Sara Raasch (2015)
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3.76/ 5(19,960 reviews)
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10 min
Book Length
12 Minutes
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A queen must navigate treacherous alliances and ancient magic to protect her people, even as her own heart is torn between duty and desire.
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Three months after Winter's liberation, King Angra of Spring is still missing. Winter struggles with debt to Cordell. King Theron of Cordell demands Winterian mines be worked to repay this debt, which leads to the discovery of a long-lost magic chasm deep beneath the ice. This chasm, thought to be the source of all magic in Primoria, instantly divides opinions. Theron sees it as a weapon against future threats, especially Angra, and a way to bring magic back to the world. Meira, however, is wary. She remembers historical accounts of the Decay, which happened when magic became uncontrolled. She fears the chasm's power could be catastrophic.
King Theron, interested in the chasm's potential, orders Meira and himself on a diplomatic mission across Primoria's kingdoms. Their stated goal is to gather information about the chasm's history and its connection to old magic. However, both have secret plans. Theron wants to convince other kingdoms to use the chasm's power and restore magic, believing it is the only way to protect Primoria. Meira, on the other hand, plans to use the trip to build support for keeping the chasm sealed, prioritizing Winter's safety above all else. This disagreement creates immediate tension between them as they leave.
Back in Winter, Mather struggles with leadership in Meira's absence. The trauma of Spring's occupation remains, and Winter is vulnerable, especially to Cordell's increasing demands and quiet oppression. Mather resents Cordell's involvement in Winterian affairs and fears for his kingdom's independence. He decides to strengthen Winter from within, rebuilding its defenses and morale, determined to show Winter can stand alone. He begins to make difficult decisions, asserting Winter's power even if it means defying Cordell and risking more conflict.
Meira and Theron's first stop is Ventralli, a kingdom known for its old libraries and scholars. They hope to find records about the chasm's past and the true nature of the Decay. While there, they face resistance and suspicion, as other kingdoms are wary of Cordell's growing power and the return of magic. Meira learns more about Primoria's politics and the different views on magic. She also begins to suspect Theron is not entirely honest about his intentions, and that the chasm's history might be more dangerous than even her people knew, involving a deeper plot.
During their travels, Meira meets Ram, a former Winterian general she thought was loyal. However, Ram's actions show a betrayal, as he aligns himself with groups that want to use the chasm's power for their own gain. This betrayal deeply hurts Meira, shaking her trust in others and forcing her to face the realities of power and ambition. Ram's actions also provide information, showing the various groups fighting for control over the chasm and the growing threat they pose to Primoria. This event strengthens Meira's resolve to protect Winter and the world from uncontrolled magical power.
King Angra of Spring makes a dramatic return, confirming Meira's and Theron's worst fears. His return is an immediate threat to Primoria, as he seeks to use the chasm's magic for destruction. This development forces Meira to rethink her strategies and consider alliances with unexpected parties, even those she previously distrusted. Angra's power overshadows other concerns, pushing Meira and Theron to work together more closely, despite their disagreements, to stop him from controlling the chasm and starting another war.
Their journey takes them to Fyre, a kingdom with a connection to magic and an understanding of its volatile nature. Here, Meira learns about the chasm's true dangers and the balance needed to use magic safely. She learns that the chasm is not just a source of power but a living entity that responds to its users' intentions, and that its uncontrolled release could trigger another Decay. The Fyreans stress the importance of restraint and understanding, challenging both Meira's desire to seal it and Theron's ambition to unleash it, suggesting a third way.
As they gather more information, Theron's belief that magic is the only solution against Angra grows stronger, making him more determined to open the chasm. Meira faces a dilemma: her duty is to protect Winter, which she thinks means keeping the chasm closed. However, Angra's growing threat and the potential for a world-ending war force her to question if her loyalty should extend beyond Winter to all of Primoria. She struggles with the responsibility of her choices, understanding that either decision carries risks and consequences for everyone.
While Meira is away, Mather, frustrated by Cordell's control, takes a bold step to assert Winter's independence. He leads his people in actions to secure Winter's resources and establish its self-sufficiency, defying Cordell's orders. This move, while popular among the Winterians, creates political friction with Cordell and could jeopardize the fragile alliance. Mather believes these actions are necessary for Winter's survival and freedom, even if they anger more powerful kingdoms, showing his growing strength as a leader.
The various groups—Meira and her allies, Theron and his supporters, Angra and his forces, and others—converge on the magic chasm. A confrontation erupts, with each side fighting for control over its power. Meira, Theron, and Angra are at the center of the conflict, their ideas clashing. Primoria's fate rests on this battle, which will decide if the chasm will be opened, sealed, or fall into the wrong hands, possibly unleashing the Decay again.
In the chaos, Meira must make a decision about the chasm's fate. She weighs Angra's immediate threat against the long-term dangers of uncontrolled magic, and her loyalty to Winter against her growing responsibility for the entire world. Her choice is complex, as both sealing and opening the chasm carry risks. This decision defines her leadership and shows her evolving understanding of power and sacrifice, ultimately determining magic's future in Primoria and setting the stage for the ongoing struggle against Angra.
The Protagonist
Meira evolves from a leader solely focused on Winter's survival to one who recognizes and accepts her responsibility for the fate of all Primoria and the balance of magic. She learns to trust her own judgment over the counsel of others.
The Supporting
Theron's unwavering belief in the necessity of magic is challenged by Meira's caution and the chasm's true nature, forcing him to consider the balance between power and responsibility. He learns to respect Meira's judgment, albeit reluctantly.
The Supporting
Mather grows into a more confident and independent leader, asserting Winter's sovereignty even when it means defying powerful allies. He learns to make difficult decisions for his people's benefit, separate from Meira's direct guidance.
The Antagonist
Angra's character remains largely consistent as a force of destruction and ambition, serving as the primary external threat that drives the plot and forces other characters to evolve.
The Supporting
Ram's arc is one of descent into betrayal, highlighting the corrupting influence of power and ambition. He transitions from a loyal subject to a self-serving antagonist.
The Supporting
Ceridwen acts as a mentor figure, providing crucial historical context and philosophical insight into the chasm and magic, pushing Meira to consider a broader, more balanced perspective.
The Supporting
Sir's role is primarily supportive and symbolic, representing unwavering loyalty and Meira's connection to her land and innate magic.
Meira, as the new queen, struggles with the responsibility of her role. She must make decisions that affect not only her kingdom but potentially all of Primoria. This theme explores the moral dilemmas leaders face, the weight of their choices, and the sacrifice needed to protect their people. Her journey forces her to expand her understanding of her duties beyond her immediate kingdom, grappling with the tension between personal desires and the greater good. Mather also experiences this as he tries to lead Winter in her absence.
“The weight of a crown was not just the metal, but the lives it represented, stretching out to the horizon.”
The discovery of the magic chasm brings forth the novel's central conflict. This theme explores power's dual nature—its potential for both creation and destruction. Theron sees magic as salvation, while Meira fears its capacity for devastation, remembering the Decay. The story explores the ethics of wielding immense power, the temptation to control it for selfish ends, and the wisdom required to maintain balance. It questions whether true strength is in accumulation or restraint.
“Magic was a hungry beast, and if not fed with care, it would devour everything in its path.”
Winter's struggle to maintain its independence under Cordell's influence, and Meira's broader mission to protect Primoria, highlight this theme. Mather's actions in Winter show the desire for self-determination. However, Angra's threat and the chasm's global implications force characters to consider that no kingdom can truly stand alone. The novel explores the balance between asserting one's own power and recognizing the need for alliances and cooperation for shared survival. It challenges the idea of isolationism when facing a universal threat.
“To stand alone was to shatter. To stand together, even with enemies, was to build a wall against the coming storm.”
Throughout the story, Meira's trust is tested, both personally and politically. Ram's betrayal deeply impacts her, forcing her to rethink who she can rely on. Her relationship with Theron is full of suspicion due to their conflicting goals, yet they are forced to trust each other to some extent. This theme explores the fragility of alliances, the difficulty of knowing true intentions, and the consequences of broken trust in a world where loyalties constantly shift. It shows how betrayal can come from unexpected sources, making alliances even less secure.
“The sharpest blades were not made of steel, but of broken trust.”
The central MacGuffin and source of conflict.
The newly discovered chasm of magic serves as the primary MacGuffin of the story, driving the entire plot. Its existence creates the central conflict between those who wish to harness its power (Theron, Angra) and those who fear its destructive potential (Meira). It is the object of desire, fear, and ultimate decision-making, forcing characters to embark on quests, form alliances, and fight battles. The chasm is not merely a plot driver, but also a symbol for unchecked power and the ethical dilemmas associated with its control.
A complex web of inter-kingdom relationships.
The intricate network of political alliances and rivalries between Primoria's kingdoms is a crucial plot device. It complicates Meira and Theron's mission, forcing them to navigate diplomatic challenges and gain support from reluctant rulers. These relationships create obstacles, provide opportunities for betrayal, and dictate the balance of power in the world. The shifting loyalties and competing interests between kingdoms add layers of intrigue and demonstrate the broader implications of the chasm's discovery beyond just Winter and Cordell.
The looming external antagonist, driving immediate action.
Angra, the King of Spring, serves as the overarching external antagonist and a significant plot device. His initial disappearance and subsequent return provide a ticking clock and a clear, unifying threat that forces otherwise disparate characters and kingdoms to consider working together. His ambition to control the chasm escalates the stakes dramatically, pushing Meira and Theron to make difficult choices and act with urgency. He represents the ultimate manifestation of uncontrolled power and the destructive consequences if the chasm falls into the wrong hands.
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Sara Raasch is an author known for her work in young adult fiction. She is the writer of the "Snow Like Ashes" series, which includes "Ice Like Fire" and "Frost Like Night." Her books often explore themes of magic, power, and identity within richly built fantasy worlds.
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