Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

Pages - 413

Published by Mira Ink in December 2012

Book received from publisher via Net Galley

'I'm dead,' I said to Kerrick.

He kept his flat expression, and I knew I'd get more cooperation from the cave's stone walls. Too bad for him that I didn't need his approval. But it would be nice if we worked out an agreement at least.

Goodreads Summary

Avry of Kazan, the last Healer of the mystical Fifteen Realms, has a power that can’t be matched. But in the minds of her friends and foe alike, Avry no longer exists. Now, as the psychotic King Tohon builds an army mightier than any that has been seen before—a league of undead soldiers—Avry must face her toughest, most terrifying battle alone. Fighting to be reunited with her family and her lover Kerrick, Avry must infiltrate Tohon’s troops. But does she have the power, the rare magic; to do what legend says is impossible?

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I love this series! When I read this series, it makes me want to rush out and buy every book by Maria V. Snyder. It is just so good.

This is the second book in the Healer series and before I go any further, I have to tell you to stop reading this review if you haven’t read the first book as it will contain spoilers!

 

*taps feet* *checks watch* *whistles while the people who haven’t read the first book leave the blog*

Are we ready?

Well as you already know, Avry, didn’t die. Nope, she is a living, breathing, snarky yet gutsy girl  out to get her sister back. Even though her sister would rather be eaten alive than spend time with her. So Avry departs on a dangerous mission to save her sister leaving Kendrick behind to return to his army and his own kingdom and prepare to fight against Tohon. The book is told in alternating viewpoints. Avry’s story is told in first person, while Kendrick’s is told in third. I have noticed more and more YA books writing like this lately and I have to say I really like this style of writing.

All the well-loved characters from the first book appear in this one. Kendrick’s men remind me of Robin Hood’s merry men, as they defend Avery at every moment. I loved them all. Avry and Kendrick are still my favourite characters. Unfortunately they don’t spend enough time together in this book for me as I love the sparks that fly in their tempestuous relationship.

Avry’s power is pretty amazing. The way she can take anyone’s illness and pain and make it her own is awe inspiring. However it comes with a price, any scars that the other person would have had become Avry’s and occasionally she pushes her body to the limit and death can often look inevitable for her. I think this power and her need to heal against all odds, shows her incredible strength of character.

Every chapter is short, compact and thrilling, leaving you on a cliff hanger every time as you alternate between points of view. I struggled to stop reading as I always ended up on a cliff hanger and I needed to know what happened next.

The ending! Oh my goodness. That completely left me in shock. I haven’t a clue how Book Three will deal with that.

I am so intrigued by the Peace Lilies and the Death Lilies and the way Avry has such a strong connection to them. The way they work seemed to change dramatically in this book and I am presuming we will learn more in the final book.

A brilliant world building fantasy book with an exciting plot that leaves you breathless. I can’t wait to find out how it all ends. This is the best second book in a series I have read in a long time. It is just as strong if not stronger than the first.