Touch Of Power by Maria V. Snyder

I was unaware of Maria V. Snyders' work previously to this book, however I will for sure be continuing with this series. This is a  YA fantasy novel which features a 'Healer' called Avery who is rescued from a prison cell by a mismatch group of men , who unbeknownst to Avery have been looking for her for 2 years. They then begin a long trek lead by Kerrick and it doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to figure that he is the love interest for our main gal Avery. 

"Despite his intoxicating scent tickling my nose. He smelled of living green, moist earth and spring sunshine!

I mean come on, you only have to spend ten minutes in the YA section to know that somethings going to happen with these two. However I will say that the romance is a slow burn and they aren't on the best of terms through most of the book. I was impressed that the romance didn't take away from the story, it had an enthralling plot and the magic system was really cool and imaginative, in particular the magic of the Healers.
The story begins with an introduction to Avery's healing magic, and we're told from Avery's point of view her healing a sick child. When I heard the name Healer I thought she would be this magical woman who healed all, I imagined her just pointing the finger willy nilly at people like 'you, you're healed and you too, and you'. But I was really surprised to find out that Avery actually takes on the injury of the person and then she herself fights the cut, sickness, wound, because as a healer she herself heals at a quicker rate!
I don't know if it was just me but that's pretty cool, and Avery is a great female character. She's caring, smart and snarky. Her relationship with the rest of the guys in the group gave me some of the best moments in the book. I especially loved her relationship with Belen (who I sort of envisioned as Wreck It Ralph the whole way through)

Overall I really enjoyed this book, the magic was interesting and the plot was unpredictable at time. I wasn't the No.1 fan of the romance it didn't detract away from the epic story line. I'm exited to move onto the next book in the series, A Scent of Magic, which I believe is duel perspective from Avery and Kerrick which should be pretty interesting!!

Beth x