Book Beginning│Currently Reading : Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Currently Reading #29

Name: Snow Like Ashes
Author: Sara Raasch
Number of Pages: 422 in Hardcover
Published: October 14th 2014 by Balzer + Bray
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Adventure, Romance

“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. ”

I’ve started reading this while struggling to finish Illusions of Fate. I’m sorry, but it got me jaded and I’ve resisted reading Snow Like Ashes for weeks now because of my TBR file. I can’t take it anymore. Lol! So I dug up reviews to set my expectations for this book since a lot is talking about it. I’m feeling so left behind. I got a five star, three star and a one star review so it will be fair.

Brilliant debut. Sarah Raasch gave fans of YA medieval fantasy exactly what they wanted. This book had a lot of action without being too bogged down in details and there was never a dull moment. I found the protagonist believable and I really enjoyed her love interest, Theron. He is exactly my kind of prince:) I am looking forward to the sequel -especially if it involves a lot of rivalry between Mather & Theron. Not huge on love triangles but love to see them acting jealous ;P
— Rachel of The Black Mage Author

The fallback of Snow Like Ashes is most definitely it’s predictability. One of the book’s big plot reveals at the end felt a bit predictable and cliche to me. It wasn’t the mind blowing ending or resolution I would have hoped for; but at the very least I wish there would have been a few more red herrings to make it less predictable. All things considered, Snow Like Ashes was a solid fantasy novel – possibly one of the best I’ve read this year – and I am anxious to know how everything is resolved in the sequel.
— Zoe of Zoe Reads

I had fairly high hopes for Snow like Ashes due to the great reviews and the fact that it’s high fantasy. I love me a good fantasy novel. However, this book was not good. The world-building was lacking, the characters were obnoxious and two-dimensional, and the writing was bad. The pacing was super slow, and this book should have been at least 100 pages shorter. The author just kept rambling on and on about useless crap instead of explaining what needed to be explained, though.
— Amber of Fall into Books

Interesting and intriguing reviews right? I haven’t finished a chapter so it’s really early to tell. I’ll look out for the things mentioned though so I can have an honest review. Checking reviews is good for me so I can write a decent review of my own. You know, siting things that I love and like at least. Book review to follow. For now, happy reading to me! 😀

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader, where we share the first sentence (or so) of the books we are reading, along with initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

Here’s the beginning:

“”BLOCK!”
“Where?”
“I can’t tell you where — you’re supposed to follow my movements!”
“Well, then, slow down.”
Mather rolls his eyes. “You can’t tell an enemy soldier to slow down.””

What do you think of the book’s beginning? You could share book beginnings on your current read too. Comment the link of your own Book Beginnings on Fridays so I can check it out and have an idea of amazing books that I would want to read. Come on! Join us! 😀