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Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers)
Meira and a small band of fighters from the kingdom of Winter are the only survivors of an attack by the Spring kingdom. Each ruler of a kingdom has an item that allows them to use magic to improve things in their kingdom, and lead their people. King Angra of Spring killed  Queen Hannah of Winter, and destroyed her magical locket. King Mather is the new king of Winter, but he's 16 and on the run with the handful of survivors, so General William leads them with his expertise for now. They are trying to find an ally that will help restore them to their kingdom.

 Category
YA

 Why I chose this book
Found it on sale on Amazon, where it was recommended

 My personal opinion (the review)
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy magic in stories, and I like a good fight every now and then. My wife, on the other hand, would probably not like this book because there's too much fighting and not enough love story. But I will definitely be buying the next book in the series. Well done!

 Warnings
Language: None
Violence: Frequent, mildly graphic
"Adult" situations: Just romantic feelings and one kiss
Death: Frequent, and of major characters

 Movie rating equivalent
PG, maybe PG-13

 Protagonist description
Meira is a skilled warrior, but feels underappreciated because she's young and William holds her back from fighting, to protect her

 Point of view of story
First, focused on Meira

 Book length
Medium-long

 Story flow
Excellent

 Grammar and spelling issues
None

 Character connection (no spoilers)
I'd like to learn more about Hannah, William, and William's wife
For series:
Independent or integral (stand-alone or back story dependent)
Assuming integral

 Series review as a whole
Good so far
If you only have time for one, read: (which one)
Start from the beginning- Snow Like Ashes

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