Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1) by Sara Raasch

Title: Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1)
Author: Sara Raasch
Pages: 432
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Canada
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Buy: Amazon| Kobo| Chapters Indigo| B&N|
Rating:  5/5

Summary (Goodreads)

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.

Review:

I absolutely adored this book!!! Sara Raasch, you created this amazing world and characters that I knew I would be hooked on too. I devoured this book! This is fantasy at its greatest, especially if you like the Throne of Glass (which I loved too) series you will definitely like this one. The cover really represents the novel and it is really eye-catching. There is a hot romance, rebellion , magic, and kingdoms. I am currently in love with this series after I finished it! 

Meira is a character that is determined and is really skilled. She is loyal to the family she knows and to regain Winter to it's kingdom. Meira also wants to be a member to her group that survived Winter's siege sixteen years ago. She was orphaned as a baby when the war broke out when Spring attacked, only 25 of her people survived. The conduit is what holds Winter's magic to restore it to their land, but it has been broken into two pieces and get it back to Prince, but the conduit is female blooded and the heir is a Winter male. This is what would spark Meira's desire to become a warrior and prove herself. I loved how she is strong, and her character development in the story is amazing. She is also independent and just a kick a** of a heroine. 

The chemistry between both Mather (the Prince) and the prince of Cordell, Theron. This love triangle was made to make you pick who you want Meira more with. I was definitely torn since Sara knows how to make you fall in love with both of them (especially ones without a shirt, the other a hot prince). Meira has always been in love with Mather, but she feels unworthy of him since he is the prince. But their connection is strong because they are friends as well (I do like Mather jealous). Theron is another character I really liked since he also falls for Meira, he gets to understand her for trying to regain her kingdom. 

Sara Raasch is an author to look out for since she know how to get you addicted to her plot and characters. It had great character build and once you get to understand the kingdoms and monarchies it will make sense. There is even a map!! Had lots of action scenes with fighting and pitting good vs evil. The ending was firm and had no cliffhanger, but I really want the sequel to find out what is going to happen in the next book!  
Follow Sara on Twitter!! 

5/5