Review: Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Title: Snow Like Ashes
Series: Snow Like Ashes #1
Author: Sara Raasch
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 432
Format: E-ARC
Received: Via Edelweiss from HarperTeen Thank you!
Stars: 4/5

Book Description:
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.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Review:

Snow Like Ashes is an incredible young adult fantasy that has an amazingly imaginative world. Meira is an a strong and kick-ass female protagonist. The concept of this world is so unique and I loved the small details in the world as well. If you are a fan of Throne of Glass and The Winner's Curse then you would definitely love this book.

My only problem with this book and the reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the pacing. The beginning started off great and had such a fast pace to it, but it began to slow down drastically by the middle and then picked back up at the end. The middle of the book felt like nothing was happening and in comparison to the end and the beginning was rather boring. The ending was a bit predictable just because of the whole hero trope in stories.

The stand out part of Snow Like Ashes is the world and the world building. The concept of the 4 seasons being different lands and peoples is so unique and I loved how Sara Raasch had so many specific details that the reader could pick up on, such as names. I also love that the world has a lot to with the conflict that is underlying through out the story, because there is more than just the seasons. I love how the appearance of the characters is also used to demonstrate the world. It was unlike anything I had ever really read and I loved that.

Meira was a fantastic heroine and she can definitely stand up for herself. She isn't perfect though and does have her limitations. After the revelations of the ending, I can't wait to see Meira's character development in the next book. I am really excited for the story to pick up and to move forward in the coming books.

Meira has two potential love interests. Mather and Theron are really great characters and I love that they have great involvement in the story than just being potential love interests. I am personally rooting for Theron. I still think that may change in the next book because we didn't get a whole lot of time with either guy.

If you love YA fantasy and are looking for an awesome new series to check out then this is the one for you! Snow Like Ashes  has a highly developed world and characters. I can't wait to see where this series goes.