Mini-Review: Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
Series: Snow Like Ashes, #1
Published by Balzar + Bray on 2014-10-14
Length: 416 pages
Reviewing eBook from TN R.E.A.D.S.
Rating:

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

Oh my goodness!!! This book was amazing!!! Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch reminded me why I LOVE young adult fantasy. It was THAT good! The story follows Meira, one of seven Winter refugees living outside the slave camps. Meira with her fellow refugees/rebels are trying to infiltrate Spring and restore their kingdom with the boy-king Mather, Meira’s best friend.

The world of Snow Like Ashes is very reminiscent of Game of Thrones. It is divided into 8 kingdoms, four seasons (Spring, Winter, Fall, and Summer) and four Rhythms. About 16 years prior to the start of the book, Spring invaded Winter, taking its citizens as slaves, killing the King and Queen, only 25 Winterians escaped, Meira and the prince among them.

Now only 8 refugees remain and they are trying to restore their kingdom. A seemingly impossible task, yes, but it makes for an awesome book! Meira makes for a great main character. The book is told entirely from her perspective and she’s angry at the beginning. She’s been trained as a soldier, raised by all in the camp because she is an orphan, but this only serves to make her stronger in my opinion.

There’s a bit of a love triangle. One I saw coming, but worked for the book. Meira loves Mather, and Mather loves Meira, but nothing can come of it. He is King and she is a commoner. Then enters Theron the prince of Cordellia (one of the Rhythm kingdoms). A marriage is arranged between them in the hopes of gaining Cordellia’s support in invading Spring. I really like Theron. He is very sweet and kind to Meira. And I rooted for him a bit 😉

Overall I highly recommend you read this book, especially if you enjoy young adult fantasy. I read it in one sitting, unable to sit it down to even sleep! It was a fun, fast read from first page to the last. And it left me wanting more! I can’t wait for book two later this year 😀

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