Taste of Darkness (Healer 33)by Maria V. Snyder

Fantasy

What Goodreads says:

"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."

Taste of Darkness is the third and final book in the Healer series.  Do not read this as a stand alone.  It starts with Avry waking up and finding Kerrick gone.  There is no lead up to the opening, no explanation of who Avry or Kerrick are, and no explanation of what has gone on before.  It is like you have reading a scene in book two and finished that scene in book 3.  There is some backstory worked in later but it was more a reminder of things past for people who were reading the entire series.  That said it is a great finish to the series.

Look for all the familiar character to make an appearance.  There are surprises, a lot of danger, some romance and a lot of edge of your seat scenes in Taste of Darkness.  Right up until the end this book is true to the title and is filled with very dark scenes.  The book is well written and the plot well developed.  The characters stay true to form.  After looking like nothing is going to work out everything comes to a satisfying conclusion and it is easy to say good by to Avry, Kerrick and the whole gang knowing they are headed for a life full of challenges after defeating danger.

Harlequin published Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder in 2013.

I receive an ARC of Taste of Darkness from Netgalley.