Nocturnal Book Reviews

Egalley thanks to Harlequin
Ever since stumbling upon Poison Study years ago I've remained a big fan of Maria V. Snyder's writing style.

Touch of Power is no exception, despite some of its drawbacks like modern language and a feeling you get like this book was written in a hurry and almost sloppily...

When you get over the language you'll enjoy it. I can almost guarantee that any fan of Kristin Cashore will like this book. It's easy, pretty straightforward and captivating throughout.

I can see Elena and Valek in Avry and Kendrick. Avry is pretty straight, good, kind and self-sacrificing. She ticks all the boxes as a courageous heroine.

Kendrick on the other hand has layers, he is much more interesting to get to know as a character. He starts of as a brute. In the beginning I disliked him immensely and through the whole book I just couldn't justify him slapping Avry when they first met. That just says that the man has a nasty temper, and it didn't go quite well with his transformation later on.

His actions, feelings and social status are very complicated. In addition, like Avry he is one of the magically touched and they can share power between them.

His team or shall I say, his band of miscreants, is absolutely wonderful. It's a pleasure to read their banter, feel their camaraderie and see the way they help Avry to become stronger during their journey.

The healing aspect has also a very intriguing angle. The only hint I can give you is that US cover is much more apt than generic UK one.

At last, one of the best thing in the book is that the villains have their own facets and not all of them evil. Most of them you can understand and some of them you even work with it or even slightly change.

So, if your a fan of YA fantasy genre, then this book is for you!