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The Towers of the Earth #4
A Touch of Ice
To have a future, one must face their past.
Magda, Ascara and Lucinda must draw upon the strength of their trinity to seek out the truths of the past that hold the key to their future.
They travel north, to Magda’s place of birth amongst the Oceanics. For Magda, this is an unwelcoming place, a reminder that she was banished and dealt a cruel fate. Named Stoner and landlocked, for an Oceanic this is a dishonour and a fate worse than death. To return to the float again would place her life, and those with her, at risk.
In the freezing waters of the far north, Magda finds herself defending her honour and birth right. She must succeed as their fate depends upon it. Failure is not an option, the costs are too high.
Magda, Ascara and Lucinda must draw upon the strength of their trinity to seek out the truths of the past that hold the key to their future.
They travel north, to Magda’s place of birth amongst the Oceanics. For Magda, this is an unwelcoming place, a reminder that she was banished and dealt a cruel fate. Named Stoner and landlocked, for an Oceanic this is a dishonour and a fate worse than death. To return to the float again would place her life, and those with her, at risk.
In the freezing waters of the far north, Magda finds herself defending her honour and birth right. She must succeed as their fate depends upon it. Failure is not an option, the costs are too high.
Unknown Binding
First published June 9, 2020
14 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Nita Round
28 books87 followersNita Round is a British author who creates vibrant and unique new worlds as quirky as she is. She takes inspiration from her studies of history and blends together ‘what was’ and creates fantastical worlds, ‘what could be’.
Monsters, heroines, magic, and the strange are all woven into tales of hope and courage. Where women battle evil, something with nothing more than a stout heart, and no matter the odds, ultimately prevail.
If you want to know more about new books, then subscribe to Nita's reader's list. Free short story Dark Mission available via website, and exclusive to newsletter.
https://www.nitaround.com
Monsters, heroines, magic, and the strange are all woven into tales of hope and courage. Where women battle evil, something with nothing more than a stout heart, and no matter the odds, ultimately prevail.
If you want to know more about new books, then subscribe to Nita's reader's list. Free short story Dark Mission available via website, and exclusive to newsletter.
https://www.nitaround.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 9, 2020
4.50 Stars. I am so hooked on this series! This is the fourth book of the series (not including two other prequel novellas) that officially comes out today 6/9/20. If you happened to see my recent reviews of the prequel novellas, you might remember that these are steampunk-fantasy books. These books are filled with pirates, mermaids, sirens, mummies, berserker shifters, automatons and plenty of magic. The inner geek in me just loves it all. These books are so unique and are unlike any other series I have ever read. Nita Round’s imagination is off the hook and I love every second of these stories.
I was really excited about this book because finally we were going to learn the true story and heritage of who our captain Magda Stoner really is. This was Magda’s book. She was the absolute star and I didn’t think she could get any more badass but somehow she did. A lot of this book was about Magda trying to claim her destiny so there were some slower parts, but there was still plenty of excitement to keep the pages turning. The last half of the book especially was chock full of action.
Due to this being the fourth book of the series, I want to be careful not to give spoilers away. I will mention a couple quick things. There is a new character we meet towards the end of the book that I’m super excited about. One of the main secondary characters is a healer and she has a connection to this new arrival. I can’t wait to find out more about how they are connected and I hope we will see a lot more of both of them to come. The other thing I wanted to mention is I believe the next book will really be Ascara’s turn to shine. I hope I’m reading things right as she is my favorite character and I love her “magical powers” if you will so I can’t wait for her book.
With the way this series is going, my guess is there will be at least two more, if not more, books. I love this series so I will keep reading as many books as Round wants to write. As a reminder the first prequel, A Pinch of Salt, is still free as of today. I know not everyone knows what steampunk really is and some people might be wary of fantasy, so I hope readers will use this as a chance to grab this free prequel and see if this series might be for you. What do you have to loose and it might really surprise you in the best way. Round is a very talented author with an imagination to rival anyone. I just hope she can write book five fast since I want more already. These books are also now available on Kindle Unlimited which makes them an absolute steal.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
I was really excited about this book because finally we were going to learn the true story and heritage of who our captain Magda Stoner really is. This was Magda’s book. She was the absolute star and I didn’t think she could get any more badass but somehow she did. A lot of this book was about Magda trying to claim her destiny so there were some slower parts, but there was still plenty of excitement to keep the pages turning. The last half of the book especially was chock full of action.
Due to this being the fourth book of the series, I want to be careful not to give spoilers away. I will mention a couple quick things. There is a new character we meet towards the end of the book that I’m super excited about. One of the main secondary characters is a healer and she has a connection to this new arrival. I can’t wait to find out more about how they are connected and I hope we will see a lot more of both of them to come. The other thing I wanted to mention is I believe the next book will really be Ascara’s turn to shine. I hope I’m reading things right as she is my favorite character and I love her “magical powers” if you will so I can’t wait for her book.
With the way this series is going, my guess is there will be at least two more, if not more, books. I love this series so I will keep reading as many books as Round wants to write. As a reminder the first prequel, A Pinch of Salt, is still free as of today. I know not everyone knows what steampunk really is and some people might be wary of fantasy, so I hope readers will use this as a chance to grab this free prequel and see if this series might be for you. What do you have to loose and it might really surprise you in the best way. Round is a very talented author with an imagination to rival anyone. I just hope she can write book five fast since I want more already. These books are also now available on Kindle Unlimited which makes them an absolute steal.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
June 10, 2020
This series is so good! This one gives us a look at Magda’s roots. Once they arrived at the float, Magda immediately faces a challenge. As the women learn more about the people there, they also need to face another challenge. Now, I have to admit that Allen lost me during the history he gave Magda and the others. I had to read it twice. Once I sank into the story again, I was thoroughly entertained and concerned for the main characters. This is an intense adventure, but with some light moments.
The obstacles come one after another, even before the real problems started. The mountain near the float turns out to be more than expected. After issues there are settled, the float and the Trinity are attacked, but this wondrous mountain is loaded with goodies. All of that made me wonder about when the Fall took place and how far the previous civilization had advanced. Somehow, Round also wraps in many interpersonal concerns and feelings among the three women as well as the treachery, battles, discoveries and experiences. There are some unfortunate events but the book ends on both a good note and an ominous one.
I’m struggling with saying too much, so I’ll leave it there. If you’ve enjoyed Round’s other books in this series, you’ll like this one, too.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
The obstacles come one after another, even before the real problems started. The mountain near the float turns out to be more than expected. After issues there are settled, the float and the Trinity are attacked, but this wondrous mountain is loaded with goodies. All of that made me wonder about when the Fall took place and how far the previous civilization had advanced. Somehow, Round also wraps in many interpersonal concerns and feelings among the three women as well as the treachery, battles, discoveries and experiences. There are some unfortunate events but the book ends on both a good note and an ominous one.
I’m struggling with saying too much, so I’ll leave it there. If you’ve enjoyed Round’s other books in this series, you’ll like this one, too.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
February 4, 2021
Ooh, okay, this one is a little tougher for me. It's all Magda all the time which--yay! Also, really detail heavy on clockworks and the origin of the Clockmaker, which for me was a bit of a struggle at times.
That said, I read every word because interspersed within all the world building history were the intimate trinity moments, flirting, unconditional love and support we've come to expect and crave from these women.
Okay, hold on, I have to consult my notes. Yes, I take notes, don't you?
Things I wish I'd learned more of...
What did Magda's tattoos look like? Because I didn't realize I could love Magda more and then she got magic tattoos, but what do they look like?
NR, please tell me that Ascara's preferred weapon, the BFG 9002 stands for 'big fucking gun'.
I could have used a little more Oceanic culture. I understand Magda has a complicated relationship with her heritage and people(even more so now), but I would have enjoyed learning more about them besides how harsh they are. I get that the brutal climate perhaps breeds a harder people who have no time for wasted energy, useless people or anything that threatens their survival. We really only got to see the 'cold' side of everyone (see what I did there?) including Magda. She was really at her most ruthless in this book which was a bit jarring.
The one thing that softened the Oceanics was sending the children to Mar Kasha so they would be safe. That was a nice touch.
Regarding the ruthlessness of this book. Even Lucinda was on board with the 'kill them all' attitude, which I found a bit out of character for her.
Okay, I'll stop complaining lest someone think I did not enjoy this book. All of the above is actually a compliment to how invested I am in the story and characters and how much time I spend thinking about them.
I really enjoyed learning, along with the women, the way their magic works differently with each other. How Ascara can 'feed' Lucinda with her rage and Magda and Lucinda can see as the Raven together. It adds another layer to the complex relationships between them.
It's clearly explained that they are all in love with each other but, like their gifts, that love manifests in different ways between them. Ascara is fiercely protective of Magda and threats to Magda are what brings out her beast faster than anything, whereas its Lucinda she's clear about wanting more with relationship wise.
And Magda and Lucinda are the two most physically intimate with each other, and it was Magda who couldn't deal when it was Lucinda in danger. Ascara was much calmer about that.
So, the the next book is set up nicely and we know where the trinity is off to next and which one of them will be stepping up to come into their power.
That book has yet to be published which gives me time to read the prequels, so I'm off.
And that's how CE sees it.
That said, I read every word because interspersed within all the world building history were the intimate trinity moments, flirting, unconditional love and support we've come to expect and crave from these women.
Okay, hold on, I have to consult my notes. Yes, I take notes, don't you?
Things I wish I'd learned more of...
What did Magda's tattoos look like? Because I didn't realize I could love Magda more and then she got magic tattoos, but what do they look like?
NR, please tell me that Ascara's preferred weapon, the BFG 9002 stands for 'big fucking gun'.
I could have used a little more Oceanic culture. I understand Magda has a complicated relationship with her heritage and people(even more so now), but I would have enjoyed learning more about them besides how harsh they are. I get that the brutal climate perhaps breeds a harder people who have no time for wasted energy, useless people or anything that threatens their survival. We really only got to see the 'cold' side of everyone (see what I did there?) including Magda. She was really at her most ruthless in this book which was a bit jarring.
The one thing that softened the Oceanics was sending the children to Mar Kasha so they would be safe. That was a nice touch.
Regarding the ruthlessness of this book. Even Lucinda was on board with the 'kill them all' attitude, which I found a bit out of character for her.
Okay, I'll stop complaining lest someone think I did not enjoy this book. All of the above is actually a compliment to how invested I am in the story and characters and how much time I spend thinking about them.
I really enjoyed learning, along with the women, the way their magic works differently with each other. How Ascara can 'feed' Lucinda with her rage and Magda and Lucinda can see as the Raven together. It adds another layer to the complex relationships between them.
It's clearly explained that they are all in love with each other but, like their gifts, that love manifests in different ways between them. Ascara is fiercely protective of Magda and threats to Magda are what brings out her beast faster than anything, whereas its Lucinda she's clear about wanting more with relationship wise.
And Magda and Lucinda are the two most physically intimate with each other, and it was Magda who couldn't deal when it was Lucinda in danger. Ascara was much calmer about that.
So, the the next book is set up nicely and we know where the trinity is off to next and which one of them will be stepping up to come into their power.
That book has yet to be published which gives me time to read the prequels, so I'm off.
And that's how CE sees it.
June 21, 2020
Fantasy action series that keeps me hooked and eagerly awaiting the next book. Personally I love that it is a plot and character focused story with plenty of action.
November 19, 2020
Oh wow... that battle was pretty epic. I was hoping that Mar Kasha would turn into a giant robot that only moved when Mag moved but what actually happened was just as freaking awesome! (This isn't Voltron after all...)
I need more books. What happens next??
I need more books. What happens next??
July 5, 2020
This series is, one hell of, an epic adventure! I’m totally addicted and can’t get enough of it. Everything you could possible dream of is here. Mummies, Magic, Gods, Witches, Pirates, Robots, Krackens, Mermaids, the fight for all humanity, and so much more. I especially love the bond between Magda, Ascara, and Lucinda. With each book their connection and Trinity only strengthens and becomes deeper. I definitely can’t wait for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2020
With A Touch of Ice, we travel to Magda’s homeland and learn about her past and her amazing future. Previous books have hinted at Magda’s unusual talents and her past. I was pleased to get this glimpse into the world that Magda was pushed out of. As with any character that you have come to love, any detail about what makes them tick is soaked up.
Part of what makes Magda tick is the trinity of Raven, Fire and Ice. The trio will be even closer. Support when needed, holding back when needed, even admonishing occasionally and always loving. There is something very compelling about these three women and their relationship and I love to see it develop.
In this story, the trio comes face to face with the clockmaker. And it is not what you would expect. It is terrifying and wonderful.
In this story an old friend is determined to be a betrayer (I saw that one coming).
In this story, a new tower is discovered. Well, the series is called The Towers of the Earth.
In this story, advanced technology arises. I did not expect that, but considering the source, it made sense.
In this story, there are more details about the Father and the Mother. I really want more on that subject, but maybe that will come in the further telling of the tale.
In A Touch of Ice, the ongoing plot gets more complex. If I think back to book 1, which I read as a mystery and not much more, I am amazed at how far the story has progressed. And every time I finish a book in this series, I think the story just keeps getting better. And I become that annoying person who is impatient for the next book in the series. While A Touch of Ice does have a complete story in it, it is evident that there is still much more to come. I quite won’t call it a cliffhanger. I do recommend you read these books in series order.
While the overall story arc of The Towers of the Earth is intricate and fascinating, these books are ultimately about three strong women who will do anything for each other. Which is the true appeal for me.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
Part of what makes Magda tick is the trinity of Raven, Fire and Ice. The trio will be even closer. Support when needed, holding back when needed, even admonishing occasionally and always loving. There is something very compelling about these three women and their relationship and I love to see it develop.
In this story, the trio comes face to face with the clockmaker. And it is not what you would expect. It is terrifying and wonderful.
In this story an old friend is determined to be a betrayer (I saw that one coming).
In this story, a new tower is discovered. Well, the series is called The Towers of the Earth.
In this story, advanced technology arises. I did not expect that, but considering the source, it made sense.
In this story, there are more details about the Father and the Mother. I really want more on that subject, but maybe that will come in the further telling of the tale.
In A Touch of Ice, the ongoing plot gets more complex. If I think back to book 1, which I read as a mystery and not much more, I am amazed at how far the story has progressed. And every time I finish a book in this series, I think the story just keeps getting better. And I become that annoying person who is impatient for the next book in the series. While A Touch of Ice does have a complete story in it, it is evident that there is still much more to come. I quite won’t call it a cliffhanger. I do recommend you read these books in series order.
While the overall story arc of The Towers of the Earth is intricate and fascinating, these books are ultimately about three strong women who will do anything for each other. Which is the true appeal for me.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
June 26, 2020
I love this series. There is plenty of action, the characters work together, the plot is evolving, and the world is well, fascinating.
The romance is an extremely slow burn one, and is all the better for it. Three soul mates find themselves together, in all kinds of troubles, and they bond so well.
I loved Magda's story, there is just so much going on with this woman. I do look forward to seeing more of Ascara, she's a part of everything, but she needs to be the star of the show next.
When do we get the next one?
The romance is an extremely slow burn one, and is all the better for it. Three soul mates find themselves together, in all kinds of troubles, and they bond so well.
I loved Magda's story, there is just so much going on with this woman. I do look forward to seeing more of Ascara, she's a part of everything, but she needs to be the star of the show next.
When do we get the next one?
August 22, 2020
If this is the last in the series I should be satisfied. But I do hope there is more. I could not put the book down, the story was that engaging. Nothing is as it seems and the bad guy isn't the bad guy. It's such an exciting read. Magda, Ascara and Lucinda are more united, stronger and face daunting challenges and attacks. Amazing, simply amazing.
December 5, 2020
Bloody hell, this I did not expect about Magda. And I really need to see what destiny has in store for Ascara, woman of fire!!! Damn, this was one for the ages...really cannot wait for the next installment of this amazing series...I want to see the confrontation with Quentin and I hope Lucinda sends him to hell with her Raven ability in a very punishing way. Fine reading indeed!
September 8, 2021
I'm very upset that this isn't the last book in the series. Not because I don't want more (I do) but because I don't want to wait!! I realized only partway through this one when more and more mythology kept getting added that there's no way it could finish within the contents of this book. Anyway, that aside, this is Magda's time to shine and shine she does. I do love our dear sweet sensitive but also incredibly badass airship captain. This book suffers a little from many long explanatory conversations (as I said, lots of additional mythology - but it's interesting mythology!) but there is still plenty of action. Lots of steampunk and clockwork in here too. The relationship between Magda, Lucinda, and Ascara remains loving and devoted but hardly more than flirtatious (no romance to be found here, though there is some slow progression from previous books), but still points for lesbian poly main characters. Honestly I'm dying for them to actually move a little, but I guess we'll see in future books.
Also this series makes me want tea all the time.
Also this series makes me want tea all the time.
March 2, 2022
Towers 4 - the most steampunk yet in the series
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: butch character, unusual job, established threesome, not a romance, out of your comfort zone, full-time writer, non-US/UK setting (possibly other categories)
I worked in STEM fields, and I geeked out with this novel. The Ice element of the trio is finally blended into the trinity. The origin story of the Clockmaker and his descendents are revealed, and that was where so much of the steampunk came into play. Self-induced tension and insecurity over Ascara's role in the threesome caused her to be confused and upset a few times, but as usual, Lucinda and Magda reeled her back into their fold.
So many important and exciting things happened in A Touch of Ice! Not only is it a must-read, it is very critical to The Towers of Earth series.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: butch character, unusual job, established threesome, not a romance, out of your comfort zone, full-time writer, non-US/UK setting (possibly other categories)
I worked in STEM fields, and I geeked out with this novel. The Ice element of the trio is finally blended into the trinity. The origin story of the Clockmaker and his descendents are revealed, and that was where so much of the steampunk came into play. Self-induced tension and insecurity over Ascara's role in the threesome caused her to be confused and upset a few times, but as usual, Lucinda and Magda reeled her back into their fold.
So many important and exciting things happened in A Touch of Ice! Not only is it a must-read, it is very critical to The Towers of Earth series.
August 19, 2023
Great read
Nita Round never disappoints. This fourth book just keeps making the Towers series more fun, more adventuresome and more intricate. Even though there are several books in the series, this one has a satisfying ending with enough foreshadowing to make me want to start Book 5 immediately (Raven, Fire, and Ice just have to get together!).
Nita Round never disappoints. This fourth book just keeps making the Towers series more fun, more adventuresome and more intricate. Even though there are several books in the series, this one has a satisfying ending with enough foreshadowing to make me want to start Book 5 immediately (Raven, Fire, and Ice just have to get together!).
November 26, 2020
💗SENSATIONAL 💗
Totally entertained.Greatly enjoyed the series thus far. Although I'm still wondering when we will get the remaining series .
Totally entertained.Greatly enjoyed the series thus far. Although I'm still wondering when we will get the remaining series .
July 7, 2024
AWESOME SERIES! THE END! LOL
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews