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mar1amreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kaylee_jenkins's review against another edition
4.0
I would first like to thank the author of this book Day Leitao for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked this book! It somewhat reminded me of the first A Court of Thorns and Roses book because It was just a simpler version of it.
I love when we get multiple POV's in a book and this one makes the transitions between characters often and smoothly adding a lot of depth to some characters who otherwise wouldn't have had any. My only issue was that I felt that writing was somewhat on the amateur side. There were just better sentence structures and descriptions that could have been used to give the writing a more consistent and mature feel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one!
I really liked this book! It somewhat reminded me of the first A Court of Thorns and Roses book because
Spoiler
of the secret keeping and relationship dynamics between River and Naia reminded me of Tamlin and Feyre.I love when we get multiple POV's in a book and this one makes the transitions between characters often and smoothly adding a lot of depth to some characters who otherwise wouldn't have had any. My only issue was that I felt that writing was somewhat on the amateur side. There were just better sentence structures and descriptions that could have been used to give the writing a more consistent and mature feel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one!
onebookmore's review against another edition
4.0
Frozen Hearts and Death Magic is the first book in what promises to be an exciting and romantic new series by Day Leitao. Political intrigue, manipulation, and maneuvering create an intense world where the stakes are very high for each character.
I really liked the characters, and their stories and situations drew me in pretty quickly. Fel is my favorite. He and Leah have difficult journeys, and they are both tried in the most terrible of ways. Fel is so honorable and decent and kind, and his self-sacrificing nature, as well as his conflicted feelings for Leah, propel him. Leah is stronger than others credit her for, and it’s a good thing. She suffers so much through the story, and it is intense! In fact, you might want to check the content warnings before starting the book because there are some aspects of the story that could trigger readers.
River and Naia are also well-developed, dynamic protagonists. River has a lot of secrets, much to Naia’s frustration. He is as mysterious as the fae world he takes her to, and it’s interesting to see Naia slowly learn more about him and his kingdom. Naia longs for freedom and independence, and I like that she sees these things in River. However, there are times when she seems almost as trapped with him as she was with her family. I’m eager to see how their relationship develops in future books, as their love story is bound to be as epic as Fel and Leah’s.
Fel, Leah, Naia, and River all have so many expectations thrust upon them, often because of events that happened long before they were born. I like how the family histories and past events slowly revealed. So much of what happened in the past defines their present and predicts the future. It’s so fascinating! Each family has their secrets, some more deadly and malicious than others, and the way they all connect and affect each other creates a well-woven and paced story.
There are two romances in this story, which is great for a romance lover like me. I’m a sucker for a swoon-worthy love story, and there is one in particular that I really liked. Both couples have their fair share of obstacles, and they both struggle with communication, secrets, betrayals, and more. I do wish their romances were developed a bit more, but I have a feeling this will happen as the series progresses. However, it’s clear that both couples care for each other and want a future together however impossible that may seem.
The world-building is another part of the story that I really enjoyed. Each place introduced is so unique and different from the others, and I found them each to be vivid and intriguing. It’s interesting how the magnificence of one kingdom contrasts the humbleness of another and how each had such different goals and motivations. It definitely shows what each kingdom values. I’m really curious to learn more about rivers world. It’s so fascinating, and there’s so much more to unpack.
Frozen Hearts and Death Magic is a great start to the Of Fire and Fae series, and after the twists and turns and surprise revelations, I’m eager to read the next book and see what happens to all four protagonists as their journey continues. Thanks so much to Day Leitao for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
I really liked the characters, and their stories and situations drew me in pretty quickly. Fel is my favorite. He and Leah have difficult journeys, and they are both tried in the most terrible of ways. Fel is so honorable and decent and kind, and his self-sacrificing nature, as well as his conflicted feelings for Leah, propel him. Leah is stronger than others credit her for, and it’s a good thing. She suffers so much through the story, and it is intense! In fact, you might want to check the content warnings before starting the book because there are some aspects of the story that could trigger readers.
River and Naia are also well-developed, dynamic protagonists. River has a lot of secrets, much to Naia’s frustration. He is as mysterious as the fae world he takes her to, and it’s interesting to see Naia slowly learn more about him and his kingdom. Naia longs for freedom and independence, and I like that she sees these things in River. However, there are times when she seems almost as trapped with him as she was with her family. I’m eager to see how their relationship develops in future books, as their love story is bound to be as epic as Fel and Leah’s.
Fel, Leah, Naia, and River all have so many expectations thrust upon them, often because of events that happened long before they were born. I like how the family histories and past events slowly revealed. So much of what happened in the past defines their present and predicts the future. It’s so fascinating! Each family has their secrets, some more deadly and malicious than others, and the way they all connect and affect each other creates a well-woven and paced story.
There are two romances in this story, which is great for a romance lover like me. I’m a sucker for a swoon-worthy love story, and there is one in particular that I really liked. Both couples have their fair share of obstacles, and they both struggle with communication, secrets, betrayals, and more. I do wish their romances were developed a bit more, but I have a feeling this will happen as the series progresses. However, it’s clear that both couples care for each other and want a future together however impossible that may seem.
The world-building is another part of the story that I really enjoyed. Each place introduced is so unique and different from the others, and I found them each to be vivid and intriguing. It’s interesting how the magnificence of one kingdom contrasts the humbleness of another and how each had such different goals and motivations. It definitely shows what each kingdom values. I’m really curious to learn more about rivers world. It’s so fascinating, and there’s so much more to unpack.
Frozen Hearts and Death Magic is a great start to the Of Fire and Fae series, and after the twists and turns and surprise revelations, I’m eager to read the next book and see what happens to all four protagonists as their journey continues. Thanks so much to Day Leitao for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
ghostlyread's review against another edition
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked this book, although at first it was a bit hard to get into because it is multi pov! But I loved the characters, especially Leah. Its a character driven book in my opinion so if you like this and multi pov, as well as romance and just cheesy cute stuff in general this book is for you! The magic system was also very unique, i have never seen anything like that. It was very funny for a fantasy!
I really liked this book, although at first it was a bit hard to get into because it is multi pov! But I loved the characters, especially Leah. Its a character driven book in my opinion so if you like this and multi pov, as well as romance and just cheesy cute stuff in general this book is for you! The magic system was also very unique, i have never seen anything like that. It was very funny for a fantasy!
haraka's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
3.0
fallingforfables's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
emmahayley's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this telenovela style fantasy! It was full of drama and romance that kept me on the edge of my seat!
This book was told in the perspective of multiple characters and was done so incredibly well. I don't usually read books with multiple POVs since most of the time I end up favouring one of the characters and skimming the other POVs. With this book, this did not occur because although my favourite character quickly became Naia, the other POVs were equally exciting and interesting to read.
The magic system in this story was unique and very imaginative. There was some complex wordbuilding that I occasionally struggled to follow but enjoyed nonetheless.
I really liked the relationships between the characters, specially the romance between Fel and Leah. I also really enjoyed the interactions between Naia and Fel!
Fans of Holly Black will definitely love this dramatic and beautiful fae romance! All in all, this book was a strong start to what I am sure will be a phenomenal series!
Note: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was told in the perspective of multiple characters and was done so incredibly well. I don't usually read books with multiple POVs since most of the time I end up favouring one of the characters and skimming the other POVs. With this book, this did not occur because although my favourite character quickly became Naia, the other POVs were equally exciting and interesting to read.
The magic system in this story was unique and very imaginative. There was some complex wordbuilding that I occasionally struggled to follow but enjoyed nonetheless.
I really liked the relationships between the characters, specially the romance between Fel and Leah. I also really enjoyed the interactions between Naia and Fel!
Fans of Holly Black will definitely love this dramatic and beautiful fae romance! All in all, this book was a strong start to what I am sure will be a phenomenal series!
Note: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
readswithmt's review against another edition
3.0
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Upper YA Fantasy
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis: Set in a world of magic and fae, Naia was raised alongside her twin brother Fel (the crown prince) who both are iron magic wielders. Naia kisses a white fae on the brink of death and as a result nothing will be the same again - this mysterious fae is full of secrets and belongs to a race which disappeared... As well as that, Leah, a necromancer princess is expected to find a husband - but not Fel, although he is the one she wants. A story that involves romance, learning to control powers and family secrets - how will they all fare? This is book 1 of the Duology of Fire and Fae recommended for readers 16 and up.
Review/What I Thought: So this book is a multiple POV book which takes place in 2 different timelines (20 years before and present day) which at first I wasn’t too keen on as it involved more than 2 main characters but soon into reading this book I was convinced and I started enjoying. During the first 15% of the book my intial thoughts were that this would be a really cute read and the romance between the characters would have me intrigued. I would have preferred if the author took a little more time explaining the powers of different kingdoms and their significance - some things were mentioned and not built on and that would have aided further understanding of this fictional universe. This book is a definite slow burn and those who enjoy slow burn style fantasy reads would enjoy this. I would say that at times it was a little too slow for my liking. I did like how the author managed to get you to empathise with the characters based on their problems throughout the book. I also found it took a while for the plot to develop so it’s one that you need to stick with to see how it turns out. I do admit I did struggle a little to get into this book and I have read better books but if you’re a fantasy fan looking for something different this could be a choice for you. In terms of what could be improved: some explanations behind the powers, a little bit more character building to ensure the plot is a little more solid and less confusing.
Borrow or Buy? Borrow
Would I Recommend? To a fantasy reader quite possibly
Would I Re-read? Maybe, if I chose to continue with the series
Genre: Upper YA Fantasy
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis: Set in a world of magic and fae, Naia was raised alongside her twin brother Fel (the crown prince) who both are iron magic wielders. Naia kisses a white fae on the brink of death and as a result nothing will be the same again - this mysterious fae is full of secrets and belongs to a race which disappeared... As well as that, Leah, a necromancer princess is expected to find a husband - but not Fel, although he is the one she wants. A story that involves romance, learning to control powers and family secrets - how will they all fare? This is book 1 of the Duology of Fire and Fae recommended for readers 16 and up.
Review/What I Thought: So this book is a multiple POV book which takes place in 2 different timelines (20 years before and present day) which at first I wasn’t too keen on as it involved more than 2 main characters but soon into reading this book I was convinced and I started enjoying. During the first 15% of the book my intial thoughts were that this would be a really cute read and the romance between the characters would have me intrigued. I would have preferred if the author took a little more time explaining the powers of different kingdoms and their significance - some things were mentioned and not built on and that would have aided further understanding of this fictional universe. This book is a definite slow burn and those who enjoy slow burn style fantasy reads would enjoy this. I would say that at times it was a little too slow for my liking. I did like how the author managed to get you to empathise with the characters based on their problems throughout the book. I also found it took a while for the plot to develop so it’s one that you need to stick with to see how it turns out. I do admit I did struggle a little to get into this book and I have read better books but if you’re a fantasy fan looking for something different this could be a choice for you. In terms of what could be improved: some explanations behind the powers, a little bit more character building to ensure the plot is a little more solid and less confusing.
Borrow or Buy? Borrow
Would I Recommend? To a fantasy reader quite possibly
Would I Re-read? Maybe, if I chose to continue with the series
sashavolesky's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
4.5
This book will leave you absolutely flabbergasted in the best way possible.
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