WHAT IS HAPPENING I need to read the next one right now!!

There was a point somewhere in the middle of this book that I started to lose focus and I don't know if it was the audiobook's fault (because English isn't my first language) or the plot's fault, but at the last 1/4 of the book I was always on the edge of my seat and wondering how many more plot twists would happen...(I hope this doesn't count as a spoiler, maybe more of a teaser) but oh well, Sara sure knows how to develop a character and a book with good characters is everything to me ( )

Despite how much I loved the first book. I just couldn't get into this one. I don't know why. It might be the second book slump. Or maybe I just wasn't in a good place for this book at this time. I honestly don't know. I'll still continue on to the third book with hopes that the ending will be a better read. ( )

At long last, rebel fighter Meira has succeeded in regaining her country of Winter from the oppressive hold of Angra, the King of Spring. However, given the stranglehold her ally Cordellan King Noam has on the struggling country, it seems Meira - Queen Meira - has no choice but to watch her beloved kingdom fall again beneath another tyrant.

Overwhelmed with doubts as to her identity, wary of her magic, and all too uncertain of who to trust, Meira heads a desperate mission to find answers and allies in other kingdoms. While his Queen navigates the political territory, Mather finds his own purpose remaining amongst the commoners in Winter.

If it's been a while since you've read the first book, I highly recommend at least a brief refresher of the side characters. The supporting cast didn't seem quite up to par in Snow Like Ashes. They seemed more like convenient props than distinct personalities. Of course, part of this may be due to my initial confusion: "who's this again? *skims Ice Like Fire * oh right."

Meira's internal doubts were the main focus of the book, as her band wound its way across the continent. It just was not compelling. In a way, it brings to mind the first section of Mockingjay: a bit of moping, isolation, and weariness of personal relationships. However, as this is the second book, hopefully Meira will hold onto what conviction she finds for the final installment.

Interestingly, Mather and Theron flip roles in a way for this book, compared to the first. No, this is not a reference to the romantic tension. At first, we watched Mather slide from confident heir to lost soldier, stripped of his main identity in the midst of turmoil. Compared to his clear cut character, Theron was introduced as a warming presence, lovable for his conviction, intriguing due to his wavering political affiliations. Now, imagine this reversed. Theron becomes a reactive character, following the plot obediently. Oh, he definitely has his share of secrets and trouble, but overall his actions are reasonable. Explainable. On the other hand, Mather becomes the transformative personality. Alongside his homeland, the Once King must rebuild his confidence, rekindle a sense of purpose, and reconcile as best he can with his parents and political betters.

Final verdict: it's manageable, but hopefully the concluding book will be more like the first. ( )

This is another great tale and man did the Sumerians really get the raw end of the deal here. but it ended on such a great action packed scene. Though I our heroine thinks too much, she is still on Bad @ss on battle ground . . . Yes, I loved it like the first one and the third one I am sure to love as well

Oh my goodness. I have so many emotions right now with this book but that is all I will say. ( )