Friday, October 16, 2015

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. :)

25 comments:

  1. Damn, everyone is loving this. I wasn't really feeling the first book, so I've been putting this one off. I should just read it already.

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    1. I loved the first book. You may like this one more especially if you like more political intrigue.

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  2. Phew! I was afraid you wouldn't like this, so glad you did! You're right, the pacing won't be for everyone but so much still happens and is revealed that I was hooked! Great review!

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    1. It was so necessary for the series but the pacing was slower than the first. Didn't bother me though. :)

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  3. It's tough waiting for these characters to catch up to speed sometimes lol

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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  4. I see what you mean, it's like Alfred Hitchcock explaining suspense : when you blow a bomb and people die, you're appalled, but it's done. When a young kid plays with a bomb and you don't know when/if it's going to explode, you're on the edge, but the kid doesn't know a thing ;)

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  5. love the first one not sure why i would feel intimidated reading this one

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    1. If you loved the first one, you will like this one too. :)

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  6. YES..I agree all around with your thoughts on this Melissa. I do think it was necessary and I loved the different kingdoms and growth.

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  7. Everyone seems to love this one! I've got to get around the picking up the first book!

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  8. Eep, I'm one of those who didn't really like it! I mean, I liked it some, but I was very frustrated with the slow pace and how it didn't really have a story arc, but nevertheless, I'm glad that you loved it, Melissa! I'm still going to be reading the last book to see where things go from there :D

    Faye at The Social Potato

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  9. It's great when book 2 is good like that! I haven't tried the series but I really should one day!

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  10. I loved Snow Like Ashes and can't wait to read this one too - great review!

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  11. I can't deal with cliffhangers so I think I'm going to wait until the entirety of this series is released before diving into it. Great review, Melissa--I'm so glad this series is living up to your expectations!

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  12. Ahhhh on the cliffie! I didn't know that about these. Thanks for that heads up!

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  13. They say a cliffie is only a cliffie when the story mattered enough to you so I guess that's a good thing overall

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  14. I don't like cliffhangers but this series sounds great.

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  15. Glad you enjoyed this one Melissa. Cliffhanger ending! So frustrating...

    Naomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

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  16. What about the romance in this one? Still a love triangle? I kinda hoped we had Theron's pov instead of Mather, but I think he's a more interesting character, but we shall see. I don't mind the less action part and I was curious to see how Meira would handle being the Queen. Thanks for the heads up about the cliffie ending though.

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  17. lol. I had to chuckle at the don't read out of order comment. :D Good to hear!

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