Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch

Series: Snow Like Ashes #2
479 p.
Published: 10/13/15
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Source: Edelweiss and publisher for review

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.

My thoughts:

I adored the first book and I couldn't wait to get into this one. While the first book was more on the edge of your seat action, this one was more political and full of intrigue. Not everyone will like the pace of this one, but I see it as necessary for Meira's growth as queen as well as what is happening in the political machinations behind the war they are fighting. Those that need action will not be disappointed in the end.

In this book we not only get Meria's POV but Mather's POV as well. We see his struggles and growth mirror somewhat of Meira and both start to become stronger not only from their torment but from those they care about as well. Both learn from their mistakes but still hold hope for the future of their people.

While there were times I wanted to yell at Meria because I could see some of the twists coming a mile down the road. It made sense why she didn't see them, but my stress level still didn't wane because of that knowledge. I still wanted her to see around the corner she was not ready to see. Despite my growing frustration, I could see her growing in knowledge so I knew it would only be a matter of time before she couldn't refuse to see what was in front of her any longer. I also understood why she couldn't see it. Yea, I know... cryptic is my middle name, but this is all I can give you without totally spoiling the plot.

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed the book despite the cliffie ending. I don't think I minded to cliffie as much since I got the big answer I needed even though I need to know more. It is a good companion to the first book. Do NOT read these out of order. :)