Book Review: Taste of Darkness
Taste of Darkness (Healer #3)
By: Maria V. Snyder
Published By: Harlequin MIRA
Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Page Count: 400
Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound
Source: ARC Kindly Provided by Publisher via NetGalley
Audience: Young Adult/Adult - Fantasy
I normally jump up and down for Maria V Snyder books, but I’m sad to say that I feel like Taste of Darkness fell a little flat compared to her past works. After the brilliance of Touch of Power and Scent of Magic, I just wasn’t in love with the final instalment in this trilogy.
What did I like? There was a powerful storyline about rescuing a character who had become imprisoned by religious radicals... that was really well written. Equally horrifying and despairing, I honestly didn’t know how the gang would get Avry out along with their friend. I also liked the evolution of Kerrick’s forest magic. That was really interesting, and I will admit to being a bit dense and taking a while to catch on as to why he seemed to be weakening. Nicely done Maria!
Why am I reluctant to give this a higher rating then? I felt like the whole Skeleton King thing came from nowhere. I had enjoyed Avry pitting her wits against Tohon, and I felt a bit cheated when everyone stopped caring about him and instead started raving on about the Skeleton King. Sure, he was vicious and evil, but he was just some bogey man and it lacked the personal creepy touch that Tohon had. I also missed the camaraderie which so typically features in Maria’s books. There were glimpses of the gang all having fun, but it was few and far between – probably because of the severity of the war situation.
While I’m a bit sad how this series concluded, I’m really excited to get my hands on the next book she has coming out – a continuation of the Poison Study series! What I think I’ve been missing all along... more Valek. *sigh*
She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?
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 threat. 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.
man you are dampening my spirit... i'm about to start my e-arc of the book.
ReplyDeleteAparajita @Le' Grande Codex'>
It totally agree with this review. I find that 'A Taste of Darkness' was lacking. It had well-placed romantic moments and awsome fight scenes. I found Kerrick was perfect and and there were some hilarious moments. But it was lacking so much of the creepiness necessary to keep it suspenseful. The Skeleton King had his 'evil perks' but I feel Tohon was the real villain- I would have preferred his relationship with Avry fleshed out more. (Even if it was beginning to sound a lot like the Glass Series.)
ReplyDeleteSo overall it was a great read, even if a little disappointing.