Friday, October 9, 2015

Review: Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch

Title: Ice Like Fire
Author: Sara Raasch
Series: Book Two in the Snow Like Ashes Series
Published By: Balzer & Bray (October 13, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 5 Stars!


Book Description:
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 to use 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 Januari—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 weaves 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.










Fantasy has quickly become one of my favorite genres, something a year ago, I never would have imagined saying but, there you have it.

When I read the first book in the series. Snow Like Ashes, I knew the author had come up with something original and fun and I couldn't wait for more. In fact, it was one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year and so Ice Like Fire was one of my most anticipated reads for 2015.

This sequel crushed me. It tore me apart in some of the worst ways but also in some of the best.

It played with my emotions, stomped on them, laughed at their sorrow and then slowly built them back up with kind words, pretty gestures, and lovely smiles, only to start the process all over again.

To say I loved it, would be an understatement. This was everything I was hoping it would be.

Lies, deceit. Betrayals. Promises. Friendships, secrets. Gah! So much happens and I sadly can't talk about any of it. Meira grows so much in this. I adore her. She makes mistakes, she isn't perfect but she does it all for her people, for those she loves and cares about. She is fierce and determined but still loving and kind and that is why she is the true heroine of the story. I am so proud of the person she has become and the person she has yet to be. I am in love with this series and after all that transpired, I need more. I crave more. 

It is going to be a very long few months until the next. So I part with these final words, well done Ms. Raasch, well done. 





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

56 comments:

  1. I'm difficult with fantasy but I prefer YA fantasy so I confess that I'm quite intrigued by this one! I should try!

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  2. "This sequel crushed me."

    AH!!!! I'm scared now Ali! I can't wait to read this though, I loved the first book so much and I was really hoping this sequel would be equally good. So glad you thought it was:) Looking forward to spending time with Meira!

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  3. Glad you enjoyed this one! Hopefully the next installment will be equally as good and the time will fly by to get to it. Great review!

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    1. Thanks Grace, I'm hoping it will be here before I know it as well. ;)

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  4. I cannot wait to read this series! I was gifted with book one, Snow Like Ashes for Valentines Day this year, but have not had the chance to read it! Your review is swaying my heart though :P

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    1. How exciting that you have it, I hope you end up loving it!

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  5. I'm curious about this one, especially if - as you say - Meira grows. I liked the first one, but I did find her a little bit repetitive, and on occasion all talk but not so much game. But the world was well done :) I'll be reading this one too soon. Happy Friday, Ali!

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    1. She is definitely not all talk in this one. ;)

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  6. *happy dance* Yep I am loving this series too Ali!!!

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  7. Oooo! I need to try this series. It's been on my to read list for a while. I'm glad you liked it! :)

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  8. Okay, I've been excited about this series, but wow, this sounds like book two has surpaced (no middle book syndrome here) and now I'm wondering why I haven't read this sooner. I love fantasy! It sounds like this took your emotions on a roller coaster ride though. So glad you loved this one Ali.

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    1. Definitely no middle book syndrome here! Read this Kim, I know you will like it!

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  9. I'm glad that you loved the sequel, dear! I wasn't able to like it very much due to certain reasons here and there, but it makes me happy that you do. So... I'm guessing that your ship sailed??? ;)

    Faye at The Social Potato

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  10. Oh sweet! I'm about to start this one and I'm so glad I'm in for a treat. I loved the first book and was worried that I wouldn't like this one (second book syndrome). You allayed those fears!

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    1. So happy I could Melissa. I really did love it and I was surprised by how much I did. It really was an emotional read for some many reasons.

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  11. I am glad you liked this I just read another not so positive review.I have it coming up soon, I hope I like it too.

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    1. Kim is loving it too so I really hope you do as well!

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  12. I wish I was a fantasy fan when I see someone love a book like this as much as you do! I have liked a few of course but it's just not a favorite for me. I am glad you loved all the feels you got from this one!

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    1. No worries, it isn't for everyone but if you do want to try it, it is a good one to read. ;)

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  13. Wow, five stars. That's awesome!! I haven't read the first one - but i'm glad you really loved the sequel. :)

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  14. Wow, really? I thought the first one was okay, so have been putting this one off. I hate doing that with ARCs, but I haven't been able to get enthusiastic for it. But damn, now my interest has spiked.

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    1. I loved it, even more than the first I think. Just so much happens. ;)

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  15. Well done yourself Ali what a great review. Is this going to be a series or a trilogy?
    Sorry I didn't stop by yesterday but had a small family emergency

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    1. Sorry to hear that Debbie, I hope everything is okay now! *hugs*

      I believe this will just be a trilogy. ;)

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  16. i loved the first one, devoured it in fact, not sure why I have not read this one yet. Intimidated maybe?

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    1. It is hard to pick up a second when you loved the first so much sometimes. ;)

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  17. I have a hard time with YA. They are very hit or miss for me. This one looks really good. Great review.

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  18. Do you know I broke my neck to purchase Snow Like Ashes when it first came out, and I still haven't read it lol. I do it every time * shakes fist *. I'm so glad to see that everyone seems to like both books, because it definitely gives me something to look forward to. Maybe I should sit my ass down and binge read them both soon :)

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    1. Oh do it! And if you do, I hope you love them both!

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  19. SO glad this one lived up to the first book! I need to read both of these NOW - I almost forgot the release date was coming!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. You should, they were both fabulous!!

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    2. Just finished the first book and loved it! Now, on to the second!

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  20. Oh jeeze, crushing sounds scary. I do love when final books really leave an impact though.

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    1. I really hope the last book will do the rest justice. ;)

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  21. I really loved book one and the early reviews I have seen of this haven't been positive so I was kind surprised to see five stars. I have this to review, and I'll most likely be starting it soon. I really hope I feel like five stars too. Nice review, I'm excited!

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  22. The ending makes me so anxious for book 3! GAH! So glad you liked this so much Ali! xx

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  23. "It played with my emotions, stomped on them, laughed at their sorrow and then slowly built them back up with kind words, pretty gestures, and lovely smiles, only to start the process all over again." <- Ali, you could seriously write a blurb for the cover of her book. That is fantastic.

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  24. I am so glad you are enjoying so much fantasy this year. It's really helping me weed out some that I will enjoy too :D *grin* I never though Science Ficton would become an obsession for me, but I have read SO much more this year than I have ever.

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    1. That is how fantasy has been for me as well. ;)

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  25. I love that you're reading more fantasy now! I can't wait to read this sequel. I'm a bit afraid of all of the emotions now though. haha!

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    1. It was more emotional than I thought it would be for sure but in a really good way!

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  26. Oh wow. I'm so glad this one doesn't have middle book syndrome. I liked book 1 but I needed a bit more to love it. Looks like I will get that with book 2.

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    1. Oh I hope you do end up loving it. This was way more emotional than I thought it would be. ;)

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