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Frost and Retribution : Book Two in the Ember Queen Series
After finding Ezekiel, Ember is declared Queen of the Umbra Court. She receives immense support but finds herself doubting her ability to rule. When the Siren King Korvix is in need of her help she travels to Agladoria, the Siren Kingdom.
Ember finds herself in a difficult position and the choices she makes causes strife between Umbra and Agladoria.
When she feels as if nothing more could go wrong Julian rears his ugly head again.
Ember, has to make a choice that could cost her all of her family and her court.
Ember finds herself in a difficult position and the choices she makes causes strife between Umbra and Agladoria.
When she feels as if nothing more could go wrong Julian rears his ugly head again.
Ember, has to make a choice that could cost her all of her family and her court.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2024
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 29, 2024
The second book was definitely much faster paced and had a bit more details. I liked this series and found embers story to be very interesting. Her journey to save her people is crazy and eventful. Shes the Queen they needed!
I am very thankful to the author for sending me an arc copy of this book to read, I really enjoyed it!
I am very thankful to the author for sending me an arc copy of this book to read, I really enjoyed it!
February 16, 2024
I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT ENDING!! Holy crap! I’ve been waiting since book 1 for this one. Definitely worth the wait! The amount of character development and world building was fantastic. I laughed I was shocked I cried I felt all the emotions. Fantastic. I can’t wait for book 3.
July 31, 2024
"His strength had slowly started to inspire me. His love had slowly started to heal me. His patience had given me a choice. His acceptance had completed me."
And she does it again making me want to just jump into a book and actually live it. I love the "hear me roar" theme this books has and the "women are more then just pretty things". I have never read anything by Makayla Wheland before this book series and I am now a fan for life. Her world building and writing just sucks you right up and doesnt release you. I have withdraw from this series and need book 3 to be out yesterday! Her writing just consumes you. You literally do not need to do anything but allow yourself to be swept away in this believable fantasy book. Also what I loved about this series is that sometimes when your a fantasy addict like me the themes start to all blend together and repeat. You start to see alot of similarities between them, not with this series. The fantasy concept is there but I thought of no other book series while reading this one. I only wanted to focus on this world, on Ember and her found family.
And she does it again making me want to just jump into a book and actually live it. I love the "hear me roar" theme this books has and the "women are more then just pretty things". I have never read anything by Makayla Wheland before this book series and I am now a fan for life. Her world building and writing just sucks you right up and doesnt release you. I have withdraw from this series and need book 3 to be out yesterday! Her writing just consumes you. You literally do not need to do anything but allow yourself to be swept away in this believable fantasy book. Also what I loved about this series is that sometimes when your a fantasy addict like me the themes start to all blend together and repeat. You start to see alot of similarities between them, not with this series. The fantasy concept is there but I thought of no other book series while reading this one. I only wanted to focus on this world, on Ember and her found family.
March 3, 2024
📚 Book dedication: To those who rose up against monsters, only to become one themselves.
✨Romantasy
✨Strong FMC/MMC
✨Mates/ Bonds
✨Fae
✨Spice
✨Dragons
✨Sirens
✨Multiple POVs
‼️Please check trigger warnings before reading.
Oh my god. The way this series has a hold on me, is crazy. It's absolutely more fast paced and has more action than the first book and I'm so here for it all! And to top it off, we get some spice in this book!
We get multiple POVs that help us get into the other characters minds and understand more about situations. I'm so glad Makayla went this route in this book!
I was pulled in into this book just as I was in the first book. I was excited, mad & upset, shed some tears, in shock, in awe...emotions everywhere!
Without spoiling anything from the book, I loved to see these characters grow and meet new ones as well. I absolutely bawled my eyes out at some parts and was so happy for some at other times. This series is definitely a great read and would absolutely recommend to any fantasy lover! I can't wait for book 3!
✨Romantasy
✨Strong FMC/MMC
✨Mates/ Bonds
✨Fae
✨Spice
✨Dragons
✨Sirens
✨Multiple POVs
‼️Please check trigger warnings before reading.
Oh my god. The way this series has a hold on me, is crazy. It's absolutely more fast paced and has more action than the first book and I'm so here for it all! And to top it off, we get some spice in this book!
We get multiple POVs that help us get into the other characters minds and understand more about situations. I'm so glad Makayla went this route in this book!
I was pulled in into this book just as I was in the first book. I was excited, mad & upset, shed some tears, in shock, in awe...emotions everywhere!
Without spoiling anything from the book, I loved to see these characters grow and meet new ones as well. I absolutely bawled my eyes out at some parts and was so happy for some at other times. This series is definitely a great read and would absolutely recommend to any fantasy lover! I can't wait for book 3!
February 18, 2024
This is the second book in the series. It's shows more of Ember and the growth she has as in the Umbre and her story. I liked this one just as much as the first one, but at one point in the story Ember gets me so mad because of the things she does. The story is made to be like that, but it got me so mad. I wanted to go through the book and shake some sense into her. I know she had a reason for what she does but still. But I do love the story. This book does have some smut in it unlike the first one!
This book is two parts, part one is all Ember and part to is the other characters with Ember. So you get an idea of what is going on with everyone half way through the book. And remember to read the trigger warning page because they are in the book just in case you can't handle them! I can not wait for the three book! I must know what Ember next journey will be!
This book is two parts, part one is all Ember and part to is the other characters with Ember. So you get an idea of what is going on with everyone half way through the book. And remember to read the trigger warning page because they are in the book just in case you can't handle them! I can not wait for the three book! I must know what Ember next journey will be!
March 2, 2024
Wow!!! I need to know when book 3 comes out because I can’t wait to continue this story!!!
I’m a fan of strong female characters in a book and with Ember, Thalia and Storm we have really hit the jackpot. Each of them so strong in their own unique ways!
My heart broke when Thalia died, she deserved so much better and I think there will be a huge hole in both Ember and Azarel’s lives forever! The torture that Ember had to go through was just…..pff I’m not sure I have the words! It was written so well that it really put me in her shoes in those times and I could feel both the strength from Ember when it first started but also the desperation after a few weeks/months.
I can’t wait to see what Ember brings in the next book, no more Miss nice Queen by the sounds of it! I’m also looking forward to learning more about the dragons and hopefully to meeting the fourth one!
Great read!
I’m a fan of strong female characters in a book and with Ember, Thalia and Storm we have really hit the jackpot. Each of them so strong in their own unique ways!
My heart broke when Thalia died, she deserved so much better and I think there will be a huge hole in both Ember and Azarel’s lives forever! The torture that Ember had to go through was just…..pff I’m not sure I have the words! It was written so well that it really put me in her shoes in those times and I could feel both the strength from Ember when it first started but also the desperation after a few weeks/months.
I can’t wait to see what Ember brings in the next book, no more Miss nice Queen by the sounds of it! I’m also looking forward to learning more about the dragons and hopefully to meeting the fourth one!
Great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
Ember and Azarel have returned for the second installment in this series! 🙌🏻
Ember has discovered her lineage and what that really means, while Azarel encourages her every step of the way to become who she’s meant to be. Even if that means that he takes a back seat.
And then there’s the mate bond. All while she deals with her trauma and baggage. Can they work through such a difficult thing and end up together?
Oh, and a couple of her abusers make an appearance that become a major turning point for her. There’s such power in her and her story that I can’t wait to see where the author goes with it!
Beware the cliffhanger! Beware the punctuation/grammar issues, if that’s an issue for you. Otherwise a good read that’ll have you wanting more.
✔️ Abuse
✔️ Manipulation
✔️ Magic
✔️ FMC Coming Into Herself
✔️ Spice
✔️ Cliffhanger
Ember has discovered her lineage and what that really means, while Azarel encourages her every step of the way to become who she’s meant to be. Even if that means that he takes a back seat.
And then there’s the mate bond. All while she deals with her trauma and baggage. Can they work through such a difficult thing and end up together?
Oh, and a couple of her abusers make an appearance that become a major turning point for her. There’s such power in her and her story that I can’t wait to see where the author goes with it!
Beware the cliffhanger! Beware the punctuation/grammar issues, if that’s an issue for you. Otherwise a good read that’ll have you wanting more.
✔️ Abuse
✔️ Manipulation
✔️ Magic
✔️ FMC Coming Into Herself
✔️ Spice
✔️ Cliffhanger
April 16, 2025
My heart. Just when i thought we couldn’t have anymore trauma…This book was nearly perfect!!!! The amount of magical creatures in this book is enough to keep ANYONE satisfied. Dragon blessed makes complete sense now that we are learning all the main players in the story. I live for series just so I can have the plot keep rising and flowing like it is in this series. Ember…my sweet strong Ember…she is definitely showing the world what reinventing yourself is like. We’ve gone so far from the timid little princess to now she’s a warrior queen. I am hopeful to watch this progress even more with the epic storytelling to see if Ember and the Umbra court can get the peace for all races that they all so desperately want.
April 21, 2025
I didn't think this story could get any better, but wow, this one was deep and emotional. Ember is so brave and so strong for enduring all that she endured during captivity, and grieving a loss of someone so important to her life. My emotions were super high during with this book. Ember struggled so much with what she had to do and then had to try to move on with her life. She is a fierce leader that does whatever is necessary to protect her people, even if it put's her life at risk. There's also the coming together of brothers, a reunion long over due. We get lots of backstory and get to meet a lot of other creatures as well.
The story keeps up at a pretty consistent fast pace. I was enamored with the story line. I need to the next book asap.
The story keeps up at a pretty consistent fast pace. I was enamored with the story line. I need to the next book asap.
May 16, 2025
Wow, I thought Embers strength had grown a lot in Book 1, but Book 2?? Takes the cake. She has stepped into such a heavy role and executes her strength will ease and confidence and I truly loved that. I also loved Azarel so much more this book, being by her side no matter what. My review of Book 1 mentioned how great the world building was, and in this, it's even better. I feel like we get so much more detail and the magical elements are described amazingly. There were times I felt like I was going as crazy as Ember not knowing what was real and what wasn't Usually fantasy reads are hard for me to keep up with but the plot of this story is so addicting I couldn't help but enjoy it! Also that cliffhanger has me so excited to read Book 3!
October 7, 2025
Don't let the start and finish date fool you. Life happened and I had to put this down a couple of times before finally getting to finish it! Holy moly! This is another great installment in this series! Ember is feisty and resilient and we're getting to see more of her shine here. There are a couple of spicy scenes but they are on the low end of the spicy scale. I'm sad but excited to see what happens next in the final book of the series.
Full review on my website on 10.14.25.
www.mommodeloading.com
Full review on my website on 10.14.25.
www.mommodeloading.com
February 20, 2024
Wow what a book! I was not expecting that ending and I can’t wait for the next book! We get to see a lot more of Ember’s growth in this one. Part of this book we get to see some of the others POV, my favorite parts were Storm’s parts.
More dragon antics and more history of the dragons just wow. There is torture in this book so heed trigger warnings. At times could just feel I was there experiencing along with the characters the pain and worry. Just wow. Amazing.
More dragon antics and more history of the dragons just wow. There is torture in this book so heed trigger warnings. At times could just feel I was there experiencing along with the characters the pain and worry. Just wow. Amazing.
February 22, 2024
After reading the first book in the series, I was excited to see what would come in this one. Seeing Ember grow as a leader in spite of all the abuse she has endured was awesome. The world building is really cool and not overly complicated (like I don’t need to create a chart to remember who everyone is like some other series I’ve read). I’m definitely interested in seeing what comes next for Ember and her found family.
February 27, 2024
4.5 Stars
I loved that they finally mated! But for then for Ember to endure so much torture at the hands of her enemies… that was a lot to take in! And them loosing Talia…I cried and my heart broke for them!
And two more dragons? Wowza! I also feel another mate bond happening 😏
That cliffhanger at the end makes me crave for the next book though! I need to see the new stronger Queen of Umbra and what she‘s capable off!
I loved that they finally mated! But for then for Ember to endure so much torture at the hands of her enemies… that was a lot to take in! And them loosing Talia…I cried and my heart broke for them!
And two more dragons? Wowza! I also feel another mate bond happening 😏
That cliffhanger at the end makes me crave for the next book though! I need to see the new stronger Queen of Umbra and what she‘s capable off!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
I had very high hopes for this book since I absolutely ADORED the first one. This one just felt very rushed, there was so much that happened. At the same time of it feeling rushed, it felt so short. I feel like some of the issues that the characters went through should have been expanded more on. Other than that, I will continue to read the series in hopes that there is more expansion on some of the trials that the characters go through.
May 25, 2025
Part two of the Ember Queen series! I really enjoyed getting more details about the other characters in this series all together, as book one was mainly regarding Ember. I loved Ember and her strength in book one. This book was great and was less of a slow burn as the first. I can't wait for book three because I have to know what's next for Ember, each book marks milestones for her and I'm really unsure how she can become even more empowering.
March 6, 2024
I am writing this review as a part of a voluntary ARC reader. I loved the progression of the relationship between these characters. I loved the twist in the middle. I most definitely was not expecting that. I am loving how Ember is coming into her powers and demanding respect. Overall I am enjoying the series and would recommend.
April 1, 2025
Fantasy with spice, bonds and oaths, a king who has reigned to long, a Queen who seeks justice and vengeance for what she has endured at his hands, and dragons who shift into Fae. I cried as the Queen endured torture in hopes of saving her people, her court, and her mate only to watch her best friend/sister die.
April 4, 2025
Second book in this series and I am completely enthralled. I love the banter of the characters, the cute nickname Ezekiel has for Storm. I love the strength that Ember has and love. I was definitely surprised by who the villain actually was. The story is captivating and very well written. I am excited to read book three and see how Ember story ends.
June 13, 2025
📚BOOK REVIEW📚
❄️Frost and Retribution❄️
✍️Makayla Wheland✍️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Getting to know more about Ember and Azarel’s background is so great. I still love diving into more of the side characters. Elias isn’t as involved which makes me sad.
Makayla Wheland really knows how to world build and make you feel like you are in the story and feel the same emotions as the characters.
❄️Frost and Retribution❄️
✍️Makayla Wheland✍️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Getting to know more about Ember and Azarel’s background is so great. I still love diving into more of the side characters. Elias isn’t as involved which makes me sad.
Makayla Wheland really knows how to world build and make you feel like you are in the story and feel the same emotions as the characters.
February 15, 2024
Just when I thought this series couldn’t get better it does!! Ember is amazing! Her and Azarel are amazing together! What Ember has gone through and went through in this book shows the strength that she has and doesn’t even know.
February 23, 2024
Such a good book. I couldn't put this one down, much like the second one. Lots of good character development seen in Ember. Definitely some plot twists, and that ending what not what I expected at all. Can't wait for book 3!
February 24, 2024
After reading Shadow and Torment, I had huge expectations towards the the second book. And although the second book can't top of my love towards the first book. Take a chance and join Embers journey through the ups and downs she endured you won't regret it.
July 22, 2024
This book had everything that book one was missing! I really enjoyed the character development especially with Az and Storm. And the mate bond? YES!! I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited to see what is to come in this series.
February 15, 2024
Love this series. She wrapped it enough that your not upset the book is over but are still eagerly waiting for the next book. I didn’t want to put this book down.
April 13, 2024
Wow!!! The ending... I need book 3, NOW!!! Oh my goodness.
June 17, 2024
This book was great!! You can feel all of the emotion each character is feeling throughout this book. I didn’t want the book to end but now I can’t wait for book 3!
May 8, 2025
great book love it can’t wait to read the next and love the brothers that are dragons, i can’t wait to learn more about Michael and his past . i would recommend this series to anyone x
August 7, 2024
3.5 Rounded Up
This second book picks up right where Shadow and Torment left off. In this novel we get to meet the dragon Ezekiel and learn more about Ember's powers. Ezekiel is able to answer many questions that Ember and her new found family had. Ember asserts herself and claims her queen-ship to all the courts when they attempt to take over Umbra.
The learning curve continues for Ember, as she meets the Siren King and learns of their hardships. During this learning Ember is discovering who she is as a woman with power and magic. This book slowly kills off the timid and unsure Ember that readers were introduced to in the first novel. The last portion of the novel is a showdown of sorts with Ember and Julian. Without too many spoilers, Ember is forever changed and her mentality shifted entirely.
While I did enjoy this novel, I felt like once again readers are just told that Ember is this amazing queen, but beyond her kindness towards children she doesn’t do much. I still don’t feel confident in Ember as a leader or warrior. Her loyalty is unmatched but I dislike the ‘I trained for endless hours for three weeks and now I am master at the skill’ that many fantasy authors seem to include. I like to either see the characters' growth or their fallibility. Ember has been through so much and is on an entire learning curve trying to catch up on everything she has missed while also training as a warrior, magic and being a queen. I also felt like the whole Julian and Zia twist wasn’t quite strong enough to be shocking at all.
There were also many grammatical and writing errors. I normally overlook those, but unfortunately it actually interfered with understanding a few sentences and this is the book's rerelease.
All that being said, I really did enjoy the content and characters. I am looking forward to book three.
Thank you Nerdy Girls Collective for allowing my to read and review this novel.
This second book picks up right where Shadow and Torment left off. In this novel we get to meet the dragon Ezekiel and learn more about Ember's powers. Ezekiel is able to answer many questions that Ember and her new found family had. Ember asserts herself and claims her queen-ship to all the courts when they attempt to take over Umbra.
The learning curve continues for Ember, as she meets the Siren King and learns of their hardships. During this learning Ember is discovering who she is as a woman with power and magic. This book slowly kills off the timid and unsure Ember that readers were introduced to in the first novel. The last portion of the novel is a showdown of sorts with Ember and Julian. Without too many spoilers, Ember is forever changed and her mentality shifted entirely.
While I did enjoy this novel, I felt like once again readers are just told that Ember is this amazing queen, but beyond her kindness towards children she doesn’t do much. I still don’t feel confident in Ember as a leader or warrior. Her loyalty is unmatched but I dislike the ‘I trained for endless hours for three weeks and now I am master at the skill’ that many fantasy authors seem to include. I like to either see the characters' growth or their fallibility. Ember has been through so much and is on an entire learning curve trying to catch up on everything she has missed while also training as a warrior, magic and being a queen. I also felt like the whole Julian and Zia twist wasn’t quite strong enough to be shocking at all.
There were also many grammatical and writing errors. I normally overlook those, but unfortunately it actually interfered with understanding a few sentences and this is the book's rerelease.
All that being said, I really did enjoy the content and characters. I am looking forward to book three.
Thank you Nerdy Girls Collective for allowing my to read and review this novel.
April 15, 2025
I finished Frost and Retribution with one thought: When is book 3 coming out?!
Just like Shadow and Torment, I couldn’t put this book down. I stayed up way too late reading, snuck in pages during meals, and even put other books on hold just to stay immersed in Ember’s journey. The pacing was incredible, and I loved seeing more of Ember’s dragon form and her stepping fully into her power as the Dragon Queen. She’s no longer just surviving—she’s fighting back, and I was completely hooked.
The first half of the book is told from Ember’s POV, but the second half shifts between three different perspectives (no spoilers!), which added so much depth and tension to the story. I loved seeing how each character handled the chaos unfolding around them. We also get to meet more of the Kings beyond Julian and Ember’s "father," uncover more of Ember and Az’s past, and are introduced to two more dragons out of the four.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster—I felt everything, and my heart broke more than once. There’s one moment that completely wrecked me, and yes, I cried. I already know book 3 is going to be intense, and I can’t wait to see how Ember’s story continues. I also hope we get more multi-POV storytelling like in this one because it made such a huge impact!
Just like Shadow and Torment, I couldn’t put this book down. I stayed up way too late reading, snuck in pages during meals, and even put other books on hold just to stay immersed in Ember’s journey. The pacing was incredible, and I loved seeing more of Ember’s dragon form and her stepping fully into her power as the Dragon Queen. She’s no longer just surviving—she’s fighting back, and I was completely hooked.
The first half of the book is told from Ember’s POV, but the second half shifts between three different perspectives (no spoilers!), which added so much depth and tension to the story. I loved seeing how each character handled the chaos unfolding around them. We also get to meet more of the Kings beyond Julian and Ember’s "father," uncover more of Ember and Az’s past, and are introduced to two more dragons out of the four.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster—I felt everything, and my heart broke more than once. There’s one moment that completely wrecked me, and yes, I cried. I already know book 3 is going to be intense, and I can’t wait to see how Ember’s story continues. I also hope we get more multi-POV storytelling like in this one because it made such a huge impact!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews