Early Review: Scent of Magic

Scent of Magic (Avry of Kazan #2)

Maria V Snyder

Publisher: MIRA Books - Published on 24^th December 2012

E-Arc with thanks to Netgalley and Mira

Hunted, Killed—Survived?
As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avery 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, Avery 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, Avery 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 Avery is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again

Despite being the second book in the series, I found this story much simpler than the first book and as a result the story was faster-paced, tauter and more exciting. The first few pages mention a lot of names and it took me a while to catch up with all the characters, factions and powers again. There is no quick recap at all so you are thrown straight into the action. However, with Maria V. Snyder’s lyrical prose, it doesn’t take long to remember the details and be fully submersed in Avry’s world again.

Avry is on her own for most of the story and we get to see how strong she is on her own – without her constant mothering of her companions. She is able to use her own skills and intelligence to prove herself and it is refreshing to see such a warm and caring character standing on her own feet without a guy to support her at all. The story focuses on war with most of the action taking place at the army’s training ground. There are some intriguing developments regarding the Peace and Death lilies and the new characters in the army are a nice expansion to the world.

As ever one of the elements I loved the most about Maria’s writing is the relationships between characters as they evolve. The banter is fun and realistic – I always wanted to spend more time with these characters which is a good sign! The romance is not omni-present but just simmering nicely in the background. There are some interesting twists at the end of the book which will make the third book very exciting...do I have to wait a whole year though before reading it..? J

Fun fantasy with great characters and an easy reading style. One of my favourite fantasy reads of the year!

Recommended for fans of Robin Hobb and Sarah J Maas. 9 out of 10

Early Review: Touch of Power

Touch of Power (Avry of Kazan 1)

-       Maria V Snyder

Publisher: MIRA Books - Published on 27^th December 2011

E-Arc with thanks to netgalley and Mira

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....

Maria V Snyder is one of my favourite authors and with this new book, she has created new world with new magic and new politics to worry about – and a new series I love!. Avry is the last healer and is in hiding after a plague spread throughout the land decimating the population. The Healers were blamed for it so she has to avoid using her powers in order to survive until she heals one sick child. From then on she is hunted and chased and dragged across the country as everyone wants her to use her healing powers. The trouble is healing isn’t without a cost...

This is a very easy to read book and I swept through the pages in no time. There is a lot happening with the world being set up, different political factions, new types of magic and it feels very much like the beginning of a trilogy with many elements introduced but not resolved. This does make me want to read the next books, but can be frustrating for those who want everything self contained. That said, there is a progression with Avry in this books as she becomes more involved in what is happening in the wider world rather than just hiding. Avry is a great character – she suffers for every person she heals, taking on their injuries. Luckily her body is able to fight and repair itself faster than most people.

I loved the banter and relationships that develop between Avry and her travelling companions which adds both fun and depth to the story. The peace and death lilies are intriguing and I’m sure they are will be explored more in the future. Overall, this is an easy going, non-taxing fantasy with plenty of fun despite some truly disturbing ideas – the main villain is enough to make you squirm uncomfortably in your chair. This type of fantasy just allows you be immersed in the world and to follow characters that you like through all their trials and tribulations – a fun jouney!

I seem to be on a run recently with good books and have really been enjoying myself reading – long may it continue! J

Recommended for fans of Robin Hobb and Emily Gee. 8 out of 10.

Outside In Early Review

Outside In

-  Maria V Snyder

Kindle book

This was an e-Arc received from netgalley and Harlequin

(I've purposely not used the backcover summary as it have spoilers for Inside Out)

Outside In kicks off 12 weeks after the end of Inside Out with the whole of the Inside struggling to come terms with the changes Trella and her friends have made to their world. Trella, herself, has retreated slightly from other people again and would like to be left alone while exploring Inside. But, it looks like not everyone is happy with Trella’s revolution and some would rather return to the old status quo...

In the first book Trella reacted to events and people. This time round she is more pro-active, albeit rather reluctantly. She also learns to accept responsibility for her actions rather than hiding from them and even learns that everyone makes mistakes – even her. I liked these changes and developments and it feels to me that Trella has come a long way from the prickly loner scrub we first met. She really has grown up. In addition the other characters have changed as well – I loved the development of Dr Lamont and the introduction of Bubba Boom added some sparkle to the existing relationships. There is just as much action as before but with the added confusion of who to trust which made the twists and turns more personal – as like Trella I was never sure who was telling the truth and who was lying. Even Riley is not beyond suspicion...Once again Maria V Snyder reminds us of what is at stake with no character guaranteed to survive.

In the end I loved the ride and was willing Trella to succeed throughout. The story just wrapped itself around me and I didn’t to escape. For me this was the perfect place to finish Trella’s story. She has changed so much and explored so much of Inside’s history and background. I don’t know if Maria V Snyder is planning any more books in this world but to me the story finishes with hope and pretty close to perfection. Another great story, well told and a lot of fun to read.

Recommended for fans of Richelle Mead and PC Cast. 9 out of 10.

INISIDE OUT GIVEAWAY!

As you may have read yesterday I loved Inside Out. But between one thing and another, I've managed to end up with with two copies of the book. So I'm offering one of you lucky people the chance to win my spare copy - all you need to do is fill in the below form. Simples! :)

Giveaway will close on Monday 21th February 2011 and is open internationally - Good Luck!

Inside Out Review

Inside Out

-       Maria V Snyder

Publisher: UK – MIRA Ink

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? Not like it's all that dangerous - the only neck at risk is my own. Until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution...

Trella is a scrub – a maintenance worker in the crowded levels one and two of the Inside. There is little space for the scrubs while the uppers have the luxury of space and families. So from a young age she learned to escape into the pipes and conduits and earned herself the name Queen of the Pipes. Trella is a loner by choice – at the beginning she has only one friend, Cog who acts as a big brother to her. And while she may not be happy, she doesn’t have any hope that things will change. It’s always been like this and it will probably always be like this. Probably. Somehow Trella ends up learning more about the Inside than anyone else and perhaps even the existence of a mythical Gateway to Outside...

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Maria V Snyder’s work – I adored her Study and Glass trilogies and here she offers a very different novel, moving from fantasy to science fiction. However, she still manages to pack in a lot of action, relationships and some surprising twists into this YA novel. I have to admit I was swept up with Trella and loved the way she really didn’t have a plan but was making it all up as she went along. She acted on instinct and had to learn to trust others. She had no big ambitions – she just wanted to be left alone. Yet, by the end she manages to make numerous friends and explore parts of Inside no-one had ever been to before.

There is a sweet romance in the story with an upper, Riley, but it doesn’t really become the focus. I loved the way Maria Snyder manages to convey different personalities in just a short space and even manage to include a variety of twists and turns. There are a few that genuinely startled me and along the way Trella learns that if you want things to change, you have to do something. There are lessons learnt about freedom and propaganda throughout. There’s enough action, conspiracy and discoveries to keep you reading and enjoying the journey throughout. Great fun and where can I get my own sheepy?

And stop by again tomorrow for my Inside Out Giveaway! :)

Recommended for fans of Richelle Mead and Rachel Vincent. 9 out of 10.

New Year Winner!

We're well into the New Year - and doesn't the holiday break seem like a long time ago?! Coming back to work has been a really struggle for me but hopefully this will cheer one person up - I have drawn a winner of my New Year Giveaway! Thanks to everyone for entering - there were a lot of new authors I'd not heard of that you recommended - lots to try out for the new year!  Back to business and the winner is....drumroll please....

Tanya1224

Congratulations! I've emailed you and you have 5 days to reply with your choice of book from Maria V Snyder's catalogue. Otherwise a new winner will be drawn. Hope you enjoy the book! :)

Sorry to everyone else, but of you get the chance do pick up one of Maria V Snyder's books - there's not a bad book yet! :-)

In addition, you recommended so many authors that I have to confess I've not heard a lot about. I hope to have some chance in the coming weeks to look at their books in more detail but for those of you who are intrigued, here's the complete list:

Authors Who Deserve More Recognition:
- Maria V Snyder
- Susanne Dunlap
- Kristen Britain
- Zoe Heller
- Skyler White
- Kate Angell
- Jess Granger
- Joanne Valiukas
- Melissa Dela Cruz
- Kristen Marquette
- Cinda Williams Chima
- China Mieville
- Isobelle Carmody
- Renee Wildes
- S.L. Naeole
- Michelle Rowan
- Sarah Addison Allen
- Sarah Dessen

So if you fancy trying someone different have a look at one of these authors!

New Year Giveaway!

One of my New Years Resolution was to host more giveaways to pay it forward for all the fabulous books I've been luck enough to win since starting to blog seriously. I've been racking my brains to think of a suitable prize and have decided to start with an author I've adored and reviewed - Maria V Snyder. She's written two trilogies set in the same world - the Study series and the Glass series both of which are excellent reads - as well as a YA series, Inside Out and Outside In (Reviews of both coming up in the next month). There doesn't seem to be as much buzz around her work as she deserves and I honestly can't recommend these books enough, so in order to convert people to her writing or just spread joy if you've already discovered her writing I've decided to give one lucky person the chance to win a book of their choice from her back catalogue. The winner can choose a copy of one of these books (I've only put the synopsis for the first book of each trilogy up as there are some spoilers in the following synopsis!).

POISON STUDY (Study Book 1)

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered a 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 dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and she develops magical powers she can't control. Her life’s at stake again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear!

         MAGIC STUDY (Study Book 2)

FIRE STUDY (Study Book 3)

 

STORM GLASS (Glass Book 1) - review here

Untrained. Untested. Unleashed. With her unique magical abilities, Opal has always felt unsure of her place at Sitia's magic academy. But when the Stormdancer clan needs help, Opal's knowledge makes her the perfect choice - until the mission goes awry. Pulling her powers in unfamiliar directions, Opal finds herself tapping into a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. Now Opal must deal with plotters out to destroy the Stormdancer clan, as well as a traitor in their midst. With danger and deception rising around her, will Opal's untested abilities destroy her - or save them all?

SEA GLASS (Glass Book 2)- review here

SPY GLASS (Glass Book 3) - review here

INSIDE OUT (Insiders Book 1)

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. One of thousands who work in the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. The Trava family who rules our world from their spacious Upper levels wants us to be docile and obedient, like sheep. To insure we behave, they send the Pop Cops to police us.
So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? Not like it's all that dangerous--the only neck at risk is my own.
Until a lower level prophet claims a Gateway to Outside exists. And guess who he wants to steal into the Upper levels to get the proof? You’re right. Me. I alone know every single duct, pipe, corridor, shortcut, hole and ladder of Inside. It’s suicide plain and simple. But guess who can’t let a challenge like that go unanswered? Right again. Me.
I should have just said no...

OUSIDE IN (Insider Book 2) - Out March 2011

Sound good? So, the prize will a book of the winners choice from Maria V Synder's back catalogue (or pre-order if you you would like Outside In!)

Rules (cos otherwise they’ll be chaos!):

-          Leave a comment on this post on which author you feel should have a wider recognition

-          Don’t forget to leave a way for me to contact you

-          Competition is International – as long as The Book Depository ships to you. Not sure check here.

-          Giveway ends Sunday 9^th January 2011 and the winner will be picked at random and announced the following week

Good Luck! :)

Spy Glass review

Spy Glass (Opal Cowan 3)

-       Maria V Snyder

Publisher: UK – MIRA Books

*Warning Description will contain Spoilers if you haven’t read the previous two books*

An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice. 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. 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 know it could be they are lost forever.

This is the final of the Opal Cowan books and I’m sorry it’s over. I feel like there could easily be another book covering the consequences of this story. Opal has changed so much from the rather timid, unsure student magician we first met in Storm Glass. She has learnt a variety of skills, physical, emotional, magical and intellectual and this book covers some truly personal revelations as well answering most of the loose threads from the previous novels.

Opal’s character development has been the joy of this series as she makes mistakes and learns from them, decides who to trust and colours in various shades of grey in her world that they don’t warn children about. In this book Opal takes control of her own destiny at last and makes decisions throughout that will affect others as well as conscientiously develops skills that will help her in her missions. While still told through the first person, you can get a clear view of how Opal’s relationships with people change especially with Kade and Devlan, her two love interests and her mother. Her decision regarding her love interest in the end was the right one for her, but I still feel for the other one.

The big finale was exciting as Opal has to face her decisions and friends in a show down for her life and future. The bad guys here were truly despicable and while previously I never cared much for Opal opponents, I never despised them before. This time I really wanted them to fail and needed to see them punished.

This is a great series with plenty of action, mystery, politics and magic throughout and I really hope Maria V Snyder decides to write further novels based in Sitia. Please try some of her books if you’re interested in magical romance and different worlds.

Recommended for fans of Jim Butcher and Karen Miller. 8 out of 10   

Sea Glass Review

Sea Glass (Opal Cowan 2)

-       Maria V Snyder

Publisher: UK – MIRA Books

Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest, Opal dares defy her imprisonment, travelling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure 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.

So after her adventures in Storm Glass, Opal has discovered new secrets and new abilities but has become even more isolated from her fellow magicians and friends. This is re-enforced when other people don’t believe that there are still blood magicians loose in Sitia. Opal spends much of this book fighting for what she believes is right against all her friends and colleagues and learns to depend much more on herself. She still manages to make new friends and travel across the country in the course of the story. Opal is willing to sacrifice herself again to safe other people and is frequently between doing what she knows is right and what everyone else thinks is right. As a result Opal does question herself a lot throughout the story and there is a great glimpse into her mind and how she comes to trust herself more and perhaps rely less on other people to solve her problems.

Once again there is plenty of adventure and appearances from old friends. I loved that Janco is given more time and Kade is such a lovely guy, but the development of Develan is a real treasure. Like Opal I’m never sure if she can trust him or not, but I want to be able to trust him. The greatest joy of the Glass series though is the writing – it’s is beautifully done in a well developed world. It never feels like this is a story but following a real person and their life. This makes for involving reading but also one of my minor drawbacks with the series – there is little sense of urgency for much of the book. The story seems to get distracted at times from the overall arc as little issues are raised and not fully developed – yet. The joys of reading a trilogy is figuring out how something like the Bloodrose clan will come into the story later – if they do!

One final point I want to add - the cover art for the UK is gorgeous! I love all three covers and the colour scheme for each one just seems to fit with the story so far.

This is a great fantasy series – especially is you like a little romance with your magical adventures! I’ve already started the third book, Spy Glass and can’t wait to see how Opal develops further.

Recommended for fans of Kelly Armstrong and Patricia Briggs. 8 out of 10.

Storm Glass Review

Storm Glass (Opal Cowan 1)

-       Maria V Snyder

Publisher: UK – Mira Books

Untrained. Untested. Unleashed. With her unique magical abilities, Opal has always felt unsure of her place at Sitia's magic academy. But when the Stormdancer clan needs help, Opal's knowledge makes her the perfect choice - until the mission goes awry. Pulling her powers in unfamiliar directions, Opal finds herself tapping into a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. Now Opal must deal with plotters out to destroy the Stormdancer clan, as well as a traitor in their midst. With danger and deception rising around her, will Opal's untested abilities destroy her - or save them all?

I loved Maria’s Study trilogy when I read it last year and have been waiting (impatiently) for the last book of this trilogy to be released so I could read all three books without waiting! Opal was featured in the Study series and events from that trilogy do cast a shadow over this story. Events and people are referenced without a detailed explanation which was perfect for me as I’d previously read those books and just needed a brief reminder. I’m not sure how much sense it would make if you haven’t read the study series – but that’s no great hardship as that trilogy is a fabulous read!

This story is about Opal growing into her powers and creating her own place within Sitia as her magic is different from anything seen before. There are some great new characters introduced including two very different suitors - both with their own issues as well - as some guest appearances from previous characters. However, Opal made the book for me. I adore her and the way she continued to struggle to overcome her past and learn from it. She doesn’t always make the right choices but she does learn from them. Opal grows up as the book progresses and becomes her own person.

There’s plenty of action as she faces various adventures all relating to the plot against the Stormdancer clan and an import of diamonds into Sitia. My one niggle is the rather abrupt ending. I know it’s a trilogy and I’ve got two more books to enjoy but even with some points wrapped up and other left open it seemed a quick ending to me. Still love Maria’s writing style and can’t wait to start Sea Glass, book 2 of Opal Cowan!

Recommended for fans of Karen Miller and Mercy Thompson. 8 out of 10.