Touch of Power

Review time! Touch of Power is the newest novel by best-selling author, Maria V. Snyder. The novel is available for purchase today! Today is the international release date (US, UK and AUS) for Touch of Power so read my review and then go get a copy ;) Thanks so much to Harlequin Teen Australia for sending me an ARC.

(Goodreads) 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....
 
The Short Story? – Touch of Power is my favourite teen fantasy of 2011 – HANDS DOWN. Snyder has written an unforgettable and captivating start to a series that will definitely gain all the attention it deserves. Beautifully written, Touch of Power is a fantasy that will linger long after the last page. Wonderfully developed characters, a touching romance and a plot filled with adventure, readers are bound to love it!

The Long Story? – Touch of Power is the first of Snyder’s novels that I have read but after finishing it I felt obliged to start her Study series so I went out and got myself a copy of Poison Study ( which is great but in my opinion Touch of Power is better). Touch of Power had such a huge influence on me, I haven’t read as many teen fantasies lately with all the paranormal romance on the market but I really think that this novel will rekindle the love for many readers. This is fantasy written at its best, the right balance of romance, magic and adventure. One of my favourite aspects of the novel was the overshadowed romance, I’ve long forgotten that a novel can be great without the lure of romance. The magic, danger and adventure were the highlight of the novel and the romance was just a minority and THAT was brilliant! For lovers of The Study series and fantasy, here comes an extraordinary novel!

I was under the mistaken impression that unless a YA novel have teenage characters, it would not be enjoyable but how wrong am I! It seems that Snyder has a specialty of writing teen novels with adult characters and it’s brilliant and original! Avry (age 20) is our protagonist and I love this girl! I think Avry is a perfect example of a fantasy heroine. Strong, brave, loyal, a little stubborn and willing to die for the greater good. Her personality was well developed (same with all the other characters) and she has depth, Snyder has created a background that shapes who Avry is. Kerrick (age 25/26?) is another one of Snyder ‘perfect’ characters. Sometimes I think that the “physical beauty” of our love interests kind of overshadows how well developed a character really is. I really thought Snyder understood the importance of “inner beauty” so very well done! I felt that I grew to know many of the secondary characters just as well as the main characters and that was another highlight for me – wonderful characterization.

The novel hits stores today and I strongly encourage all of you to grab a copy! Touch of Power is an engrossing novel that will not disappoint! It’s a GURANTEED good read! This novel has had a huge influence on me. I laughed, I cried and in between I sat on the edge of my seat unable to put the book down. A heart-pounding adventure, a heroine like no other heroine, romance worthy of rejoice and a teen fantasy that’s on its way to the bestseller list! An unforgettable start to a series that I will eagerly anticipate. Touch of Power would make an excellent addition to your shelves ;) This one is a keeper!

Rating – 6/5


Badass Bookie xx