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Mount of Lost Memories
Plagued by famine and war, the world needs magic. Desperately. And one girl will do anything it takes to steal it.
An outsider among her clan, Mayra has tried everything to earn her place and has failed miserably. But when a mysterious traveler from the Mount, an isolated mountain fortress that has hidden magic away for a thousand years, asks for her clan's help, Mayra is finally given a chance to prove her worth — by stealing the Mount's magic.
With only a month to find, obtain, and escape with the source of magic, Mayra must garner the trust of the suspicious mages and the handsome yet heartless Prince Corin, whose own motivations could endanger not only Mayra's mission, but also the world.
But how can one girl who has never even held a real sword succeed where armies and nations have failed?
"Fans of Shadow and Bone and Throne of Glass will devour Mount of Lost Memories, a spellbinding tale of stolen magic, daring intrigue, and a heroine who must defy the odds to save her world." –NewInBooks.com
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat age group is this book suitable for? This book is recommended for readers ages 13 and older, enjoyed by both teens and adults.Is there any mature content in this book? No. The romance is clean. There are no swear words. There is no gore or extreme violence.Is this book part of a series or a standalone? This is a standalone novel with a complete story.What are some comparable books? If you are a fan of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black or An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir, then you will enjoy Mount of Lost Memories.
An outsider among her clan, Mayra has tried everything to earn her place and has failed miserably. But when a mysterious traveler from the Mount, an isolated mountain fortress that has hidden magic away for a thousand years, asks for her clan's help, Mayra is finally given a chance to prove her worth — by stealing the Mount's magic.
With only a month to find, obtain, and escape with the source of magic, Mayra must garner the trust of the suspicious mages and the handsome yet heartless Prince Corin, whose own motivations could endanger not only Mayra's mission, but also the world.
But how can one girl who has never even held a real sword succeed where armies and nations have failed?
"Fans of Shadow and Bone and Throne of Glass will devour Mount of Lost Memories, a spellbinding tale of stolen magic, daring intrigue, and a heroine who must defy the odds to save her world." –NewInBooks.com
***
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat age group is this book suitable for? This book is recommended for readers ages 13 and older, enjoyed by both teens and adults.Is there any mature content in this book? No. The romance is clean. There are no swear words. There is no gore or extreme violence.Is this book part of a series or a standalone? This is a standalone novel with a complete story.What are some comparable books? If you are a fan of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black or An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir, then you will enjoy Mount of Lost Memories.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2024
About the author
Olivia Snow
2 books43 followersOlivia Snow is an avid fantasy reader and Star Trek watcher. She lives in southern Oregon with her super wonderful husband and her two super cute boys (who look just like their father and nothing like her).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 11, 2024
I am a big fantasy fan especially when the author creates new worlds that involve magic or special abilities. This book did not disappoint! It was well thought out and written. It was just descriptive enough for me to be able to form pictures in my mind as I read, but not so much so that I wasn't able to use my imagination. I may or may not have stayed up until 3 am to finish it 😉.
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March 1, 2026Couldn’t have written it better myself. 😏
November 3, 2024
Who knew yams could be so versatile? Very fun read that’s full of great world building and wonderful character.
December 6, 2024
Okay, so this is the most entertaining book I have read all year.
Great storytelling. I felt like part of the action. Super easy to picture it all in my mind.
Kudos for the world building.
Kudos for the relatable humor.
Kudos for getting to know the characters as if they were real.
Hope for the story to continue with more.
"By royal decree, this [review] is over. You are all now trespassing. Any lingering intruders will be executed." -Corin
Great storytelling. I felt like part of the action. Super easy to picture it all in my mind.
Kudos for the world building.
Kudos for the relatable humor.
Kudos for getting to know the characters as if they were real.
Hope for the story to continue with more.
"By royal decree, this [review] is over. You are all now trespassing. Any lingering intruders will be executed." -Corin
October 16, 2024
Enemies to lovers? An isolated magical mountain fortress? Using yams as weapons?? All the components of a perfect story.
I loved this book. There were so many fun scenes between Mayra and Corin. Corin was my fav character. I am such a sucker for heartless, snarky main leads. Namari is a close second. But really, there was so much to love. The world building, the magic system, the ambiance of the mount—it was all fantastic. I’m excited to read it all again.
I loved this book. There were so many fun scenes between Mayra and Corin. Corin was my fav character. I am such a sucker for heartless, snarky main leads. Namari is a close second. But really, there was so much to love. The world building, the magic system, the ambiance of the mount—it was all fantastic. I’m excited to read it all again.
March 15, 2025
Absolutely loved this book, please give it a read!! Likable characters, great banter, ACTUAL slowburn, spy/hidden identity, unique world, indie author, yams.... need I go on?
Can't wait to read whatever Olivia Snow publishes next!
(P.S. What is it about princes with C names? Cardan, Corrick, Corin)
Can't wait to read whatever Olivia Snow publishes next!
(P.S. What is it about princes with C names? Cardan, Corrick, Corin)
December 1, 2025
3.5
The writing quality is fine and there’s a lot of neat concepts. I liked the idea of a civilization that has no use for writing due to memory records, and that the magic system was unique. There’s a whole lot of creative potential here, and I hope this can be taken as constructive because I really think with some outside eyes asking questions, this could have really been elevated.
The story was weakest when digging into character motivations and the methods used to move the plot along. The clanmother just seemed very inconsistent to me. In one hand she’s benevolent with the main character, helping her toward a destiny she doesn’t have a birthright to and taking her in, and then in the next just callously using her for her own power struggle. It kinda felt like a random total switch of personality. Perhaps if we had some insight into what brought her to that point, it wouldn’t have been so jarring, but whatever changed in her mind seemed to happen beyond the reader’s watch. We got a perspective from her second where we were told the clanmother had a spy, but this could’ve been stronger if maybe the scene was a report to the clanmother about what had been said. Let me see her change her mind, the regrets and emotions playing a role in her betrayal of Mayra.
I felt very similarly about the prince. I get the biggest moment of change was the balcony scene, but I still just had trouble fully believing his change of personality.
Another thing I’m struggling with is why Mayra is so insistent about keeping to the codes when we never see a single warmaiden genuinely keep a code. They skirt around truths to avoid the honesty pledge, they start a war when they’re meant to end them, and no one is in a better position than Mayra to know this. They’re constantly breaking their own rules and she acts like this is a surprise, but to the reader it’s hard to connect to because we only see abuse from them. If we had an early scene where someone told a difficult truth, or fulfilled one of the many codes this could have been more believable along the way.
It also seems strange to me that the warmaidens are all so hive-minded about hating Mayra and the weak. Why would anyone hire them to be teachers if they constantly put down outsiders? I have the same complaint about the people on the mount, after so many people have come to them talking about a famine, you’re telling me there’s not a group of conspiracy theorists that the queen is lying? No one is using that as a political movement?
There’s also a lot of “I happen to have exactly what the scene needs to progress things.” Ex. we don’t have a lock pick, oh but I have a fishhook we can use. Or: Damn I lost my knife, but hey - the guard forgot she literally just threw a knife at me. It’s just too convenient. Where are the stakes? Where’s the struggle? Things just keep working out with no breathing room for the characters to have a genuine problem because it always just gets resolved instantly. Why phrase it as a challenge at all? Why not have Mayra spot the fishhook and use her cleverness to problem solve? Why not search the castle for something like a lock pick before going to rescue her friend instead of just showing up and hoping it works?
I don’t want to be unjust with my criticisms and I think there’s some real shining moments, but it just needed a little bit more polish. I started writing this around the 80% mark and did really enjoy how everything wrapped up, so big kudos that there weren’t any lingering plot threads.
The writing quality is fine and there’s a lot of neat concepts. I liked the idea of a civilization that has no use for writing due to memory records, and that the magic system was unique. There’s a whole lot of creative potential here, and I hope this can be taken as constructive because I really think with some outside eyes asking questions, this could have really been elevated.
The story was weakest when digging into character motivations and the methods used to move the plot along. The clanmother just seemed very inconsistent to me. In one hand she’s benevolent with the main character, helping her toward a destiny she doesn’t have a birthright to and taking her in, and then in the next just callously using her for her own power struggle. It kinda felt like a random total switch of personality. Perhaps if we had some insight into what brought her to that point, it wouldn’t have been so jarring, but whatever changed in her mind seemed to happen beyond the reader’s watch. We got a perspective from her second where we were told the clanmother had a spy, but this could’ve been stronger if maybe the scene was a report to the clanmother about what had been said. Let me see her change her mind, the regrets and emotions playing a role in her betrayal of Mayra.
I felt very similarly about the prince. I get the biggest moment of change was the balcony scene, but I still just had trouble fully believing his change of personality.
Another thing I’m struggling with is why Mayra is so insistent about keeping to the codes when we never see a single warmaiden genuinely keep a code. They skirt around truths to avoid the honesty pledge, they start a war when they’re meant to end them, and no one is in a better position than Mayra to know this. They’re constantly breaking their own rules and she acts like this is a surprise, but to the reader it’s hard to connect to because we only see abuse from them. If we had an early scene where someone told a difficult truth, or fulfilled one of the many codes this could have been more believable along the way.
It also seems strange to me that the warmaidens are all so hive-minded about hating Mayra and the weak. Why would anyone hire them to be teachers if they constantly put down outsiders? I have the same complaint about the people on the mount, after so many people have come to them talking about a famine, you’re telling me there’s not a group of conspiracy theorists that the queen is lying? No one is using that as a political movement?
There’s also a lot of “I happen to have exactly what the scene needs to progress things.” Ex. we don’t have a lock pick, oh but I have a fishhook we can use. Or: Damn I lost my knife, but hey - the guard forgot she literally just threw a knife at me. It’s just too convenient. Where are the stakes? Where’s the struggle? Things just keep working out with no breathing room for the characters to have a genuine problem because it always just gets resolved instantly. Why phrase it as a challenge at all? Why not have Mayra spot the fishhook and use her cleverness to problem solve? Why not search the castle for something like a lock pick before going to rescue her friend instead of just showing up and hoping it works?
I don’t want to be unjust with my criticisms and I think there’s some real shining moments, but it just needed a little bit more polish. I started writing this around the 80% mark and did really enjoy how everything wrapped up, so big kudos that there weren’t any lingering plot threads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
After reading The Heart of War by Olivia Snow , I knew I wanted to pick up another one of her books, and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely adored this story. I loved the atmosphere, the world building, and the magic system it truly felt like stepping into a completely different world. The details were so beautifully done, especially the necklaces and the magic orbs that held memories you could look into. It all felt so vivid and enchanting.
I loved Corin. He made me laugh so many times, but he was also such a sweetheart. He’s funny, incorrigible, flirty, and cocky, but underneath all of that he has such a kind and loving heart. He’s been through so much that he’s built walls around himself, but once you get past them, you see how caring and gentle he truly is.
I also loved Mayra. I admired her determination, her kindness, and the way she never gave up no matter what she faced. The moments between her and Corin were some of my favorites. Their banter was so good, and when Corin wrote her that letter, it honestly had me tearing up.
I just loved this whole book so much. It’s a story about forgiveness, love, trust, and honesty, and it truly spoke to my heart. 💕💕💕
I loved Corin. He made me laugh so many times, but he was also such a sweetheart. He’s funny, incorrigible, flirty, and cocky, but underneath all of that he has such a kind and loving heart. He’s been through so much that he’s built walls around himself, but once you get past them, you see how caring and gentle he truly is.
I also loved Mayra. I admired her determination, her kindness, and the way she never gave up no matter what she faced. The moments between her and Corin were some of my favorites. Their banter was so good, and when Corin wrote her that letter, it honestly had me tearing up.
I just loved this whole book so much. It’s a story about forgiveness, love, trust, and honesty, and it truly spoke to my heart. 💕💕💕
October 16, 2024
As silly as it feels to leave myself a review, I just couldn't pass up the chance to acknowledge how much work and energy went into this project—and that deserves a self-congratulatory high five. As a mom with two young kids, who literally finished the first draft of this book while in labor at the hospital with my youngest, seeing this book through to the finish line was one of the hardest things I've ever done (and one of the most fun and rewarding). I learned so much, not only about the craft but also about the endurance needed for writing, and I'm so excited to share this story with the world! Okay, enough of that. Time to get working on the next one... :)
December 3, 2025
This is one of the best books i have ever read
Please write another novel 🙏 this book gave me then ending i was hoping for and i am so greatful the book turned out this way. Once i started reading it was so hard to put down and i just had to finish the entire book at once. So i did that today for three hours 🙃. Please write another story where mayra finds her tribes and finds out who she really was. Maybe add a twist of her ancestors of being royal and even honorable. Thank you for the story olivia it was such an amazing read. i promise you this book is a 10.
Please write another novel 🙏 this book gave me then ending i was hoping for and i am so greatful the book turned out this way. Once i started reading it was so hard to put down and i just had to finish the entire book at once. So i did that today for three hours 🙃. Please write another story where mayra finds her tribes and finds out who she really was. Maybe add a twist of her ancestors of being royal and even honorable. Thank you for the story olivia it was such an amazing read. i promise you this book is a 10.
January 15, 2026
3.5 stars!
This was a random book I found on KU and was intrigued enough to read it. It felt very YA (not in a bad way! Clean language and zero spice) and one I would recommend to someone who is new to fantasy as it's very light on the magical elements.
I did wish there was more world building and explanation with the magic, it felt like we just got a glimpse! There were moments that felt very on-the-nose and the dialogue came across cheesy at some points but overall thought this was an enjoyable read!
This was a random book I found on KU and was intrigued enough to read it. It felt very YA (not in a bad way! Clean language and zero spice) and one I would recommend to someone who is new to fantasy as it's very light on the magical elements.
I did wish there was more world building and explanation with the magic, it felt like we just got a glimpse! There were moments that felt very on-the-nose and the dialogue came across cheesy at some points but overall thought this was an enjoyable read!
November 21, 2024
This story was wonderful! It's full of real people grappling with horrible experiences, hopeful and determined to succeed in worthwhile pursuits despite them. There's excellent physical and wordplay-based humor, an intriguing magic system, and an overall attention to the details of the characters' lives that gave the world real depth. Also, plot twisted I didn't expect. What more could you want?! I couldn't put this one down!!
February 13, 2025
4.5⭐ I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot of fun and kept me entertained. Right about the time I had questions about certain things or characters, the answers were provided in the next chapter. Toward the end, there was one character name that was mentioned that I was unsure about, but was not enough to ruin the story! I would never know this was the author's first book, if I wasn't told prior to reading it.
September 3, 2025
IM SPEECHLESS. I found my love for reading through this book, through teary eyes, giggles and keeping me on the edge of my seat. You could picture each moment like a movie scene with the beautiful writing, vivid details and incredible character development. You’ll find mystery, love, perseverance and unwavering dedication from various perspectives and the ending is wrapped up perfectly. Thank you for helping me to find my love for reading again Olivia Snow!
February 26, 2025
I haven’t read a fantasy book in a while, and this was the perfect one to jump back into the genre. The magic system was fascinating—complex enough to feel unique, but not so convoluted that it became overwhelming. I especially loved how the source of the magic was revealed at the end, tying everything together in a really satisfying way. I can’t wait to read more books by Olivia!
November 28, 2025
4.25⭐️
This was so good from start to finish. So many plot twists I never saw coming and I LOVED rooting for Mayra. That final battle scene was SO good.
📖: 3rd person, primarily Mayra's POV, but interludes are in multiple people's POV
🌶️: kisses only
🤬: no foul language
⚠️: war/bloodshed (on page)
This was so good from start to finish. So many plot twists I never saw coming and I LOVED rooting for Mayra. That final battle scene was SO good.
📖: 3rd person, primarily Mayra's POV, but interludes are in multiple people's POV
🌶️: kisses only
🤬: no foul language
⚠️: war/bloodshed (on page)
December 3, 2024
This book was impressive!! I loved the world building, the magic system, the languages, the characters and everything else in between. I even loved the ending (which I'm normally picky about). It was so easy to get lost in this story and I would highly recommend!
January 16, 2025
What would it be like to have a mind so creative and an imagination as amazing as Olivia Snow. This book sucks you in! You don't want to put it down! It is so well written to where you don't feel like you are reading a story. You are IN the story. This isn't a book, it is a memory orb!
July 10, 2025
This book is one of the best indie books I have read! I don't read a lot because I am hesitant about being disappointed, but this book did not disappoint. It was well crafted with a clear vision, unique magic, and interesting characters. I am excited to see what this author puts out next!
December 13, 2025
What an awesome YA fantasy story! I loved Mayra's growth as a character and person. There is plenty of witty banter, likeable characters, world-building, and fantasy lore. It's set in a matriarchal society, which is a fun take. If you like fantasy, you should pick this one up!
March 10, 2025
This was so fun! Great work Olivia!
March 31, 2025
So many twists and turns I couldn’t put the book down! I absolutely love this book and have been recommending it to everyone! A book great for all ages.
January 29, 2026
Great world building, character and story. Loved the magic and world and couldn’t stop reading. So good!
April 23, 2026
· · ─ ·𖥸· ─ · ·
girlll!!! again, really well done!!
girlll!!! again, really well done!!
May 2, 2026
🌶️ rating - very clean, one non descriptive kiss
January 23, 2026
Content: no language, some violence (not gory), kissing only (not descriptive), side character with two dads (mentioned but not a large plot point of the story)
Genre/Tropes: YA Fantasy, enemies to lovers, forgiveness, finding where you belong
My thoughts: This was such a fun read. Loved learning more about the magic and how it all worked, love that it’s a standalone so you get a full story in one book, and a lot of ideas are unpacked.
The pacing is slower at the start, but by halfway through it really picked up and I read the second half of the book in two days. It is told mainly from the main character, Mayra’s, perspective, in third person. There are interlude chapters from the perspective of other characters and I loved the timing for them and the pieces of information gathered as a result. Also, I was wrong pretty much about all of my guesses as to how the story would unfold 😅
I love the interactions between Corin and Mayra—from their first meeting to debating to opening up to each other. They are pretty cute ❤️
Favorite moments:
🏔️ Yams…iykyk
🏔️ Seeing into Mayra’s memories
🏔️ Namari’s fishhook earrings put to good use
🏔️ Arrow flying true
🏔️ Private lessons with the Prince
🏔️ Terrifying scholars with pushups 😂
🏔️ “Who did this to you?” 🫠
🏔️ Mayra building confidence and making decisions for herself
🏔️ All the quoting of the codes
April 27, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up on Goodreads
This is such a fun easy ya read. I love that it is clean! It’s a unique story and world and I really liked all of the characters! I was reading this every chance I could!
This is such a fun easy ya read. I love that it is clean! It’s a unique story and world and I really liked all of the characters! I was reading this every chance I could!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews