Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes Book 2)

ICE LIKE FIRE is an epic and elaborate and richly imagined sequel. It delivers action, mystery, magic, suspense, heartbreak, betrayal. The world-building is incredible. Meticulous attention to detail is paid to every aspect of this story from its characters to its multiple settings to its plot development. It takes you on a journey through parts of the world not explored in the first book, it introduces potential allies and enemies, it alternates points of view, it varies its pace, it builds to a finish that is jaw-dropping. Meira had hoped the worst was behind her, that Winter would be able to take the time it needed to rebuild, to grow stronger. But their arrangement with Cordell put Winter in their debt, and forced the Winterians to risk their lives mining, searching for the chasm of magic whose location could be anywhere. Instead of its discovery being a relief, Meira worried about the access to unlimited power it would give Cordell. She worried about what that much magic would do to to her own people. She worried about what that much magic would do to her. Forced to decide whether to continue bowing to Cordell or to stand up and fight, Meira chose to fight. But she knew she didn’t stand much of a chance against Noam and his army if she had to fight alone. As hard as it was as Winter’s new Queen to even think about leaving her Season, for its safety, for its future, she was willing to take the risk and go in search of those who would be allies. Told mainly from Meira’s point of view, with the occasional chapter from Mather’s perspective, readers will get to visit some of the different Seasons and Rhythms, meet their leaders, see how they rule and how they treat their people. They’ll find out who, if anyone, is willing to stand with Winter against Cordell. They’ll get to embark upon a quest to find three hidden keys and to learn anything they can about a mysterious Order. Author Sara Raasch has written an absolutely spectacular follow-up to her first novel in this series. She delves deeper into the politics of being Queen of Winter, the conflict between the Seasons and the Rhythms, the issues with being a conduit for magic, human rights issues. She forces her characters to overcome obstacles, to question, to trust, to learn, to grow, to be willing to sacrifice, to choose, and to live with the consequences of their actions, their choices and their mistakes. The author takes the time to really build the world, to flesh it out. She paints a complete picture with each different locale that Meira visits. Everything is wonderfully detailed, allowing for a total immersion into the story. The pacing in the first half of the novel is largely unhurried, though the points of view switches create suspense and a sense of urgency, and in the latter half, the pace picks up and continues to accelerate until the story’s end, keeping things interesting and engaging and making for a nice change-up. ICE LIKE FIRE is gorgeous and compelling and positively riveting. This is no filler novel. It does not suffer from a sophomore slump. It builds upon the story. It expands the world. It advances the characters. It is so unbelievably well-written. It is amazing, exciting, breathtaking, surprising. It is an absolute must-, must-, must-read.

What a sequel! With less action, more politics, new characters, and some shocking twists, this sequel was a fantastic read. Yes, I said less action, but that doesn't mean the level of danger was any less. I felt like the first book was more physical, and this book was more about strategy, and learning to outsmart the very man who threatens to take WINTER away from Meira. Readers can definitely except more surprises as well as some expected growth and changes with the characters in this book. I loved the introduction to new characters into the story, seeing more of their seasons, and how they fit into Meira's story. Out of the characters, I continue to admire Meira, and the character she becomes. She has so many strengthens, and her weakness help shape her into the person she becomes. Being Queen means she makes a lot of sacrifices, and receives a lot of advice, whether she wants it or not. She struggles with being true to herself, while fulfilling her duty/role as Queen. She struggles to find herself, and who she's expected to be, while remaining true to the person she's becoming. I admired her strength in learning to shape the girl she once was into the women she has become, while fulfilling her role as Queen. I felt like I understood she struggles in finding her way, and her thought process through it all. Meira is not the only one who makes some changes. Theron changes in ways that really surprised to see. Though looking back from the first book to now, I shouldn't have been as shocked. I think his changes were more heartbreaking, yet at the same time they made sense to the Prince/man he has grown to become. Then there's Mather. Like Meira, he has grown a lot. He's figured out who he is, and knows what he has to do. He's learned and grown a lot. I really liked getting to see him man up more in this book. I also loved getting to understand his choices previously, and what he's learned from them. I am really looking forward to seeing more of his story in the next book. I think it's safe to say that I'm liking Mather more and more. I loved understanding the struggle both and Meira share with trying to figure where they stand, with their shared history, and the roles they both have now. The world building continues to fascinate me. Raasch gives readers an in-depth look into the world of Primoria, the various seasons, and the monarchs who rule them. Raasch does more than just vividly describe these seasons. She allows her readers to visit them along side Meira, and I loved having that feeling have really getting to see these places. This added a whole new element to the story. I loved getting to meet the new characters, as much as I enjoyed getting a detailed look into the lands, and how they live there. My favorite was definitely Princess Ceridwen, from Summer. She proves she's just as fiery and witty as Meira and a fantastic friend to the Queen. This book definitely does not suffer from middle book syndrome. It was just as fascinating as the first book. Sure, it may not have as many action scenes or all the romance (don't worry there's the subtle touches a kissy scene or two, or more), I loved about the first book, but it's still great. I enjoyed all this story gave, and then some. After that killer of an ending, I'm looking forward to diving right into FROST LIKE NIGHT. My word, those last few characters really picked up and then the ending left me hanging. I can only imagine what Meira's about to do. If you loved SNOW LIKES ASHES, be sure to pick up a copy of this book!

*4.5 stars* Newly risen as Queen in the previously exiled and war-torn Season kingdom of Winter, Meira learns the true value of strength--self. Before she was thrust onto a throne long cold, her life consisted of daily training as a warrior and submitting to the plans of others. Now, she's the one giving orders and making decisions. In a world that is decaying from greed and abuse, Meira must learn to quiet the voices--and her heart--to hear the true conduit of magic: inner confidence. Mather, the Once-King of Winter, is on a similar path of self-discovery. The future he was raised to believe, the man he was trained to become, is ripped from his identity. Still, he burns with purpose and passion for a people he will not abandon, even if they have abandoned him. The people of Winter have frozen the past in their memories. But Mather is determined to apply the necessary heat until the icy grip of fear thaws away and truth catches fire. And then there is Prince Theron ... but his harrowing journey is yours to discover. The kingdoms of Primoria completely captured my imagination. The world building and unfolding tension did not disappoint! The writing is clean and vivid and the characters are memorable long after the last page has been turned. Looking forward to the next installment, Frost Like Night. Thanks, Sara Raasch, for a fantastic story!

I want to remind everyone I gave the first book of this trilogy a 5 star review. So I’m kinda sad that this also isn’t one. But please don’t sleep on this book or series still because it’s a wild ride. I have such high hopes for the finale still. Okay so... I’m so conflicted. Like I can’t even explain how much Of a headache I have. This book has me dizzy in the wildest way. I kid you not.... I was bored out.of.my.mind. For 75% of this book. I kid you not.... the 300+ pages of buildup had me wanting to smack my head off a wall. But at the same time... it was necessary and so worth it. The plot twists that take place in this book I swear I never saw coming. There wasn’t even a hint of them happening. There’s so much damn betrayal and scandal and evil in this storyline. Like I’m legit so hungover from it. This book is for sure going to be going out with a bang. I do wish the excitement happened a little sooner. It’s a bit ridiculous to have to wait until 75% of the way through to be entertained or hooked into the story. I feel like the first 2/3rds of this book could have been handled differently. Instead it’s spent on boring ass politics and introducing new characters. Which okay whatever, both were important. But did meiras little adventure to learn about the other kingdoms really have to drag so painfully? Maybe it’s just me but the writing just wasn’t it for this portion of the book. I just wanted it to end, because for a while reading it caused me physical pain lmao. But holy hell the end of this book. It was perfection. It felt like the same style and same characters from the first book again... only better this time. It was PERFECT. And now that we’ve gotten to this point.... I should say that despite everything I just said. The real thing that kept this from getting 4 stars is in fact the characters. Omg they were all such useless miserable saps for that first 75%. And meira? Oh lord I wanted to slap her into oblivion. Her character development plummeted so hard for a moment. I get the feelings the book wanted to evoke. Hopelessness, defeat, fear.... but it just came off as meira being a raging bitch and lashing out over nothing 90% of the time. Theron takes a complete character 180... which there are reasons. So I get that. But it bothered me so much lol. Mather? Prob my favorite forever. Him and his little group of friends he makes. People say he’s whiny and ungrateful but... nah he has the most real and valid, and honest feelings in the book. He’s the only one with common sense for the first third lol. I’m sad the direction sir has taken, but I’m sure he’ll be back to the character I love soon enough. Omg the twists and turns! I can’t wait to get to the next one. Will keep reading for sure.

I bought the first book in the series because Amazon recommended it to me on the home page, and fell in love. I finished the first one in less than two days and bought the rest of the series right away. The books feel fresh, like a completely new idea rather than a barely concealed spin off of another series. The main character is at times a bit annoying in how stubborn she is, but at the same time it is a key part of who she is and it's nice to have a character with obvious flaws that eventually make her stronger. The books do at times use convenient plot points to get the characters out of bad situations, but it's not hard to get past that and get back into the story. The books are written for middle or high school students, so don't expect anything incredibly complex, but they're a good read if you are looking for a new fantasy world you can sink into.

A great continuation of the trilogy. Meira turns out to be more than what she is from the first book and will do anything to save her Winterian people. Her willingness to take on the burdens and to save everyone is a comendable trait. However, she realizes she can't do it alone and need help. Mather no longer King, is now a lord, and feels insignificant and not deserving of Meira. But his love for Winterians and to free them has not waned. It's interesting to see each of them take on their new roles.

irst off i totally in love with the covers for this book series just stunning pieces of artwork. This book starts off a bit slow and i was a bit lost at the start as it been a while since i read book once. But once we got to the main course of what the story about we are off and running. This book focuses a lot on politics which i expect in a book about warring kingdoms. I also like the aspect of needed to solves clue to how to open the magical chasm. The best part about this book was traveling through the kingdom and getting see how each season and rhythm are and what they value or do not value in each kingdom. The twists in this story just make me want the next book like now. A great middle novel.

OMG! September 20th, hurry up! (My review doesn't consist of any spoilers, you should be safe!) I was on edge when I bought this book, due to the fact that many people stated that this book suffered from being the 'middle book' in the series. I have to say, this book did get off to a slow start, but it was totally worth it! When I read the last page of the book, 478, you could tell the last book in the series, Frost Like Night, is going to be great! Sara Raasch is an amazing author, I will continue to wait for the release date (September, 20th) of the last book, Frost Like Night. But I must state, I will be counting the days.......

Eu tenho uma verdadeira relação de amor e ódio com livros de alta fantasia como esse. Sempre corro atrás deles, sempre me animo com as histórias e tem horas em que sinto uma falta enorme de ler um livro desse gênero. E aí tem horas em que só de começar ou de pensar em começar a ler um livro assim, já fico completamente desanimada e incomodada, verdadeiramente cansada de todos os detalhes em comum que aparecem em tantos. Eu não estava cansada quando comecei esse livro, mas fiquei durante a leitura. Ele não é nada ruim e, se eu estivesse em um momento melhor, talvez tivesse amado como foi com o primeiro da trilogia. Ele é realmente muito bom, o desenvolvimento dos personagens, apesar de um pouco incerto e confuso em relação à Meira, precisava ser feito e o resto da história se movimentou consideravelmente bem. O enredo é bom, tem cenas bem interessantes, outras mais irritantes (principalmente por personagens se colocarem em situações ruins sem qualquer propósito), mas é sempre movimentado. Adoro como a autora nunca perde tempo em momentos inúteis, como a viagem de um lugar ao outro. Na verdade, amo. Porque essa é uma das coisas que mais me incomodam em outros livros desse gênero, e pude evitar aqui. Mas não tem como negar que esse é um livro de transição para o terceiro. A autora passou ele inteiro construindo o conflito do terceiro e deixando para depois todo seu verdadeiro desdobramento. Não tem nada de errado em um livro de transição assim, muitas vezes, como aqui, ele é necessário, mas eu teria gostado muito mais se a autora tivesse criado algum elemento realmente divertido que conseguisse me distrair da dúvida e tragédia que estavam pairando sobre Meira a história inteira. Livros que precisam ligar outros dois costumam ser chatos por causa dessa função, por não terem um propósito sozinho, então necessitam de alguma distração para deixá-los mais interessantes e menos pesados, e definitivamente não deveriam ser muito grandes. O que mais faltou aqui foi ação, como era cheio no primeiro livro, além de momentos leves, divertidos e que não fossem permeados de preocupação como o resto. A criação da história e seu desenvolvimento até agora são bastante complexos e interessantes, mas pesados demais para a sensação que esse livro passa sem qualquer respiro. E essa é basicamente a crítica que me fez tirar uma estrela da nota. Meira passou quase o livro todo insegura e precisando se encontrar, mas ela continua sendo uma protagonista ótima. Theron foi insuportável do começo e fiquei torcendo para que ele morresse ou só deixasse de ser relevante. Sir e sua relação complicada com todo mundo continuam super interessantes e nunca se contradizem. Mather é um ser maravilhoso que teve os capítulos mais próximos de serem divertidos, mas nunca chegaram mesmo lá. E Ceridwen é uma rainha, ou pelo menos devia ser. Amei ela e a interação dela com a Meira tanto, quero mais. Tenho mais uma reclamação, é verdade, mas não vou tirar nota por ela, porque não é exatamente uma crítica. O livro tem duas narrações, da Meira e do Mather (e já vi que o próximo vai ter da Ceridwen também, mal posso esperar!). A dela é na primeira pessoa e no presente. Entendo a autora querer fazer a do Mather na terceira pessoa, concordo que é a melhor ideia. Só não sei por que ela resolveu fazer no passado. Fiquei bem confusa, é verdade, e essa era a primeira coisa que eu percebia quando os capítulos mudavam, essa troca abrupta que não fez nenhum sentido, já que as histórias se passavam ao mesmo tempo. O livro é bom, pode confiar, só não é tão divertido e interessante quanto o primeiro, e consegue ser ainda mais pesado. Mas tenho grandes esperanças para o último.

I really loved this book and the fact that it was so much fun and I can’t wait for the third book

This book is filled with thrill and suspense. It brings a mixture of emotions. With fantastic structure that helps you feel the character is, this book intrigues the reader. Highly recommended to fantasy lovers and readers who enjoyed the first book, Snow Like Ashes. Waiting for the next book is unbearable.

Ich war erst kein Fan von dem ersten Buch der Reihe, daher bin ich etwas skeptisch in das zweite Buch heran gegangen. Entgegen meiner Erwartungen hat es mir aber wirklich gut gefallen!! Ich fand es besser als das Erste. Die Handlung dieses Buches war weniger Action-haltig und es ging mehr um Politik und darum das, was allen passiert ist, zu verarbeiten. Dies fand ich alles aber unglaublich gut umgesetzt, sodass ich immer weiter lesen wollte. Es war alles sehr realistisch und das hat mir besonders gut gefallen. Trotzdem passiert in dem Buch immer wieder einiges, was man nicht erwartet hat, was die Handlung umso besser macht! Die Charaktere kennt man schon aus dem ersten Buch, allerdings kommen auch einige neue hinzu, die aber super in die Handlung passen und zudem sehr interessant sind. Keine der Charaktere wirkt hierbei oberflächlich und es war schön, dass jede Person auch ihre Fehler hatte. Dies macht sie irgendwie menschlicher. Der einzige Punkt, der mir nicht so gut gefallen hat, war die weiter gehende Dreiecksbeziehung zwischen den Hauptcharakteren. Ich bin kein Fan Solcher und diese ist in der Reihe derart ausgeschmückt, dass sie mich genervt hat. Es war mir dann teilweise zu anstrengend, sodass ich viele solcher Szenen überblättert habe. Man hat zu oft gemerkt, dass die Charaktere in dem Punkt nicht erwachsen gewirkt haben, sondern wie die Teenager als die sie dargestellt werden. Der Schreistil der Autorin hat mir wieder sehr gut gefallen, es wir alles toll beschrieben und es ist sehr flüssig zu lesen. Alles in allem kann ich dieses Buch aber nur weiterempfehlen, mir hat das Lesen sehr viel Spaß gemacht. Und wenn man die Liebes-Szenen weglässt, die mich teilweise genervt haben, hat mich das Buch sehr gefesselt.

I love this one. :)