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Heart of Ice #0.5
Fenrir
When Astrid’s father discovers her forbidden romance with Fenrir, he forces her to cast a terrible curse on him – the start of an enchanted army that will make theirs the most powerful Viking clan.
Until Fenrir pulls Astrid into his prison, just before they seal it for the winter.
Only when they wake to a future neither of them could have imagined, they will have to fight for their survival in a world vastly different from their own.
Can two star-crossed lovers find their place in the present day…and finally get their happily ever after?
Until Fenrir pulls Astrid into his prison, just before they seal it for the winter.
Only when they wake to a future neither of them could have imagined, they will have to fight for their survival in a world vastly different from their own.
Can two star-crossed lovers find their place in the present day…and finally get their happily ever after?
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
About the author
Demelza Carlton
935 books3,877 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 6, 2025
I love Norse mythology that's why I was intrigued by this book, even though a prequel to the series but some parts got me confused as there were inconsistencies. Like the scene with the kiss and the deed when it's over he says I thought you were dead. Dude, she was screaming during, didn't you hear her? Or in the archaeological site when some stranger shouts at them but they don't understand them and then they ask him questions? I'm not sure if I should continue the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2024
Don't kiss the dead; they can't consent.
_________
This prequel didn't grab me enough to want to read the rest of the series.
There's a sex scene in this that I had to read twice because I thought I missed something. Fenrir kisses a dead (to Fenrir and the reader) Astrid (who had died because she got hit by a fucking car and her neck broke) and then on the next page they're fucking and AFTER they finish he says "You're alive. I thought you were dead!"
...
DID HE THINK SHE WAS DEAD THE WHOLE TIME?!
Did I just read necrophilia?!?!
Ew.
_________
This prequel didn't grab me enough to want to read the rest of the series.
There's a sex scene in this that I had to read twice because I thought I missed something. Fenrir kisses a dead (to Fenrir and the reader) Astrid (who had died because she got hit by a fucking car and her neck broke) and then on the next page they're fucking and AFTER they finish he says "You're alive. I thought you were dead!"
...
DID HE THINK SHE WAS DEAD THE WHOLE TIME?!
Did I just read necrophilia?!?!
Ew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
I have no idea what I just read
August 15, 2023
A bodyguard Fenrir falls for his charge the Jarls daughter their are visitors and her father makes her stay in her room but she convinced him to let her out to the beach. Everything changes she. They sneak off to a little island. Trouble finds them the next day that changes both their lives forever. A drama, suspense, and mystery. Prequel to Thor book 1 in the series. I purchased this book. I volunteered an honest review.
January 7, 2024
***Warning: Graphic and controversial scenes***
One of two books of the series that I have on my Kindle and was sorted out as a short read since of its prequel nature. Truthfully I was attracted to the series for the most part since I was thinking that it would be about the Nordic pantheon but instead although the names of the gods, Loki and Fenrir are used they aren't in that particular telling but instead of as an alternate, which may have led to the Nordic beliefs since of their cursed state making them seem immortal perhaps.
Anyway the story is very brief and covers what led to Fenrir's punishment as well as his attraction to Astrid even when she is made to destroy him physically. As a result of all the above he is thought to become her thrall but in a sense he already was. Anyway after making the rest of the "immortals", Fenrir takes his choice of protection to save Astrid from an arranged marriage while that results in them waking up centuries later to a missing village, missing family and no idea of how much the world has changed.
The reason for my warning is there is one direct adult scene in which the reader is told that it is a just kiss after one of the characters is hit by a car and killed that ends up in more rather non-consensually. Also indirectly there is a suggestion that another fetish may have been explored while they are so-called honeymooning.
From there the book rather ends abruptly after the pair finds the other holes are empty while being yelled at by a guy they supposedly can't understand. And with that the stage is then laid for the next book to begin.
The concept is an interesting one and I won't mind reading the next book I have but I didn't know the book was going to be so spicy that it would be uncomfortable in a sense. But for other readers who don't mind fetishes and the Nordic draw this may be a paranormal romance series they can get into.
One of two books of the series that I have on my Kindle and was sorted out as a short read since of its prequel nature. Truthfully I was attracted to the series for the most part since I was thinking that it would be about the Nordic pantheon but instead although the names of the gods, Loki and Fenrir are used they aren't in that particular telling but instead of as an alternate, which may have led to the Nordic beliefs since of their cursed state making them seem immortal perhaps.
Anyway the story is very brief and covers what led to Fenrir's punishment as well as his attraction to Astrid even when she is made to destroy him physically. As a result of all the above he is thought to become her thrall but in a sense he already was. Anyway after making the rest of the "immortals", Fenrir takes his choice of protection to save Astrid from an arranged marriage while that results in them waking up centuries later to a missing village, missing family and no idea of how much the world has changed.
The reason for my warning is there is one direct adult scene in which the reader is told that it is a just kiss after one of the characters is hit by a car and killed that ends up in more rather non-consensually. Also indirectly there is a suggestion that another fetish may have been explored while they are so-called honeymooning.
From there the book rather ends abruptly after the pair finds the other holes are empty while being yelled at by a guy they supposedly can't understand. And with that the stage is then laid for the next book to begin.
The concept is an interesting one and I won't mind reading the next book I have but I didn't know the book was going to be so spicy that it would be uncomfortable in a sense. But for other readers who don't mind fetishes and the Nordic draw this may be a paranormal romance series they can get into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2023
The blurb summarizes what happens in this short story. Too much detail ruins the suspense of the unexpected, so I won't go into it. Through the narrative we appreciate that Fenrir is the prequel to the Heart of Ice series with men with a curse on them. Characters from Greek mythology of whom I don't know much were mentioned, and together with Astrid, the woman he must protect with his life, they found themselves in a situation and a time totally different from what they knew. They needed answers to what had happened to them and help to survive, and they were determined to go for them. Naturally there is a cliffhanger that leaves one intrigued wondering what is going to happen next? My experience with these stories is that they leave me with many questions and the saying "they are throwing corn at me" means to keep me interested and as I read the following stories the answers appear that make me exclaim Ah! I remember that. Oh! That was what happened! They make me pay more attention to details. I like these stories; they amuse me and stimulate my imagination. I'm going for the next one.
August 1, 2023
Rip Van Winkle Meets a Greek God
"Heart of Ice" is a story about the origin of Asgard (or at least some of the pertinent myths thereof). Fenrir was enchanted into the form of a giant wolf to forever protect Astrid (in Greek mythology, she was the daughter of an angel and Aphrodite - the goddess of love). However, in this novel, her father was a jarl (a minor kinglet) in some remote port. The jarl had Fenrir (the son of a war slave) changed as punishment for daring to kiss Astrid (the nerve of the man).
Fenrir's history also diverges from the original Greek. There he was Loki's (the trickster god, brother of Thor) son, he killed Odin (the father of all gods) and was killed himself by another of Odin's sons (Vidarr). In the Norse mythology, Fenrir's mother was a giantess (Angerboda), but I don't remember if Greek mythology ever mentioned his mother.
"Heart of Ice" is a story about the origin of Asgard (or at least some of the pertinent myths thereof). Fenrir was enchanted into the form of a giant wolf to forever protect Astrid (in Greek mythology, she was the daughter of an angel and Aphrodite - the goddess of love). However, in this novel, her father was a jarl (a minor kinglet) in some remote port. The jarl had Fenrir (the son of a war slave) changed as punishment for daring to kiss Astrid (the nerve of the man).
Fenrir's history also diverges from the original Greek. There he was Loki's (the trickster god, brother of Thor) son, he killed Odin (the father of all gods) and was killed himself by another of Odin's sons (Vidarr). In the Norse mythology, Fenrir's mother was a giantess (Angerboda), but I don't remember if Greek mythology ever mentioned his mother.
October 24, 2025
Un altro racconto senza capo né piedi, l'intera vicenda è uno scempio alla scrittura. Dovrebbe essere un prequel, per cui dovrebbe intrigarmi eppure dalla poche pagine che ho letto nulla di tutto ciò è avvenuto. Gli stessi personaggi sono blandi e assolutamente dimenticabili, senza nulla che li renda "pesanti" … sono bolle di sapone nel vento per intenderci. Il richiamo ai miti norreni avrebbe dovuto rendere la storia più interessante ma sinceramente il modo in cui è stata articolata la storia ha reso le cose confuse e senza senso. Inoltre il tizio che si sbatte la tipa pensando fosse morta mi ha triggerato parecchio (al di là che fosse morta, il consenso a quanto pare rimane sconosciuto sia da vivi che da morti qui).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
A good introduction to the series. Fenrir is a thrall, a captured warrior, under the jarl Eric. Astrid is Eric's daughter. When Fenrir and Astrid make a late-night trip to the beach, Eric learns of this treachery and then forces Astrid to curse Fenrir into being her protector. To save her, Fenrir pulls her into his prison grave. While the story is wonderful, it ends in a cliffhanger chasing after Odin, Thor, and Loki.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
June 25, 2023
The backstory that begins this new series by Demelza Carlton. Fenrir has been spelled to protect Astrid in the time of Jarls and longhouses after a huge misunderstanding her father wouldn't give his time to have explained. When Fenrir refuses to go back into his sleep pattern without her by his side, the witch enchants her also. Imagine their confusion when they awaken to a time so different than they remember. This is the beginning of their journey to find the warriors bespelled to protect her at all costs.
August 3, 2024
It’s a prequel and it definitely reads like one. Important details like how the MMC was turned into a gargoyle-wolf-shifter-thing or what they use him for are just glossed over like they don’t even matter, and when the MCs finally reach civilization after being hidden on ice for a millennium, the book just ends abruptly, as if to say, “nope, you gotta buy the rest of the series to see them figure this situation out!” The character development is not there, the tension is not there… I mean, what do you expect? It’s only 50 pages.
June 16, 2023
This very short story is a prequel to Demelza Carlton's “Heart of Ice” series. It’s an interesting start to a series as Fenrir, cursed to be a wolf shifter and protector of Astrid, and Astrid, the Jarl’s precious daughter, are apparently transported far into the future from their time in ancient Scandinavia, where Thor, Loki, and Odin are not legends but strong warriors. Now the quest will begin to find out what happened and why they are now awakened in the 21st Century.
July 30, 2023
💕💀VERY GOOD START OF SERIES
Guard Fenrir brought wood for Miss Astrid's fire as she brushed her hair.
His orders were to watch over Miss Astrid, Jarl Erik's daughter, at all costs...
-----------------------
Against a backdrop of Viking legend and witchcraft, this prequel tells the beginning of the dangerous and extraordinary adventures of Fenrir and Astrid.
I recommend this unexpected and entertaining read.
It made me want to read the sequel.
Guard Fenrir brought wood for Miss Astrid's fire as she brushed her hair.
His orders were to watch over Miss Astrid, Jarl Erik's daughter, at all costs...
-----------------------
Against a backdrop of Viking legend and witchcraft, this prequel tells the beginning of the dangerous and extraordinary adventures of Fenrir and Astrid.
I recommend this unexpected and entertaining read.
It made me want to read the sequel.
July 30, 2023
Fenrir is an interesting prequel to the Heart of Ice series.
I enjoyed reading this prequel to the Heart of Ice series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. This book was edited perfectly. It is such a joy to read books that are well edited. I like how the magic from early Nordic time is incorporated into the storyline. Magic, time travel, and shape shifting make this an exciting story.
I enjoyed reading this prequel to the Heart of Ice series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. This book was edited perfectly. It is such a joy to read books that are well edited. I like how the magic from early Nordic time is incorporated into the storyline. Magic, time travel, and shape shifting make this an exciting story.
July 31, 2023
Just one kiss.
One kiss cost Fenrir everything - his position, his love, his very life and mortality. He bided his time and stole Astrid away to his resting place. Years later, they awaken to a much different world. Strange garments, smooth roads, reflective glass. Where is her father's fort? The village? His fellow protectors? This short tale sets up the series and is the beginning of an adventure to get the answers. And away we go!
One kiss cost Fenrir everything - his position, his love, his very life and mortality. He bided his time and stole Astrid away to his resting place. Years later, they awaken to a much different world. Strange garments, smooth roads, reflective glass. Where is her father's fort? The village? His fellow protectors? This short tale sets up the series and is the beginning of an adventure to get the answers. And away we go!
June 17, 2023
Awesome start
This was such a great start to the new Heart of Ice series. Fenrir was a thrall tasked with protecting the Jral's daughter. After a foiled attack on the village, he is cursed & takes her to his icy prison with him. When they wake its to a world that is no longer theirs. I really loved this novella.
This was such a great start to the new Heart of Ice series. Fenrir was a thrall tasked with protecting the Jral's daughter. After a foiled attack on the village, he is cursed & takes her to his icy prison with him. When they wake its to a world that is no longer theirs. I really loved this novella.
June 24, 2023
In this intro to a new series we get an idea of what the series will be like. We meet Fenrir, a thrall who is cursed, turned to stone when in the sun, can turn into a wolf, who sleeps when not needed, but awakes when summoned. Astrid, a warrior maiden, becomes involved in all this simply due to a kiss, a kiss that will change everything for the two of them.
June 24, 2023
Good Teaser
Fenrir is a good Teaser for the Heart of Ice series. The transitions were not as smooth as Demelza's full length novels, so at times it was hard to surmise exactly what happened in such a short story format. However, altogether it was an interesting read and made me want to pick up Thor, today!
Fenrir is a good Teaser for the Heart of Ice series. The transitions were not as smooth as Demelza's full length novels, so at times it was hard to surmise exactly what happened in such a short story format. However, altogether it was an interesting read and made me want to pick up Thor, today!
August 3, 2023
I enjoyed this different take on the norse mythology. It moves the setting to today rather than in the age of vikings. I enjoyed the characters of Fenrir and Astrid and the heat between them. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes and how it will differ from the myths. I would recommend if you like norse mythology and retellings.
February 14, 2024
100% a prequel.
Each chapter felt like a scene that was to be included, without any of the buildup leading from scene to scene. Not much filler, but it flowed well. I was hoping for more, as I love Carlton's writing, but I guess this was okay.
I really wanted more for Astrid and Fenrir; I hope to see more developments for them as well as the characters for the main series.
Each chapter felt like a scene that was to be included, without any of the buildup leading from scene to scene. Not much filler, but it flowed well. I was hoping for more, as I love Carlton's writing, but I guess this was okay.
I really wanted more for Astrid and Fenrir; I hope to see more developments for them as well as the characters for the main series.
June 10, 2023
What a short story. Want to be a stone protector? Fenrir was a human protector for Astrid until her Dad found out about him kissing her. Then Fenrir was still her protector but in a different way. Read about Fenrir and Astrid to find out.
June 19, 2023
Enjoyable prequel
So this is how it all began... a king who wouldn't listen to his daughter, a thrall who was condemned for doing the right thing...
This definitely makes me want to read further into the series
So this is how it all began... a king who wouldn't listen to his daughter, a thrall who was condemned for doing the right thing...
This definitely makes me want to read further into the series
June 27, 2023
Short story to give a back story for Demelza's new series about Viking protectors. This is a continuation of her gargoyle stories which are set in Australia. The tales now move to the Arctic ice and Thor, Lori, and Odin.
July 30, 2023
Strange happenings in a different world!
This book is wonderfully different from any I have read before in my 73 years of age. Told from the perspective of the two main characters, the confusion and angst come though in this prequel, much to be discovered, much to know.
This book is wonderfully different from any I have read before in my 73 years of age. Told from the perspective of the two main characters, the confusion and angst come though in this prequel, much to be discovered, much to know.
August 12, 2023
A quick read- a easy prequel to the series. Introduces you to the “world” and a few of the characters who are there.
I was surprised when we got into some “time travel” if you can call it that. I really look forward to ready more in this series!
I was surprised when we got into some “time travel” if you can call it that. I really look forward to ready more in this series!
April 27, 2024
Neat introduction.
I enjoyed this prequel featuring Astrid and Fenrir. It is an easy read and neat introduction to the Heart of Ice series. It has definitely caught my interest, and I look forward to reading the next book.
I enjoyed this prequel featuring Astrid and Fenrir. It is an easy read and neat introduction to the Heart of Ice series. It has definitely caught my interest, and I look forward to reading the next book.
May 13, 2025
Dude! What the abrupt ending was that? I wanted so much more! This story has so much potential to be really great. Had the author fleshed things out and made it a full novel I would be losing it all over the place.
I want more!
I want more!
May 10, 2023
I like all of Demelza Carlton's books. This is a short story which is a prequel to the Heart Of Ice series. I enjoyed the story of Astrid and Fenrir.
June 7, 2023
Prequel to the Heart of Ice series. High fantasy quick read. Great introduction to the backstory that left me ready to read more
June 21, 2023
Great read
This is a nice prequel to the Heart of Ice series. A quick read that will give you an idea of what's to come.
This is a nice prequel to the Heart of Ice series. A quick read that will give you an idea of what's to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews