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Snow Like Ashes #2.1
Flames Like Vines
This is a companion story to ICE LIKE FIRE, the sequel to SNOW LIKE ASHES. It parallels the beginning events of ICE LIKE FIRE.
"She was part of Summer, and Summer was part of her, and this land wouldn't abandon her too."
Ceridwen Preben, princess of Summer, has spent her life plotting against her brother, Simon, the Summerian king. Simon has embraced the ruling family's reputation for using their conduit to keep their subjects in a state of bliss, and has spent his reign slowly driving Summer into ruin, filling everyone with carelessness and letting them turn a blind eye to Summer's rampant -- and deadly -- slave trade. But Ceridwen refuses to let her kingdom disintegrate, and with the help of her fellow rebel-in-arms, Lekan, she hopes to undo Simon's lethal dealings.
But when Ceridwen uncovers Simon's deadliest plot yet, she starts to realize just how deep magic runs -- and that even though her kingdom is one of sunlight, with light, there always comes shadows.
"She was part of Summer, and Summer was part of her, and this land wouldn't abandon her too."
Ceridwen Preben, princess of Summer, has spent her life plotting against her brother, Simon, the Summerian king. Simon has embraced the ruling family's reputation for using their conduit to keep their subjects in a state of bliss, and has spent his reign slowly driving Summer into ruin, filling everyone with carelessness and letting them turn a blind eye to Summer's rampant -- and deadly -- slave trade. But Ceridwen refuses to let her kingdom disintegrate, and with the help of her fellow rebel-in-arms, Lekan, she hopes to undo Simon's lethal dealings.
But when Ceridwen uncovers Simon's deadliest plot yet, she starts to realize just how deep magic runs -- and that even though her kingdom is one of sunlight, with light, there always comes shadows.
36 pages, ebook
First published September 8, 2015
18 people are currently reading
5679 people want to read
About the author
Sara Raasch
30 books7,512 followersSara Raasch has known she was destined for bookish things since the age of five, when her friends had a lemonade stand and she tagged along to sell her hand-drawn picture books too. Not much has changed since then — her friends still cock concerned eyebrows when she attempts to draw things and her enthusiasm for the written word still drives her to extreme measures. Her debut YA fantasy, SNOW LIKE ASHES, the first in a trilogy, came out October 14, 2014 from Balzer + Bray. It does not feature her hand-drawn pictures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 30, 2018
3.5 Flame and Heat! ★'s
"She was part of Summer, and Summer was part of her, and this land wouldn't abandon her too."
"Flames Like Vines" is a Novella, that's in Ceridwen's (the princess of Summer) POV. I don't recommend reading this before reading Ice Like Fire seeing as how it does contain spoilers for that book. Anyways, it was a pretty decent read. Most Novella's don't really do anything for me, but here I am. I keep on reading them haha! It was insightful at least and it gives you more of an understanding into the character that is Ceridwen. This girl right here, deserves her own book, like a spin off trilogy or something :D Yeah, she's that bad-ass!!! Ceridwen has got to be one of my favorite characters in this trilogy. I loved Ceridwen, from the moment she was introduced in Ice Like Fire!!! She is such a strong, determined, and brave character. Who easily draws you in and keeps you wanting more :) Don't believe me?? Then I guess, you'd better read these damn books!
"She was part of Summer, and Summer was part of her, and this land wouldn't abandon her too."
"Flames Like Vines" is a Novella, that's in Ceridwen's (the princess of Summer) POV. I don't recommend reading this before reading Ice Like Fire seeing as how it does contain spoilers for that book. Anyways, it was a pretty decent read. Most Novella's don't really do anything for me, but here I am. I keep on reading them haha! It was insightful at least and it gives you more of an understanding into the character that is Ceridwen. This girl right here, deserves her own book, like a spin off trilogy or something :D Yeah, she's that bad-ass!!! Ceridwen has got to be one of my favorite characters in this trilogy. I loved Ceridwen, from the moment she was introduced in Ice Like Fire!!! She is such a strong, determined, and brave character. Who easily draws you in and keeps you wanting more :) Don't believe me?? Then I guess, you'd better read these damn books!
February 29, 2016
PETITION FOR THERE TO BE AN ENTIRE BOOK ABOUT CERRIDWEN PLEASE I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE
May 27, 2017
This short story mirrors the events at the opening of the second book in the Snow Like Ashes series, Ice Like Fire. It can be found here: https://www.wattpad.com/story/4889742...
This gave a whole new level of understanding to the character of Ceridwen and has confirmed in my mind exactly why she is my favourite character from the series! This was a surprisingly long short story and the stirring descriptions and depth of emotion were vastly improved in comparison to the first short story to accompany this series. This story added to the central story, without spoiling any events from the book and has given me the fix I needed of this world, as I eagerly await my copy of Frost Like Night.
This gave a whole new level of understanding to the character of Ceridwen and has confirmed in my mind exactly why she is my favourite character from the series! This was a surprisingly long short story and the stirring descriptions and depth of emotion were vastly improved in comparison to the first short story to accompany this series. This story added to the central story, without spoiling any events from the book and has given me the fix I needed of this world, as I eagerly await my copy of Frost Like Night.
March 28, 2017
Ceridwen is MVP. Ahhh. This short story makes my heart ache for her.
January 15, 2016
Flames Like Vines really showed Ceridwen how she is in Ice Like Fire. Her strong views are expressed in this amazing short story.
March 1, 2017
Nothing new, but it was nice
October 11, 2015
I would not recommend reading this novella before reading Ice Like Fire - as it does contain spoilers for that book (and in fact, the whole Ceridwen storyline in Ice Like Fire really interesting, so don't ruin it for yourself!).
I LOVE Ceridwen! I think she is a great addition to the Snow Like Ashes series. I really enjoyed this novella about the Summer princess, which gave a great insight into her own determination and suffering. She is one tough cookie, with a fierce sense of compassion and rightness, and just a touch of sass!
In Snow Like Ashes Lekan intrigued me as well, and this gave a nice insight into him, and his relationship with Ceridwen.
I would have given this novella 5 stars if I had of gotten a little more of Ceridwen and a certain other person - although I think I could probably read a whole book on this situation :)
I LOVE Ceridwen! I think she is a great addition to the Snow Like Ashes series. I really enjoyed this novella about the Summer princess, which gave a great insight into her own determination and suffering. She is one tough cookie, with a fierce sense of compassion and rightness, and just a touch of sass!
In Snow Like Ashes Lekan intrigued me as well, and this gave a nice insight into him, and his relationship with Ceridwen.
I would have given this novella 5 stars if I had of gotten a little more of Ceridwen and a certain other person - although I think I could probably read a whole book on this situation :)
June 4, 2018
Paradoxně je tohle zatím nejlepší část série, kterou jsem četla. Ceridwen mi byla sympatická už v druhém díle a její pohled mě bavil o dost víc než ten Meiřin nebo Matherův. Je škoda, že se s ní potkáváme až ve dvojce, protože by celé sérii její přítomnost prospěla o dost dříve.
4/5*
4/5*
December 11, 2018
Love me, sister. Obey me, sister.
I am so glad Simon died in Ice Like Fire!!
This short story was great. Loved getting to know Ceridwen better!
I am so glad Simon died in Ice Like Fire!!
This short story was great. Loved getting to know Ceridwen better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2016
It's a nice companion to Ice Like Fire and it's really fun to read from Ceridwen's perspective, but it's nowhere near as good as the books.
I would've really liked this if it was written parallel to when Meira came to Summer, but it wasn't.
I recommend reading this after reading Ice Like Fire instead of before, since it's a bit spoilery and might even be kinda confusing.
Long story short: it's a fun read, but it doesn't really add anything to the story.
I would've really liked this if it was written parallel to when Meira came to Summer, but it wasn't.
I recommend reading this after reading Ice Like Fire instead of before, since it's a bit spoilery and might even be kinda confusing.
Long story short: it's a fun read, but it doesn't really add anything to the story.
February 3, 2016
I read ice like fire before reading this one and while reading it, I found Ceridwen a character worh knowing. Ceridwen's story was a very interesting one and even when i already knew some things, it's good to know what he opinion was on the crisis they are facing...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2017
I now know for a fact that Meira is my main problem with the series .. because this book doesn't have Meira andis I enjoyed it better th n the rest
I loved Ceridwen from the moment I met her in Ice Like Fire, she is strong and knows what she wants .. now to the final book in the series
I loved Ceridwen from the moment I met her in Ice Like Fire, she is strong and knows what she wants .. now to the final book in the series
July 2, 2016
*3.5*
Enjoyable, but not amazing. Sara Raasch's writing was as beautiful as always, but the story had no emotional impact on me.
Enjoyable, but not amazing. Sara Raasch's writing was as beautiful as always, but the story had no emotional impact on me.
March 22, 2017
I'm in ♥ with this Summer Princess~
P.S. : This book is better read when you already read half from Ice Like Fire.
P.S. : This book is better read when you already read half from Ice Like Fire.
July 12, 2017
Nothing spectacular but nice to read from the POV of Ceridwen.
November 1, 2019
This was good. It really helps understand Ceridwen a lot more. And how selfish her brother is! He is so manipulating. I liked getting a better feel for Leklan as well. Very short but adds a lot to understanding summer and her motives.
July 11, 2017
I can not believe I just discovered this novella now! I've been wanting to read the final installment of the Snow Like Ashes series since I purchased it and I somehow stumbled across Flames Like Vines. I immediately sought out this story on Wattpad and I'm glad I did!
I really enjoyed Ceridwen's character in Ice Like Fire and I'm glad for a little more insight to her life in Summer. This short story really showcases her compassion for others and her determination to change the status quo. It also gives us a little more insight into the Summerian court and the beginnings of how the Decay is poisoning Simon. I also enjoyed learning more about Lekan. The little bits we are given of his story is just as interesting as the rest and his determination and devotion to Ceridwen's cause is just as fierce, no matter the personal cost to him.
Overall, this was en enjoyable read. I do wish that it had been longer but it makes a great companion read to Ice Like Fire and it reminded me how much I love this world.
I really enjoyed Ceridwen's character in Ice Like Fire and I'm glad for a little more insight to her life in Summer. This short story really showcases her compassion for others and her determination to change the status quo. It also gives us a little more insight into the Summerian court and the beginnings of how the Decay is poisoning Simon. I also enjoyed learning more about Lekan. The little bits we are given of his story is just as interesting as the rest and his determination and devotion to Ceridwen's cause is just as fierce, no matter the personal cost to him.
Overall, this was en enjoyable read. I do wish that it had been longer but it makes a great companion read to Ice Like Fire and it reminded me how much I love this world.
October 11, 2015
Gaaah, I need more! That was such a tease. Gotta say I'm very much in love with this world, and can't wait to finally (Hah, the wait has actually only been a week or so for me, but it still feels like forever when I can't seem to get into anything else in the meantime!) get to read Ice Like Fire! (Yes, I have read the first 106 page "sneak peek" that was released (link) O:))
I loved Ceridwen's POV, I'm thoroughly intrigued by her story, and would love to read more! I really enjoyed seeing more of this world from a different POV.
ETA: I felt the need to add that I'm not normally a fan of reading on my phone (which is what I was forced to while reading this since it's only available on Wattpad), but to be completely honest with you, I hardly noticed. Am I going to retire my kindle for my phone any time soon? Hell no. But I did survive it without too much hassle... ;)
I loved Ceridwen's POV, I'm thoroughly intrigued by her story, and would love to read more! I really enjoyed seeing more of this world from a different POV.
ETA: I felt the need to add that I'm not normally a fan of reading on my phone (which is what I was forced to while reading this since it's only available on Wattpad), but to be completely honest with you, I hardly noticed. Am I going to retire my kindle for my phone any time soon? Hell no. But I did survive it without too much hassle... ;)
April 7, 2016
I really liked the story and writing - there were lines that reminded me of why I fell in love with Raasch's world in the first place. The novella was great for getting a deeper look at Ceridwen and Simon as well as the sort of relationship Jesse and Ceridwen had (obviously from her perspective only). This was pretty short and I felt like there was only enough room to learn more about Ceridwen and Simon. As well, I was confused about other characters, like Lekan. I totally forgot who he is and how big a character he was in Ice Like Fire (if he was even in it). I wished Raaach had included more introductions/reminders in the beginning of the novella to refresh the reader's mind. The author was on point when it came to describing the setting; loved that aspect.
August 5, 2016
"Flames Like Vines" is a good companion story to Ice Like Fire, but I have a problem - I want more. Ceridwen is such a fascinating character. This short story is so, well, short that it doesn't give the reader enough time to truly get into her head. Like others have mentioned, it would have been nice to see how she met Jesse, or more about her relationship with him. Even seeing how she met Lekan would be interesting. I just like Ceridwen's character so much that "Flames Like Vines" wasn't enough. I'm hoping Sara Raasch comes out with more short stories about Ceridwen.
November 30, 2015
It was nice seeing more of Ceridwen's backstory--but I admit I was hoping to see more of her relationship with Jesse, because I wanted to understand that better. As it is, having read Ice like Fire, this story feels rather superfluous. Nothing really new outside of what you end up learning in Ice like Fire.
December 4, 2015
although it was interesting to see more story of Summer, I'm not sure it really added anything.
March 1, 2016
Interesting insight into some of the smaller characters from Ice like Fire.
March 24, 2016
I would definitely read an entire book dedicated to Ceridwen. She is a precious cinnamon roll that needs to be protected at all costs.
November 25, 2018
3.5 stars
February 16, 2020
Ceridwen es uno de mis personajes favoritos, espero que al final pueda ser feliz !
August 3, 2016
This novella parallels the beginning events of Ice Like Fire. Though I would recommend to read this after Ice Like Fire, it's easier when you know already the characters and it's a good way to understands their actions, where they stand... If you really like Ceridwen, you definitely should read this novella :)
This novella takes place in Summer and in Ceridwen's POV, the Princess of Summer.
It's so good to see more of Ceridwen, I really liked her in Ice Like Fire and I can't wait for her role in Frost Like Night!
We also learn a bit more about Lekan which is interesting.
This novella takes place in Summer and in Ceridwen's POV, the Princess of Summer.
It's so good to see more of Ceridwen, I really liked her in Ice Like Fire and I can't wait for her role in Frost Like Night!
We also learn a bit more about Lekan which is interesting.
June 15, 2017
In Cerie's short-story, Winter and Angra may not be involved in the princess's world yet...but that doesn't mean Summer doesn't have its own troubles.
I really enjoyed this side of the Summer plot line. Ceridwen's point of view has always been one of my favorites through the whole trilogy, so I'm glad she got her chance to shine in this novella.
I don't have too terribly much to say because I truly enjoyed it. The writing is flowy and descriptive, Cerie is as sassy as ever, and the growing threat of something stirring beneath the surface of Summer's magic is a nice little cliffhanger. As I've read the entire series, I know just what that threat is, however, for spoilery purposes, I won't divulge in too much.
I'm hoping other readers will enjoy this as much as I did. Plus it's free! So go forth and read!
I really enjoyed this side of the Summer plot line. Ceridwen's point of view has always been one of my favorites through the whole trilogy, so I'm glad she got her chance to shine in this novella.
I don't have too terribly much to say because I truly enjoyed it. The writing is flowy and descriptive, Cerie is as sassy as ever, and the growing threat of something stirring beneath the surface of Summer's magic is a nice little cliffhanger. As I've read the entire series, I know just what that threat is, however, for spoilery purposes, I won't divulge in too much.
I'm hoping other readers will enjoy this as much as I did. Plus it's free! So go forth and read!
July 20, 2017
How I wish the author would have just made these novellas into one book. So much information. I suggest reading this after Ice Like Fire if you don't want to be spoiled! This is a great story to add to the trilogy. Ps. Amazing Trilogy so far!
Loved learning more about Ceridwen and her back story. This also gives more insight and detail into issues that occur in the 2nd book. If the author did a book or series on Ceridwen that would be awesome!
Link: http://my.w.tt/UiNb/MehyWlWpVE
Loved learning more about Ceridwen and her back story. This also gives more insight and detail into issues that occur in the 2nd book. If the author did a book or series on Ceridwen that would be awesome!
Link: http://my.w.tt/UiNb/MehyWlWpVE
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews