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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
fast-paced
If this book had a little more workshopping and a little less blood play, I think we could’ve had something good here!
Both main characters were underdeveloped but had potential. The same goes for the world that the author built. It just needed time to exist before our characters entered, so then we really knew what the politics and culture looked like. Instead we got hollow representation and faux racism / very strange slavery mentions against our mmc’s culture.
I liked Rune’s character a lot actually, but he was really a collection of good one liners and played heavily into the sassy strong guy tropes we’ve come to know and love in this genre. Elma was not good lol. I really would have enjoyed any other type of fmc besides her in this setting.
Anyway. This review isn’t for the author. It’s for other readers who want to give newer indie authors a chance but are limited on time and need to choose wisely what they want to read next! IMO, not this 😀
Both main characters were underdeveloped but had potential. The same goes for the world that the author built. It just needed time to exist before our characters entered, so then we really knew what the politics and culture looked like. Instead we got hollow representation and faux racism / very strange slavery mentions against our mmc’s culture.
I liked Rune’s character a lot actually, but he was really a collection of good one liners and played heavily into the sassy strong guy tropes we’ve come to know and love in this genre. Elma was not good lol. I really would have enjoyed any other type of fmc besides her in this setting.
Anyway. This review isn’t for the author. It’s for other readers who want to give newer indie authors a chance but are limited on time and need to choose wisely what they want to read next! IMO, not this 😀
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I’m thankful to this book for being mostly what I needed a quick stand alone fantasy book I will say I think it’s the authors first so very good there a lot of potential in this brilliant mind . Pretty good time love the relationship dynamic betrayals I saw from a while’s a way but still as I said did what I needed it too be an enjoyable fantasy stand alone .
I want to start off by saying that this book exceed my expectations. I tend to be skeptical about books that have enemies to lovers, but The Frost Queen's Blade of enemies to lovers was well done. I enjoyed the mix of romance amidst the political intrigue. As a romantasy book, the world building in this book is fairly well-done. Like others have said, the twists and turns are predictable, but their predictability does not distract from enjoying the story. I would argue that sometimes it's fun and familiar when twists and turns are predictable. Overall, I would recommend this book if you like enemies to lovers romantasy. It's a well-done book and I can't wait to read its sequel.
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
'The Frost Queen's Blade' emerges as a top read of the year for me as it deftly captivates with its blend of icy intrigue and fiery passion. Set against the backdrop of the frozen realm of Rothen, Smitherman introduces us to Elma Volta, a queen bracing herself to navigate the treacherous waters of her imminent coronation, and Rune, the assassin sent to end her life. What unfolds is a narrative rich in complexity that intricately blends together themes of power, betrayal, and the transformative power of love.
From the very first page, Smitherman masterfully draws readers into the frigid yet mesmerizing world of Rothen, where magic courses through the land as fiercely as the blood feuds that have long divided its people. Elma, as the reluctant queen, is a character crafted with depth and resilience, her journey from isolation to a ruler ready to unite her kingdom showcasing a compelling arc of growth and self-discovery. The introduction of Rune, with his lethal skills and conflicted loyalty, adds layers of tension and intrigue, making their alliance a thrilling dance of mutual suspicion and undeniable attraction.
The heart of Smitherman's narrative lies in the slow-burning romance between Elma and Rune, a relationship that deftly evolves from adversaries bound by necessity to allies fueled by a burgeoning respect and desire. Smitherman's writing shines in its ability to convey the intensity of their emotions, capturing the essence of enemies-to-lovers with a rawness that is both believable and deeply satisfying. The forbidden nature of their connection, set against the backdrop of a kingdom on the brink of war, heightens the stakes, making each moment they share charged with urgency and significance.
'The Frost Queen's Blade,' though carrying a central plotline of romance, excels beyond that in its exploration of the heavy themes of the weight of legacy, the quest for peace in a land steeped in violence, and the search for identity amidst the chaos of impending war. Smitherman’s world-building is meticulous, crafting an entirely enchanting setting where the magic is as real as the characters’ struggles, and that feels both vast and intimately detailed. The secondary characters, from the spectral advisors to the members of the rival factions, are as equally well-rounded and fully fleshed out, adding a richness to the story and further complicating the web of alliances and enmities.
'The Frost Queen's Blade' stands as a testament to Meg Smitherman's prowess as a storyteller. With its intricate plot, dynamic characters, and a romance that burns as bright, this novel is a compelling read that will leave fans of fantasy romance aching for more. Smitherman has woven a tale that is not only a journey through a beautifully crafted world but also a deep dive into the hearts of two people who find love in the least expected places. A top read of the year, this book is a must-read for anyone who craves a story that melds the thrill of fantasy with the heat of romance.
Thank you so much to Meg for the ARC, even if it made the wait for book 2 to get back to the world longer.
From the very first page, Smitherman masterfully draws readers into the frigid yet mesmerizing world of Rothen, where magic courses through the land as fiercely as the blood feuds that have long divided its people. Elma, as the reluctant queen, is a character crafted with depth and resilience, her journey from isolation to a ruler ready to unite her kingdom showcasing a compelling arc of growth and self-discovery. The introduction of Rune, with his lethal skills and conflicted loyalty, adds layers of tension and intrigue, making their alliance a thrilling dance of mutual suspicion and undeniable attraction.
The heart of Smitherman's narrative lies in the slow-burning romance between Elma and Rune, a relationship that deftly evolves from adversaries bound by necessity to allies fueled by a burgeoning respect and desire. Smitherman's writing shines in its ability to convey the intensity of their emotions, capturing the essence of enemies-to-lovers with a rawness that is both believable and deeply satisfying. The forbidden nature of their connection, set against the backdrop of a kingdom on the brink of war, heightens the stakes, making each moment they share charged with urgency and significance.
'The Frost Queen's Blade,' though carrying a central plotline of romance, excels beyond that in its exploration of the heavy themes of the weight of legacy, the quest for peace in a land steeped in violence, and the search for identity amidst the chaos of impending war. Smitherman’s world-building is meticulous, crafting an entirely enchanting setting where the magic is as real as the characters’ struggles, and that feels both vast and intimately detailed. The secondary characters, from the spectral advisors to the members of the rival factions, are as equally well-rounded and fully fleshed out, adding a richness to the story and further complicating the web of alliances and enmities.
'The Frost Queen's Blade' stands as a testament to Meg Smitherman's prowess as a storyteller. With its intricate plot, dynamic characters, and a romance that burns as bright, this novel is a compelling read that will leave fans of fantasy romance aching for more. Smitherman has woven a tale that is not only a journey through a beautifully crafted world but also a deep dive into the hearts of two people who find love in the least expected places. A top read of the year, this book is a must-read for anyone who craves a story that melds the thrill of fantasy with the heat of romance.
Thank you so much to Meg for the ARC, even if it made the wait for book 2 to get back to the world longer.
I LOVED this book. Loved the characters and the writing style. It was fast paced, serious, and mysterious. I devoured it in a day. Had me giggling, gasping and kicking my feet. ten outta ten
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved!!! This was such a great standalone fantasy book! It really had everything I wanted in a fantasy book. I would have loved a dual POV. I think that could have really built up Runes character arc for me. I did find myself slightly confused with who was who and what land was what. But not the most lost I’ve ever been in a fantasy book!
The blood play was also a nice like spicey touch
Overall I really liked her writing! She wrote a really badass and strong FMC, who stood up for herself
Overall I really liked her writing! She wrote a really badass and strong FMC, who stood up for herself