What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kingdom of Crows #4
House of Burning Frost
FAKE AN ENGAGEMENT TO THE ICE KING TO TRAP AN ENEMY.
END THE SHAM BETROTHAL ONCE THE FOE IS CAUGHT.
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
If I were mortal, the epitaph on my tombstone would read: ‘Here lies Isla Ríhbiadh, cherished daughter of Fallon and Lorcan, crown princess of Luce, and blunderer like no other.’ Luckily, I’m an immortal shifter sorceress, so my countless slipups haven’t resulted in my untimely demise. Yet.
When my latest blunder lands me in the steam chamber of a very naked and very irritable Faerie king, I worry the pointy-eared Glacin will dispose of my body under six feet of solid ice. Instead, he suggests we get married.
Our betrothal is purely strategic, meant only to trap King Konstantin’s shifter-hating enemies. He’s uninterested in finding love, and I’m uninterested in falling for a man who isn’t my mate. It's fool-proof.
Obviously, I’m a fool for thinking this, since nothing I ever do goes right.
What starts as a friendly ruse soon turns into a perilous game. One that blurs the line between scheming and desire. Between childhood fantasies and adult realities. Between the Ice King and me.
House of Burning Frost is a tale of peril, passion, and the power of love to transcend the confines of fate.
*This spicy standalone romantasy can be read without reading books 1-4, but, for more enjoyment, it's suggested to read the prior books.
END THE SHAM BETROTHAL ONCE THE FOE IS CAUGHT.
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
If I were mortal, the epitaph on my tombstone would read: ‘Here lies Isla Ríhbiadh, cherished daughter of Fallon and Lorcan, crown princess of Luce, and blunderer like no other.’ Luckily, I’m an immortal shifter sorceress, so my countless slipups haven’t resulted in my untimely demise. Yet.
When my latest blunder lands me in the steam chamber of a very naked and very irritable Faerie king, I worry the pointy-eared Glacin will dispose of my body under six feet of solid ice. Instead, he suggests we get married.
Our betrothal is purely strategic, meant only to trap King Konstantin’s shifter-hating enemies. He’s uninterested in finding love, and I’m uninterested in falling for a man who isn’t my mate. It's fool-proof.
Obviously, I’m a fool for thinking this, since nothing I ever do goes right.
What starts as a friendly ruse soon turns into a perilous game. One that blurs the line between scheming and desire. Between childhood fantasies and adult realities. Between the Ice King and me.
House of Burning Frost is a tale of peril, passion, and the power of love to transcend the confines of fate.
*This spicy standalone romantasy can be read without reading books 1-4, but, for more enjoyment, it's suggested to read the prior books.
579 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2025
693 people are currently reading
16635 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Wildenstein
46 books5,206 followersOlivia is a USA Today best-selling author of romantasy. When she’s not swooning over her characters’ steamy escapades, or plotting their demise, you can find her sipping wine and crafting her next twisted, romantic masterpiece, all while trying to convince her children and leading man that she loves them more than her laptop.
Ready to fall in love? Sign up to her Newsletter to claim your FREEBIE: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hmniv0406r
WEBSITE: http://oliviawildenstein.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/olives21/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@owildwrites
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Olivi...
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/olivi...
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Olivia-Wildens...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OWildWrites
Ready to fall in love? Sign up to her Newsletter to claim your FREEBIE: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hmniv0406r
WEBSITE: http://oliviawildenstein.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/olives21/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@owildwrites
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Olivi...
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/olivi...
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Olivia-Wildens...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OWildWrites
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
February 24, 2025
So bittersweet to say goodbye to my Crows… 🥺
April 21, 2025
I enjoyed this story wholeheartedly 🥰.
Our new hero Isla was my liking. She got the sass and confidence. We didn't have to dwell on how she could not do this or that. She got weaknesses but she still was resourceful. No self-pity dwelling (which I hate). Only I did not find her very logical with her goals to be liked as a crow in former enemy territory. Why start rumours of vicious crows or being absolutely menace in politics situations? Yes it is mentioned she is immature but when it is plainly explained as immaturity or just weird humour and then glossed under rug I'm like why? Just ruffle some feathers?
Anyway the banter between FMC and MMC was mostly pure joy to read and I could pick up almost immediately that Konstantin (the MMC) fell first. His manners which Isla did seem to pick up as disgust were so obvious. That leads us the other bone I need to pick. I could see pretty easily of MMCs endearment but FMCs? To me it was pretty non existent. Yes she mentions he's handsome etc but actually interested in him? Did not pick that up . It was not told or shown very well considering we are mostly reading on Islas POV.
The plot itself was nice and paced with enough action and happenings to keep me engaged to story.
All in all loved this book 🥰
One thing I wish would have been some kind of family tree or mentioned who is who. Even when I have read previous book I could not remember all the characters and when you mix them with their name, titles, nicknames and 3 different languages... It's a mess. For example there is Daya but she can also be Danaya (?), madhi, serpent, taytay, craytay or craycray..? And whos spouse she is? Jayjay? Seanair? Sea and air?
*Insert meme where woman tries to calculate all those math problems while being confused*
Our new hero Isla was my liking. She got the sass and confidence. We didn't have to dwell on how she could not do this or that. She got weaknesses but she still was resourceful. No self-pity dwelling (which I hate). Only I did not find her very logical with her goals to be liked as a crow in former enemy territory. Why start rumours of vicious crows or being absolutely menace in politics situations? Yes it is mentioned she is immature but when it is plainly explained as immaturity or just weird humour and then glossed under rug I'm like why? Just ruffle some feathers?
Anyway the banter between FMC and MMC was mostly pure joy to read and I could pick up almost immediately that Konstantin (the MMC) fell first. His manners which Isla did seem to pick up as disgust were so obvious. That leads us the other bone I need to pick. I could see pretty easily of MMCs endearment but FMCs? To me it was pretty non existent. Yes she mentions he's handsome etc but actually interested in him? Did not pick that up . It was not told or shown very well considering we are mostly reading on Islas POV.
The plot itself was nice and paced with enough action and happenings to keep me engaged to story.
All in all loved this book 🥰
One thing I wish would have been some kind of family tree or mentioned who is who. Even when I have read previous book I could not remember all the characters and when you mix them with their name, titles, nicknames and 3 different languages... It's a mess. For example there is Daya but she can also be Danaya (?), madhi, serpent, taytay, craytay or craycray..? And whos spouse she is? Jayjay? Seanair? Sea and air?
*Insert meme where woman tries to calculate all those math problems while being confused*
March 7, 2025
2.5 rounded up for me. This was probably the worst book of the series unfortunately. Followed closely by #2 in the series.
It felt like it should’ve been a Rom-Com novella but very drawn out was made into an entire book. The characters were comical and predictable and honesly I couldn’t remember who was who or who was who’s child now for some of them.
The romance felt like a Hallmark channel let’s pretend we are engaged to uncover this great prophecy mystery and then suddenly there was this insta lust that they both immediately succumbed to and whole lot of obvious signals going over their head that clearly everyone else including the reader know.
The mystery plot felt like a scooby doo mystery complete with an unmasking in the end.
“Darn and I woulda gotten away with it if it wasnmt for you kids!” Ok they didn’t say that but they could’ve.
I did love this series and I probably would’ve read anything to see how they were all doing but it just fell really flat for me. If I didn’t love the series and the author I would give it a 2, but because I don’t actually regret reading it it’s a 2.5 rounded up.
It just felt rushed, cheesy and the characters and plot felt incredibly flat. It had me questioning if the writing in the other books I loved so much that I bought the whole set was as juvenile and bad as this and maybe I was crazy to like them so much last year?
It felt like it should’ve been a Rom-Com novella but very drawn out was made into an entire book. The characters were comical and predictable and honesly I couldn’t remember who was who or who was who’s child now for some of them.
The romance felt like a Hallmark channel let’s pretend we are engaged to uncover this great prophecy mystery and then suddenly there was this insta lust that they both immediately succumbed to and whole lot of obvious signals going over their head that clearly everyone else including the reader know.
The mystery plot felt like a scooby doo mystery complete with an unmasking in the end.
“Darn and I woulda gotten away with it if it wasnmt for you kids!” Ok they didn’t say that but they could’ve.
I did love this series and I probably would’ve read anything to see how they were all doing but it just fell really flat for me. If I didn’t love the series and the author I would give it a 2, but because I don’t actually regret reading it it’s a 2.5 rounded up.
It just felt rushed, cheesy and the characters and plot felt incredibly flat. It had me questioning if the writing in the other books I loved so much that I bought the whole set was as juvenile and bad as this and maybe I was crazy to like them so much last year?
June 9, 2025
I'd rate it higher but the amount of TikTok speak that's made it into this fantasy book is just off-putting. And honestly the amount of nicknames for people made it hard to follow who they meant, I imagine it would make more sense if you had just finished reading the previous books rather than having been away from the series for months
March 3, 2025
I wish there was a family tree at the beginning. It has been a while since I read the others and I struggled to remember the family connections.
This book fell flat for me. Had good potential but didn’t care for the big bad and feel like their feelings for each other took a 180.
This book fell flat for me. Had good potential but didn’t care for the big bad and feel like their feelings for each other took a 180.
March 16, 2025
KLAPPENTEXT:
FAKE AN ENGAGEMENT TO THE ICE KING TO TRAP AN ENEMY.
END THE SHAM BETROTHAL ONCE THE FOE IS CAUGHT.
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
If I were mortal, the epitaph on my tombstone would read: ‘Here lies Isla Ríhbiadh, cherished daughter of Fallon and Lorcan, crown princess of Luce, and blunderer like no other.’ Luckily, I’m an immortal shifter sorceress, so my countless slipups haven’t resulted in my untimely demise. Yet.
When my latest blunder lands me in the steam chamber of a very naked and very irritable Faerie king, I worry the pointy-eared Glacin will dispose of my body under six feet of solid ice. Instead, he suggests we get married.
Our betrothal is purely strategic, meant only to trap King Konstantin’s shifter-hating enemies. He’s uninterested in finding love, and I’m uninterested in falling for a man who isn’t my mate. A fool-proof alliance.
Obviously, I’m a fool for thinking this, since nothing I ever do goes right.
What starts as a friendly ruse soon turns into a perilous game. One that blurs the line between scheming and desire. Between childhood fantasies and adult realities.
Between the Ice King and me.
MEINUNG:
Hab nun die komplette Raben-Reihe fertig. Die Geschichte dieses Bandes ist 20 Jahre später. Das wird dem Leser schnell bewusst. In 20 Jahren passiert aber viel. Es gibt viele neue Charaktere und ohne Stammbaum war es für mich schwer, zu rekonstruieren, wer zu wem gehört :)
Nichts desto trotz ist es einer der besten Teile dieser Reihe. Sehr viel Humor, bereits in den ersten Kapitel. Zwar war mir das HappyEnd definitiv zu schnulzig, aber es gab zumindest eins.
FAKE AN ENGAGEMENT TO THE ICE KING TO TRAP AN ENEMY.
END THE SHAM BETROTHAL ONCE THE FOE IS CAUGHT.
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
If I were mortal, the epitaph on my tombstone would read: ‘Here lies Isla Ríhbiadh, cherished daughter of Fallon and Lorcan, crown princess of Luce, and blunderer like no other.’ Luckily, I’m an immortal shifter sorceress, so my countless slipups haven’t resulted in my untimely demise. Yet.
When my latest blunder lands me in the steam chamber of a very naked and very irritable Faerie king, I worry the pointy-eared Glacin will dispose of my body under six feet of solid ice. Instead, he suggests we get married.
Our betrothal is purely strategic, meant only to trap King Konstantin’s shifter-hating enemies. He’s uninterested in finding love, and I’m uninterested in falling for a man who isn’t my mate. A fool-proof alliance.
Obviously, I’m a fool for thinking this, since nothing I ever do goes right.
What starts as a friendly ruse soon turns into a perilous game. One that blurs the line between scheming and desire. Between childhood fantasies and adult realities.
Between the Ice King and me.
MEINUNG:
Hab nun die komplette Raben-Reihe fertig. Die Geschichte dieses Bandes ist 20 Jahre später. Das wird dem Leser schnell bewusst. In 20 Jahren passiert aber viel. Es gibt viele neue Charaktere und ohne Stammbaum war es für mich schwer, zu rekonstruieren, wer zu wem gehört :)
Nichts desto trotz ist es einer der besten Teile dieser Reihe. Sehr viel Humor, bereits in den ersten Kapitel. Zwar war mir das HappyEnd definitiv zu schnulzig, aber es gab zumindest eins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
I am honestly super confused about Olivia’s choices. SPOILER-ish. No actually info just general concepts.
The bad guys in this one are revolutionaries who want equity for the humans. In the first books Fallon is also very big into the concept. The crows live in a socialist society of sorts. And I vaguely remember there being negative talk about the idea of monarchies.
Yet in this book the people fighting for equity are bad, though they are quite violent in their methods. Still there was a lot of opportunity that Olivia didn’t take. The bad guy at one point says to the MMC that X is the problem. He explains how he fixed it and she explain how he didn’t really. Then it’s never addressed again.
I really thought she would take the last chapter to talk about all the governmental changes and how they decided to abolish the monarchy or SOMETHING. Instead the last chapter just goes on and on about an insanely expensive diamond necklace that the FMC gets. The cost of which could probably fix a lot of the issues in the human lands. So I just really don’t understand Olivia’s choices. Have her opinions changed or did she decide to make this one less political but only at the end. I’m just confused.
The bad guys in this one are revolutionaries who want equity for the humans. In the first books Fallon is also very big into the concept. The crows live in a socialist society of sorts. And I vaguely remember there being negative talk about the idea of monarchies.
Yet in this book the people fighting for equity are bad, though they are quite violent in their methods. Still there was a lot of opportunity that Olivia didn’t take. The bad guy at one point says to the MMC that X is the problem. He explains how he fixed it and she explain how he didn’t really. Then it’s never addressed again.
I really thought she would take the last chapter to talk about all the governmental changes and how they decided to abolish the monarchy or SOMETHING. Instead the last chapter just goes on and on about an insanely expensive diamond necklace that the FMC gets. The cost of which could probably fix a lot of the issues in the human lands. So I just really don’t understand Olivia’s choices. Have her opinions changed or did she decide to make this one less political but only at the end. I’m just confused.
March 1, 2025
It’s been a good ride but it’s time for this series to retire. The one off books feel hasty and crammed. Still enjoyable reads but lacking the suspense.
March 4, 2025
House of Burning Frost was a steamy romantasy that was impossible to put down. With the most fabulous slow burn, sexual tension that was palpable, and moments that had me laughing out loud, I fell madly in love with this book. Mystery swirled within these pages, so I was always nervous for what would come next. With bargains, traitors, love, secrets, and friendship laced throughout this story, this book went straight onto my favorites list!
Isla was someone I absolutely adored. She could be so brave and fierce, yet she could be uncertain and struggled at times with her blood casting. So when Isla had the most memorable meet cute with King Konstantin, I was nervous for her. They started off on the wrong foot, even if they had this beautiful chemistry between them. Yet with tension thrumming, I was waiting for the fireworks to explode.
Konstantin had me from the moment he met Isla. He was charismatic, fair, protective, and logical. And when we got his point of view a little farther into the story, I was screaming! His thoughts…..oh you wouldn’t realize what they were underneath his icy facade. His country was in turmoil, and there was so much unrest, so we got to see how much he struggled with all that was on his plate. But we also got to see his thoughts towards Isla. And I absolutely loved them!
Watching Isla and Konstantin work together and try to find trust was so much fun! Especially when you throw a marriage of convenience on top of it. The fact that there was some animosity there, while they were pretending to be engaged, will keep you smiling. Their banter was fabulous and I loved how they messed with each other! At times it felt like they were going to explode. So with rejection, hope, and the kindling of more, I fell right along with them!
While this book can definitely be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend reading the previous 4 books enough. You get to watch Isla’s parents fight for their happily ever after, and there’s so many characters from the past who make an appearance in this story. So I was cackling with delight each time a new one would appear haha. Also, the political intrigue kept us on our toes! With the mingling of fae, shifters, and humans, there was still a lot of tension and discrimination. The way it played into the storyline definitely kept me surprised!
House of Burning Frost was a forced proximity, marriage of convenience that will keep you smiling from that first page to the last. And this steamy romantasy made me cry all the tears! Along with screaming with laughter too. I think this is definitely Wildenstein’s funniest books. So with the most fabulous ending ever, and getting to see so many favorites, I closed this book so happy! If you love romantasy, definitely add this one to your tbr!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
“Define little spell.”
“I could chop the tip off one of your fingers. I’d grow it back immediately.” His lips remain crooked.
“Tempting.”
Isla was someone I absolutely adored. She could be so brave and fierce, yet she could be uncertain and struggled at times with her blood casting. So when Isla had the most memorable meet cute with King Konstantin, I was nervous for her. They started off on the wrong foot, even if they had this beautiful chemistry between them. Yet with tension thrumming, I was waiting for the fireworks to explode.
When he lowers his hand, amusement has softened his own expression. “You will end up being the death of me, Miss Ríhbiadh.”
Konstantin had me from the moment he met Isla. He was charismatic, fair, protective, and logical. And when we got his point of view a little farther into the story, I was screaming! His thoughts…..oh you wouldn’t realize what they were underneath his icy facade. His country was in turmoil, and there was so much unrest, so we got to see how much he struggled with all that was on his plate. But we also got to see his thoughts towards Isla. And I absolutely loved them!
“Let the ruse begin,” the Ice King murmurs.
Watching Isla and Konstantin work together and try to find trust was so much fun! Especially when you throw a marriage of convenience on top of it. The fact that there was some animosity there, while they were pretending to be engaged, will keep you smiling. Their banter was fabulous and I loved how they messed with each other! At times it felt like they were going to explode. So with rejection, hope, and the kindling of more, I fell right along with them!
He guides my head down toward his and silences me with a kiss that streaks fire down my throat and into my chest.
While this book can definitely be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend reading the previous 4 books enough. You get to watch Isla’s parents fight for their happily ever after, and there’s so many characters from the past who make an appearance in this story. So I was cackling with delight each time a new one would appear haha. Also, the political intrigue kept us on our toes! With the mingling of fae, shifters, and humans, there was still a lot of tension and discrimination. The way it played into the storyline definitely kept me surprised!
“I don’t fucking trust anyone, Isla! I don’t even fucking trust my own general!”
Oh. That’s… unexpected. “Well, you should trust me. Or rather, you should have, for I want nothing from you. Nothing. Not your crown. Not your affection. Not your admiration. Not your coin. Nothing.”
“And I want everything!” he exclaims.
House of Burning Frost was a forced proximity, marriage of convenience that will keep you smiling from that first page to the last. And this steamy romantasy made me cry all the tears! Along with screaming with laughter too. I think this is definitely Wildenstein’s funniest books. So with the most fabulous ending ever, and getting to see so many favorites, I closed this book so happy! If you love romantasy, definitely add this one to your tbr!
“You, Isla Ríhbiadh, have set fire to my kingdom of ice and torched your way into my frozen heart.”
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
February 28, 2025
Olivia Wildenstein's Kingdom of Crows is back in the fifth book, House of Burning Frost. While it can be read standalone, I suggest reading the previous books.
It was nice going back to this world. To see Fallon's and Lore's daughter all grown up. Isla is kind of a handful. She's just as adventurous as her mother, a fighter like her father, and inexplicably thinks she's the world's biggest blunderer. She does have a few screw-ups, but it endeared me to her. That and her wicked sense of humor. Isla was a lot of fun.
Konstantin is very much the Ice King. I mean that both literally and figuratively. He has a very stoic personality except when it comes to Isla. From their first meeting, where they literally fought it out, I was all in. Isla had a way of getting him to melt that icy facade. Underneath the mask is more passion and vulnerability than I would have ever thought. I loved Kostya. I especially loved how obsessive he got over Isla. I loved them. They made a great pair.
Yessss! This plot was amazing! There is unrest in Glace. Hate towards the shifters has never been higher, and it seems like the antimorph hate group is causing trouble. Isla is in the thick of it with herself being the center of a prophecy. There's shady business dealings, nasty politics, family drama, angsty (and spicy) romance, and great twists, wrapped around a great mystery. Come on, how could I not be hooked? Plus, there was a great cast of characters. There were loads of appearances or mentions of the characters from the previous books and some great new faces. I could have really used a chart to keep up with everything. It was the best kind of chaos.
House of Burning Frost was a stunning read. I loved every minute of Isla and Konstantin's story. It was a grand adventure and the perfect goodbye to a series I adore. It will be missed.
It was nice going back to this world. To see Fallon's and Lore's daughter all grown up. Isla is kind of a handful. She's just as adventurous as her mother, a fighter like her father, and inexplicably thinks she's the world's biggest blunderer. She does have a few screw-ups, but it endeared me to her. That and her wicked sense of humor. Isla was a lot of fun.
Konstantin is very much the Ice King. I mean that both literally and figuratively. He has a very stoic personality except when it comes to Isla. From their first meeting, where they literally fought it out, I was all in. Isla had a way of getting him to melt that icy facade. Underneath the mask is more passion and vulnerability than I would have ever thought. I loved Kostya. I especially loved how obsessive he got over Isla. I loved them. They made a great pair.
Yessss! This plot was amazing! There is unrest in Glace. Hate towards the shifters has never been higher, and it seems like the antimorph hate group is causing trouble. Isla is in the thick of it with herself being the center of a prophecy. There's shady business dealings, nasty politics, family drama, angsty (and spicy) romance, and great twists, wrapped around a great mystery. Come on, how could I not be hooked? Plus, there was a great cast of characters. There were loads of appearances or mentions of the characters from the previous books and some great new faces. I could have really used a chart to keep up with everything. It was the best kind of chaos.
House of Burning Frost was a stunning read. I loved every minute of Isla and Konstantin's story. It was a grand adventure and the perfect goodbye to a series I adore. It will be missed.
June 23, 2025
I’m sad to leave this world behind
March 4, 2025
Probably my least favorite in the series and definitely would be hard to understand as a standalone. Felt like the romance was a bit of instalove, but still loved the dynamics between Isla and Konstantin. Would still recommend the whole series but this one just felt soooo different
March 1, 2025
Devoured within 24 hours of it being release! Loved it! This was my favorite in the series! Isla and Konstya were just deliciously fun and tortured at the same time!
And the “bad guy” twist was one that I honestly didn’t see coming, even tho I should have!
And the “bad guy” twist was one that I honestly didn’t see coming, even tho I should have!
March 4, 2025
J’avais peur de ne pas accrocher autant qu’avec les tomes précédents, du fait du changement radical de héros et de temporalité.
J’avais également peut d’être perdue à cause du contexte qui s’est considérablement enrichi depuis le premier tome.
En fait, j’ai tout adoré !
Avant de vous parler plus de ce qui a fait que j’ai été totalement absorbée par le récit, il faut tout de même que je mentionne le petit bémol qui a pu me laisser confuse : comme vous le savez, cet univers met en scène plusieurs langages, inventés qui plus est. Les surnoms des personnages varient donc en fonction du narrateur et des langues et ça fait une multitude de noms qui ont fini par me perdre. J’avoue qu’à un moment, j’ai arrêté de chercher à raccrocher les wagons et à comprendre de qui il est question. Si je n’avais pas été si captivée par le récit, ce bémol aurait été très, très, très gênant. Je suis obligée d’écrire « très » autant de fois parce que ça reste un minimum gênant. Ce point sera forcément ressenti par d’autres lecteurs.
En ce qui me concerne, j’ai une qualité qui m’est utile dans ce genre de situations : je ne m’arrête pas sur les détails. Ca fait partie du décor et je me concentre sur le fond. C’est pour ça que si vous me demandez de vous raconter une série ou un film, je vous parlerai de l’action mais je serai incapable de me rappeler précisément des noms des personnages. Au lieu de ça, je vous mentionnerai leur métier ou leurs actions dans une scène marquante.
Bref, c’est un bémol qui méritait d’être mentionné.
Passons aux personnages. Je vous ai déjà dit qu’Isla est une héroïne géniale. Elle n’a pas peur d’agir ou de défendre ses intérêts ni de dire leurs quatre vérités aux autres. Elle est observatrice mais sans forcément en tirer les conclusions qui vont avec ce qu’elle voit et si elle a une qualité qui fait que je ne peux lui en vouloir de rien, c’est qu’elle est toujours motivée par son cœur. Elle est sincère.
Alors, quand elle rencontre Konstantin, c’est la rencontre du feu et de la glace.
Autant, elle, je l’ai rapidement comprise, autant lui, c’était un mur.
Malgré cela, l’auteure sème assez d’indices pour qu’on devine ce qu’il se passe dans sa tête. Si on ressent ce mur, c’est parce qu’il se protège des autres. Il refuse de se montrer vulnérable alors il ne se montre pas.
Isla est la seule à voir à travers les micro failles dans son armure. Konstantin est le premier à tomber amoureux mais quand on connaît la personne, c’est encore plus grandiose. C’est comme voir un ours se laisser apprivoiser; je raffole de ça.
Outre la romance qui suit un rythme addictif, l’action nous fait découvrir un nouveau royaume, celui de Glace et avec ça, les enjeux d’une guerre civile et familiale qui couve dans Glace.
Habituellement, je ne suis pas fana de géo politique mais là, c’est suffisamment vulgarisé pour que je saisisse ce qu’il se passe, sans que ça ne soit manichéen. Vraiment, j’adore !
Ainsi, j’ai été totalement prise par le roman. J’en ai délaissé mon mari et mon fils, ce que j’admets avec quelques remords, mais c’était une super lecture. Je n’avais plus été aussi prise par une romance à ce point-là depuis un moment et ça fait un bien fou. Ca valait le coup que je laisse mon fils devant l’écran l’après-midi ! ( Ne suivez pas mon exemple là-dessus, c’est mal!)
En conclusion, Olivia Wildenstein aura encore une fois réussi à me faire entrer dans son monde avec délice. Je regrette de quitter les héros, j’aurais voulu que ce roman ne se termine jamais ! J’ai un coup de cœur énorme pour sa plume depuis la première fois que je l’ai lue et jamais elle ne m’a déçue. Ca se vérifie à chaque nouveau livre. Un régal!
J’avais également peut d’être perdue à cause du contexte qui s’est considérablement enrichi depuis le premier tome.
En fait, j’ai tout adoré !
Avant de vous parler plus de ce qui a fait que j’ai été totalement absorbée par le récit, il faut tout de même que je mentionne le petit bémol qui a pu me laisser confuse : comme vous le savez, cet univers met en scène plusieurs langages, inventés qui plus est. Les surnoms des personnages varient donc en fonction du narrateur et des langues et ça fait une multitude de noms qui ont fini par me perdre. J’avoue qu’à un moment, j’ai arrêté de chercher à raccrocher les wagons et à comprendre de qui il est question. Si je n’avais pas été si captivée par le récit, ce bémol aurait été très, très, très gênant. Je suis obligée d’écrire « très » autant de fois parce que ça reste un minimum gênant. Ce point sera forcément ressenti par d’autres lecteurs.
En ce qui me concerne, j’ai une qualité qui m’est utile dans ce genre de situations : je ne m’arrête pas sur les détails. Ca fait partie du décor et je me concentre sur le fond. C’est pour ça que si vous me demandez de vous raconter une série ou un film, je vous parlerai de l’action mais je serai incapable de me rappeler précisément des noms des personnages. Au lieu de ça, je vous mentionnerai leur métier ou leurs actions dans une scène marquante.
Bref, c’est un bémol qui méritait d’être mentionné.
Passons aux personnages. Je vous ai déjà dit qu’Isla est une héroïne géniale. Elle n’a pas peur d’agir ou de défendre ses intérêts ni de dire leurs quatre vérités aux autres. Elle est observatrice mais sans forcément en tirer les conclusions qui vont avec ce qu’elle voit et si elle a une qualité qui fait que je ne peux lui en vouloir de rien, c’est qu’elle est toujours motivée par son cœur. Elle est sincère.
Alors, quand elle rencontre Konstantin, c’est la rencontre du feu et de la glace.
Autant, elle, je l’ai rapidement comprise, autant lui, c’était un mur.
Malgré cela, l’auteure sème assez d’indices pour qu’on devine ce qu’il se passe dans sa tête. Si on ressent ce mur, c’est parce qu’il se protège des autres. Il refuse de se montrer vulnérable alors il ne se montre pas.
Isla est la seule à voir à travers les micro failles dans son armure. Konstantin est le premier à tomber amoureux mais quand on connaît la personne, c’est encore plus grandiose. C’est comme voir un ours se laisser apprivoiser; je raffole de ça.
Outre la romance qui suit un rythme addictif, l’action nous fait découvrir un nouveau royaume, celui de Glace et avec ça, les enjeux d’une guerre civile et familiale qui couve dans Glace.
Habituellement, je ne suis pas fana de géo politique mais là, c’est suffisamment vulgarisé pour que je saisisse ce qu’il se passe, sans que ça ne soit manichéen. Vraiment, j’adore !
Ainsi, j’ai été totalement prise par le roman. J’en ai délaissé mon mari et mon fils, ce que j’admets avec quelques remords, mais c’était une super lecture. Je n’avais plus été aussi prise par une romance à ce point-là depuis un moment et ça fait un bien fou. Ca valait le coup que je laisse mon fils devant l’écran l’après-midi ! ( Ne suivez pas mon exemple là-dessus, c’est mal!)
En conclusion, Olivia Wildenstein aura encore une fois réussi à me faire entrer dans son monde avec délice. Je regrette de quitter les héros, j’aurais voulu que ce roman ne se termine jamais ! J’ai un coup de cœur énorme pour sa plume depuis la première fois que je l’ai lue et jamais elle ne m’a déçue. Ca se vérifie à chaque nouveau livre. Un régal!
June 24, 2025
3.5 Stars
I adore this series but unfortunately this one let the others down a little.
I do love the lead characters, their personalities, banter and individual and mutual journeys. That for me was the best part of the book.
I also really enjoyed the story in general as there were many twidts and turns and of course the romance which I adored.
My main gripe is the fact that on the FMC's side all the characters had between 2 and 3 different names, in different languages too. And there are SO many characters. Although I have read and loved all of the preceding books and knew the majority of the characters, the constant swapping of names for the side characters really took me out of the story. Sometimes I even had to stop and work out exactly who they were talking about and especially in the first quarter it got confusing. I think it would have helped if Olivia had put a character list with all the different names at the beginning, but actually wish she had just stuck to one name the vast majority of characters other than Isla's parents.
I also wish we had more information at the end of the book about how Glace and the treatment of humans would be changed for the better as there was so much political and Rebel action in this book but not much really changed as a result of it.
However I still enjoyed this book and loved the lead characters. But I love the previous 4 books much more.
I adore this series but unfortunately this one let the others down a little.
I do love the lead characters, their personalities, banter and individual and mutual journeys. That for me was the best part of the book.
I also really enjoyed the story in general as there were many twidts and turns and of course the romance which I adored.
My main gripe is the fact that on the FMC's side all the characters had between 2 and 3 different names, in different languages too. And there are SO many characters. Although I have read and loved all of the preceding books and knew the majority of the characters, the constant swapping of names for the side characters really took me out of the story. Sometimes I even had to stop and work out exactly who they were talking about and especially in the first quarter it got confusing. I think it would have helped if Olivia had put a character list with all the different names at the beginning, but actually wish she had just stuck to one name the vast majority of characters other than Isla's parents.
I also wish we had more information at the end of the book about how Glace and the treatment of humans would be changed for the better as there was so much political and Rebel action in this book but not much really changed as a result of it.
However I still enjoyed this book and loved the lead characters. But I love the previous 4 books much more.
March 1, 2025
Isla & Konstantin
Lorcan & Fallon’s daughter all grown up, the cauldron knows all..
A revelry, a premonition, scheming grandma’s, mates?, a blocking talisman 🧿, Secrets unfolded, crazy sisters, scheming, planning of a coup, who will get hurt?
My reactions a long the story;
Oh yes I love this 😅💕, the bantering, oh dear, crazy’s, love all the family members of the previous books, oh an smut writer 📝 yesss 🙌🏻🥰, shifters, freakin cauldron always messing and meddling 🧐, ahhh yes good for them 🍼, I love the built up tension between the main characters 🥰💕, oh hell no she did not do that 🤬🤯,
Lying b*tch, oh 😭🥺, yes you go girl get them 😈☠️, than the ending ☺️⛄️💕🙌🏻🥰 wow
This book is an amazing read and final book of the shifter’s world of Crows 🐦⬛ and Serpents 💕
Definitely an 5 star 🌟 read for me 💕
Lorcan & Fallon’s daughter all grown up, the cauldron knows all..
A revelry, a premonition, scheming grandma’s, mates?, a blocking talisman 🧿, Secrets unfolded, crazy sisters, scheming, planning of a coup, who will get hurt?
My reactions a long the story;
Oh yes I love this 😅💕, the bantering, oh dear, crazy’s, love all the family members of the previous books, oh an smut writer 📝 yesss 🙌🏻🥰, shifters, freakin cauldron always messing and meddling 🧐, ahhh yes good for them 🍼, I love the built up tension between the main characters 🥰💕, oh hell no she did not do that 🤬🤯,
Lying b*tch, oh 😭🥺, yes you go girl get them 😈☠️, than the ending ☺️⛄️💕🙌🏻🥰 wow
This book is an amazing read and final book of the shifter’s world of Crows 🐦⬛ and Serpents 💕
Definitely an 5 star 🌟 read for me 💕
November 10, 2025
Really enjoyed this new couple, setup, and focus on varying magics! Liked it better than the last 2 of these series.
However, Olivia has given us readers way too much credit to be able to keep up with this many old characters and their nicknames. It was giving me Silmarillion flashbacks 😮💨
However, Olivia has given us readers way too much credit to be able to keep up with this many old characters and their nicknames. It was giving me Silmarillion flashbacks 😮💨
March 19, 2025
This series will always have my heart
August 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this ending to the story line here. It was better than most second generation story lines that I have read. It was great.
October 13, 2025
So sad to finally be done with this series. I really loved the writing and the story line. Olivia writes a great grumpy MMC and a strong FMC 💅🏻
February 27, 2025
I give this book 4 1/2⭐️ I really enjoyed this book it can be read as a standalone but recommend that you read this series first b/c you’ll see other characters from the other books . I enjoyed the characters some strong will, devious , and a bit clumsy all mixed together and kingdom being threatened,with a fake dating trope and spice who would enjoy this book
November 11, 2025
3.5 stars. I did enjoy it….. but unfortunately not anything especially special.. least fav of the series.. bummer cuz the 4th was my favorite! Se la vie.
March 14, 2025
The Kingdom of Crows series probably should have ended at book three. Four wasn't my favorite and I struggle to decide if I think House of Burning Frost was worse. These final two books felt more like fanfiction than something written by the author herself. Most chapters included a cluster of name-drops that left me feeling overwhelmed with information not pertinent to the plot. I found myself skimming over the pages just to get past it since there was no real reason for half the people to be included outside of just acknowledging they existed.
The cheese, the weird comedy, the insta-lust/love in this book just didn't hit for me. If there's one thing that I know for certain it's that I never want to read the word 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) in a fantasy book. This book would have been so much better as a standalone because the fanfare of existing characters and their loves really cheapened the pining and tension building up between Isla and Konstatin. I really liked the characters like Aodhan and Izolda, who'd obviously been mentioned in past books but never really given the chance to shine; but when they're shining like the old cast the book just becomes a glaring mess.
The cheese, the weird comedy, the insta-lust/love in this book just didn't hit for me. If there's one thing that I know for certain it's that I never want to read the word 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) in a fantasy book. This book would have been so much better as a standalone because the fanfare of existing characters and their loves really cheapened the pining and tension building up between Isla and Konstatin. I really liked the characters like Aodhan and Izolda, who'd obviously been mentioned in past books but never really given the chance to shine; but when they're shining like the old cast the book just becomes a glaring mess.
May 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Angry love confessions
Prophecy
Fake dating
Fated mates
Found family
Grumpy x sunshine
Read this if you:
Watched the “Tea Consent” video several years ago
Liked “Degrassi: The Next Generation”
Wanted more Winter Court exploration in ACOTAR
Have ever had a learning disability
Have ever had any insecurity whatsoever tbh
“A spark is too small a thing for what happens when we collide. You… have set fire to my kingdom of ice and torched your way into my frozen heart.”
The conclusion to the Kingdom of Crows series was a fantastic reminder of almost everything I loved in a series: humor, gorgeous world-building, lovable characters, and more . We just swapped out the dark, brooding, arrogant MMC for an insecure frost king. And honestly, it worked well. Would I have wanted it for the entire series? No. But it did a great job at really separating the different characters, and the change was nice. Like having a summer home that you wouldn’t want to live in all the time because it’s too hot. Ironic.
“How fast we went from devastating passion to passionate devastation…”
I obviously adored the characters. In HOST, I really wished we got more out of the side characters. This book delivered that. I was so happy that our new found family got so much page time. Especially since it was the entire next generation of characters. I loved getting to see such a unique concept play out. Their beloved parents also made multiple appearances while feeling completely organic, which made me thrilled since those are my comfort characters. I have NO clue how Olivia managed to squeeze old characters from two storylines (Fallon & Zendaya), an entire generation of their children, and a whole new set of characters from a different continent in without it feeling off, but it was perfect. My one complaint is that they each also had their own language, and therefore different nicknames for mom, dad, grandma, etc. and it got a little confusing at times remembering who was being talked about. But it was easy enough to use context clues and it didn’t take away from the story at all!
Speaking of that continent, the world building was just as great as I remember. Olivia gave us everything I wished SJM would have given with the Winter Court. I will admit I’m biased; I am highly partial to snow and cold climates. But Glace was truly so cozy - I mean, one of the court’s main buildings was called “The Lodge”? And built of all wooden logs?? With floor to ceiling windows??? And the snow fell in flurries while she walked on the covered balcony?? At night, while taking a break from the socializing, only to find that the king was already doing the same?
Finally, the plot. There were a few things I called from the first few chapters. But it was enjoyable and so obvious that I think maybe we were supposed to? Either way, it definitely wasn’t boring. Olivia does what I call the Marvel effect, and she does it well. If you’ve ever seen an older Marvel movie (they’ve gone downhill lately, fight me), you’ve seen how they build up the climax to the fight scene, and it looks like the good guys are winning… but then the worst possible thing that could happen, happens. Cue the infinity stones. And the characters are left with no resources, split up, in rough shape, and have to figure out how to proceed quickly, because their enemy is strong. It’s always epic.
Overall, House of Burning Frost had a sweet romance, unique world, epic climax, and a deeply beloved found family that wrapped this world up nicely. There were a few side characters I still wish we had answers on, but that’s inevitable with such a large cast, and all the main ones were tied up well. Maybe if we’re all really good, we can convince Olivia to write a chapter that takes place several years in the future, with updates on everyone. Until then, may the stars never forget to shine.
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Angry love confessions
Prophecy
Fake dating
Fated mates
Found family
Grumpy x sunshine
Read this if you:
Watched the “Tea Consent” video several years ago
Liked “Degrassi: The Next Generation”
Wanted more Winter Court exploration in ACOTAR
Have ever had a learning disability
Have ever had any insecurity whatsoever tbh
“A spark is too small a thing for what happens when we collide. You… have set fire to my kingdom of ice and torched your way into my frozen heart.”
The conclusion to the Kingdom of Crows series was a fantastic reminder of almost everything I loved in a series: humor, gorgeous world-building, lovable characters, and more . We just swapped out the dark, brooding, arrogant MMC for an insecure frost king. And honestly, it worked well. Would I have wanted it for the entire series? No. But it did a great job at really separating the different characters, and the change was nice. Like having a summer home that you wouldn’t want to live in all the time because it’s too hot. Ironic.
“How fast we went from devastating passion to passionate devastation…”
I obviously adored the characters. In HOST, I really wished we got more out of the side characters. This book delivered that. I was so happy that our new found family got so much page time. Especially since it was the entire next generation of characters. I loved getting to see such a unique concept play out. Their beloved parents also made multiple appearances while feeling completely organic, which made me thrilled since those are my comfort characters. I have NO clue how Olivia managed to squeeze old characters from two storylines (Fallon & Zendaya), an entire generation of their children, and a whole new set of characters from a different continent in without it feeling off, but it was perfect. My one complaint is that they each also had their own language, and therefore different nicknames for mom, dad, grandma, etc. and it got a little confusing at times remembering who was being talked about. But it was easy enough to use context clues and it didn’t take away from the story at all!
Speaking of that continent, the world building was just as great as I remember. Olivia gave us everything I wished SJM would have given with the Winter Court. I will admit I’m biased; I am highly partial to snow and cold climates. But Glace was truly so cozy - I mean, one of the court’s main buildings was called “The Lodge”? And built of all wooden logs?? With floor to ceiling windows??? And the snow fell in flurries while she walked on the covered balcony?? At night, while taking a break from the socializing, only to find that the king was already doing the same?
Finally, the plot. There were a few things I called from the first few chapters. But it was enjoyable and so obvious that I think maybe we were supposed to? Either way, it definitely wasn’t boring. Olivia does what I call the Marvel effect, and she does it well. If you’ve ever seen an older Marvel movie (they’ve gone downhill lately, fight me), you’ve seen how they build up the climax to the fight scene, and it looks like the good guys are winning… but then the worst possible thing that could happen, happens. Cue the infinity stones. And the characters are left with no resources, split up, in rough shape, and have to figure out how to proceed quickly, because their enemy is strong. It’s always epic.
Overall, House of Burning Frost had a sweet romance, unique world, epic climax, and a deeply beloved found family that wrapped this world up nicely. There were a few side characters I still wish we had answers on, but that’s inevitable with such a large cast, and all the main ones were tied up well. Maybe if we’re all really good, we can convince Olivia to write a chapter that takes place several years in the future, with updates on everyone. Until then, may the stars never forget to shine.
February 22, 2025
House of Burning Frost takes us to the frozen capital of Glace, to the land of the white-haired fae who unfortunately have yet to be as progressive as the fae from Luce, something I never thought I'd say at the beginning of this series. Words cannot accurately portray how much I loved reading Isla's story, from family betrayal's to a father's unwavering protection, from colourful serpents to magicless humans. This is a fated-mates standalone spin off set in the same world as the Kingdom of Crows series and is written around the terrifying King of the Crows' most beloved and ONLY daughter Isla Rihbaidh and her mate King Konstantin of Glace. After a prophecy series Lore's precious daughter killing a person who is already dead, killed by her own brother for her crimes, can the Glacin fae truly be trusted.
I loved Isla entire character arc and personality, she's witty, sassy and she's not afraid to speak her own mind or get herself into masses of blunders some worse than others. Having an intimidating father like Lore means that she is young but only slightly naive and innocent what with the no doubt invisible wall her father has erected around her against the male population. I also loved the little insecurities that she has, what she believes to be her shortcomings, and her wild nature not exactly making her the most appealing female in her opinion.
Konstantin is the opposite, just over 150 years her senior, he has lived, he has experience of the world, of people of everything, as calm and collected as she is wild, as pale as she is exotically tanned, as stern-faced as she is free-spirited. Ruling a kingdom after such tragedy, in the wake of the shifters and shabbins return, was hard, harder still to pull his people into the future and become more accepting. Devoted to the prosperity of his kingdom he has little time for fun, with enemies and insurgents around every corner even some closer to home than he would like, Isla is exactly the Queen he needs.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read as I always do with every book that this amazing author releases, It kept me up to the early hours and my mind constantly fighting to get back to Glace at any given moment. As usual, the world building, plot and the return of our beloved characters, along with some new ones make this the amazing story that it is. It flowed really well, naturally and seamlessly as if you were hearing the characters telling you their story in person. If there is any filler scenes I myself did not notice any, it was exactly the length that the story deserved to do it justice, though I have to say my love of this world and its characters meant that it also wasn't long enough. I really hope the next book this author writes is another in this world because I just don't want to let them go.
I loved Isla entire character arc and personality, she's witty, sassy and she's not afraid to speak her own mind or get herself into masses of blunders some worse than others. Having an intimidating father like Lore means that she is young but only slightly naive and innocent what with the no doubt invisible wall her father has erected around her against the male population. I also loved the little insecurities that she has, what she believes to be her shortcomings, and her wild nature not exactly making her the most appealing female in her opinion.
Konstantin is the opposite, just over 150 years her senior, he has lived, he has experience of the world, of people of everything, as calm and collected as she is wild, as pale as she is exotically tanned, as stern-faced as she is free-spirited. Ruling a kingdom after such tragedy, in the wake of the shifters and shabbins return, was hard, harder still to pull his people into the future and become more accepting. Devoted to the prosperity of his kingdom he has little time for fun, with enemies and insurgents around every corner even some closer to home than he would like, Isla is exactly the Queen he needs.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read as I always do with every book that this amazing author releases, It kept me up to the early hours and my mind constantly fighting to get back to Glace at any given moment. As usual, the world building, plot and the return of our beloved characters, along with some new ones make this the amazing story that it is. It flowed really well, naturally and seamlessly as if you were hearing the characters telling you their story in person. If there is any filler scenes I myself did not notice any, it was exactly the length that the story deserved to do it justice, though I have to say my love of this world and its characters meant that it also wasn't long enough. I really hope the next book this author writes is another in this world because I just don't want to let them go.
June 16, 2025
3.5 rounded down
The vibes were great. I really enjoyed the romance for sure. Kostya was obsessed and I lovedddd that. I need all mmcs to be down bad like this. It did feel REALLY instantaneous though. Just BAM they’re in love. Lead up? Tension? Yearning? Who needs it I guess.
But the issue is, I struggled to get into it. And then I struggled to stay into it. There are just tooooooo many darn characters in this series, and not enough reintroduction with each new book. I spent 30% of the book just being like. Who’s that? Oh yeah. Wait who’s that? And not only their regular names, a lot of the characters have familial or relational nicknames too. In other languages, no less.
So like one grandma might be Mimi and the other is Taytah. But then their names are Zendaya, sometimes referred to as Daya. And maybe Aggripina. I think. Ugh, literally I’m still not sure. You see the problem here? I’m pretty sure that’s wrong but HOW WOULD I KNOW?? There’s like a family tree in the book you can reference but it’s very unhelpful. I needed a glossary of characters names/relations/nicknames.
And the biggest problem is they don’t really add anything, because a lot of these side characters have little to no personality. They’re all just kinda there, annoying me because there are too many of them and I can’t keep track, and my brain keeps getting stuck on who someone is. Like at one point this guy named Vance just kinda shows up in the story and I’m like WHO ARE YOU 🧐? Why are you? Have you been here the whole time?
Obviously I got so lost in the sauce, and then that really hindered my ability to comprehend the story as a whole. Don’t ask me about that, I still couldn’t tell you what happens or why. It felt… a little like going to a Taylor Swift concert with someone who’s a major swiftie. And after the show they’re like omg did you catch this or that or that thing. And you’re just like la la la I have no idea what you’re talking about, I just liked her sparkly costumes. That’s what it felt like. And I READ books 1-4.
And OMG I hated all the modern vernacular. Unalive? FOMO? Vibes? And there were more. But can we please not use tiktok lingo in books? Especially when it’s not set in modern times?
To finish on a positive note, I liked the last few chapters and the conclusion. It felt like a nice and tidy way to end the series. To make Kostya an immortal yeti randomly that can fly around as a snow flurry ::eyeroll::. Seems very appropriate.
The vibes were great. I really enjoyed the romance for sure. Kostya was obsessed and I lovedddd that. I need all mmcs to be down bad like this. It did feel REALLY instantaneous though. Just BAM they’re in love. Lead up? Tension? Yearning? Who needs it I guess.
But the issue is, I struggled to get into it. And then I struggled to stay into it. There are just tooooooo many darn characters in this series, and not enough reintroduction with each new book. I spent 30% of the book just being like. Who’s that? Oh yeah. Wait who’s that? And not only their regular names, a lot of the characters have familial or relational nicknames too. In other languages, no less.
So like one grandma might be Mimi and the other is Taytah. But then their names are Zendaya, sometimes referred to as Daya. And maybe Aggripina. I think. Ugh, literally I’m still not sure. You see the problem here? I’m pretty sure that’s wrong but HOW WOULD I KNOW?? There’s like a family tree in the book you can reference but it’s very unhelpful. I needed a glossary of characters names/relations/nicknames.
And the biggest problem is they don’t really add anything, because a lot of these side characters have little to no personality. They’re all just kinda there, annoying me because there are too many of them and I can’t keep track, and my brain keeps getting stuck on who someone is. Like at one point this guy named Vance just kinda shows up in the story and I’m like WHO ARE YOU 🧐? Why are you? Have you been here the whole time?
Obviously I got so lost in the sauce, and then that really hindered my ability to comprehend the story as a whole. Don’t ask me about that, I still couldn’t tell you what happens or why. It felt… a little like going to a Taylor Swift concert with someone who’s a major swiftie. And after the show they’re like omg did you catch this or that or that thing. And you’re just like la la la I have no idea what you’re talking about, I just liked her sparkly costumes. That’s what it felt like. And I READ books 1-4.
And OMG I hated all the modern vernacular. Unalive? FOMO? Vibes? And there were more. But can we please not use tiktok lingo in books? Especially when it’s not set in modern times?
To finish on a positive note, I liked the last few chapters and the conclusion. It felt like a nice and tidy way to end the series. To make Kostya an immortal yeti randomly that can fly around as a snow flurry ::eyeroll::. Seems very appropriate.
June 21, 2025
Once color returns to her irises, she says, “Your mate will perish if your paths don’t collide tonight.”
Holy Crow! Olivia has done it again! Fallon’s and Lore’s daughter kicks some serious butt. She’s the perfect blend of her parents with the best parts of her grandparents thrown in. I would have finished it in one day but I’ve been forcing myself to ration it because I don’t know if we will get anymore books in this universe and I am not completely ready to say goodbye. To be fair, I don’t think I will ever be ready. I truly understand how Isla can see herself as less intelligent and it hurts my heart for her. I have learning disabilities, as well, and went undiagnosed until college. I have been told I’m dumb my entire life, despite overcoming those challenges without extra help. I love how supportive Isla’s family and close friends are and how understanding Konstantin is once he finds out. He is absolutely amazing and all the turmoil in his kingdom created the perfect adventure. Konstantin is the perfect ice king, even though that is such a shallow part of who he is. I love that he fell first and was fully on board and completely protective of Isla, even though she can take care of herself. Kostya truly gives off “touch her and die” vibes. I love all of Isla’s family and close friends, and the friends she makes during her stay in Glacé. The plot with the potential civil war and the antimorphs gives the perfect opportunity for both the Lucian and Glacins to work together to find peace. I truly need more books in this world. Or, if Olivia can’t do that, I need her to find a way for me to actually visit, often.
Holy Crow! Olivia has done it again! Fallon’s and Lore’s daughter kicks some serious butt. She’s the perfect blend of her parents with the best parts of her grandparents thrown in. I would have finished it in one day but I’ve been forcing myself to ration it because I don’t know if we will get anymore books in this universe and I am not completely ready to say goodbye. To be fair, I don’t think I will ever be ready. I truly understand how Isla can see herself as less intelligent and it hurts my heart for her. I have learning disabilities, as well, and went undiagnosed until college. I have been told I’m dumb my entire life, despite overcoming those challenges without extra help. I love how supportive Isla’s family and close friends are and how understanding Konstantin is once he finds out. He is absolutely amazing and all the turmoil in his kingdom created the perfect adventure. Konstantin is the perfect ice king, even though that is such a shallow part of who he is. I love that he fell first and was fully on board and completely protective of Isla, even though she can take care of herself. Kostya truly gives off “touch her and die” vibes. I love all of Isla’s family and close friends, and the friends she makes during her stay in Glacé. The plot with the potential civil war and the antimorphs gives the perfect opportunity for both the Lucian and Glacins to work together to find peace. I truly need more books in this world. Or, if Olivia can’t do that, I need her to find a way for me to actually visit, often.
February 22, 2025
Konstantin’s lids twitch. “I’ve never been one to shirk my responsibilities.” That tightens my lips. Not enough to keep my next words from sailing out, but enough to inflect them with all I’m feeling. “I understand that the ring news comes as quite the shock, but it would be nice if you could temper your revulsion, because a mating bond isn’t a responsibility; it’s a fucking privilege.” “If it’s such a privilege, then why are you so desperate to cast me aside and marry one of my siblings?” “Because I don’t want your kingdom!” “My kingdom or me?” “Your kingdom!”
I waited so long for this book. I both dreaded it but am so invested in the crows books I also was so excited when the arc was finally ready and it did not disappoint.
House of burning frost follows the story of isla who is our fave Fallon and lorcans daughter. She is exactly like her mother and father in more than one way. This is the story of the prophecy we seen in Fallon's story.
When isla finds out her grandmother faked being sick so she didn't go to glace for the Jubilee but unwittingly making her sick and having to go to shabbee for help she finds out that she will have a mate and that he will die if she doesn't show up.
So off she goes landing in the wrong room bashing the ice king nd just getting off to a spectacular start. What follows is a betrothal to try and find out why she is meant to murder someone. Finding herself hoping she doesn't find her mate while falling for the ice king himself.
This book had me laughing so much and was just as amazing as all of Olivia's books
I waited so long for this book. I both dreaded it but am so invested in the crows books I also was so excited when the arc was finally ready and it did not disappoint.
House of burning frost follows the story of isla who is our fave Fallon and lorcans daughter. She is exactly like her mother and father in more than one way. This is the story of the prophecy we seen in Fallon's story.
When isla finds out her grandmother faked being sick so she didn't go to glace for the Jubilee but unwittingly making her sick and having to go to shabbee for help she finds out that she will have a mate and that he will die if she doesn't show up.
So off she goes landing in the wrong room bashing the ice king nd just getting off to a spectacular start. What follows is a betrothal to try and find out why she is meant to murder someone. Finding herself hoping she doesn't find her mate while falling for the ice king himself.
This book had me laughing so much and was just as amazing as all of Olivia's books
February 24, 2025
A Wonderfully Compelling Whodunit with a Hot Romance!👀❤️🔥💥
House of Burning Frost: Kingdom Of Crows, Book 5
By: Olivia Wildenstein
This book is about Isla, Fallon, and Lorcans' daughter. She's 24 years old now, and the prophecy from years before, in the Kingdom of Glace, is soon to start. She will kill their King's dead sister!👀🤔
King Konstantin, Kostya, is horrified that his railways are being targeted by terrorists. They're killing innocents, and it's all his fault. They blame him for allowing shifters - crows and serpants - to live freely in his kingdom because he's passed a law!🥺
Before the start of his Silver Jubilee celebrations, he meets, in the most unorthodox way, the Crow King's daughter!🐦⬛ After a few days, it comes out that there's a prophecy about her, and as it gets clarified more, via her seer grandmother, it binds them together. To get to the bottom of who is attacking his Kingdom and who she may have to kill, they decide to follow the visions' path. Will it be to a happily ever after or to death and utter destruction?💥
I loved this book. The king's siblings are so lovely, and his brother especially enamoured me.🤩 Isla is such a strong person but also has such self-doubt because of her unnamed condition (dyslexia) that makes her feel 'less than'.💔 Kostya seems so stoic yet is burning up for her! He can't stand any criticism about Isla, even from her own lips!🫠 These two are absolutely combustible!🔥
I do hope Olivia chooses to return to this world in the future, even if it's for short stories or novellas.🙏🏼⭐️
Debbie, 1970, UK
House of Burning Frost: Kingdom Of Crows, Book 5
By: Olivia Wildenstein
This book is about Isla, Fallon, and Lorcans' daughter. She's 24 years old now, and the prophecy from years before, in the Kingdom of Glace, is soon to start. She will kill their King's dead sister!👀🤔
King Konstantin, Kostya, is horrified that his railways are being targeted by terrorists. They're killing innocents, and it's all his fault. They blame him for allowing shifters - crows and serpants - to live freely in his kingdom because he's passed a law!🥺
Before the start of his Silver Jubilee celebrations, he meets, in the most unorthodox way, the Crow King's daughter!🐦⬛ After a few days, it comes out that there's a prophecy about her, and as it gets clarified more, via her seer grandmother, it binds them together. To get to the bottom of who is attacking his Kingdom and who she may have to kill, they decide to follow the visions' path. Will it be to a happily ever after or to death and utter destruction?💥
I loved this book. The king's siblings are so lovely, and his brother especially enamoured me.🤩 Isla is such a strong person but also has such self-doubt because of her unnamed condition (dyslexia) that makes her feel 'less than'.💔 Kostya seems so stoic yet is burning up for her! He can't stand any criticism about Isla, even from her own lips!🫠 These two are absolutely combustible!🔥
I do hope Olivia chooses to return to this world in the future, even if it's for short stories or novellas.🙏🏼⭐️
Debbie, 1970, UK
March 12, 2025
🐦⬛🧚♀️An Arc provide for a honest review 🧚♀️🐦⬛
What a world wind, this book has been. I was biting my nails waiting and waiting to see what would become of the Ice King and Isla. The story line was not what I anticipated it to be which had me then glued to my kindle more and thinking while reading what was going to happen next, never able to figure which direction Olivia was going. It's the best kind of story when you are completely clueless and are kept in the dark. And then BANG! The story takes another turn shocking you in another direction.
Right from the start in the beginning when Isla first meets Konstantin in the most unusual place you have to laugh, at the banter. It is absolutely brilliant and so Olivia just like in her other books. Even the second hand characters have you laughing while reading. I loved this story and sad it's over. Could not get enough. It took me on an adventure and had me cringing at times when I least expected it.
It was a power struggle for a honest, loving King to keep his Kingdom safe and yet secretly being taken over by rebels unbeknownst to him. At the same time to deal with a set-up marriage foretold in a prophecy to good to be true and then having to deal with it not being real, but wanting it too.
This book kept me on pins and needle all through out the book, I can not say enough how much it will linger on, especially the ending as my family was going through the same event that was taking place while I was reading this and enjoying every minute. Fantastic read.
What a world wind, this book has been. I was biting my nails waiting and waiting to see what would become of the Ice King and Isla. The story line was not what I anticipated it to be which had me then glued to my kindle more and thinking while reading what was going to happen next, never able to figure which direction Olivia was going. It's the best kind of story when you are completely clueless and are kept in the dark. And then BANG! The story takes another turn shocking you in another direction.
Right from the start in the beginning when Isla first meets Konstantin in the most unusual place you have to laugh, at the banter. It is absolutely brilliant and so Olivia just like in her other books. Even the second hand characters have you laughing while reading. I loved this story and sad it's over. Could not get enough. It took me on an adventure and had me cringing at times when I least expected it.
It was a power struggle for a honest, loving King to keep his Kingdom safe and yet secretly being taken over by rebels unbeknownst to him. At the same time to deal with a set-up marriage foretold in a prophecy to good to be true and then having to deal with it not being real, but wanting it too.
This book kept me on pins and needle all through out the book, I can not say enough how much it will linger on, especially the ending as my family was going through the same event that was taking place while I was reading this and enjoying every minute. Fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews