Title: As White As Snow
Series: Lumikki Andersson Trilogy #2
Author: Salla Simukka
Year: 2014
Rating: 3/5
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The second installment of the Lumikki Andersson series is as interesting and entertaining as the first book. If “As Red As Blood” had you hooked, “As White As Snow” would not disappoint you as Lumikki’s adventures take her to one of the most atmospheric cities in the world, Prague.
After her notorious winter adventure, Lumikki is trying to escape the choke of her routine by travelling to Prague for the summer vacation. Looking for a little anonymity and peace, she hopes to lose herself among the crowds of tourists.
But this is made impossible by a young woman who approaches Lumikki, claiming that she is her long-lost half-sister, Lenka. Lumikki’s curiosity takes the best of her and soon she is caught up in Lenka’s mysterious and dangerous world. The deeper Lumikki goes into solving the conundrum that is Lenka’s existence, the more dangerous the secrets she uncovers.
The Plot
After the first book, I gave up on looking for plausibility in the plot of this series and decided to enjoy it for what it is – an adventure full of action and (improbable) twists of fate. “As White As Snow” comfortably sits within this frame. It works well as a short piece of fiction of entertainment and adventure.
The plot of a cult that traps many blind souls may feel a bit cheap but it got me hooked anyways. Major props to Salla Simukka for giving me the chills while reading about the White Family and the reporter’s findings.
The Setting
Prague is one of the most beautiful and haunting cities in the world. Initially, I was thrilled to find out that the plot was set in it. However, I feel like the book just doesn’t make the best of it. Unfortunately, the atmosphere of the city does not come through through the pages and it often feels like the story could have been set anywhere else in the world to the same effect.
The Characters
I still like Lumikki a lot. It was interesting to learn more about her past and see how it has affected her. Unfortunately, much like the first book, the rest of the characters feel underdeveloped and one-dimensional. I think that a lot of them have potential but are crippled by the fact that we barely get to see them outside of their interactions with Lumikki.
The Verdict
“As White As Snow” is a good read if you need a quick distraction with a kickass heroine. The novel is good even as a stand-alone, so you don’t have to read the first book before getting into this one. I would recommend for days where you feel like you just need to relax and not think about what you are reading.
The Book Palace 