Monday, June 22, 2015

Review: Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1) by Sara Raasch


Snow Like Ashes by Sara RaaschSnow Like Ashes
(Snow Like Ashes #1)
by Sara Raasch
October 14, 2014
416 pages


Goodreads Summary:
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.


 
Review

I have been dying to read Snow Like Ashes for a long time. People have been recommending it to me nonstop. The only reason I hadn't read it yet was because I didn't like waiting for sequels after reading the first in a series. I was motivated to open up Snow Like Ashes when by chance, I picked it out for Cassi from My Thoughts... Literally! to read. She asked if I wanted to buddy read it with her and even though I finished way later than she did, I'm really happy to report we both loved it!

The world in Snow Like Ashes is complicated. We learn how each of the kingdoms operates and how they channel their magic through conduits. It took me some time to wrap my head around it all but once I did, I was fascinated. I love that there were males heirs as well as females heirs. Gender equality all the way ;) Primoria was beautiful. The layout of the land is magnificent. The book mentions that Theron has a beautiful map of the land and I so wish it was real. I even may already have a place to hang it~

Meira was an extremely headstrong protagonist. She wanted to do as much as she possibly could to help Mather and Winter regain its former glory. In the beginning, she was hesitant to take action; mostly because her superior forbid her so she found "...silence is infinitely easier than talking." (p. 21). It wasn't until things began to happen that she finds her confidence. She was exposed to hideous situations that she never imagined to find herself in. I couldn't help but admire her strength and persistence. Even during tough times, she pulled herself through.

The romance wasn't at the forefront of the story but it did motivate the characters to take action. I wouldn't necessarily call it a love triangle. It's true there are two guys (Mather and Theron) vying for Meira's affection but I think it's very clear who she wants. She even says so herself when she notices her feelings for one guy wasn't what it was before. I'm officially on Team Theron. He encourages Meira like no other. "There will always be a they in your new life... The trick is to find a way to still be you through it all." (p. 191). Through sharing his own experience and his past with her, he got Meira to open up more.

There were some pretty extensive deception in the story and I couldn't believe I guessed the twist! I knew there had to be something big. When my theory first popped into my head, I thought it was pretty absurd (I even told Cassi so haha). However, as I read on, I noticed the chances of it being true was high. There were some very subtle hints that raised my suspicions. I'll stop right here before I give anything away but let me just say - every waiting moment was worth it in the end.

If you love fantasy then make sure you get yourself a copy of Snow Like Ashes! Besides the gorgeous cover, this book has a stunning world with bold characters and brilliant twists and surprises!

4.5 Cats

10 comments:

  1. I really loved this one. I am so excited to read book two because...Theron. I'm so glad you like this one. It's one of my favorites for this year!

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    1. YES THERON <3 What a guy eh~ We need more of him asap!!

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  2. Yay! I really loved this one as well and am so happy you did too! The title for book two was just revealed the other day and I'm so excited for it!

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    1. Ice Like Fire! It sounds oh so good right?! ;)

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  3. Yeah! So glad we could buddy read this. We should try and read Ice Like Fire together as well. I also predicted the twist pretty early so when you mentioned you thoughts to me it was really hard not to spoil it. But yes, I love the world and I'm excited to explore more of it. Great review!
    Cassi @ My Thoughts Literally

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    1. Yess! We should totally buddy read the sequel! We're both too smart to be fooled hehe~ Thanks for not spoiling it for me <3 <3

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  4. 4.5 stars is pretty great! I enjoyed this book though maybe not quite as much as you did. I have Ice Like Fire but have not read it yet... we'll see how it goes! I saw one blogger friend didn't like it at all O_O In any case, I am looking forward to reading it. I'm glad you loved this one, Eileen! Excellent review :)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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    1. Thanks Alyssa! I really hope you'll love Ice Life Fire. Sad to hear your friend didn't like it but I've got high hopes for it. Or for Theron at least ;)

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  5. While this is one of those series that I may not end up reading, your review is excellent and looks like you really enjoyed the books! Hugs...

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    1. It really was an absolute thrill to read! A little on the predictable side since I guessed the big twist but still very enjoyable. Thanks so much Ro :)

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