feb 06, 2017 Johanna rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, romance

I started reading the Healers Trilogy expecting something similar to what the study-trilogy gave me and in part i got it in other parts I didn't. I could see the progression Snyder has made as a writer compared to the Study-Trilogy, which was nice, but there were still problems in terms of story telling.
Let me start with the characters. Avry and Kerrick are basically carbon copies of Yelena and Valek. since I loved those two, I didn't really mind, but still, the similarities were very very obvio I started reading the Healers Trilogy expecting something similar to what the study-trilogy gave me and in part i got it in other parts I didn't. I could see the progression Snyder has made as a writer compared to the Study-Trilogy, which was nice, but there were still problems in terms of story telling.
Let me start with the characters. Avry and Kerrick are basically carbon copies of Yelena and Valek. since I loved those two, I didn't really mind, but still, the similarities were very very obvious. Also several themes of the Study-Series reappeared in this one.
The more obvious ones I already menioned in the previous reviews, more specific for this book (view spoiler)
I did appreciate that the side characters got more profile and dimensions. Especially, Ryne was a nice addition. I was so angry with him for the way he used Avry and in consequence betrayed Kerrick and at the same time deeply impressed with his brilliance and strategic genius. I adored Great-aunt Yasmin (if I ever become this old, I want to be like her!) and I really liked the few scenes we had between Kerrick and the kids. Noak was entretaning as well.
Some major problems I had with this series/the last book:
(view spoiler)[
- All the fake out deaths! Seriously, no one of consequence dies in this series! Avry has several fake out deaths, Kerrick has three as well, Belen has one, and lets not forget Flea's major fake out death.
- The sex scenes all the time ... ok, not really, because we don't actually see them, but still Avry and Kerrick end almost every chapter they spend together with having sex. I get it, it's war, they both almost died several times but still ... it was slightly annoying after a while.
- the Skeleton King! He was great! Not in the sense that I liked him or that he was a fascinating character, but the horror his existance promised and that disgusting torture scene! It had soooooo much potential and then ... it was just over ... just like that ... why? Just so we can return to Tohon, who was no doubt an ass and disgusting but not nearly as scary? I think the Skeleton King would have deserved a book where he was the main antagonist for himself. Instead he was kind of wasted as a side antagonist who was in the end easily defeated.
- The ending ... Now, don't get me wrong, I like happy endings and I wanted this happy ending ... but the way it was done felt like I was missing some chapters. Avry sacrifices herself and dies with Tohon ... jumpcut she is in the Lily and Kerrick just sits around and waits. Why not give me a short chapter describing the panic and franticness Kerrick and the others must have felt? Searching for a Peace Lily maybe even worrying if they made it in time (since timing was a major point in why it didn't work with Ursan). Instead Kerrick just sits around and wallows in self pity. It just lacks the passion, the devestation I wanted. next thing we know Avry wakes up in his arms just like that, no more details. Two perfect opportunities for tons of angst wasted in none existance. It left me ... unsatisfied.
- also ... and I can't believe I'm saying that ... how about an epilogue? where Zila gets reunited with Avry and Kerrick (first the author deus ex machinas her, so she has healing powers years before it usually happens ... isn't that just really convenient!). Or how the world gets rebuild something like that? That would really have added something.
(hide spoiler)]
All in all this book felt very dark, not least because of the few scenes with and about the Skeleton King, and had so much plot it could have easily filled two books. In the end Taste of Darkness left me more disturbed and unsatified than I would have hoped for. ...more

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Oct 18, 2019 Aurialis rated it did not like it · review of another edition

By this point in the series, I was fed up with the multiple Romeo Juliet type non-endings. I have lost count of how many times the hero and heroine believe each other to be dead and grieve. It completely lost its appeal after about the third time around. I had become desensitized to it, especially since, there were many chapters that were titled Karrick!

I found the entire series to be sad. By the time I reached the third book, there was not a single character that I was rooting for! Avry is port ...more

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Jan 29, 2020 Siobhan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Taste of Darkness is the third and final book in Maria V. Snyder’s Healer series, and it’s a great end to the series. There was plenty packed into this book, ensuring I was hooked from the first to the last page.

With Taste of Darkness, everything that has been building throughout the prior books comes together. So much happens throughout this one, constantly keeping you turning the pages. I confess, some things were predictable and I saw them coming well in advance, but not everything. There wer ...more

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Feb 15, 2015 Sophia Sardothien rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Official Rating 3.8 stars
This book is an stunning conclusion to the trilogy, however it still could have been better. Everything was nicely summed up, if you enjoyed the second book this one would not be a disappointment.

(view spoiler) ...more

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Dec 21, 2012 Isha rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2014

Why do we have to wait so long?!?! I'm really upset with the way Scent of Magic ended. ;~;

4.5 stars

ETA: I loved it! A satisfying conclusion to a great trilogy. ...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Dani C rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: signed

So much love!! Can't believe it's over! ...more

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Oct 01, 2013 Katy is currently reading it · review of another edition

I love Avery! I love Kerrick! This is going to be great!

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Apr 08, 2017 Yael Shalom rated it really liked it · review of another edition

great series ! Lots of characters , the plot spreads on extensive geographical areas , wonderfull and originals ideas for a great magical world .
The last book was very busy and fast , a bit too much for me , but still I enjoyed it very much .

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Dec 31, 2013 Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, review

This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/

Avry is desperate because Kerrick has gone missing after he is poisoned by Death Lily toxin. Even though she is the only one who still thinks he is alive after searching for weeks, she has to focus on her patients as a new type of plague seems to be arising. With people developing new powers, Avry wanting to fulfil her promise to mom and look after her patients, and enemies surrounding them, including the disturbing ...more

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Oct 29, 2013 Sarah Elizabeth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: r2r-complete, read-2013

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley.)
This is book 3 in the ‘Healer’ trilogy, and picks up where book 2 left off.
Kerrick is poisoned by a death lily, and taken by the forest. Avry has no idea what has happened to him, why she has a whole bunch of patient’s dying, or what is going on with Tohon and the Skeleton King.
Will Kerrick ever come back? Can Avry heal her patients when it seems a new plague has arisen? And can ...more

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Jul 05, 2014 Anne Osterlund rated it liked it · review of another edition

Kerrick is missing.

Avery refuses to believe he is dead, but her desperate search turns up nothing and there is still a war to be fought. So she leaves a message and continues on to help collect Death Lily toxin, treat the patients in the infirmary, and defy the Skeleton King—among other felonious villains attempting to destroy the Kingdoms.

Fortunately her instincts prove accurate. Most of the time.

Taste of Darkness is the third and final book in Maria V. Snyder’s Healer series. Practically ever ...more

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Mar 23, 2013 Isabelle marked it as to-read · review of another edition

This is torture!!! I've read the first two books two months ago, have almost been crying that I have to wait too damn long for the third one. But eventually I was like: give yourself a few days and some more books and you'll soon get over it. But nope, after reading 13 more books I still can't forget, have to think about it every time I start a book and end it... They can just all go home with their wanna-be-kick-ass-females and their style to tell a tale. Maria Snyder, pleeease write more books ...more

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Feb 01, 2015 Shay rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: top-10-books-to-buy

I like how it switched between Avry and Kerrick. It gave new perspective and made it more interesting. It ended rather abruptly and I thought the battle with Tohon would be more intense. I loved this book when I first read it, but I suppose time changes the perspective.

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Nov 06, 2012 Nina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

2014?!?!?! Are you kidding me?! After the way Scent of Magic ended...? :(

EDIT:
Thank god it's back to 2013 again...and that I have an ARC ;) ...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Sinead added it · review of another edition

I think I'm about to start crying. I don't know which is sadder the ending of the 2nd book or the fact that the next book isn't out till December. ...more

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Jan 28, 2017 Dyanna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Taste of Darkness is the last book in the Healer Series .
Before I start this review I want to congratulate Maria V. Snyder for creating this phenomenal books!

The Healer Series aka Avry of Kazan Series were a pleasure to read and I must tell you guys that compared to the Study Series, this books had been more interesting book by book.

It has adventures, a playful group with witty comments that will make you smile and also romance.

Along this series what I loved the most was the development ...more

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May 08, 2012 Shelley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014-release, netgalley-arc

*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*MY Thoughts*

Maria V. Snyder's Taste of Darkness ends the Healer trilogy in a fashion that should leave readers pleasantly surprised and not wondering what the hell just happened. While you still have to wonder if your favorite characters will be spared by the often times used kill them off before they can reach the conclusion of the series feature, I can honestly say that this books ending won't leave you tossing the book in the bonfire or screaming in agony.

I find my *Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*MY Thoughts*

Maria V. Snyder's Taste of Darkness ends the Healer trilogy in a fashion that should leave readers pleasantly surprised and not wondering what the hell just happened. While you still have to wonder if your favorite characters will be spared by the often times used kill them off before they can reach the conclusion of the series feature, I can honestly say that this books ending won't leave you tossing the book in the bonfire or screaming in agony.

I find myself wondering if I am a sadist since this is also the fifth story after Daylighters, Champion, Allegiant, and The Sharpest Blade, that I have read over the past week. All five novels have been the last book of their respective series. All five books gave readers some hints of despair and apprehension as to whether or not their favorite character, or couples, would survive and have their HEA. In most cases, the ending was expected, while a few others, had me hissing like a cat who doesn't want to be bothered with the silliness.

Healer Avry of the Kazan Realm has been through hell and back ever since she went on the run more than 3 years ago and found herself being saved by Kerrick and his merry band of men known as the Monkeys (Loren, Flea, Belen, and Quain). She's died several times. She's been revived and become stronger for it. She's lost her entire family. She's gained unshakable allies and friends. She's come to learn about Peace and Death Lily's while fighting Tohon and his allies. Avry has become one of the most interesting characters that I've read about. She's determined, strong, focused, as well as putting herself in the danger to save those she cares for, as well as her own patients.

Taste of Darkness takes an interesting trip that centers around Kerrick and his awakening abilities that come to light after he staggers off and is presumed to be lost after being stabbed with an infected blade. Kerrick has fought hard to be with Avry and their love has grown by leaps and bounds over this trilogy but there is never a dull moment when they can totally relax and let themselves have a happy moment. Avry is constantly in the middle of difficult choices, while Kerrick finds himself wanting to grab Avry and run off to distant lands in order to keep her safe.

I can honestly say that I was not disappointed or put out over the challenges that Avry and Kerrick are forced to face in order to win the final battle with Tohon, Cellina, Sepp, Wynn, and a new nemesis known as The Skeleton King. I appreciated that Synder offered more than a few tender moments between the couple, while challenging them to their inner strengths and faults. I appreciated that there were moments when you were not sure who to trust, and the twists, and surprises, kept coming right to the end.

I enjoyed watching the new challenges that Flea has with dealing with his new death magic abilities while also thankful that Papa Bear Belen finds himself back into the storyline right when things aren't looking all that clear for the Avry and the gang. I respected that Snyder didn't push a 3 way love triangle on readers even though clearly there was that temptation to push Kerrick aside for others like Sergeant Odd, or even Tolon.

In the end, while perhaps not the strongest book that I have read by Synder, it was entertaining and filled with maneuvering that left me turning the pages as quickly as I could.

On the negative side, I am puzzled why the decision was made not to break the book down by chapters, or even places where you knew who was the new POV. The sentences often times ran back to back from Avry's POV, to Kerrick's. You really have to pay attention or else you will miss the sudden switches. If this happens to be my only complaint about Taste of Darkness, I can absolutely live with it and move on.

09/26/2013 Recvd via NetGalley - Expected publication: December 31st 2013 by Harlequin MIRA ...more

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Nothing But Readi...: Snyder Maria V ; Taste of Darkness (Healer #3) ; Informal Buddy Read Starts 16 June 2018	33	148	Jun 18, 2018 06:35AM
http://supplemen...: Exactly how Does Junivive Job?	1	1	Aug 02, 2017 02:30AM
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Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish	2	3	Mar 15, 2015 12:38AM
So how many times can a writer use kidnapping as a plot device?	3	29	Feb 10, 2015 11:25AM
Study Buddies: * Taste of Darkness - Spoilers OK	3	67	Jan 01, 2014 04:36PM
Study Buddies: * Taste of Darkness - No Spoilers!	1	22	Dec 30, 2013 12:07AM

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About Maria V. Snyder

Maria V. Snyder

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When Maria V. Snyder was younger, she aspired to be a storm chaser in the American Midwest so she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Much to her chagrin, forecasting the weather wasn’t in her skill set so she spent a number of years as an environmental meteorologist, which is not exciting...at all. Bored at work and needing a creative out ...more

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Quotes from Taste of Darkness

“But they fight in the name of the creator."
"I don't care if they fight in the name of broccoli. The goal remains the same.” — 24 likes

“She put her hands on her hips and surveyed the area with a cocky smile on her face. The smirk spread when the traitor met my gaze.
"No hello for your old friend?" she asked me. "Don't be rude Baby Face."
"Go to hell, Wynn.” — 7 likes

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