Book Review: Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

GoodReads Summary:

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:

This debut novel by Sara Raasch is a tale of loyalty, love and discovering one’s destiny.  While in the end I adored Book 1 of this soon-to-be-discovered series, at first, I found myself exasperated by Meira and her ungrateful, irritable nature.  I was expecting a strong, confident character from the top of the novel.  However, I soon found myself engrossed in the growth of her character and wishing I hadn’t been so quick to judge. 

As the story progressed, I found myself honored to be a part of Meira’s growth into the resilient and poised character I was looking for. Sara Raasch surprised me in the end with some heroic and fantastical scenes that left this heroine wanting more! I am so excited to read the next installment of this series, Ice like Fire, out in October 2015!

Happy Reading,

Valerie
YA Reader’s Advisor