Game of Thrones meets Graceling in this thrilling fantasy filled with shocking twists and heart-pounding action, the highly anticipated sequel to Snow Like Ashes. This action-packed series is perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses. It's been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring's king, Angra, disappeared-thanks largely to the help of Cordell. Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria's lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity-with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses-the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm's secrets, Meira plans on using the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe-even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves? Mather just wants to be free.
The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Jannuari-leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell's growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter's security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken Kingdom and protect them from new threats? As the web of power and deception is woven tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom-and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter but for the world.
(I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.)
Full review will be posted on my blog closer to the publication date.
After finishing Snow Like Ashes, I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to Meira and the others. A lot happened. This book is just go, go, go. While Snow Like Ashes focused mainly on Winter, Spring, and Cordell, Ice Like Fire finds Meira visiting several of the other kingdoms. Meira hoped for peace and a chance to rebuild Winter, but she finds it hard to do either with Noam's intrusion into her kingdom.
I loved the descriptions of the different kingdoms and the people who live in each place. I still think Seasons as kingdoms is wonderfully clever and original. I also loved the introduction of a few new characters.
As for the love triangle from Snow Like Ashes, I was a bit torn as to which one Meira should choose, but after a couple of chapters of Ice Like Fire, I made up my mind pretty quickly. And as I said in my reivew of Snow Like Ashes, this "love triangle" doesn't bother me as much as others because it isn't the focus of the book. And, most importantly, Meira realizes it isn't the only thing in the world that matters.
While I liked Snow Like Ashes more than Ice Like Fire, I still think this is a stellar second novel in the series. Sara Raasch is an incredible writer, and I can't wait to read more from her.
Also, I just have to say it - this cover is gorgeous. I'll definitely have to buy the hardcover when it's released so it can sit by my copy of Snow Like Ashes.
