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breezyruizy's review
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? It's complicated
5.0
jordansilvia's review against another edition
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
4.0
jinxei's review
5.0
'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.
elinsa's review
5.0
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
dawneelisabeth's review against another edition
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
3.75
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
jadeye's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Suicidal thoughts
sparetimebibliophile's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
sunbeams_and_rainbows's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Right off the bat, finding out that “The Frost Queen’s Blade” is set in the same world as The Shattered City duology made the reading experience so much fun! If you haven’t read Meg’s previous books, “Destroyer” & “Sanctifier” yet, they’re not necessary to the plot of “The Frost Queen’s Blade,” although I do highly recommend reading them because they’re fantastic! Meg has a way of making you connect with her flawed, complex characters & root for them even when the characters themselves are their own worst critics. Elma Volta’s character development throughout the twists & turns of the book was beautiful to read. It was also more than a little satisfying to watch Rune, the hardened, deadly-assassin-turned-body-guard, melt into the (still sarcastic) simp he was all along underneath that icy blue gaze. The spice was a slow burn, but boy oh boy did it pay off! Overall, “The Frost Queen’s Blade” by Meg Smitherman is a cozy, Romantasy read that I will most likely reach for again when the mood strikes. And I have a feeling the mood will strike any time I feel a chill in the air & I want to curl up with a hot beverage, a warm blanket, & a good book.