ARC Review: Scent Of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb:  

The army of the dead are coming…

Avry of Kazan, the last Healer of the mystical Fifteen Realms, has a power that can’t be matched. But in the minds of her friends and foe alike, Avry no longer exists. 

Now, as the psychotic King Tohon builds an army mightier than any that has been seen before—a league of undead soldiers—Avry must face her toughest, most terrifying battle alone. Fighting to be reunited with her family and her lover Kerrick, Avry must infiltrate 
Tohon’s troops. 

But does she have the power, the rare magic; to do what legend says is impossible?

An e-ARC of this book has been provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 Once again, Maria V. Snyder managed to spin an absolutely enthralling and intriguing story. Avry's adventures were damn fun to read and with the added bonus of Kerrick's POV in this book, I abso-abso-absolutely adored almost everything about Scent Of Magic!

Since the first book, I really liked Avry as she was strong, compassionate and at the same time totally kick- ass, though I know I shouldn't expect any less from Ms. Snyder. Her female protagonists always hold up their own against the baddy bad villain/s and that's just one thing I like about her stories.

Scent Of Magic had both Avry and Kerrick's POV. It broke my heart to see them apart for more than half part of the book and I kept wishing that they FINALLY meet but nonetheless, the adventure that this story was kept my interest through and through. Avry's stronger side was revealed in this book and it was amazing to see her getting adapted so quickly in Estrid's army and making new allies.

Though this book had loads of surprising and new elements, I missed the whole gang (the Monkeys, Poppa Bear, Kerrick and Avry) which I'd grown so fond of in the last book. There was less traveling and more of suspense as Avry found a steady job, undercover and tried to uncover Tohon's spies and his plans.

I found myself holding my breath to see Tohon and Avry's encounter because Tohon is HOT in a totally evil way and I think I'm in love with him a little too! I was super excited to see what he will do after she (cheers from my side!) skillfully ruined his Death Lilys and some other schemes. I was a little disappointed to see Tohon's attempts to woo Avry were so short-lived but oh, well.

Kerrick's adventures were far different from Avry's..it got slightly boring to read his POV in some instances especially when there was something exciting like Tohon's arrival in Estrid's camp going on over Avry's side and I wold be all like, come on move over, Kerrick! HOWEVER, this did not mean my undying love for him grew any less. He was as charming and swoon-worthy as ever. We get to see a softer, cuddlier side of him in this book which is just as-if not more-good as his tall, hot and mysterious side. I loved how he cared for Danny and Zila.

There was more magic, more mystery, more suspense and anticipation in this book but at the same time there was less Avry and Kerrick (together), less traveling adventure and less romantic parts as compared to Touch Of Power. I was expecting Avry to develop some super-mega cool powers after her waking-from-the-deadland thing but sadly that didn't happen.

Overall, all I can say is that Maria V. Snyder is awesome and the Healer series is one hell of a series. You can't help but fall in love with all the characters, evil ones included. After every chapter, I waited breathlessly to see what happens next and and and I CAN'T WAIT TO READ TASTE OF DEATH!! Gimme that book nowwwww!!