Review: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Published: December 20th, 2011 (Mira Ink)
Pages: 390
Source: for review from publisher
Challenge: none
Age group: YA/adult crossover
Series: Avry of Kazan #1
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Video review: YouTube
Rating: ★★★★★


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, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

Can I just say 'WOW' and let that be my review? Touch of Power was incredibly addicting, amazingly written and overall just utterly captivating. I'm a fan!

After three years on the run, Avry finds herself in a cell, waiting for her execution for being who she is. She gets bailed out by a group of rogues, who need her to heal their leader. Once again she finds herself on the run, but this time she has company - and I couldn't help but fall in love with the group of guys who freed her.

My absolute favorite character was Belen. I loved him so much! He was fully developed, completely fleshed out and just lovely. All of the characters were very well developed and it was easy to distinguish who was talking - although the monkeys were a bit hard to seperate - and I loved that they were all so unique. Even the antagonist, who you need to hate, had his good side and could be charasmatic if he wanted to, which made me completely confused on whether I should like him or not. Eventually, I picked my side; but he was made human, instead of a completely crazy madman like a lot of antagonists seem to be these days.

Avry was a strong female heroine with a mind of her own, determined and not afraid to stand her ground. I loved that! She had her weak spots, which made her human and relatable, and she made for a great main character. I loved to see her bickering with Kerrick, shooting sarcastic remarks at him. She was the only one who didn't do what he ordered her to do, and this immediately made me like her.

To be honest, I have no idea how to express my love for this book. It was very well written, with great characters and I loved the twists. If it wasn't for the fact that I was utterly exhausted, I would have finished it in one sitting - it's that good. I can't recommend this enough. If you like stories with strong and well written characters, a lot of plot twists, an addicting storyline and/or magic, I'm asking you.. What are you waiting for?! Go grab a copy and discover the awesomeness yourself!