Snow

The Animal Allies Series #2

by Ondine Sherman

Sometimes you have to leave everything behind to find yourself.

Sky is travelling to Alaska to meet her father for the first time.

Far away from her friends back in Australia, she navigates the new relationship with her father and meets Jaxon, a local boy struggling with his own problems. In a cold, vast and beautiful place, they are isolated except for the wild animals who live there.

As Sky gets to know her father, she finally feels she has a chance of having a real family again. But her father has a secret that threatens everything Sky holds dear. Will she have to choose between family and her love of animals?

This is a heart-warming story in the coldest of places.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2019

About the author

Ondine Sherman is the author of YA fiction, the Animal Allies Series, with Pantera Press. The series includes Sky (April, 2019), Snow (July 2019) and Star (August, 2020).

Vegan Living, an easy guide to a cruelty-free, vegan, plant-based life is Ondine's lastest book and will come out with Pantera Press in late 2020.

Ondine's memoir, The Miracle of Love was published in 2013 (Murdoch Books) and follows her journey with her twins with severe disabilities.

Ondine is a life-long animal advocate and is passionate about promoting respect and compassion for all creatures. In 2004, she and her father, Brian Sherman AM, founded Voiceless; the organisation is now one of Australia’s leading animal protection groups.

Ondine grew up in Sydney and now lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and three children. Her mischievous street cats, loyal dogs and rescue chickens all keep her entertained.

Reviews

[Brooklyn Tayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember when I first read Sky (check out my review here: https://wp.me/p82sSb-ll), I was just instantly filled with a hope that this wouldn’t be the only novel where we’d hear about Sky. Mind you, this was before I was aware of Snow, so you can only imagine how excited I was to learn that there’s a second and third installment coming!
Snow was everything that I hoped it would be, even more! My admiration for Sky and her gorgeous, compassionate, raw heart with her undying passion and love for animals, her voice saying “why can’t people understand that they feel things too?” just shone right through and I just can’t help but be in awe of this amazing young girl!
I loved how, as she was flying to Alaska for the first time, leaving her best friend Lucy, her beloved dog Bella and her loving Aunt and Uncle behind, not to mention her new boyfriend, Oliver, behind, Sky reflected how she knows she’ll miss everyone whilst she’s away, knowing that initially she didn’t want to live with her Aunt and Uncle, but acknowledging how she grew to love and appreciate them back! It just brought back so many memories from Sky!
I felt Sky’s apprehension, fear, nervous excitement when it came to meeting her Father for the first time – she had an image of what he’d be like, but truthfully didn’t really know at all who to expect! It was great seeing them have page time together, and it was completley heart wrenching when Sky finds out what her Father does for a living. I kind of had a hunch that it was something perhaps more slightly sinister than Sky envisions, purely because he would always evade the question when Sky would ask what he did! I feel like, personally, he should have sat her down and just been honest and upfront, because when it comes to Sky finding out about what her Father does, she reacts…well, let me just say that I don’t blame her for reacting how she does! I don’t think her reaction was at all unjustified either, I mean animals are a huge part of her life, so I don’t blame her at all for lashing out and ignoring her Father, even if it puts her in a tricky situation at one point, but if I were Sky, I wouldn’t know what to think either!
Horrific realizations and family conflict aside, I loved Sky’s interaction with Adam (her father), and I just loved seeing their bond develop! And in reflecting about their arguments and Sky’s weariness to trust him or not even being sure she wants to be a part of his life, there are a selective number of things that happen throughout this book that make them both realise that they do want to be a constant in one another’s life, it was just so heartwarming to read!
I really enjoyed also how Sky got to reunite with her beloved Melody! Sky, initially infuriated with her Mother’s best friend for keeping so much hidden from her, and for also sleeping with Adam all those years ago! So it was great to see Sky talk to Melody about everything and the fact that Melody clearly shows that she has Sky’s back no matter what, just shows how much she loves her!
I also enjoyed Sky’s page time with her super sophisticated grandmother, too. It was just so lovely seeing Adam’s parents well and truly embrace Sky as their own family, and it was just super sweet seeing Sky experience things she wouldn’t have done before, such as getting a manicure and pedicure with her Grandmother, and listening to Mozart with her family too.
Now, Sky befriends a friend of her Father’s, Jaxen, who plays in a band and has a tricky relationship with his alcohol-addicted Father, but honestly, I was sort of conflicted about some of his actions throughout the book, but then again, I feel like if Sky had have maybe told him a bit about her life back home, about Oliver, then Jaxen perhaps wouldn’t have professed his feelings for her during a live performance! I just felt super uncomfortable for them both, given what they’d both been through, it felt like the last thing they needed in life was more drama!
However, by the end of the book, I feel like hope had presented itself to Sky and her Father, a continuing fresh start in Australia, Adam getting to see his daugter’s home, and I am absolutely so excited for the third installment in Animal Allies, Star.

[Nildene · Rating 2 out of 5]

...I have a lot of words.

They are not good words.

Weighing pros and cons of this book? There are more problems with it than anything – which is sad, because it's centred around animal cruelty (except this one isn't – it's just centred around a bratty teenager who acts like a six year old when she finds out people don't live the same vegan-animals-have-souls-too kind of life that she does – like grow up and stop being a selfish brat, you are sixteen years old and almost an adult.)

(Wow, sorry. This book brings out such bad emotions in me and I apologise. This book is a light and quick read that would be a bad influence on it's intended audience, full of reckless behaviour that would likely get anyone killed on a normal day. But hey, it might be for you.)

[Julie (Bookish.Intoxication) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snow starts where Sky finished, almost to the day. Which makes it extremely easy to follow. Sherman has also taken time to fill in the blanks from the previous book, so if you haven't read the first book, you could comfortably read this one and not feel as though you were missing out on any major plot points.

In Snow, we see Sky turn sixteen, we see her struggle with learning truths about her father, struggle with friendships, new family ties and working out who she is and what she stands for. A big part of this book is Sky, truly finding herself and what is important to her.

That being said, I did struggle with Sky, as a character. I still feel that she doesn't act, think or react as a fifteen/sixteen year old would. She feels much younger than the age that we are told. Some of her actions seem a little far-fetched also. I also found issue with her as a character in that she speaks of sticking to her beliefs and speaking up for animal rights, yet she isn't very educated about the animals that she is trying to save. She goes out of her way to endanger herself, where guns are involved and showed very little remorse or accountability for her actions. Although this happens in real life, this is a book aimed at younger readers, so for me this seemed like a scene that may influence negatively. 

I know it seems I wasn't a fan of this book, but I did enjoy it. Maybe I am too old to fully enjoy this book, but there were aspects of Sky's personality that just didn't sit well with me, as a reader. I can see how she will be relate-able for younger readers though.

Snow, like Sky, is incredibly easy to read, the pages turn so quickly, you blink and the book is finished. Sherman writes scenes that flow with such ease, as well as capturing the beauty of the Alaskan scenery and the depth of the characters emotions.

This book speaks to the child in all of us, holding on to the innocence of animals, the strength of family and the hard decisions that lead us to doing the right thing. I believe that under all the twists and turns, at the heart of this series, is family. We see Sky, struggle so much in this book, yet by the end of it, she realises just what she is willing to do, to forgive, to overlook, if it means she gets to be a part of her family again. That just because she doesn't agree with someone else's life choices, doesn't make it okay to cut them out of her life completely.

I am looking forward to seeing what happens when she returns to Australia in book three, Star coming out in February, 2020.

Thank you so much to Pantera Press and Aus YA Bloggers, for sending me a review copy of this book,
If you are interested in my full review, it will be available on the 28th of August at www.bookishintoxicationwrites.com

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so much better than Sky! Definitely a reason to continue this series. Sky really matures in this book and really dives into her beliefs. She struggles with hard times and topics which really shape her view of the world.

There are some amazing discussions that show multiple perspectives that represent different people.

And this is such a fun, fast read with some great characters and friendships. I'll definitely be reading Star when it's released!

[Leesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a lesson in patience, perspective and understanding, for both the main character and for me.
Sixteen year old Sky has recently lost her mum- and her whole world with her- and is on her way to Alaska to meet her estranged father for the first time. But can he live up to her sky high (pun intended) expectations of him? And what if he isn’t the perfect dad she imagines?

This book is written in the first person. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realised just how difficult a first person story would be to write because the author needs to become that character regardless of their own age or gender. To sound like them and think like them, and to behave like them.
Ondine Sherman does an incredible job of this, so much so that I found myself consistently annoyed at the main character and the choices she made.
Sky is passionate, impulsive, reckless and at times selfish. A vegan and an animal activist, she has very set views on the ways animals should and shouldn’t be treated and she will do anything- and I mean anything- to uphold these views.
Reading this book as an adult, I at first found it a little difficult to connect with Sky who’s immaturity and passion get her and the other characters into a world of trouble.
But then I remembered, she is immature. She’s sixteen and her feelings and emotions are at an all time high, not to mention that she’s recently experienced a loss so painful I could only imagine.
Reconnecting with my 16 year old self and reading this book from a new perspective was not only more enjoyable for me but enhanced the entire storyline and helped me down off my high horse to remember that everyone is going through different experiences and everyone sees things differently. Being open to that idea will make life a much happier place !

The writing and world building were completely flawless and I’m even more in love with the idea of Alaska than I was before.
This is a great YA book that challenges perspectives and ideas and shows just how special and dangerous passion can be.

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Death of a mother from cancer recounted

[mcreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it very difficult to empathise with Sky.

there are two main behaviours Sky shows that you could say were to be resolved or at least learned from by the end of the book: her impulsiveness/recklessness and her concealment of truth from others. both of the mistakes she makes from these you would hope she learns from the first time, but we see her act on these behaviours in ways that hurt other characters twice throughout the book. after considering the consequences of her actions the first time on those she cares about around her, she repeats both of the mistakes later in the book, leading to even worse consequences. I understand, she's allowed to be a flawed protagonist, but I just found this to be too much. she spends the book in conflict with herself more than against any outside challenges. she feels a lot younger than 16.

Sky's animal compassion also reads as quite juvenile. her take on animal activism starts and ends with "all animals have souls and I love them and they deserve to live", which is not incredibly nuanced. I know many vegans her age or younger with more educated and multi-faceted takes on animal rights than this. the lack of nuance really shows when she reacts to her father's career. when her father tries to justify (rather reasonably) about why he has his job, she just blocks it all out - any other stance is white noise to her because any other stance that could in anyway demand that animals experience death is beneath her. she decides to actually have a discussion later with her dad to hear him out, but I can't say that I think she would have opened herself up to this conversation without the convenient plot point that happens just before.

perhaps it is Sky's lack of self-reflection that makes her a difficult character to empathise with. she is driven by emotion alone, seldom sparing a page to think about herself critically or the impact her actions have on others. there is a disconnect between her compassion for all things living and her lack of regard for the feelings and autonomy of the people around her. she has an unearned character arc and I can't say I'm entirely convinced by the end that Sky has changed all that much (especially given what happens just before she boards the plane to go home), other than that she is finally open to a complex dialogue about animal activism.

I will add that there were some more complex topics explored. I think Jaxon's relationship with his own father and Sky's father, Adam, in contrast with Sky trying to get to know Adam for the first time, provides some interesting conflict which could have been further explored. not like the daddy issue storyline hasn't been explored before, but there was enough development in the book that it didn’t feel like a throwaway subplot which I appreciated.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow is the second book in the Animal Allies Series by Ondine Sherman.

I was lucky enough to review the first book in the series, Sky, so was looking forward to reading Snow. Thank you very much to Australian Bloggers, Ondine Sherman and Pantera Press for sending me a copy of Snow to review.

Snow takes you on Sky's adventure to meet her father Adam in Alaska. There she hopes to get to know him, but doing so she is forced to make a tough decision between her love of animals and family.

One her sixteenth birthday, Sky, who lost her mother and now lives in a small town in Australia with her Aunt and Uncle, discovers the harsh truths of the different lifestyle some people lead in Alaska, and what's normal to them. She also makes a new friend in Jaxon, who stirs complicated feelings within her, and learns of the different struggles others face and to consider what she does have.

A few tears as it is easy to empathise with Sky, though I found that Snow doesn't go into as much detail regarding who Sky is (a good reason to read Sky first) but the storyline is entertaining and it's easy to get swept up in the roller coaster of emotions and drama.

I highly recommend reading Sky first as you get to know the character much better and it makes reading Snow more real, but Snow can be read alone as it does a nice job of summing up major points from Sky.

I am really looking forward to Ondine's third book, Star, so see what happens as the ending to Snow left me wanting more. It's a good one!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is part of a series that focuses on animal rights, channelled primarily through the protagonist, Sky. In Snow, we follow the vegan teen as she journeys to Alaska to find her father (after tragically losing her mother to cancer). It’s an emotional ride for Sky who is dealing with a whole mess of emotions on top of the usual teen angst about boys and identity but the one thing that never wavers is her committment to animal welfare. This isn’t really a common theme in teen fiction and I think that it will resonate with younger teens who are concerned about our contribution to environmental destruction. •
It was nice to see Sky navigate competing and increasingly complex responsibilities and try to work through more complicated ethical issues while making a few miskates along the way. It’s sometimes frustrating to watch your favourite characters make the wrong choice but I think that watching Sky’s emotional education unfold would be really valuable for younger teens.

[Lynn Freedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

SNOW
I read this book initially with a little curiosity to see whether it would still hold my interest as it did with Ondine Sherman’s first book, ‘Sky’.

To my delight, I found it even more interesting as an enriching expansion of Sky’s adventures, dreams, and experience. I was already familiar with Sky and some of her background and now in ‘Snow’, Sky has had to confront several challenges and decisions. In fact, a few dilemmas that test her strength and resolve.
This ongoing narrative kept me interested as an adult and beautifully reflected the author’s ideals and humanity. It has great appeal to young adults and cleverly relates to subjects that give rise to thoughtful reflection. Highly recommended!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sky is flying to Alaska to meet her father. Since her mother's death, her life has been a whirlwind (read book one, Sky, for details), but this adventure will see Sky more outside of her comfort zone than she has ever been before.

You can read my full review as part of the Aus YA Blogger Blog Tour here!

Snow is a great improvement to the Animal Allies series and I am interested to see where book three, Star, takes the series.

[Shannon Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review on the Shannon A. Jade blog! Shannon A. Jade blog!


My Snow Top 3:
- Animal activist message (+ plenty of education!)
- Alaskan setting (hello Northern Lights!)
- Personal growth for main character, Sky


Snow by Ondine Sherman is the second book in the Animal Allies series. The story follows Sky, a young activist with a passion for animal rights. Sky is forced to confront conflicting ideologies, ethical dilemmas, and questions that threaten the foundations of an already shaky family dynamic. Through Sky, we learn about veganism and humane treatment of animals in Australia and around the world.

[Gabrielle Cornelius · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book to be a fast and easy read, and finished it very quickly. Easy could sound like a bad thing but I like easy reads, where I don’t feel like I have to push myself to continue, but can just read from cover to cover without a break.

I did not particularly like the main character Sky, I found her to be immature and spoiled. She makes some very dumb decisions and is very self-centred, although that is part of growing up I guess! I felt like she was more of a 12-13 year old in terms of maturity, but everyone is different and this kid has been through a lot, so who knows...

The description of the scenery was beautiful, and the relationships between characters were well-written. There were a number of complex themes explored in this book and I felt they were explored to a good level given the target audience and the length of the book.

Overall, I liked this book and will continue the series when the next book is released (in 2020 I believe).

[Georgie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the second book in the ‘Animal Allies’ series, the story serves as an easy entry point for new readers. The story heavily centres on animal rights but has some nuanced discussion on hunting for survival. The story is a light, easy read for middle to older readers, and despite the Alaskan setting continues the series’ Australian flavour.

[Gila Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Snow and found it to be exceptionally educational, full of plot twists, and a great way to learn about new places (Alaska and Australia), and of course, to learn about animals and conservation through a wide lens. Anyone interested in wildlife and conservation story told through the eyes of a teen heroine will enjoy.

[Sienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message that I can gather from this book is that even though you may see things differently to someone, doesn't mean you have to end a relationship with them. Everyone has their own perspectives on life and they should be respected.

[Sharkcrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed parts of this, but god, the main character is so preachy and painful!

[Jaq · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just didn’t get Sky in this one.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book!

[Michelle Orrelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the series. I love the Australian setting and the young characters with purpose. A great read.
Read the lot.

[Netty Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible story of standing up for what you believe in and the internal struggles one goes through when beliefs are challenged.

[Atlanta Bushnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received Snow by Ondine Sherman as a review copy from Pantera Press as a part of the AusYABloggers Book Tour.

Snow is the second book in the Animal Allies series by Ondine Sherman. It follows the MC, Sky Lawson, to Alaska where she meets her father for the first time.
Sky is a vegan by choice and these are the first books I have read with a vegan MC. I really liked reading about her reasons why and seeing things from a different point of view. There are a lot of people out there who are vegan or vegetarian and I think it was nice to see their struggles, opinions and feelings represented in a YA novel.

Sky is so passionate about animals, their rights and the environment. She wants to do everything she can to make a difference and raise awareness. While at the same time, Sky has to learn that people have different opinions, such as eating meat, and that’s okay too. Not everyone has to agree. That’s what makes us human. All in all, I enjoyed reading about Sky’s journey and can’t wait to read what happens next in Book 3: Star.

[k mma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't even know it was a bloody sequel til the very end 💀