A review by _chaoticbooknook
The Frost Queen's Blade by Meg Smitherman

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

 
i want to start off by saying that i was in the correct headspace for this book, which is that i wanted something: 
☑️ entertaining 
☑️ somewhat light 
☑️ great tension 
 
and this book delivered on all counts and then some. ✅✅✅ 
 
Smitherman is an excellent writer - that much stands out to me. 
i wasn’t expecting subtle but insightful commentary throughout about the patriarchy, but i got it from this which i will never not love. 
 
Elma, our female main character, is quite imperfect. she’s like early season Dany Targaryen in Game of Thrones. she harbors a lot of doubts. she makes mistakes that sometimes make me want to shake her and be like, “HOMEGIRL WHAT R U DOING?!” but they all make sense for her and the context. i loved it, but i can see how can she can come off as exasperating to other folks. 
 
there are some areas that made me squint, don’t get me wrong. Elma, our female main character, feels a little underdeveloped. her relationship with Rune feels like it required a slight leap of faith to believe (though the progression was evident and it was a true enemies to lovers). but i honestly didn’t mind because the plot was interesting and well-paced, the writing so well-done, and my completely biased loved for Rune really helped to glaze over all those holes lol. 
 
if you’re looking for a well-paced, enemies-to-lovers without too much world-building, that has you guessing at the reveal, i’d definitely recommend this one! 
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