Touch of Power

One of my favorite authors is back with yet what looks to be another excellent triology. I can't wait for the next book in this new series! And, as always, Gabra Zackman is wonderful in her narration! This is truly a 5-star winner!

Another winner!

During the study series, it took me a bit to get used to Gabra Zackman as the narrator, but by the third book, I really started to appreciate her talent. In Touch of Power, she is AMAZING. There are so many subtleties to her voice to really draw the proper emotion. She is also great at consistent accents and tones for the different characters.

Maria V. Snyder did a great job with this story. Like one of the previous comments mentioned, there was a point in the story where I got a little impatient and thought, "okay, let's get on with it", but that only lasted for a moment and I was dragged right back in to the adventure. This story was meant to span a great amount of time, and she did a great job of relaying that long distance and passing of time without boring me. And the character development was definitely thorough, and appreciated.

When I first read the summary of this book (girl with the power to heal by drawing in others' sickness into her body), I was a bit hesitant and reluctant to download it, because I was worried the main character, Avery, was just going to be a wannabe Yelena from the study series. Not at all, as I discovered. Avery is an entirely different character, and holds her own. Despite what seemed like would be too much of a similarity, Avery's powers are unique and the story in Touch of Power is very original.

I definitely recommend this as a read. Now to wait for Book 2...

Wanting to broaden my scope by listening to something in the fantasy genre, I listened to Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study narrated by Gabra Zackman. I was HOOKED! The sequels were equally as delightful and I was missing them dearly when I finished. When Touch of Power was available, I immediately downloaded it and listened and was not disappointed. The story line is interesting and I found myself taking longer walks so I would not have to turn it off. The only bad thing is when they end. More please.

I got this during a bogo romance special it was under supernatural romance. it started out good and I enjoyed the fantasy post apocalyptic story line but its not a romance. there's a little romantic tension throughout the book and a few kiss and romance in the last 16 minutes but other then that this was more a fantasy novel. the reader was a little monotone but I could be me (I don't like female readers) . the story could use a second book (lot of loose ends) but I did like the book overall.

so if you want to read a fun fantasy book I suggest it if you won't a romance book look else where.

Nope, because the main themes and even major parts of the story seemed to be repeats of "Poison Study": heroine about to be put to death, love-hate relationship between the two main characters, there was even another hide-and-seek game in the forest... all of which I enjoyed the first time I listened to Poison Study.

I love Gabra Zackman and she's pretty much the only reason I was able to finish listening to this book. If it was anyone else I would have given up about halfway through.

I got this book because I loved, loved, LOVED "Poison Study" and thought this book would be as entertaining as that series. It's not as good - the story isn't as fleshed out, and frankly Avry was a little dense and her love interest wasn't that much better. All in all it’s a pretty meh read.

Well edited with lots of great dialogue between all the characters! Author tells a good story in a fantasy format

Lorin...had a good sense of humor and whit

This story used Ms Zackman's voice gifts so very well.

Yes, last chapter had me in tears

Looking forward to sequel read by Ms Zackman

Poisen Study also by Maria V. Snyder. There are many similarities and differences. It's been a while since I read PS though and this book reminded me why I loved it. The powerful female heros, the love interests that sneak up behind me, and force me to love them, the loyal friends, it's a combination made of gold. But this brand new world of healers has so many surprises. Since I first began reading I've not been able the shut up about it to all my friends.

The narrator was the primary disappointment but the story wasn't that spectacular either.

I think I'm going to avoid Maria V. Snyder, unless her writing skills improve drastically.

Gabra Zackman, the narrator, is awful. She does not sound like a 20 year old and her voice is more masculine than feminine. Most of the narration was either unemotional or monotonous. It annoyed me that the narrator ended sentences by slightly raising her voice and making the story sound like a string of questions. For me, the narrator diminished what little power the story had...she made the story sound like baby-talk.

I thought I was listening to a children's book. First the narrator and then the story. The people, places, descriptions (actually lack of) are superficial, dull and barely interesting. The underdeveloped characters are simple, flat and not very memorable. On one hand Avry is introduced to us as one who is condemned to death because in her world such healers have been accused of spreading the plague. Avry heals people and actually welcomes other people's pain and injuries; but on the other hand, a deadly illness is just as deadly for her too. So here's the question. What's the real benefit of being a healer if Avry can only heal minor/healable illnesses...because these people could heal on their own and probably would anyways!?!Then there's Avry's love interest, Kerrick, who is a total jerk. He backhands, starves and exposes our heroine to the elements in the hope that some cold weather and shivering will break her will...really!?! (rolling my eyes). I do admit it...I am so sorry I purchased this audiobook.

I've listened to this book more times than I can count! The characters are real and relate-able and the story line is intriguing!

I love the main characters struggle for truth of who she is and self perservation

Definitely the death lilies!

YES! I did!

I am a big fan of her other books and I really enjoyed this one. The writing is good, the story is good, the characters are well developed. This is similar to her Glass and Study books, a touch of romance, mixed with fantasy and a bit of paranormal. (I'll read from that shelve all day) The story starts strong and does not let go. I was up half the night listening and waiting for a good stopping place. I totally recommend this one... the only bad thing is going to be the wait for the next book in the series, but I will not mind re listening to this one when book two comes out. Enjoy...