Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch Series: Snow Like Ashes #1
Published by HarperCollins on October 14th 2014
Pages: 432
Format:Hardcover
Source:Purchased
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.
High fantasy has always been very hit or miss for me. If I pick up the “wrong” fit, I am bored within about three chapters, and I am wanting to toss it aside. When I grab the “right” fit, it can be magical. Luckily, Snow Like Ashes fell into the “right” category for me, even if it wasn’t a complete home run.
From the beginning, Meira’s character pulled me in. I adored her, and find her to be exactly what a protagonist should be. She wasn’t perfect (far from it) but accepted her faults and was constantly trying to overcome them. She was always true to herself, and while she certainly was feisty, she was sympathetic as well.
Now, there is a bit of a love triangle situation, though I am pretty sure it will be more prominent in future books. I know I am in the minority, but I am quite fond of Mather. My only gripe was that I wanted to know more about him, have him be a bit more fleshed out. Theron was a great addition to the story, I just didn’t get a really strong feeling on him either way, he was a little too typical “good guy”. I think reading more about each of them in the future will help decide who I like best. But for now, I am sticking with Mather. The “romance” in the book was very minimal, so the triangle situation didn’t really come into play much.
The world building concept was definitely unique. I enjoyed how the seasons were all represented, and all fighting. But the Rhythms weren’t any better. Basically it was all just a bunch of greedy people only looking out for themselves in quite a few cases. I did enjoy the element of not knowing which kingdoms, if any, would have Winter’s back. And this is such a minor gripe, and I am pretty sure it is just me, but when there is a map of a world… do you want to know what is on the other side of the sea or ocean or mountain as badly as I do? I need to know! (This doesn’t have anything to do with my actual enjoyment or rating of the book, just a minor tangent.)
The plot itself was definitely enjoyable, and full of twists. I did see a few of the twists coming, but there were enough that I didn’t to make it exciting. There was a point in the middle of the book during which it did seem to drag a bit for me, but then it picked right back up and continued to suck me in. The ending wasn’t a huge unbearable cliffhanger, thank goodness, but it did set up the next book very nicely. I found it both refreshing and well done.
Bottom Line: Definitely a win. If you like strong heroines that will win you over, and high fantasy in general, this is not one to miss! I will be looking forward to Ice Like Fire for sure.
Which season would you want to live in (based on climate alone, not on the politics of this particular book)? I would probably want to live in spring. It is warmer, but not too hot. But only if I could travel to summer on the regular.
I am so excited to read this as I just finally got it and your review makes me want to read it ASAP! The love triangle kind of worries me as I tend to find them annoying, but I’m glad that the romance is kind of understated in this one!
I would want to live in winter…it’s my favorite season because I love being cold and I love coats and sweaters and thick warm blankets and, of course, snow! =)
The romance is VERY understated. Meira has way more important shit to worry about 😉 But it sets up some potential for later, which is good. It isn’t an annoying love triangle though, since one of the guys comes into play out of necessity.
I have this on reserve for me at the library and I am afdksalds so excited!!! I usually am not a fantasy fan, but this year (I blame Sarah J Maas) I’m suddenly addicted to it. I WANT TO READ ALL THE THINGS! So this is high on my want-list. I’m glad you still enjoyed it even if it wasn’t, like, 100% awesome.
Oh, season? UMMM. I have to say Spring too, I think. Although we have like a week of Spring in Australia (where I live anyway). lol Then it’s summer. -_- There is no in-between here. No no.
We have the same problem! Spring is literally like, a couple weeks, max. You go directly from heat on to air conditioning on! What is that!?
I am suddenly drawn to fantasy too! It still has to be the right mix for me, but at least I am into it, even though the first fantasy book I read was seriously in like, June of this year! Hope you enjoy it when the library has it!
I CANNOT wait for this one! I’ve read so many good things!
It is definitely enjoyable! I think it is one of those series that will get even better too, since the worldbuilding took a bit of time. So after that has been taken care of, the story can get REALLY amazing! Hope you love it!
I’ve had this one for review for a while but I’ve kinda been afraid to pick it up, like you, high fantasy is hit or miss. Luckily I’ve been seeing a lot of glowing reviews so I’ll have to give it a try soon 🙂
I was really glad I gave it a chance. It is definitely high fantasy, but it worked for me! Hope you enjoy it when you try it 🙂
SPRING SPRING SPRINGGGGG. Or summer. I like summer because it is hot and I like the going to the beach. But yeah, I really want to read Snow Like Ashes, but then again that cover STILL bothers me. I don’t know why I have such a thing with it o.o Anyways, I’m glad you liked it Shannon! I like fantasy so this will probably be read someday. 🙂
Why do you not like the cover? I adore the cover! Well, to each his own, I suppose 🙂
And yes, it was a tough call, I mean, no summer would be rough because how would we swim outside? But maybe we could vacation in summer?
Ha! I’m the same, it’s the reason I don’t get into them that much, mainly because they confuse me (which this did until I got into it) Loved Meira too, and yes she wasn’t perfect, but that’s why I loved her. And she became such a strong character. 🙂 The major twist was pretty obvious, but still enjoyed it and definitely brought something new to the table. Uhm, I don’t know which one I’d prefer to live in, it rains here all year so, ha. Though we did have this one hot summer a while back that almost killed me, so I wouldn’t like Summer.
My library just got this book! (too bad the waiting list is miles long) I’m so happy you loved it! I’ve heard good things about it and I usually do like epic fantasy. I don’t usually like love triangles as you know, (Mostly because I always pick the ‘wrong’ guy) so I’m glad it was minimal. Yay for no cliffhanger!
Probably spring, because I love how everything comes to life. (Basically anything but winter though)