Snow Like Ashes
by Sara Raasch
Read: December 2015
Published: October 14, 2014
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Two currently published
A striking fantasy tale of dark magic, dangerous politics, and discovering your true self—perfect for fans of Game of Thrones, An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
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. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, Winter's future king—she would do anything to help Winter 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—only to find 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. (Amazon)
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Why did you read this book?
The cover is pretty. (I'm not even ashamed.)
What did you like about this book?
I was a big fan of the world building. I was sold from the beginning. Raasch does an excellent job including the history of the world without making the first chapters sound like a history book. I also really enjoyed Meira as a character. She was spunky, but not annoying (which unfortunately happens to so many 'strong, female characters' in YA). She was passionate and also smart. I can't quite say that I could relate to her, but I felt her character in me. It was in first person, like most of YA, so it was easy to become Meira. There was one plot twist that I didn't even see coming (although, in retrospect, I really should have). I love it when a book just leaves me in shock. You know, one of those 'mind blown' moments.
What didn't you like about this book?
While this book was very good and I enjoyed it and I'll more than likely be reading it again, it didn't have that much depth. I wouldn't quite call it a fluff read (you know the sort...usually in the romance genre), but it wasn't exactly one that didn't that much concentration. Also, there was a love triangle. I don't mind them, when they're done well. However, this one was just wasn't all that believable. I think, given more time, it could have worked. Unfortunately, it didn't...at least, not for me.
If you liked this book...
...I'd suggest Graceling or Fire, both by Kristin Cashore. They're both in the fantasy genre with female main characters learning to come into their own. Despite the similarities, they are very different. However, I think the reader that enjoys Snow Like Ashes would also like Kristin Cashore's books.
Bottom-Line:
I liked it and I'd recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy. A note of warning, this isn't a fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings. but it's still very good. I haven't read the second book, Ice Like Fire, yet. When I eventually read it, I'll let you know how it goes.
"Someday we will be more than words in the dark." -Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
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