Taste of Darkness

Goodreads Synopsis:    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 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.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a good ending to the trilogy. Everything wraps up nice, and I'm not wondering about loose ends. 

-    I don't think Kerrick's POV was necessary when he and Avry are together. Again, it was weird how it changed from 1st person to 3rd person. 

-    I really liked Kerrick in the first book, but he got really needy in this book, and it was kind of annoying. I don't like it when tall, dark, and brooding turns into needy, jealous, and possessive.

-    I like that the whole gang was finally reunited. I really missed Belen.

-    The Skeleton King was a creepy and disturbing guy, and I love that in a villain. His form of torture just sent shivers up my spine. If Tohon was really smart, he would have hired The Skeleton King.

-    Prince Ryne bugged me. I know he had a big old plan, and he was trying to outsmart Tohon, but he was a jerk about it! I hate it when the main character is being used as bait, and they don't even know it! 

-    I really like how clever Avry is, and I like that she makes smart decisions despite her emotions. She knows how to hold her own against a bunch of men. I loved her strong personality.

Previous books in the Healer trilogy:

(covers are linked)

 

Scent of Magic

Goodreads Synopsis:    Hunted, Killed—Survived?

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.

My Thoughts:

-    I liked and hated the two stories and perspectives. I didn't like how it changed from first person to 3rd person. There was already a lot going on with Avry and the war, and I don't think more trouble was needed. However, in the end, I kinda liked the new race of people introduced.

-    The guy on the cover is weird. I don't know why he is there, and it looks way out of place.

-    I wish Avry and Kerrick had more time together. I feel bad for them, and I think they can do so much more together. They make an unstoppable team!

-    I didn't like how much time the book spent on Avry teaching other soldiers to walk through the forest. I felt like a lot of the stuff in the middle was filler and it slowed down the story.

-    All the twists and surprises were awesome! I didn't see a few things coming.

-    I love the characters! Snyder has an amazing talent for creating wonderful and lovable characters.

-    Quain and Loren remind me of Ari and Janco a little bit.

-    Great story, but OH the ending! I can't wait to read the next book. 

First book in the Healer trilogy:

(cover is linked)

Touch of Power

Goodreads 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...

My Thoughts:

-    I just LOVE Maria V. Snyder books!!  *sigh*  This one did not disappoint.  Great story, wonderful characters, and everything in between!

-    I really like Avry.  She has a nice name, and a spunky, stubborn personality.  Her powers are like Rogue's and Wolverine's combined!  Cool!

-    I love the dialogue in all of Snyder's books.  The banter between characters is wonderful and hilarious.     Snyder has quite the sense of humor and wit.

-    The cover is nice, but I don't like the girl's face.  She kinda looks like Kristen Stewart, and that bugs me.  

-    Each chapter always made me want to read just one more!!  Of course, I couldn't stop.  I just devoured the whole book from start to finished.

-    I love the humor and friendship between the characters.  Belen, Quain, Loren, and Flea just add so much awesomeness!!  Every girl needs some brothers like these guys.  Belen is my hero!

-    I am not a sappy person, and I'm not into chick flicks or anything like that, but for some reason, Maria V. Snyder's books always make me swoon, sigh, and melt.  Amid the adventure and magic, she always adds in a bit of romance, and I just eat it up!!  I think it is because her men are always so swoon worthy.  

-    After finishing this book, I just feel happy and giddy.

-    The ending is GREAT!!  There are still things left to find out though, but I'm sure that will be taken care of in the future books.  The end wasn't a huge cliffhanger (THANK YOU VERY MUCH!), but I'm eager for #2 in this series.