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A review by jinxei
The Frost Queen's Blade by Meg Smitherman
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.