Scent of Magic (Healer, #2) in Pick-a-Shelf

Apr 16, 2012 D.G. rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, fantasy, re-read

**Re-read Jan 2016

I confess I was apprehensive before starting this book. I liked Touch of Power so much but I’ve heard from friends that Ms. Snyder’s series start great but tend to fizzle in the following books. I was afraid this would happen here; however, my fears were totally unfounded.

Scent of Magic was exciting, fast paced and with so much action that I had my heart in my throat at the end of every section. Each chapter is told alternatively from the points of view of Avry (in first person **Re-read Jan 2016

I confess I was apprehensive before starting this book. I liked Touch of Power so much but I’ve heard from friends that Ms. Snyder’s series start great but tend to fizzle in the following books. I was afraid this would happen here; however, my fears were totally unfounded.

Scent of Magic was exciting, fast paced and with so much action that I had my heart in my throat at the end of every section. Each chapter is told alternatively from the points of view of Avry (in first person) and Kerrick (in third person) so we can follow both as they move about in the Fifteen Realms. Besides fighting Tohon, this book is about their separation and the hurdles they face before they are together again.

It was really good to have Kerrick’s POV. First, it allowed the reader to know him better and second, it helped us understand the depth of his feelings for Avry. For her part, Avry couldn’t be a healer for a good chunk of the book (which was really good for her health) but also allowed her to take other responsibilities that really helped to round out her character.

There were some unexpected developments that added some richness to the tale because they touched upon conflicts between different groups and how each side interprets historical events in whatever manner is more convenient to them. How are we to move forward if we cling to past hostilities that have no bearing in today’s world? How can we change and adapt to present circumstances and try to see things from a different point of view?

I didn’t like some things. It was somewhat disappointing that Tohon still gave Avry too many chances. Not as many as in the first book but more than enough for her to get the better of him. I guess that’s what happens when you make such a powerful villain that you need him to act in crazy ways to give the main characters a chance to overcome him. At this point though, he definitely should have learned his lesson so I really hope I won’t see any of that in the last book.

I was also a bit mad with the way the book ended. We know there’s lots to come in the third book and nothing much was resolved regarding the conflict with Tohon so I didn’t see the need to leave us with that bad taste in our mouths. How will we wait a year to know what happens!

Overall, a really strong second book full of exciting action. I’ve already started counting the days to see how it all ends!

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Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for providing a review copy of this book! ...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Tien rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own, fantasy, young-adult, signed-by-author, arc, kindle

Arrgh!! Seriously, does it have to end like that?!?!? Waiting for the next book will absolutely kill me! I should have waited for the next book so I could read one after the other :(

I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn’t bear to put it down. It’s a good follow up to the first book where things just keep happening one on top of the other and the excitement just keeps on going. For those looking for a lot more romance in this book though, I’m afraid you’d be disappointed as you’d read ...more

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Jun 30, 2012 madison rated it it was amazing

Ahhh this book was sooo good!!! I think I even liked it better than the first, which is really rare for me. I loved the switching perspectives between Avry and Kerrick, although it was a bit of a love-hate relationship since their chapters would always end with a cliff hanger! I didn't want to put this book down, nor did I want to go to sleep last night just so I could finish it instead. My mind is going to be wrapped around this book for a long time, and I CAN NOT WAIT for the next one to come ...more

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