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Daggers of Ire
The Beasts of Winter: A Daggers of Ire Novel
This companion to The Daggers of Ire tells the story of Fetch, a cursed fox, who must embark on a treacherous quest to rescue his younger sister from the evil winter queen.
Fetch the fox is on his own.
Fetch is a weaver of magic, gifted with immense powers—but there is no one left to teach him how to master them. And no one to share his life with since the cruel winter queen, Celeste, cursed Fetch into a fox and abducted his beloved younger sister, Violet.
As Celeste awakens from her slumber to usher in winter once more, she makes a stunning announcement: the winter palace—the very place where Violet is being held captive--will host a festival. With the palace's spelled protections down for just one evening, the opportunity to save his sister might finally be in Fetch's grasp. And so, with only a tiny yet fierce bone dragon named Beckblade for company, he sets off on a treacherous rescue mission.
But what Fetch doesn't realize is that a dark and mysterious secret lies buried within him, one that could unravel everything. Can Fetch discover what plagues him before it leads to his ruin, and he loses Violet and their magic forever?
Fetch the fox is on his own.
Fetch is a weaver of magic, gifted with immense powers—but there is no one left to teach him how to master them. And no one to share his life with since the cruel winter queen, Celeste, cursed Fetch into a fox and abducted his beloved younger sister, Violet.
As Celeste awakens from her slumber to usher in winter once more, she makes a stunning announcement: the winter palace—the very place where Violet is being held captive--will host a festival. With the palace's spelled protections down for just one evening, the opportunity to save his sister might finally be in Fetch's grasp. And so, with only a tiny yet fierce bone dragon named Beckblade for company, he sets off on a treacherous rescue mission.
But what Fetch doesn't realize is that a dark and mysterious secret lies buried within him, one that could unravel everything. Can Fetch discover what plagues him before it leads to his ruin, and he loses Violet and their magic forever?
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
352 pages, Hardcover
Published January 27, 2026
2 people are currently reading
3294 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Cervantes
20 books855 followersJ.C. is a New York Times best-selling author. Her books have been published in more than twelve countries and have appeared on national lists, including the American Booksellers Association New Voices, Barnes and Noble’s Best Young Reader Books, and Amazon’s Best Books of the Month. She has earned multiple awards and recognitions, including the New Mexico Book Award and the Zia Book Award.
She currently resides in the Land of Enchantment with her family and spoiled pups, but keeps part of her heart in Southern California, where she was born and raised. When she isn’t writing, she is haunting bookstores and searching for magic in all corners of the world.
Author also writes under Jennifer Cervantes
She currently resides in the Land of Enchantment with her family and spoiled pups, but keeps part of her heart in Southern California, where she was born and raised. When she isn’t writing, she is haunting bookstores and searching for magic in all corners of the world.
Author also writes under Jennifer Cervantes
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5⭐️
The Beasts of Winter is a middle-grade high fantasy adventure and a companion to The Daggers of Ire, though it can easily be read as a standalone. This highly imaginative story includes all the hallmarks of adult high fantasy: compelling, well-developed characters, an intricate magic system, quirky companions, and high-stakes quests filled with obstacles and threats.
The story follows Fetch, a magically gifted and cursed fox, who’s heartbroken after his beloved sister, Violet, is kidnapped by the ruthless Winter Queen, Celeste. When Celeste announces a rare festival at her Winter Palace, Fetch sees a fleeting chance to rescue her. Alongside Beckblade, a tiny but mighty bone-dream dragon, Fetch’s journey carries him through perilous forests, frostbitten giants, and mysterious allies—all while a malevolent entity schemes behind the scenes.
Fetch is the heart of this story—brave, vulnerable, and fiercely loyal—and readers will find him utterly lovable. His inner monologues reveal the deep guilt he feels over his sister’s capture, but on his journey, he demonstrates true leadership, repeatedly guiding his companions out of perilous situations—and his heartfelt arc will tug readers’s heartstrings! Even more endearing is Beckblade, the bone-dream dragon Fetch conjures with his magic; his prophetic dreams and soulful, grounding presence bring both wonder and humor to the story. Along the way, characters like Hawthorn, the mysterious forest girl who can both kill and heal, and Garzo, a flamboyant, opinionated fairy, add to the cast to make it feel like a real “found family.” Their dialogue is engaging, and their relationships—full of loyalty, tension, and growth—make the story very immersive.
The pacing is one of the book’s strengths—starting with a slow-burn start that immerses readers in the characters, the world, Fetch’s thread magic, and the setup for the adventure to come. Once the journey begins, the pace quickens and never lets up, delivering pulse-racing action, captivating puzzles, and heartwarming moments of reflection. The climax features a high-stakes confrontation and several unexpected twists that will satisfy readers. While the ending feels slightly rushed, it still lands with emotional resonance and will leave readers smiling.
Overall, The Beasts of Winter is a standout middle-grade fantasy adventure, filled with memorable, quirky characters, a unique magic system, immersive worldbuilding, and a story that balances humor with heartfelt moments. It’s perfect for middle-grade readers—or anyone young at heart—who loves magical quests, found families, and protagonists who grow through epic adventures. If this sounds appealing, grab a copy, curl up with a warm drink and blanket, and dive in!
The Beasts of Winter is a middle-grade high fantasy adventure and a companion to The Daggers of Ire, though it can easily be read as a standalone. This highly imaginative story includes all the hallmarks of adult high fantasy: compelling, well-developed characters, an intricate magic system, quirky companions, and high-stakes quests filled with obstacles and threats.
The story follows Fetch, a magically gifted and cursed fox, who’s heartbroken after his beloved sister, Violet, is kidnapped by the ruthless Winter Queen, Celeste. When Celeste announces a rare festival at her Winter Palace, Fetch sees a fleeting chance to rescue her. Alongside Beckblade, a tiny but mighty bone-dream dragon, Fetch’s journey carries him through perilous forests, frostbitten giants, and mysterious allies—all while a malevolent entity schemes behind the scenes.
Fetch is the heart of this story—brave, vulnerable, and fiercely loyal—and readers will find him utterly lovable. His inner monologues reveal the deep guilt he feels over his sister’s capture, but on his journey, he demonstrates true leadership, repeatedly guiding his companions out of perilous situations—and his heartfelt arc will tug readers’s heartstrings! Even more endearing is Beckblade, the bone-dream dragon Fetch conjures with his magic; his prophetic dreams and soulful, grounding presence bring both wonder and humor to the story. Along the way, characters like Hawthorn, the mysterious forest girl who can both kill and heal, and Garzo, a flamboyant, opinionated fairy, add to the cast to make it feel like a real “found family.” Their dialogue is engaging, and their relationships—full of loyalty, tension, and growth—make the story very immersive.
The pacing is one of the book’s strengths—starting with a slow-burn start that immerses readers in the characters, the world, Fetch’s thread magic, and the setup for the adventure to come. Once the journey begins, the pace quickens and never lets up, delivering pulse-racing action, captivating puzzles, and heartwarming moments of reflection. The climax features a high-stakes confrontation and several unexpected twists that will satisfy readers. While the ending feels slightly rushed, it still lands with emotional resonance and will leave readers smiling.
Overall, The Beasts of Winter is a standout middle-grade fantasy adventure, filled with memorable, quirky characters, a unique magic system, immersive worldbuilding, and a story that balances humor with heartfelt moments. It’s perfect for middle-grade readers—or anyone young at heart—who loves magical quests, found families, and protagonists who grow through epic adventures. If this sounds appealing, grab a copy, curl up with a warm drink and blanket, and dive in!
October 13, 2025
What worked:
Fetch is changed into a fox by the Winter Witch, and she takes Fetch’s younger sister, Violet. The main focus of the plot is Fetch’s quest to rescue Violet, with the subplot being his attempt to stop Celeste’s trap during a festival. The journey includes stops with an oracle (or two if you count Beck), a ghost, a giant, and other magical characters. There are a few ambiguous clues or riddles, and a no-win situation. Fetch has doubts that he’s worthy of saving his sister, but he always follows his heart when making difficult decisions. He faces certain death times, but perhaps those situations weren’t as unquestionable as readers might think.
The author incorporates several elements to create underlying tension and a figurative countdown clock. Violet left behind a handkerchief with magical stitches that once belonged to their mother. The handkerchief is connected to Violet’s heart, but the stitches disappear each day to show the time left before losing her heart. Also, Fetch is unaware that he’s been possessed by a spirit called Malvada. Malvada is searching for someone more powerful to possess, but it’s draining Fetch’s magic while inside his body. Fetch becomes weaker but doesn’t know why. Readers will anticipate the moment when Fetch realizes Malvada’s the spirit within himself or when it finds a more powerful character to possess.
Fetch conjures a tiny bone dragon that may be the highlight of the story. It calls itself Beckblade, and it contributes amusement and mystery while becoming a loyal friend and protector to Fetch. It turns out that Beck’s dreams foretell the future, so readers get a hint of what’s to come. To add humor and novelty, Beck has narcolepsy, meaning he may fall asleep at any moment. His small size doesn’t keep him from performing brave deeds as various dangers arise. Other abilities arise to keep readers guessing. Beckblade always seems to find a way to bridge differences between characters or to bring reason to volatile situations.
What didn’t work as well:
A few questions remain once the conflict is resolved. Readers may want to know more about the dojee’s past after she finishes helping Fetch. Also, readers may be curious about Fetch’s appearance in the future. Perhaps, there’s a sequel in the works?
The final verdict:
This book tells a fun story about a Fox who is determined to rescue his sister and ultimately saves the kingdom. The conflicted main character’s quest draws in creative personalities, and the author inserts complications to increase the drama and tension. I highly recommend you give this book a shot!
Fetch is changed into a fox by the Winter Witch, and she takes Fetch’s younger sister, Violet. The main focus of the plot is Fetch’s quest to rescue Violet, with the subplot being his attempt to stop Celeste’s trap during a festival. The journey includes stops with an oracle (or two if you count Beck), a ghost, a giant, and other magical characters. There are a few ambiguous clues or riddles, and a no-win situation. Fetch has doubts that he’s worthy of saving his sister, but he always follows his heart when making difficult decisions. He faces certain death times, but perhaps those situations weren’t as unquestionable as readers might think.
The author incorporates several elements to create underlying tension and a figurative countdown clock. Violet left behind a handkerchief with magical stitches that once belonged to their mother. The handkerchief is connected to Violet’s heart, but the stitches disappear each day to show the time left before losing her heart. Also, Fetch is unaware that he’s been possessed by a spirit called Malvada. Malvada is searching for someone more powerful to possess, but it’s draining Fetch’s magic while inside his body. Fetch becomes weaker but doesn’t know why. Readers will anticipate the moment when Fetch realizes Malvada’s the spirit within himself or when it finds a more powerful character to possess.
Fetch conjures a tiny bone dragon that may be the highlight of the story. It calls itself Beckblade, and it contributes amusement and mystery while becoming a loyal friend and protector to Fetch. It turns out that Beck’s dreams foretell the future, so readers get a hint of what’s to come. To add humor and novelty, Beck has narcolepsy, meaning he may fall asleep at any moment. His small size doesn’t keep him from performing brave deeds as various dangers arise. Other abilities arise to keep readers guessing. Beckblade always seems to find a way to bridge differences between characters or to bring reason to volatile situations.
What didn’t work as well:
A few questions remain once the conflict is resolved. Readers may want to know more about the dojee’s past after she finishes helping Fetch. Also, readers may be curious about Fetch’s appearance in the future. Perhaps, there’s a sequel in the works?
The final verdict:
This book tells a fun story about a Fox who is determined to rescue his sister and ultimately saves the kingdom. The conflicted main character’s quest draws in creative personalities, and the author inserts complications to increase the drama and tension. I highly recommend you give this book a shot!
January 28, 2026
Returning to the A Dagger of Ire series felt like lifting the lid on a familiar tin of tea — that first inhale of magic, mischief, and memory rising like steam. And discovering that this installment centered Fetch, my forever‑favorite from the series, made the whole experience feel like settling in with a cup I’ve been craving.
I’ll admit, at first I was expecting the familiar warmth of Almarie Guerra’s narration. But once I realized this story belonged to Fetch — his shadows, his secrets, his spark — I welcomed Michael Crouch as the new steeping guide. And goodness, did he pour beautifully into the role.
The Beasts of Winter is middle‑grade high fantasy brewed with adventure, heart, and just the right amount of frost‑kissed wonder. It gave me everything I wanted from a Fetch‑centered tale: deeper answers about who he is, the threads of his past, and the wild, wintery path he’s meant to walk. The pacing flowed like a slow, steady pour — smooth enough that I found myself listening far past bedtime, letting the story steep long into the night.
Michael Crouch’s performance was a perfect infusion. He captured Fetch’s charm, humor, and hidden ache with a voice that felt both playful and grounded. His narration didn’t just tell the story — it warmed it, brightened it, and carried it forward with intention.
And I dare say it… this cup might be richer than the first.
A winter adventure brewed with heart, mystery, and magic — steeped to perfection.
I’ll admit, at first I was expecting the familiar warmth of Almarie Guerra’s narration. But once I realized this story belonged to Fetch — his shadows, his secrets, his spark — I welcomed Michael Crouch as the new steeping guide. And goodness, did he pour beautifully into the role.
The Beasts of Winter is middle‑grade high fantasy brewed with adventure, heart, and just the right amount of frost‑kissed wonder. It gave me everything I wanted from a Fetch‑centered tale: deeper answers about who he is, the threads of his past, and the wild, wintery path he’s meant to walk. The pacing flowed like a slow, steady pour — smooth enough that I found myself listening far past bedtime, letting the story steep long into the night.
Michael Crouch’s performance was a perfect infusion. He captured Fetch’s charm, humor, and hidden ache with a voice that felt both playful and grounded. His narration didn’t just tell the story — it warmed it, brightened it, and carried it forward with intention.
And I dare say it… this cup might be richer than the first.
A winter adventure brewed with heart, mystery, and magic — steeped to perfection.
January 28, 2026
While this book is the second in the series, I think you could read this book without needing to read the first one. You’d miss some character connection, a few details about the world, and a bit of Fetch’s story, but you’d be able to follow this book fine.
I adored Fetch in the first book, so I was delighted to see him return as the main character in this one. We do get a brief visit with Esme in this book, but most of the characters and brand new to us.
The characters are an absolute delight in this book. We already have Fetch, but getting to know him and his struggles were a special treat compared to the somewhat mysterious guardian we got in the first book. Plus, we get Beckblade, Hawthorn, and Garzo, who are all brilliantly quirky and vibrant. It’s not quite a found family in my opinion, but we almost get there with this group. I love their relationships and all their personalities.
I enjoyed the continuation of the world building. We get to see it from Fetch’s perspective so it’s a little less otherworldly than when we had Esme’s adventure. The world contributes well to the plot and adds interesting characters and adventures as they go along.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great continuation from The Daggers of Ire and a delightful adventure for middle grade readers. It has humor and heart, and I hope there’s more books in this series in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for my honest review.
I adored Fetch in the first book, so I was delighted to see him return as the main character in this one. We do get a brief visit with Esme in this book, but most of the characters and brand new to us.
The characters are an absolute delight in this book. We already have Fetch, but getting to know him and his struggles were a special treat compared to the somewhat mysterious guardian we got in the first book. Plus, we get Beckblade, Hawthorn, and Garzo, who are all brilliantly quirky and vibrant. It’s not quite a found family in my opinion, but we almost get there with this group. I love their relationships and all their personalities.
I enjoyed the continuation of the world building. We get to see it from Fetch’s perspective so it’s a little less otherworldly than when we had Esme’s adventure. The world contributes well to the plot and adds interesting characters and adventures as they go along.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great continuation from The Daggers of Ire and a delightful adventure for middle grade readers. It has humor and heart, and I hope there’s more books in this series in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2026
🦊I picked this up expecting a cozy fantasy adventure and instead got my heart lightly stomped on by a cursed fox with magic issues.
I absolutely loved The Beasts of Winter: A Daggers of Ire Novel by J.C. Cervantes. Reading this from Fetch’s perspective pulled me right into a snow-laced world of danger, devotion, and quiet bravery. Fetch isn’t just a fox cursed by an evil winter queen he’s a weaver of powerful magic with no mentor, no safety net, and no one left except the sister he’s desperate to save. And honestly? His determination had me rooting for him from page one.
The stakes felt personal and emotional as Fetch risked everything to infiltrate the winter palace during a rare festival night, and the tension never let up. Add in Beckblade the tiny, ferocious bone dragon companion who completely stole my heart, and I was fully invested. The story balances action, magic, and emotional depth so well, especially as Fetch begins to uncover the dark secret buried within himself that could change everything.
This book felt like a snowy fairytale with sharp edges, beautiful, bittersweet, and quietly powerful. If you love found family, cursed heroes, magical creatures, and sibling bonds that refuse to break, this one is absolutely worth the journey.
✨️Thank you, Storygram Tours, Harper Kids, and J.C. Cervantes for sharing The Beasts of Winter with me!
I absolutely loved The Beasts of Winter: A Daggers of Ire Novel by J.C. Cervantes. Reading this from Fetch’s perspective pulled me right into a snow-laced world of danger, devotion, and quiet bravery. Fetch isn’t just a fox cursed by an evil winter queen he’s a weaver of powerful magic with no mentor, no safety net, and no one left except the sister he’s desperate to save. And honestly? His determination had me rooting for him from page one.
The stakes felt personal and emotional as Fetch risked everything to infiltrate the winter palace during a rare festival night, and the tension never let up. Add in Beckblade the tiny, ferocious bone dragon companion who completely stole my heart, and I was fully invested. The story balances action, magic, and emotional depth so well, especially as Fetch begins to uncover the dark secret buried within himself that could change everything.
This book felt like a snowy fairytale with sharp edges, beautiful, bittersweet, and quietly powerful. If you love found family, cursed heroes, magical creatures, and sibling bonds that refuse to break, this one is absolutely worth the journey.
✨️Thank you, Storygram Tours, Harper Kids, and J.C. Cervantes for sharing The Beasts of Winter with me!
January 31, 2026
9.5/10
CW: fantasy violence, kidnapping, mind control
Although it's only January, The Beast of Winter has already become my favorite book of the year. Part of the A Daggers of Ire series, I hadn’t read the previous book before diving into this one. Luckily, you don’t need to have read it to follow the story. If you have, you’ll see how past events influence what’s happening now, but the book is easy to get into without that background. It’s packed with humor, charm, friendship, bravery, a magical mystery, and an epic adventure—all at once—and it even features an adorable dragon sidekick. The magic system is pretty unique, with each type of magic having its own strengths and weaknesses. Flick, a character in the story, has a cool ability related to fashion and clothing design, which adds a creative twist I really liked. The magic ties into the story’s goals and the world’s politics, making it feel vital to the setting. This middle-grade novel was outstanding, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves unique magic systems and complex fantasy characters.
CW: fantasy violence, kidnapping, mind control
Although it's only January, The Beast of Winter has already become my favorite book of the year. Part of the A Daggers of Ire series, I hadn’t read the previous book before diving into this one. Luckily, you don’t need to have read it to follow the story. If you have, you’ll see how past events influence what’s happening now, but the book is easy to get into without that background. It’s packed with humor, charm, friendship, bravery, a magical mystery, and an epic adventure—all at once—and it even features an adorable dragon sidekick. The magic system is pretty unique, with each type of magic having its own strengths and weaknesses. Flick, a character in the story, has a cool ability related to fashion and clothing design, which adds a creative twist I really liked. The magic ties into the story’s goals and the world’s politics, making it feel vital to the setting. This middle-grade novel was outstanding, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves unique magic systems and complex fantasy characters.
February 4, 2026
The Beasts of Winter delivers an atmospheric, magic-soaked adventure with a lonely but determined hero at its center. Fetch, cursed into the form of a fox and grappling with untamed powers, embarks on a daring mission to rescue his sister Violet from the icy grip of the Winter Queen. His fierce loyalty and emotional vulnerability make him easy to root for, and the dynamic between Fetch and Beckblade—the tiny, feisty bone dragon—is one of the novel’s biggest charms.
The worldbuilding is rich with wintry magic and a sense of peril, and the Winter Palace festival provides a compelling backdrop for the action. I loved the blend of whimsy and danger, even though some of the pacing felt uneven at times, and certain revelations about Fetch’s hidden darkness could have used a little more buildup.
Overall, this book is a heartfelt, imaginative read with memorable characters and a unique magical twist. Fans of dark fairy-tale vibes and emotionally driven quests will find a lot to enjoy here.
❄️🦊 — A solid 3.5 stars.
The worldbuilding is rich with wintry magic and a sense of peril, and the Winter Palace festival provides a compelling backdrop for the action. I loved the blend of whimsy and danger, even though some of the pacing felt uneven at times, and certain revelations about Fetch’s hidden darkness could have used a little more buildup.
Overall, this book is a heartfelt, imaginative read with memorable characters and a unique magical twist. Fans of dark fairy-tale vibes and emotionally driven quests will find a lot to enjoy here.
❄️🦊 — A solid 3.5 stars.
January 2, 2026
Thank you HarperAudio Children’s, Storytide, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this book. This is a wonderful story (seems to be the second in the Daggers of Ire series) with great characters, fast moving plot, magic and adventure suitable for a middle grade reader. It was a quick read and the narration (I listened to the e-audio version) was clear and smooth. Prior to listening to this book I thought that it is a free-standing novel, but some unanswered questions about some characters made me look deeper and find out about the series. Now this missing information makes sense. I enjoyed this story and am hoping for another instalment. In the meantime, I’ll be reading the first book in the series to fill in any missing gaps for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fun book filled with magic. The author jumps right in and it is easy to read. The characters are simple and down to earth, with witty fun interactions between them. I would have liked to had a bit more background in the beginning, but you quickly understand the plot through the thoughts and mind of the main character. I was entertained and I think the target audience of YA will enjoy the magic and pacing. I would reccomend this to YA who enjoy an imaginative fantasy world with animals and creatures with magic.
I was able to read and review this early thanks to NetGalley and approval from the publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books. I thank them for the opportunity, and all my opinions and reviews are my own.
I was able to read and review this early thanks to NetGalley and approval from the publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books. I thank them for the opportunity, and all my opinions and reviews are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Narnia meets Amari and the night brothers in this cozy middle grade fantasy book featuring a cursed fox, a fairy and a bone dragon who team up to fight a dark Queen of winter who has kidnapped the fox's sister. This was fun, had a unique world and great found family adventure vibes. It's part of the Daggers of Ire series but completely works as a standalone and was good on audio narrated by Michael Crouch. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy of this gorgeous and entertaining book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Beasts of Winter is a fun middle grade adventure. It's following Fetch as he attempts to rescue his sister from the queen. For a sequel, I wish that the first book had more relevance. This felt very much like a standalone with only brief callbacks to the events of the previous book.
Overall, I had a good time, but I wanted more out of it.
Thank you to the publisher for the free review copy.
Overall, I had a good time, but I wanted more out of it.
Thank you to the publisher for the free review copy.
October 4, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews