Scent of Magic

Scent of Magic
Maria V. Snyder

The army of the dead are coming… Avry of Kazan, the last Healer of the mystical Fifteen Realms, has a power that can’t be matched. But in the minds of her friends and foe alike, Avry no longer exists. Now, as the psychotic King Tohon builds an army mightier than any that has been seen before—a league of undead soldiers—Avry must face her toughest, most terrifying battle alone.Fighting to be reunited with her family and her lover Kerrick, Avry must infiltrate Tohon’s troops. But does she have the power, the rare magic; to do what legend says is impossible?FOR FANS OF TRUDI CANAVAN AND GAME OF THRONES

Praise forNew York Timesbestselling author

MARIA V.

SNYDER

‘Filled with Snyder’s trademark sarcastic humour, fast-paced action and creepy villainy, Touch of Power is a spellbinding romantic adventure that will leave readers salivating for the next book in the series.’ —USA TODAYonTouch of Power

‘The descriptions are vivid and draw you into the rugged journey across the mountains. You’ll want to follow their voyage into the next book.’

—RT Book ReviewsonTouch of Power

‘This is one of those rare books that will keep readers dreaming long after they’ve read it.’

—Publishers Weekly, starred review, onPoison Study

‘Snyder delivers another excellent adventure.’

—Publishers WeeklyonFire Study

‘A compelling new fantasy series.’

—SFXmagazine onSea Glass

Also by New York Times bestselling author

Maria V. Snyder

from

MIRA BOOKS

Study Series

POISON STUDY

MAGIC STUDY

FIRE STUDY

Glass Series

STORM GLASS

SEA GLASS

SPY GLASS

Healer series

TOUCH OF POWER

SCENT OF MAGIC

from

MIRA INK

Inside Series

INSIDE OUT

OUTSIDE IN

Scent of Magic

Maria V. Snyder

www.mirabooks.co.uk (http://www.mirabooks.co.uk)

For Mom.

You started me on this path long ago by reading me books every

night, by taking me to movies and to the theater.

Thanks for always supporting my dreams.

I may be a gypsy, Mom, but it’s all your fault!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For my last book, my acknowledgements spanned two pages. I never want to take my support network for granted because without them, these books would not get written. But this time, I’m going to make it short and sweet. Well, I’m going to try.

As always, I need to thank my editor, Mary-Theresa Hussey, agent, Robert Mecoy, my husband, my daughter and son for their feedback and comments on this book. They spot the holes in logic, the dumb mistakes and, in the case of my daughter and son, yell at me when I kill off favorite characters.

The legions of people at Harlequin who are involved in my books are too many to list individually. They are from every department, from sales to digital to art, and are all over the world. I appreciate all their efforts on the behalf of me and my books. It is always a great pleasure and honor to work with all of you. Thank you so much!

A special thank you to Gabra Zackman, the phenomenally talented actress who reads my audiobooks. You rock! May you never get a sore throat … Ever!

Thanks to Becky Greenly and Amy Snyder for the technical support, and my daughter and son for the inspiration, laughs and support.

My husband, Rodney, gets his own paragraph or else he’ll pout. Just kidding. Without him, I wouldn’t be a writer. I’d still be a miserable environmental meteorologist, working in a cubicle. Now I work in a beautiful office that he built just for me. Thanks, dear!

CHAPTER 1