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thecarolinaash's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Torture, Sexism, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Confinement, Physical abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Ableism, Murder, War, Death of parent, and Sexual assault
Minor: Infidelity, Blood, and Bullying
tanpopo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, War, Confinement, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Abandonment, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Genocide, Misogyny, and Death of parent
lizanneyoung's review against another edition
3.5
⭐⭐⭐💫
CW
⚫ Death on Page
⚫ Abuse/Torture
TROPES
🖤 Miscommunication
🖤 Insta-Love?
Frozen Hearts and Death Magic follows four teens as they try to understand the world around them, their ancestry, and how they can stop a war brewing while protecting the ones they love.
It took me a hot second to understand the world-building going on. At around ~30%, I feel the book hit its stride and things moved at a great pace. I easily went from that point to being nearly done in a single sitting. I enjoy the world and the magic system going on, especially when it seems like even the characters aren’t sure of where they fall within that system. I am excited to see how the second book continues to explore that.
I liked this as a fantasy with solid romantic subplots. I particularly enjoyed Naia and River’s story, and look forward to seeing where they end up at the end of the second book and if their relationship can stand the test of whatever is coming next. In terms of Leah and Fel’s, I am hopeful that they can come together despite the change in Fel’s life in the final pages.
The main thing keeping me from rating this book a touch higher is the number of POVs used. What started as two POVs quickly became five, and it was a bit much to follow, especially with how quickly the plot was moving. Not necessarily a bad thing, I just found it took me out of the story a bit with how quickly we shifted between POVs.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Torture
mrs_elliott19's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Violence, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Murder, Kidnapping, Grief, and Emotional abuse
laurelreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
*I received a digital copy from the author for an honest review*
Trigger/Content warnings: abusive marriage (physically and mentally), mild violence, death of loved ones
Frozen Hearts and Death Magic is the first book in Fire and Magic duology. I’m impressed by Day Leitao’s creativity to write such an enchanting world! Of course, I was expecting magic, given the title, but the verity of magic in this book really surprises me. There are elemental magic and cooler ones like necromancy. Faes have their special abilities as well, and I enjoy how these elements come into play and affect the fate of different kingdoms.
I also like the multi-pov writing style that allows me a glance into some characters’ past. My favorite character is the mysterious fae, River. I love reading about his adventure and his secrets. I can’t wait to read more of him!
Princess Leah is another character that leaves a strong impression. Her story is dramatic and full of hardships that some might find disturbing, but I’m amazed by how much those experiences challenge and change her. Her personality arc is gripping and unconventional. I’m more than ready to see what path she will take next.
The execution could have been better, though, especially in the first half of the book. Some scenes felt too short and could have had better emotional build-up. It’s like touching things with gloves: you know what it’s supposed to be but you couldn’t feel the exact texture. Despite that, I was still able to enjoy the story and I’m glad I read it.
Overall, I enjoy reading Frozen Hearts and Death Magic and I’m looking forward to the sequel! I would recommend it to readers who love magic, fae, adventure, and fast-paced plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Torture, Sexual harassment, and Confinement
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Death
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