Review - Taste of Darkness (Healer #3) by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Taste of Darkness

Author: Maria V Snyder

Series: 3rd (Touch of Power, Scent of Magic)

Pages: 400

Published: December 31st 2013 by Harlequin MIRA 

ISBN: 9780778315858

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: 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 and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision. 

I Give This ...

I was waiting very patiently for this one.  I knew this was to be the last in the series and I hoped that it would have a satisfactory ending.  It's Maria Snyder!  I shouldn't have worried!

One thing I always have loved about Avry is that she doesn't like to be used and she doesn't like to be cornered.  She has a hard time taking orders from Ryan.  It's not so much that she wants to do her own thing.  But more along the lines that she can see the better way to get things done.  And she's always trusts her instincts, which don't always match up with what everybody else is doing.  I admired her courage when Kerrick is missing and presumed dead.  I love her interactions with the Peace and Death Lilly's.  She always puts others first to the point that some of them leave out little details to keep her from putting herself in harms way.

Kerrick was interesting to me.  He's character took a drastic physical transformation that I found fascinating.  Turns out his forest magic is way more intricate that I though possible.  But for the longest time I wondered how he would be able to help Avry and his friends.  He has way more limitations that he ever did.  At times I did enjoy this though because it required him to step back and admit that Avry could do that work.

There's a lot of details in this book.  Way to much to cover in a short little review.  But, the story was surprisingly fast paced.   Enough so, that as I reached the end I wondered if we would see a conclusion or if Maria would surprise us with a 4th book.  Thankfully it ended in a way that didn't really surprise me.  I'm just thankful those damn Lilly's are around!

I have no idea what's up next for Marie, but you can bet I will be reading it!

Review - Scent of Magic (Healer #2) by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Scent of Magic

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: 2nd (Touch of Power)

Pages: 400

Published:  December 18th 2012 by Harlequin MIRA 

ISBN: 9780778314189

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description:  As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.  Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.  War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again.

I Give This ...

 

I adore Maria Snyder's work.  My favorite is still her Poison Study series, but Touch of Power really struck a cord with me and was similar in so many ways.  Since Maria is on my must read list, it was a no-brainer that I would be reading this one.

I love how take charge Avry is in this book.  She readily makes decisions for herself and follows through with them.  I never felt like she made any hasty decisions.  Some wrong ones yes, but always in the hope to get to the bottom of things and find answers.  I also love that fact that its obvious she loves Kerrick (and he loves her), but their feelings for each other do not get in the way of what they both feel they have to do.    I was intrigued by Avry's thoughts on the Peace and Death Lilly's.  Everytime she lets one of the flowers take her, I always hold my breathe a little bit that it might be the time that they don't let her go.  I found that theory that the flowers are attracted to the potential of magic to be particularly fascinating because it plays such a huge surprising role in this book.

The story isn't particularly fast paced, but it's action packed.  There are so many different things going on.  Avry is busy with undercover work in Estrid's Army.  I love that she teaches them how to move through the woods just like Kierran taught her to do.  Kierran is trying to stop a vicious northern tribe from annihilating his homeland.  But to do that, he has to go home to the people and family he's left behind.  And while a lot of his story seems to just complication the plot, I wonder the greater purpose.  Especially the tribe...I think they might come in handy in the future.

I'm most curious what King Tohon's next move is.  I know what he wants, but he seems to be playing around at getting it.  Although what he did with his undead army was just awesome.   I want to see how this can all possibly wrap up in the next book...

Review - Touch of Power (Healer #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Touch of Power

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: 1st

Pages: 394

Published: December 20th 2011 by Mira

ISBN: 9780778313076 

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs 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 Fifteen Realms, 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...

I Give This ...

 

I've been eagerly awaiting this book for several reasons.  First, I've yet to come across a book Maria has written that I didn't like.  Second, this sounded more like the type of story in The Study series which is my favorite.  I was not disappointed.

I was immediately drawn to Avry's character.  I liked that she's a healer, which has put her on the run for the past years.   But the fear of death doesn't overpower her need to help people.  She's especially drawn to children close to death.  When she's "rescued" from prison, she doesn't know what to expect.  And it's definitely not the idea of traveling across half the country to heal a man she's has no intention of healing.  But, it's either that or risk being caught by the bandits chasing them.  She's got a hefty bounty on her head, and she's worth more if she's brought in alive.

I loved learning about the world Avry lives in.  It's in complete turmoil since the plague devastated most of the population.  There are a few people willing to go to great lengths to control it all.  Turns out these people are connected in ways you wouldn't imagine, and they're playing a game for the ultimate prize.  Avry has to decide who to trust, what previous notions she has to let go, and most of all what might be best for the country as a whole.  Imagine being able to influence something on that level.

The story is full of characters I loved.  I enjoyed Kerrick and his band of men.  I think Avry was so use to being alone, that this group showed her what it was like to have people care about you.  I also enjoyed their devotion to Ryne not matter what it cost them.  It's truth faith in some, even if it can be some what blinded.   I enjoyed the intrigue and even the deviousness of the "bad" guys.  I never knew what to expect.

It's a wonderful fantasy story full of magic, suspense, and romance.  I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoyed The Study series!

 

Review: Outside In (Inside Out #2) by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Outside In

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: 2nd in Inside Out

Pages: 320

Published: Available now from Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 9780373210114
Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Me? A Leader? Okay, I did prove that there's more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion - between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we're free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again - while still touching base with Riley, of course. He's the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there's outside and then there is Outside. And something from Outside wants In.

I Give This ...

 

She's successfully done it.  I've read everything written by Maria Snyder and everything has earned a 4 star or higher.  I will read anything she writes until she proves me wrong!

I loved this sequel to Inside Out!  The story manages to have something new while remaining true to the characters introduced in book 1.  Since the characters live in a box in the middle of nothing, I was really curious were this story could possibly go.   I was surprised and what the new thing was that was threatening to destroy Inside!

I really liked how Trella progresses in the story.  She didn't mean to start the revolution and she definitely wasn't looking to be it's face.  Why in the world would she want to be it's leader now.  I really wanted to shake and make her see how much good she could do for Inside as a whole.  But, she a teenager.  What teen really wants that much responsibility at such a young age.

I was surprised at how many twists and turns the story takes.  For the longest time I had no idea who to trust.   Trella makes some tough choices that really alienate her from the people who helped in the first book.  I wasn't surprised that so many people could turn on her.  I was glad to see her finally step up the plate and fight for the people of Inside and for herself!   

 

Review: Inside Out (Inside Out #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Title:  Inside Out

Author:  Maria V Snyder

Series: 1st in Inside Out series

Pages: 320

Published: Available now from Harlequin

ISBN: 9780373210060

Source: Personal Copy

Description: Keep Your Head Down.  Don't Get Noticed. Or Else. I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution. 

I Give This ...

 

It's funny how a book can start a trend.  From the first time I read the description I thought that it sure sounds a lot like The Hunger Games.  And while there are quite a few similarities, the stories each hold their own.  Oddly enough there is another element to the story that predates the idea behind another newer release that I won't name.   If you've read both, you'll know exactly what I mean.

It seems appropriate that Trella is a loner.  It makes it hard for her to trust anybody, which also makes it hard for her to accept help.  And she's not looking to cause a rebellion, just merely acting in the best interests of the only friend she has.  The problem is that one friend also happens to be one of the most well liked scrubs.  When her actions lead to his arrest, those scrubs that know her involvement will do anything to help her accomplish the goal, even if that goal really is a myth.

It took awhile to get into the book.  Snyder has to create the world that Trella lives in and it's no easy task.  It really was hard for me to picture it.  But, I fully understood the government that was in place.  It's easy to keep the status quo when everyone around you has been made to believe lies.  What started out as a simple task to help a friend see the "truth" ends up bringing together the oddest group of people that actually have one goal, and of course one traitor.   

Once the world has the proper set up and the story got going, I was enthralled.  I loved the characters and the storyline.  I loved watching Trella learn who she really is and that's ok to let in others.  I can't wait to read the next one!!

Spy Glass (Glass #3) by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Spy Glass

Author: Maria Snyder

Series: Last in Glass series

Pages: 424

Published: August 2010 by Mira

ISBN:  9780778328476

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Description: Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood—and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or learn if they're lost forever…After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world. 

I Give This ...

 

I've enjoyed everything I've read my Maria Snyder, and this one was no exception.  Opal has continued to prove that she deserved to be the lead character in her own series.  Plus, it seems like the whole gang was in this one, and I loved it!

I was afraid for part of the book at the direction Opal was headed.  It seemed like she had a one track mind and wasn't paying attention to those people who cared about her.  It felt like she had become addicted to magic, and once the thought was put in her head that she couldn't possibly get it back it was all she thought of.  I really liked her interactions with Valek.  It gave him a different face than the assassin/love interest that we meet in The Study Series.  I also loved how she learned she wasn't alone.  She had way more friends and family that truly cared about her than she realized.

I also really enjoyed the surprise elements that were woven into the story.  It's one of those things that make me want to read again to see if there are any hints that I can catch that clue the reader into what is really happening.  I didn't catch them until the author point blank stated them.  I was intrigued by the dangerous magical elements that are presented into the story.  I understood from previous how horrible blood magic was, but the last part of this book really made it hit home.  It was horrible watching Opal struggle to find loopholes in what she was ordered to do.

The only downfall...for once I disagreed with who Opal choose in the end.  I never have had that happen.  Although, I do admit I understood why and then may have been the better choice.  And, oddly my reasoning wasn't because of the reasons most people who expect.

So, Maria Snyder goes on my list of favorite authors.  She hasn't disappointed me yet.  And I've realized I need to get the first book in her new series Inside Out as soon as possible!

  

Sea Glass (Glass #2) by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Sea Glass

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: 2nd in Glass series

Pages: 379

Published: September 2009 by Mira

ISBN: 9780778325802

Source: Library

Description: Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks, because she is sure that another man, now her prisoner, has switched souls with Ulrick.  In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain.... 

I Give This ...

 

Opal has some multiple personality disorder or something in this one.  While not a bad thing, it was kind of odd.  But, I guess it might be understanding considering what she goes through in this book.

At the beginning she's the character we've seen all along.  She's a bit of a pushover, but you can tell she fighting it quite a bit.  Instead of going straight to the keep when demanded of her, she still searches for Ulrick.  I was disappointed how quick she gave up though.  I also greatly disliked how the First Magician's and the council treated her.  But, I was expecting it (they did the same thing to Yelena in The Study series).  But, I was surprised at how nobody believed her.  It's no wonder she switched and became a little bit sarcastic and hardened.  She was learning that she couldn't trust anyone but herself.

I liked Devlin a lot during this book.   It's refreshing to have a truly reformed bad guy.  Although, I was just like Opal and wasn't sure if he was feeding her full of lies.  Ulrick, I would have gladly punched him in the face for Opal.  Overall, I was happy to see that the truth comes out and Opal learns that she truly has people who love and care about her.  And her magical abilities are astounding.  I don't think we've learned the true scope of what she can do.  I'm looking forward to reading Spy Glass! 

 

Storm Glass (Glass #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Storm Glass

Author: Maria Snyder

Series: 1st in Glass series

Pages: 488

Published: May 2009 by Mira

ISBN: 9780778325642

Source: Library

Description: As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she hadn't known she possessed…powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known.

I Give This ...

 

I LOVED the Study series by Maria Snyder.  So, when I discovered that this series was to be set in the same world (with a character mentioned in the series) I was both really excited and apprehensive.  I was worried about a few things.  Turns out there was no reason to be worried.

Opal was able to carry her own story remarkably.  I actually wish we could have gotten more of the story since the end of Magic Study.  But, since those 4 years are spent at the Keep, I assume not much happens.  I like how for most of the book Opal doubts herself and her magic abilities.  I like it when character appear human.  I liked Kade as well.  Although, I found him a whole lot easier to read than Opal.  His character seems very textbook so far and I'm hoping he surprised me a little in the future. 

I found the subject of the stormdancers and their ability to trap energy into orbs completely fascinating.  Especially because the process of creating these special orbs is just as important and the stormdancers themselves.  I also really loved how Opal has powers far beyond what she initially thinks.  And once again, the magicians don't like it!

My only drawback was it was a little slow at times.  But then it would pick back up.  I also wish Yelena would have been left out of the story (at least for this first one).  Everytime she appeared I wanted the narrative to switch to her fiery character and that's not fair to the characters in this novel.  Thankfully she's just a small part of the story.  I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Fire Study (Study, #3) by Maria V Snyder

 

Title: Fire Study
Author: Maria V Snyder
Publication: March 2008 by Mira
Pages: 448
ISBN: 9780778325354

Description:  The apprenticeship is over— now the real test has begun. When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before.…
Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.

I Give This Book 4 Stars

While this was a wonderful wrap up to the Study series, I found myself not as engaged as I was with the first two books.  Perhaps the book is not entirely at fault since I was reading it during a hectic time.   But, I found myself skimming sections, realizing I missed something important, and then having to go back and reread.    There seemed to be lots of traveling around in this book, which seemed to distract from the actual story.  Now, there is still some very exciting parts throughout the story.  I still loved the characters.   I enjoyed discovering what an actual Soulfinder is.  I wasn't extremely surprised by the villain, although the extent of the devastation caused was horrible.  I still would recommend this series to anyone.  I will definitely be reading the Glass series by Maria Snyder.  It's set in the same world with one of the characters brough to light in Magic Study (although she's in this one too).

Magic Study (Study #2) by Maria V Snyder

Title: Magic Study
Author: Maria V Snyder
Published: October 2006 by Luna
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780373802494

Description: Yelena is a survivor. Kidnapped as a child, held prisoner as a teen, then released to act as a poison taster, she is now a student of magic. But these magic skills place her in imminent danger, and with an execution order on her head, she has no choice but to escape to Sitia, the land of her birth.
But nothing in Sitia is familiar. As she struggles to understand where she belongs and how to control her powers, a rogue magician emerges and Yelena catches his eye. Suddenly she is embroiled in a situation not of her making. And once again her magical abilities will either save her life or be her downfall.
With her greatest enemy dead, and on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago, Yelena should be pleased. But though she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways and her new-found friends and relatives don't think it's for the better.
Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magic training especially as she's been given one year to harness her power or be put to death. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians.
If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with all her new enemies.

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

I am happy to say I loved this book almost as much as the first.  Now, I want you to note that it's only a half star difference...so not much.  I loved reading about Yelena's home land, and her struggle to find her place in it.  All my favorite characters from book one make an appearance in this book, and some new ones added.  I didn't like Leif at first, but he grew on me.  He's got some heavy baggage to bear and it's very evident in his dealing with Yelena.  I particularly loved The Moon Man.  I don't know if the author intended for him to be so humorous, or if it was just the way I read it.  I also really enjoyed Yelena's new found connection with the horses (probably because I have a special fondness for them as well).  The book was fast paced and I loved every minute of it.  So why did I like it slightly less than the first?  Honestly, I don't think I could put my finger on it.  Poison Study just had something extra. 

Poison Study (Study, #1) by Maria V. Snyder

I Give this book 4.5 Stars!

Description: Choose: A quick death and hell or slow poison and hell.  About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.   And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.   As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear.

This book was so close to being worthy of 5 stars!  I loved it.  I found myself having to read it at odd times just because I wanted to know what happened (I read while I was cooking dinner even lol).   I really enjoyed Yelena's character.  I thought she was well developed and made the story interesting.  The circumstances in the story were intriguing.  The only reason it didn't get 5 stars, is because I figured out some of the events before they happened.  Not a big deal, but one of them I wish I would have felt the suprise of it instead of figuring it out way before.  I will pick up the next in the series and continue on!