Healer #3 Taste of Darkness

This is another mind-blowing series that ends with this mind-blowing finale. Presenting Healer #3 Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder.

Here is the summary of the book:

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.

High Fantasies always need much more detailing than most. You need everything spelled out. From the world building down to every minuet detail about the characters.... and there are always more than one leads of this genre.... You are literally building a new world in this genre story and if not done well, readers loose interest.... But Snyder's high fantasy Healer series, maintains its distinct identity throughout.

Taste of Darkness starts off slow, just where the 2nd book ended but gains momentum quickly. Avry, Kerrick, the Monkeys, Flea and Bear are all in here. Even Tohon and all the baddies as well..... But this is Avry's crowning glory. She is still very stubborn, still insistent on risking herself and putting the life of others before her. She has matured considerably throughout the series. When Kerrick goes missing she remains steadfast that he will return. Openly defiant to Prince Ryne and still passionately and hopelessly in love with Kerrick. Got to say she is one ass-kicking heroine.

Kerrick.... A worthy male protagonist. His chemistry with Avry truly works wonders for the saga. He is strong, brooding, romantic, selfless and passionate adding his forest magic powers as cherry on top. Belen, Loren & Quain, and Flea made some considerable appearances, Flea specially what with discovering his powers as a death magician. Tohon of course rears his head, haunting Avry's dreams and there is a new enemy on the horizon too, the cannibalistic Skeleton King.

This is an intricate world with intricate magic woven like beads throughout the length of the rope..... Even the Lily comes alive - Giant man size ones capable enough to swallow a person whole and even develop a consciousness  too. Even the forest has a voice. Combine that with the final battle, the romance and the unraveling and you get this marvelous Healer saga. Well done!

"An action-packed and romantic conclusion to Maria V. Snyder's Healer series. Definitely does not disappoint"

Genre :      Young Adult, High Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA

Release Date: 31st December, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 Touch of Power
              #2 Scent of Magic

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