Game of Thrones meets Graceling in this striking fantasy tale of dark magic, dangerous politics, and discovering your true self.  Sara Raasch’s debut fantasy is a lightning-fast story of loyalty, love, and controlling one’s destiny.

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.

My Thoughts:

I have to admit, I almost gave up on this book. I started it and just was not feeling it. I’m not really sure what it was, but the world was not clicking for me. Kingdoms based on the four seasons? And then these “Rhythm” Kingdoms… what are they? It was until I was 16% into the book (according to my kindle and the e-galley) that I got past my confusion and started to get into the story. From then on I was hooked.

I think what I really loved was the idea of a kingdom in exile. Sounds pretty cold hearted, doesn’t it? There is just so much at stake! It makes for a really interesting plot. I mean, have you read Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta?!? Same deal! We have an heir without a kingdom and very few resources to get the kingdom back. An entire people group is enslaved and depending on a small group of exiles to bring about their freedom and return home. The stakes don’t get much higher than that!

Once I got the feel of the world I was captivated by the characters’ stories. Meira, Mather, Sir, and others we meet later in the book… I was interested in seeing where they went and how winning back their kingdom or failing to do so would affect them. Towards the end of the book some things occurred that  brought up some big questions for me (they are, of course, spoilery!) I’m interested in seeing where the author takes things next.

Snow Like Ashes was, for me, a slow start that really gathered momentum. Overall, I enjoyed it and I’d say it’s a very promising start to a new fantasy series. I certainly plan to check out book two!

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