BOOK REVIEW: Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1) by Sara Raasch

This is a book review for Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch. 

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. The Winterians' only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been searching for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild their kingdom ever since. Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, Winter’s future king—she would do anything to help Winter rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of half of the ancient locket that can restore their magic, Meira decides to go after it herself—only to find herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics, and to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

I actually had no idea what this book was about when I bought it. I freely admit that I bought it 100% because of the hype. All I knew was that it was a type of fantasy dystopian book. Even though I hesitated to start yet another series, there were so many people who raved about this book. I am so happy to say that it completely lived up to the hype . . . and more.

Sara Raasch can build a world like no other. Her descriptions of the different Seasons and their kingdoms were breathtaking and so vivid. It did take me a few chapters to warm up to the characters and to get everything straight. The plot seemed complicated and confusing at first. For one thing, I am still not clear on the difference between Rhythms and Seasons or why there is so much hatred between the them. Maybe I missed that part?

I think Meira is my new favorite character. She is so freaking bad ass. She wants to be in front of the battle, with armor and everything, like everyone else. She is feisty and spirited and she also acts like a typical sixteen year old girl, which is to say that she can throw a hella good tantrum. Yes, I love her tantrums. I love every single thing about her. Don't change her, please? I could have done without the sudden love triangle. I barely got used to Mather and her feelings for him when Theron was introduced. Okay, there was no insta-love, which I appreciated. There was insta-chemistry, but let's face it: that is much more believable, right? I thought Meira and Theron had a lot more in common and Mather kind of irritated me. He was always so stoic and robotic. I know, I know. He's the future king so he has to hold his emotions at bay. I guess that was the reason, but because of it, I was kind of rooting for Theron. 

And then there there the twists . . . ahhhh this author messed with my head so much that it was spinning!! But it was so freaking glorious. Now the middle part did drag a little and I was waiting for something to happen. But when stuff did happen, I was not disappointed. There was SO MUCH ACTION. SO MUCH WAR!! I loved it!! I cannot wait for the sequel to come out!!

Buy/Borrow/Skip: Buy it!!!