Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

*Possible Spoilers*

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

Writing Challenge Day 28

          So I was at work today and I started writing this really awesome, thought provoking blog post in my head. Of course, I'm sitting there thinking, 'Man, this is really deep. This could actually be pretty good. I don't need to write anything, I'll remember it.' And you know what I did? I went and forgot every single detail of whatever it was I was writing in my head. I don't even vaguely remember what it was about. I'm actually pretty disappointed. You should be too...this was going to be a pretty awesome post. And now it's just me rambling. Don't worry, I won't ramble the whole time. In fact, I'll move on with the writing challenge now. (Can you believe it's almost over?!)

Writing Challenge Day #28: Something You Always Think 'What if...' About
          Three things pop into my head instantly when I think of 'What if...' situations. One of them occurred at the end of Eighth grade. That year I had mostly abandoned my usual group of friends in favor of hanging out with the popular girls. It was very exhilarating, being part of the 'cool kids' niche. Although, underneath it all, I was still me. I was still a quirky band kid that loved to read. That was me. So at the end of the year, I was invited by one of the popular girls to an 'end of the year' party. This party was to be a boys and girls party (which I had never done. Still haven't, actually.) None of the girls in my previous group of friends had been invited. To me, this was the moment when I decided whether or not I would be popular or not. I chose not to go and I was never invited to another party again. My friends took me back (thank God!) and I have never regretted my decision. But I have always wondered what would have happened if I had gone to that stupid party. Would I have ended up being popular in high school? Probably not, but it's an interesting concept to think about...how different I could have turned out if I had said yes.
          'What if...' scenario number two...remember that guy? Yeah, that one. The one that made me cry and laugh and do both at the same time. I loved him in only the way a young teenage girl can...slightly obsessive, completely irrational, but still genuine. I always wonder what would have happened if I would have told him how I felt. I still wonder what would happen if I told him now. I don't love him, not in the same way. I still think about him all the time and I wonder if telling him might bring me closure. But I don't want to tell him. Because it's just awkward, you know? We're not even really friends anymore. He didn't even wish me a happy birthday (which was Friday), and it kind of sucked because I know he doesn't think about me nearly half as much as I think about him. So this 'What if' is kind of a past and present 'What if'. Maybe, if I told him, I could completely get over him, once and for all and be done with this whole mess.
          My last 'What if...' scenario hasn't really happened yet. It has to do with the Ireland trip. If I get accepted to go, and decide not to, I will probably regret it and be wondering about all the 'What if's' for the rest of my life. I almost don't want to be accepted because than I don't have to make the choice. Don't get me wrong, I would love to go to Ireland. But doing this, on my own, completely terrifies me. I guess we'll know more about that after Thanksgiving. I'll try to find other things to write about once the Writing Challenge is over. We only have two days left...I feel like I just started it a week ago. Funny how slow time seems to go, but how quickly it passes.


"I must stop wishing for things to happen. Because something will happen eventually, and when it does , I'll be bound to wish it hadn't." -Fire by Kristin Cashore