I really loved this book it was very exciting I loved all aspects of the story can't wait for the sequel. I really liked the characters especially Kamzin and River even with what happened at the end that just makes me want more. I loved the story it was so very well written I loved everything from the journey to the romance and the magic and all of the interesting things that happened. So overall I loved this book and I really need that sequel now.

The first in a sweeping and action-packed debut fantasy duology loosely inspired by the early climbers of Mt. Everest—perfect for fans of Cindy Pon and Alison Goodman.

Kamzin has always dreamed of becoming one of the Emperor’s royal explorers, the elite climbers tasked with mapping the wintry, mountainous Empire and spying on its enemies. She knows she could be the best in the world, if only someone would give her a chance.

But everything changes when the mysterious and eccentric River Shara, the greatest explorer ever known, arrives in her village and demands to hire Kamzin—not her older sister Lusha, as everyone had expected—for his next expedition.

This is Kamzin’s chance to prove herself—even though River’s mission to retrieve a rare talisman for the emperor means climbing Raksha, the tallest and deadliest mountain in the Aryas. Then Lusha sets off on her own mission to Raksha with a rival explorer who is determined to best River, and Kamzin must decide what’s most important to her: protecting her sister from the countless perils of the climb or beating her to the summit.

The challenges of climbing Raksha are unlike anything Kamzin expected—or prepared for—with avalanches, ice chasms, ghosts, and even worse at every turn. And as dark secrets are revealed, Kamzin must unravel the truth of their mission and of her companions—while surviving the deadliest climb she has ever faced.

dnfing this, there is like 80pgs left that i havent read and i just dont see this getting better—books shouldnt peak at the beginning and sad too say it did... i saw so much promise i even over looked the editing issues. i wanted to see more river but again the beginning was as good as it gets i can tell she is older than 19 because river doesnt act 19... i picture him by the sounds of it hes in his like 30s? and kamzin—her only traits are taking in scenery, missing her sister, and flirting/leading boys on *shrug* also wtf was ragtooths purpose??

3.5🌟

Very good!

A fantasy set in a Himalayan/Sherpa culture, with some beautiful settings and a cool lead heroine. Less stars for an extra pointless love triangle (is there any other kind?) and a dragging plot.

A great adventure story! Makes me equal parts eager to try climbing and terrified to ever leave the ground.

This book was very good. Awesome book about mountain climbers expedition. This book follows Kamzin on her journey to wanting to become a great explorer. Her elder sister Lusha’s only goal was to become Elder of their village. However both girls get sucked into this world-wind where they must make it up an impossible mountain to retrieve something the emperor desperately needs. Along the way they meet many obstacles and many challenges, however to survive in this life or death situation they must find out the truth about this deadly mission. They must then decided if they are willing to sacrifice their lives for the empire. This deadly tale will have you sitting on the edge of your seats. This nail bitting adventure will have you second guessing everything you think you know about the characters. I loved each and every minute of it. Awesome book!!!!!

Really fun YA! The same vein of imaginative worldbuilding as her later books I've read.

Full review to come!