Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch - December 2015

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

Our Themed BOTM for December is Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raaschl. Please discuss here and remember to use spoiler tags as needed, as everyone may start at different times and reads at different speeds.



Summary
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.

[Tracey]

I'm about 75% of the way through this and have decided it's nothing special. I really like the concept of winter folks vs spring folks, but that's really the only thing I think is really distinguishing this from others of its theme. I'd love to see more of the world building with this one.

[Tracey]

Well now I'm finished. I changed my mind from earlier comment, as the last 25% did have some interesting twists. It just was a bit too late for my taste.

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

So disappointing, Chase. Sounds like it wasn't different enough from others in its genre.

[Mary-ellen]

I enjoyed Snow Like Ashes. It was an easy read, the plot moved pretty quickly after a slow start. I did find it a little predictable, but liked it anyway. I'll definitely give the second book a read.