Dickens & Rumi
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SNOW LIKE ASHES

Sara Raasch

The eight who escaped are the Winterians’ only hope for freedom. (Ages 14 to 17)

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The novel has sustained fantasy violence, warfare, imprisonment, threats, death and emotionally intense danger, alongside moderate romantic tension. Its themes and length suit mature middle-grade or teen readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The death of major characters and the mass loss of the Winter people are central to the plot.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of wounds and battlefield injuries occur but are not overly graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language and intense verbal conflicts.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

The culture involves magical beliefs and mythos, but not organized religion.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Features a subplot involving a crush and romantic tension, typical for the genre.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Captivity, pursuit, assassination threats, battles and dangerous magic create frequent, intense peril. The fantasy framing reduces realism, but danger and loss remain serious.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking occurs but is not a focus.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy combat, attacks, weapons, imprisonment, threats and wartime conflict; violence is serious rather than purely comic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Courage is central: characters confront danger, oppression, grief and uncertainty while protecting others and pursuing justice.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The novel encourages imagination through elemental magic, rival kingdoms, invented history and strategic problem-solving under pressure.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The fantasy setting includes varied kingdoms, cultures and social roles, with capable characters from different groups. Real-world identity diversity is limited or unclear.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Encourages literary engagement and critical thinking about power structures.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters display loyalty and protective kindness toward their kin.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes loyalty, freedom, resistance to oppression, sacrifice, identity, cooperation and choosing humane leadership.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show growth, courage, and a strong sense of duty to their people.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in SNOW LIKE ASHES would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in SNOW LIKE ASHES, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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The Red Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1890Ages 14+The Violet Fairy Book (Large Print)Andrew Lang · 1901Ages 12+The Brown Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1904Ages 10+The Crimson Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1903Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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