Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch Review!

 

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 full of magic, mystery, adventure, and sacrifice, and I loved every moment of it. The book starts off with a bang and every chapter after that only gets better, if that’s possible. The world Sara has created is so magical and creative that you just get swept up into the world, and it is something to experience. I love how the story moves along throughout the kingdoms and we are able to ‘see’ so many beautiful and vastly different landscapes. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat because there is so much at stake, and from the start you are cheering for Meira, Mather, Theron, and Sir. I was definitely cheering for the Winterians. Also, there are plot twists that really have you clutching your heart. I instantly connect with Meira because I have a soft spot for unrequited love, and the way she acts so selflessly when it comes to Mather astounds me.  I love the relationship between them. There is only a hint of the relationship for a while but I love it nonetheless. Then there is Theron and Meira’s relationship. I love how their interactions make my heart stutter. There is something about them that I love and cannot get enough of. Meira is such a strong heroine and she is so brave. She is another heroine that I will add to the list of characters to love. She is able to fight, protect others, and stand up to the darkest magic in the Kingdom, and it is amazing. I felt for Meria because her fate had always been decided for her, and there were many scenes in the book that had be screaming because I was so mad on her behalf. As I have said so many times before, only the books that I truly connect with and love can make me feel so in tuned to the story, and Snow Like Ashes had me hooked. I must have the next book ASAP! Believe me when I say that I will do anything to get an ARC of the next book. Those of you who loved Throne of Glass, The Kiss of Deception, or The Girl of Fire and Thorns will absolutely adore this book. It is now among my favorite books and I highly recommend it. I give it five out of five stars!