by Sara Raasch
Series: Snow Like Ashes #2
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell. Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves? Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats? As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world.
I was excited to dive back into the world Sara Raasch has created with her Snow Like Ashes series. Ice Like Fire is the second novel, and I am thankful to report that despite not being as strong as Snow Like Ashes, it did not fall victim to second book syndrome. Told in alternate perspectives of those of Meira and Mather we see what has befallen Winter and begin a quest to save their people and perhaps all the kingdoms of Primoria.
Ice Like Fire picks up three months after Snow Like Ashes ended. Meira and those in Winter are free but deeply in debt to the ruthless King of Cordell. He has ordered them to dig their mines and they unearth a chasm with four locked doors. You can feel the magic behind them, but no one can approach them. Cordell orders send them on a quest throughout Primoria in search of answers to unlocking the chasm. Meira is hoping to gain alliances and hopes to keep the chasm closed forever. Her relationship with Theron becomes strained as he has other ideas.
The story is told in alternate perspectives. We have Meira’s as she struggles to control her magic and become comfortable in her new role. Her feelings for Theron are conflicted and she is unsure if she can trust him. We see tremendous growth in Meira as she accepts, opens up and steps into her role. One of the things that I admire about this strong heroine is her unwavering love of Winter and its people. Meira also sees the bigger picture and worries about more than just her people. She is concerned for all of Primoria. Some of her actions annoyed me as she struggled to grow, but by the end, I was rooting for her.
Mathers is the second perspective we witness struggle. He feels misplaced, unneeded and resents Cordell’s oppressive intrusion. Mathers also undergoes a transformation, but first we have to see him sink before until he finds his purpose. Mathers remains behind in Winter as Meira and the others travel the countryside. I really want to adore Mathers and struggled in the beginning, but towards the end he becomes a worth hero.
Raasch continues to flesh out the world of Primoria and its different kingdoms. The questions regarding magic, and the Decay held me captive. I enjoyed visiting the kingdoms and seeing what each held dear. The author did a wonderful job of bringing each kingdom to life and introducing us to colorful characters within. Meira begins to confide to those within her inner circle and I am seeing a strong alliance build. The quest involving the chasm felt a little too easily solved, but did not bother me enough to hinder my enjoyment.
Those looking for romance will be sorely disappointed, as the thread is minimal at best, as Raasch focuses on the quest and growth of these characters.
The last one hundred pages of Ice Like Fire were intense and action–packed as the author prepared us for what lies ahead in the last book. The ending is climatic with death, danger and betrayal. The story closes with an answer and a cliffhanger to keep us looking for the final release in 2016.
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
Olivia
I actually have this book in the series, but not the first one so I am going to have to go back and buy that first! But I am excited to get to this series because it is so promising and the plot sounds intriguing. I love the covers. Although many people haven’t liked this book in the series, it was good to see a different opinion review~
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Olivia, I am anxious to read the final book
Nicole
I just finished Snow Like Ashes this past week and really enjoyed it. Sorry to hear that this one isn’t quite as strong, but it still sounds like a great read. I wasn’t THAT big of a fan of the love triangle in the first book, so we’ll see how I feel about a lack of romance in book two!
kimbacaffeinate
While it wasn’t as strong in intensity, it really was well done and fleshed things out wonderfully for the trilogy
Lorna
I have seen a lot of reviews about this around lately. I am glad it was a good read for you and didn’t lapse due to it being the 2nd installment. I think I would miss not having a romance. But that’s just me. Very well thought out and written review!
kimbacaffeinate
You are not alone in that respect, but in this genre I can take it or leave it 🙂
Teddyree
I bought Snow Like Ashes after being attracted by the cover lol oh and I do love YA fantasy but it’s still unread *my bad* … yay for no 2nd book syndrome. Now to read the 1st 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I was pleased and hope you enjoy them!
Sarah
This series is one I have had at the back of my mind for awhile. I love some good fantasy, but I am trying to focus on finishing a few fantasy series first! haha Glad to hear about the character growth!
kimbacaffeinate
i hope you try it Sarah. 🙂
Wattle
This series sounds like it has some good world building going for it 🙂 glad it didn’t suffer from second book syndrome (which often seems to be a problem with trilogies). Great review Kim, thank you for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks, I found the world interesting and I am eager to see where it goes
Tyler H Jolley
This is the second review I’ve seen of Ice like Fire this week. It must be awesome!
kimbacaffeinate
It is a good fantasy trilogy Tyler.
Christy
Ugh, I’ve been putting this book off, but the positive reviews are making me want to read it. I don’t mind lack of romance in this type of book, so that’s fine with me.
kimbacaffeinate
I feel the same chicka!
Priscilla
I totally forgot about Snow Like Ashes. Thank God for your review on Ice Like Fire 🙂 I’m glad you’d thought it did not fall victim to second book syndrome. So many series are guilty of this. It’s a shame.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy them Priscilla. I was pleased and look forward to the next.
The Bibliophile Babe
I still need to read the first book! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks, I hope you enjoy them!
Katherine
Yay for not having 2nd book syndrome! I always worry about that when I love the first book in a series. This definitely sounds like one I really need to start at the beginnning with but it looks like an interesting series and that the world building is well done.
kimbacaffeinate
Nope, it did start off slightly slower, but I loved the developments and characters.
Gwendolyn Burke
I couldn’t read your full thoughts but the blurb has me pretty happy. I have this one sitting around and hopefully I can read it very soon!
kimbacaffeinate
Hope you enjoy it.
Lily B
kinda glad that romance is not the main focus here, since book 1 felt like it was close to crossing to that triangle territory i am not happy about haha
kimbacaffeinate
Right. Nope it takes a step back. I am curious to see what develops though.
Braine
Looks like there’s no second book syndrome going on here.
kimbacaffeinate
Nope, I thought it was a good second book
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’m in the middle of this one and I’m getting frustrated. Not the bad kind, but the well… I think I know what is happening and how are they going to get out of it kind. I’m not happy about the cliffie and I’m hoping for the answers I’m currently floating in my head. 🙂 Brilly review!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh the last 100 pages will have you one more chaptering Melissa.
Heidi
I am okay knowing there isn’t romance, I always appreciate a YA that takes time to focus on story and world building. I am eager to get back into this world.
kimbacaffeinate
I feel the same Heidi.
Jamie
oh my gosh. I cannot wait for this one and you have made me 1000000000000x more excited. I’m so glad you enjoyed this! I have heard a couple people say they didn’t like it as much as the first one but that doesn’t seem to be the case with you, which makes me excited!
kimbacaffeinate
It is a little slower at the onset..but I was very happy 🙂
Cynthia
I am so glad to read your review and to know that you loved it. I have read a few mixed reviews, but I am still excited to read it. I have the Kindle version of this preordered so I will have it on release day. You can be sure I will be digging into it immediately!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I read reviews today and while this wasn’t as fast paced, I was pleased,
Angela Adams
Great book titles!
kimbacaffeinate
I like it 🙂
Ramona
I am curious enough to give this one a try, despite the lack of romance (I’m a sucker for that, and that’s that 🙂 I was somewhat disappointed by the first volume, where Meira seemed so very prone to hollow rhetoric, but as I understand she grows some in this second installment. Lovely review, Kimba 🙂 Happy Monday
kimbacaffeinate
We do see growth, and she steps into her role.
Ria
I love these covers!! I’ve been a little hesitant on these titles and now that you mentioned minimal romance?!!! *Sigh I love romance esp YA romance :/ should I still give it a go or do you think I’ll hate it?
kimbacaffeinate
There is a romance thread, but in this book it took more of a backseat..but I am sure it will pick up in the next.
Amber Elise
Alternate perspectives you say? Wasn’t SLA just from Meira’s POV? I’m really interested the none-seasonal kingdoms so I’m happy this one explores them more. Thanks for the review, so happy you still enjoyed this one!
kimbacaffeinate
I believe so yes, but I liked getting both. It really helped flesh out the conditions and political environment of Winter.
Tracy Terry
Not a big fan of romance so it doesn’t bother me that this isn’t one of the books strong points. This does however sound like a series that really needs to be read in order and given that this book ends on a cliffhanger a series in which no doubt readers will be left longing for the next instalment.
kimbacaffeinate
I can take it or leave it in this genre Tracy, but I know for some it is important.
kindlemom1
You’re right about the last 100 pages or so, they were intense! So glad you enjoyed this! I can’t wait for book three now.
kimbacaffeinate
Right..I didn’t want to set it down. I am looking forward to the next release myself
Sam
I can’t wait to read this book! I loved Snow Like Ashes when I read it recently and am impatiently waiting Ice Like Fire’s release. I’m happy to see that you enjoyed it and it definitely sounds like it’s going to be a great instalment.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy it Sam, I was pleased.
Debbie Haupt
Great review Kim, glad this second book lived up to expectations. I often have more problems with book one in a trilogy than book two, but I can definitely understand.
kimbacaffeinate
I have an issue with finishing trilogies…fear of the final book syndrome,
Madiha
The romance aspect of the first book was a huge reason why it was such a success story with me, but I get why that couldn’t be explored in this book in order to flesh out the setting to an even higher level. I heard this does fall short of Snow Like Ashes, but as a bridge book, I guess that’s expected. I miss Meira, and while it will be a while before I pick this up, I can’t wait to! Lovely review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it did it some aspects but in other areas it excelled Madiha.
Bookworm Brandee
I’m so happy this one didn’t fall victim to the sophomore syndrome, Kimberly. I almost picked up Snow Like Ashes last week…almost. It sounds as though there is a lot of character development going on in Ice Like Fire and that’s something I really enjoy. I’m also curious about Primoria and I’m glad to see it’s still being ‘built’. Hopefully that means some great detail. This story seems really exciting! I’m going to have to pick it up soon!
kimbacaffeinate
I like the way it is unfolding and how the danger is building. I too like to see character growth.
Jenny
I know I’m going to be disappointed in the lack of romance in this one Kim, but I so love character growth so I think it will be a win in that regard. I adored Meira in the first book, so I’m really looking forward to spending time with her again!
kimbacaffeinate
I have a feeling things will pick up in the romance department in the next book
Lexxie
I have the first book, Kim, and now you made me more eager to actually read it 🙂 I’m glad the second book lived up to its predecessor!
Have a wonderful day 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yay..enjoy Lexxie. This is a great fantasy series.
Rosa
I hadn’t heard about this series before and I must confess what draw my attention to your post was the cover – I love it! After reading your review I really think I should give this series a try.
kimbacaffeinate
The covers are gorgeous for this series..glad it caught your attention!
blodeuedd
Dig mines…oh that sounds friendly
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…he has them mining for magic.