[This is the third book of the Healer series. If you haven't started the series, feel free to check out my review of Touch of Power (Book 1) or Scent of Magic (Book 2).]
Series: Healer #3
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Source/Format: Netgalley (Thank you, Harlequin!) || e-galley
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]
Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.
But there's a more immediate theat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.
Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision… (from Netgalley)
It's always interesting when a series you follow comes to an end. The endings either work or they don't, and in the case of Taste of Darkness, it worked. Every last bit of this story wrapped up nicely, perhaps a wee bit too nicely.
What's great about Taste of Darkness lies in Avry. She's certainly changed from when we learned of her in Touch of Power, but at her core, she remains the same kick-ass, brave young woman with a stubborn streak a mile wide. Her intelligence, and her knowledge of her gift, has greatly developed throughout the books. It gets put to the test in this one many times, which often results in emotional, overwhelming situations that she has to overcome. Still, Avry is strong and reliable, and there was no doubt in my mind that she would figure out a way to solve things.
While there was certainly a number of skirmishes and unanticipated military tactics that I was not counting on, Taste of Darkness somehow felt... quieter. There were lots of moments where tension was supposed to be running high, a few clashes that had me worried, but nothing that felt too intense. Perhaps this is a more personal quirk, as I truly didn't feel emotionally attached to anyone or any situation in this book. Even though I rejoiced during the happy moments, and got worried during tense situations, it just didn't really feel that way; it was more of a mind thing, than a heart thing.
Still, it's easy for me to say that I enjoyed how the Healer series has come to an end. I was riveted by the clever twists that Snyder played with, as well as interested in seeing what Avry would decide to do in any given situation. Even though it didn't strike as strong a chord with me as its previous installments did, Taste of Darkness still won me over in the end.
I agree, I was expecting a lot more action and tension in this one, and instead everything seemed to run too smoothly. It drove me to boredom, which is a shame because I was ready for a great finale.
ReplyDeleteSince this WAS the ending to a trilogy, I expected epic action scenes to be a big part of it! Sadly, that was not the case with Taste of Darkness. I still liked it, but it wasn't what I had expected precisely.
DeleteI felt a certain lack of tension as well and everything did wrap up a bit too nicely, but in the end I did really enjoy this final instalment. And yes, Avry is a wonderful character! :)
ReplyDeleteThe main reason I loved this book was Avry. She was really kick-ass, and smart, and vulnerable -- and I loved it.
DeleteI was happy with the ending, too, but the journey to get there was a bit of a slow one for me. Definitely didn't have the same emotional reaction as I had with the previous books!
ReplyDeleteYES. I think my strongest emotional reaction actually happened in the first one, and gradually lessened over the course of the series. It was still a good book though!
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