Sixteen years after the Kingdom of Winter was attacked and taken over by Spring, Meira and seven other Winter natives still fight for survival and to take back their kingdom. The locket that is the conduit for Winter's magic, was broken in two and taken away by Spring, and until they get the pieces back, there will be no chance of taking back their kingdom.
Meira was a baby when Winter fell. She longs to be a soldier and is being trained by the Prince, who is also her best friend. While they try hard to keep their relationship platonic, it is obvious that there are stronger feelings between these two.
The Winters get attacked, and end up on the run again. Alliances are made (and broken). Snow Like Ashes is an exciting adventure story with battles and court intrigue. And ... there's magic! A bit of a love triangle develops, but is presented realistically. The third member of the triangle is strong and brave and has a good heart.
The pacing is good. There are a lot of exciting parts. I thought a few parts were a bit slow, but that's being really picky.
I enjoyed the magical lore in Snow Like Ashes. Each kingdom has a conduit that their ruler can use to summon the magic for that kingdom. There are rules! But, the reader, along with Meira, finds out that there is a bit more to it. Meria discovers things about the magic that no one else seems to know.
I loved Meira, and all the supporting characters. I really felt for these poor people who had lost so much. Meira is strong and resourceful. She thinks things out before making decisions. She's smart. All traits that I really admire in a hero.
Snow Like Ashes ends with the major plot being wrapped up, and part of it I suspected all along. That didn't take away from my enjoyment. And there is certainly potential to write more about these characters and this captivating world.
Give Snow Like Ashes to those teens who like their heroines strong and magical!
Published by Balzer + Bray, October 14, 2014
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
432 pages
Rating: 4.5/5
so glad you liked this book. I think I am going to get it on audio. Fantasies that have a tendency to move slow do better for me on audion. great review.
ReplyDelete