I’ve been trying to get ahold of Snyder’s “Poison Study” after hearing so many positive reviews about it. However, it’s proving to be a tricky book to find, so I thought I would pick up “Touch of Power” and see how I liked her writing. Let me say this: I have been reading fantasy novels almost religiously my whole life. It is my favorite genre, and I always love finding new fantasy authors and books to delve into. But there’s a particular sort of fantasy book I’m always a sucker for. You know- the kind with a quest that takes the characters across a world or a realm; the kind with magicians and mages and witches who have fantastic powers; where there are bizarre new creatures; forests full of dappled sunlight and strange plants...Just a really beautiful, fascinating, new world of fantasy with strong characters and plenty of adventure.
That is this book!!

Honestly, a huge chunk of the reason I liked this book was just because of the fact that I love fantasy story like this, and I fell in love with the characters. Those were the two big driving forces for me. The story was just plain FUN! There was always something happening, and the journey felt very realistic and natural. The passage of time was clear, and I really connected to each of the characters and felt like they were built up nicely.
I was super pleased that there was no “love at first sight”, or weird romantic tension, despite the fact that a romance does develop. But “develop” is the key word. The two characters who do end up with feelings for each other go through a lot of turmoil and difficult situations, and they get to know each other before any romance begins. That was so nice to see, instead of just a random insta-love relationship.
Also, Avry was such a fun and strong female lead, and I enjoyed her character growth. I saw some people wrote that she felt annoying at times, and I agree, but I also would say that that made her seem more real and showed how she changed throughout the book. Avry isn’t perfect- she gets tired quickly and isn’t some “invincible” girl, she has an attitude at times, and she makes some poor choices. In the end, however, Avry uses both her magic skills and the skills taught to her by the group and uses them in a positive and mature way.

The reason I’m holding back from 5 stars is mainly because of the writing style. Although I adored the story itself, at times the way Snyder wrote was a little casual and informal. And that’s not to say writing can’t be sometimes, but it felt very out of place in this world.
For example, Avry constantly referred to her traveling companions as “the guys”. Like “the guys walked over to me” or “the guys began making dinner” (not exact quotes, but along those lines). It just felt weird. Also, at one point the characters meet up with a woman who simply says, “Call me Mom.” MOM?? The repeated use of this word felt awkward, especially when the characters would refer to her and say things along the lines of, “We could go back to Mom” or the like.
Secondly, I thought that there could definitely be more creative imagery. This is a fantasy book, so I really wanted to see more vivid descriptions of the forests, towns, people, and magic use. Snyder tells us what is around the characters or what they see, but I felt like there was a lack of inventive imagery. An example being when Avry and Flea go into the market and Avry describes the scene:
“[...] Children dashed between legs. The general noise of voices arguing and haggling blended together into a happy, prosperous hum. I basked in to market’s energy, filling my lungs with the heady smell of fresh bread.” (page 131 in paperback ed.)
That scene of description, along with others, just felt stilted and a bit uninspired, as if Snyder were just writing a stock image of a medieval market. Although it set the scene, I just felt as if the descriptions paled in comparison to the vibrant story.

I was a teeny tiny bit miffed that the book ended as quickly as it did- I thought the last 8 chapters or so could have used more attention and fleshing out. BUT I know there is a sequel, and that being considered, it doesn’t bother me too much. If this had been a standalone I would have been very frustrated, but it’s not, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
I’ve added “Touch of Power” to my favorites shelf, too. This is one I’m going to be reading again and again. :) ( )

Prelim Review: I was surprised by how much I kind of wanted to smack Avry at times. Some of the problems she has became problems because of her assumptions and stubbornness. She wasn't quite too stupid to live much of the time, but that didn't preclude her from being airbrained. If someone tells you 'Bad mercenary band is out hunting for you in this forest', the next logical leap of thought shouldn't have been 'let me wander aimlessly in this unknown forest'.

The story progressed quickly as the merry band of miscreants traveled closer to their goal (the Nine Mountains). Several adventures and calamities befell them--the Death Lillies, merc band that nearly kills one of them, merc band that kidnaps a girl they have to save, ex-fiancees stirring up issues, religious cults, Undead Warriors, old feuds, new feuds, death, family who should have stayed gone, blind disobedience, blind faith, romance, dancing--yeah I could go on but that'll just stray into really spoilery territory. Snyder packs A LOT into this book. An unbelievable amount in fact. There's very little 'down time' for the troop--whenever things settle Avry does something life-threatening, a merc band shows up or Kerrick is a jerk.

Full review to be posted at Romance Reader at Heart ( )

One of my favorite genres is female-driven fantasy, and I'm always thrilled when I come across a new book that gives me more of what I crave. In this case, a smart, gutsy heroine, fabulous world building, political intrigue, and a truly messed up, powerful villain. Oh yeah, and a touch of romance that's handled just right. I wasn't a fan of the author's Study books, but she really won me over with this one. Her writing has such a compelling, engaging quality to it. I couldn't put the book down, and I can't wait to read the next in the series. ( )

This is the first book in a trilogy about Avry, a Healer. It's a relatively fast read, and Maria V. Snyder always does a fabulous job creating new worlds and fascinating characters. There's quite a bit of action, so the almost 400 pages flies by. There are clearly characters you are supposed to love and some you are supposed to hate, but sometimes that line blurs.

All in all, I don't have much to say about this book except if you like MVS's other series, then you'll like this. It's a little sci-fi, a little fantasy, and definitely a good read. ( )

Very good novel! Engaging, interesting with an integrated world history, but also easy to follow.

Triggers: plague*, mentions of injuries, past death of family members, light torture, suffocation (*although I have difficulties with this one and was fine).

Felt a little more mature and developed than the first book I read by this author (Poison Study). Some plot points I saw coming and thus failed to have the shock factor I imagine they were supposed to. The author did well building tension especially towards the last quarter of the book. I'll definitely be looking out for the last two parts of the trilogy! ( )