Review: Snow like Ashes by Sarah Raasch

I am a long time reader of fantasy, so when I found Snow like Ashes I had to buy it. It follows Meira, one of seven survivors from the destruction of their homeland, soldier and companion to their exiled prince. Sent on a mission to recover an ancient magical artefact, she sets off a chain of events that will alter everything.
 
I loved this book. Its set in a world of eight kingdoms, 4 are called Rhythm kingdoms, with seasons much like our own. The other 4 are Season Kingdoms, each with weather that mirrors the season they’re named for.  All 8 of the Kingdoms have magic channelled by the royal line. Meira is from Winter, destroyed sixteen years previously by Spring, and their magic has gone. I loved the world building, I loved that the author actually thought to give each of the kingdoms their own strengths.
 
I loved Meira, she has a couple of whiny and hopeless moments, but she shakes herself off and comes back stronger.
 
There is the inevitable love triangle, but both guys are incredible and I genuinely didn’t mind the inclusion.
 
The twist was obvious, but that may be because it’s such a standard trope in fantasy fiction, and I was expecting it.
 
All in all I loved this book, and have already ordered the second in the series.

*****