Snow Like Ashes by Sara RaaschSeries: Snow Like Ashes #1
Published by: Balzer & Bray on October 14, 2014
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 432
Source: Edelweiss
Book Details
Rating: ★★★★★
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.
Snow Like Ashes is the next Throne of Glass! Epic fantasy, hot romance you’ll adore, rebellion, magic, kingdoms. This book freaking rocks!
At first I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information in this book. There are EIGHT kingdoms to keep track of. That means eight “capital city” names, eight political alliances, eight kings/queens… At first I felt like I was drowning. But after a while, the focus really turns to just a few of the kingdoms: Winter, Spring, and Cordell.. and maybe a tiny bit of Autumn. But I adjusted over time and started to remember who was who and what their alliances are.
And the magic was really interesting. It felt unique and different from just “magic” in other stories. Sometimes it was a little confusing because I didn’t fully understand the limits of the magic or how it worked. But it was really cool, especially towards the end when that part of the plot developed more. There’s clearly a really interesting history there, and I’m sure it will be expanded upon in the rest of the series!
Meira was a fabulous main character. She was fierce, independent, strong-willed, and the girl could kick ass! She got out there in the midst of the battle and fought, stabbed, and slit throats. Her epicness got me so excited about this book! I was cheering her on, screaming, “SAVE WINTER! KICK HIS ASS! GET REVENGE!” and I knew she could do it too!
There is sort of a love triangle in the book, but one side of the triangle falls away pretty quickly. And what we’re left with is hot, sweet, kind Theron! Freaking Theron! I ADORE HIM! At first I was afraid that I was rooting for the losing side of the love triangle, but I’m pretty sure Theron has a good shot. The dude rocks. He’s a lot more interesting than Mather and View Spoiler » . Meira and Theron are totally meant to be together!
THE EEEENDING! It was awesome and so perfect. I think Sara crafted it epicly. I feel like enough was accomplished for the book to feel “complete”, but we’re still left with a few tidbits that have you dying to read more.. but not in a cliffhanger way. And the way everything comes together is just so exciting. I’m pretty sure I had a permanent grin on my face! And maybe big, crazy eyes that said, “Oh my god oh my god oh my god”.
If you like fantasy (like Throne of Glass), I cannot recommend this book enough! It’s exciting, different, romantic, and filled with princes, kings, queens, and magic! The rest of this series is going straight onto my “stalking” list.
The Verdict
This book was amazing! 😀 I loooooved it! Great review! Mine will be up tomorrow. 🙂
And yes, #TeamTheron all the way.
I’m so glad you loved it too!! 😀
This book was just epic! I loved every minute of it. I definitely feel as though the love triangle fell away at the end. But then again, I LOVE ME SOME THERON so I could be biased :b Fantastic review!
I totally agree! 😀
I can’t wait to read this book. Great review!
Thank you! I hope you love it!!
That sounds great, thanks for sharing !
My pleasure. 🙂
Glad to hear it is so good, I have it coming up soon for review. 🙂
I really hope you like it! I’m already itching to read the rest of the series.
Wow! This book wasn’t even on my radar, but it certainly is now. I will definitely be reading this one!!
I’m sure you’ll love it!!!
I seriously can’t wait for this book. I just read the prologue the other day and I SERIOUSLY CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS BOOK. It’s one of the things I’m looking forward to this month.
You’re going to love it!! It’s fantastic! It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long while. 😉
First time I’m hearing about his book. But now I really can’t wait to read it. And I love the cover.
Me too! The cover is fabulous. 🙂
EEEK! Snow Like Ashes is sooo good! And the over is one of the most gorgeous covers I’ve ever seen.
I’m actually desperately in love with Mather, so I guess we’ll just agree to disagree. One less person to share a book boyfriend with, right? 😉 Haha!
THANK YOUUUU for posting this review, because I’m trying to read this right now (I’m probably around 15% through), and it’s tough because sooooo muuuuuch info-duuuuump. O_O But I’m so glad to hear that it all picks up and that you loved it! And I’m excited to meet this Theron guy…. XDD
I LOVE fantasy and I’ve only seen great reviews for this book, I’m reading it soon!
This book was absolutely fantastic! <3 I loved the world building, Meira and all the characters, plus the writing! I'm SO on Team Mather, though. 😉 Best friend romances are more of my thing. And I have no idea why, but my cheeks were already turning pink with the cuteness in the first chapter! <3 Anyway, lovely review, Ashley! So glad you enjoyed this. 🙂
Sweet so glad I have this one up in my queue – I should get to cracking – I was just thinking I need to bring back YA in my mix cause I’d been burnt the past few months.