Ice Like Fire

Ice Like Fire

 

Published : October 13, 2015

Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers

Page Count : 496

Authors Blog : http://sararaasch.tumblr.com/snowlikeashes

Series : Snow like Ashes (Book 2)

 

 

Blurb

 

 

A striking fantasy tale of dark magic, dangerous politics, and discovering your true self—perfect for fans of Game of Thrones, An Ember in the Ashes and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
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. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, Winter's future king—she would do anything to help Winter 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—only to find 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.

Review

 

Snow like Ice should've been a nail biter as Maria finally takes her crown and becomes Queen of Winter and Mather sit as a lowly lord. Unfortunately for reader's much of a queen's duty reside in politics and thoughts, so much of the book is slow. Though slow tension builds up in the corners of the story till it all burst forth, and once that occurred I fell in love with this story all over again.

 

As the reader's, we get to see both Maria and Mather grow into themselves as they learn what's wrong and right without the guiding hand of William. your able to get a look into Mather's thoughts which is new from previous books, and if you don't love him now you will when you finish with this book.

 

As far as the story and timeline go, its becoming far fetched and your losing your sense on where the story is going. There is still plenty to be uncovered and I have great hopes for the next book, Frost like Night, which is will be released September 20, 2016.

 

In the end I am giving this book 4 stars for its outstanding character development,

creativity, and mystery.

 





Ruin and Rising Review

Ruin and Rising

 

Publisher : Henry Holt and Co
Published : June 17, 2014
Page Count : 432
Authors Blog : http://www.leighbardugo.com/books/ruinandrising-2/
Series : Grisha trilogy

Blurb

The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne. Now the nation’s fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army. Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives. Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova’s amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling’s secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

Review

 

Ruin and Rising started off slow in a confusing place. There wasn't much action for the first few chapters as Alina was being held in the white chapel and under the guard of a priest. Thankfully the reading didn't stay uneventful for long. This book was centered around seeing the prominent changes that had accrued in Alina and in Ravka throughout the series. It had a wonderful ending that more than made up for the terrible beginning. Alina learns to except what may become of her, her friends, and her country. She fights for what she believes is right and learns to except the help that she desperately needs to finally beat the darkling. The final installment of the Grisha trilogy is a bit more depressing then others, but it was an entertaining read. 

 

I would give the book 3.5 stars out of 5 for entertainment, a well constructed world, and an amazing ending to the entertaining series that has kept many of us on our toes.  

 

 

If you would like any teasers or extra knowledge let me know.