In a world where plague has devastated the land and healers are outlawed, Avry of Kazan is one of the last of her kind. By laying her hands on a person’s skin, she can absorb their injuries and illness and heal herself. This exciting new heroine appears in Touch of Power, the first in Maria V. Snyder’s new fantasy trilogy. She – and Avry – quickly draw readers into this new, fascinating world with characters who are not always as they seem.

Avry is awaiting execution when she is rescued by a band of rogues who want to take her through the mountains to heal their dying prince – whom Avry blames for starting the hunt against healers. She is quickly caught in a power struggle between the three remaining rulers of the Fifteen Kingdoms: the obsessively religious priestess, the psychotic life mage, and the dying prince – who is starting to look like the best choice to unite the plague survivors.

But there’s a catch: If Avry heals the prince of the plague, it will kill her.

Through the first-person narrative, Avry takes you on an incredible journey from the devastated kingdoms to the perilous mountains to the heart of enemy territory and she struggles to save her world and pass on her gift. Her friends – including the enigmatic and appealing Kerrick – provide laughs and love and make Avry’s journey even more enjoyable.

I have enjoyed Snyder’s writing for years, and Touch of Power doesn’t disappoint. The book is fast-paced and easy to read; I stayed up late to read it and could barely put it down. Fantasy fans will delight, and for those new to the fantasy genre, this is a great first step into a new world.

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder is available now from MIRA at a list price of $14.95.

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