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The Ice Flame Trilogy #1
Heir to the Ice Flame
Enter the realm of Scardia, where magic, love and betrayal are all too real.
A kingdom cast into darkness.
A hidden princess, running for her life.
A boy with dreams of becoming a knight.
A devoted guard with secret intentions.
Aged seven, Princess Nina Fiordlasher made a wish. Within twenty-four hours her world was changed irrevocably, her parents murdered, her kingdom stolen and her status changed from royal to fugitive. Now, as Nina approaches her eighteenth birthday, she has the right to reclaim her throne. However, her parents’ killer, the Usurper, still hunts for her and so she plans to reunite with her mother’s long-lost family. Accompanied by a devoted companion, Keely, and a young boy Erik, Nina has to overcome her fears and navigate the many hazards in her path.
For merely being the Heir to the Ice Flame does not guarantee she can claim her rightful destiny.
A kingdom cast into darkness.
A hidden princess, running for her life.
A boy with dreams of becoming a knight.
A devoted guard with secret intentions.
Aged seven, Princess Nina Fiordlasher made a wish. Within twenty-four hours her world was changed irrevocably, her parents murdered, her kingdom stolen and her status changed from royal to fugitive. Now, as Nina approaches her eighteenth birthday, she has the right to reclaim her throne. However, her parents’ killer, the Usurper, still hunts for her and so she plans to reunite with her mother’s long-lost family. Accompanied by a devoted companion, Keely, and a young boy Erik, Nina has to overcome her fears and navigate the many hazards in her path.
For merely being the Heir to the Ice Flame does not guarantee she can claim her rightful destiny.
- GenresFantasy
201 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2023
3 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 7, 2024
4.5★s
Wilhelmina Fiordlasher was only seven years old when her life changed forever. On the run through Scardia, fearful for her life, Nina drifted from place to place, always hiding, changing her name as she saw fit, never staying in the same place too long. As she neared eighteen years of age, she knew she could claim what was rightfully hers, and to do so she needed to cross Scardia and make her way east and to her mother's family. The journey would be filled with danger as the murderer of her parents, the Usurper, and his trackers, were still searching for her.
Keely accompanied her and then Erik joined them. Dolce, Nina's beloved horse, did all she was asked, faithfully and without fear. But things went wrong and Nina knew she had to stay one step ahead. Would she find her mother's family, safely and without loss? Or would the Usurper win another round?
Heir to the Ice Flame by Aussie author Rose Harvey is a fascinating tale of mystery, magic and intrigue. It doesn't say it's the first in a series, but it feels like there will be another to follow, so I hope that's the case. Nina was a strong, independent character - as she'd had to be - and barely relied on anyone else. Lisette is a sweet little budgerigar, keeping Nina company on her journey, and Erik became an endearing but tough kid. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Wilhelmina Fiordlasher was only seven years old when her life changed forever. On the run through Scardia, fearful for her life, Nina drifted from place to place, always hiding, changing her name as she saw fit, never staying in the same place too long. As she neared eighteen years of age, she knew she could claim what was rightfully hers, and to do so she needed to cross Scardia and make her way east and to her mother's family. The journey would be filled with danger as the murderer of her parents, the Usurper, and his trackers, were still searching for her.
Keely accompanied her and then Erik joined them. Dolce, Nina's beloved horse, did all she was asked, faithfully and without fear. But things went wrong and Nina knew she had to stay one step ahead. Would she find her mother's family, safely and without loss? Or would the Usurper win another round?
Heir to the Ice Flame by Aussie author Rose Harvey is a fascinating tale of mystery, magic and intrigue. It doesn't say it's the first in a series, but it feels like there will be another to follow, so I hope that's the case. Nina was a strong, independent character - as she'd had to be - and barely relied on anyone else. Lisette is a sweet little budgerigar, keeping Nina company on her journey, and Erik became an endearing but tough kid. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2025
Big thanks to Rose for sending us a copy to read and review.
A royal family is executed and its kingdom left in darkness.
The Usurper guilty of the purge overlooked the young princess and she managed to escape.
A fantasy set in a historical past explores the journey Princess Nina makes to secure her safety and reclaim what is hers.
Living incognito she must hide her hair as the white strip gives away her heritage.
A scuffle in the bar reveals her identity to the Usurper and life on the run begins.
Wary of who she can trust she navigates towards safety with a trusted group.
My imagination had fun playing this story out in visuals.
I had a time period etched in my sight and allowed the fantasy to unravel.
Strong willed and determined she faced adversity with caution and poise.
I look forward to reconnecting with Princess Nina in the next part of the journey.
Lissette the budgie is such a welcome side character.
A royal family is executed and its kingdom left in darkness.
The Usurper guilty of the purge overlooked the young princess and she managed to escape.
A fantasy set in a historical past explores the journey Princess Nina makes to secure her safety and reclaim what is hers.
Living incognito she must hide her hair as the white strip gives away her heritage.
A scuffle in the bar reveals her identity to the Usurper and life on the run begins.
Wary of who she can trust she navigates towards safety with a trusted group.
My imagination had fun playing this story out in visuals.
I had a time period etched in my sight and allowed the fantasy to unravel.
Strong willed and determined she faced adversity with caution and poise.
I look forward to reconnecting with Princess Nina in the next part of the journey.
Lissette the budgie is such a welcome side character.
February 20, 2024
Set in the medieval winter lands of Scardia, Rose Harvey’s sincere efforts to tell the story of Nina, the rightful heir of the Ice Flame, will touch the right chords of your heartstrings. Fleeing from the tender (and slightly unbelievable) age of seven when a Usurper takes over her Kingdom, Nina has been on the run for a decade hiding and biding time until her 18th birthday. Now, with the help of her expandable and honest companions, she undertakes a journey looking for her maternal family to take back the throne.
Harvey’s first instalment of the young-adult fantasy series is sincere and fun to read. Although the plot might feel similar to many other books in the genre, Heir to the Ice Flame stands out from the rest due to its fantastic storytelling style.
The book perfectly blends the genre of fantasy and magic with the themes of self-discovery and empowerment. Having been on the run from a very young age, Nina has no formal training on being royalty or an heir to her kingdom. Her motivation for most of her exile is to survive. But Harvey pens her character arc so beautifully that you’ll be fully engrossed as she starts to believe in herself to end the tyrannic rein of the Usurper and bring her people peace ending the dark time.
As the book unfolds, you are taken on a journey with Nina, who encounters hope, romance and betrayal too. But without divulging much, I’ll leave those secrets for you to discover and feel the same joy as I did when I read this lovely woven story.
There’s not much that the book lacks but I’d have liked it to be more elaborate in a few aspects. For example, the romance part of the story felt incomplete catching me off-guard with the way Nina handles it. I hope there’s more of this in the sequel.
The story is tightly knit but a bit too fast-paced for my liking. Knowing that there’s a sequel on the cards, I hope the author can address these issues. Unlike many other YA fiction, Rose Harvey ends the book in a good position leaving the readers with just the right amount of intrigue and anticipation.
Overall, Heir to the Ice Flame is an entertaining page-turner for readers who love adventure fantasy with a tinge of romance. You should definitely check it out to add to your library. I am eagerly waiting for the sequel!
Harvey’s first instalment of the young-adult fantasy series is sincere and fun to read. Although the plot might feel similar to many other books in the genre, Heir to the Ice Flame stands out from the rest due to its fantastic storytelling style.
The book perfectly blends the genre of fantasy and magic with the themes of self-discovery and empowerment. Having been on the run from a very young age, Nina has no formal training on being royalty or an heir to her kingdom. Her motivation for most of her exile is to survive. But Harvey pens her character arc so beautifully that you’ll be fully engrossed as she starts to believe in herself to end the tyrannic rein of the Usurper and bring her people peace ending the dark time.
As the book unfolds, you are taken on a journey with Nina, who encounters hope, romance and betrayal too. But without divulging much, I’ll leave those secrets for you to discover and feel the same joy as I did when I read this lovely woven story.
There’s not much that the book lacks but I’d have liked it to be more elaborate in a few aspects. For example, the romance part of the story felt incomplete catching me off-guard with the way Nina handles it. I hope there’s more of this in the sequel.
The story is tightly knit but a bit too fast-paced for my liking. Knowing that there’s a sequel on the cards, I hope the author can address these issues. Unlike many other YA fiction, Rose Harvey ends the book in a good position leaving the readers with just the right amount of intrigue and anticipation.
Overall, Heir to the Ice Flame is an entertaining page-turner for readers who love adventure fantasy with a tinge of romance. You should definitely check it out to add to your library. I am eagerly waiting for the sequel!
June 8, 2025
I am very conflicted about this book, and not just because the author is so freaking nice, but because there is as much to like about this story as there are issues.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Plot
The general premise is good. Long lost princess is travelling across the world in search of a way back to her throne.
The world building - there was an awful lots of potential here, and there was an attempt at bringing all these wonderful ideas together, but it didn't do the trick for me. I feel like this book may have benefitted from a map, as so many places were mentioned without any real context that I found myself getting a bit lost.
Specific bits I was troubled with:
- The bit about her dads death. Her family died the night she left at 7, but then her dad died when she was 13?
- The Ice Flame - did I miss this or was this mentioned far too late in the story? I love this idea by the way, it's fabulous. There just needed to be more about it.
- the white hair - we know its important, otherwise it wouldn't be such a focus of her life while on the run, and there's a brief thing about it running in the family, but that's it. Another great idea, but just missing the vital focus on its backstory I feel it deserved.
- The Gods - met them (kinda) for all of a few pages. A third fabulous idea, lost almost literally, under a landslide.
Pacing - there are some significant pacing issues throughout the story. It almost felt to me that it was split into three distinct parts - the incredibly fast and rushed pre-boat bit, the slower and reasonably paced on-the-boat bit and then the back to being rushed after boat party.
I just felt that this was a shame - the pre-boat was where we were getting to know our FMC and could learn a bit about her world, and we literally ran head first through it all. I understand that this was likely to really emphasise to the reader the level of peril she's really in, but it didn't really work. The pacing on the ship was perfect, but it got scuppered against once they hit land.
The writing - the bulk of the writing itself was good, my issue lies with some of the dialogue. It felt a bit weird, as if it was trying to be oldy-worldy, but instead just came across strained. This is another thing that settled down while they were on the boat, where the conversation felt more natural.
Characters
FMC
Hmm. I don't really know how I feel about Nina. The first thing that strikes me is she's not very bright - she's managed to live on her one for ten years, but I get the feeling this is more down to luck than anything else. The author tells us she's a strong independent lady, but she immediately forgets her own rules, jumps out of a first story window and acquires a child, so I'm not sure I believe her.
I do like that she clearly cares for those around her. She cares for her horse, the wee bird and the kid, staying true to this belief right up until the end.
The Rest
Pre-Ship
The only character of note is our friend Keely, who gets absolutely shafted by the plot. I was just getting to like him and his strange and inconsistent dialogue, but his only purpose seeming to be to further the plot. I did assume that because he'd made it onto the back of the book that he might have a more significant part, but guess I was wrong.
The Kid
Why the actual heck did she pick up this kid? I mean it worked out that he helped her disguise, but she clearly wasn't thinking that at the time. He's pretty cute though.
Ship
Markus - I liked Markus, right up until he disappointed me. I didn't understand this at all and felt it went against his character.
Dylan - what a crackpot. I really liked him and his bizarre behaviour. He was antagonistic in the best way.
After Ship
The family - we didn't really learn anything about them, and this was a real shame.
The Good
This premise is great and has so much potential
The Bad
See above.
The Ugly
There's nothing ugly.
The Wrap Up
Don't mess with Lisette.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Others in the Series
Heart of Ice
Fire on the Ice
Find Me
Instagram
Storygraph
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Plot
The general premise is good. Long lost princess is travelling across the world in search of a way back to her throne.
The world building - there was an awful lots of potential here, and there was an attempt at bringing all these wonderful ideas together, but it didn't do the trick for me. I feel like this book may have benefitted from a map, as so many places were mentioned without any real context that I found myself getting a bit lost.
Specific bits I was troubled with:
- The bit about her dads death. Her family died the night she left at 7, but then her dad died when she was 13?
- The Ice Flame - did I miss this or was this mentioned far too late in the story? I love this idea by the way, it's fabulous. There just needed to be more about it.
- the white hair - we know its important, otherwise it wouldn't be such a focus of her life while on the run, and there's a brief thing about it running in the family, but that's it. Another great idea, but just missing the vital focus on its backstory I feel it deserved.
- The Gods - met them (kinda) for all of a few pages. A third fabulous idea, lost almost literally, under a landslide.
Pacing - there are some significant pacing issues throughout the story. It almost felt to me that it was split into three distinct parts - the incredibly fast and rushed pre-boat bit, the slower and reasonably paced on-the-boat bit and then the back to being rushed after boat party.
I just felt that this was a shame - the pre-boat was where we were getting to know our FMC and could learn a bit about her world, and we literally ran head first through it all. I understand that this was likely to really emphasise to the reader the level of peril she's really in, but it didn't really work. The pacing on the ship was perfect, but it got scuppered against once they hit land.
The writing - the bulk of the writing itself was good, my issue lies with some of the dialogue. It felt a bit weird, as if it was trying to be oldy-worldy, but instead just came across strained. This is another thing that settled down while they were on the boat, where the conversation felt more natural.
Characters
FMC
Hmm. I don't really know how I feel about Nina. The first thing that strikes me is she's not very bright - she's managed to live on her one for ten years, but I get the feeling this is more down to luck than anything else. The author tells us she's a strong independent lady, but she immediately forgets her own rules, jumps out of a first story window and acquires a child, so I'm not sure I believe her.
I do like that she clearly cares for those around her. She cares for her horse, the wee bird and the kid, staying true to this belief right up until the end.
The Rest
Pre-Ship
The only character of note is our friend Keely, who gets absolutely shafted by the plot. I was just getting to like him and his strange and inconsistent dialogue, but his only purpose seeming to be to further the plot. I did assume that because he'd made it onto the back of the book that he might have a more significant part, but guess I was wrong.
The Kid
Why the actual heck did she pick up this kid? I mean it worked out that he helped her disguise, but she clearly wasn't thinking that at the time. He's pretty cute though.
Ship
Markus - I liked Markus, right up until he disappointed me. I didn't understand this at all and felt it went against his character.
Dylan - what a crackpot. I really liked him and his bizarre behaviour. He was antagonistic in the best way.
After Ship
The family - we didn't really learn anything about them, and this was a real shame.
The Good
This premise is great and has so much potential
The Bad
See above.
The Ugly
There's nothing ugly.
The Wrap Up
Don't mess with Lisette.
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
Others in the Series
Heart of Ice
Fire on the Ice
Find Me
Storygraph
January 19, 2024
"Nerdection Must Read"
Heir to the Ice Flame is a magical fantasy adventure book with remarkable characters and an intriguing plot. Only a few pages into the book and I was completely glued to it – only my paltry mortal needs kept me away. Moreover, filled to the brim with adventure, fairy tales, and a reluctant romance, Heir to the Ice Flame is a magical saga of ancient mythical beings, elven magic, and what it’s like to be a chosen one.
"Legends tell of the magical fire that will only burn during the reign of the rightful ruler. It’s said that when a king or queen is crowned, the flame burns bright, and dies when they do. Its embers remain until their successor is crowned, and then the fire will burn again with new life." _The legend of the Ice Flame
Our protagonist, Nina, is a kind-hearted princess who has been escaping her foes since she was seven. Seven! What a truly young age to shoulder the world’s burden. I love how Rose Harvey weaves Nina’s story into a relatable tale, and how realistic her struggles are.
Then there are the other characters, each one I loved more than the other: Keely, the guard with bad grammar; Lisette, the budgerigar with a magical surprise up her feathers; Erik, a smart child who hates to take a bath; and of course, our charming ship captain, Markus.
Heir to the Ice Flame also features an adorable ‘found-family’ trope. It’s fun and heart-warming to read how Nina relates to people’s struggles, helps them out, and even takes a young boy as her sibling. Her relationship with Erik as her little adopted brother is something to be sold over a thousand times.
"‘It’s wisest if you don’t make wishes,’ I interrupted firmly, as my grip tightened involuntarily. ‘Wishes are dangerous; they can make your deepest desires come true in the strangest circumstances or they can tear your world apart. It’s best to not tempt fate by speaking those desires aloud."_Nina, to Erik
And do I sense a love triangle among Nina, Keely, and Markus? I sure think so. I’m excited to see who finally gets our red-haired princess at the end!
The pacing was a little slow, and the multiple storylines sometimes stray from the main plot. However, quite frankly, this didn’t bother me in the least due to Harvey’s excellent writing skills that keep you engaged, and because I loved all the characters, even Nina’s grumpy neighbour with monocles.
I recommend Heir to the Ice Flame for fans of Sarah J Maas (spice-free version!), Marissa Meyer, and anybody who loves to devour a good fantasy adventure book.
Heir to the Ice Flame is a magical fantasy adventure book with remarkable characters and an intriguing plot. Only a few pages into the book and I was completely glued to it – only my paltry mortal needs kept me away. Moreover, filled to the brim with adventure, fairy tales, and a reluctant romance, Heir to the Ice Flame is a magical saga of ancient mythical beings, elven magic, and what it’s like to be a chosen one.
"Legends tell of the magical fire that will only burn during the reign of the rightful ruler. It’s said that when a king or queen is crowned, the flame burns bright, and dies when they do. Its embers remain until their successor is crowned, and then the fire will burn again with new life." _The legend of the Ice Flame
Our protagonist, Nina, is a kind-hearted princess who has been escaping her foes since she was seven. Seven! What a truly young age to shoulder the world’s burden. I love how Rose Harvey weaves Nina’s story into a relatable tale, and how realistic her struggles are.
Then there are the other characters, each one I loved more than the other: Keely, the guard with bad grammar; Lisette, the budgerigar with a magical surprise up her feathers; Erik, a smart child who hates to take a bath; and of course, our charming ship captain, Markus.
Heir to the Ice Flame also features an adorable ‘found-family’ trope. It’s fun and heart-warming to read how Nina relates to people’s struggles, helps them out, and even takes a young boy as her sibling. Her relationship with Erik as her little adopted brother is something to be sold over a thousand times.
"‘It’s wisest if you don’t make wishes,’ I interrupted firmly, as my grip tightened involuntarily. ‘Wishes are dangerous; they can make your deepest desires come true in the strangest circumstances or they can tear your world apart. It’s best to not tempt fate by speaking those desires aloud."_Nina, to Erik
And do I sense a love triangle among Nina, Keely, and Markus? I sure think so. I’m excited to see who finally gets our red-haired princess at the end!
The pacing was a little slow, and the multiple storylines sometimes stray from the main plot. However, quite frankly, this didn’t bother me in the least due to Harvey’s excellent writing skills that keep you engaged, and because I loved all the characters, even Nina’s grumpy neighbour with monocles.
I recommend Heir to the Ice Flame for fans of Sarah J Maas (spice-free version!), Marissa Meyer, and anybody who loves to devour a good fantasy adventure book.
January 2, 2024
In the enchanting world of “Heir to the Ice Flame” by Rose Harvey, a disguised princess has been on the run since the tender age of seven years old. Constantly in fear for her life and being hunted by her parents’ killer, Princess Nina goes by the pseudonym Karliah. She must now journey through Scardia and over the Eastern Sea to find what remains of her extended family before her 18th birthday.
Being a woman on the lam isn’t easy, but Karliah isn’t always alone. She is accompanied by a rotating blend of companions and an intelligent avian ally named Lisette. She eventually meets Erik, a boy who dreams of being a knight, and adopts him as her younger brother. With sea monsters, villains, and heightened emotions, Karliah’s journey is rife with adventure.
Spun from the mind of debut author Rose Harvey, “Heir to the Ice Flame” is the first book in a series. Harvey is very skilled. The story is altogether unique, surprising, and utterly engrossing. I found myself simultaneously loving and hating how the author slowly and teasingly creates romantic tension between some of the characters, making me guess multiple times if certain characters would become love interests or not. All the romantic tension kept me engaged throughout the work.
There are many other interesting elements at play—betrayal, deceit, hope, fear, and more—which add to the rich and complex fabric of the story. I did not predict the events that happened or where Karliah would end up, and I loved that aspect of it. Nothing about the story is forced, typical, or predictable.
“Heir to the Ice Flame” tauntingly ends with many questions unanswered, leaving an achy craving for more insight into Karliah and her friends’ fate. I would have loved to have reveled in the details a tad more, but knowing there is likely a sequel in sight gives me hope for more adventures with Karliah in Harvey’s imagined medieval lands. The allure of Harvey’s storytelling strength lies not just in the unpredictability of the narrative but also in the intricate dance of emotions and relationships that she orchestrates. I think any lover of fantasy would enjoy this well-woven novel.
Being a woman on the lam isn’t easy, but Karliah isn’t always alone. She is accompanied by a rotating blend of companions and an intelligent avian ally named Lisette. She eventually meets Erik, a boy who dreams of being a knight, and adopts him as her younger brother. With sea monsters, villains, and heightened emotions, Karliah’s journey is rife with adventure.
Spun from the mind of debut author Rose Harvey, “Heir to the Ice Flame” is the first book in a series. Harvey is very skilled. The story is altogether unique, surprising, and utterly engrossing. I found myself simultaneously loving and hating how the author slowly and teasingly creates romantic tension between some of the characters, making me guess multiple times if certain characters would become love interests or not. All the romantic tension kept me engaged throughout the work.
There are many other interesting elements at play—betrayal, deceit, hope, fear, and more—which add to the rich and complex fabric of the story. I did not predict the events that happened or where Karliah would end up, and I loved that aspect of it. Nothing about the story is forced, typical, or predictable.
“Heir to the Ice Flame” tauntingly ends with many questions unanswered, leaving an achy craving for more insight into Karliah and her friends’ fate. I would have loved to have reveled in the details a tad more, but knowing there is likely a sequel in sight gives me hope for more adventures with Karliah in Harvey’s imagined medieval lands. The allure of Harvey’s storytelling strength lies not just in the unpredictability of the narrative but also in the intricate dance of emotions and relationships that she orchestrates. I think any lover of fantasy would enjoy this well-woven novel.
July 22, 2025
4.6 🌟
0.0 🌶
Cute book to start the series and worth a read. If you can keep up with Kdrama style writing then you'll love the little loops and hints in this. Definitely not for someone who likes to skip parts, skim read or can't put two and two together.
Some other comments here had mentioned issues with pacing, this was not an issue for me. I think the book started in a great spot and pushed the issue of what kind of situation the MC was in very well. The book held around the same pacing the entire time, although the ship part did take a majority of the book it was more than appropriate within the story pacing.
As someone who watches alot of Kdramas, it was super smart how the little inflictions and comments made played into the story. So in that sense I never had any issues with the world building either. Since all the clues and hints had already been stated at another point leading up to it. It left me very much going, ahhh that's why that was mentioned. It's a very clever style of writing that has clearly been throughly thought out in the details. So again not for people that skip parts, skim books, or can't put two and two together.
One other thing to mention, it's made very obvious early on that there is one more western style continent and an elven continent. This is why the names are the way they are with some being fantasy and some being well - Dylan, Keely ect.
My only downfall with this would be that it felt like the MC being able to evade the people chasing her in the book specifically - was more sheer dumb luck than the MC being smart or doing anything particularly amazing to outsmart them, which is fine.
There is no particular spice to read in this book other than some passionate kissing.
Going into book 2, I am interested to see what Dylan has to do with the story as I'm sure there is more to him than let on currently, as well as what happens love interest wise.
0.0 🌶
Cute book to start the series and worth a read. If you can keep up with Kdrama style writing then you'll love the little loops and hints in this. Definitely not for someone who likes to skip parts, skim read or can't put two and two together.
Some other comments here had mentioned issues with pacing, this was not an issue for me. I think the book started in a great spot and pushed the issue of what kind of situation the MC was in very well. The book held around the same pacing the entire time, although the ship part did take a majority of the book it was more than appropriate within the story pacing.
As someone who watches alot of Kdramas, it was super smart how the little inflictions and comments made played into the story. So in that sense I never had any issues with the world building either. Since all the clues and hints had already been stated at another point leading up to it. It left me very much going, ahhh that's why that was mentioned. It's a very clever style of writing that has clearly been throughly thought out in the details. So again not for people that skip parts, skim books, or can't put two and two together.
One other thing to mention, it's made very obvious early on that there is one more western style continent and an elven continent. This is why the names are the way they are with some being fantasy and some being well - Dylan, Keely ect.
My only downfall with this would be that it felt like the MC being able to evade the people chasing her in the book specifically - was more sheer dumb luck than the MC being smart or doing anything particularly amazing to outsmart them, which is fine.
There is no particular spice to read in this book other than some passionate kissing.
Going into book 2, I am interested to see what Dylan has to do with the story as I'm sure there is more to him than let on currently, as well as what happens love interest wise.
April 21, 2024
✍️ Princess Nina has been on the run since she was seven years old after the deaths of her Parents. She is now eighteen and goes by the name of Karliah. With help from her companions Keely and Erik she is on a journey to Scardia to claim her kingdom back.
This was a Fabulous Debut which took me on a Fantastical Journey of Magic, Medieval Times, Love and Adventure as I was Captivated from the beginning.
The Story was Imaginative and Cleverly Crafted with a great mix of storytelling elements that made it feel so easy to read and to be a part of the story.
The smooth and elegant flow of the narrative as well as the unique characters kept me in a constant state of interest until the end.
Look forward to the continuation!
This was a Fabulous Debut which took me on a Fantastical Journey of Magic, Medieval Times, Love and Adventure as I was Captivated from the beginning.
The Story was Imaginative and Cleverly Crafted with a great mix of storytelling elements that made it feel so easy to read and to be a part of the story.
The smooth and elegant flow of the narrative as well as the unique characters kept me in a constant state of interest until the end.
Look forward to the continuation!
January 28, 2025
Thank you to Voracious Readers for giving me the full version of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book in particular wasn't my typical choice to read of Fantasy. The blurb that was given made it sound like Keely was going to be more involved in the story than he truly was. Also my biggest complaint if you are able to give half of the characters Fantasy names then stick with it instead of choosing basic names like Dylan as it takes me out of the world building you just created. This book was mostly just travelling and not much conflict at all and I'm still confused about the whole 'power and wish' she made as it's only briefly mentioned then never again. Overall it was okay for the first book but hopefully the rest of the series is better than this one.
July 9, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! The pacing was great, the characters loveable, and the story intriguing. There were lots of things hinted at early on that were revealed later (or are yet to be revealed) that kept me curious about those mysteries.
One thing I particularly loved is the care Nina had for her horse when on the ship. Too often in scenes like that, the characters forget about the animals they're travelling with, and I wonder if they care at all. I know it's a weird thing to love about a book, but sometimes it's the little details that make a book shine!
I can't wait to read the next book!
One thing I particularly loved is the care Nina had for her horse when on the ship. Too often in scenes like that, the characters forget about the animals they're travelling with, and I wonder if they care at all. I know it's a weird thing to love about a book, but sometimes it's the little details that make a book shine!
I can't wait to read the next book!
November 4, 2024
Bought this book at an Australian Pop Culture convention. I am often hesitant to get new books or read them, but this one caught my interest very quickly. I was contemplating buying it, until a friend bought it for me as a surprise. I read it within a day, it was riveting and grasped me so hard. I was absorbed into the world written as if I were there in the world alongside the characters. It’s easy to digest and understand.
10/10 recommend this book if you love dethroned princesses, magic, tyrannical rulers and fantasy.
10/10 recommend this book if you love dethroned princesses, magic, tyrannical rulers and fantasy.
February 4, 2024
Loved it!!!
A little slow to begin but the overall plot and the addition of fae is what I loved the most.
Though the cutest character is Keely *^____^*
A little slow to begin but the overall plot and the addition of fae is what I loved the most.
Though the cutest character is Keely *^____^*
April 7, 2025
this was a strong opening chapter to the Ice Flame Trilogy series, it had that fantasy elements that I was hoping for and enjoyed from this type of book. It was a strong start to this world and had that element that I wanted in this type of book.The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. Rose Harvey wrote this well and left me wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2025
2/5⭐️ 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑
I really support this author and want her to keep writing, cause she has great ideas the story of this was very good. The writing and pacing was just a bit off, I think with practise she can become very successful this book just wasn’t for me and I didn’t really care about the characters
I really support this author and want her to keep writing, cause she has great ideas the story of this was very good. The writing and pacing was just a bit off, I think with practise she can become very successful this book just wasn’t for me and I didn’t really care about the characters
January 31, 2025
Can't wait for book #3!!
September 29, 2025
loved the characters and story. cant wait to see where it goes with book 2.
January 1, 2024
"Heir to the Ice Flame" is an enthralling novel penned by Rose Harvey. Set in the fantastical land of Scardia, the book revolves around Nina, the true heir to the ice flame. When Nina was only seven, an usurper had killed her parents and taken on the throne. Since then, she has been on the run. Now that she is going to be eighteen, Nina has to make a decision. It is up to her whether she spends the rest of her days donning different disguises or gathers all her courage and starts her journey to embrace her legacy as the heir to the Ice Flame. Heir to the Ice Flame kept me engaged from the very beginning. I really got engrossed in Nina's story. I am super excited to read the next book in the series. Rose Harvey's "Heir to the Ice Flame" is highly recommended by me to everyone who likes reading fantasy novels with a dash of romance and adventure.
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