Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

October 14th, 2014 Kimberly Review 80 Comments

14th Oct
Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
Snow Like Ashes
by Sara Raasch
Series: Snow Like Ashes, #1
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

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.

Snow Like Ashes is a brilliant fantasy with strong world-building and fearless protagonists. This is the first book in the Snow Like Ashes trilogy by Sara Raasch I quickly became swept up in the world, and it’s characters.

Five Caffeinated Reasons to Add Snow Like Ashes to your must read list:

  • Raasch’s world is incredible, and brilliantly explained. Filled with magic, and kingdoms for each season, we learn of Winters fall, their enslavement and their unyielding fight to recover what was lost. Fans of Throne of Glass will adore Snow Like Ashes.
  • Miera, our female protagonist, was orphaned during the war when Winter fell. She longs to be important in efforts to restore Winter to it’s former glory by regaining their magic. She was raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir, alongside  Mathers, their king . Miera is kick-ass, fearless and desires to understand the magic. Miera is clever, plagued by dreams, and cares deeply for others. Despite all she endures there are no moments of pity. She faces each encounter and grows from them. I adored her, connected with her and cannot wait to see how she transforms.
  • You don’t mind if the romance is on the back burner. There is no triangle, but there are two suitors. I loved how the author kept this romance on the side. It was an interesting thread and both man are worthy suitors. Despite the fact that this wasn’t the focus, I did choose a fella, and I am looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.
  • The novel hooked me from the first page, and the tale slowly built as the author notched up the tension. There is intense action, politics, alliances, betrayals and an evil, ruthless villain to loathe.
  • Even though Snow Like Ashes is part of a trilogy it read like a standalone. It has depth, a beginning, middle and end. The ending was well-done, with just enough loose threads to have me eager to return to this world.

Snow Like Ashes was an incredible beginning to this young adult trilogy with a high fantasy feel. I cannot wait to return to these characters and this world. I have no doubt, Snow Like Ashes will be listed among my favorite books for 2014.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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80 Responses to “Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch”

  1. Alreem

    I’m happy you like it .. and the cover is soooo coool, i wish i get my copy very soon 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy it when you get it Alreem. I look forward to your thoughts 🙂

  2. Grace Fonseca

    I really enjoyed this book a lot. I thought that the heroine was very fiery and passionated about things. I also liked that the characters seemed to grow. I’m happy that you enjoyed this one as well.

    P.S. Catching up on commenting on blogs.

    Grace

  3. Tressa

    I just skimmed because I still need to read this one, but I’m so glad you liked it. I love fantasy, so I’m hoping I’ll like this one too. We’ll see…

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I try to keep my reviews spoiler and hope you enjoy this one!

  4. Mandy

    Awesome review it sounds like my kind of book. I need to kick this one to the front of my to read list. Thank you for sharing.

  6. Lily B

    so glad you really enjoyed this one, I love the sound of it. I am okay with the romance being a slow burner on the side!

  9. Lupdilup

    Gosh! I just got done commenting on Carmel’s blog about how good this week was on my wallet coz I only bought 1 audiobook today…Well. that statement is no longer true b/c I have get this todays if is already out…LOL
    I’m sold 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The world was wonderful Sharon. I hope you get to read it.

  11. Berls

    Every review I read for this makes me want to read it even more. I think its right up my alley – since I’m all about magical worlds and characters – but your comparison to Throne of Glass tipped the scale. I now NEED it lol. Great review Kimba!

  12. Cyn

    I’ve been thinking of picking this one up! Might have to bump it up on my TBR list. I do love a kick-ass heroine! And I’m intrigued by the lack of love triangle (despite two suitors – I can only assume she’s not indecisive about who she likes, or likes neither one of them, haha). Thanks for the review, glad to hear you enjoyed it!

  15. Braine Talk Supe

    A friend wanted to gift me this but I refused because I thought it’s not for me. But now I’m kicking myself for doing so! The more reviews I read, the more I’m certain that this is something I will love as well. *facepalm*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh nooooes! I have so been there done that. *turns around and shows you the shoe print mark left from kicking my own ass* I do think you would like this Braine and you know I am piking with the YA.

  20. Tanja

    This is second amazing review I’m reading for this book today and let me tell you I’m so excited right now. I love kick ass girls and amazing plots and worlds. So count me in! Not to mention that I love Throne of Glass!!! So it’s made for me. Great review, Kim 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Debbie, I love when all of the elements come together so well

  22. Candace

    I love fantasy and I think this is one I would love. I want to try to wrap up some series that I should finish first and then I’m definitely going to read this!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hear you..I am hoping to spend December catching up on series and finishing trilogies

  23. Heidi

    I am reading nothing but glowing reviews for this one. I can’t wait to read it after Wicked wraps. I love that it is full of magic and that it wraps up nicely at the end. I must read this ASAP>

  24. Lori

    Great review Kimberly! If a story is really engaging I can overlook the lack of romance…haha I haven’t read a good fantasy book in a while so this sounds really interesting. Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is there but it doesn’t overwhelm the story and has such potential for development.

  25. Amber Elise

    I AM so okay with the love story being on the back burner! Plot over boys!!! I’m so excited for this one! I political high fantasies! So much intrigue, so much betrayal! Is it payday yet????

    Amber Elise @Du Livre

  26. Nick

    YAY! Kim! I’m so glad you loved it as much as I did. I’m going to tell you a tiny little secret, I loved this one more than Throne of Glass and it’s my favorite book of the year! 😀
    I agree about the world building and the romance. They were excellent and I appreciated how the romance took a back-burner. I’m curious though, who did you pick?? 😀
    Fabulous review, Kim! 🙂

  27. Michelle

    I definitely want to read this one! I’m a huge fantasy lover, so this one is a definitely auto-buy. I’m glad you enjoyed it Kimba!

  28. Lily

    Oh I’m so happy you enjoyed this one Kimba! I’ve been dying to get my hands on it since that cover first came out (isn’t it a beauty?) and your review only has me more excited for it! Lovely review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo I am excited you are going to read it..and yes the cover got me and I so love when the content is as amazing as the cover!

  29. Sarah

    Since I’m not a fan of Game of Thrones, I probably won’t be picking this book up. But, I love a good fantasy when it’s beautifully explained. There are some novels like this that I spend the whole time wondering what the hell is going on, lol. Glad you enjoyed Snow Like Ashes!

  32. Rita

    I love the cover! And I love your review. I feel you covered all the reasons why a sometime-fantasy-reader such as myself should wander out of her current reading zone to pick this up. Will be buying it within the month, I’m sure–thanks for your informed opinion; it made me decide!

  33. Carmel

    I think this book is on everyone’s shopping list this morning! I find it curious that there’s no love triangle, but there are two suitors—how does that work exactly? I do however like that the romance was secondary, and the fact that the story read like a standalone is a good thing. Lovely review!

  34. Samantha

    I loved Snow like Ashes! Meira is a great character, and I definitely agree with keeping the romance on the side. Good review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am glad you agree Samantha 🙂 aaaand now we wait for book two.

  36. Jessica

    I’ve been seeing this around so much lately. Your review is great. I’ll have to put this on my TBR list. now.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy Jessica. I look forward to seeing what you think 🙂

  37. Melliane

    oh no love triangles? that’s nice! And I confess that I’m curious about the world too! Always interesting to learn more. thanks for the review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Right. I love that the romance is on the side, placing the world, plot and characters first

  39. Kat

    What an excellent review. I’m SO glad this book is available from today after reading such great comments about it because I’ve been looking forward to it for a while and reading your review has just added to my interest in the book.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy Kat, I was really pleased and look forward to reading more

  40. Melissa Robles

    I like how this book sounds! I love powerful main characters and well done world-building. Magic is a plus for me too. 😉 Already added this little fella for my must-read list. Thanks for the great review!