Snow Like Ashes
by Sara Raasch
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.
It took me awhile to read through this book, simply because I kept forgetting that I had the e-book on my phone! So, I urge library patrons to keep using e-books so we don't forget about them!
Now on to the actual story. Meira is a fierce girl warrior--so from the get-go, I'm hooked. There is a lot Meira doesn't know about the fall of Winter, and Raasch plans out the clues and unveiling throughout the story, leaving the reader hooked.
There is a bit of a love triangle, which wasn't too overdone, so I could handle it. I am interested, though, to see which guy Meira does choose, if she chooses one at all in a second book of this series.
There is some gore in this book, so I will let readers know to be aware of that, but when you think about it... Meira's whole land, and the people in it, were destroyed. So, when they confront the Spring army, obviously, there will be blood and violence. Meira is captured, so this part gets a little tricky, but I always encourage readers to remember--it's not about the violence. Don't take that part of the book with you. Instead, there is hope among all the prisoners in the work camp, a hope that swells as Meira learns who she truly is and what she can accomplish. The book is about overcoming the oppressors that have taken everything away from Meira, and the love that will bind her to her people.
With that in mind, strap in. It's gonna be a crazy ride!
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