Sent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder
*****

This series has been my first Maria Snyder experience and definitely will not be my last. I love her writing style as well as this story. The first book Touch of Power was wonderful and intriguing and so was Scent of Magic. This story pretty much takes off where the first one left off. Kerrick has gone back to his kingdom to make sure all is well, which it is and isn't thanks to his brother Isak. Isak is standing in for Kerrick and has made some really dumb choices, in regards to their kingdom, wanted to throttle him sometimes. He does mean well, just a little naive. There is rumored that the Northern tribes are moving south, Kerrick goes off to check things out, and finds all sorts of trouble along the way. I really like Kerrick he is chivalrous, kind, stubborn, handsome, has awesome magical talents, humorous, and he loves Avery. Avery more than has her hands full as she tries to help Queen Etried and her army conquer and defend against King Tohon, heal the injured, try and figure out who is spying for Tohon, get back in the good graces of her sister Noelle, worry over the well being of her soul-mate Kerrick, and find away to stop the undead creatures those things give me the creeps gross. What is up with Tohon thinking it is no big deal to use dead humans and make them the undead. Can't he see this is not going to endear Avery to him, yep he has lost his mind. The funny thing is I want to like him there are moments where he comes off so honest and sincere, gets that he is a total mess thanks to his dad, then he goes and does psychopathic things. His character is written so well the guy you love to hate:) All of our favorite characters are back, and won't you be surprised about some of them. Avery does figure out who the traitor is, oh my. The ending was perfect, tied up the loss ends, and sets up nicely for the third book. This has become one of my all time favorite series.

Mild language
clean read

Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin Teen

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
*****

Avery of Kazan is one of just a few healers left after the plague has wiped out the peoples of the 15 kingdoms. The people are fearful of the healers thinking they are the cause of the plague. Avery has a unique way of healing other's, I thought, cause and affect are well balanced and believable concerning her method, I liked it. She has been in hiding for the past three years, when she is caught, and then offered an opportunity to escape she begrudgingly takes it. At least she will be alive. Then enters handsome, stubborn, head strong, infuriating, and ornery, Kerrick. Sometimes I wanted to tie him to a tree, he was so infuriating. Poor Avery had to put up with him and his continual badgering her to heal his friend. Avery isn't quite sure that she thinks that is the best thing to do. Their banter is wonderful,and fun to watch play out. Avery is smart and will not be pushed, lulled, tortured into doing what ever he wants her to do. She is strong, but not over the top, she has weaknesses, but chooses to percever. I really liked her character. I actually liked all the characters even the bad guys. Maria Snyder has a way of writing amazing characters and a great story. Most of the kingdoms are over run by mercenaries or internal problems,or King Tohon wanting to conquer them. He is the handsome bad guy. His powers are strong and lead to all sorts of problems, one of which is wanting Avery and all the kingdoms as his own. Slight problem for him,the other kingdoms know he is a little mad, and Avery is inlove with someone else. Which is really sweet and takes it's time to evolve. A few of my other favorite characters were Belen, such a sweet teddy bear, Lorin, Quinn the monkey's they were quite funny, and Flea, ah Flea he is such a kid and just so endearing.
Great story with lots of adventure and twist and turns. One of my all time favorite series.

Mild language
clean read

Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George
*****

I love princess fairy tale stories they always leave me happy and enchanted. This story was a lot of fun to read and speculate on how it was all going to work out in the end. I loved how Mrs. George interweaves Little Red Riding Hood's story with that of Robin Hood. She takes the familiar tale and puts an original twist too it. I thought it was very creative and interesting.
We find ourselves with Petunia who is the youngest of the King's twelve daughter's. She is on her way to visit an old family friend when her coach is waylaid by robbers/two legged wolves. I liked the wolves! (sorry don't want to spoil it for you can't say anymore about them). One thing leads to another and the next thing Petunia knows, she is being abducted by Oliver. I really liked Oliver he is sweet, courageous, thoughtful, and flawed. Petunia is pretty courageous too, sweet, and kind. Once Oliver realizes his mistake he agrees to help her get to her destination which is the Grand Duchess Volenskaya's estate. The adventures continue from here. Petunia's dreams become more and more frightening and insightful. The Grand Duchess and her estate is not all that it seems to be,danger is emanate.
This was such a fun and quick read. All the loose ends are tied up nicely with the King of the Under Stone. We also get to visit with some of our favorite characters from the first two books. I really enjoy it when authors let you revisit previous characters. I love Mrs. Georges writing it flows beautifully and what feels like effortlessly. Would recommend it to anyone young or old who loves a good fairy tale.

 

content: clean read

 

Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury books for young readers