Friday 8 November 2013

Taste of Darkness by Maria V Snyder

GoodReads Summary: 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.

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Expected publication date: 31/12/13

This is the second conclusion to a trilogy I've finished this month, and I'm happy to report that it is another satisfying one. The romance was delightful, the world-building thorough, and the characterization spot on.

Avry and Kerrick have been through a lot and trouble continues to follow them in ToD. The book opens with Avry discovering that Kerrick has disappeared, a search soon ensues and although there is a silent agreement that Kerrick is no more she refuses to believe it. I've said it once, I'll say it again, Avry is a selfless, kind, and kick-butt heroine. When she finds out that Kerrick is missing her stubborn nature doesn't allow her to break down or whine, instead she takes action - she searches and searches and even when she has to stop she doesn't lose hope. Avry and Kerrick are one of my favourite YA couples, their love and mutual respect for each other always has me swooning. Oh, and there is a lot of kissing in ToD so, you know, there's that too.

Taste of Darkness, as the titles hints is darker than the previous two books. We finally meet the elusive Skeleton King and man is he creepy. And of course there's Tohon, who's presence does not waver despite being frozen in a stasis for most of the book. The delightful set of secondary characters are also back and I have to say that Flea has become surprisingly dear to me and I just love Odd and Ryne.

If there's one thing that can be said about Snyder it's that she never fails to impress. Her Study trilogy is up there on my favourites shelf and now this is too.

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19 comments:

  1. I loved her other series and I keep meaning to give this one a try as well but I always end up forgetting about it! I am so glad you are enjoying it.

    Have you read her others series? If so how does it compare?

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  2. The Study series is one of my favourites too, and I keep meaning to make another start on this one. I picked up the first book a year or so ago but put it back down again and never got back around to it. You have to me eager to see Avry and Kerrick's romance develop now! I'm glad you were a fan. It's always such a relief when a series wraps up well. :)

    Lovely review, Renu!

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  3. Eep! I am so glad to hear that this one worked out really well for you! I need to get cracking with this series. She sounds like a brilliant author.

    Fantastic review, Renu! <33

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  4. For me, the Study trilogy started out very promising and slowly..declined with each installment, as with the spin-off series, so I didn't pick this up. I'm really glad to see you enjoyed it so much, though, Renu - great review!

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  5. I am glad you were satisfied by the conclusion, I cannot seem to recall the last time that actually happened for me. I loved Snyder's Study trilogy but I forgot why I didn't give this one a chance. Oh and I was wondering, is this set in the same world as the Study trilogy?

    Anyways, Great Review Renu!! :)

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  6. Rashika - Really? That sucks. :(
    Nope! Thanks. :)

    Kindlemom - I have read her Study trilogy. I love both, but I have admit I love her Study trilogy just a teeny bit more.

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  7. I've never heard of this series until now but I've heard a lot of good things about Snyder's Study series, which has long been buried in my TBR pile. I'm glad to know that the author continues to impress you. Nothing's really more awesome than to have a satisfying ending to a series you love. Thanks for the review!

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  8. Aw, yay! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much :D Been forever since I read book one.. but hoping to re-read it and read book two and three when I get this book. <3 Amazing review. Thank you for sharing Renu :)

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  9. Renu- YAY! I am definitely adding this on my to-read list :)

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  10. Yeah, for another great conclusion. I meant to try this series, I really did but i just never got around to it. I do really really want to read this author. I need to stop saying really... anyway I better watch for her next book!

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  11. I loved Poison Study and if you say this is a satisfying conclusion to a series, I'm going to check this out.It seems those are so few and far between now. Wonderful review, Renu. :)

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  12. I've always heard good things a vote Snyder, and this series. I'm so glad you were happy eirh the conclusion!

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  13. I just read the description for the first book in the series and added it to my tbr shelf =) I'm glad you liked the final book in this series! Hopefully I'll be reading it soon.

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  14. What a relief when you get to a finale book and it is satisfying. I just had that too with Champion for the Legend series. Glad you enjoyed it so much! I have yet to check these book out. :)

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  15. I have yet to read this series, but I'm much more likely to now that I know it has a satisfying ending! Nothing worse than being disappointed in the finale. Maria V. Snyder sounds like a pro - I really need to check out her work sometime!

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  16. I cannot believe I still haven't read any book by this author and I have heard great things about them. This one sounds like a great series and hopefully I'll get to read it now. Great review, Renu :)

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  17. So glad to hear that this one is awesome and doesn't disappoint

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  18. Fantastic review Renu! Tenacious heroes always impress me, as I cannot imagine being that constantly believing myself. I'm glad you enjoyed this story!

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  19. I prefer to start a trilogy after finding out that the last one is satisfying. Thanks for the review.

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