Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Release Date:  October 14, 2014

Publisher: Balzer and Bray

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages:  

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.

My Thoughts: I wasn’t sure I would like this one when I started but I ended up really loving it!

We are introduced to Meira and Mather. Meira has been raised alongside Mather by a man named Sir. At least that is what she calls him.  There are also different people in different regions. At first their names (the way they were described) was a little bit confusing. But I picked it up quickly.  I wanted Meira and Mather to be together so bad but Mather is going to be king someday, or so they think so Meira is always too low for him according to others. Of course they still have feelings for eachother.

Meira also meets another boy along the way. He was a Crown Prince! Talk about a crazy love triangle! A future king and a crown prince. Lucky lucky girl! But her luck changes even more later in the book! That surprised me quite a bit but I should have seen it coming!

I also loved all the magical elements of the story! I loved that this one felt like more fantasy than anything else! I loved the plot and the characters.

I really loved all the characters and even though it had some sad moments, it was redeemed pretty fast and made me smile!

Meira is a great character to root for! She’s brave but also thinks pretty straightforward. She wants to do the right thing but she also knows she has a real soldier inside her and will fight right alongside everyone else.  And Mather, oh Mather! Loved him!

I don’t want to say much about this one because I want you to go out and read it yourself!

Overall:  Great debut! Can’t wait to read more! Loved the character development!!!! AMAZING!!!! A favorite of the year!

Cover:  Love it! It fits perfectly! If I saw this in a bookstore, I’d have to pick it up!

What I’d Give It: