Touch of Power Review

394 pages

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...

Review:
Only one word can possibly describe this book, Amazing. This might be my favorite Maria V. Snyder novel yet. This novel is a perfect blend of action and adventure and romance.  Avry is a likeable character from the very start of the book. She's strong, independent and doesn't take no for an answer. I love the fact that Avry does what she wants to do no matter the consequences. The characters she encounters throughout the novel are extremely interesting and compelling. I loved the relationship between Avry and Kerrick as it wasn't typical and it has a lot of conflicting and rocky moments. Even though Avry's power as a healer isn't what I would typically feel is a strong one for a heroine, she makes it her strength and I was definitely impressed by that. A lot of questions are answered in this novel but there are a few left unanswered in the end that leave me anticipating the continuation of Avry's story. This novel is a must read and I can't wait to read the next one!