Healer series by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of power bk 1. Harlequin Teen, 2012
Scent of magic bk 2. Harlequin Mira, 2013.
(Age: 14+) Fantasy. Romance. Recommended as a quick light read. Avery of Kazan is a healer, the last one left in the Kingdom. In the first in the series, she is hunted down by Kerrick and his band of renegades because they believe she can heal their Prince who has been struck down by the plague. She is also wanted by King Tohon whose desire to conquer everyone sees him misusing his powers in evil ways. The second book revolves around Avry's struggles against Tohon and his army of the dead.
This series, like the Study series that I have also read (Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study), is easy to read with short sentences, lots of dialogue and a very strong, well developed female main character. Avery has moral dilemmas to overcome when using her healing powers and has to decide whether she will use her ability to heal the Prince or whether she will go back into hiding.
The setting of the fifteen realms with magic wielding leaders will be familiar to readers of fantasy, but it is Snyder's use of lilies that can kill or heal, that make her world quite different to others. I was fascinated by her use of this plant and look forward to reading the next in the series where more will be revealed about how the lilies may help to save the Realms.
The romance between Avry and Kerrick will satisfy romance lovers, but it never overshadows the struggles to save the kingdom that both Avry and Kerrick focus on. For Avry overcoming the evil of Tohon and his undead army are more important than travelling with Kerrick, who knows that his mission to the north is also vital. Both are brave and self-sacrificing and the suspense that builds around their quest makes for compelling reading.
A series that contains political intrigues, power games, sarcastic humour, strange plants and heroic people is sure to please readers who like fantasy.
Pat Pledger