Book Review (40).

Touch of Power (Healer #1)

by Maria V. Snyder

Publication: January 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia

Pages: 390

Genre: Fantasy

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

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...

My Thoughts.

This is the very first book I've ever read by Maria V. Snyder and it definately won't be my last.

Avry is a healer, someone who can take injuries and diseases into her own body, unfortunately for Avry all healers a are being accused of spreading the plague and so are being hunted down and executed.

It's after Avry is in jail after saving a little girl's life that she is rescued by Kerrick and his friends who plan on escorting her to heal Prince Ryne who is lying in stasis  after catching the plague.

Avry initially refuses to heal Prince Ryne as she has previously had a run in with him and doesn't like him and the plague is the one disease healers can't recover from.

While traveling with the men she becomes close to all of them except Kerrick who is a forest mage and can camouflage himself who seems cold and unfeeling.

I loved the developing romance between Avry and Kerrick  while it took a while it wasn't until they were seperated they both realised their feelings and I can't wait to find out what else is in store for their relationship.

I was upset when we lost one of the characters from the group that Avry traveled with just wish he hadn't died.

But through it all this is an exciting and intriguing read and I only wish the next book is out sooner, I absolutely loved it.

I give this 5/5

A huge thanks to Gabby @ Harlequin Teen Australia.