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The Winter Court #4
A Crown of Ice and Fury
The War of Winter's Realm begins . . .
More to come.
More to come.
718 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2025
219 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
About the author
Ashley McLeo
62 books718 followersAshley lives in the lush and green Pacific Northwest with her husband, their dog, and the house ghost that sometimes makes appearances in her charming, old home.
When she’s not writing urban fantasy and portal fantasy novels she enjoys traveling the world, reading, kicking butt at board games (she recommends Splendor and Dominion), and frequenting taquerias.
For all the latest releases and updates, subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, The Coven, today!
When she’s not writing urban fantasy and portal fantasy novels she enjoys traveling the world, reading, kicking butt at board games (she recommends Splendor and Dominion), and frequenting taquerias.
For all the latest releases and updates, subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, The Coven, today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 29, 2025
This book was the kind of book I needed to get out of a slump. It was action-packed, full of tension, and the build up was amazing. Ashely’s pacing throughout the whole Winter Court series has been amazing and this book is no different than the others on that front. I will be impatiently waiting for the last installment of this series!!
December 17, 2025
ARC Review for A Crown of Ice and Fury
Okay, first off... A moment of silence for being back in the Winter Court.
I'm a big fan of any books that include courts and kingdoms and because this is Book 4 in The Winter Court series, it feels like "coming home" in a way. I always love the characters and the world building!
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Neve or Isolde, our winter and now, magic wielding female lead is ever the badass, but sensible character we've grown to know and love. She has really come so, so far and her progression throughout the books has been so fun. She's truly one of my favorite FMCs.
And then there's Vale... Our cinnamon roll, only wants what's best and willing to step aside for his mate, MMC.
I love the way he just melts for Isolde.
I won't give anything away, but his story over the final chapters had me on edge!
As Ashley has previously done, she adds in interludes from other characters so you can get an idea of what's happening in their minds and lives. I love that!
Really glad I had the chance to read this story and truly appreciate Ashley for the opportunity. Can't wait for the final book in the Winter Court series.
So good, highly recommend!
⭐: 5
🌶️: 2
Okay, first off... A moment of silence for being back in the Winter Court.
I'm a big fan of any books that include courts and kingdoms and because this is Book 4 in The Winter Court series, it feels like "coming home" in a way. I always love the characters and the world building!
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Neve or Isolde, our winter and now, magic wielding female lead is ever the badass, but sensible character we've grown to know and love. She has really come so, so far and her progression throughout the books has been so fun. She's truly one of my favorite FMCs.
And then there's Vale... Our cinnamon roll, only wants what's best and willing to step aside for his mate, MMC.
I love the way he just melts for Isolde.
I won't give anything away, but his story over the final chapters had me on edge!
As Ashley has previously done, she adds in interludes from other characters so you can get an idea of what's happening in their minds and lives. I love that!
Really glad I had the chance to read this story and truly appreciate Ashley for the opportunity. Can't wait for the final book in the Winter Court series.
So good, highly recommend!
⭐: 5
🌶️: 2
December 27, 2025
Compared to the last book, this one dragged for me. I get that a lot of regrouping and finding allies needed to happen, but there wasn't much action for a lot of the book. Then BAM! Battle starts and all the action happens at once. I am curious to see how everything is going to tie together in one more book, and how everyone reacts to the aftermath of the battle.
December 16, 2025
I could not put this book down.
Shock. Awe. Tears. You embark on this journey with these characters, knowing that not all of them will make it out, and yet you keep coming back for more.
Please, Ashley, no more heartache!
Shock. Awe. Tears. You embark on this journey with these characters, knowing that not all of them will make it out, and yet you keep coming back for more.
Please, Ashley, no more heartache!
January 26, 2026
I really liked this one. I loved the battle scenes and the magic in this one. I do feel like there were some parts that were kind of slow, so the pacing was off a bit for me. The ending was crazy and I didn't think some things would happen the way that they did. I can't wait for the next book!
December 17, 2025
☼♥☼ ARC Read ☼♥☼
First of all, thank you to Ashley for letting me ARC this series again, because at this point I am emotionally dependent on it. This has been my favorite series of my adult life, and apparently I enjoy suffering because every book just destroys me a little more.
If you want a read soaked in pure, calculated chaos, this is it. I cannot tell you how many times I had to physically close the book, stare into space, question my life choices, then go back and reread sections because my brain short-circuited. It took a hot second for me to fully sink into the story, but once the action started, that was it. I was trapped. Sleep was cancelled. Responsibilities were ignored.
The dual POV with Neve and Vale? Perfection. I need it. The emotional storyline between Neve and Thyra absolutely gutted me. Watching them scheme, plan, and move against Magnus and the Shadow King was equal parts satisfying and terrifying. And the world building… I will never shut up about it. We finally get to see places that were only whispered about in earlier books, and every single detail hit. I am weak for immersive world building, and this series owns me.
THE LOSS. I am not okay. I will not be okay. I will not elaborate because I refuse to spoil anyone, but just know I was violently unprepared. Yes, Ashley warned us. No, she did not warn us enough. I am still emotionally processing and will be filing a formal complaint with the universe.
And the ending… absolutely not. I don’t have the emotional stability to discuss it yet. I need time. I need distance. I need another reread and possibly a support group. All I know is that I need the next book immediately or I may perish.
I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I yelled at the pages. There are so many unanswered questions, and if they are not resolved in the final book, I will riot (respectfully). My therapist is definitely hearing about this series next session.
If you love emotional damage, betrayals, rebellion, fantasy chaos, romance that hurts, incredible world building, dual POVs, mates, and magic, congratulations. This series is about to ruin your life. I recommend it to friends constantly. They complain that it isn’t finished yet, but now they can suffer alongside me.
World Building: 10/10
Character Development: 10/10
Pace: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Spice: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 10/10. Emotionally devastating. Life-altering.
Now if you’ll excuse me… when is the final book because I am not built for this wait.
First of all, thank you to Ashley for letting me ARC this series again, because at this point I am emotionally dependent on it. This has been my favorite series of my adult life, and apparently I enjoy suffering because every book just destroys me a little more.
If you want a read soaked in pure, calculated chaos, this is it. I cannot tell you how many times I had to physically close the book, stare into space, question my life choices, then go back and reread sections because my brain short-circuited. It took a hot second for me to fully sink into the story, but once the action started, that was it. I was trapped. Sleep was cancelled. Responsibilities were ignored.
The dual POV with Neve and Vale? Perfection. I need it. The emotional storyline between Neve and Thyra absolutely gutted me. Watching them scheme, plan, and move against Magnus and the Shadow King was equal parts satisfying and terrifying. And the world building… I will never shut up about it. We finally get to see places that were only whispered about in earlier books, and every single detail hit. I am weak for immersive world building, and this series owns me.
THE LOSS. I am not okay. I will not be okay. I will not elaborate because I refuse to spoil anyone, but just know I was violently unprepared. Yes, Ashley warned us. No, she did not warn us enough. I am still emotionally processing and will be filing a formal complaint with the universe.
And the ending… absolutely not. I don’t have the emotional stability to discuss it yet. I need time. I need distance. I need another reread and possibly a support group. All I know is that I need the next book immediately or I may perish.
I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I yelled at the pages. There are so many unanswered questions, and if they are not resolved in the final book, I will riot (respectfully). My therapist is definitely hearing about this series next session.
If you love emotional damage, betrayals, rebellion, fantasy chaos, romance that hurts, incredible world building, dual POVs, mates, and magic, congratulations. This series is about to ruin your life. I recommend it to friends constantly. They complain that it isn’t finished yet, but now they can suffer alongside me.
World Building: 10/10
Character Development: 10/10
Pace: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Spice: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 10/10. Emotionally devastating. Life-altering.
Now if you’ll excuse me… when is the final book because I am not built for this wait.
December 16, 2025
☼♥☼ ARC Read ☼♥☼
First let me say thank you, to Ashley, for allowing me to be an ARC reader again for this series. This has been my go to favorite series in my adulthood.
If you are looking for a read full of calculated chaos, that's what you'll get here. The amount of times I had to just put the book down, to breathe, come back and reread a section, I cannot count on my two hands and feet. I will admit, it took me a moment to get fully into the book, but once the action started, there was no putting it down. I love having the dual POV with Neve and Vale. I loved the emotional story between Neve and Thyra, watching them plot against Magnus and the Shadow king. As always the world building is one of the biggest reasons I LOVE this series, we find out more about the areas we only heard about in previous books, and as always the details didn't disappoint. I am a sucker for amazing world building.
THE LOSS, I can't even describe my pain right now, and I don't want to spoil it for others...but I was NOT prepared...I know Ashley technically prepared us if you follow her on social media... but she DID NOT PREPARE ME FOR ANY OF THAT. I am a MESS over this book. The ending, oh where do I start with the ending... I just can't, I can't even start... I need a whole week, month, maybe a year and another reread to think about that ending so I'll probably come back to edit this more later, but, I need the next book ASAP.
I laughed, I cried, I got angry, there are many unanswered questions that I HOPE are answered in the last book. My Therapist is going to end up charging me extra because of this series.
If you love emotional rollercoasters, calculated chaos, betrayal and rebellions, fantasy, romance, amazing world building, dual POVs, mates and magic, this is the series for you. When friends are in a slump, I always recommend this series, they hate me because its not a completed series, but I gain a friend in chaos waiting with me!
World Building: 10/10
Character Development: 10/10
Pace: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Spice: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: Absolutely 10/10 ... Now... when do we get the final book??
First let me say thank you, to Ashley, for allowing me to be an ARC reader again for this series. This has been my go to favorite series in my adulthood.
If you are looking for a read full of calculated chaos, that's what you'll get here. The amount of times I had to just put the book down, to breathe, come back and reread a section, I cannot count on my two hands and feet. I will admit, it took me a moment to get fully into the book, but once the action started, there was no putting it down. I love having the dual POV with Neve and Vale. I loved the emotional story between Neve and Thyra, watching them plot against Magnus and the Shadow king. As always the world building is one of the biggest reasons I LOVE this series, we find out more about the areas we only heard about in previous books, and as always the details didn't disappoint. I am a sucker for amazing world building.
THE LOSS, I can't even describe my pain right now, and I don't want to spoil it for others...but I was NOT prepared...I know Ashley technically prepared us if you follow her on social media... but she DID NOT PREPARE ME FOR ANY OF THAT. I am a MESS over this book. The ending, oh where do I start with the ending... I just can't, I can't even start... I need a whole week, month, maybe a year and another reread to think about that ending so I'll probably come back to edit this more later, but, I need the next book ASAP.
I laughed, I cried, I got angry, there are many unanswered questions that I HOPE are answered in the last book. My Therapist is going to end up charging me extra because of this series.
If you love emotional rollercoasters, calculated chaos, betrayal and rebellions, fantasy, romance, amazing world building, dual POVs, mates and magic, this is the series for you. When friends are in a slump, I always recommend this series, they hate me because its not a completed series, but I gain a friend in chaos waiting with me!
World Building: 10/10
Character Development: 10/10
Pace: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Spice: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: Absolutely 10/10 ... Now... when do we get the final book??
December 1, 2025
ARC read!
A beautiful continuation of the series in this penultimate story.
Two main POVs as well as some interludes. I love the FMC and the MMC both having POVs for the book and getting to see things from both perspectives. To me, it really opens up the story. With the interludes you get to see what is going on behind the scenes in other areas of the kingdom so you can understand what happens while we see with the main crew. I find this so perfect and it really fills in the story in my mind. Most books don't offer those little sneak peaks into the other side of the story, we mostly only follow the MCs. It is truly an awesome addition to the story.
The FMC finally embracing who she has been working towards being and finding a better relationship with her sister is amazing. The relationship building between all the characters is so interesting. I also love that people make mistakes and none of the characters are perfect. They're flawed like any person truly is in one way or another making the characters more relatable.
Some deep, dark secrets are revealed and they throw some of these characters for a loop. Some heart ache is in there, too. Things are not always as they appear to be. Just because you are an underdog does not mean you should just give up; you never know what you can accomplish if you just try.
We get to see more of the world that this universe has been mentioning throughout the first few books and in every book the world has been expanding to cover more of it. I love that we are seeing more and more of the kingdoms the further into this story we get. We are also seeing action throughout the book, as well. I love that this story has romantasy written all over it, but that we get action, too. It really rounds out the story.
Thank-you, Ashley for letting me be a part of your journey for The Winter Court: Crowns of Magic series. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to ARC read for you. Much love! 💜
A beautiful continuation of the series in this penultimate story.
Two main POVs as well as some interludes. I love the FMC and the MMC both having POVs for the book and getting to see things from both perspectives. To me, it really opens up the story. With the interludes you get to see what is going on behind the scenes in other areas of the kingdom so you can understand what happens while we see with the main crew. I find this so perfect and it really fills in the story in my mind. Most books don't offer those little sneak peaks into the other side of the story, we mostly only follow the MCs. It is truly an awesome addition to the story.
The FMC finally embracing who she has been working towards being and finding a better relationship with her sister is amazing. The relationship building between all the characters is so interesting. I also love that people make mistakes and none of the characters are perfect. They're flawed like any person truly is in one way or another making the characters more relatable.
Some deep, dark secrets are revealed and they throw some of these characters for a loop. Some heart ache is in there, too. Things are not always as they appear to be. Just because you are an underdog does not mean you should just give up; you never know what you can accomplish if you just try.
We get to see more of the world that this universe has been mentioning throughout the first few books and in every book the world has been expanding to cover more of it. I love that we are seeing more and more of the kingdoms the further into this story we get. We are also seeing action throughout the book, as well. I love that this story has romantasy written all over it, but that we get action, too. It really rounds out the story.
Thank-you, Ashley for letting me be a part of your journey for The Winter Court: Crowns of Magic series. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to ARC read for you. Much love! 💜
December 17, 2025
A Crown of Ice and Fury is a big book. So many things happened. I was completely sucked in and refused to put it down until it was finished. You know when an author drops a mother of a plot twist in the first few chapters, it's gonna be good. I was wholly unprepared for the twist. The utter shock of it took my breath away. I wanted to rage on behalf of Neve (who now goes by her birth name of Isolde) and Thyra. It puts things in perspective and causes all kinds of problems, that's for sure.
There were so many good developments. Isolde is really growing into her leadership role. Thrya has softened somewhat and is finally treating Isolde like a sister. I love that they've grown closer. The romance between Vale and Isolde was relationship goals. This friend group is huge and only getting bigger by the minute. My favorite moments in the book were the lulls between the action, where the characters just connected.
The plot was addictive. There was this underlying current of tension because war is coming; there's no way around it. The shadow king is loose and wants revenge on the twins, which automatically makes me hate him. It turns out King Magnus is an idiot. I was surprised by some of his decisions; I did not expect things to go that way. It was Rhistel who worried me the most. He has intelligence to back his power, and that's a dangerous combination. Ashley really shook things up in this one. The very thing I've been dreading since the previous book happened in devastating fashion. I was freaking wrecked by the end. There's only one book left, and I'm praying that everyone survives. Spectacular! A Crown of Ice and Fury gets a ten out of ten.
There were so many good developments. Isolde is really growing into her leadership role. Thrya has softened somewhat and is finally treating Isolde like a sister. I love that they've grown closer. The romance between Vale and Isolde was relationship goals. This friend group is huge and only getting bigger by the minute. My favorite moments in the book were the lulls between the action, where the characters just connected.
The plot was addictive. There was this underlying current of tension because war is coming; there's no way around it. The shadow king is loose and wants revenge on the twins, which automatically makes me hate him. It turns out King Magnus is an idiot. I was surprised by some of his decisions; I did not expect things to go that way. It was Rhistel who worried me the most. He has intelligence to back his power, and that's a dangerous combination. Ashley really shook things up in this one. The very thing I've been dreading since the previous book happened in devastating fashion. I was freaking wrecked by the end. There's only one book left, and I'm praying that everyone survives. Spectacular! A Crown of Ice and Fury gets a ten out of ten.
December 21, 2025
This is a review of A Crown of Ice and Fury : A Crowns of Magic Universe Series (The Winter Court Series Book 4). If you haven’t read the previous three books you owe it to yourself to do so; however, the book does start off with a synopsis of everything that has occurred previously.
As with the previous books in the series we have dual POV as our antagonists (Neve - now going by her given name Isolde and Vale tell the story as it unfolds. Intermingled with interludes of pOV from other characters in the story. I really liked the interludes as it gives some perspective that one wouldn’t ordinarily get.
Now I’m not one to give spoilers, but this book does contain some heartache I was hoping wouldn’t happen but did. It was very shocking to me when it occurred. Also, some truths come to the surface that you’re not expecting and provides quite a plot twist. There is much action and adventure along with the romance. While reading I laughed, cried, go made and if it was a paper back at one point I would’ve probably tossed it across the room.
Ashley McLeo is exceptional at world and character building. I love how she can just use a paragraph or two and you can imagine the surroundings the characters are in. Her characters also tend to grow and become bolder as the story unfolds.
This book got me interested from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. If you love fated mates, magic and fantasy creatures you will love this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My opinion of the book is my own and was not influenced by anyone.
As with the previous books in the series we have dual POV as our antagonists (Neve - now going by her given name Isolde and Vale tell the story as it unfolds. Intermingled with interludes of pOV from other characters in the story. I really liked the interludes as it gives some perspective that one wouldn’t ordinarily get.
Now I’m not one to give spoilers, but this book does contain some heartache I was hoping wouldn’t happen but did. It was very shocking to me when it occurred. Also, some truths come to the surface that you’re not expecting and provides quite a plot twist. There is much action and adventure along with the romance. While reading I laughed, cried, go made and if it was a paper back at one point I would’ve probably tossed it across the room.
Ashley McLeo is exceptional at world and character building. I love how she can just use a paragraph or two and you can imagine the surroundings the characters are in. Her characters also tend to grow and become bolder as the story unfolds.
This book got me interested from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. If you love fated mates, magic and fantasy creatures you will love this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My opinion of the book is my own and was not influenced by anyone.
November 18, 2025
This book gave me anxiety. The good kind. The “put the book down, walk away, breathe, and then come crawling back because I physically cannot stop reading” kind. At this point, I should know better, Ashley McLeo has made a habit of emotionally wrecking me, but apparently I’m a glutton for punishment because I keep coming back for more. What is wrong with me?
By book four, there’s not much more to say about the world-building or characters except: perfection, as always. The Winter Court is rich, immersive, and full of life, and these characters feel like real people I’ve been traveling with for years.
But the heartbreak? Oh, this book makes up for all the previous emotional mercy. Up until now, we’ve had shocks, sure, but nothing that left me clutching the book like it personally betrayed me. Not this time. Instead of spacing out the devastation, Ashley McLeo clearly decided, “Why not pack ALL the heartbreak into one book? And maybe back-to-back? My readers will love that.”
Ma’am. Seriously. What is wrong with you?!
All jokes aside, this installment is intense, beautifully written, and absolutely unforgettable. I cannot recommend this series enough. It’s everything I love about fantasy: magic, tension, high stakes, emotion, and characters I care way too much about.
One more book left—and after the ending of this one, you’d better believe I’m counting the days.
By book four, there’s not much more to say about the world-building or characters except: perfection, as always. The Winter Court is rich, immersive, and full of life, and these characters feel like real people I’ve been traveling with for years.
But the heartbreak? Oh, this book makes up for all the previous emotional mercy. Up until now, we’ve had shocks, sure, but nothing that left me clutching the book like it personally betrayed me. Not this time. Instead of spacing out the devastation, Ashley McLeo clearly decided, “Why not pack ALL the heartbreak into one book? And maybe back-to-back? My readers will love that.”
Ma’am. Seriously. What is wrong with you?!
All jokes aside, this installment is intense, beautifully written, and absolutely unforgettable. I cannot recommend this series enough. It’s everything I love about fantasy: magic, tension, high stakes, emotion, and characters I care way too much about.
One more book left—and after the ending of this one, you’d better believe I’m counting the days.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Crown of Ice and Fury is the fourth book in the Winter Court series which is set in the author’s Crown of Magic world. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Political/court intrigue
✨Fated mates
✨Rebellion
✨Hidden identities
✨Marriage of convenience
✨Found family
✨Twists and turns
✨Sisterly bonds
✨LGBTQ+ representation
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nickname: Force
The Lovely: This book was an amazing ride of twists and turns, most of which I didn’t see coming. The last quarter in particular broke my heart. The pace and tension don’t let up and I couldn’t stop reading.
Also Lovely: I also fell even more in love with the characters. Not just eh main characters, but others too - like Riis, Thantrel, Sayyida and Saga. I love the depth in the relationships and how the characters interact with each other.
Recommendation: I can best describe this series as the romance of ACOTAR, the lost princess concept of Throne of Glass and the large found family concept of Game of Thrones, all set in a Winter Court. The series has been richly put together such that you become engrossed in the world and the plot. The fifth and final book is expected to be released in late 2026 and I’m anxious to find out how *that* ending will be resolved.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Political/court intrigue
✨Fated mates
✨Rebellion
✨Hidden identities
✨Marriage of convenience
✨Found family
✨Twists and turns
✨Sisterly bonds
✨LGBTQ+ representation
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nickname: Force
The Lovely: This book was an amazing ride of twists and turns, most of which I didn’t see coming. The last quarter in particular broke my heart. The pace and tension don’t let up and I couldn’t stop reading.
Also Lovely: I also fell even more in love with the characters. Not just eh main characters, but others too - like Riis, Thantrel, Sayyida and Saga. I love the depth in the relationships and how the characters interact with each other.
Recommendation: I can best describe this series as the romance of ACOTAR, the lost princess concept of Throne of Glass and the large found family concept of Game of Thrones, all set in a Winter Court. The series has been richly put together such that you become engrossed in the world and the plot. The fifth and final book is expected to be released in late 2026 and I’m anxious to find out how *that* ending will be resolved.
November 24, 2025
A Crown of Ice and Fury is the fourth installment in The Winter Court Series by Ashley McLeo. This book continues the story from A Hallow of Storm and Ruin, where Vale and Neve are fighting to protect their homeland from King Magnus. Neve, Thyra, and Vale set out on a journey to meet High Lord Balik, hoping to convince him to ally with them against King Magnus.
The Shadow King has awakened a dark magic within Neve and Thyra. They have been secretly practicing this magic, trying to master it before anyone finds out, so they can face King Magnus confidently.
From the very first page, A Crown of Ice and Fury grabbed my attention and kept it until the very end. Honestly, I believe it will stay in my mind for quite some time as I eagerly await the next book.
The captivating magic, intense battles, and a wide range of supernatural beings make A Crown of Ice and Fury so exciting for me, as I love watching it all happen.
Each character helps keep me hooked as their stories unfold.
The vivid descriptions are so well done that they help me picture everything and feel like I am part of the story.
I highly recommend A Crown of Ice and Fury to all fans of magic! Be sure to get your copy of A Crown of Ice and Fury today!
The Shadow King has awakened a dark magic within Neve and Thyra. They have been secretly practicing this magic, trying to master it before anyone finds out, so they can face King Magnus confidently.
From the very first page, A Crown of Ice and Fury grabbed my attention and kept it until the very end. Honestly, I believe it will stay in my mind for quite some time as I eagerly await the next book.
The captivating magic, intense battles, and a wide range of supernatural beings make A Crown of Ice and Fury so exciting for me, as I love watching it all happen.
Each character helps keep me hooked as their stories unfold.
The vivid descriptions are so well done that they help me picture everything and feel like I am part of the story.
I highly recommend A Crown of Ice and Fury to all fans of magic! Be sure to get your copy of A Crown of Ice and Fury today!
December 9, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Ashley McLeo has done it again. This book picks up exactly where it left off in book 3. If you love sweeping romantasy filled with magic, political intrigue and slow-burn romance, then this book is for you. McLeo weaves all these characters together so well without without losing momentum.
I always go back to her world-building. She continues to keep the story true to the world she has built and nothing seems to deviate. I think the best thing about the world is it isn’t too complicated. I can still follow every story line. Although, I do get lost with how many characters there are, lol.
The pacing of this book was perfect. Unlike book 3, I felt there were very little dull moments and I truly never wanted to put the book down. The romance between Vale and Neve continues to burn bright and I loved to see a little more of other side characters. This book does contain a lot of heartbreak though. And I am so looking forward to the last book!
If you go into reading “A Crown of Ice and Fury" expecting epic fantasy, romance, betrayals and magic, you’ll enjoy this book immensely. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of romantasy with high stakes and big world-building.
Ashley McLeo has done it again. This book picks up exactly where it left off in book 3. If you love sweeping romantasy filled with magic, political intrigue and slow-burn romance, then this book is for you. McLeo weaves all these characters together so well without without losing momentum.
I always go back to her world-building. She continues to keep the story true to the world she has built and nothing seems to deviate. I think the best thing about the world is it isn’t too complicated. I can still follow every story line. Although, I do get lost with how many characters there are, lol.
The pacing of this book was perfect. Unlike book 3, I felt there were very little dull moments and I truly never wanted to put the book down. The romance between Vale and Neve continues to burn bright and I loved to see a little more of other side characters. This book does contain a lot of heartbreak though. And I am so looking forward to the last book!
If you go into reading “A Crown of Ice and Fury" expecting epic fantasy, romance, betrayals and magic, you’ll enjoy this book immensely. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of romantasy with high stakes and big world-building.
December 16, 2025
A wonderful continuation of the series
This is a brilliant book 4 in the "The Winter Court" series by Ashley McLeo, set in the Fae world first seen in the "Coven of Shadows and Secrets" series. Written in dual POVs of Neve and Vale with a few chapters from other POVs scattered throughout.
This follows on from "A Hallow of Storm and Ruin" and it's well worth reading the first three books to understand the characters and what's happened previously. The story is easy to get lost in, with an intricate plot, great characters with brilliant friendships and chemistry between them, fated mates, banter, lovely steamy slow burn romances and some wonderful twists and turns. There are also some great fight scenes and unfortunately a few upsetting deaths.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with quick-paced action, secrets & mysteries, court politics & intrigue, magic, a fantasy saga storyline and brilliant slow-build steamy romances, this story will not disappoint; there are some wonderful twists and with that ending I can’t wait for the last book in this series.
I received a copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a brilliant book 4 in the "The Winter Court" series by Ashley McLeo, set in the Fae world first seen in the "Coven of Shadows and Secrets" series. Written in dual POVs of Neve and Vale with a few chapters from other POVs scattered throughout.
This follows on from "A Hallow of Storm and Ruin" and it's well worth reading the first three books to understand the characters and what's happened previously. The story is easy to get lost in, with an intricate plot, great characters with brilliant friendships and chemistry between them, fated mates, banter, lovely steamy slow burn romances and some wonderful twists and turns. There are also some great fight scenes and unfortunately a few upsetting deaths.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with quick-paced action, secrets & mysteries, court politics & intrigue, magic, a fantasy saga storyline and brilliant slow-build steamy romances, this story will not disappoint; there are some wonderful twists and with that ending I can’t wait for the last book in this series.
I received a copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
This book picks up where we left off with Vale, Neve now known as Isolde, Thyra and their Friends and allies planning to overthrow King Magnus.
With the Shadow King allying with King Magnus and Magnus accepting Rhistel as his Heir now that his only biological child Saga has gone to join the Rebellion he has grown more Dangerous.
While Isolde and Thyra must master their dark magic in secret,
I was absolutely gripped from the start, it is a real roller coaster with more secrets revealed, the slow burn romance between Thyra and Thantrel and the distressing loss of some important characters,
This book ends with so many loose ends that needs to be answered in the Final Book
I CAN’T WAIT
I received an ARC copy of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
With the Shadow King allying with King Magnus and Magnus accepting Rhistel as his Heir now that his only biological child Saga has gone to join the Rebellion he has grown more Dangerous.
While Isolde and Thyra must master their dark magic in secret,
I was absolutely gripped from the start, it is a real roller coaster with more secrets revealed, the slow burn romance between Thyra and Thantrel and the distressing loss of some important characters,
This book ends with so many loose ends that needs to be answered in the Final Book
I CAN’T WAIT
I received an ARC copy of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
November 30, 2025
A Crown of Ice and Fury pulled me in right away, starting with that perfect recap at the beginning. It made it so easy to jump straight back into the world.
Ashley McLeo continues to be a master of rich, immersive world-building, but what I love most is how she does it. No long, wandering sentences or bloated descriptions, just clean, intentional writing that paints vivid scenes with zero drag. Every phrase feels carefully crafted in a way that makes the world come alive.
I loved the interludes and the extra insight into other characters…the teasing with a certain twin and his former love is slowly destroying me.
And that ending? Ashley, why would you do this to us!? I need the next book immediately.
Beautifully written, perfectly paced, and emotionally ruthless in the best way, this book is everything I wanted and more. Cannot recommend it enough.
Ashley McLeo continues to be a master of rich, immersive world-building, but what I love most is how she does it. No long, wandering sentences or bloated descriptions, just clean, intentional writing that paints vivid scenes with zero drag. Every phrase feels carefully crafted in a way that makes the world come alive.
I loved the interludes and the extra insight into other characters…the teasing with a certain twin and his former love is slowly destroying me.
And that ending? Ashley, why would you do this to us!? I need the next book immediately.
Beautifully written, perfectly paced, and emotionally ruthless in the best way, this book is everything I wanted and more. Cannot recommend it enough.
January 27, 2026
OMG what a read! Action packed, emotional, intense this has it all as we embark back into this incredible world and rejoin our incredible characters. The world building is incredible, beautiful and so descriptive you could easily visualise everything. The storyline, well it had me on tenderhooks the whole way through, I laughed, I cried and I respectively called the author a few names BUT OMG it was so so good. A few secrets are revealed, there's betrayal and heartbreak, rebellion and romance and I have to say I am loving every minute of it!
November 20, 2025
If you liked the emotional rollercoaster of Zodiac Academy. That’s what this book was. The ZA vibes started in book 2 but they hit hard with this one!
Overall… I’m at a loss for words. Usually I write long reviews but I am just shocked by everything that happened after chapter 37.
The book was amazing but has a lot of emotional damage. I loved it.
Overall… I’m at a loss for words. Usually I write long reviews but I am just shocked by everything that happened after chapter 37.
The book was amazing but has a lot of emotional damage. I loved it.
December 17, 2025
I can not get enough of this series!!!
So excited to dive back into this world again, and there is so much going on!! I was glued to the pages! The ending of this one left me completely gutted, i think this is my worst book hangover ever, lol!!!!
If you have not started this series yet, you are missing out!! It phenomenal!
Highly, highly recommend!!
So excited to dive back into this world again, and there is so much going on!! I was glued to the pages! The ending of this one left me completely gutted, i think this is my worst book hangover ever, lol!!!!
If you have not started this series yet, you are missing out!! It phenomenal!
Highly, highly recommend!!
December 18, 2025
I can't get enough of this series!! If you are wanting to start a new fantasy series you HAVE to read this one!
The way Ashley Mcleo built this world is just beautiful! The lore, magic system, and found family is some of the best I've ever read.
I won't be well until book 5 comes out 😭😭 I'm literally crying!!
The way Ashley Mcleo built this world is just beautiful! The lore, magic system, and found family is some of the best I've ever read.
I won't be well until book 5 comes out 😭😭 I'm literally crying!!
January 3, 2026
This book took me a bit long to read - it did have slower parts but I think I was mostly held back by knowing this would end in a cliff hanger and the last book doesn’t come out for another year. And I was right, damn you Ashley … I’m looking forward to the last book I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.
January 3, 2026
This series is one of my favorites, if not my most favorite, I read in 2025. My only complaint is waiting till December for the last book.
Ashley sucks you into the character's stories in such detail(but not too much that it's annoying) to truly make you feel like you are going alongside them. This whole series and all the short stories on the side deserve all the stars. Love love love
Ashley sucks you into the character's stories in such detail(but not too much that it's annoying) to truly make you feel like you are going alongside them. This whole series and all the short stories on the side deserve all the stars. Love love love
January 16, 2026
This book completely pulled me into its icy, dangerous world, especially the bond between the sisters and the way the shadow magic slowly consumes them. The betrayals hit hard, and the tension kept building until I genuinely feared who would survive what was coming. The mix of romance, vengeance, and looming war felt intense and emotionally satisfying.
September 12, 2025
i'm behind again on the books i've been reading, whoopsie! I will say, I like how this all wrapped up. I knew that I was reading this series because I wanted that insane idealistic love story vibe, and I wouldn't say that it's anything more than that, but I'm glad I decided to read this series :)
November 27, 2025
This book is the culmination of so many plotlines. This is the true beginning of the war for Winter, the battle for the crown. Be prepared for love, loss, cruelty and hope that lives on. This is action packed and unpredictable. Will peace finally come to the kingdom?
December 4, 2025
This book had me on edge the entire time! I love the different POVs throughout the book. Lots of heart ache, but looking forward to the revenge I know is coming! I am thankful to be an ARC reader for Ashley, and cannot wait for book 5!
December 9, 2025
I absolutely love this series. A lot happens in book 4 that is leading up to the final book, and man does it take you on a ride. I love the character development and new powers that emerge. Such a great story and I cant wait to see how it finishes.
December 14, 2025
This book has everything you could want In a fantasy. Brilliant character development, fated mates, banter, spice and epic fight scenes.
The deaths in this book hurt 😭 I won’t spoil it though!
Isolde and thyras relationship has grown from strength to strength in this book!
Vale 😳
The deaths in this book hurt 😭 I won’t spoil it though!
Isolde and thyras relationship has grown from strength to strength in this book!
Vale 😳
December 15, 2025
This book is a great addition to the series. Lots of things happening for the twins, I hope Thyra can come to terms with having mate and we see more of the relationship unfold. I’m not sure how the damage Rhistel caused will be repaired in book 5. Can’t wait to see what unfolds in book 5
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