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Mages of the Wheel #4
Ice & Ivy
A wildflower alone is all the more beautiful for the barrenness from which it grows. A single note more glorious for the silence around it.
She is a void, the empty balance of magic.
When the Grand Vizier seeks to humiliate a man who has crossed him, a woman of the humblest origins becomes entangled in political webs far beyond her understanding, and bound into a marriage she cannot escape. She does not know who is an ally, and who is an enemy. But she does know she is drawn to the man whose dreams and heart seem made of ice.
He is a mage broken, whose power has been warped.
The Blight ravages both Tamar and Sarkum, and their people, and armies, are starving. Violence and protests in Narfour have the city on the brink of rebellion. When Ihsan sees a chance to gain an ally with the only productive land left in Tamar for his cousin, the Sultana, he takes it. But nothing is as it seems when Behram Kadir is involved. Ihsan knows he should not trust the woman who has upended his life, even if she is the first warmth he has felt since fire stole everything from him.
Some broken things were never meant to be as they were.
CW/ Some scenes involving assault (non-sexual), descriptions of blood and injuries, including severe burning and loss of a limb. Descriptions of the effects of starvation. Death of a family member.
She is a void, the empty balance of magic.
When the Grand Vizier seeks to humiliate a man who has crossed him, a woman of the humblest origins becomes entangled in political webs far beyond her understanding, and bound into a marriage she cannot escape. She does not know who is an ally, and who is an enemy. But she does know she is drawn to the man whose dreams and heart seem made of ice.
He is a mage broken, whose power has been warped.
The Blight ravages both Tamar and Sarkum, and their people, and armies, are starving. Violence and protests in Narfour have the city on the brink of rebellion. When Ihsan sees a chance to gain an ally with the only productive land left in Tamar for his cousin, the Sultana, he takes it. But nothing is as it seems when Behram Kadir is involved. Ihsan knows he should not trust the woman who has upended his life, even if she is the first warmth he has felt since fire stole everything from him.
Some broken things were never meant to be as they were.
CW/ Some scenes involving assault (non-sexual), descriptions of blood and injuries, including severe burning and loss of a limb. Descriptions of the effects of starvation. Death of a family member.
574 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
331 people are currently reading
3873 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Evans
10 books1,124 followersJ. D. Evans writes fantasy and science fiction romance. After earning her degree in linguistics, J. D. served a decade as an army officer. She once spent her hours putting together briefings for helicopter pilots and generals. Now she writes stories, tends to two unreasonable tiny humans, knits, sews badly, gardens, and cultivates Pinterest Fails. After a stint in Beirut, J. D. fell in love with the Levant, which inspired the setting for her debut series, Mages of the Wheel.
Originally hailing from Montana, J. D. now resides in North Carolina with her husband, two attempts at mini-clones gone rogue, and too many stories in her head.
Originally hailing from Montana, J. D. now resides in North Carolina with her husband, two attempts at mini-clones gone rogue, and too many stories in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
October 11, 2023
J.D Evans. Gets me.
This author packs into books everything I want from characters.
Believable arcs, human emotions, realistic reactions.
There are characters in this series and in this book, who I adore. There are also the characters I hate with every fibre of my body. We are talking Kennit - Liveship levels of hate.
If an author can draw those emotions when you're reading, they are absoutley nailing it.
The story in this segment of the series, was a slower burn than previous installments but this was because the series is hinging and maneuvering into different directions. The final third of this book, was impossible to put down.
I love this series and genuinely am desperate for the next book!!!
This author packs into books everything I want from characters.
Believable arcs, human emotions, realistic reactions.
There are characters in this series and in this book, who I adore. There are also the characters I hate with every fibre of my body. We are talking Kennit - Liveship levels of hate.
If an author can draw those emotions when you're reading, they are absoutley nailing it.
The story in this segment of the series, was a slower burn than previous installments but this was because the series is hinging and maneuvering into different directions. The final third of this book, was impossible to put down.
I love this series and genuinely am desperate for the next book!!!
September 2, 2023
This is an extremely important book in the series and JD says in the acknowledgements that the whole series began with I&I, and that makes a lot of sense. More than the other books, you can tell that we're building up to something HUGE with this one and JD has been laying all the pieces exactly where she wants them and knows where she's going. JD Evans is a true talent and deserves much more mainstream recognition. I&I proves that sometimes you just gotta let authors cook for 2-3 years before their next new release because it'll all be worth it.
Word to the wise, re-read books 1-3 (including Wind and Wildfire) and the short story "All That Burns" if it's been awhile before reading I&I. You might think "Oh, it's just a fantasy romance, I won't need to remember that much plot." You're incorrect. You'll be able to follow the political plot but she's connecting little crumbs here and there from like two books ago, and I sincerely regret not re-reading so it's all fresh. Every time Bashir, Aysel, and Amara & friends popped up it made me miss them and their previous books. Won't make that mistake again before Mountain and Memory!
Anyway, Ihsan and Nessa—love them! Sometimes I think snappy, growly, grouchy characters are more fun than the traditional gloomy grumpy brooders. San is dry and (unexpectedly) funny and prickly, but deep down all he wants to is to care and be cared for in return. Watching him unclench was so nice. Nessa is super loveable and even though she was going through it in court, I never pitied her. She was doing her best! I loved the care and patience she showed Ihsan, and their romance showed the enduring power of simple comfort and domesticity.
That ending....JD Evans, I am UNDER your bed, I am under your divan!!! I knew [redacted] was going to do that, I knew [redacted] was going to be the [redacted], and I also knew that JD was obviously planning a [redacted] arc. I knew it all. AND YET!!!!! AND YET it still managed to piss me off, like I'm legitimately IRATE actually. (Don't worry, it's objectively a good ending but it just pissed me off personally for reasons I think many of us will be able to relate to). I can't remember the last time an ending truly shocked me or made me this upset like.....she's SO sick for this!!! I think [redacted] is the single stupidest person alive and I actually hope [redacted] doesn't save them and they do actually swing for this because they made one of the single most objectively wrong and unjustifiable choices I have ever read in all my days, and they DO NOT deserve to be rewarded for that behavior. NOT on my watch!
Gnashing my teeth until the next book(s)
Word to the wise, re-read books 1-3 (including Wind and Wildfire) and the short story "All That Burns" if it's been awhile before reading I&I. You might think "Oh, it's just a fantasy romance, I won't need to remember that much plot." You're incorrect. You'll be able to follow the political plot but she's connecting little crumbs here and there from like two books ago, and I sincerely regret not re-reading so it's all fresh. Every time Bashir, Aysel, and Amara & friends popped up it made me miss them and their previous books. Won't make that mistake again before Mountain and Memory!
Anyway, Ihsan and Nessa—love them! Sometimes I think snappy, growly, grouchy characters are more fun than the traditional gloomy grumpy brooders. San is dry and (unexpectedly) funny and prickly, but deep down all he wants to is to care and be cared for in return. Watching him unclench was so nice. Nessa is super loveable and even though she was going through it in court, I never pitied her. She was doing her best! I loved the care and patience she showed Ihsan, and their romance showed the enduring power of simple comfort and domesticity.
That ending....JD Evans, I am UNDER your bed, I am under your divan!!! I knew [redacted] was going to do that, I knew [redacted] was going to be the [redacted], and I also knew that JD was obviously planning a [redacted] arc. I knew it all. AND YET!!!!! AND YET it still managed to piss me off, like I'm legitimately IRATE actually. (Don't worry, it's objectively a good ending but it just pissed me off personally for reasons I think many of us will be able to relate to). I can't remember the last time an ending truly shocked me or made me this upset like.....she's SO sick for this!!! I think [redacted] is the single stupidest person alive and I actually hope [redacted] doesn't save them and they do actually swing for this because they made one of the single most objectively wrong and unjustifiable choices I have ever read in all my days, and they DO NOT deserve to be rewarded for that behavior. NOT on my watch!
Gnashing my teeth until the next book(s)
December 9, 2025
The BEST SLOW BURN I have read.
Nesrin is a peasant girl caught up in a political plot who is disguised as a noble daughter and sent to an arranged marriage, secretly taking the place of her sister.
The scarred prince, Ishan, is the one to step in when the noble turns her down. A void and an illegitimate son.
Whatever made her come to him, like this, as though he were not a wounded beast that would bite and claw and leave her ruined, he needed it. He wanted to play back. But his play was rough, too demanding. It was twisted up with lust. If he kissed her with all the savagery his fury demanded, she would understand. She was too tender and kind to withstand him.
Ice and warmth. Coldness and kindness. I want to say this is opposites attract, but it’s more than that. Ishan is hurt and discarded inside and out. He doesn’t get on with people. Nesrin is frightened, starved, desperate, and has a big heart.
The writing in this is delicious. The descriptions are vivid. The scenes and character interactions are divine.
She could feel that, feel that she was unwelcome and unwanted in a myriad of ways. But a seed must grow where it was planted. Even if the soil was poor or the weather unwelcoming, its roots could break open a place for itself, its leaves spreading to what sunlight it could find.
If you have read any other book in this series, I don’t think any of the reveals will surprise you. This isn’t a plot heavy book or even series. Everything is slow-moving. I think that’s part of the appeal, but also the reason this isn’t five stars.
As I took a year break reading the series, I only vaguely remember the other character’s story in-depth. Whilst the plot is easy to remember, there are so many characters as each book introduces a whole bunch of new secondary ones.
I do wonder how the series will come together as we have had a many perspectives.
In regards to the series as a whole, I don’t believe these can be regarded as interconnected standalones. Whilst they focus on different characters and relationships, the plot is cohesive and moving forwards. There are also too many characters and references to past scenes that you would be confused.
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Nesrin is a peasant girl caught up in a political plot who is disguised as a noble daughter and sent to an arranged marriage, secretly taking the place of her sister.
The scarred prince, Ishan, is the one to step in when the noble turns her down. A void and an illegitimate son.
Whatever made her come to him, like this, as though he were not a wounded beast that would bite and claw and leave her ruined, he needed it. He wanted to play back. But his play was rough, too demanding. It was twisted up with lust. If he kissed her with all the savagery his fury demanded, she would understand. She was too tender and kind to withstand him.
Ice and warmth. Coldness and kindness. I want to say this is opposites attract, but it’s more than that. Ishan is hurt and discarded inside and out. He doesn’t get on with people. Nesrin is frightened, starved, desperate, and has a big heart.
The writing in this is delicious. The descriptions are vivid. The scenes and character interactions are divine.
She could feel that, feel that she was unwelcome and unwanted in a myriad of ways. But a seed must grow where it was planted. Even if the soil was poor or the weather unwelcoming, its roots could break open a place for itself, its leaves spreading to what sunlight it could find.
If you have read any other book in this series, I don’t think any of the reveals will surprise you. This isn’t a plot heavy book or even series. Everything is slow-moving. I think that’s part of the appeal, but also the reason this isn’t five stars.
As I took a year break reading the series, I only vaguely remember the other character’s story in-depth. Whilst the plot is easy to remember, there are so many characters as each book introduces a whole bunch of new secondary ones.
I do wonder how the series will come together as we have had a many perspectives.
In regards to the series as a whole, I don’t believe these can be regarded as interconnected standalones. Whilst they focus on different characters and relationships, the plot is cohesive and moving forwards. There are also too many characters and references to past scenes that you would be confused.
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October 9, 2024
4.5 stars
(this review may contain a minor spoiler at the end)
why is everyone sleeping on this series? how did I not discover these books sooner? i won't say much, just that this book (and the whole series in fact) is such an AMAZING read! it has everything fantasy romance readers could want: political intrigue, a well-built magic system, informative and engaging world-building, a found family aspect, perfectly slow burn romance, and a cast of enticing characters—powerful heroines who are still relatable, heroes who fall head over heels for them, and a bunch of unique secondary characters—who all add depth and complexity to the story.
story-wise, Ice & Ivy is probably my second favorite in the series so far after Reign & Ruin. this one really got the overarching conflict in the series going and had me on the edge throughout. my mind was reeling at the thought of Naime and what she was going through, I was distressed by the unknown of Makram's well-being, and dreaded the impending doom and all the heartbreak and guilt Samira would endure given that unexpected twist at the end. this was the longest installment and at a much slower pace than the others (in my opinion) but it didn't feel drawn out or unwarranted. I devoured this book in two days and the entire series in ten. I can’t remember the last time I read a series that I loved this much. how am I going to stand the wait for more? 😔😢
(this review may contain a minor spoiler at the end)
why is everyone sleeping on this series? how did I not discover these books sooner? i won't say much, just that this book (and the whole series in fact) is such an AMAZING read! it has everything fantasy romance readers could want: political intrigue, a well-built magic system, informative and engaging world-building, a found family aspect, perfectly slow burn romance, and a cast of enticing characters—powerful heroines who are still relatable, heroes who fall head over heels for them, and a bunch of unique secondary characters—who all add depth and complexity to the story.
story-wise, Ice & Ivy is probably my second favorite in the series so far after Reign & Ruin. this one really got the overarching conflict in the series going and had me on the edge throughout. my mind was reeling at the thought of Naime and what she was going through, I was distressed by the unknown of Makram's well-being, and dreaded the impending doom and all the heartbreak and guilt Samira would endure given that unexpected twist at the end. this was the longest installment and at a much slower pace than the others (in my opinion) but it didn't feel drawn out or unwarranted. I devoured this book in two days and the entire series in ten. I can’t remember the last time I read a series that I loved this much. how am I going to stand the wait for more? 😔😢
August 31, 2023
oh sad boy ihsan, truly a man whose demons are beating his ass on a daily. very relatable.
i saw a lot of omar in ihsan. ihsan was rougher of course, forced to learn to bite others after the abuse he went through. but they both carry a lot of guilt, and duty, and self hate. i can see how omar became such a strong father figure for him. i truly wished omar’s ending could’ve been more gentle.
nesrin is a beautiful protagonist, i love when authors make a character who’s kind and soft and empathetic, but not dumb and naive (i was so worried for this girl this entire fucking book i almost had an aneurysm oh my god no one deserves her). nesrin is strong in her own damn way, just like naime, just like aysel, just like amara, and just like dilay. there’s something about the way the author writes her female characters, they are always stunningly made.
and her male leads as well, they are always kind, gentle and reverent in their own way. THIS WOMAN CAN WRITE A TOUCH STARVED MAN LIKE NO OTHER. i love how she doesn’t go for the usual alpha shit for brains character that seems to plague the romantic fantasy genre (do not get me wrong i enjoy those as well, there just seems to be an arrogant asshole in every book i read these days and a girl can only take so much “haha you are mine baby girl you belong to me me is man grrr testosterone” before she kills herself).
both nesrin and ihsan had lots of healing to do, but i truly believe they were exactly what they needed for each other. i don’t think anyone other than nesrin could’ve pulled ihsan out of the hole he buried himself into. it took A LOT of time, A LOT, TOO MUCH. but they got there, eventually. and it was so, so worth it.
the betrayal of someone i did not expect AT ALL hurt me like hell. i am incredibly angry. i though i’d have AT LEAST gotten that relief by finishing this book but it turns out i’m gonna have to wait for the next one to finally see the painful, slow, excruciating death of a certain someone.
now…following along onto my indescribable pain and rage…
MAKRAM? HOW COULD J.D DO THIS TO ME?? BRING THAT BEAUTIFUL MAN BACK TO WHERE HE BELONGS, RIGHT BESIDES HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE. DO YOU WANT ME TO THROW MYSELF AT THE ABYSS???? DO YOU WANT ME TO SHRIVEL UP AND DIE IN A HOLE???? STOP MAKING NAIME SUFFER LEAVE MY DAUGHTER ALONE.
…a n y w a y, amazing book, as always. this is a series i recommend to anyone that’s strong enough to withstand my book talks. incredible world building and magic system, beautifully made characters and lots of political drama. truly one of my favorite reads of the year, the wait was incredibly worth it. thank you so much j.d evans for my first ARC ever! i will be fighting to death for one for the next books, just letting you know.
i saw a lot of omar in ihsan. ihsan was rougher of course, forced to learn to bite others after the abuse he went through. but they both carry a lot of guilt, and duty, and self hate. i can see how omar became such a strong father figure for him. i truly wished omar’s ending could’ve been more gentle.
nesrin is a beautiful protagonist, i love when authors make a character who’s kind and soft and empathetic, but not dumb and naive (i was so worried for this girl this entire fucking book i almost had an aneurysm oh my god no one deserves her). nesrin is strong in her own damn way, just like naime, just like aysel, just like amara, and just like dilay. there’s something about the way the author writes her female characters, they are always stunningly made.
and her male leads as well, they are always kind, gentle and reverent in their own way. THIS WOMAN CAN WRITE A TOUCH STARVED MAN LIKE NO OTHER. i love how she doesn’t go for the usual alpha shit for brains character that seems to plague the romantic fantasy genre (do not get me wrong i enjoy those as well, there just seems to be an arrogant asshole in every book i read these days and a girl can only take so much “haha you are mine baby girl you belong to me me is man grrr testosterone” before she kills herself).
both nesrin and ihsan had lots of healing to do, but i truly believe they were exactly what they needed for each other. i don’t think anyone other than nesrin could’ve pulled ihsan out of the hole he buried himself into. it took A LOT of time, A LOT, TOO MUCH. but they got there, eventually. and it was so, so worth it.
the betrayal of someone i did not expect AT ALL hurt me like hell. i am incredibly angry. i though i’d have AT LEAST gotten that relief by finishing this book but it turns out i’m gonna have to wait for the next one to finally see the painful, slow, excruciating death of a certain someone.
now…following along onto my indescribable pain and rage…
MAKRAM? HOW COULD J.D DO THIS TO ME?? BRING THAT BEAUTIFUL MAN BACK TO WHERE HE BELONGS, RIGHT BESIDES HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE. DO YOU WANT ME TO THROW MYSELF AT THE ABYSS???? DO YOU WANT ME TO SHRIVEL UP AND DIE IN A HOLE???? STOP MAKING NAIME SUFFER LEAVE MY DAUGHTER ALONE.
…a n y w a y, amazing book, as always. this is a series i recommend to anyone that’s strong enough to withstand my book talks. incredible world building and magic system, beautifully made characters and lots of political drama. truly one of my favorite reads of the year, the wait was incredibly worth it. thank you so much j.d evans for my first ARC ever! i will be fighting to death for one for the next books, just letting you know.
October 15, 2025
Ihsan has my whole heart. This grumpy/sunshine trope was all I ever wanted it to be. The minute I saw the cover and knew it was going to be about Ihsan, I couldn’t wait to read it. It is such a beautiful thing to watch this poor tortured man become happy. Oh my goodness this series. I have been swept away!! Such an underrated series.
January 18, 2024
this book was so good!!! in my opinion it probably has the best romance in the series, though in terms of characters naime will always be my favorite. i really love a good arranged marriage with lots of little domestic moments and this did not disappoint. and the quotes that this had???? i swear i highlighted literally every interaction they had.
"But he realized, with clarity that sank like a blade, that she was alone. He stroked her back, carefully, remembering where his power had traced the still-healing wound. He had missed this, being needed, trusted to comfort, had not understood he was starving for it."
“Go to sleep,” he groused.
“Fine.” She flicked his ear. He jerked his head up to glare at her, but she lay down with her back to him. Rolling to his side, he wrapped his hand around her messy braid. He tugged it in retaliation, and she gave a bubbly, heartwarming giggle."
"It had not been his rooms that made him feel peaceful, but knowing she was here. Anywhere she was became a sanctuary for him."
but besides the romance, this still had all the other elements that i loved from the previous books such as the amazing writing, the rich worldbuilding, the political intrigue and fully flesh out characters.
this series has quickly become some of the best romantasy books that I've read, and i'm very excited for the rest of the series.
"But he realized, with clarity that sank like a blade, that she was alone. He stroked her back, carefully, remembering where his power had traced the still-healing wound. He had missed this, being needed, trusted to comfort, had not understood he was starving for it."
“Go to sleep,” he groused.
“Fine.” She flicked his ear. He jerked his head up to glare at her, but she lay down with her back to him. Rolling to his side, he wrapped his hand around her messy braid. He tugged it in retaliation, and she gave a bubbly, heartwarming giggle."
"It had not been his rooms that made him feel peaceful, but knowing she was here. Anywhere she was became a sanctuary for him."
but besides the romance, this still had all the other elements that i loved from the previous books such as the amazing writing, the rich worldbuilding, the political intrigue and fully flesh out characters.
this series has quickly become some of the best romantasy books that I've read, and i'm very excited for the rest of the series.
August 29, 2023
I have been waiting patiently for the fourth installment of this book since I discovered this series and it did not disappoint.
I loved the relationship between Ihsan and Nessa. Both of them felt like very real developed characters. The exploration of their trauma and healing was very beautiful. It was really lovely to finally see Ihsan happy and moving forward with his life. I really love how Evans writes woman. Her female characters are always strong and brave but never fall into the overpowered GirlBoss trope that happens in so many new fantasy romances. Nessa is both soft and comforting but also brave and protective. The way her magic shows up makes sense for her and the story. She is naive at the beginning of the story but she learns quickly and doesn’t make stupid choices.
The political intrigue also was very well done. The overarching plot in the entire series is what makes the books so engaging. There was so much tension in this book between Naime’s faction and Behram’s. I was anxiously reading hoping that the right side would prevail. It was really rewarding to see certain people finally revealed as the bad guys.
Oh my god - the ending though. It killed me. I will be thinking about it until the next book comes out.
I received an ARC of this book.
I loved the relationship between Ihsan and Nessa. Both of them felt like very real developed characters. The exploration of their trauma and healing was very beautiful. It was really lovely to finally see Ihsan happy and moving forward with his life. I really love how Evans writes woman. Her female characters are always strong and brave but never fall into the overpowered GirlBoss trope that happens in so many new fantasy romances. Nessa is both soft and comforting but also brave and protective. The way her magic shows up makes sense for her and the story. She is naive at the beginning of the story but she learns quickly and doesn’t make stupid choices.
The political intrigue also was very well done. The overarching plot in the entire series is what makes the books so engaging. There was so much tension in this book between Naime’s faction and Behram’s. I was anxiously reading hoping that the right side would prevail. It was really rewarding to see certain people finally revealed as the bad guys.
Oh my god - the ending though. It killed me. I will be thinking about it until the next book comes out.
I received an ARC of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2023
J. D. Evans, take my money.
This feels like it’s turning into a comfort series in the romantasy department.
This feels like it’s turning into a comfort series in the romantasy department.
May 2, 2025
4.5 stars
Fully back on the scheming giving my villain the respect he deserves. This is may be a top fav villain, I love him he’s such a piece of shit.
The prequel should 100% be read between books 3 and 4, everything tied so well to this book so (1) well done prequel and (2) wish I had it fresher on my mind.
I’m sad that books 2 and 3 dipped a bit for me, but this has me back and excited and trusting the process/vision…now just have to wait for what will probably be 2 more books
If you’re paying attention to the details and magic system, a lot of this is foreshadowed or aligns with the world, so although I saw stuff coming I really enjoyed and again these characters and world are so fun
Fully back on the scheming giving my villain the respect he deserves. This is may be a top fav villain, I love him he’s such a piece of shit.
The prequel should 100% be read between books 3 and 4, everything tied so well to this book so (1) well done prequel and (2) wish I had it fresher on my mind.
I’m sad that books 2 and 3 dipped a bit for me, but this has me back and excited and trusting the process/vision…now just have to wait for what will probably be 2 more books
If you’re paying attention to the details and magic system, a lot of this is foreshadowed or aligns with the world, so although I saw stuff coming I really enjoyed and again these characters and world are so fun
October 1, 2024
Epic, and I don’t use that term lightly. Wow, so many threads, plot points and characters coming together had me on edge the entire time (in the best day). Amazing. I cannot wait to see where the next few books take this incredible story!! Full RTC later
December 20, 2024
Who am I? Where am I? Why am I weeping?
Before starting the Mages of the Wheel series (a recommendation I will forever be indebted to BookTok for), I did not know there was such a thing as "epic fantasy romance." I don't know if there is more out there, but in the words of Big Al, "Spectacular give me 14 of 'em right now."
That being said, the first cut is always the deepest, isn't it? The thrill of discovery, of meeting your favorite characters for the first time...I will never be the same.
We have known Ishan throughout the series as a traumatized and distant character who is determined to be alone and push others away to keep them from his pain. So the premise of this book begs the question: Who does Ishan need? Who will he let in? The answer to that question is stunningly simple and sweet.
But the series is so much more than its romances, with an antagonist who is complicated and twisted and conniving. There is a bigger plot here that continues to unravel and I am stunned at how J.D. Evans is weaving this story together. I don't know when the next books will be released, but I will be incomplete as a person until I get closure to this story!
Before starting the Mages of the Wheel series (a recommendation I will forever be indebted to BookTok for), I did not know there was such a thing as "epic fantasy romance." I don't know if there is more out there, but in the words of Big Al, "Spectacular give me 14 of 'em right now."
That being said, the first cut is always the deepest, isn't it? The thrill of discovery, of meeting your favorite characters for the first time...I will never be the same.
We have known Ishan throughout the series as a traumatized and distant character who is determined to be alone and push others away to keep them from his pain. So the premise of this book begs the question: Who does Ishan need? Who will he let in? The answer to that question is stunningly simple and sweet.
But the series is so much more than its romances, with an antagonist who is complicated and twisted and conniving. There is a bigger plot here that continues to unravel and I am stunned at how J.D. Evans is weaving this story together. I don't know when the next books will be released, but I will be incomplete as a person until I get closure to this story!
January 21, 2025
~ 4.5 stars ~
Okay first of all, Ice and Ivy was so insanely good, I was so worried about the rest of the series after not liking Storm and Shield, but books 3 and 4 have solidified it as an absolute favorite series of mine!
This time, I've got some spoiler thoughts and can't wait for whatever happens nect in this world!
-I'm absolutely devastated about Osman's death because now Bashir is never going to get to meet his dad.
-Will Havva ever find out why Osman didn't come back??? I want her to have some closure!
-Bashir's gonna find out Cemil is his brother, right? Right??!!!
-Did Zehra actually escape??? Where has she been?
Ihsan and Nesrin's relationship was absolutely perfect. I loved that he trusted her even though logically he knew he shouldn't have. I loved Nesrin cooking and every single scene involving a kitchen. I loved every scene that involved nightmares.
Okay first of all, Ice and Ivy was so insanely good, I was so worried about the rest of the series after not liking Storm and Shield, but books 3 and 4 have solidified it as an absolute favorite series of mine!
This time, I've got some spoiler thoughts and can't wait for whatever happens nect in this world!
-I'm absolutely devastated about Osman's death because now Bashir is never going to get to meet his dad.
-Will Havva ever find out why Osman didn't come back??? I want her to have some closure!
-Bashir's gonna find out Cemil is his brother, right? Right??!!!
-Did Zehra actually escape??? Where has she been?
Ihsan and Nesrin's relationship was absolutely perfect. I loved that he trusted her even though logically he knew he shouldn't have. I loved Nesrin cooking and every single scene involving a kitchen. I loved every scene that involved nightmares.
November 16, 2024
I am sad to say that this series will continue to live in the shadow of the first book for me. I found myself skimming during this book and I hate that, because J.D. Evans is generally a good writer.
For me, the internal monologues continue to get in the way of the story. They are too much, too long, and too disruptive to the flow of the scenes. This was not an issue of the first book - the dialogues were compelling and they were not encumbered by paragraphs of inside info of what the character is going through at the time to make the interaction confusing. When you take out the amount of telling that this author does in dialogue scenes, the characters do not actually talk that much to each other. And that in turn makes the romance suffer.
I did not quite believe that the main characters actually liked, let alone love, each other. For more than half of the book they only exchanged a few sentences. And this was usually followed by one of them leaving in a huff. It had me on edge for the wrong reasons.
Again, I like the magic system and the world. I continue to be intrigued by the ending, and I am looking forward to the story of one of my favorite characters so far in this series. But I wish the author let the characters actually interact, without injecting so much inner monologue in between sentences.
For me, the internal monologues continue to get in the way of the story. They are too much, too long, and too disruptive to the flow of the scenes. This was not an issue of the first book - the dialogues were compelling and they were not encumbered by paragraphs of inside info of what the character is going through at the time to make the interaction confusing. When you take out the amount of telling that this author does in dialogue scenes, the characters do not actually talk that much to each other. And that in turn makes the romance suffer.
I did not quite believe that the main characters actually liked, let alone love, each other. For more than half of the book they only exchanged a few sentences. And this was usually followed by one of them leaving in a huff. It had me on edge for the wrong reasons.
Again, I like the magic system and the world. I continue to be intrigued by the ending, and I am looking forward to the story of one of my favorite characters so far in this series. But I wish the author let the characters actually interact, without injecting so much inner monologue in between sentences.
April 29, 2025
Teamup of male Elsa and female Groot
December 21, 2024
If I could give this 10 stars I would. Definitely one of the best books I‘ve read this year. I cried and laughed 😫🤧 I’m so excited for what is to come!!
January 2, 2025
Just end me now. One of my fav series of all time. This is god tier. I’m obsessed. I didn’t love this one as much as the previous three, but the end??? THE END??? 5 stars. Immaculate.
August 23, 2024
AAAAH IM SO SAD😭😭😭 WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!!!
This one completely took my breath away. My lungs were being squeezed. This book was such a rollercoaster but it was so, so amazing. Such a special story. I’ve been waiting for Ihsan’s story since I started reading this series and this was more than I could’ve asked for. Nesrin was the perfect FMC. The bond I have with her, the sympathy, the love I have for her journey… she’s probably my favourite one of the series.
Everything she has endured has shaped her to who she is, and still she is always smiling and friendly, she connects with animals and nature, just wants to show people her love without receiving anything back. I completely resound with that. She is my favourite.
The build up to their relationship was so beautifully slow, everything about it was right. The little glances, the way Ihsan’s ice melted veryyyy slowly, the angst oh lord😩😩😏😏😏
This book gave me anxiety tbh, about 70% my head didn’t know what to think. So many theories. I wanted to throw up from stress ahahahah. I was so scared and afraid for Nessa, afraid for Ihsan and afraid for Tamar. But especially for Nessa, who could never hurt a fly and still people were targeting her and using her, manipulating. I hate, hate the VILLAIN sooo much omg, I just want this torture to end. The plot twists just blew me away🤯MAKRAMMM what are they doing to you:(
I cannot wait for Cemil’s story!! I can feel a redemption arc, to me he seems like a victim of Kadir’s mind. I don’t know what has happened to him, what torture, what magic has been used against him and to control him, but after what we discover about Kadir, I’m very, absolutely scared!
I will be rereading everything once the next books come out, I want it all to have a fulfilled ending😭😭
As per the words of another reviewer: THIS WOMAN CAN WRITE A TOUCH STARVED MAN LIKE NO OTHER!
This one completely took my breath away. My lungs were being squeezed. This book was such a rollercoaster but it was so, so amazing. Such a special story. I’ve been waiting for Ihsan’s story since I started reading this series and this was more than I could’ve asked for. Nesrin was the perfect FMC. The bond I have with her, the sympathy, the love I have for her journey… she’s probably my favourite one of the series.
Everything she has endured has shaped her to who she is, and still she is always smiling and friendly, she connects with animals and nature, just wants to show people her love without receiving anything back. I completely resound with that. She is my favourite.
The build up to their relationship was so beautifully slow, everything about it was right. The little glances, the way Ihsan’s ice melted veryyyy slowly, the angst oh lord😩😩😏😏😏
This book gave me anxiety tbh, about 70% my head didn’t know what to think. So many theories. I wanted to throw up from stress ahahahah. I was so scared and afraid for Nessa, afraid for Ihsan and afraid for Tamar. But especially for Nessa, who could never hurt a fly and still people were targeting her and using her, manipulating. I hate, hate the VILLAIN sooo much omg, I just want this torture to end. The plot twists just blew me away🤯MAKRAMMM what are they doing to you:(
I cannot wait for Cemil’s story!! I can feel a redemption arc, to me he seems like a victim of Kadir’s mind. I don’t know what has happened to him, what torture, what magic has been used against him and to control him, but after what we discover about Kadir, I’m very, absolutely scared!
I will be rereading everything once the next books come out, I want it all to have a fulfilled ending😭😭
As per the words of another reviewer: THIS WOMAN CAN WRITE A TOUCH STARVED MAN LIKE NO OTHER!
November 21, 2024
shaking, crying, and throwing up the cliffhanger at the end of this was truly inhumane. crazy to have your favorite book in the series remain the first one until you're five books in but oh my god the stakes in this relative to the first three/four were crazy. the politics and secrets and maneuvering and outmaneuvering! never had so much fun while being so unbelievably stressed. nesrin is my new favorite character second only to naime (speaking of, i'm extremely concerned about naime, idk that i've ever seen someone take this much critical damage in such a short period of time in my whole life). don't want to be dramatic but if i don't get a release date for the fifth one soon i may actually die.
December 13, 2023
I'm so happy and so upset by this book. I CAN'T BELIEVE EVANS WOULD DO THIS TO US. 😂
July 28, 2025
I've enjoyed all the books in this series so far, but this book is one of my favourites. The world, magic system, and political intrigue that are such a strength in previous books continue to grow in this story, but the real strength is the characters.
I love Nessa's kindness and compassion. With all the flowers, growing things, and little critters that follow in her wake, Nessa is a bit like a Disney princess.
The romance is again slowburn and angsty. Humorous too. I loved it. Ihsan is a tortured hero who slowly thaws. Not just him either. Where Nessa goes, she eventually leaves friends.
The wait for the next book is going to be an anxious one.
I listened to the audiobook. It was great as always.
I love Nessa's kindness and compassion. With all the flowers, growing things, and little critters that follow in her wake, Nessa is a bit like a Disney princess.
The romance is again slowburn and angsty. Humorous too. I loved it. Ihsan is a tortured hero who slowly thaws. Not just him either. Where Nessa goes, she eventually leaves friends.
The wait for the next book is going to be an anxious one.
I listened to the audiobook. It was great as always.
April 12, 2025
Truly SO GOOD; fantastic writing, character building and a proper world to escape into
August 25, 2025
This was the best one yet!!
September 15, 2025
no hay palabras..
September 30, 2024
There were memories in trees. As there were memories in bones.
I have no words for this series. Words can’t describe how much I adore it. I need to scream about it to the world.
The plot and world, even 5 books in, continues to flourish and captivate me.
JD Evans is a sorcerer. Her ability to simultaneously make me laugh and cry in equal measure - her ability to make me hate a character while aching for them in heartbreak is a testament to her ability to write complex and real characters. She is an insta-read for me.
I will die a slow death waiting for the next two, but I won’t regret a single second of it.
EDIT: I've created a glossary and concepts guide here for readers! I love this series so much and hope you do too!
I have no words for this series. Words can’t describe how much I adore it. I need to scream about it to the world.
The plot and world, even 5 books in, continues to flourish and captivate me.
JD Evans is a sorcerer. Her ability to simultaneously make me laugh and cry in equal measure - her ability to make me hate a character while aching for them in heartbreak is a testament to her ability to write complex and real characters. She is an insta-read for me.
I will die a slow death waiting for the next two, but I won’t regret a single second of it.
EDIT: I've created a glossary and concepts guide here for readers! I love this series so much and hope you do too!
September 2, 2023
This series is one of my favorites. It is wildly and criminally underrated. JD Evans has such a talent for building immersive worlds and beautiful, gripping romance that feels so real.
This book is no exception to that. In fact, I think this is the best of the series so far. I read it all in one sitting as evidenced by my writing this review at 4 am, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this story goes!
This book is no exception to that. In fact, I think this is the best of the series so far. I read it all in one sitting as evidenced by my writing this review at 4 am, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this story goes!
December 7, 2025
Dare I say favorite series of 2024?
June 10, 2025
I swear I'd read this series was finished so when this book was really taking its time I was like, how can this POSSIBLY resolve all the threads we have going? But alas. Now I have to wait? For an unspecified time? I don't regret reading these most recent two, rapid-fire.
At first, I was a little off-put by how meek the heroine seemed when she arrived at the capital. But it was all part of the master plan, and it all made sense. She's the perfect match for melting (nearly literally) the heart of our Ihsan, who has hovered around the plot since the beginning. Nesrin melted my heart too, what a sweet, sweet angel.
Waiting with baited breath for the next installment.
At first, I was a little off-put by how meek the heroine seemed when she arrived at the capital. But it was all part of the master plan, and it all made sense. She's the perfect match for melting (nearly literally) the heart of our Ihsan, who has hovered around the plot since the beginning. Nesrin melted my heart too, what a sweet, sweet angel.
Waiting with baited breath for the next installment.
November 24, 2025
Best of the series. I’m going to have a nasty book hangover tomorrow but I don’t care. Finally some solid character/plot development. I will be thinking about that last chapter for DAYS. Also, I’m realizing that what I thought was lack of development was probably just pacing because, as it turns out, there are still THREE MORE BOOKS COMING 🙃. I wasn’t obsessed with the series before but this book changed that, I fear. DAMN IT.
May 13, 2025
JD Evans can do no wrong!!! the last 30% of this had me in an absolute chokehold!!!! it pains me to get on social media and see bottom tier books raved about when a series like this exists. i need 5 more books ASAP!!!
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