Of Ice and Snow

Fairy Queens #1

by Amber Argyle

The only shepherd in a family of warriors, Otec returns to his clan to find all the men gone to war. They didn’t bother to tell him, let alone ask him to fight beside them. When his mother sends him on a trifling errand in the high mountains, he looks back to find his village burning and his people taken captive.

Cut off from the help of the other clans and dodging raiders, he must become the warrior he was never meant to be. By his side is a foreign woman stalked by a dark, mysterious magic. Together, they race to save his family from a life of slavery. Worse, what he thought was a mere raid is actually a full-scale invasion.

In the end, he must choose between saving his family or his kingdom.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fae, Ebooks, Romance, Fiction, Fairies

ebook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Amber Argyle is the bestselling fantasy & romance author of the Forbidden Forest, Fairy Queens, Witch Song, & Wild Heart Ranch Romance series. Her award-winning books have been translated into several languages and praised by such authors as NYT bestsellers David Farland and Jennifer A. Nielsen.

Amber grew up on a cattle ranch and spent her formative years in the rodeo circuit and on the basketball court. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University. She’s delightfully sarcastic, loves all things outdoors, and believes spiders should be relegated to horror novels where they belong.

She has completed three series and is working on a fourth.

To receive her starter library of four free books, simply tell her where to send it: http://amberargyle.com/freebooks/

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 3 out of 5]

Otec the shepherd returns to his clan only to find that all the other men have all gone away to fight in a war he doesn’t even know a thing about. But then the war comes to his clan and he’s forced to fight alongside a woman he grows to love.


Not a bad story, though it takes a while to really get going. I’m also not a big fan of the romance genre in general but it’s done pretty well here.

[Amber Argyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page:
Pushing aside the thick brush, Otec eased into the shadows of the ancient forest. Branches scratched at him like a witch’s fingernails. He tried to ignore the itch that always started under his skin when he found himself in a space that was too tight. Soon, midday had darkened to twilight under the impenetrable fortress of leaves.
“Where’s the lamb, Freckles?” Otec asked his dog. “Go get her, girl.”
Freckles perked her ears and sniffed the air. They hadn’t gone more than a half dozen steps be-fore she stiffened suddenly and burst forward, right on the heels of a squealing gray rabbit.
Otec shouted at her, calling her back. But Freckles was already out of sight. Even his own dog wouldn’t listen to him. Grumbling under his breath, Otec continued following the spoor his sheep had left earlier that day.
Finally, he spotted an out-of-place patch of white under some brush. He knelt down and parted the angry thorns, then took hold of the lamb’s neck with his shepherd’s crook. She bleated pitifully and struggled weakly to get away. Her face felt feverish under Otec’s palm as he held her still. “Easy now, little one.”
He gently took hold of the animal’s front and back legs and hoisted her over his shoulders, her wool coarse against his always-sunburned neck. And though she wasn’t that heavy, the burden weighed down Otec’s shoulders.
Heading back the way he’d come, Otec didn’t bother to call for Freckles—she’d get bored or hungry and come along eventually. Just when he could see the way out of the forest, something warm and runny slid down the left side of his chest. He glanced down to see himself covered in sheep diarrhea.
Otec swore—he was wearing the only shirt he owned, so it wasn’t like he could change. He set the lamb down and jerked his shirt off, careful not to smear any of the excrement on his face. Then he tossed the shirt into a bush. The thing was worn so thin it was nearly useless. Besides, after he spent an entire summer in the mountains, his mother always made him a new shirt.
The shadowy breeze crawled across his skin. Shivering, he took hold of his shepherd’s crook and was about to pick up the lamb again when something out of place caught his eye—a splash of red in a square of sunlight. It was far enough away he could cover it with an outstretched hand.
Squinting through the tangled limbs all around him, Otec automatically quieted his steps and moved at an angle toward the strange shape and color, hoping the lamb he had left behind would remain quiet. As he came closer, the color shifted and he could make out a pair of bent legs clad in black trousers with a bright-red tunic. Strange clothing.
Otec pushed aside some brush and saw a figure bent over something. Even at fifteen strides away, he could see that the face was fine featured with deeply tanned skin, enormous brown eyes, and thick black hair.
He knew two things at once. First, this wasn’t a man as he’d first suspected—but a woman wearing men’s clothing and sporting hair so short it barely touched her ears. And second, she was a foreigner. What was a foreigner doing on the edge of the Shyle forest?
She was close to Otec’s own age of twenty, and she was almost pretty, in a boyish sort of way. But what intrigued him most was how engrossed she was in what she was doing, the tip of her pink tongue rubbing against her bottom lip, and her brows furrowed in concentration.
That concentration stirred something inside him, an uncanny sense of familiarity. Something about the forward bend of her head, the intensity of her gaze, sparked a deep recognition. He shouldn’t be watching her—should be moving the sick lamb to the village, but he couldn’t seem to take his eyes away. Eager to see what she was doing, Otec moved as close as he dared, coming to the edge of the shadows and peering at her from behind a tree.

[MK ( MaKayla) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was really enjoying it despite the gods and goddesses .
Second Part : ⭐⭐
I got really bored . That is all 😂😂 This is quite possibly my worst review ever . 😂🤷

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Of Ice and Snow focuses on the story of Illeyena's (main character of Winter Queen) parents Otec and Matka, and how they were brought together. While this is not my favorite of Amber's books, it is definitely a great little edition to the series.

Otec who we know as a leader of a clan in Winter Queen, is a young man who tends to the sheep of his clan and wanders the wilderness around the village. He is the unimportant son and we come to know him as a man who is insecure around other people, quiet, and enjoys simple pleasures that others would consider idle. I really loved watching him grow into a more confident leader in the face of opposition and to see just where the personality we come to know in Winter Queen comes from. Matka was a surprise for me. I didn't expect to like her as much as I did, but her quiet confidence and sad nature really spoke to me. And I really love how they complimented each other, his insecurity with her confidence and her pessimism with his positive attitude. They were good for each other.

This one is a novella but it's on the longer side, so there is plenty of detail and plenty of plot to be had. Not to mention some really amazing action scenes to get the blood pumping. It was great to get some backstory on just how the fairies worked humans into the plot for a new Winter Queen, though there role in this while resounding is relatively small.

This is only available in the Daring Hearts box set, so grab it now before it is gone for good!

[Violet Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept bouncing back and forth between two stars and three, and decided to round up. Going in I understood this was a novella, and something to kick start a series...

but...

There was something lacking. I could never seem to emotionally connect with the characters and couldn't care when bad things were happening to them. The relationship between the two main characters was rushed but I understood the story needed to move along to get everything crammed into a little novella. Even so, I felt like the roller coaster of betrayal and trust was too much for their week of knowing each other.

in all honesty though, this was novel worthy.

It easily could have gotten lengthened, a longer intro before the war, and I feel like I could have enjoyed it better. Appreciated the characters more. Really felt the betrayal because I would have been rooting for them from the start.

As it is, it just wasn't enough for me.

But, as a side note, Otec (our main man) was such a sweetheart! I liked that he was uncomfortable in front of people only to be forced into a position of leadership. His caring nature but strong sense of protectiveness just made him such a heart softener.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/20/2019)! 🎁

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author, Amber Argyle, for providing me with an electronic copy to review. Right off the bat, I am drawn to the book because of the breathtaking cover art. Striking and haunting at the same time, this cover is mesmerizing and helps to set the mood. Bringing readers back to Ilyenna's parents at their first meeting, Otec and Matka are drawn together under circumstances that neither of them can control. Of Ice and Snow features a fast moving plot with movie worthy fight scenes. As a short novella written to explain the Winter Queen's lineage and backstory, this book is highly successful. Otec's youth and uneasiness at being thrust into a leadership role make him a very endearing character and I enjoyed seeing the softer side of a man who physically strong. Short but packed full of action and adventure, Of Ice and Snow is a fantasy novella that fits in perfectly with the Fairy Queen series.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel novella to the Fairy Queens series, but definitely a must-read and the best place to start!

The first book in the Fairy Queens series, Of Ice and Snow, is actually 0.5, a prequel novella. I personally feel that novellas are a required part of any series and should be included in someone's reading, so I'm happy the books and novellas were just numbered in order 1-7. I wouldn't have known to start here if the first full book was numbered 1 instead, and I would have missed this incredible backstory of Otec and Matka. I'm looking forward to starting Winter Queen right away to see how this prequel novella ties into the rest of the story and whose hero journey it will eventually lead to.

I liked Otec's character. A fourth son of a clan chief, not expected to ever lead the clan, he is allowed to be a solitary shepherd who lives alone in the mountains with his flock half the year. His isolation causes him to be afraid of large crowds or being in the spotlight (but of course he'll have to overcome that since he is the hero of the story and a natural leader, despite his fears and doubts). He is fiercely loyal, especially to his family, and the only thing that makes him lose his temper and ignore his fears is when he is defending them. This quality is essentially what leads him into his journey to become the hero of the story and save everyone! (Come on, that's not a spoiler! Everyone knows that's how this main character thing works.)

I'm hoping we'll learn more about Matka in the rest of the series. She has an interesting backstory that hints at additional characters we will likely see later in the coming books. She was trained as a soldier and a healer and a priestess of the Winter goddess, with an intimate knowledge of fairies and their "tricksy and cruel" ways. I hope we find out more about what she knows of the Fairy Queens, and why she and Otec are so vital to the fairies plans for the future. I can't say any more without spoilers, so I better stop there.

Knowing this was a prequel novella which would be shorter, I think the length and depth of the story was just right. I didn't feel like anything was rushed or underdeveloped, there was enough backstory and world building to get a feel for the setting and basic state of the world. There was just enough character development for me to understand what drives them and keep this story progressing, and still wonder what this teaser will lead to in the next book. Some novellas are too short and cut the story just when it's getting good! This one could be read in just a few hours, and yet the story feels complete and well-rounded for its purposes. Novella well done, thank you! Starting Winter Queen right now...

[Frida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great prequel novella in the Fairy Queens series! I did not fall as much in love with this as with the Of Fire and Ash novella, but it's still very, very good. I really do love this series. A lot.

Review

Of Ice and Snow is the prequel novella to Winter Queen, the first book in the Fairy Queens series, and it tells the story of Ilyenna's parents, Otec and Matka. I haven't actually read Winter Queen yet, but that did not stop me from loving Of Ice and Snow. In other words - you can read the prequel without having read any of the other books in the series. But if you've already read them all, the novella will be a nice little extra and will give more depth to the background story of the series.

Of Ice and Snow starts off a bit slow, and it did take me a bit to get a feel for the story and the main characters, but a few chapters in, I was hooked. The pace picked up and from that point there was nonstop action until the very end, in typical Amber Argyle style. She's amazingly good at writing captivating and unputdownable books.

Though action packed, Of Ice and Snow also has a lot of depth and it will give you a roller coaster ride of emotions. The story of Otec and Matka is truly beautiful, but also heartbreaking. I was crying my eyes out during some parts and just as with Of Fire and Ash and Summer Queen it both broke my heart in a million pieces and made me all warm and fuzzy inside. That's what Argyle does best. She makes you ridiculously happy, and then she crushes your soul. But don't you just love when a book gives you all the feels? I do, for sure.

The story differs from the others as it's told from the male protagonist, Otec's, PoV. It was refreshing since I personally don't read that many books written from a man's PoV. Not because I don't want to, simply becasue most YA books I get my hands on are written from a female PoV. It's always nice with a mixture though and I think Argyle handled the new perspective well. I think Otec had an authentic voice and I liked reading from his PoV. I also think you get an in depth view of the female protagonist, Matka's, life as well even though you never get to read from her perspective. It's all very skillfully done.

What I loved the most with this novella, and probably mostly because I haven't gotten around to reading Winter Queen yet, was that you got a whole new perspective of the conflict in the series. In Of Fire and Ash and Summer Queen, you get the story from the people of Idara’s perspective, and consequently you take their side. What they've been through is awful and you want nothing else than for them to get out of the conflict alive and well. I wouldn't say I hated the Clansmen, but I sure did not think they were very nice people; invading land and murdering people like they were rulers of the world or something. In Of Ice and Snow on the other hand you get the Clansmen’s side of the story and suddenly the roles are reversed. The Idarans are the ones murdering and taking land that isn't theirs. And the Clansmen seem like the nicest people in the world. How I love when you get to see both sides of a conflict and read from the perspective of all the players. Why? Because it really shows how incredibly stupid war is. And always will be. Now my heart breaks for both the Idarans and the Clansmen and I hope the third and final book will make things better for both of them. And that it will be the ending of them fighting each other.

I did not fall as much in love with Of Ice and Snow as I did with the other prequel novella in the series, Of Fire and Ash, but I still think it’s a great novella. It has so many layers and for only being a novella it has a lot of depth and just as much story as a full length book. It’s fast paced, action packed and thoroughly enjoyable. It will have you on the edge of your seat and take you on an emotional roller coaster. I highly recommend it, regardless of if you’ve read Amber Argyle’s other books or not. I’m positive this one will leave you wanting more either way.

[Sara Burr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little book! I was sucked in immediately by the characters, who were rich with personality and absolutely lovable. Amber Argyle had such a way of taking unusual characters, like Otec and his sisters, and making them distinct, lovable, and flawed yet able to find their inner strengths. This makes them jump right out of the book and into my heart.

Otec meets Matka early in the story. He's a clanchief's son, but awkward and overshadowed by his older brothers. She's a foreigner, from a race that he doesn't trust due to war, raiding, and slavery. In spite of these major differences, Otec and Matka quickly develop feelings for one another. The arc of their relationship moves along beautifully, as they race against their enemies, in an attempt to save as many clanswomen as possible from the fate of slavery.

They keep running up against new opposition, each thing more difficult than the last, finally culminating in a very intense fight, and also true and sweet declarations of love between Otec and Matka.

I found the fairy very intriguing and can't wait to learn more about the fairies.

I was surprised the first time the Idarans were referred to as immortals. I didn't realize that about them, and it popped into the narrative at a strange time for me. It think it could have been better placed sooner after they entered the story. But it didn't interfere with the flow of the story.

One thing I've always loved about Argyle's writing is that there doesn't always have to be a clear winner or loser. Nobody leaves battle like that unscathed, and she doesn't tie it up in a neat bow just to give us a happy ending. It's always satisfying, but also unflinchingly realistic.

My favorite quote: "Fear touches all men, it's what you do with that fear that counts."

Another favorite book by one of my all time favorite writers. Bravo.

This audio book was gifted to me in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.

[Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Amber Argyle for giving me this book to review. Of Ice and Snow is part of Daring Hearts compilation, I have not read the rest yet but I hope to soon.

Otec has always been the overlooked son of an overflowing house. When a young woman, Matka, one of the highmen staying in his village, wants to look for a plant, he is happy to help. When he is away, his home is attacked he must find a way to save his family but can he trust Matka as he is not sure if she is friend or foe. Is Otec willing to become the leader he never thought he would be.

I really enjoyed Of Ice and Snow, the prequel novella to Winter Queen as it tells us of how Ilyenna’s parents met. It is fast paced and full of action and Amber wrote from a male POV well.

I really liked Otec as he feels like he is the useless son who is not good enough, but he is brave, kind and very protective of his family. I liked Matka as she is willing to help people she doesn’t really know but I would have liked some chapters from her POV as it would have helped getting to know her better.

I really liked this prequel novella and I hope to read the rest of Daring Hearts soon. I would recommend Of Ice and Snow to fans of Winter Queen or any of Amber Argyle’s other books.

This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been enjoying the Fairy Queen series. This one is about Ilyenna's parents the main character of the first book. Since this is a prequel, you don't even need to know that fact if you haven't read the other books. She doesn't make an appearance in this book, but it is nice to keep in mind for those that have read the series.

I really liked Otec and Matka the main characters. There is a lot of growth for both characters in such a short book. The book is also packed with action and war. The fae in this book make an important appearance but are not the main focus of this book. I think this book establishes how this clan cultivated loyalty and sets the background for the Snow Queen. It isn't necessary to the overall series, but to a fan it is a great addition. It reads as the others do, like a good engaging fantasy.

I give this book 4 stars. I recommend it to those that are already enjoying the series as well as those that like YA Fantasy.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to what looks to be an exciting series. I can't wait to read the other books in the series to see what happens. The story was paced well and I loved the action. In the beginning, it was a little hard for me to get into but once I did I was hooked. I also enjoyed the two main characters Otec and Matka.

[Melissa (missy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was a little slow in the beginning, but once it started to pick up I was instantly drawn into the action. I loved reading their story and it was a great book to start an the series. The twists and turns kept me wondering and guessing

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a rather strange story for me. It moved quite fast and had a lot of emotion in it. It also had a bit of a Viking feeling to it, although I couldn't point to anything specific other than it took place in a very cold climate and the way the villages were set up in clans with clan chiefs (could also be Scottish in nature, but the it just felt Vikingish to me). Anyway, we have a boy who is the youngest son and glad not to ever have to think about being the head of his clan. He is a gentle soul who loves to carve figures out of wood and care for the sheep up on the mountain. We have a girl who is part of a group of people who are camping outside of the clans village. These people say they are running from the Raiders who are trying to take over the Clan Lands. Matkha, the girl, is also more of a gentle soul than she is a warring soul, although she can do that too if she has to, and she loves to draw. While Otek (the boy) is up in the mountains, Matkha becomes friends with Otek's sister Holla, who isn't quite right and Otek has a special place in his heart for her. Well, that is the beginning of the book. There are owls that aren't really owls, and there are people who aren't really who they say they are, and there's lots of warring going on and a whole lot of growing up too.

Amber did a very good job in writing a story that kept me involved without having to use a lot of words to get me to feel like I was in the middle of her story. I like that. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

This was a clean read.

[Kylie Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has the potential to turn into an interesting story, but it isn't there yet. The primary issue is that everything is rushed. We have no time to get to know the characters, only what they think of themselves - we need the chance to see it for ourselves. A person can tell you a hundred times that they are kind, soft-spoken, anxious around strangers, etc, but if in the first few chapters, all you see is them picking a fight with a stranger and hitting on the man's sister, you are not inclined to believe his inner dialogue.

The fight scenes are not well described. The author either doesn't know what a fight or battle is supposed to look like, or isn't good at painting the picture. The exposition doesn't follow the action in any sequence that can be followed - it's like looking at an abstract painting of a battle rather than having a motion picture unfold. I had to reread several sections to figure out what the heck just happened.

If this book was twice as long as it is, there might have been a chance of being able to follow along with all the action and subplots. But the short, abruptness of the story made everything feel forced. Relationships didn't so much as unfold as flop open and stay there. There was no build-up or let-down or struggle. It just was.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth son of a clan leader, Otec is often overlooked by those in his village, and he prefers to spend his time tending sheep in the mountains and whittling wooden figures for the village children. Returning to the village as winter approaches, Otec discovers that all the men have left to fight the Raiders; and the village is full of strangers taking refuge. To pass the time and earn some money, he agrees to take Matka, one of the visitors, to the mountains in search of a rare flower. On their second day out, they are smoke rising from the village. With Maria's help Otec, the overlooked fourth son, must become the leader he never expected to be if he is to save his people.

4 stars for Of Ice and Snow by Argyle.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale was a bit darker than those I usually choose. But it's a well-written prequel and I am likely to try reading the others in the series when I get a chance.
I enjoyed the way the story moved from scene to scene and also how the characters interacted with each other. Their personalities and descriptions were varied and made them easy to imagine.
Mrs. Argyle has created a well-constructed fantasy realm with enough background from the lore of fae to keep me interested and wanting to know more. I think anyone who enjoys sword and sorcery type fantasy, Vikings, and/or the lore of fae would enjoy reading this tale.

[Selaya Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is what I look for in my reading. A simple storyline that developes into so much more. Taking a simple shepherd up to and including his accession to Clan Chief is integral to this novella - which almost reads like a full novel. Also, having a hero rather than the currently ubiquitous heroine makes a huge difference! Trust me: I and my girls don't see ourselves as champions.

I'm going to try to re-take advantage of Amber's free giveaways so that I can assess the validity of her other works. Wishing myself luck: I've tried before.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just barely 2 stars for me. I didn't think it was very well written. The author didn't get me to care much about the characters. I also thought the story was a bit disjointed. It didn't flow well. Actually,I'm surprised by the number of 4 and 5 star ratings this book got.I almost stopped reading this book, but decided to give it a full read. However, I just am not interested in reading any more of the books in the series.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, but was a little disappointed it had absolutely nothing to do with the Snow Queen, which, according to the blurb this story was supposed to be a retelling of.

I like Argyle's description of culture. It was really refreshing to have such thorough world building in a fantasy novel. The characters were brilliant and the plot gripping. All in all, a most engaging and entertaining read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than Expwxted

I had low expectations for this book, but it was a surprisingly quick, fun, light, easy read. Although it is definitely more simplistic than other books in this genre, the quick and easy reading was a nice change. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and author.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

From shepherd and whittler to leading an army against the Raiders - Otec has to take on a responsibility he never expected or wanted. And he is mesmerised by a beautiful stranger who is not what she appears to be. And they both make bargains with fae that they hope never to have to fulfill ... An engrossing tale.

[Joanne H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting storyline good characters. Otec, a clan chieftain who didn't want to be chief. Bringing people together to keep the monster invaders away, but all went array with lots of fighting and killing while losing many members of the clan. Will they win? Good book. I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and fun with war and love

Against the backdrop of a battle for their existence, we follow the budding love story of Otec and Markarian. Nicely written and fairly well edited. The protagonist are people we get to know and care about their future. And all of this occurs with the backdrop of a fairy plot.

[Lauree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished "Of Ice and Snow"- and I want to praise the author's ability to allow you to read descriptions that simultaneously paint the image in your minds eye. I like to read a book before I give it to my granddaughter to make sure its appropriate, and I have no problem recommending this author for her young adult fiction.

[Joey Hickner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it’s a short story

Maybe I missed a memo somewhere. Or maybe my kindle malfunctioned. I thought I was settling in for a book that would be several hours of reading but it was more like a single chapter. The chapter was good, but I guess I’ll have to investigate to find the rest of the story.

[Nereid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read and I enjoy reading stories of fairies, elves and supernatural beings. This novella has lots of action and adventure and a little bit of romance thrown in. Definitely a page turner and although I do prefer full length stories I will be reading more in this series.

[George Pettus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well thought out before putting pen to paper so to speak. to

Was very interesting method of putting the story in a different light. Will be interested to see if the others are as good as this one.

[Pinkpigg33 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was part of my light summer reading. I didn't know anything about this book going into it. I enjoyed it. It was apparently a novella that is set before a series. I enjoyed the story and it was a quick read. Made me think of YA fiction that is fantasy and a civil war.