Taste of Darkness
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….
Praise for New York Times bestselling author
“The action in this book is non-stop, with many twists and turns to keep the reader guessing about what’s in store on the next page.”
—Examiner.com on Scent of Magic
“Filled with Snyder’s trademark sarcastic humor, 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 TODAY
“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 Reviews on Touch of Power
“This is one of those rare books
that will keep readers dreaming long after they’ve read it.”
—Publishers Weekly on Poison Study, starred review
“Snyder delivers another excellent adventure.”
—Publishers Weekly on Fire Study
“A compelling new fantasy series.”
—SFX magazine on Sea Glass
Also by New York Times bestselling author
Maria V. Snyder
from
MIRA BOOKS
Avry of Kazan series
TOUCH OF POWER
SCENT OF MAGIC
TASTE OF DARKNESS
from
MIRA INK
The Chronicles of IXIA
POISON STUDY
MAGIC STUDY
FIRE STUDY
STORM GLASS
SEA GLASS
SPY GLASS
Inside Series
INSIDE OUT
OUTSIDE IN
www.mirabooks.co.uk/mariavsnyder
Taste of
Darkness
Maria V. Snyder
www.mirabooks.co.uk
For my father—a perpetual tinkerer, who showed me the benefits
of hard work and persistence. It took me a while to catch on,
but I eventually “got” it. Thanks, Pop!
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Kerrick
Chapter 5
Kerrick
Chapter 6
Kerrick
Chapter 7
Kerrick
Chapter 8
Kerrick
Chapter 9
Kerrick
Chapter 10
Kerrick
Chapter 11
Kerrick
Chapter 12
Kerrick
Chapter 13
Kerrick
Chapter 14
Kerrick
Chapter 15
Kerrick
Chapter 16
Kerrick
Chapter 17
Kerrick
Chapter 18
Kerrick
Chapter 19
Kerrick
Chapter 20
Kerrick
Chapter 21
Kerrick
Chapter 22
Kerrick
Chapter 23
Kerrick
Chapter 24
Acknowledgments
CHAPTER 1
Cold air caressed my back. I rolled over, muttering at Kerrick for hogging the blanket, but stopped. Something felt...odd, wrong, missing. Opening my eyes, I confirmed the emptiness next to me. Kerrick was gone.
For a moment, I stared at the dent in the pillow. Had yesterday been a dream? Had I imagined Wynn’s betrayal, Tohon trapped in a magical stasis, Kerrick’s miraculous arrival, and the rest of the insanity?
No. The events replayed in my head with vivid details. The blood, the overpowering reek of dead ufas, and Wynn’s poisoned knife striking Kerrick’s arm. Poisoned with Death Lily toxin. I’d thought I’d sucked all the deadly poison from Kerrick’s wound...but what if I hadn’t?