Songs of Snow

by L.J. Thomas

Banned magic. An ambitious huntress. A reluctant sorceress. A kingdom at stake.

Kata dreams of a life of wealth and glory, eradicating magic from her kingdom by hunting mythical beings. But when she finds a rare winged unicorn in the woods and fails to kill it, she’s unwillingly swept off to a mountain sanctuary for the very prey she longs to hunt.

Across the sea, Elín loves her simple farm life and is far too practical to believe in magic. When bounty hunters descend on her farm, believing Elín to be the last remaining snow sorceress, she’s forced to flee with a mysterious stranger. If she wants to survive to see her home again, she must travel to the shadowy ends of her world, find a lost book of spells, and learn to wield her newfound icy powers.

When they meet at the mountain sanctuary, Elín and Kata learn of an unexpected tether between them. Elín is eager to work together to reclaim the refugees’ homes—and her own—by defeating the king who banned magic. But there's a hefty bounty on Elín's life, and this is Kata’s chance to fulfill all her dearest-held dreams…

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

285 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2024

About the author

L.J. Thomas is a writer of speculative fiction. A native of South Dakota, she now lives in Minnesota with her husband and adopted dog. She works as an engineer by day and writes by night. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, reading, and daydreaming about other worlds.

Reviews

[Sara Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The journey of two sisters, inspired in the Iceland folklore. Elif, the "witch" of snow and storm, and Kata, the hunterss that can talk with magical creatures, were separete most of their lives but will fight for protect the magic. I like the romance sob plot two, Elif and Ty were sweet together.

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

It's the middle of summer, and I was desperate for something colder and cozier. This book was all that and more. A new to me author, but based on this story, I need all the rest of her novels. LJ's writing of both the setting and the characters is extremely immersive. She took her inspiration from Icelandic folklore, which I know nothing about, but I so want to know more based on this book. This book may be YA, but it had some harder themes and complex characters whose development was perfection. Elin and Kata didn't start out as the perfect heroes. They weren't powerful or truly anything special. As the story and plot developed, so did they and their powers. Elin is the Witch of Storm and Snow and Kata the Huntress. Their powers are so different, but both unique and special to each of them. Their gifts fit them perfectly. The only reason it's not a perfect 5 star is the descripency on how Elin was raised and how she adapted. She supposedly was super sheltered and isolated, yet throughout the book, she was able to overcome every challenge easily and adapt to an ever changing environment. It didn't work for her particular character. Otherwise. Book is perfection in every single way ❤️

[M.E. Aster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Songs of Snow was a book I think I would have adored as a fourteen year old but as much as I hate to say it I couldn’t get myself as immersed in the story as I wanted to be.

This book has a unique premise of a world with no magic left until one girl finds out she might be able to wield the power of snow and ice. With this discovery she is introduced to a secret world of magic hidden away from the king who thought he destroyed all magic long ago.

I don’t have anything negative to say about this book although I wasn’t able to finish it. The writing was concise and polished. The characters were interesting and the plot was good. But sometimes a story just doesn’t click and I’ve learned not to force myself to finish something that I am not into.

Overall I think this book will be a YA fantasy favorite. If I had found it in my early teens I would have devoured it I’m sure.

[Magdalena 'Madzia' Metzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully heartfelt wintry fantasy brimming with nordic folklore and a magic all its own.

🏔️ If you are a northerner with frost in your veins, then this nordic ya fantasy will be your next favorite read..

..or if you simply enjoy trekking on wintry adventures such as in:

❄️ Hunted by Meagan Spooner
❄️ East by Edith pattou

..and enjoys books with vibes like:

❄️ The Last Unicorn
❄️ Frozen II

🏔️...then this book deserves a permanent place on your bookshelf! It has all the best elements of traditional european fairytales & icelandic lore.

❄️ LJ Thomas has a lyrical storytelling voice that expertly illustrates a world that is both at once hauntingly familiar as if you've visited there before, while also being shrouded in mystery, drawing you deeply into her world painted from nordic myths & folklore.

🏔️ Elín is content to live her life in the secluded mountain village where she grew up but when two strangers arrive at her quiet farm insisting she is the last Storm Singer, they bring with them winds of change that propel her into the journey of a lifetime, unraveling long lost secrets and discovering family bonds she thought were lost forever.

❄️ I loved the dual point of view between Elín and Kata, watching them slowly come closer to the truth while unknowingly working their way closer to each other. When their worlds finally collide, it shatters everything they thought they knew about themselves and the world around them.

🏔️ The romance between Elín and Tyr is very sweet and full of longing, not to mention long-suffering. Their slow dance between love or duty will keep you turning those pages long into the night in anticipation.

❄️ This beautiful coming of age story has been lovingly crafted and intricately researched, you can tell LJ Thomas poured her heart and soul into this story.

🏔️ The world inside Songs of Snow was comforting, enchanting, deeply thoughtful, and so all-encompassing that it is one I plan to return to every winter season, so I can embark on this journey with Elin & Kata while the wind howls against the windowpanes, and you can imagine a world where there are still Storm Singers.

I received this as an ARC, but all opinions are my own.Thank you BookSirens and LJ Thomas @ljthomasbooks !

I loved this book & give it:

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Songs of Snow is a story about two sisters who not only find each other, but find out who they are along the way. One a reluctant sorceress and the other a determined bounty huntress.

There is a lot to love about this book! I enjoyed both POVs, but loved Elín's chapters just a bit more. Both characters were well developed with their own goals and motivations. I loved the plot and the pacing as well. This book is perfect for those who love fantasy but prefer not to read a long epic tale. It was an easy read, partly because the story pulls you in. I loved the hints of romance throughout and really liked how it was secondary to the sister's journeys. This would be a great read for the younger side of young adult which is refreshing! My 16 year old is reading it now as well.

Another great read from L.J. Thomas!

Thanks to BookSirens for a free eArc. I left this review voluntarily (and also after I bought and read the paperback once released).

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come ❄️

(FINAL REVIEW:)

This was a lovely lower YA fantasy inspired by Icelandic folklore. It gave me the same vibes that East by Edith Patou did when I first read it as a 13 year old, and if this had been around then, I would’ve gobbled it up. 💙

The story follows two POVs: Elín and Kata. I found myself enjoying Elín a bit more than Kata mostly due to her plot feeling a bit more fulfilled. I liked her slow embrace of her powers and the slow burn attraction to Týr. Kata is a huntress who grew up with preconceived notions of what magical creatures are like. Even though she’s still young and naive, I felt like she flipped a lot from, maybe these creatures aren’t too bad to I need to take as many out as I can for money and it just really annoyed me after a while. 🏹

As much as I loved the inclusion of Icelandic and other European folklore, I did feel like the characters (Elín and Týr included) flipped back and forth too much from “we can do this!” to “I’ve failed epically” and that just brought the mood down for me; along with this, I did feel like the pacing felt either too fast or just a bit too slow here and there. And I’m going to chock this up to being near my 30’s, but the sudden “let’s get married” by two just-barely-teenagers felt really weird to read. Maybe as a preteen I wouldn’t have cared, but at my stage in life, my darlings . . . What the heck? 😐

All in all, despite these little things that got to me here and there, I still enjoyed reading it. Would definitely recommend going into this expecting younger YA fantasy though. 📖

Big thank you goes to the author and BookSirens for letting me part of the review team this late in the game. 🫶🏼

Publication date: June 11!

Overall: settling on a 3.5/5 ⭐️

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Songs of Snow and think is well written for a YA or teen audience.

Pros:
1. Immersive Story: From the very beginning, the narrative grips readers, pulling them into a world teeming with magic, danger, and intrigue.
2. Unique Mythical Creatures: Inspired by Icelandic folklore, the book introduces lesser-known beings like Huldufólk and nykur. Their presence added new depth and authenticity to the fantasy realm and a refreshing take that kept the story feeling interesting.
3. Character Development: Elín and Kata aren’t instantly powerful; instead, we witness their growth and transformation throughout the book. Their vulnerabilities make them much more relatable.
4. Dual Perspectives: The alternating viewpoints between Elín and Kata mean readers get to experience the story from two different angles and both characters have quite different perspectives. I enjoyed the exploration of the heroines’ lives, motivations, and fears.

Cons:
1. Grief Theme: Elín’s early experiences with loss are poignant, but unfortunately, this emotional depth doesn’t consistently carry through later chapters.
2. Adaptation: Elín, raised in an isolated village, adapts too easily to her adventures, which for me contradicts her initial characterisation.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Book Sirens for a free e-ARC of this book!

I had such a fun time reading this wintery fantasy tale of magic, adventure, and growing up. It’s such a fun, spellbinding story, and I’m so excited to see it on shelves soon!

LJ Thomas is a master of beautifully lyrical writing, and this latest book from her does not disappoint! I will also always be a fan of dual POV, and I absolutely love our two main characters, Kata and Elín. This is very much a book about two young women growing up, learning the truths of their pasts, facing hard questions in their present, and deciding how to steer their own futures, and they both have secret inner strengths that they’ve never tapped into before and explore over the course of the book. Watching them grow into their own is a joy!

One of my favorite things about this world and world building was the magic system, which just feels like it fits so well with Icelandic myth and folklore, and is so reminiscent of classic fairytales and folklore in the best way. There's also some delightful and heartwarming romance (another favorite of mine!).

If you're a fan of the the fairytale elements of the "Snow Queen," the wintry atmosphere of Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver and the YA mythology retellings being published by Rick Riordan’s imprint, this will be the perfect addition to your shelf!

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fascinating fantasy novel, readers join Kata, the daughter of the king’s Royal Huntsman and a skilled huntress in her own right, and Elin, who grew up in the countryside with her mother and grandmother. Fate and the magical powers of this world, however, have more in store for these two young women, and their paths will cross with others who seek to change the state of affairs and the persecution of magic users and magical creatures in the kingdom. With a fascinating magic system drawing inspiration from Norse mythology, magic, and other systems from around the world, Thomas’s world is complex and fascinating, and the magic system is enjoyable and uniquely situated in the mythology and environment which Kata and Elin live in. Readers will definitely enjoy the characters; Elin, Kata, and the other complex, well-developed, and dynamic characters in this novel are the heart of the story, and they undergo changes and challenges throughout the book. An excellent book with a fascinating magical system, this novel fits as both a stand-alone novel and the potential first book in a series that further explores this beautifully complex fantasy setting. Thomas’s prose, descriptions, and dialogue are well-written and fantastically descriptive, really bringing this book, the characters, and this world to life.

Thanks to BookSirens and Forestedge Press for the advance copy.

[Ranti Oyebode · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down

Songs of Snow is a fantasy book about two girls: one is the last remaining snow sorceress, and the other is a huntress who dreams of hunting magical creatures.

I found this book to be a really quick read that wasn't overly complicated (I didn't think much). I enjoyed both our main characters. I especially liked how they had very opposing personalities. It is a dual-pov book and even without the heading saying whose perspective it was from, I was able to tell who was talking. While I liked the book, I did feel like it wasn't very young adult—more middle grade. Just the way some topics weren't out right said and the very nice, neat ending felt like it was for younger kids. There also wasn't that much violence, which isn't a problem, but I personally can be a little blood thirsty, and this was marketed as Norse mythology. I wish some of the love interests backgrounds and personalities were expanded on more, but it didn't really hurt the book as there relationships didn't feel to rushed and they had chemistry. All in all a decent book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ken Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have liked this to be more of a viking adventure but it was more of a fantasy than a viking tale. In fantasies everything turns out as you'd expect and viking tales it would be more like noir. It seemed to go like you'd expect it to go but with some revisions in the happy ending. Elin was a Stormsinger and this was an about how she would get back her Kingdom for all the people who had magic. But her grandmother dies and then she is approached by two men one that gets killed and one that takes her to safety. Meanwhile, her sister, Kata is a huntswoman, not know to Elin, and she is taken on a trip by a alicorn to make her aware what she is to contribute to the mix. It's and adventure that any good fantasy reader would like to finish. It's a very good story for adventure seekers.

[Briant Farnsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book. I wasn't sure at first as the main characters seemed to linger too long in obstinance. But the story was captivating to get me through that, and as it went along, the various moral dilemmas they faced throughout the story felt genuine and serious. They were not simply contrived or easily passed through, and that made the story that much more interesting. Nearing the end, I couldn't figure out how the book could wrap up without going into sequels or trilogies, but it tied together the loose ends very well, and was a satisfying read. I almost wished it were a trilogy, as it'd be fun to continue along the adventures of these characters. By adding not only nordic/icelandic myths and legends, but also creating her own, the author really added depth and texture to the book, which I loved.

Definitely a recommendation - worth your time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This uses the Viking Age fantasy element in a way that was unique and had that fantasy element that I was expecting. I enjoyed the idea of the use of banned magic and thought the overall magical element in this world worked overall. The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall story of this. It had that adventure element perfectly and I was hooked from the first page. I thought L.J. Thomas wrote this perfectly and was glad I got to read this. It uses the Icelandic mythology in a way that was unique and glad I got to read this.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and LJ Thomas for the free e-ARC!

Between Songs of Snow and The Bloody Key: A Bluebeard Retelling, LJ Thomas has now cemented herself as the fairy godmother of complicated sister relationships.

Songs of Snow is a Viking Age-inspired YA fantasy — it follows two sisters, Kata and Elín, who are discovering new things about their family and their own power. I really loved seeing each character come into her own individually, then also grow together as sisters.

The whole book is meticulously, lovingly researched, and Thomas strikes a perfect balance between weaving her own fantasy elements in with established Icelandic folklore. The prose is vivid and lush, and I found myself completely transported to the Scandinavian forests and tundras.

If you enjoyed Genevieve Gornichec’s The Weaver and the Witch Queen but wish it’d had more of a YA vibe, definitely add Songs of Snow to your TBR!

I give it five snowflakes!
❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enchanting book - literally! Filled with great female lead characters like Elin and Kata, as well mythical creatures who somehow seem believable. LJ Thomas weaves a storyline that kept me turning the pages, as well as highlighting some thoughts like "she grew older and learned that such things were impossible, that magic did not exist". Perhaps my adult self needs to unlearn some things right along with Elin… and maybe believe in magic again! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written book!

[G.W. Prouse]

Thank you for a chance to read the ARC of Songs of Snow.

LJ did a wonderful job of creating a lush world, introducing two heroines who are strong in their own way, as well as how they dealt with the challenges of having their worlds turn upside down. This is a story about growth, changes, and discovering who you are at your core when things aren’t going your way.

The fairytale creatures, magic system, and vivid world was interwoven with lore and stories that took this book to the next level. It was the perfect read to cozy up with this summer to stay cool.

[Mihoshi Morningstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore fantasy based on folklore so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. Thomas's prose is somehow both concise and lyrical. Reading this absolutely inspires me to learn more about Icelandic folklore.

I enjoyed the character development both Elin and Kata experienced and loved how their power suited them.

I could gush forever, but I don't want to spoil this story for those who have yet to experience it for themselves.

I received a free copy from BookSirens in exchange for my honest thoughts

[Amanda Huffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll love this book if you love the magic element in Disney’s Frozen & Frozen II.

The author does a wonderful job world building with Norse mythology while balancing the two back stories of Elin & Kata. There’s a hint of romance and it’s a great fast-paced read full of adventure on an epic journey.

Perfect for both teens & early adult fantasy lovers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Escape_withStephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
I loved this book so much, it went beyond every expectation. Plot twists were way much and i never saw the ending coming. if you love a good fantasy with a sprinkle of suspense and romance you would love this.

[Kimberly Lodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was easy to jump into Elin and Kata’s lives and become invested in their journeys. The two girls have unique but relatable challenges. The dual POV was still dynamic and tied together well. The Icelandic inspired world developed naturally throughout the story. I would love to see a sequel.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free review copy of this book.
I liked the interactions between the girls as they grow closer. The romantic elements felt natural, and not shoehorned in. Meeting all the different magical creatures was a treat!

[Vanessa Waller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very unexpected, enjoyed all the magical creatures and the “quest”. Definitely kept me interested and wondering what was going to happen next. Kata and Elin both grew into great characters throughout the story. Definitely worth the read.

[Michelle Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining fantasy that transported me to an icy world. It's one of the YA books I've read that is actually clean, and my ten year old son also really enjoyed it and is waiting for the sequel (as am I)!

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought the characters were very well developed and the world building excellent. There were a few twists I didn't see coming, but they worked well with the story. I definitely recommend this book.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won my copy via Goodreads giveaway! Post read review coming soon!

[Barry Bryson]

L.J.Thomas thank you very much for the novel you just sent me. I'll get right to reading it.

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Come

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up — I'm probably not the market for this but assume others might be.

[Blanche Maze · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and creative story

- I would like to thank the author for the eARC -

Kata is a Huntress: she hunts mythical creatures to save her kingdom from magic. But when she fails to kill a unicorn, she is stolen away to a sancrtuary, surrounded by her preys. Elín lives on a little farm and doesn't believe in magic. Until bounty hunters come looking for her: the last remaining snow sorceress. Forced to flee with a stranger, she has to travel with him to find a book of spells and try to save her life and her world.

I really enjoyed this book. It's a very beautiful YA story about two sisters torn apart by fate. The magic in the world was really interesting, and I loved the Nordic legends inspiration and how the author implemented it in the story, all the while making it her own. Both characters are well-written and the fact that they were brought up to believe in very different things makes for an intriguing confrontation of beliefs that was very interesting to follow as well. The plot is gripping and very well-paced, making it easy to understand the characters and what's going on. I loved the twists and turns that kept me on the edge and the romance subplots were cute and inspiring as well. All in all, a very nice and unique read.

I recommend if you like YA fantasy!

"She was ready for it this time, but that didn’t make it any less powerful."

TW: violence, genocide, death, murder, war, execution, emprisonment, abuse, assault

[Jeanette Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful Nordic fairytale.

The beginning of the book feels serene. In a small village, there are a few strides to the nearest neighbour and a white horse named Cloud (sky = cloud in Norwegian).

Then, the action starts. Elín has a legacy that she does not know much about, waving away her grandmothers’ ramblings about songs of snow.

She has a choice, die now, or run away with the cute stranger towards a quest. A rather big quest, there are many that needs saving from the evil.

And that is when I get that ‘homesick’ feeling. Although I am not homesick in the sense of longing back to Norway, it's more like a calmness of the woods. Most of the book is about our heroine, still, this is the part that made me feel at home.

Walking in the snowy forests like the sky has fallen down. Even though folklore is not always cosy, this feels cosy. I see the creatures of nature when they all hang around at a makeshift market in the forest before they get a whiff of humans and scatter to their hiding places for us not to know they exist.