strong female character
596784
I think this was the best book in the series because it had a strong female character that didn't just fall into the guy's arms because he was good looking.  Plus, there was a supernatural element pulling them together which made the romance a little deeper and more believable.  Shane was a charming character for the most part and Rebecca was a challenge for him.  Made for a fun read.
1808232
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.  There aren't enough strong female characters in novels.  I'm happy to say that's not the case in this book.
3581558
Very good book doesn't wander, the main character is a strong young woman who is driven to be the best. I hope the rest of series is as good.
4267592
I enjoyed seeing Grisham with a female protagonist--a strong character whom readers can admire.  This book has my enthusiastic recommendation.

Sharon Lasseter
677034
Good strong woman character.  Some problem with the download and I couldn't wait to get the rest to finish the book.
4811460
Great story.  Strong female characters.  Explores ideas about meeting with alien cultures.  Love the adventure, interactions among characters.  Interesting exploration of how different humans react to encounters with the unknown.
3278094
I liked the strong female characters. Their relationships very complex. A tale of a spiritual journey meets the mystical bonds that surround lives quest.
2838517
I absolutely love the character of Lydia in this book - she is the type of character that we need more of in all types of art, including literature. She is one of the strongest female characters that I have come across, in all respects. She risks her own safety and sanity to help save the Valos because she wanted to - not for much of a personal gain. I was absolutely blown away by reading about this character. Of course, there are other characters that were well crafted as well, but Lydia really stands out to me.
If you like reading about strong women, this is a fantastic place to start! Plus, the cover is just really cool.
3400803
This book has a a super strong heroine engaged in violence
throughout the book.
Boats, cars, planes and jet ski's are
utilized in this adventure
Billy
4912227
The story could have been a little better written, but I appreciated greatly a story about a strong female character fighting for something other than romantic love. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
4764826
Give me a strong female protagonist along with a challenging plot while refraining from numerous explicit,sexual encounters and foul language, and I will cheerfully and gratefully provide a 5-star rating.
1777089
Strong yet very realistic characters in this book.  Both the male and female characters are well defined.  I plan to read them all...
1374882
This is a great read for a female.  The characters seem very real and you develop a lot of empathy for them.
630079
Interesting story line that I haven't read before. I like a strong female character, and every time I thought she was going to break down and disappoint me, she surprised me with her strength and poise. The guy's not an idiot either which is refreshing.
2981251
An interesting read with strong female characters. Interesting and different storyline
2966183
I LOVED THIS BOOK!  This is the strongest female character Howard has written yet, and shes had some GREAT ones!  The sexual tension was intense. Support characters were lovable!
4737543
Reviewed by SUZANNE & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

I liked that she [Maria V Snyder] has created a genuinely strong female lead who manages to not only save herself most the time, but to protect the people around her; too often supposedly "strong" female characters still need the male to come along and save the day. ~ Under the Covers

Avry is the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, making her valuable to friends and enemies alike, but with the exception of the man she loves, Kerrick, they all think she's dead. But the insane King Tohon grows more powerful, especially as he can command an army of the dead and Avry must come out of hiding and do all she can to help stop him despite her fear of him. Meanwhile rumours of another invasion abound and Kerrick must return home and do all he can to stop it, leaving Avry all alone...

In Touch of Power the first book in this series, I remember it being very similar, too similar, to her Study series, the characters and the story were too close and although I enjoyed it I was a little disappointed. However, I am glad I carried on reading as although the similarities are still there Scent of Magic seemed to breakaway and form its own identity.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the story, Touch of Power was just a warm up to get to the real action in this book, I found couldn't wait to see what would happen next and what the characters would do as war starts to break on the Fifteen Realms. What was also great was the characters, especially Avry, I liked that she has created a genuinely strong female lead who manages to not only save herself most the time, but to protect the people around her, too often supposedly "strong" female characters still need the male to come along and save the day.

This book also switched POVs from Avry to Kerrick, and although it was essential and interesting to see what was happening on the other side of the Kingdom, I felt that it switched over far too often. You would just be getting into what was happening with Kerrick and then it would go back to Avry and although I feel the switched POVS did add to the story, it was frustrating as they felt so short.

I really liked this book and am really getting into this series, it has all the things I love about books, fantasy in particular, adventure, magic, great storytelling and romance. I can't wait to read what happens next!

*ARC provided by publisher