Author - Sara Raasch
Genre - Fantasy/YA
Series - Snow Like Ashes #1
Pages - 416
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.
REVIEW
Snow like ashes is one of those hidden book gems that you see but are unsure about until you start reading it. It was breathtaking! I could not put this book down and my kindle fire said i read it in six hours all at once. I did nothing else that day and i am dying for the next book to come out already.
The story centers around Meira, a winterian orphan who is caught up in a struggle with the kingdom of Summer. Thier are the kingdoms of seasons which i found to be very clever as well as rythms and others. The world building is quite nice and there was a lot of thought that went into it. The places were well described (all except spring really..) and it felt cohesive.
Meira is a likeable heroine. She is not too strong, she has weaknesses but she works through them on her own and not by some male or anyone else helping. I liked her description as well.. Pale skin and white hair, i can see that in my mind and its very lovley. She uses a chahkram to attack which is pretty unique since most fantasies go for swords or bows. There is magic here as well but not too much.
The other characters are quiye nice as well. Mather is a bit of a droll since hes a goody goofy type and i did not enjoy him as much as i did Theron. Theron was nice but also rebellious and sparked my interest. then there is Sir, hes a good character to help Meira grow and I liked his gruff nature. All the characters added charm and variety to the story.
The love aspect or interest is low, i highly enjoyed that as love triangles and complicated romances just annoy me. I like my action! While there is some love, the fighting and war with the seasons takes place over it and i couldnt be happier.
I could go on and on talking about the book but really, just read it. It is magicak and transports you..it may be a YA novel, but its a terrific representation oF how you can be YA AND mature.