Beneath The Frost

by Douglas Nelson

Step into a world where survival in unforgiving lands is not just a test of strength, but of character. Beneath the Frost takes readers on a journey through treacherous landscapes and political intrigue, as a group of unlikely companions navigate danger, form alliances, and face difficult choices along the way.

This fantasy novel delivers a blend of adventure, emotional depth, and rich world-building, with themes of friendship, trust, and the personal cost of power. Ideal for readers who enjoy a mix of action, character-driven storytelling, and immersive settings.

Genres: Fantasy

313 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2024

Reviews

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m absolutely kicking myself for waiting so long to pick this book up! Once I started, I devoured it—I didn’t want to put it down. The characters, especially Cai, completely stole my heart. 🥰

This is a story about a friendship that blossoms from the most unlikely situation. It’s the kind of bond where they’ve got each other’s backs, no matter what. A friendship like that feels rare and precious—one you just know will last a lifetime.

But beneath this heartfelt connection lies a ticking clock: the looming threat of war that could erupt at any moment and upend everything in the kingdom. The tension between these two threads—the warmth of friendship and the danger of conflict—kept me hooked from start to finish.

Thank you, Douglas Nelson, for writing such an amazing book. I can’t wait to dive into your next one!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
Make sure to grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and read this cozy, fun adventure. If you love giants, portal's, crooked kingdoms, power hungry kings and adventure, this is the book for you.
I planned on reading this after I finished my current read but I opened it to read the first chapter and couldn't put it down. The beginning gives Narnia vibes! I loved the writing style, right to the point. Not too long and not too short. All of the characters are amazing and the ending is really good. I absolutely love the atmosphere in this. Looking forward to the sequel.

[Meg Sargent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a booktoker I follow before all the TikTok drama. I was drawn in from the beginning. I loved the characters, especially Finn. Always like to see a strong female character come into her power. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and have already recommended to a friend to read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Excited to read more by this author!

[Misty Gauchat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! I couldn’t put it down! The author has a great way of describing the characters! Can’t wait for the sequel!

[Mrs. Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters were interesting but the writing wasn’t the style that I enjoy. There were alot of details, too many and the dialogue was too simple. I felt it was missing something. This book wasn’t my cup of tea.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read; Fun Story

Really enjoyed the story and the characters. The only issues I had was the jarring points of view and repetitive narrative. The pacing suffered a bit from those two things, but overall the story was engaging and I loved Cai! Hoping to see more of him in the next one!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Frost by Douglas Nelson is a gripping tale of loneliness, guilt, and getting over it. In a frozen, snowy world, the protagonist grapples with his past and the feelings he's suppressed. The book brings the harsh, icy landscape to life, mirroring the his inner turmoil. It's a serious but affecting tale of confronting your past and learning to mend. The characters were well thought out and the storyline was compelling and enjoyable. While I enjoyed all three of the main characters, Finn was by far my favorite and the one that stood out the most to me. He was fun to read and learn about as the story progressed.

[Bryce Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Douglas Nelson masterfully crafts a gripping tale set in the unraveling kingdom of Elandor, where political unrest, betrayal, and shifting loyalties set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Following Cai, Elara, and Finn, the story sweeps readers into a world of high-stakes intrigue, action-packed sequences, and even moments of heartfelt romance.

The dynamic between the three protagonists—each with their own secrets, strengths, and vulnerabilities—keeps the tension high while allowing for genuine character growth. As they navigate the dangers of a fractured realm, their uneasy alliance blossoms into trust, friendship, and even love, making every twist and turn feel all the more impactful. And speaking of twists—this book had a few that left me absolutely speechless!

With its perfect blend of political intrigue, pulse-pounding action, and deeply emotional storytelling, this novel is a must-read for fantasy lovers. I can’t wait for the next installment on March 1—I’ll be grabbing it the moment it’s released!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique Plot

First and foremost I want to thank the author for reaching out to me to read this story. I am honored.

This story has unique world building and magical system. The characters were very likable, especially Cai. Elara has been taken in a sinister plot for power. When she escapes and ends up in the care of a northern giant, Cai, a bond develops and he is compelled to help her. Finn is a wanderer running from his past, when he happens upon the pair a found family develops. The story takes us on Elara's journey home and discovering her powers. The ending is solid, setting the reader up for the next book.

Tropes: Found family, forced proximity, enemies to lovers.

The plot is good.
The character development is good but a little rushed in the end.
There is repetition that made the story drag a little for me.
For me the dialogue was slightly bland and the banter didn't quite hit the mark.

Overall a good story.

[thelittleghosty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me interested by the first chapter. As I continued reading, the stakes became higher and higher and I couldn’t put it down. The characters are so lovable and the villains were great. I’m a slow reader and it takes me a while to get into a book but I read this one in two and a half weeks.

Where the book fell short for me was the repetitive use of words and descriptions, especially for Cai and the cold lands. I feel like the book could’ve went through some more rounds of editing before being published. I also wish there was more world building. Maybe we’ll get some in the second book?

Overall, this book was a great time and I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read. I’m excited to start the next book and look forward to seeing how the epilogue ties into Shadows of Elandor.

[Viviana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fantasy read by Douglas Nelson that follows princess Elara who escapes her kidnappers & ends up in the north where no one can really survive, she is found by Cai who has live there all his life. he bring her home to help her he doesnt really speak to even tho she trying to get him to talk. when he does it to tell her she has to go. she does eventually she get him to agree to take her home on the way they have some obstacles to overcome & also meet Finn who becomes Cai BFF lol. (they are my favorite.) they come together to help Elara get home but it not an easy feat. there is somethings you will not see coming make you doudt what you know there is a book 2 that i will be adding to my tbr to finish.

[Birdie Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating. I loved the story and all of the characters!

[Lindsay Finney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so hard to put down because the end of each chapter kept you wondering what might happen next! It’s difficult for books to keep my attention, but Beneath the Frost was different! I just couldn’t put it down! The beginning of the book did seem to drag a bit and the chapters were longer than my personal preferences for books, but all in all, a wonderful story and very well done! The character developmental was excellent, the descriptions of each scene made it very clear what you should see. If you’re looking for a book with a strong female lead as well, this is the book for you. I really enjoyed it and I’ll be honest, the ending made me cry not once, but twice!