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Legends Reborn #1
A Curse of Snow and Ash
She holds the power of fire and ice—now, she must decide which one will rule.
Valira, the forgotten princess of the Ash Court, has lived her life hidden from both her past and her dangerous magic. When she is thrust into a world of ice and fire, hunted by two rival courts, she must unlock her powers to stop a war—and perhaps find herself along the way.
In a world where fire and ice have been at war for centuries, Valira, an exiled princess with no memory of her past, is hunted for the power she doesn't understand. Born from a forbidden union between the Courts of Snow and Ash, Valira wields both fire and ice, a magic that could save or destroy the realm.
When a cold-hearted assassin from the Snow Court, Prince Caelan, is sent to kill her, their fates become entwined. As they race against time to uncover the truth about her origins and the curse that threatens the kingdoms, Valira must learn to control her volatile powers before the war consumes them both.
Enemies lurk in every shadow, and trust is as fragile as ice. But amid the chaos, a dangerous bond forms between Valira and Caelan—one that could melt the coldest hearts or spark a fire that consumes them both.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brigid Kemmerer, A Curse of Snow and Ash is a breathtaking blend of elemental magic, fierce romance, and high-stakes fantasy.
A Curse of Snow of Ash is the first book in the Legends Reborn series. It is a no-spice fantasy romance adventure.
Valira, the forgotten princess of the Ash Court, has lived her life hidden from both her past and her dangerous magic. When she is thrust into a world of ice and fire, hunted by two rival courts, she must unlock her powers to stop a war—and perhaps find herself along the way.
In a world where fire and ice have been at war for centuries, Valira, an exiled princess with no memory of her past, is hunted for the power she doesn't understand. Born from a forbidden union between the Courts of Snow and Ash, Valira wields both fire and ice, a magic that could save or destroy the realm.
When a cold-hearted assassin from the Snow Court, Prince Caelan, is sent to kill her, their fates become entwined. As they race against time to uncover the truth about her origins and the curse that threatens the kingdoms, Valira must learn to control her volatile powers before the war consumes them both.
Enemies lurk in every shadow, and trust is as fragile as ice. But amid the chaos, a dangerous bond forms between Valira and Caelan—one that could melt the coldest hearts or spark a fire that consumes them both.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brigid Kemmerer, A Curse of Snow and Ash is a breathtaking blend of elemental magic, fierce romance, and high-stakes fantasy.
A Curse of Snow of Ash is the first book in the Legends Reborn series. It is a no-spice fantasy romance adventure.
126 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2024
23 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Marie-Hélène Lebeault
97 books384 followersMarie-Hélène Lebeault writes Speculative Fiction for children, teens, and adults
Be sure to follow her here and on https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie...
Join her newsletter for events, sales, and new releases at https: //mhlebeaultauthor.substack.com
Marie-Hélène is a Canadian author. She writes young adult quest and adventure stories rooted in the world of fantasy, magic and time travel. With important coming of age lessons at the core of her writing, children and young adults alike will revel in the fantastical journeys of her characters. When not immersed in the worlds of magic and mystery, you’ll find Marie-Hélène hiking, cycling, or lying on the beach with a good book.
Be sure to follow her here and on https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie...
Join her newsletter for events, sales, and new releases at https: //mhlebeaultauthor.substack.com
Marie-Hélène is a Canadian author. She writes young adult quest and adventure stories rooted in the world of fantasy, magic and time travel. With important coming of age lessons at the core of her writing, children and young adults alike will revel in the fantastical journeys of her characters. When not immersed in the worlds of magic and mystery, you’ll find Marie-Hélène hiking, cycling, or lying on the beach with a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 6, 2024
In a world of magic, camps are split between fire and ice magic. But what if they can be unified? Would this end the countless years of fighting? More importantly: do the opposing forces want an end, or to control the power and dominate the other?
Solid worldbuilding, lots of action. Great if you enjoy lots of things blowing up! Only downside is that it ends a bit flat.
Solid worldbuilding, lots of action. Great if you enjoy lots of things blowing up! Only downside is that it ends a bit flat.
November 29, 2024
Loved it!
November 11, 2024
Torn between two worlds, yet belonging to neither.
The powers-that-be of the Ash and Snow Courts misunderstand the “balance” Valira brings as being a threat to their dominions. And they each want her powers for their own ends…but at what cost?
Now I’m gonna sound like a therapist (or a patient!) as I analyze the below sentences. The motif of “balance” between delving into our psyches (opening up ourselves to potential further damage from buried trauma) and uncovering our wounds for treatment (to prevent the damages from festering as well as our spiraling out of control).
‘There are some secrets that are better left buried.’
‘You cannot control these powers without understanding where they came from.’
These two options lead to so many questions: Which to choose? What is the best balance? How long does one wait to start? Whom do we seek to assist us? Etc.
I see Valira’s quest for control not to be for the sake of power, but rather for the sake of her sanity as well as the well-being of those around her. Our chaos of Fire (anger & rage) needs our clarity of Ice (calm & detachment) to prevent becoming overwhelmed or even consumed by our passionate reactions. Yes, there are times to be upset – the goal is to channel the negativity into something positive.
May we each learn to tame the extremes of our emotions…before we become someone we no longer recognize.
How shall I curb my impatience for the upcoming ‘A Curse of Thorns and Slumber’? Perhaps I’ll take my own advice and start working on some of my own “fire”. 😊
The powers-that-be of the Ash and Snow Courts misunderstand the “balance” Valira brings as being a threat to their dominions. And they each want her powers for their own ends…but at what cost?
Now I’m gonna sound like a therapist (or a patient!) as I analyze the below sentences. The motif of “balance” between delving into our psyches (opening up ourselves to potential further damage from buried trauma) and uncovering our wounds for treatment (to prevent the damages from festering as well as our spiraling out of control).
‘There are some secrets that are better left buried.’
‘You cannot control these powers without understanding where they came from.’
These two options lead to so many questions: Which to choose? What is the best balance? How long does one wait to start? Whom do we seek to assist us? Etc.
I see Valira’s quest for control not to be for the sake of power, but rather for the sake of her sanity as well as the well-being of those around her. Our chaos of Fire (anger & rage) needs our clarity of Ice (calm & detachment) to prevent becoming overwhelmed or even consumed by our passionate reactions. Yes, there are times to be upset – the goal is to channel the negativity into something positive.
May we each learn to tame the extremes of our emotions…before we become someone we no longer recognize.
How shall I curb my impatience for the upcoming ‘A Curse of Thorns and Slumber’? Perhaps I’ll take my own advice and start working on some of my own “fire”. 😊
January 16, 2025
I found this book very frustrating. The description sounds amazing, but the book just doesn't deliver. It's a loose Snow White retelling, and I do like fairy tale retellings, but I found it confusing and unsatisfying. I'm not at all sure how the magic system works, if it's inherited or if it's learned, and why Valerie and her mother are the only ones that have both magics (the blurb makes it sound like one parent had fire magic and one ice magic, but her dad’s never mentioned and her mom was experimenting trying to balance both, so I’m left wondering if Valeria was created as part of that experiment?).
I was also questioning things like, “Does she actually have amnesia at the beginning?”, “Why aren't they leaving footprints in the snow?” and, “What actually happens when she loses control of her magic?” because there are lots of scenes where she balances it quite well but she keeps acting as if she's only losing control. I also came across this story in a romantasy anthology and there's not actually any romance in it Valeria and Caelan spend a lot of time traveling together, they seem friendly with each other, and he's inexplicably loyal to her, but there's not a single spark or romantic moment between them.
I was also questioning things like, “Does she actually have amnesia at the beginning?”, “Why aren't they leaving footprints in the snow?” and, “What actually happens when she loses control of her magic?” because there are lots of scenes where she balances it quite well but she keeps acting as if she's only losing control. I also came across this story in a romantasy anthology and there's not actually any romance in it Valeria and Caelan spend a lot of time traveling together, they seem friendly with each other, and he's inexplicably loyal to her, but there's not a single spark or romantic moment between them.
February 4, 2025
Nice reimagining of Snow White
3.5 stars - Book 1 of Legends Reborn, a collection of fairytale retellings, is a nice reimagining of Snow White. Valira and Caelan fight to survive attacks from the Ash Court while trying to discover more about her powers and identity. It is a long journey of discovery (with a cliffhanger).
I like how both characters are determined to stay the course and push through doubts, fear and exhaustion to do the right thing despite it being the more difficult action. The author well represents the overwhelming fears Valira has about her powers and the threat she poses in addition to the threats surrounding her.
I wish there was more insight into Caelan and the Snow Court. There is still an air of mystery concerning that side of the conflict. I also wish there was more to the story. With part of their journey completed, I'd really like to know if they're successful in bringing peace to their courts as well.
I haven't read the next books yet but this is a good start since the series is called Legends Reborn. I'm sure this would be a good series for preteens to teens.
3.5 stars - Book 1 of Legends Reborn, a collection of fairytale retellings, is a nice reimagining of Snow White. Valira and Caelan fight to survive attacks from the Ash Court while trying to discover more about her powers and identity. It is a long journey of discovery (with a cliffhanger).
I like how both characters are determined to stay the course and push through doubts, fear and exhaustion to do the right thing despite it being the more difficult action. The author well represents the overwhelming fears Valira has about her powers and the threat she poses in addition to the threats surrounding her.
I wish there was more insight into Caelan and the Snow Court. There is still an air of mystery concerning that side of the conflict. I also wish there was more to the story. With part of their journey completed, I'd really like to know if they're successful in bringing peace to their courts as well.
I haven't read the next books yet but this is a good start since the series is called Legends Reborn. I'm sure this would be a good series for preteens to teens.
August 30, 2025
This is a great immersive reading experience that grips you from the start. It’s by Marie Helen Lebeault so of course it does . We join our FMC Valera who is the forgotten princess of Ash Court ,forgetting her last and keeping her magic at bay but now she has to face her demons head on literally as Fure and Ice both hunt her down. You see this forgotten princess has no memory so hasn’t even a guess as to why she’s wanted by both parties. Snow and Ash have been at war for centuries and this Princesses unused magic is the key to victory for both factions.she has the powers to weild both Fire and Ice due to a forbidden union. This could save or destroy their world. This girl. Cold hearted assassin Prince Caelin is sent from Snow Court to kill . But what happens is the two join together and chaos is created and alliances formed at to which end ? In the end it’s the answer to the bigger question. What if there was no fighting and the two were unified ,would those that fight with all their might be satisfied ? This was an excellent story I swallowed whole . Reading in one sitting was my goal and achieved as well. You can’t leave off a story like this ,it’s absolute bliss.
November 11, 2024
A Curse of Snow and Ash.
Valira possesses the power of fire and the power of ice, gaining the focus of both kingdoms - either to kill her or to use her. Can she learn to control both powers or will they destroy her?
Caelan is on a mission to exterminate the danger posed to the Kingdom of Ash, but the young woman he confronts does not seem like the threat he was sent to kill.
I am curious to see where this series goes. It has good potential. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Valira possesses the power of fire and the power of ice, gaining the focus of both kingdoms - either to kill her or to use her. Can she learn to control both powers or will they destroy her?
Caelan is on a mission to exterminate the danger posed to the Kingdom of Ash, but the young woman he confronts does not seem like the threat he was sent to kill.
I am curious to see where this series goes. It has good potential. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
January 30, 2025
A wonderful action/adventure story. The world building is described well. The limited characters intertwine well. However, the chapters are long with breaks "between scenes" or thoughts of each main character. There is a running dialogue that repeats throughout the book. It's the thoughts and fears of FMC. Overall it's a great adventure story and YA readers should enjoy it. Ends in cliffhanger....
February 18, 2025
To the point
So... I like the idea of this story, but it has some issues. The wording is blunt--no pretty words or purple prose. Everything is rushed...like six battles in 24-48 hours, and Valira mastering everything as soon as she tries it, even within her failures. She also supposedly started the story with her memories wiped, yet recalls a number of things, yet we get no real backstory to clear up a number of questions. It's frustrating because I want to like it more.
So... I like the idea of this story, but it has some issues. The wording is blunt--no pretty words or purple prose. Everything is rushed...like six battles in 24-48 hours, and Valira mastering everything as soon as she tries it, even within her failures. She also supposedly started the story with her memories wiped, yet recalls a number of things, yet we get no real backstory to clear up a number of questions. It's frustrating because I want to like it more.
March 2, 2025
Clean Standalone YA Fantasy Interconnected Series
This is the first book in an interconnected series. It has a Happy For Now ending that could flow over into a future book or be a standalone. It has the hint of romance but focuses more on her learning who she is and why everyone either wants to control her or kill her. Will she be able to stay alive long enough to get answers? Who can she trust to help her?
This is the first book in an interconnected series. It has a Happy For Now ending that could flow over into a future book or be a standalone. It has the hint of romance but focuses more on her learning who she is and why everyone either wants to control her or kill her. Will she be able to stay alive long enough to get answers? Who can she trust to help her?
January 28, 2025
Delightful retelling of a classic tale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The tale of Valira and Caelan is a fast paced gripping adventure that is a captivating narrative that would also lend itself to a film version. The characters are well crafted and there's a chemistry between them that unites them solidly against the two courts. Looking forward to more in the series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The tale of Valira and Caelan is a fast paced gripping adventure that is a captivating narrative that would also lend itself to a film version. The characters are well crafted and there's a chemistry between them that unites them solidly against the two courts. Looking forward to more in the series!
December 4, 2024
Valira is caught between two factions and desperate to escape the fighting. Is she strong enough to prevail? It seems like this book is setting up a series as not a lot happens in the story. I read a free copy of this fantasy and these are my thoughts.
March 28, 2025
This is the first book I have read by author Marie-Hélène Lebeault.
But it won't be my last. This is the first book in a new series. I couldn't put it down. Loved the awesome characters and can't wait to read book two...
But it won't be my last. This is the first book in a new series. I couldn't put it down. Loved the awesome characters and can't wait to read book two...
May 19, 2025
this ended so abruptly I thought someone ripped a few pages out of the end.
October 31, 2024
A great quick read. The main characters Caelen and Valira are well developed and relatable. They are constantly on the run from the Ash Court because they are trying to capture Valira. The world building skills in this book are fantastic. Marie Helen LeBeault really knows how to put out a page turning story! I absolutely recommend reading this book!
November 14, 2024
This is a thrilling fantasy novel that reimagines the Snow White legend. The story follows Valira, the forgotten princess of the Ash Court, who wields the powers of both fire and ice due to her forbidden parentage. Her unique abilities are both a blessing and a curse, as she must learn to control her volatile magic to prevent a war between the Snow and Ash Courts. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Prince Caelan is initially sent to kill Valira. However, as their paths cross and their fates intertwine, a complex and dangerous bond forms between them. Caelan's character evolves from a merciless hunter to someone who must confront his own beliefs and loyalties. The story consists of secrets, battles for peace, love, sacrifice conflict, and resolution. A great first book in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews