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.