What do you think?
Rate this book
A Touch of Power #3
Sense
Hunt the mesmer. Free the captives. Be the hero you never wanted to be.
It's been ten days since Jade finally got out. Out of the bed she spent her life trapped in, out of the hospital, and now out of the city, the walls, and way outside of her comfort zone.
The wilderness is a terrifying place, especially when you're hunting mesmer…and everything else is hunting you. Unfortunately, getting out of the forest won't get her out of the woods. She’ll need to navigate court politics and foreign policy if she wants to come out in one piece. Paving a way through state affairs will prove at least as difficult as trying to find her way through Basaigh Woods.
Andara’s newest traveler has a lot on her plate; it’s a good thing she’s hungry for adventure!
It's been ten days since Jade finally got out. Out of the bed she spent her life trapped in, out of the hospital, and now out of the city, the walls, and way outside of her comfort zone.
The wilderness is a terrifying place, especially when you're hunting mesmer…and everything else is hunting you. Unfortunately, getting out of the forest won't get her out of the woods. She’ll need to navigate court politics and foreign policy if she wants to come out in one piece. Paving a way through state affairs will prove at least as difficult as trying to find her way through Basaigh Woods.
Andara’s newest traveler has a lot on her plate; it’s a good thing she’s hungry for adventure!
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2020
354 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Jay Boyce
14 books306 followersJay Boyce is an avid reader and traveler, explorer of new things. Daughter of a librarian and wielder of words, she is primarily an editor who's trying her hand at writing. A crazy dreamer, she creates stories in her head all the time, and finally decided to start writing them down and sharing the love. A perpetual learner, she also works at her local university attending classes with deaf students and gleaning knowledge on any random subject she can get her hands on. The best description of her has always been eclectic, because she wanted to try everything at least once.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 23, 2020
This book rapidly wraps up the cliffhanger from the last book and we discover that the enemy which was a significant threat in only groups of 1-4 actually numbers in hundreds if not thousands and they've been thoroughly provoked. What does she do with this new information to prepare the city for an army that can mind control all your troops into dropping their weapons and not fighting? She goes to tea parties, banquets, tournaments, and balls.
The story repeatedly drops hints that there is a massive threat that may hit the city any day and their only idea is to just wait and see what happens. Instead of doing anything to prepare for the city to be invaded, she decides she wants to build a zoo. The whole book is non-productive socializing until the very last chapter where they're caught completely unaware by a massive attack on the city. Who could have predicted a massive counter-attack? Then the book ends on yet another cliffhanger.
Jade's actions in the first book had some charm to them, the second book she had everything handed to her without effort or even having to ask, and now in the third book, she's outright vindictive over even the tiniest of slights against her. For example, there's a diplomatic arena event where the entire purpose is for people from different cities to challenge each other and test their skills. She was told in advance that it was very likely someone would want to fight her and see what she's capable of. When someone does challenge her, she acts completely surprised and offended that someone would want to test their skill against her instead of treating her like a god and revering her, so she crushes and humiliates him into submission. Then everyone fawns over her and tells her that she's the greatest and that everything she did was completely reasonable.
The story repeatedly drops hints that there is a massive threat that may hit the city any day and their only idea is to just wait and see what happens. Instead of doing anything to prepare for the city to be invaded, she decides she wants to build a zoo. The whole book is non-productive socializing until the very last chapter where they're caught completely unaware by a massive attack on the city. Who could have predicted a massive counter-attack? Then the book ends on yet another cliffhanger.
Jade's actions in the first book had some charm to them, the second book she had everything handed to her without effort or even having to ask, and now in the third book, she's outright vindictive over even the tiniest of slights against her. For example, there's a diplomatic arena event where the entire purpose is for people from different cities to challenge each other and test their skills. She was told in advance that it was very likely someone would want to fight her and see what she's capable of. When someone does challenge her, she acts completely surprised and offended that someone would want to test their skill against her instead of treating her like a god and revering her, so she crushes and humiliates him into submission. Then everyone fawns over her and tells her that she's the greatest and that everything she did was completely reasonable.
December 31, 2022
This is third in a series and they fall one after another. So I recommend reading in order.
The first chapters of this story are Jade on the hunt to rescue the friends that have been taking by the mesmer. This is a huge tone shift as the mesmer are deadly serious antagonists, in addition to being creepy. Jade takes on a more power-fantasy aspect as she blazes in to save her friends. And I hated that more than a little. Yeah, it surprised me, too.
The thing is, the mesmer don't actually hold together very well. It turns out that there are hundreds of them collected in nests in the forest and that breaks with early experiences where there were only one or two invading every month taking off a lone victim. But with hundreds, you have to wonder what we've been missing all this time. Have they been way more active? Why aren't they sending larger hunting groups more often? How hasn't any of this come up before?
And it isn't helping that they're so irredeemable. And the thing is, it undermines the thing I've been engaged with to this point: the slice-of-life, everyday mundanity of Jade's efforts to improve life for all and get creative with her magic.
This earnest and dire threat made it hard for me to continue reading. Even when Jade makes it back to town and it looks like we're going to have some more pastoral goodness, there's now a pall hanging over all of that as we now know that there are hundreds of mesmer in a nearby forest who probably aren't going to wait to strike back. And I'm totally not interested in that story. I'm going to give this two stars because I still like Jade, I just don't like the story that's being prepped for delivery.
The first chapters of this story are Jade on the hunt to rescue the friends that have been taking by the mesmer. This is a huge tone shift as the mesmer are deadly serious antagonists, in addition to being creepy. Jade takes on a more power-fantasy aspect as she blazes in to save her friends. And I hated that more than a little. Yeah, it surprised me, too.
The thing is, the mesmer don't actually hold together very well. It turns out that there are hundreds of them collected in nests in the forest and that breaks with early experiences where there were only one or two invading every month taking off a lone victim. But with hundreds, you have to wonder what we've been missing all this time. Have they been way more active? Why aren't they sending larger hunting groups more often? How hasn't any of this come up before?
And it isn't helping that they're so irredeemable. And the thing is, it undermines the thing I've been engaged with to this point: the slice-of-life, everyday mundanity of Jade's efforts to improve life for all and get creative with her magic.
This earnest and dire threat made it hard for me to continue reading. Even when Jade makes it back to town and it looks like we're going to have some more pastoral goodness, there's now a pall hanging over all of that as we now know that there are hundreds of mesmer in a nearby forest who probably aren't going to wait to strike back. And I'm totally not interested in that story. I'm going to give this two stars because I still like Jade, I just don't like the story that's being prepped for delivery.
October 18, 2020
In the first and second books i empathised with Jade, i understood the epiphany, the revelation, the giddy joy at discovering life after only being a spectator. I liked that a lot, its not something i had read about much before but had experienced myself.
I also liked that she wanted to help develop things and not be a frontline fighter.
This book turned all that around. She has become an overpowered, thoughtless asshole who is applauded for humiliating people, ignoring important people and cultural practices from the world she is in and generally being a child. Im disappointed that this is the way the character is developing i just hope the character arc returns her to being a better person. Someone needs to put her on her ass and tell her to shut the fuck up and listen once in a while.
I will try to finish the last 10% of the book without cringing too much, i may or may not pick up the next one depending. Sorry if thats too honest.
I do believe the writer has a lot of potential
I also liked that she wanted to help develop things and not be a frontline fighter.
This book turned all that around. She has become an overpowered, thoughtless asshole who is applauded for humiliating people, ignoring important people and cultural practices from the world she is in and generally being a child. Im disappointed that this is the way the character is developing i just hope the character arc returns her to being a better person. Someone needs to put her on her ass and tell her to shut the fuck up and listen once in a while.
I will try to finish the last 10% of the book without cringing too much, i may or may not pick up the next one depending. Sorry if thats too honest.
I do believe the writer has a lot of potential
August 9, 2022
It's been a while since I read the first two books so I had to think long and hard about the plethora of people our main character, Jade has in her new life, in this new world of hers. She's truly an extraordinary character who's finally living her life after years of being bedridden due to an illness on earth. She's not selfish in this new world, she cares so much for others around her and as OP as she is with her powers, she's still the sweet girl you first meet in book one.
This book was fun to read 'cause Jade was able to experience other cultures without having to go too far from Caoi as the different delegations travelled to her. The fight at the end of the book against the Dark One's monsters was absolutely brutal to the city but Jade's last act was inspiring. So much so that I'm getting the fourth book ASAP because I need to know what happens next, and also... there are baby dragons in the next one!!
This book was fun to read 'cause Jade was able to experience other cultures without having to go too far from Caoi as the different delegations travelled to her. The fight at the end of the book against the Dark One's monsters was absolutely brutal to the city but Jade's last act was inspiring. So much so that I'm getting the fourth book ASAP because I need to know what happens next, and also... there are baby dragons in the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2020
The first part of the book made some sense up to the point where they returned to town.
The return itself and everything that followed was just utter stupidity on everyone’s part. It is so stupid that I cannot believe anyone would behave like this. Not a single thing they did made sense when taking into account they are practically in war and have people in the field.
The death of a character close to the MC felt fake and forced. Just there to show bad things happen to the MC, without actually having anything bad happen that would in anyway make a difference.
There was absolutely no need to the escort party to come out of the town to begin with.
Bottom line - MC is being intentionally stupid. City rulers are inept and stupid. General population are stupid as whole for not recognizing what the Mesmer are long time ago and not being able to do anything worthwhile with their Magic’s.
The return itself and everything that followed was just utter stupidity on everyone’s part. It is so stupid that I cannot believe anyone would behave like this. Not a single thing they did made sense when taking into account they are practically in war and have people in the field.
The death of a character close to the MC felt fake and forced. Just there to show bad things happen to the MC, without actually having anything bad happen that would in anyway make a difference.
There was absolutely no need to the escort party to come out of the town to begin with.
Bottom line - MC is being intentionally stupid. City rulers are inept and stupid. General population are stupid as whole for not recognizing what the Mesmer are long time ago and not being able to do anything worthwhile with their Magic’s.
March 28, 2020
Another great entry in this series.
This time around, we've moved significantly away from the Academy life and we're spending a lot more time on the fantasy side of things. It's a refreshing side of the story that we didn't get much of before.
This series continues to deliver and I'm eagerly awaiting the next one.
This time around, we've moved significantly away from the Academy life and we're spending a lot more time on the fantasy side of things. It's a refreshing side of the story that we didn't get much of before.
This series continues to deliver and I'm eagerly awaiting the next one.
June 3, 2020
This is as Mary Sue as it gets
The protagonist goes from being an invalid with virtually no worldly experience to being a natural savant at nearly anything and everything she turns her hand to over a period of two weeks. That's two weeks for all three books altogether. Either you love and respect her or she wrecks you, there's no middle ground. I slogged my way through this book simply because I'm to stubborn to give up on any story after I've invested more than an hour into it. There is a lot of potential here for great storytelling, and the world development is quite good, but i just cannot stand this smug little would be superhero.
The protagonist goes from being an invalid with virtually no worldly experience to being a natural savant at nearly anything and everything she turns her hand to over a period of two weeks. That's two weeks for all three books altogether. Either you love and respect her or she wrecks you, there's no middle ground. I slogged my way through this book simply because I'm to stubborn to give up on any story after I've invested more than an hour into it. There is a lot of potential here for great storytelling, and the world development is quite good, but i just cannot stand this smug little would be superhero.
April 4, 2020
This was a fun read. The thing that I like most about this book is that the MC is fun. I know that I've mentioned that she's an airhead, but that's not true. She's truly innocent and has a LOT on her plate at the moment. One of the few things that I really like about this story is the fact that the MC knows EXACTLY how strong she is (seriously, we're talking Young Goku strong), but the book is scaling in power, but not doing so DBZ style, but more like No Hero Academia style, where the upper limits are insane, but if you can't control the power, you can get destroyed yourself (which Jade has almost manged to do to herself before.) With all of that said, I enjoy the banter between all of the people here, and I do enjoy that Jade is in fact a very well grounded person, but at the same time, really really optimistic considering she was literally stuck on life support for most of her living life before being transported to this world. I also like the fact that the book does state that there have been people that have been misunderstood and really bad things have happened because of it. All in all, for a fantasy world, a LOT of though has been put into the dynamics of the world structure as well as having you wonder who the big bad is and just how powerful they are.
May 25, 2020
This was more of a 3.5 experience for me. I enjoyed it to the extent that it was a pleasant diversion from the military sci-fi I seem to be into recently. This series, and this book in particular, treads a fine line for me of being entertaining enough while also constantly reminding me not to think too much about anything. Even if a book is YA doesn't mean it can't be smartly written. The prose of these books is straightforward and clean, but the plot really doesn't want you thinking too much about anything that happens. Myself aside, I think there are a lot of questions even a young teen might have for this series that will go unanswered.
If you have enjoyed the first two books, you will probably enjoy this one similarly. I have enjoyed this series as a palette cleanser between other reads, but I'm also unsure I'll stick around for more than 5 books if the series tries to grow longer.
If you have enjoyed the first two books, you will probably enjoy this one similarly. I have enjoyed this series as a palette cleanser between other reads, but I'm also unsure I'll stick around for more than 5 books if the series tries to grow longer.
December 9, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
Read the book the first time and listened to the audiobook this time. I agree with my first review which I wrote under the kindle addition. I still have a problem with the stats in this one. They don't make much sense anymore. Jade came to the world and was told that a stat of 10 was about average. She had a 7 in strength when she showed up to this world emaciated and barely able to walk. In this book though, she scanned warriors who had strength stats as low as 5. The highest stat of anybody besides Jade was 8. So which is it? Almost all of Jade's stats are above 30. A little problem with continuity there. Overall I still enjoyed the story. More action in this one but she didn't really develop that much here. I am looking forward to the next one.
Read the book the first time and listened to the audiobook this time. I agree with my first review which I wrote under the kindle addition. I still have a problem with the stats in this one. They don't make much sense anymore. Jade came to the world and was told that a stat of 10 was about average. She had a 7 in strength when she showed up to this world emaciated and barely able to walk. In this book though, she scanned warriors who had strength stats as low as 5. The highest stat of anybody besides Jade was 8. So which is it? Almost all of Jade's stats are above 30. A little problem with continuity there. Overall I still enjoyed the story. More action in this one but she didn't really develop that much here. I am looking forward to the next one.
March 31, 2020
I think Jade may be a worse character than Bella. And it's bad when a comparison to Twilight was the first that came to mind.
I wanted to like this series since it seemed like it would be a bit different with an interesting main character. But I don't like the main character at all. It's possible to write characters with flaws and interesting flavor. Sadly that's not what happened here. I'm not sure what the author is trying to do with Jade, but it doesn't work and I won't continue the series. I assume she'll pull a Mary Sue and save the day (but with angst), and I just don't care enough to slog through another book about the characters.
I wanted to like this series since it seemed like it would be a bit different with an interesting main character. But I don't like the main character at all. It's possible to write characters with flaws and interesting flavor. Sadly that's not what happened here. I'm not sure what the author is trying to do with Jade, but it doesn't work and I won't continue the series. I assume she'll pull a Mary Sue and save the day (but with angst), and I just don't care enough to slog through another book about the characters.
August 1, 2022
We're now getting into the real story. No longer quite so light-hearted, but still very much enjoyable.
July 16, 2020
“Sense” started with more action than the other books in the series. Even though the mission/fighting was well-written, it didn’t draw me in as quickly as the other books had. Jade was obviously overpowered after only 10 days in this new world. C’mon, flying??
However, once the book moved back to town with more social interactions, I became invested again. That is where the author shines, for sure. She has woven numerous strands in a vast social tapestry for Jade and somehow made readers care about ALL of them.
The foreign delegates were very cool. I really enjoyed hearing about the different societies, and it definitely left doors open for Jade’s future traveling adventures. (Plus, Baby Pandas!!!)
Jade did overreact with the tea situation. She is 18 and completely disrupted a meeting between royals from two countries. It could have been handled differently, like discreetly pulling the king or queen aside to raise her concerns. Echoes back to the whole OP thing. Yes, she is intelligent and a traveler, but her actions and accusations could have started a war. Sheesh. She completely felt like she was in the right, and no adult - nor even any of the royal kids, who were more experienced in foreign relations - chastised her in any way. Even my 11-year-old daughter rolled her eyes a bit at the scene Jade made. She commented later that Jade used her compulsion and thought it was fine but jumped all over the foreign girl for trying to diffuse the tension.
Overall, though, this book lived up to the high expectations I had after the first two installments, and I definitely recommend it.
The audiobook was very enjoyable. The reader is amazing at all the various voices and personas.
This is one series that our whole family enjoys listening to in the car. Son (12) and daughter (11) plus parents (40-ish), and everyone is happily sucked into Jade’s world.
However, once the book moved back to town with more social interactions, I became invested again. That is where the author shines, for sure. She has woven numerous strands in a vast social tapestry for Jade and somehow made readers care about ALL of them.
The foreign delegates were very cool. I really enjoyed hearing about the different societies, and it definitely left doors open for Jade’s future traveling adventures. (Plus, Baby Pandas!!!)
Jade did overreact with the tea situation. She is 18 and completely disrupted a meeting between royals from two countries. It could have been handled differently, like discreetly pulling the king or queen aside to raise her concerns. Echoes back to the whole OP thing. Yes, she is intelligent and a traveler, but her actions and accusations could have started a war. Sheesh. She completely felt like she was in the right, and no adult - nor even any of the royal kids, who were more experienced in foreign relations - chastised her in any way. Even my 11-year-old daughter rolled her eyes a bit at the scene Jade made. She commented later that Jade used her compulsion and thought it was fine but jumped all over the foreign girl for trying to diffuse the tension.
Overall, though, this book lived up to the high expectations I had after the first two installments, and I definitely recommend it.
The audiobook was very enjoyable. The reader is amazing at all the various voices and personas.
This is one series that our whole family enjoys listening to in the car. Son (12) and daughter (11) plus parents (40-ish), and everyone is happily sucked into Jade’s world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
September 27, 2021
3.5 A Small Encounter With A Lightning Bolt Stars
Sense: A Fantasy LitRPG Saga is the third book in the A Touch Of Power series by Jay Boyce.
It was unexpected to finly encounter delegates from the further kingdoms of this world Jade has come to inhabit. More so, that their ruling bodies varied so heavily outside of their closest allies from Saibreh. Obviously comfort in regards to the societal expectations associated with A'Udar Faris were the most to difficult to come to terms with. Where as the matriarchy of the Niloi were a favorite of mine.
I'm fairly suspicious of the A'Udar's people and the violet haze over them that confirms compulsion or contractual magic. Something Jade makes a point of excentuating the only other beings, orcs, to have shown such a state yet. That there was a more powerful attack made by the orcs while the delegations are visiting makes me suspect something untoward.
I completely glossed of the rescue mission against the mesmers... I don't want to spoil anything for potential new readers... It's more devastating a trauma than we originally expected for the unfortunate victims taken. I hope the cliffhanger of this edition in the series verifies that we will meet this Dark One behind the atrocities committed here. Made attributing an even more devastating attack against the evil this land has known, before Jade's arrival, will be possible in the future with her guidance?
I can't wait to discover what other creatures Boyce will unearth to take habit within Jade's newly constructed zoo like home for fellacai and beann.
Sense: A Fantasy LitRPG Saga is the third book in the A Touch Of Power series by Jay Boyce.
It was unexpected to finly encounter delegates from the further kingdoms of this world Jade has come to inhabit. More so, that their ruling bodies varied so heavily outside of their closest allies from Saibreh. Obviously comfort in regards to the societal expectations associated with A'Udar Faris were the most to difficult to come to terms with. Where as the matriarchy of the Niloi were a favorite of mine.
I'm fairly suspicious of the A'Udar's people and the violet haze over them that confirms compulsion or contractual magic. Something Jade makes a point of excentuating the only other beings, orcs, to have shown such a state yet. That there was a more powerful attack made by the orcs while the delegations are visiting makes me suspect something untoward.
I completely glossed of the rescue mission against the mesmers... I don't want to spoil anything for potential new readers... It's more devastating a trauma than we originally expected for the unfortunate victims taken. I hope the cliffhanger of this edition in the series verifies that we will meet this Dark One behind the atrocities committed here. Made attributing an even more devastating attack against the evil this land has known, before Jade's arrival, will be possible in the future with her guidance?
I can't wait to discover what other creatures Boyce will unearth to take habit within Jade's newly constructed zoo like home for fellacai and beann.
April 6, 2020
Concisely, this is what I think:
Another good installment to the series, nothing totally unexpected but the author did introduce new characters. The overpowered protagonist is beginning to get a bit old, to be honest, but that's also why I like this series so... I'm split about that.
Now, verbosely, here's my full opinion:
It's good but not great. This isn't a book I'll read again, but I will definitely read the next one.
The characters are all a bit unrealistic and flat. None of them have much personality apart from one characteristic. The worldbuilding is decently good, but, again, the entire population seems to be made up of good people who love Jade. I wish there were a bit more depth to this new world.
I understand the difficulties of creating a story for an overpowered character and I understand that it'll only get more difficult as Jade grows more and more powerful, but the combat gets a bit dull. The fighting is entertaining, but back to the overpowered protagonist problem: we know they have no chance. The antagonists are well introduced in the previous books and there are no never-heard-of-them-but-now-I-have-to-fight-them type antagonists, which is most definitely a plus.
Basically, if you liked the previous two, you'll probably like this one. If you didn't, you won't like this one.
Another good installment to the series, nothing totally unexpected but the author did introduce new characters. The overpowered protagonist is beginning to get a bit old, to be honest, but that's also why I like this series so... I'm split about that.
Now, verbosely, here's my full opinion:
It's good but not great. This isn't a book I'll read again, but I will definitely read the next one.
The characters are all a bit unrealistic and flat. None of them have much personality apart from one characteristic. The worldbuilding is decently good, but, again, the entire population seems to be made up of good people who love Jade. I wish there were a bit more depth to this new world.
I understand the difficulties of creating a story for an overpowered character and I understand that it'll only get more difficult as Jade grows more and more powerful, but the combat gets a bit dull. The fighting is entertaining, but back to the overpowered protagonist problem: we know they have no chance. The antagonists are well introduced in the previous books and there are no never-heard-of-them-but-now-I-have-to-fight-them type antagonists, which is most definitely a plus.
Basically, if you liked the previous two, you'll probably like this one. If you didn't, you won't like this one.
March 25, 2022
I really like this series so far, with the tension starting to finally ramp up in book 3. The writing style is great and the the characters relatable.
There are a couple of niggles that stop me giving it the full 5 stars though. (I'll keep this vague to avoid spoilers).
1) There is a touch of what is sometimes described as "Mary Sue" about the MC. She goes from a normal (in fact horrific), life to super powerful magical girl who's good at most everything. That's not specifically a bad thing however, just something to note. If you want your MCs to struggle a lot, maybe this isn't for you (at least not yet :) ).
2) The litany of stat blocks can sometimes be jarring. It's needed to see the progress of our MC, but at the same time I think it can be a lot in one go, and that's coming from a TTRPG player. It's not a deal breaker though and the author mitigates this by bringing in the idea of skills "merging" to become one "super stat" which then shrinks the list of items listed. I do wonder if this was something that came back in feedback for the earlier books, as the MC even mentions how the list was getting long as having them merge helps.
Other than those 2 niggles, I love the books. and will be sticking with the series until the end.
No where is that Jay Boyce fan page... :)
There are a couple of niggles that stop me giving it the full 5 stars though. (I'll keep this vague to avoid spoilers).
1) There is a touch of what is sometimes described as "Mary Sue" about the MC. She goes from a normal (in fact horrific), life to super powerful magical girl who's good at most everything. That's not specifically a bad thing however, just something to note. If you want your MCs to struggle a lot, maybe this isn't for you (at least not yet :) ).
2) The litany of stat blocks can sometimes be jarring. It's needed to see the progress of our MC, but at the same time I think it can be a lot in one go, and that's coming from a TTRPG player. It's not a deal breaker though and the author mitigates this by bringing in the idea of skills "merging" to become one "super stat" which then shrinks the list of items listed. I do wonder if this was something that came back in feedback for the earlier books, as the MC even mentions how the list was getting long as having them merge helps.
Other than those 2 niggles, I love the books. and will be sticking with the series until the end.
No where is that Jay Boyce fan page... :)
February 24, 2022
fun
OK so the hero goes into the deep dark woods rescues people comes back and finds out that she may have kicked the hornets nest because all the monsters disappear a few days later they heard tale of an attack on a distant City and she runs to help. In the time that she was back in her own city before the attack she learns new spells and finds that she can almost help and cure those have been afflicted by the monsters. She starts new projects and makes new friends.
The character still reads as an ugly American character. And while she constantly professors not to like bullying she is in a form a bully; she strong arms others into her way rather than talking it out or convincing them. This isn’t to say that she’s an awful character, she’s an excellent character, but she is flawed, human. Often she simply views the local culture as lacking rather than different invaluable. It is still an excellent story I have been enjoying reading the series and I look forward to reading more. I hope you enjoy it
OK so the hero goes into the deep dark woods rescues people comes back and finds out that she may have kicked the hornets nest because all the monsters disappear a few days later they heard tale of an attack on a distant City and she runs to help. In the time that she was back in her own city before the attack she learns new spells and finds that she can almost help and cure those have been afflicted by the monsters. She starts new projects and makes new friends.
The character still reads as an ugly American character. And while she constantly professors not to like bullying she is in a form a bully; she strong arms others into her way rather than talking it out or convincing them. This isn’t to say that she’s an awful character, she’s an excellent character, but she is flawed, human. Often she simply views the local culture as lacking rather than different invaluable. It is still an excellent story I have been enjoying reading the series and I look forward to reading more. I hope you enjoy it
December 27, 2020
Sense is the third book in the A Touch of Power series. They do need to be read in order, so start with Siphon. This book picks up at book #2's cliffhanger.
Jade is off into the wilderness with an elite military team to fight the Mezmer. Once they get a couple battles under their belt, they discover they are up against far larger numbers than they ever thought. Jade strikes out solo to rescue her friends who were recently taken from the city.
There is also some political intrigue as different cities with different cultures send small representative groups to meet Jade and the royal family. That includes some competitive games too.
Fun read with lots of action. It looks like another book will be coming out way
Jade is off into the wilderness with an elite military team to fight the Mezmer. Once they get a couple battles under their belt, they discover they are up against far larger numbers than they ever thought. Jade strikes out solo to rescue her friends who were recently taken from the city.
There is also some political intrigue as different cities with different cultures send small representative groups to meet Jade and the royal family. That includes some competitive games too.
Fun read with lots of action. It looks like another book will be coming out way
April 1, 2020
This installment of the series took the main character to some fun places. This main character takes bold action and does NOT end up in big trouble, which is different from what I’ve seen in a number of other books.
After the main action at the start of the book, there were hints that the story line would take Jade off to a big fight, but that ended up playing out a very different way. The story introduced us to more characters and gave Jade the opportunity to become introspective - possibly even changing how she approaches situations.
In the end, the big fight is looming. And there is more draw to the next book.
After the main action at the start of the book, there were hints that the story line would take Jade off to a big fight, but that ended up playing out a very different way. The story introduced us to more characters and gave Jade the opportunity to become introspective - possibly even changing how she approaches situations.
In the end, the big fight is looming. And there is more draw to the next book.
August 1, 2022
Advanced growth indeed
I don't recall the exact name she gave instead of her real ability, but it's still extremely accurate. She's becoming a major powerhouse. After learning of other travelers and at least one of their origins, I'm now curious on how they are chosen. I like how she's instilling positive change and growth. It just sucks that she has so many requirements and can't be the force of peace she hoped for. She's still encouraging peace, but she's also taking up a protector's mantle.
I don't recall the exact name she gave instead of her real ability, but it's still extremely accurate. She's becoming a major powerhouse. After learning of other travelers and at least one of their origins, I'm now curious on how they are chosen. I like how she's instilling positive change and growth. It just sucks that she has so many requirements and can't be the force of peace she hoped for. She's still encouraging peace, but she's also taking up a protector's mantle.
May 2, 2020
Kind of a set up installment. The book starts out with the rescue of those taken by the meaner and there is some conflict but no major danger. The rest of the boom kind of sets up the ending where the major conflict and hopefully a challenge for the protagonist who is shown to be very over powered for the majority of the book. I enjoyed more world building and look forward to the next with hopefully an intro to the big bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2020
Fantastic, one of the best LitRPG series currently available
Following Jade through Jay's storytelling has so far been an absolute joy. You become totally engrossed in the books wonderfully written plot, that is fresh, heart warming and almost impossible to put down, lest you leave this engaging well crafted world.
Can't wait for the next instalment.
Thanks Jay for the lost sleep, it's been totally worth it!
Paul x
Following Jade through Jay's storytelling has so far been an absolute joy. You become totally engrossed in the books wonderfully written plot, that is fresh, heart warming and almost impossible to put down, lest you leave this engaging well crafted world.
Can't wait for the next instalment.
Thanks Jay for the lost sleep, it's been totally worth it!
Paul x
July 25, 2020
Some complaints but love the rest, first it takes way way to long to get to the part were Jade gets to interact with the people from different cultures some of which go against her American ideal very much yet she seems to forgive them or rather ignore them easily. It also is over so quickly and no real problems occur everything goes so smoothly except with the one party that would no matter what always been their ally.
March 28, 2022
I really enjoyed book 1 and 2, book 3 & 4, seemed to be half the book was a large fight, then house keeping for the story. For instance in book 4, the first 56% of the book was a battle that started at the closing of book 3, then lets introduce dragons so that I can justify her learning this kind of magic, while I also figure out what to do with all these other creatures that I just left laying about that I used to win the fight in the beginning of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
Cliff-hanger ending.
Do you ever get the feeling that people don't exist when you're not with them... I'm pretty sure Jade does. She's such a repository for the author's wish fulfillment that the only good/worthy things that happen in the story, do so as a direct result of Jade's wonderfulness. Forget character ark, this is a take-off trajectory. To infinity and beyond!
Do you ever get the feeling that people don't exist when you're not with them... I'm pretty sure Jade does. She's such a repository for the author's wish fulfillment that the only good/worthy things that happen in the story, do so as a direct result of Jade's wonderfulness. Forget character ark, this is a take-off trajectory. To infinity and beyond!
April 9, 2022
On the Edge
This book does not disappoint. This story just keeps getting better and better. I'm not sure how much you enjoy reading so if you do be prepared to find yourself unable to put this book down. Once again Ms. Boyce has taken me on an adventure I completely enjoyed. I'm off to read the next. Yes I got the next one knowing I would have to read it.😉
This book does not disappoint. This story just keeps getting better and better. I'm not sure how much you enjoy reading so if you do be prepared to find yourself unable to put this book down. Once again Ms. Boyce has taken me on an adventure I completely enjoyed. I'm off to read the next. Yes I got the next one knowing I would have to read it.😉
August 10, 2022
Fantastic!
Having just finished Sense, the third book in A Touch of Power series, I'm amazed at all that has happened to Jade in her new world when she's only been there about two weeks. The story is compelling and keeps me turning pages after page to find out what happens next. I'm addicted to this series! On to the next book!!
Having just finished Sense, the third book in A Touch of Power series, I'm amazed at all that has happened to Jade in her new world when she's only been there about two weeks. The story is compelling and keeps me turning pages after page to find out what happens next. I'm addicted to this series! On to the next book!!
April 17, 2020
An enjoyable Mary Sue novel. The stats panels are a bit annoying; but while being a nearly perfect definition of a Mary Sue character, the main character is generally likable, and the novel as a whole is enjoyable.
June 5, 2020
Overpowered, underwhelmed
I started the series thinking it would be OK. But the over powered main character just became the bull in the China shop. I realise it's fantasy but this is more wish fulfillment fluff. Sorry to say I'll be staying away.
I started the series thinking it would be OK. But the over powered main character just became the bull in the China shop. I realise it's fantasy but this is more wish fulfillment fluff. Sorry to say I'll be staying away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews