I have yet to read a Maria V. Synder book that has disappointed me. So of course with her new series I had high expectations. And, she in no way let me down with Touch Of Power. It was thrilling, unique, and I loved following Avry's journey. 
 Avry of Kazan is a healer. But, healers are hunted and executed because they are believed to be spreading a plague. So Avry has been hiding herself for years, but when she is discovered and caught she thinks it's all over. Until a mysterious and handsome Kerrick, and his crew rescue her with one request... to heal a prince who has the plague. Avry doesn't agree, but she does decide to stay with the group and think about it. Along the way, Avry's journey is anything but easy, and she starts to discover more about her world than she ever knew. And, healing someone comes with a price... is healing this prince worth her life? 
 I absolutely adore how Maria is always capable of creating these fantasy worlds. How she can create whole new worlds, with interesting powers, and story lines. Living in Avry's world there are people gifted with powers. Eleven in all: Earth, wind, life, death, healing, forest, water, moon, fire, rock, and sun. Could you imagine being able to sense the earth? Use the trees? Suck the air out of someone and suffocate them? Be able take or give life? It would be quite a gift to possess these powers. I also love the fact that the ages of these characters average around my age (21). It's nice to read a YA novel where the characters aren't teen but aren't fully adult either. The world, the plot, the romance, the story line in Touch Of Power was all so brilliantly created. 
 Avry is one of those strong characters, who decides what's right for her and that's something I admire in her. She doesn't just do as she's told, she's stubborn and strong-willed with a good head on her shoulders and I cannot wait to read more of her story! 
 Throughout the book we meet so many characters, in particular there's the group Avry travels with. I loved each of them in their own way... especially Flea and Belen! Belen was probably one of my favorite characters in the book. He has such a kind heart and he's overall the perfect character. On the other side there's Flea. yet another you cannot help but fall in love with but he has his own hardships as well. I also really enjoyed Ryne once we meet him and I'm very curious to see how he plays out in the rest of the series! Oh, another I must mention is Tohon! ... Okay, yes... he's the bad guy. BUT BUT BUT he's a SEXY bad guy. One that I'm sure will make it into the villains tourney if we ever have one! haha. 
 And last but NOT least, Kerrick. First off... SEXY NAME. Oh my gosh, I'm a sucker for unique names and his is doozy of hottness. I absolutely loved his whole role throughout the book. He's been hurt, he keeps so much inside, he depends on himself so much, yet when his caring and protective side comes through you cannot help but fall for him. He's one of those boys with the super tough exterior but with a huge heart inside. I adored watching him & Avry fight and grow to care for each other... it was so real and so enjoyable to read. 
 In my opinion, Maria did a fantastic job with her ninth novel. It's exciting, thrilling, fun, sexy, has twists, and everything in between. It's a beautiful journey that you need to read for yourself!