Author: Sara Raasch
Favorite Quote:
"Everything must be dead to make way for Spring."
Goodreads Description:
A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.
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, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom 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. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds 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.
This book pleasantly surprised me! An epic fantasy about sixteen-year-old Meira and her struggle to restore the Kingdom of Winter.
Romance:
The romance was not the main focus of the plot, but it was beautifully done. It was realistic--full of sad revelation and letting go and moving on. And it was not what I first expected! I'm afraid to say too much, so I'll leave it at this: the romance was both fast and slow. ;)
My favorite relationship of the story, however, was not romantic at all. It was the relationship between orphan Meira and the man she wishes was her father. It is a poignant exploration of wanting to be loved without condition, and falling short time and time again.
World:
The world was certainly map-worthy! There are eight kingdoms--the Rhythm kingdoms and the Season kingdoms. Each kingdom has its own magic. And the detail of the settings! O, the detail! It was not cumbersome, but it was intricate nonetheless.
Adventure:
The plot is constantly moving from one conflict to the next. It swept me away. I kept expecting the murky middle where things hit a plateau, but there was no plateau. Things pushed forward at a fast clip.
And while there's nothing new in YA about a strong-willed girl fighting for her homeland, Raasch's spin on the trope is well worth the read.
Do I recommend? Yes. To anyone who loves high fantasy. Yes.
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