Book Review: Dawn Study (Study Series) by Maria V. Snyder

This is a wonderful continuation and conclusion to a great series!

Dawn Study (Study Series)
by Maria V. Snyder

File Size: 2483 KB
Print Length: 480 pages
Publisher: MIRA (February 1, 2017)
ASIN: B01HB7N984
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings her Poison Study series to its exhilarating conclusion.
Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond—and a family—that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.
Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall—and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal.
With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician…and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.

Review:
Pregnant Yelena and Valek are struggling to find allies to help fight the Cartel headed by Bane. The Cartel have drugged the masses of magicians and Sitians, even the Sitian army, so they believe Bane’s lies that the Commander from Ixia is planning to attack. As if that isn’t enough to worry about, Yelena needs to stay hidden as the Mosquito and other assassins have been sent to kill her. Valek sneaks out to try to remove the Mosquito only to face his own assassination attack from Onora, who has taken Valek's place as the Commander's top assassin.

Yelena and Valek have relied on help and sanctuary from Fisk and his ‘guild’ of street informers. But Fisk and his young people become targets for the enemy too. Meanwhile, Yelena’s brother Leif, his wife Mara, and Yelena’s and Leif’s father, Esau, are sure that there is a specialty plant that Bane is planning to use to further his plans for control. Before they can get to the city they are surrounded and Leif is the only one to escape.

Ari and Janco have been off on a separate mission and they have uncovered news that will be helpful if they can get it safely to Yelena and Valek. They are all too ready to jump back into the thick of things even as the allies face one dangerous situation after another. It seems almost everyone is going to risk a turn at capture and several clever rescues are required before the group can put the big rescue plan in action.

It was a joy to have all the characters, including Valek’s siblings, share in the grand scheme to save Sitia. I loved having Kiki and the other horses as active characters even if Yelena couldn’t talk to Kiki because the baby was blocking her magic. The interaction and banter among the friends – an extended family – is delightful. I liked that the love and chemistry between Yelena and Valek is clearly shared without the need for graphic scenes. I was very much impressed with how well all the details were carried forward from the earlier books and wrapped up nicely.

This has been a wonderful series and, although I was pleased with the skill of this final installment, I am sorry to see the series close. It almost makes me want to go back to the beginning and start again!

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley and TBR Challenges.

Book Review: What We Find by Robyn Carr

This is an engaging, heartwarming romance making you think about what you want, and what you might find, from life.

What We Find

by Robyn Carr

File Size: 3465 KB
Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: MIRA (April 1, 2016)
ASIN: B0166B9HZ0
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Join Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as she explores the healing powers of rural Colorado in a brand-new story of fresh starts, budding relationships and one woman's journey to finding the happiness she's long been missing.

Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a lawsuit—and experiencing levels of anxiety she's never faced before. She knows she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan's Crossing.

Named for Maggie's great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide Trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie's eccentric father, Sully. When she shows up unannounced, he welcomes her with open arms, and she relishes the opportunity to indulge in his simple way of life.

But shortly after arriving, Maggie's world is rocked once again and she must take on more responsibility than she'd planned. Though she's relieved a quiet and serious-looking hiker, Cal Jones, is willing to lend a hand, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man's eagerness to help—until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation.

Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.

Review:
Maggie, at 37, is a strong woman but the stresses of her life are becoming overwhelming. She is a respected neurosurgeon but two of her business partners are under criminal investigation causing her to close their practice. She is being sued for the alleged mishandling of an emergency triage situation. If work issues weren’t enough, Maggie has just experienced a personal loss and her boyfriend has dumped her. A friend suggests that Maggie needs time away to calm her spirit so she goes home to her father, Sully. Sully operates Sullivan’s Crossing, a general store and campground, at the Continental Divide in Colorado.

Sully is glad to see Maggie but an unexpected turn of events has her scrambling to handle more than she expected. There are old friends around to help but one fellow who steps up to help is a stranger. Cal is a quiet, serious looking hiker who looks like a suspicious drifter to Maggie. He is short on answers when she tries to find out details.

Cal has suffered his own losses and stresses that brought him to the campground waiting for weather warm enough to head out on the trails. He isn’t accustomed to being idle so is more than happy to step in and help. He just isn’t ready to reveal his personal history. He is glad to begin a slow friendship with Maggie and it isn’t long before that builds to something more, although they still have a lot to share before they can move forward.

I liked the strong lead characters and the quirky secondary characters, including Maggie’s family and Cal’s very dysfunctional parents. The beginning of the story moved slowly for me as the relationship builds slowly. Midway things pick up and then there are several interesting events going on as the story progresses. There is a kidnapping, a search and rescue and a trail accident. Oh and let’s not forget the naked hiker and a rampage through the camp. On the relational front there are medical issues, legal issues, family issues, and personality issues.

Ms. Carr writes characters who have real to life depth and puts them in situations that readers can relate to. Both Maggie and Cal are at a point of ‘midlife’ crisis. This is a stage that many readers, particularly women, can relate to: are we where we want to be in life? Are all of our needs being met by our careers or do we still have emptiness that needs more to make us full and happy?

The writing has a good flow with natural dialogue, some humor and good revelations. I enjoyed the ‘wisdom’ quotes at chapter headings. And I liked the setting especially since I have visited many campgrounds. There is a little bit of intense sexual action but it is an add to the story, not the focus of the story as some romances these days. Beyond that, the romance was sweet and heartwarming. This is a solid, engaging story with a lovely setting, lovely romance and lovely emotions.

I received this through NetGalley and Little Bird Publicity. This qualifies for NetGalley Challenge and “W” in Alphabet Soup.

Book Review: Night Study (Study Series) by Maria V. Snyder

Great installment! Start at the beginning and enjoy lots of entertainment from this series.

Night Study (Study Series)
by Maria V. Snyder

• File Size: 978 KB
• Print Length: 448 pages
• Publisher: MIRA (February 1, 2016)
• Publication Date: January 26, 2016
• ASIN: B015CJXXSY

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
My Rating: Worth a 5.0 in my book!

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue.

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia is safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he's quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he's been keeping secrets from Valek…secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander's mysterious plans, they realize it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

Review:
I remembered how Shadow Study ended and was anxious to read this story. I was pleased that all my favorite characters were present and there was plenty of action. Tensions are growing between Sitia, the home of Yelena’s magical training and friends, and Ixia, Valek’s homeland where Yelena is serving as a liaison between the territories. Unfortunately, the Commander has selected a new training security chief and is challenging Valek’s loyalty.

Yelena is vulnerable due to the loss of her magical abilities and other issues. She is in danger from a criminal, Owen Moon, who has been trapped and escaped several times. Janco, Ari and Leaf are included in the team to investigate how Owen Moon escaped, what his secret project is and where he might have gone. Moon has powerful magic and powerful friends. Valek and Yelena discover that Moon is working with and as a guest of the Commander which puts Yelena and Valek in extreme danger. The Commander challenges Valek's loyalty and sends him off to investigate thefts at a far edge of Ixia.

Yelena chooses to return to Sitia to try to convince the Counsel of the danger posed by Moon and his connection to the Commander. Leaf, with the help of his father, Esau, learns information that sends him back to Sitia with important discoveries about Moon’s project which threatens the safety of Sitia.  They find a new enemy upon their return and they won't find help from the magicians this time.

I loved the intrigue and usual antics involved in the team work of Yelena, Valek, Janco, Ari, Leaf and even Kiki, Yelena’s wonderful Sandseed horse. Fisk and his crew of street smart, child spies play an important role together with a few new characters who come as a surprise, especially to Valek. This story has lots of betrayal and action with some added emotions and charming romance.

I devoured this pretty quickly pursing the excitement. I was holding my breath at points of crisis as I rooted for the heroes. This isn't totally perfect but it is worth a 5.0 in my book. I recommend the whole series but do suggest a new reader start with the original Study trilogy before this set. It will be well worth the reading enjoyment.

I am very glad I received this through NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, N for Alphabet Soup Challenge and TBR Triple Dog Dare.

On January 26, 2016 the day of NIGHT STUDY's US release, Maria V. Snyder is doing a LIVE online Ask Me Anything segment at 6:00 p.m. PST and you're invited! Here's the link: http://www.inkitt.com/ama/mariavsnyder
MVS says "Be kind! ;)"

For details on the tour and giveaway links go here.

Book Review and Giveaway: A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr

This is a lovely reading experience!
My apologies to the tour and blog followers for being late with this post. We were without internet for the past two nights and my work day left me no time to get online for blog time.

A New Hope (Thunder Point series)
by Robyn Carr

File Size: 761 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: MIRA (July 1, 2015)
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
ASIN: B00S4ZH4XY
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Starting over is never easy, but in Thunder Point, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it's possible to find yourself again. #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes us on a moving and rewarding journey as a young woman finds new hope.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she's excited to be assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger is swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride's brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself when he tries to make a pass at Ginger, forcing her to flee the scene in embarrassment.

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

Review:
Ginger had fallen under the spell of a second rate musician who warned her he wasn’t really the settling down type. She worked hard but the marriage failed and she suffered more than just the lose of a self-centered husband; she lost a child too. Ginger moved to Thunder Point to get a new start and to regroup from the emotional losses. She finds herself enjoying new friends in a warm community although she has no plans to try romance again for years.

Matt got married in a fever. It took a little less than a year to learn that their chemistry wouldn't survive their different goals and life styles. Matt spent the next year running through women and figuring it would be a long time before he risked marriage again.

Matt met Ginger at his sister’s wedding when he was drunk and practically groped her. His apology dinner turns out well and they quickly find they enjoy being friends with long, late-night phone calls and visits to share time. Soon they each have to decide if they are willing to risk their hearts to share more than friendship.

This is a strong romance for Ginger and Matt plus the reader gets to enjoy more romance with two other newly wed couples. The characters are well developed, the dialogue is natural and the smooth pacing makes for easy reading. The romances are sweet, conflicted and with just the right touch of sizzle. There are details of work and local interests that add to the story.

In my opinion Robyn Carr is in the top of the writer field when it comes to contemporary, small town romance. Her characters are real and there are always true to life problems and emotions to overcome. Ms. Carr describes human relationships with such insight and feeling that I have to wonder if she has studied psychology. I wouldn’t want a steady diet of small town, family drama and relationships, but when I am in the mood, I know I can pick up a Robyn Carr novel and enjoy a lovely reading experience.

This is part of a series but read fine as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book, and this author, for a touching, uplifting read.

I received this title as part of Little Bird Publicity Tour, to post an honest review with Giveaway. This is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

GIVEAWAY

ONE PRINT COPY (US only). Graciously provided by the tour.

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 2 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review,

OR

(b) visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 11, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 11, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review: Shadow Study (Soulfinders) by Maria V. Snyder

This is a wonderful revisit with great characters and a worthy addition to the series!
Shadow Study (Soulfinders)
by Maria V. Snyder

• File Size: 1120 KB
• Print Length: 413 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0778317404
• Publisher: MIRA (March 1, 2015)
• Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
• ASIN: B00OYBW5FY

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 1, 2015
New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder wowed readers with Poison Study, the unforgettable story of poison taster Yelena. Now she's back with a new tale of intrigue.
Once, only her own life hung in the balance…
Oddly enough, when Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. But she'd survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek.
Suddenly, though, they are beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Valek's job and his life are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret—or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is—while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers.
Yes, the days of tasting poisons were much simpler. And certainly not as dangerous…

Review:
Yelena is a Sitian with magic abilities - in fact, she is a Soulfinder which is rare and dangerous. She delivers souls to their rightful destination - peace or hell. Yelena didn’t know about her own talents until she began working as the poison taster as a prisoner under Valek’s authority. Yelena has faced many dangers and survived through the help of magic, her own wits and sometimes Valek and friends.

Valek is an Ixian assassin. He has the unusual trait of being immune to magic which helped make him extremely successful and dangerous. Initially Valek and Yelena were worlds apart. Presumably his position in Ixia, where his Commander forbids magic, kept them apart. Then Yelena was assigned as a liaison between the communities and a personal relationship developed.

They both have made many enemies but for the most part, those who are not afraid of Yelena’s powers are afraid of her ‘mate’ Valek’s abilities. Yet there are those who want to hinder her even at the risk of angering him.

While visiting with Valek for a brief private rendezvous Yelena is shot with an unknown poison. She is able to remove the toxin with her healing skills and Valek thinks she is all right as he returns to Ixiaa at the call of his commander. But Yelena suffers an extreme fever and chills. When she awakens she discovers her magic is completely gone. One of the immediate loses she feels is the inability to communicate telepathically with her Sandseed horse, Kiki. Fortunately Kiki is a brilliant animal and understands Yelena’s needs.

Yelena and Kiki return to Sitia where she can seek aid from the master magicians and her brother. They try to protect her secret as they research the nature of the poison and how to cure her. They proceed on to seek the help of Opal and Devlin, two other friends who experienced the loss of the their magic in the past (Glass Series).

Meanwhile Valek finds a young assassin sneaking into his commander’s quarters and challenging for his position. Rather than imprison her they end up placing her on Valek's team for training and assignment. Valek and his new recruit are assigned to work with Janco and Ari to uncover and stop a smuggler’s ring.

The wonderful thing about Ms. Snyder’s writing is she manages to create a vested interest in her characters. The author portrays events from alternating characters to help the forward motion of the plot that ultimately brings them together to face their enemies. I enjoyed how the author also follows Valek’s memories filling in his childhood background that led him to become an assassin. There was a very short time of slower pacing in the middle of the book but it picked up quickly.

It has been a number of years since I read and loved the Study trilogy - now dubbed the Soulfinders series as it continues. Yelena and Valek appeared as secondary characters in the Glass series but it is great to have them back with their own issues again. In a world of conflicting interests and power hungry leaders there are plenty of issues regarding betrayal and who can be trusted. The ending of this book may come as a surprise to readers (I guessed it early on) but issues are left open thereby promising more stories to come!

This can be read alone but I highly recommend reading the books in order. Not only will you get to know the characters but you will get to enjoy their dangerous adventures.

I selected this at NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review: 'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance by Robyn Carr

These are three quick, delightful and adorable romances!
'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance
by Robyn Carr

• File Size: 444 KB
• Print Length: 328 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0778316645
• Publisher: MIRA (October 28, 2014)
• ASIN: B00OP85WQU

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance
by Robyn Carr
Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
Revisit Virgin River with two beloved holiday stories from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr. Included is the bonus novella Backward Glance—available digitally for the first time.
'Tis the season for family, friendship and the thrill of a holiday romance…
Under the Christmas Tree
With snow falling over the redwood forests, secluded Virgin River is the ideal place to spend the holidays. Each year, the close-knit community gathers in the town square to decorate and light a massive tree. Carols are sung, hot chocolate is shared—and a surprise left under the Christmas tree is about to bring two special people together!

Midnight Confessions
Holiday kisses don't end with Christmas—there's still the New Year's Eve party at Jack's Bar to attend. Locals and newcomers alike find themselves eager for that special countdown…and that midnight kiss.
So join us in Virgin River this year, where Robyn Carr's trademark humor, warmth and sincerity will have you celebrating the festive season in your favorite mountain town.

Review:
This is a collection of three delightful romances. They may be set at holiday time but they'd make a nice read anytime.

Under the Christmas Tree puts two locals together caring for abandoned puppies. Annie begins to take care of the nearly frozen puppies until Doc Jensen can arrive. She is expecting the old doc but instead his son, Nate, appears. Annie knew Nate from high school years when he was a friend of her older brothers. She is wary of any romantic involvements after discovering that her fiance of several years had two other girlfriends. Nate has been accustomed to a foot loose life style especially after the fiance he brought home left because the small town life wasn’t good enough for her. He is interested in Annie but realizes that she isn’t the right type to be “loose” with. I enjoyed how this couple make a nice arrangement caring for the pups and soon became friends. Things might lead into a serious relationship if they are willing to take a chance.

Midnight Confessions is set on New Year’s Eve and finds Sunny not so sunny. She is struggling with the memories of being jilted at her wedding the year before. Drew is a young doctor who is visiting his nearby family while taking a break from work before starting his residency. Drew is immediately entranced by Sunny but she quickly shoots down his attempts at flirtation. An accident ends up putting them together long enough to share their heartbreaks. Can they learn to move beyond past hurts to the possibility of true love?

Backward Glance gives a former romance a second chance. John is a man who has taken a handy-man approach and grown it into a successful maintenance and landscape business. John and Leigh had a summer affair five years before. Leigh is a brilliant scientist, with stunted social experience, who was going through a divorce when they met. John is surprised to hear that Leigh has returned to town with twin four year old boys.  John didn’t think he could ever live up to Leigh's standards and he let her go in the heat of an argument. But he has never forgotten her and she, apparently, had reason to always remember him. Could two opposites balance their strengths and weaknesses to make a stable future together?

These three stories have lovely, vulnerable characters. I enjoyed each of the stories which had nice positive messages on life and love. Two were fairly mild in the romance with one being a bit more sensual. The writing has an easy, direct flow that reads nicely and quickly. This reminds me why I always enjoyed Ms. Carr even though I haven't read her books for a few years. It is time to start enjoying this series. The overall read was sweet and “adorable”!

I am pleased to have received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. This will go for NetGalley Challenge and TBR Dare.

Book Review and Giveaway: Better Than Chocolate by Sheila Roberts

This story is better than chocolate - more entertaining and non fattening!

Better Than Chocolate (Life in Icicle Falls) 
by Sheila Roberts

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (September 25, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 077831345X
• ISBN-13: 978-0778313458

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: September 25, 2012 | Series: Life in Icicle Falls
Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, ever since Great-Grandma Rose literally dreamed up her first fabulous recipe. But now it looks as if they're about to lose Sweet Dreams to the bank—and that would be a disaster, not only for the family but for the town of Icicle Falls, Washington. Can Samantha, the oldest daughter and new head of the company, come up with a way to save it?
After Samantha does some brainstorming with her mother and sisters, inspiration strikes. They'll have a chocolate festival! Time's running out, but the Sterling women are determined and the town's behind them, so everything's bound to go smoothly….
Or not. Events seem to be conspiring against Samantha, and her mother's attempts to help aren't helping. To make matters worse, the fate of her company is in the hands of her archenemy, Blake Preston, the bank manager with the football-hero good looks. It's enough to drive her to chocolate. But Blake's also enough to convince her that (believe it or not) there's something even better than chocolate.

Review:
Samantha is the oldest daughter and the one who is responsible for her mother and two younger sisters. She is the one who has to try to pull the family chocolate company out of the management mess left by her friendly but inept stepfather.  But she needs cooperation and an extension of time on the bank loan.

Bank policies have had to be tightened so the old, community friendly bank manager has been replaced. Blake is a home-grown, high school football hero who has returned to town as the new manager. He wants to help her Samantha, especially when she comes up with an idea for a chocolate festival that will benefit many businesses in town. But Blake’s hands are tied by his boss who is pressing to foreclose Sweet Dreams Chocolate and sell the business to a less quality competitor.

Blake is immediately attracted to Samantha but she sees him as the cold-hearted enemy. She tries to ignore any chemistry that she feels with Blake.

This was a fun read. The story is very warm and there were times I laughed out loud. The characters are real with real life problems. The dialogue is natural and humorous. Samantha is a strong, determined business woman and it is lovely to watch her learn to accept help from others, even her family. The chapters start with lovely quotes attributed to Samantha’s mother as an author of several books.

There is a gentle underlying strength of faith and the romance has chemistry but is portrayed through strong desire and inference in a sweet, not steamy fashion. This is the first title I have read by Sheila Roberts and I look to enjoy more.

Examples of the humor:

A girl could bite off even the biggest challenge if it was coated in chocolate. P. 25.

The conversation turned in a new direction but Samantha was still stuck on the corner of Urge and Merge. What would it be like to meet Blake Preston on that corner?  P 298.

I received this book from Harlequin for my thoughts to be shared in survey.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Review Copy:

 ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US ONLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on June 14, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 15, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

This story moves along quickly but I enjoyed the author's Study series much more.

Scent of Magic (The Healers)
by Maria V. Snyder

• File Size: 603 KB
• Print Length: 419 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0778314189
• Publisher: Harlequin MIRA; Original edition (December 18, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B009NEIAZG

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 18, 2012
As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomaniacal King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confidant, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon's opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon's most horrible creations yet: an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible…again.

Review:
Avry is the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms. Because she is greatly sought after by enemies and friends she is allowing her revival from presumed death to remain a secret. Only her beau, Kerrick, knows she is alive and heading into dangerous territory to seek out her sister and do reconnaissance as he travels to rendezvous with other allies.

The realms are under attack by a brutal life magician, Tohon, who wishes to conquer the lands and be recognized as king of all. The people have suffered from a great plague and now Tohon is striking with armies of dead soldiers he has managed to animate. Different leaders, Estrid, Jael and Prince Ryne, are supposedly allies to fight Tohon, but no one is to be trusted. Avry manages to get accepted as a soldier and appointed to Estrid’s army where she has offered to train the soldiers in silent maneuvers.

I enjoy the fantasy worlds created by Ms. Snyder. In this series Avry is a healer and Kerrick is a forest mage. There are nine other magical powers which may be in use and controlled by the dastardly Tohon who is obsessed with Avry.  I especially like the magical features of the Peace and Death Lilies who have an interesting relationship with Avry. Avry eventually runs into several old friends and there is humor and warmth in that interaction. Meanwhile there is a very engaging thread of danger and change when Kerrick and a young unrealized healer, Danny, are captured by a violent tribe which doesn’t normally take any prisoners.

There are a lot of character connections and betrayals that make the story a bit confusing. I didn’t feel that a clear backstory was provided so this probably would be more enjoyable if the reader has read the first book. The story is told in first person by Avry and third person for Kerrick’s scenes. I would not have found this difficult except that the formatting in the version I read had no breaks between those scenes which caused disruption in the flow. Hopefully the final released eBook has proper formatting.

This story seems to be written on an lower reading level, perhaps for young adults, and it reads very quickly. I did not find this tale as enthralling as the Study series however Ms. Snyder has a wonderful imagination and the story is full of intrigue, betrayals, quick humor, action and adventure.This ends with a cliffhanger that makes you either want the next story or harrumph in frustration. :-)

I received this galley to review for Harlequin MIRA through NetGalley.