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A review by laurenbookishtwins
Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
4.0
I received a free copy from the publishers via Edelweiss
Snow Like Ashes follows Meira and her quest, along with other Winterian refugees, to free Winter, their home. Meira was orphaned during the War between Spring and Winter and raised by the Winterian General, William, who she calls Sir. When the location of Winter's locket is discovered, a locket that can restore Winter's power and help the refugees, and the King of Winter, take back their home from the clutches of Spring, Meira goes after the locket only to be thrust into the dangerous world of politics and unforeseen destinies.
The plot, at first, is fairly simple. Retrieve Winter's conduit (the locket) and save Winter from Spring. In that sense, it reminded me very much of [b:Finnikin of the Rock|4932435|Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, #1)|Melina Marchetta|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346007613s/4932435.jpg|4998084], and thus I think fans of [b:The Lumatere Chronicles|18810348|The Lumatere Chronicles (Lumatere Chronicles, #1-3)|Melina Marchetta|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1384664283s/18810348.jpg|26744808] will enjoy Snow Like Ashes. However, towards the middle to the end of the novel, the pace really picks up and you're thrown into a very quick and enticing plot with many twists and shocks throughout. Snow Like Ashes is a very compelling read and I highly suggest you give it a read, particularly if you're a fan of the high fantasy genre. Raasch's writing is great, and easy to follow yet rich and emotive.
As many high fantasy fans will be aware of, world building is essential to the readers enjoyment. I can assure you that Raasch did an excellent job in bringing the Seasons and the Rhythms to life, and although it starts of confusing, I got my head around it all very quickly. I also loved that your season determined how you looked from Winters white locks and pale skin, to Autumns copper skin. You really did have a sense that you were in an alternative universe, with constant winters and summers, with charming princes and badass ladies throwing chakrams.
I particularly enjoyed the characters and I think that the characters coupled with the world building is what made Snow Like Ashes such an awesome read. It took me several chapters to warm to Meira, but one cannot deny her fierceness and independence and willingness to prove herself. Those who like Celaena from [b:Throne of Glass|7896527|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760s/7896527.jpg|11138426] will probably like Meira, though she is certainly not as arrogant or brash, but her temper tantrums can be likened to Celaena (though she has every right). Also, there are a couple of swoon worthy princes thrown in there which are easy to love.
Overall, I think that Snow Like Ashes is an awesomely great high fantasy novel.
"Fear is a seed that, once planted, never stops growing."
Snow Like Ashes follows Meira and her quest, along with other Winterian refugees, to free Winter, their home. Meira was orphaned during the War between Spring and Winter and raised by the Winterian General, William, who she calls Sir. When the location of Winter's locket is discovered, a locket that can restore Winter's power and help the refugees, and the King of Winter, take back their home from the clutches of Spring, Meira goes after the locket only to be thrust into the dangerous world of politics and unforeseen destinies.
The plot, at first, is fairly simple. Retrieve Winter's conduit (the locket) and save Winter from Spring. In that sense, it reminded me very much of [b:Finnikin of the Rock|4932435|Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, #1)|Melina Marchetta|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346007613s/4932435.jpg|4998084], and thus I think fans of [b:The Lumatere Chronicles|18810348|The Lumatere Chronicles (Lumatere Chronicles, #1-3)|Melina Marchetta|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1384664283s/18810348.jpg|26744808] will enjoy Snow Like Ashes. However, towards the middle to the end of the novel, the pace really picks up and you're thrown into a very quick and enticing plot with many twists and shocks throughout. Snow Like Ashes is a very compelling read and I highly suggest you give it a read, particularly if you're a fan of the high fantasy genre. Raasch's writing is great, and easy to follow yet rich and emotive.
As many high fantasy fans will be aware of, world building is essential to the readers enjoyment. I can assure you that Raasch did an excellent job in bringing the Seasons and the Rhythms to life, and although it starts of confusing, I got my head around it all very quickly. I also loved that your season determined how you looked from Winters white locks and pale skin, to Autumns copper skin. You really did have a sense that you were in an alternative universe, with constant winters and summers, with charming princes and badass ladies throwing chakrams.
I particularly enjoyed the characters and I think that the characters coupled with the world building is what made Snow Like Ashes such an awesome read. It took me several chapters to warm to Meira, but one cannot deny her fierceness and independence and willingness to prove herself. Those who like Celaena from [b:Throne of Glass|7896527|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760s/7896527.jpg|11138426] will probably like Meira, though she is certainly not as arrogant or brash, but her temper tantrums can be likened to Celaena (though she has every right). Also, there are a couple of swoon worthy princes thrown in there which are easy to love.
Overall, I think that Snow Like Ashes is an awesomely great high fantasy novel.