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The Covenants of Velora #1
The Frost Witch
Witches are not born. They are made.
I died alone in a frostbitten forest. It was not heroic. I did not die defending an innocent or hunting to feed my loved ones. I died because I was stupid and cowardly. I died running away. And that would have been the end of my story. Until the witches found me and made me one of their own.
Outcast by her coven more than three hundred years after her resurrection, Koryn faces certain doom. Without her coven’s magic to sustain her, she will wither away to nothing. But earning back their trust means betraying the last living member of her family—the family whose downfall came at Koryn’s own hands.
Offered a bargain she cannot refuse…
Four hundred years ago, the gods sentenced the continent of Velora to death. Now Koryn must make a desperate final bid to save Velora—and herself—by passing each test posed at the Seven Gates. Nothing less will prove her worth to her coven or save her family.
To make matters worse, she finds herself bound against her will to Garrick the Red, a legendary bounty hunter with a secret that makes him not just her rival, but her bitter enemy. She does not need him to protect her—Koryn stands alone.
But when an adolescent dragon appears from the forest and declares herself Koryn’s familiar, her understanding of the world begins to shift. Koryn’s choices do not just affect her, but all the residents of a dying, desperate land.
Faced with a devastating choice…
For every gate she conquers, Koryn’s world grows more precarious. A deadly warrior turned bonded protector and forbidden lover. An adolescent dragon entrusted to her care. A powerful male from her past calling in a debt she is not ready to pay. And vengeful gods who demand their due, and force the frost witch to choose—her coven, her love, her dragon… or her soul.
I died alone in a frostbitten forest. It was not heroic. I did not die defending an innocent or hunting to feed my loved ones. I died because I was stupid and cowardly. I died running away. And that would have been the end of my story. Until the witches found me and made me one of their own.
Outcast by her coven more than three hundred years after her resurrection, Koryn faces certain doom. Without her coven’s magic to sustain her, she will wither away to nothing. But earning back their trust means betraying the last living member of her family—the family whose downfall came at Koryn’s own hands.
Offered a bargain she cannot refuse…
Four hundred years ago, the gods sentenced the continent of Velora to death. Now Koryn must make a desperate final bid to save Velora—and herself—by passing each test posed at the Seven Gates. Nothing less will prove her worth to her coven or save her family.
To make matters worse, she finds herself bound against her will to Garrick the Red, a legendary bounty hunter with a secret that makes him not just her rival, but her bitter enemy. She does not need him to protect her—Koryn stands alone.
But when an adolescent dragon appears from the forest and declares herself Koryn’s familiar, her understanding of the world begins to shift. Koryn’s choices do not just affect her, but all the residents of a dying, desperate land.
Faced with a devastating choice…
For every gate she conquers, Koryn’s world grows more precarious. A deadly warrior turned bonded protector and forbidden lover. An adolescent dragon entrusted to her care. A powerful male from her past calling in a debt she is not ready to pay. And vengeful gods who demand their due, and force the frost witch to choose—her coven, her love, her dragon… or her soul.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2025
289 people are currently reading
3440 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
August 21, 2025
EXCUSE ME THIS IS SO UNDERHYPED.
fantasy romance with witches, magic, fae, gods, and SO MUCH MORE. I ATE THIS BOOK UP. Oh my gosh you guys, please do yourselves a favor and read this book immediately. Thank you.
fantasy romance with witches, magic, fae, gods, and SO MUCH MORE. I ATE THIS BOOK UP. Oh my gosh you guys, please do yourselves a favor and read this book immediately. Thank you.
September 4, 2025
“A gate is always near. A god is always watching.”
Everyone told me this was going to be amazing but I still wasn’t prepared. Is this your romantasy masterpiece, Emberly Ash?
I didn’t want to leave this world. It was so detailed and well-crafted and completely, vividly, REAL. The steam was steaming, yes, but it was the landscape, the lore, and most of all Koryn herself, our cast-out witch with a chip on her shoulder and a secretly soft heart, who completely stole the show for me! The level of detail given just to her backstory is incredible.
Also, Isanara. It goes without saying that if anything happens to that purple dragon, we will riot!
TROPES
Pantheon of gods
Divine bargains & rivalries
Seven gates, seven trials
Unique magic system based on manner of death
Witches AND fae
Why Choose hints
Plot twists
Mouthy teenage dragon
Stoic protector MMC
All the banter
Curvy witch FMC
Everyone told me this was going to be amazing but I still wasn’t prepared. Is this your romantasy masterpiece, Emberly Ash?
I didn’t want to leave this world. It was so detailed and well-crafted and completely, vividly, REAL. The steam was steaming, yes, but it was the landscape, the lore, and most of all Koryn herself, our cast-out witch with a chip on her shoulder and a secretly soft heart, who completely stole the show for me! The level of detail given just to her backstory is incredible.
Also, Isanara. It goes without saying that if anything happens to that purple dragon, we will riot!
TROPES
Pantheon of gods
Divine bargains & rivalries
Seven gates, seven trials
Unique magic system based on manner of death
Witches AND fae
Why Choose hints
Plot twists
Mouthy teenage dragon
Stoic protector MMC
All the banter
Curvy witch FMC
August 8, 2025
This book absolutely wrecked me. Five stars.
From the very first page, you can tell this is going to be a story you haven’t heard before. I’ve been burned out by reading lately because so many books feel the same, but The Frost Witch is refreshingly different. It’s original, emotionally heavy, and completely unafraid to stay bleak.
The story opens with the main character dying. She’s turned into a witch in a world where witches are known to be cold, cruel, and stripped of their humanity. But not our main character. She still feels everything and she hates herself for it. She’s done awful things and cannot forgive herself. It’s painful and brutal, and so well done.
The world is dark, gritty, and cold, both physically and emotionally. There is no warmth or hope here. Even in books like Mistborn, you get little pockets of happiness. Not here. I loved it.
The writing is refreshingly mature, sharp, and intentional. The author also uses flashbacks in one of the best ways I’ve ever seen. Normally, I find flashbacks a bit annoying because they interrupt the flow, but here they work. Present-day FMC is so emotionally shut down and full of self-hate that by the time a flashback hits, you are starving for the information. The emotional payoff landed every time.
The plot follows her journey after being cast out from her coven. The only way to return is to survive an emotionally brutal set of trials created by the gods. No one has survived them in hundreds of years. Along the way, our FMC begins to heal. It’s slow, and you don’t even realize it’s happening until you look back and see the progress. It’s subtle, grounded, and so powerful. And just when you start to believe she might make it, YOU REMEMBER THE BARGAIN. Let me tell you, I was STRESSED.
Other incredible pieces of this book:
-The witch’s familiar gives major Andarna vibes.
-The FMC is short, but not tiny. She’s curvy, with several mentions of her big thighs and soft stomach.
-There are cheeky, self-aware moments, like the FMC saying, “Let me guess, there’s only one room available?” when staying at a tavern.
The ending is a gut punch. A betrayal trope I did not see coming and it hits from multiple angles. I will be first in line for book two.
I’ll leave you with the quote that had me sobbing hysterically on my lunch break:
“I have failed everyone in my life.”
“Did you ever consider that they were the ones who failed you?”
If you love dark fantasy with emotional depth, slow healing arcs, and an FMC who hates herself so much it hurts to read, this book was made for you.
From the very first page, you can tell this is going to be a story you haven’t heard before. I’ve been burned out by reading lately because so many books feel the same, but The Frost Witch is refreshingly different. It’s original, emotionally heavy, and completely unafraid to stay bleak.
The story opens with the main character dying. She’s turned into a witch in a world where witches are known to be cold, cruel, and stripped of their humanity. But not our main character. She still feels everything and she hates herself for it. She’s done awful things and cannot forgive herself. It’s painful and brutal, and so well done.
The world is dark, gritty, and cold, both physically and emotionally. There is no warmth or hope here. Even in books like Mistborn, you get little pockets of happiness. Not here. I loved it.
The writing is refreshingly mature, sharp, and intentional. The author also uses flashbacks in one of the best ways I’ve ever seen. Normally, I find flashbacks a bit annoying because they interrupt the flow, but here they work. Present-day FMC is so emotionally shut down and full of self-hate that by the time a flashback hits, you are starving for the information. The emotional payoff landed every time.
The plot follows her journey after being cast out from her coven. The only way to return is to survive an emotionally brutal set of trials created by the gods. No one has survived them in hundreds of years. Along the way, our FMC begins to heal. It’s slow, and you don’t even realize it’s happening until you look back and see the progress. It’s subtle, grounded, and so powerful. And just when you start to believe she might make it, YOU REMEMBER THE BARGAIN. Let me tell you, I was STRESSED.
Other incredible pieces of this book:
-The witch’s familiar gives major Andarna vibes.
-The FMC is short, but not tiny. She’s curvy, with several mentions of her big thighs and soft stomach.
-There are cheeky, self-aware moments, like the FMC saying, “Let me guess, there’s only one room available?” when staying at a tavern.
The ending is a gut punch. A betrayal trope I did not see coming and it hits from multiple angles. I will be first in line for book two.
I’ll leave you with the quote that had me sobbing hysterically on my lunch break:
“I have failed everyone in my life.”
“Did you ever consider that they were the ones who failed you?”
If you love dark fantasy with emotional depth, slow healing arcs, and an FMC who hates herself so much it hurts to read, this book was made for you.
August 5, 2025
ARC read
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the storyline, I loved the MMC and I loved the FMC. It had the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, desire, longing and growth.
Reading it was like experiencing first hand the development of the characters. It sucked me in and molded itself around my mind.
I would definitely recommend snatching this one up!
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the storyline, I loved the MMC and I loved the FMC. It had the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, desire, longing and growth.
Reading it was like experiencing first hand the development of the characters. It sucked me in and molded itself around my mind.
I would definitely recommend snatching this one up!
July 24, 2025
| 5/5 Stars | ★★★★★
Trigger Warnings for The Frost Witch:
The Frost Witch is the first book in The Covenants of Velora trilogy by Emberly Ash. Koryn, our Frost Witch in question, is thrust out of her coven and expects to slowly fade away as her coven's magic fades. She is given an opportunity to reclaim her sisterhood, but the Seven Gates are no joke...
I'm obsessed. Run, don't walk, to get this book when it comes out on August 5th, 2025. The amount of times I gasped and then immediately had to explain something to my husband (who hasn't read this, but humors me) is off the charts. Within the span of 400+ pages, Koryn grows alongside her newfound compatriots: Garrick the Red and an adolescent dragon. Plus, I love a good one-bed trope that is spun on it's head (when you get there you'll know).
The Frost Witch had me cheering, gasping, and crying over the two days I read this. I literally finished this book in TWO DAYS because I was so obsessed with it. If you're wanting an epic dark romantasy series like Sadie Kincaid, Carissa Broadbent, or Raven Kennedy, pick this up. Thank you to Emberly Ash for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review as a member of her Street Team.
Follow all of my reviews and content with LinkTree
Trigger Warnings for The Frost Witch:
The Frost Witch is the first book in The Covenants of Velora trilogy by Emberly Ash. Koryn, our Frost Witch in question, is thrust out of her coven and expects to slowly fade away as her coven's magic fades. She is given an opportunity to reclaim her sisterhood, but the Seven Gates are no joke...
I'm obsessed. Run, don't walk, to get this book when it comes out on August 5th, 2025. The amount of times I gasped and then immediately had to explain something to my husband (who hasn't read this, but humors me) is off the charts. Within the span of 400+ pages, Koryn grows alongside her newfound compatriots: Garrick the Red and an adolescent dragon. Plus, I love a good one-bed trope that is spun on it's head (when you get there you'll know).
The Frost Witch had me cheering, gasping, and crying over the two days I read this. I literally finished this book in TWO DAYS because I was so obsessed with it. If you're wanting an epic dark romantasy series like Sadie Kincaid, Carissa Broadbent, or Raven Kennedy, pick this up. Thank you to Emberly Ash for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review as a member of her Street Team.
Follow all of my reviews and content with LinkTree
July 24, 2025
Emotional devastation at its finest.
Did I see the twists at the end coming? All except one. Do I care that I saw them coming? Absolutely not because I loved the journey it took to get there.
This right here is why I love the so much, and it is done so unbelievably well in this book. There’s more than I thought there were going to be, and it is just executed so well.
I was invested in this book starting with the very first line of the prologue. Normally, prologues and I don’t get along, but this one sucked me into this book so fast. I never once lost interest reading this book, and I might’ve read over half of it in over one setting.
The romance is such a good slow burn that it is so worth the wait. Is the attraction there? Absolutely. But they do nothing to act on it for a loooong time, and it’s so delicious. The payoff is so worth it too.
The plot had me so intrigued the whole time. I’m a sucker for a book with trials/competition, and the ones we get in this book are so unique. I loved the system that was created.
The world building was so strong for me too. It wasn’t heavy, but we still get an idea of where we are, what is happening, what is going on geographically, and what we need to know to place this book in its world. It was just enough for me to get the information I needed while not overpowering the book.
Will I be continuing this series? Absolutely without a doubt. In fact, if the second book were available to me right now, I would dive into it instantly. I always take a break between books in series, but I would not even hesitate to pick up the next one. Now I will eagerly await its arrival.
Thank you very much to Emberly Ash for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Did I see the twists at the end coming? All except one. Do I care that I saw them coming? Absolutely not because I loved the journey it took to get there.
This right here is why I love the so much, and it is done so unbelievably well in this book. There’s more than I thought there were going to be, and it is just executed so well.
I was invested in this book starting with the very first line of the prologue. Normally, prologues and I don’t get along, but this one sucked me into this book so fast. I never once lost interest reading this book, and I might’ve read over half of it in over one setting.
The romance is such a good slow burn that it is so worth the wait. Is the attraction there? Absolutely. But they do nothing to act on it for a loooong time, and it’s so delicious. The payoff is so worth it too.
The plot had me so intrigued the whole time. I’m a sucker for a book with trials/competition, and the ones we get in this book are so unique. I loved the system that was created.
The world building was so strong for me too. It wasn’t heavy, but we still get an idea of where we are, what is happening, what is going on geographically, and what we need to know to place this book in its world. It was just enough for me to get the information I needed while not overpowering the book.
Will I be continuing this series? Absolutely without a doubt. In fact, if the second book were available to me right now, I would dive into it instantly. I always take a break between books in series, but I would not even hesitate to pick up the next one. Now I will eagerly await its arrival.
Thank you very much to Emberly Ash for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2025
✨The Frost Witch✨
Oh my gosh. I loved this. After reading Emberly’s Secrets of the Faerie Crown series, I knew I was in for a delightfully wild ride but this surpassed my expectations and I found myself never wanting to set it down. And that’s what I did, reading it in a day.
In this new series, we follow the singular 1st person POV of our FMC, Koryn, a 400 year old witch who has been outcast from her coven in a dying continent. When her last living relative decides to attempt The Seven Gates (aka the trials of the gods) to save their kingdom, Koryn takes her place. Alongside several other supplicants, Koryn finds herself in a battle for her life from her adversaries and the gods, life bonded to one of the supplicants (a handsome one), and chosen by a dragon familiar.
There are hidden identities, crazy trials, magic, a teenage dragon, slow burn tensions, plot twists, and a deep betrayal and I gobbled it all up.
Koryn is such a beautiful soul, the one witch whose heart doesn’t beat but she still loves so much. The relationship between her and Garrick was also so intentional and natural. It made me swoon and also broke my heart. I am in desperate need for book two. Like. Hurting. Gosh. Oh, and currently this book is MF but I believe it will move towards “why choose” and I can see who is lined up and I’m EXCITED.
Tropes you may find in TFW are unique trials, witches x fae x humans, dying continent, forced proximity, multiple bonds, reluctant allis to lovers, slooow burn, hidden identities, wound tending, meddling gods and bargains, dragon familiar, plot twists, betrayals, medium spice, and a brutal cliffy.
Emberly, it’s such a pleasure to be on your street team. Thank you so much for this gifted arc!
Oh my gosh. I loved this. After reading Emberly’s Secrets of the Faerie Crown series, I knew I was in for a delightfully wild ride but this surpassed my expectations and I found myself never wanting to set it down. And that’s what I did, reading it in a day.
In this new series, we follow the singular 1st person POV of our FMC, Koryn, a 400 year old witch who has been outcast from her coven in a dying continent. When her last living relative decides to attempt The Seven Gates (aka the trials of the gods) to save their kingdom, Koryn takes her place. Alongside several other supplicants, Koryn finds herself in a battle for her life from her adversaries and the gods, life bonded to one of the supplicants (a handsome one), and chosen by a dragon familiar.
There are hidden identities, crazy trials, magic, a teenage dragon, slow burn tensions, plot twists, and a deep betrayal and I gobbled it all up.
Koryn is such a beautiful soul, the one witch whose heart doesn’t beat but she still loves so much. The relationship between her and Garrick was also so intentional and natural. It made me swoon and also broke my heart. I am in desperate need for book two. Like. Hurting. Gosh. Oh, and currently this book is MF but I believe it will move towards “why choose” and I can see who is lined up and I’m EXCITED.
Tropes you may find in TFW are unique trials, witches x fae x humans, dying continent, forced proximity, multiple bonds, reluctant allis to lovers, slooow burn, hidden identities, wound tending, meddling gods and bargains, dragon familiar, plot twists, betrayals, medium spice, and a brutal cliffy.
Emberly, it’s such a pleasure to be on your street team. Thank you so much for this gifted arc!
January 8, 2026
4.5 rounded up
I loved this book so much. This book is under-hyped. Witches, fae, and Gods..a slow burn fire that is everything. I can't wait for book two.
I loved this book so much. This book is under-hyped. Witches, fae, and Gods..a slow burn fire that is everything. I can't wait for book two.
August 8, 2025
“Just because you can protect yourself does not mean that you should always have to.”
This freaking book?? That freaking ending??
This was absolutely incredible. I laughed. I didn't cry but freaking SOBBED. I'm dying from the cliffhanger.
Koryn was magnificent. She has spend hundreds of years trying to force herself into being the uncaring witch she's been told that she needs to be and utterly failing. As much as she tries she still is a good person deep down and at some points it was absolutely heartbreaking watching her struggle. More than anything she doesn't want to be alone.
I was continually on the edge of my seat. Every time they made it to a gate I panicked a little because I just didn't know what was going to happen. The world building was fantastic, the relationship development felt natural, and I was absolutely bamboozled by that ending.
"I have failed everyone in my life." I could hear his heartbeat. I could feel it in my bones. “Did you ever consider that they were the ones who failed you?”
This freaking book?? That freaking ending??
This was absolutely incredible. I laughed. I didn't cry but freaking SOBBED. I'm dying from the cliffhanger.
Koryn was magnificent. She has spend hundreds of years trying to force herself into being the uncaring witch she's been told that she needs to be and utterly failing. As much as she tries she still is a good person deep down and at some points it was absolutely heartbreaking watching her struggle. More than anything she doesn't want to be alone.
I was continually on the edge of my seat. Every time they made it to a gate I panicked a little because I just didn't know what was going to happen. The world building was fantastic, the relationship development felt natural, and I was absolutely bamboozled by that ending.
"I have failed everyone in my life." I could hear his heartbeat. I could feel it in my bones. “Did you ever consider that they were the ones who failed you?”
August 19, 2025
This book had me hooked with its concept — and then lost me in the chaos.
Wow, wow, wow — the concept of witches gaining powers based on the circumstances of their deaths? Phenomenal. That was such a niche and fascinating idea, and it really stood out to me.
But honestly, everything else was a mess. There was just way too much going on, and it felt like the author couldn’t keep up with everything they were trying to do. The story really needed more editing — it felt like they were trying to cram in as much as possible, but in this case, less would’ve been so much more. The more the author threw in, the less impact each part had.
You’ve got the main character’s human life before she became a witch, and then 400 years of her existence as a witch — and yet none of it felt fleshed out. It was all just skimmed. We were told she lived through centuries of change, pain, and oppression — but we never really felt any of it. Even her relationship with her descendants, which should’ve carried emotional weight, barely registered. And we still don’t know how or why she died and became a witch in the first place. Maybe it’s being saved for a sequel, but honestly, that should’ve been part of this book’s resolution. Without it, the story felt incomplete.
As for the actual plot — the main events — it felt like an afterthought. The main character is supposed to journey through the Seven Gates of the Gods to lift a curse from the land of Velora. Thousands have supposedly died trying to pass through these gates, and yet… they really weren’t that bad. The whole thing felt anticlimactic. The Justice Gate was the only one that stood out — I loved the idea of casting judgment on someone who’s committed your worst crime — but the rest? Boring.
And now... the romance. Oh god, the romance. The MMC had zero personality. Just nothing. Completely flat. The only saving grace was that this is a slow burn, why-choose setup, and we met our second bonded at the end of the book. But even that was a disaster. Poor Garrick the Fucking Red never stood a chance against the Dark God. Like... how is that even a competition? It completely breaks the logic of a why-choose — you’re supposed to be torn between the love interests. But here? No contest. You can have them all, sure, but I didn’t want them all.
I just spent an entire book with Garrick and felt nothing. Honestly, I wanted him to fuck off the entire time. Then the Dark God shows up for one chapter and I was ready to drop my panties on the spot. So yeah, the “choice” was obvious — and that’s a problem.
Honestly, I forgot about most of the other characters pretty quickly. The only one who piqued my interest was Aurienna. Not even the dragon was interesting — and I love dragons. So you know it was bad.
I don’t even want to bother going into the ending because what the fuck was that.
In the end, this book had one truly brilliant idea — but it was drowned in chaos, shallow character work, and a romance that didn’t deserve the page time. It could’ve been epic. Instead, it was a wasted opportunity.
Wow, wow, wow — the concept of witches gaining powers based on the circumstances of their deaths? Phenomenal. That was such a niche and fascinating idea, and it really stood out to me.
But honestly, everything else was a mess. There was just way too much going on, and it felt like the author couldn’t keep up with everything they were trying to do. The story really needed more editing — it felt like they were trying to cram in as much as possible, but in this case, less would’ve been so much more. The more the author threw in, the less impact each part had.
You’ve got the main character’s human life before she became a witch, and then 400 years of her existence as a witch — and yet none of it felt fleshed out. It was all just skimmed. We were told she lived through centuries of change, pain, and oppression — but we never really felt any of it. Even her relationship with her descendants, which should’ve carried emotional weight, barely registered. And we still don’t know how or why she died and became a witch in the first place. Maybe it’s being saved for a sequel, but honestly, that should’ve been part of this book’s resolution. Without it, the story felt incomplete.
As for the actual plot — the main events — it felt like an afterthought. The main character is supposed to journey through the Seven Gates of the Gods to lift a curse from the land of Velora. Thousands have supposedly died trying to pass through these gates, and yet… they really weren’t that bad. The whole thing felt anticlimactic. The Justice Gate was the only one that stood out — I loved the idea of casting judgment on someone who’s committed your worst crime — but the rest? Boring.
And now... the romance. Oh god, the romance. The MMC had zero personality. Just nothing. Completely flat. The only saving grace was that this is a slow burn, why-choose setup, and we met our second bonded at the end of the book. But even that was a disaster. Poor Garrick the Fucking Red never stood a chance against the Dark God. Like... how is that even a competition? It completely breaks the logic of a why-choose — you’re supposed to be torn between the love interests. But here? No contest. You can have them all, sure, but I didn’t want them all.
I just spent an entire book with Garrick and felt nothing. Honestly, I wanted him to fuck off the entire time. Then the Dark God shows up for one chapter and I was ready to drop my panties on the spot. So yeah, the “choice” was obvious — and that’s a problem.
Honestly, I forgot about most of the other characters pretty quickly. The only one who piqued my interest was Aurienna. Not even the dragon was interesting — and I love dragons. So you know it was bad.
I don’t even want to bother going into the ending because what the fuck was that.
In the end, this book had one truly brilliant idea — but it was drowned in chaos, shallow character work, and a romance that didn’t deserve the page time. It could’ve been epic. Instead, it was a wasted opportunity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Emberly Ash for the advanced reader copy of the Frost Witch, asking only for an honest review of the book. I am pleased to give it high praise for the writing style, ease of reading, and twists and turns I did not see coming.
I was instantly obsessed with this book! This one was definitely a five star for me, and after reading most of the popular romantasy books out there, I feel like if this one gets enough traction it could definitely be the next big thing. I am hoping to be able to buy it in hardcover soon, that's how much I loved it (and I only buy physical copies as "trophies" and my shelf is tiny!). I’m not usually into witch themes or trials (as I’ve read a few by now) but this one is refreshing, I avoided reading some books because of the trials theme but really glad it didn't deter me from this one. Some of the challenges had me going wild and really made me ponder and think, and the theme of all of them is so interesting.
The MMC is so easy to fall for and I’m definitely obsessed, he gives "touch her and die" vibes. The yearning is there and the build up to the spice is worth it! The plot twist at the end had me screaming his name though, I can't wait for the next book! "I think you will find that this changes everything for us." Also some of the artwork on the authors IG is to swoon for, the characters are just as I imagined them in my head!
Koryn relatable in so many ways, from her heightened sensitivities (I often find my environment too loud and stimulating too) to her beautiful larger size, here for the body positivity 100%. The magic system is really interesting, the power the witches gain ties in with the manner in which they died in their mortal lives. The flashbacks were some of my favorite chapters, I was crushed at one relating to her sister and my jaw dropped. The flashbacks really added to the story and helped you understand the FMC and how she has been shaped into the witch she is.
Later in the book you meet an adorable mythical sidekick, who added some comedic relief as well as showing the FMC that there are those who really and truly care for her, when thus far she's lived a life of being in the background and shadows.
I finished this within 24 hours of picking it up and highly recommend for anyone who enjoys romantasy books.
I was instantly obsessed with this book! This one was definitely a five star for me, and after reading most of the popular romantasy books out there, I feel like if this one gets enough traction it could definitely be the next big thing. I am hoping to be able to buy it in hardcover soon, that's how much I loved it (and I only buy physical copies as "trophies" and my shelf is tiny!). I’m not usually into witch themes or trials (as I’ve read a few by now) but this one is refreshing, I avoided reading some books because of the trials theme but really glad it didn't deter me from this one. Some of the challenges had me going wild and really made me ponder and think, and the theme of all of them is so interesting.
The MMC is so easy to fall for and I’m definitely obsessed, he gives "touch her and die" vibes. The yearning is there and the build up to the spice is worth it! The plot twist at the end had me screaming his name though, I can't wait for the next book! "I think you will find that this changes everything for us." Also some of the artwork on the authors IG is to swoon for, the characters are just as I imagined them in my head!
Koryn relatable in so many ways, from her heightened sensitivities (I often find my environment too loud and stimulating too) to her beautiful larger size, here for the body positivity 100%. The magic system is really interesting, the power the witches gain ties in with the manner in which they died in their mortal lives. The flashbacks were some of my favorite chapters, I was crushed at one relating to her sister and my jaw dropped. The flashbacks really added to the story and helped you understand the FMC and how she has been shaped into the witch she is.
Later in the book you meet an adorable mythical sidekick, who added some comedic relief as well as showing the FMC that there are those who really and truly care for her, when thus far she's lived a life of being in the background and shadows.
I finished this within 24 hours of picking it up and highly recommend for anyone who enjoys romantasy books.
July 27, 2025
Thank you to the Emberly Ash (author), the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. Koryn, our plus-sized, whip-smart witch, is one of the most refreshing FMCs I’ve read in a long time. She’s fierce, flawed, tied to her coven by duty and power, and written with such clarity and strength that she leaps off the page.
The writing itself is stunning—almost poetic at times. Emberly Ash crafts sentences like spells: sharp, beautiful, and layered with meaning. Add in the clever, adult-level banter, and you've got a fantasy read that doesn’t dumb anything down.
While the plot has a few repetitive moments—especially regarding how the coven’s magic works and the impact of distance on Koryn’s power—I was still pulled through by the depth of the world, the mystery, and the flashback structure. I did wish for a dual POV at times, especially with Garrick. He’s intriguing but emotionally distant, and his development would’ve benefited from a little more insight earlier on.
But oh—the Justice Gate scenes? Absolutely incredible. One of the standout moments in the book, showcasing brilliant world-building and moral complexity. And let’s not forget Isanara—she quickly became a favorite, despite only a few sentences on-page. That dragon radiates presence.
The romantic subplot is soft and slow-burn, with just two scenes of spice around 86% and 90%. While spicy, it felt a bit underdeveloped emotionally—likely due to Garrick’s stoic nature. I missed some understanding how they got there... you know, other than the amazingly good looks, constant tension and forced-proximity.
The ending brought a chaotic punch of reveals: double bonding?! Fae prince?! Dark god?! It reminded me of Throne of Glass in all the best ways. That final Garrick POV was a welcome touch.
All in all, this is a rich, adult fantasy with a sharp-tongued heroine, a haunting magical system, and a twist-filled plot that leaves you craving the next instalment.
Favorite Quotes:
- “They chase their will beyond all bounds, and reap the debt they sow – in loss they find the cost of pride, to sacrifice the soul.”
- “Despite my boasts to Garrick earlier, the only reserves I had when I got hungry were temper and sass. A winning combination.”
- “Strength takes many forms.”
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. Koryn, our plus-sized, whip-smart witch, is one of the most refreshing FMCs I’ve read in a long time. She’s fierce, flawed, tied to her coven by duty and power, and written with such clarity and strength that she leaps off the page.
The writing itself is stunning—almost poetic at times. Emberly Ash crafts sentences like spells: sharp, beautiful, and layered with meaning. Add in the clever, adult-level banter, and you've got a fantasy read that doesn’t dumb anything down.
While the plot has a few repetitive moments—especially regarding how the coven’s magic works and the impact of distance on Koryn’s power—I was still pulled through by the depth of the world, the mystery, and the flashback structure. I did wish for a dual POV at times, especially with Garrick. He’s intriguing but emotionally distant, and his development would’ve benefited from a little more insight earlier on.
But oh—the Justice Gate scenes? Absolutely incredible. One of the standout moments in the book, showcasing brilliant world-building and moral complexity. And let’s not forget Isanara—she quickly became a favorite, despite only a few sentences on-page. That dragon radiates presence.
The romantic subplot is soft and slow-burn, with just two scenes of spice around 86% and 90%. While spicy, it felt a bit underdeveloped emotionally—likely due to Garrick’s stoic nature. I missed some understanding how they got there... you know, other than the amazingly good looks, constant tension and forced-proximity.
The ending brought a chaotic punch of reveals: double bonding?! Fae prince?! Dark god?! It reminded me of Throne of Glass in all the best ways. That final Garrick POV was a welcome touch.
All in all, this is a rich, adult fantasy with a sharp-tongued heroine, a haunting magical system, and a twist-filled plot that leaves you craving the next instalment.
Favorite Quotes:
- “They chase their will beyond all bounds, and reap the debt they sow – in loss they find the cost of pride, to sacrifice the soul.”
- “Despite my boasts to Garrick earlier, the only reserves I had when I got hungry were temper and sass. A winning combination.”
- “Strength takes many forms.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
Witches are not born. They are made.
I died alone in a frostbitten forest. It wasn't heroic. I did not die defending an innocent or hunting to feed my loved ones. I died because I was foolish and cowardly. I died running away. And that would have been the end of my story. Until the witches found me and made me one of their own.
Outcast by her coven more then 300 years after her resurrection, Koryn faces certain doom. Without her covens magic to sustain her, she will wither away to nothing. But earning back their trust means betraying the last living member of her family- the family whose downfall came at Koryns own hands.
"Pass through the seven gates, lift the curse that is killing Velora, and you will be welcomed back to the Midnight Coven."
This is an epic dark romantasy that has:
Enemies to lovers
witches 🧙♀️
fae
slow burn 🔥
spice 🌶
found family
blood magic🩸 ✨️
Gods
Shifters and an adolescent dragon.
Koryn isn't like her sister witches. She still has a heart. She is kind and compassionate and bulks at the thought of taking a life.
I've been lucky enough to read some fantastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star reads recently, and I'm pleased to say, that this is also now one of them.
The writing draws the reader in, and I found myself immersed into the story right from the off.
This is book 1 of The covenants of Velora series and I will definitely be reading book 2!
I highly recommend reading this, but warn you to read this when you don't have any plans, as you won't be able to put this down!
Thanks goes to netgalley for sending me this eARC.
I died alone in a frostbitten forest. It wasn't heroic. I did not die defending an innocent or hunting to feed my loved ones. I died because I was foolish and cowardly. I died running away. And that would have been the end of my story. Until the witches found me and made me one of their own.
Outcast by her coven more then 300 years after her resurrection, Koryn faces certain doom. Without her covens magic to sustain her, she will wither away to nothing. But earning back their trust means betraying the last living member of her family- the family whose downfall came at Koryns own hands.
"Pass through the seven gates, lift the curse that is killing Velora, and you will be welcomed back to the Midnight Coven."
This is an epic dark romantasy that has:
Enemies to lovers
witches 🧙♀️
fae
slow burn 🔥
spice 🌶
found family
blood magic🩸 ✨️
Gods
Shifters and an adolescent dragon.
Koryn isn't like her sister witches. She still has a heart. She is kind and compassionate and bulks at the thought of taking a life.
I've been lucky enough to read some fantastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star reads recently, and I'm pleased to say, that this is also now one of them.
The writing draws the reader in, and I found myself immersed into the story right from the off.
This is book 1 of The covenants of Velora series and I will definitely be reading book 2!
I highly recommend reading this, but warn you to read this when you don't have any plans, as you won't be able to put this down!
Thanks goes to netgalley for sending me this eARC.
September 1, 2025
Oh wow! This was an addictive story from the start. I loved the personality of the fmc. She definitely had a rough life, but her maturity was also nice. A broken mature woman who gained growth throughout the story. I thought it was done so clever with the trials, forcing her to really dive deeper into her vulnerabilities.
I especially loved the way the flashbacks were handled, no italics - thank God. They were full chapters and entertaining as the rest of the story.
Very much a trials book with Gods, and fated mate trope. The twists at the end were brilliant and has me especially excited for book 2.
The pacing I thought was perfect. I was never bored in the story and loved every chapter. The storytelling was superb.
The only little bit that felt off was a couple of odd sentences near the beginning, and some issues with grammar that I'm guessing will be fixed by release. My copy was an arc.
There is spice, maybe a pepper worth, but it felt off to me. Maybe the author was trying not to spend a lot of time on that part. But it didn't matter because the actual story was a lot of fun.
I especially loved the way the flashbacks were handled, no italics - thank God. They were full chapters and entertaining as the rest of the story.
Very much a trials book with Gods, and fated mate trope. The twists at the end were brilliant and has me especially excited for book 2.
The pacing I thought was perfect. I was never bored in the story and loved every chapter. The storytelling was superb.
The only little bit that felt off was a couple of odd sentences near the beginning, and some issues with grammar that I'm guessing will be fixed by release. My copy was an arc.
There is spice, maybe a pepper worth, but it felt off to me. Maybe the author was trying not to spend a lot of time on that part. But it didn't matter because the actual story was a lot of fun.
August 1, 2025
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: The Frost Witch (The Covenants of Velora, Book 1)
❄️Release Date: August 5, 2025
𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘥ē𝘢𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦
She diēd and was reborn as an immortal witch. Since her exile, Koryn has sought to sustain her magic while searching for a semblance of redemption.
When she’s forced to face the trials of the Seven Gates, she must demonstrate her worthiness in a final bid to save the cursed lands of Velora.
Tropes:
🧙🏻♀️Outcast Witch FMC
⚔️Bounty hunter MMC
💫Bonds, magic, bargains
☠️ Dēadly trials
🏺Meddling gods
🐉Sassy dragon
🔥Slow burn
In a journey riddled with guilt and regret, we follow Koryn as events of the past collide with her present. When she meets a notorious bounty hunter, she can’t help but feel a draw. The tension and longing between them was hefty and visceral, as was the anguish of the truths that slowly unfurl.
Between bonds, bargains, and betrayals, Koryn faces impossible choices before her soul is claimed.
The Frost Witch is a dark romantasy brimming with emotionally complex characters, thrilling magic, and the promise of an evolving why choose romance. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.
📖: The Frost Witch (The Covenants of Velora, Book 1)
❄️Release Date: August 5, 2025
𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘥ē𝘢𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦
She diēd and was reborn as an immortal witch. Since her exile, Koryn has sought to sustain her magic while searching for a semblance of redemption.
When she’s forced to face the trials of the Seven Gates, she must demonstrate her worthiness in a final bid to save the cursed lands of Velora.
Tropes:
🧙🏻♀️Outcast Witch FMC
⚔️Bounty hunter MMC
💫Bonds, magic, bargains
☠️ Dēadly trials
🏺Meddling gods
🐉Sassy dragon
🔥Slow burn
In a journey riddled with guilt and regret, we follow Koryn as events of the past collide with her present. When she meets a notorious bounty hunter, she can’t help but feel a draw. The tension and longing between them was hefty and visceral, as was the anguish of the truths that slowly unfurl.
Between bonds, bargains, and betrayals, Koryn faces impossible choices before her soul is claimed.
The Frost Witch is a dark romantasy brimming with emotionally complex characters, thrilling magic, and the promise of an evolving why choose romance. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 14, 2025
This story hooked me so quickly. Koryn is such a compelling heroine, older, powerful, flawed in all the right ways, and determined to fight her way back into the life she once lost. The Seven Gates are deadly and unpredictable, and watching her push through each one felt tense and addictive.
Garrick, with his silver hair and reluctant-partner energy, adds so much spark to the story. Their dynamic has that perfect slow-burn crackle where every look and every moment of teamwork feels charged. The world itself is rich with magic, betrayal, and a sense of ancient danger that never really lets up.
The final chapters absolutely blindsided me, and that cliffhanger? Brutal. I’m fully invested and already impatient for the next book. Thanks to the author for the gifted Arc.
Garrick, with his silver hair and reluctant-partner energy, adds so much spark to the story. Their dynamic has that perfect slow-burn crackle where every look and every moment of teamwork feels charged. The world itself is rich with magic, betrayal, and a sense of ancient danger that never really lets up.
The final chapters absolutely blindsided me, and that cliffhanger? Brutal. I’m fully invested and already impatient for the next book. Thanks to the author for the gifted Arc.
November 23, 2025
Okay this was my first fantasy read after many, many years and I was very hesitant I wouldn't like it because I have not been into much fantasy novels lately but I still had high hopes.
I was not disappointed. This book kept me engaged from beginning to end & i really enjoyed the unique plot. Also the chemistry between the FMC & MMC is *chefs kiss*; the build up is insane. I wouldn't say this is a spicy fantasy as the plot focuses mostly on the plot itself but somehow still manages to properly have the 🌶 tension between the MCs there, without being too much.
I'm only mad about the fact that I have to wait till next year for the 2nd book.
Would recommend 👌🏼
I was not disappointed. This book kept me engaged from beginning to end & i really enjoyed the unique plot. Also the chemistry between the FMC & MMC is *chefs kiss*; the build up is insane. I wouldn't say this is a spicy fantasy as the plot focuses mostly on the plot itself but somehow still manages to properly have the 🌶 tension between the MCs there, without being too much.
I'm only mad about the fact that I have to wait till next year for the 2nd book.
Would recommend 👌🏼
July 28, 2025
My star rating would be 4.5.
The Frost Witch.... This book is really, really good! Not perfect, but so, so, sooooo good!!
I really love that this romantic fantasy is as much my favorite parts of the genre as it is different.
We get the broken world with witches, gods, fae, and trials that test the FMC/MMC while being unique in a way that is so refreshing.
The world building is fantastic. It's clear and perfectly paced. It's not too much at once, and gets that dystopian-fantasy vibe right to your core.
The romance is a beautiful slow-burn with, raw emotions and discovery. The spice was well written and well placed.
The FMC is is the FMC everyone always say they want; sassy, stubborn, smart, emotionally damaged, and not the most athletic, well-built fighter ever.
The MMC is dark, broody, mysterious, kind, and yet brutally heart-breaking.
Of course we cannot leave out the amazing sarcastic and snarky adolescent dragon familiar, who of course quickly became my fave!
The story is amazing, the characters fantastic, and the magic and politics unique and interesting. I only left a half star off due to some repetitive explanations.
I am so excited to see what happens in book two!
Thank you NetGalley, Emberly Ash, and Cara Maxwell Romance for the ARC
The Frost Witch.... This book is really, really good! Not perfect, but so, so, sooooo good!!
I really love that this romantic fantasy is as much my favorite parts of the genre as it is different.
We get the broken world with witches, gods, fae, and trials that test the FMC/MMC while being unique in a way that is so refreshing.
The world building is fantastic. It's clear and perfectly paced. It's not too much at once, and gets that dystopian-fantasy vibe right to your core.
The romance is a beautiful slow-burn with, raw emotions and discovery. The spice was well written and well placed.
The FMC is is the FMC everyone always say they want; sassy, stubborn, smart, emotionally damaged, and not the most athletic, well-built fighter ever.
The MMC is dark, broody, mysterious, kind, and yet brutally heart-breaking.
Of course we cannot leave out the amazing sarcastic and snarky adolescent dragon familiar, who of course quickly became my fave!
The story is amazing, the characters fantastic, and the magic and politics unique and interesting. I only left a half star off due to some repetitive explanations.
I am so excited to see what happens in book two!
Thank you NetGalley, Emberly Ash, and Cara Maxwell Romance for the ARC
August 5, 2025
Witches are not born they are made and boy do we get a fierce one in Koryn. The Frost Witch, is Book 1 in this new series.
If you are a fan of Dark Fantasy with a Dystopian Fantasy World, Plus Size FMC, Reluctant Allies, Deadly Trials, Meddling Gods, Dragon Familiar, Slow Building Why Choose and so much more this one is for you!
Though Koryn has no heart being a risen from the dead witch, she will do whatever it takes to save her families descendants even if that means journeying through seven gates to try to save Velora with the bounty hunter Garrick the Red by her side.
Along the way she has to face many of her worst fears and darkest regrets while Garrick is reluctantly by her side but not so secretly trying to make her stronger. Though it isn’t long before the glaring looks and banter turn into something more between them.
When she is faced with a difficult decision between her new protector, coven or family — a dark blast from Koryn’s past comes calling in their debt and she is not ready to fulfill it with him yet. Just when you think things couldn’t get more difficult for her, we are left with a cliffhanger of an ending that will leave you wanting book 2 immediately and wondering what it all means for Koryn.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
If you are a fan of Dark Fantasy with a Dystopian Fantasy World, Plus Size FMC, Reluctant Allies, Deadly Trials, Meddling Gods, Dragon Familiar, Slow Building Why Choose and so much more this one is for you!
Though Koryn has no heart being a risen from the dead witch, she will do whatever it takes to save her families descendants even if that means journeying through seven gates to try to save Velora with the bounty hunter Garrick the Red by her side.
Along the way she has to face many of her worst fears and darkest regrets while Garrick is reluctantly by her side but not so secretly trying to make her stronger. Though it isn’t long before the glaring looks and banter turn into something more between them.
When she is faced with a difficult decision between her new protector, coven or family — a dark blast from Koryn’s past comes calling in their debt and she is not ready to fulfill it with him yet. Just when you think things couldn’t get more difficult for her, we are left with a cliffhanger of an ending that will leave you wanting book 2 immediately and wondering what it all means for Koryn.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
January 18, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
i ate this one up. witches whose powers are determined by the circumstances of their deaths, trials set by gods, dragons and a hot bounty hunter? yes please and thanks. it was fun and i am seated for part two.
i ate this one up. witches whose powers are determined by the circumstances of their deaths, trials set by gods, dragons and a hot bounty hunter? yes please and thanks. it was fun and i am seated for part two.
July 26, 2025
Absolutely obsessed with this.
Each part of this book was absolutely incredible. The world building- flawless. Character development- amazing. Plot- seamless. Can’t wait for the next book! 🩵
Each part of this book was absolutely incredible. The world building- flawless. Character development- amazing. Plot- seamless. Can’t wait for the next book! 🩵
October 20, 2025
Emberly Ash has done it again! The Frost Witch is packed with deep world building, a plot that gets you hooked right away, relatable characters who you can’t help but admire and love, and delicious slow burn tension. I am feral for book 2!!
October 13, 2025
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the incredible author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book. I truly appreciate it!
So I'm truly heartbroken and beside myself now. What am I suppose to do now that I've finished this fantastic book and have to wait for the second! If I completely could I would be devouring the next right now! This ends on a mighty twisted trifecta of cliffhangers, and that very last line! You have no idea how giddy that made me despite everything that had gone on throughout the book, especially towards the very end. It shouldn't have but oh my did it! I honestly can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes, I'm not ready to leave this world and it's characters yet!
This world despite its gods, the Fae, the witches and the magic, truly invokes despite the fantasy genre intentions, a real dystopian world. Well reading this book the imagery it evokes, made it feel as if it was our own. If you were to replace the magic aspects with reality you really wouldn't be too far off of having a new modern dystopian story. I love dystopian reads, and it has been at least a decade since I've truly found one I love for that aspect. Well this isn't meant to be a dystopian story it's as close as I might get and I really loved that side. The fantasy side though my gosh! Everything is flawless, it works, and it is honestly so creative and unique despite any potential comparisons to other series'. This is one hundred percent its own through and through. Going through each gate really helps pull in each reader. The thought and reflect that occurs through each one pulled me into my own moments in time, and what each gate might hold for me if I was in their places.
Well it might seem like a lot there are a lot of secondary characters, and their places in this world are flawless. Each and everyone of them is needed to tell this story. The main characters though Koryn and Garrick (I really loved the unexpected twist at the beginning!) are everything! Koryn is so real and relatable (despite being a witch) her internal conflicts, and personality are so much like our own, I really relate to her so much! I also loved finally having a heroine who curvy! Garrick my gosh, I need one of my own! Hello new book boyfriend! Watching them both grow together and come into their own unintentionally then intentionally throughout their trials was incredible. Also on the topic of needing my own, I want my own Isanara! She was everything! The perfect voice of reason and occasional comedic relief and her love and loyalty is nothing but utter devotion!
You have no idea how much I want to keep gushing but I'm not a spoiler so I can't say much more other than you need to read this truly you do. The world building, the magic, the story, the romance and relationships are going to steal your heart and soul and leave you yearning for more! This is honestly a book you don't want to miss out on if you're a fantasy lover I promise!
Thank you so very much again from the bottom of for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book, I really appreciate it! I absolutely loved it!
So I'm truly heartbroken and beside myself now. What am I suppose to do now that I've finished this fantastic book and have to wait for the second! If I completely could I would be devouring the next right now! This ends on a mighty twisted trifecta of cliffhangers, and that very last line! You have no idea how giddy that made me despite everything that had gone on throughout the book, especially towards the very end. It shouldn't have but oh my did it! I honestly can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes, I'm not ready to leave this world and it's characters yet!
This world despite its gods, the Fae, the witches and the magic, truly invokes despite the fantasy genre intentions, a real dystopian world. Well reading this book the imagery it evokes, made it feel as if it was our own. If you were to replace the magic aspects with reality you really wouldn't be too far off of having a new modern dystopian story. I love dystopian reads, and it has been at least a decade since I've truly found one I love for that aspect. Well this isn't meant to be a dystopian story it's as close as I might get and I really loved that side. The fantasy side though my gosh! Everything is flawless, it works, and it is honestly so creative and unique despite any potential comparisons to other series'. This is one hundred percent its own through and through. Going through each gate really helps pull in each reader. The thought and reflect that occurs through each one pulled me into my own moments in time, and what each gate might hold for me if I was in their places.
Well it might seem like a lot there are a lot of secondary characters, and their places in this world are flawless. Each and everyone of them is needed to tell this story. The main characters though Koryn and Garrick (I really loved the unexpected twist at the beginning!) are everything! Koryn is so real and relatable (despite being a witch) her internal conflicts, and personality are so much like our own, I really relate to her so much! I also loved finally having a heroine who curvy! Garrick my gosh, I need one of my own! Hello new book boyfriend! Watching them both grow together and come into their own unintentionally then intentionally throughout their trials was incredible. Also on the topic of needing my own, I want my own Isanara! She was everything! The perfect voice of reason and occasional comedic relief and her love and loyalty is nothing but utter devotion!
You have no idea how much I want to keep gushing but I'm not a spoiler so I can't say much more other than you need to read this truly you do. The world building, the magic, the story, the romance and relationships are going to steal your heart and soul and leave you yearning for more! This is honestly a book you don't want to miss out on if you're a fantasy lover I promise!
Thank you so very much again from the bottom of for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book, I really appreciate it! I absolutely loved it!
November 11, 2025
Thank you so much to Emberly Ash for the physical ARC and PR package of The Frost Witch!
I don’t even know where to begin—this might just be in my top 5 reads of 2025. If you love trials, slow burn romance, self-discovery, and sassy (and probably more intelligent) dragons, this one’s for you. 🐉
At first, I found nearly every character morally gray, wrapped in mystery that made me suspicious of everyone—and I loved that. It made my emotional attachment to each of them feel earned. And can we talk about the FMC being a short thicc queen like me? 😍
Each gate presents a trial that challenges your own sense of morality: justice, sacrifice, mercy, devotion, peace, memory, and darkness. Every test had me questioning what I would have done in Koryn’s place.
The chemistry between Garrick and Koryn is a true slow burn—intense from the start, but restrained in the best way. They both give off total grumpy black cat energy 🐈⬛ and their dynamic with the dragon familiar? Perfection. I adored Koryn’s inner conflict—she’s flawed, emotional, and deeply human despite her immortality. Overly perfect main characters are never my thing, and she was refreshingly imperfect.
Can't wait for book 2!
I don’t even know where to begin—this might just be in my top 5 reads of 2025. If you love trials, slow burn romance, self-discovery, and sassy (and probably more intelligent) dragons, this one’s for you. 🐉
At first, I found nearly every character morally gray, wrapped in mystery that made me suspicious of everyone—and I loved that. It made my emotional attachment to each of them feel earned. And can we talk about the FMC being a short thicc queen like me? 😍
Each gate presents a trial that challenges your own sense of morality: justice, sacrifice, mercy, devotion, peace, memory, and darkness. Every test had me questioning what I would have done in Koryn’s place.
The chemistry between Garrick and Koryn is a true slow burn—intense from the start, but restrained in the best way. They both give off total grumpy black cat energy 🐈⬛ and their dynamic with the dragon familiar? Perfection. I adored Koryn’s inner conflict—she’s flawed, emotional, and deeply human despite her immortality. Overly perfect main characters are never my thing, and she was refreshingly imperfect.
Can't wait for book 2!
August 9, 2025
First of all, kudos to the quality of the book for making me enjoy a winter-based read smack dab in the middle of summer.
I gotta say, Emberley's writing is so engaging. It flows and leaves that *something* that you want to continue to uncover. The Frost Witch had a little bit of everything-- witches, fae, dystopian setting, deadly trials, dragons... it felt like it could have gone overboard but her writing softened it to make it palatable and interesting.
That said, I wanted MORE. I wanted the trials to extra deadly (they were kind of meh); I wanted the characters' journey to be more arduous; I wanted more relationship development between the FMC and MMC. There were elements that also felt derivative, such as the snarky teenage dragon (hit a little too close to Basgiath if you know what I mean).
Sweet baby Jesus knows I love a good spicy sprinkling in my romantasies (who am I kidding, I want spice in everything), and I also could have used more. I was all for the body positivity mentioned here, with a plus size FMC, but it was mentioned so much it was hard to tell if she loved it or disliked it about herself.
What I didn't want more of, though, was descriptions of Garrick's smirk and the fact that Koryn did not have a beating heart. We get it.
But that ending had my jaw drop a few times. I think I said "wwhhaaatttt!!!" out loud but I can't be for certain. If there was a way to make you want book 2, she found it.
Thank you to Netgalley, Emberley Ash and the publisher for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I gotta say, Emberley's writing is so engaging. It flows and leaves that *something* that you want to continue to uncover. The Frost Witch had a little bit of everything-- witches, fae, dystopian setting, deadly trials, dragons... it felt like it could have gone overboard but her writing softened it to make it palatable and interesting.
That said, I wanted MORE. I wanted the trials to extra deadly (they were kind of meh); I wanted the characters' journey to be more arduous; I wanted more relationship development between the FMC and MMC. There were elements that also felt derivative, such as the snarky teenage dragon (hit a little too close to Basgiath if you know what I mean).
Sweet baby Jesus knows I love a good spicy sprinkling in my romantasies (who am I kidding, I want spice in everything), and I also could have used more. I was all for the body positivity mentioned here, with a plus size FMC, but it was mentioned so much it was hard to tell if she loved it or disliked it about herself.
What I didn't want more of, though, was descriptions of Garrick's smirk and the fact that Koryn did not have a beating heart. We get it.
But that ending had my jaw drop a few times. I think I said "wwhhaaatttt!!!" out loud but I can't be for certain. If there was a way to make you want book 2, she found it.
Thank you to Netgalley, Emberley Ash and the publisher for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2025
Is the dark romance in the room with us? Im pretty baffled by how highly this is rated as it was so incredibly boring. There are bones of a great story which is I guess why I kept reading but, the character development is non existent. I felt nothing for anyone. Glad it’s over.
August 3, 2025
First I would like to say a huge thank you to NetGalley and Emberly Ash for opportunity to ARC review this book. All opinions are my own.
This book was so amazing and a definite 5 star read for me. From start to finish it had me absolutely hooked and I was completely sucked into the story.
We start with the death of the FMC Koryn and see her resurrection and transformation to a witch. "Witches are not born, they are made." We then see her journey in attempting to complete the deadly 7 gates in order to save her world from the long implemented curse, created to slowly kill the land and all of the inhabitants and magic within.
As a witch she is not meant to feel such "useless" or "pathetic" feelings like hope, sympathy, compassion, or mercy. But not even three hundred and seventy-seven years spent as a witch trying to rid herself of these things could take her humanity from her. Will it be to her benefit or her downfall?
Some of the tropes include :
-forced proximity
-slowburn
-enemies to lovers
I truly enjoyed following Koryn's story. I was constantly conflicted between being unable to put the book down because I just HAD to know what happened next, and desperately not wanting it to end. It was also a nice change of pace for me to see more of a morally gray FMC.
I can not wait to see what happens in book 2 and I fear I will be chomping at the bit until I'm able to get my hands on it! I did not see the ending coming AT ALL and I can't wait to see the "why choose" come to fruition in book two.
If you enjoyed Throne of Glass, Shield of Sparrows, Blood of Hercules and those types of books I would definitely recommend giving this book a try. Just to be totally clear it is not the same or a repeat of these books and that is not what I am saying. I'm just saying if you enjoyed those books for the vibes, the adventure, and journey this book may also be of interest to you.
This book was so amazing and a definite 5 star read for me. From start to finish it had me absolutely hooked and I was completely sucked into the story.
We start with the death of the FMC Koryn and see her resurrection and transformation to a witch. "Witches are not born, they are made." We then see her journey in attempting to complete the deadly 7 gates in order to save her world from the long implemented curse, created to slowly kill the land and all of the inhabitants and magic within.
As a witch she is not meant to feel such "useless" or "pathetic" feelings like hope, sympathy, compassion, or mercy. But not even three hundred and seventy-seven years spent as a witch trying to rid herself of these things could take her humanity from her. Will it be to her benefit or her downfall?
Some of the tropes include :
-forced proximity
-slowburn
-enemies to lovers
I truly enjoyed following Koryn's story. I was constantly conflicted between being unable to put the book down because I just HAD to know what happened next, and desperately not wanting it to end. It was also a nice change of pace for me to see more of a morally gray FMC.
I can not wait to see what happens in book 2 and I fear I will be chomping at the bit until I'm able to get my hands on it! I did not see the ending coming AT ALL and I can't wait to see the "why choose" come to fruition in book two.
If you enjoyed Throne of Glass, Shield of Sparrows, Blood of Hercules and those types of books I would definitely recommend giving this book a try. Just to be totally clear it is not the same or a repeat of these books and that is not what I am saying. I'm just saying if you enjoyed those books for the vibes, the adventure, and journey this book may also be of interest to you.
August 2, 2025
4.5 stars! Another incredible start to an Emberly Ash series! This book has everything: witches with powers based on the way they died, a sassy teenage dragon, one love interest…and a hint at a second, magical portals that sound like they’ll be good but are STRESSFUL, light hints at the author’s other world, and mysteries unraveling around us!!
Koryn has been a witch for 377 years, the world around her is cursed, and her last living relative (a many great granddaughter of her sister) is on a crash course with death. Instead of letting that happen, Koryn steps up and begins an epic quest to spend the next few months traveling through magical gates, meeting the gods, and attempting to break the curse. If she happens to save the life of and become bonded to famed bounty hunter with a mysterious past Garrick the Red (the red refers to the blood of his enemies, duh)? Well that’s just a bonus!
Something Emberly Ash does incredibly well is create a cool, unique magic system - and it makes sense instantly. Like yes, dying in the cold would give you power over frost or being burned at the stake would give you power over fire, it just makes sense! She also creates an incredible, tough FMC who can take care of herself (even if others want to try and help her out themselves). My favorite favorite character in this, to ono ones surprise, is Isanara - our sassy teenage dragon that both refuses to leave Koryn’s side and yet never stops the sarcastic comments!!!
My jaw was on the floooooor with one of the major final twists, and I cannot wait to see how this world continues!! Thanks so much to Emberly Ash and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Koryn has been a witch for 377 years, the world around her is cursed, and her last living relative (a many great granddaughter of her sister) is on a crash course with death. Instead of letting that happen, Koryn steps up and begins an epic quest to spend the next few months traveling through magical gates, meeting the gods, and attempting to break the curse. If she happens to save the life of and become bonded to famed bounty hunter with a mysterious past Garrick the Red (the red refers to the blood of his enemies, duh)? Well that’s just a bonus!
Something Emberly Ash does incredibly well is create a cool, unique magic system - and it makes sense instantly. Like yes, dying in the cold would give you power over frost or being burned at the stake would give you power over fire, it just makes sense! She also creates an incredible, tough FMC who can take care of herself (even if others want to try and help her out themselves). My favorite favorite character in this, to ono ones surprise, is Isanara - our sassy teenage dragon that both refuses to leave Koryn’s side and yet never stops the sarcastic comments!!!
My jaw was on the floooooor with one of the major final twists, and I cannot wait to see how this world continues!! Thanks so much to Emberly Ash and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
★★★★★
Genuinely thought I was becoming a romantasy hater before I picked this book up. HOWEVER this book did everything right (for me).
✶enemies-to-allies-to-lovers
✶slow-burn romance, fast action
✶religious themes
✶trials
✶witches/covens/fae/familiars/mystical creatures
✶found family
✶betrayal
Koryn was just a grieving young girl, and then she was a witch. 400 years later and she’s still just a grieving young girl, probably one of the reasons she got kicked out of her coven. Now, in order to work her way back to a group of sisters who lowkey don’t like her (and vice versa), she needs to complete 7 impossible tasks to appease the gods and restore her barren homeland to its formal glory, or whatever it was like before the curse befell them all. Between an irksome (handsome) bounty hunter, a rag-tag group of questers who all kind of suck, a literal uphill climb from hell, BEASTS, and lies… what chance is there to make it to the final gate?
When I tell you the last 20 pages had me gasping out loud, cursing the author (in the best way), and googling book 2’s release date… my poor heart. I love romantasy again and I need MORE KORYN MORE GARRICK AND MORE DARK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“I can barely begin to fathom your depths, witch. But I want to know them all.”
“The day you take me down is the day your Dark God walks upon Velora.”
“He jumped in front of her. The way no one had ever protected me. My power responded to the rage I felt for the girl I’d been, who died alone in those woods.”
Genuinely thought I was becoming a romantasy hater before I picked this book up. HOWEVER this book did everything right (for me).
✶enemies-to-allies-to-lovers
✶slow-burn romance, fast action
✶religious themes
✶trials
✶witches/covens/fae/familiars/mystical creatures
✶found family
✶betrayal
Koryn was just a grieving young girl, and then she was a witch. 400 years later and she’s still just a grieving young girl, probably one of the reasons she got kicked out of her coven. Now, in order to work her way back to a group of sisters who lowkey don’t like her (and vice versa), she needs to complete 7 impossible tasks to appease the gods and restore her barren homeland to its formal glory, or whatever it was like before the curse befell them all. Between an irksome (handsome) bounty hunter, a rag-tag group of questers who all kind of suck, a literal uphill climb from hell, BEASTS, and lies… what chance is there to make it to the final gate?
When I tell you the last 20 pages had me gasping out loud, cursing the author (in the best way), and googling book 2’s release date… my poor heart. I love romantasy again and I need MORE KORYN MORE GARRICK AND MORE DARK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“I can barely begin to fathom your depths, witch. But I want to know them all.”
“The day you take me down is the day your Dark God walks upon Velora.”
“He jumped in front of her. The way no one had ever protected me. My power responded to the rage I felt for the girl I’d been, who died alone in those woods.”
August 5, 2025
I went into this for the witchy vibes and ended up emotionally wrecked in the best possible way. This book is dark, emotional, a little twisted, and completely addictive.
Koryn is a frost witch, over 300 years old, exiled, and bound to a land cursed by cold and rot. She’s flawed, temperamental, plus-sized, and so real in how she feels her emotions — guilt, love, regret, fury — even when she’d rather bury them in ice.
Haunted by the past, Koryn is on a mission to break a curse and save what remains of her bloodline. That journey leads her through the Seven Gates, where survival is rare, and nothing is what it seems. And then there’s Garrick The Red— ruthless, sharp, and too focused on her for comfort.
The tension and banter between these... delicious!
This book has everything: betrayal, heartache, Fae enemies, mischievous gods, unexpected softness, and a heroine who doesn’t ask for your approval — she earns it.
The pacing builds slowly, but when it hits — it hits. The emotion, the intrigue, the snark, the pain. I was hooked. And now I’m feral waiting for book two.
Highly recommend for lovers of dark fantasy, redemption arcs, and messy, magical women who are allowed to be angry and loved.
Koryn is a frost witch, over 300 years old, exiled, and bound to a land cursed by cold and rot. She’s flawed, temperamental, plus-sized, and so real in how she feels her emotions — guilt, love, regret, fury — even when she’d rather bury them in ice.
Haunted by the past, Koryn is on a mission to break a curse and save what remains of her bloodline. That journey leads her through the Seven Gates, where survival is rare, and nothing is what it seems. And then there’s Garrick The Red— ruthless, sharp, and too focused on her for comfort.
The tension and banter between these... delicious!
This book has everything: betrayal, heartache, Fae enemies, mischievous gods, unexpected softness, and a heroine who doesn’t ask for your approval — she earns it.
The pacing builds slowly, but when it hits — it hits. The emotion, the intrigue, the snark, the pain. I was hooked. And now I’m feral waiting for book two.
Highly recommend for lovers of dark fantasy, redemption arcs, and messy, magical women who are allowed to be angry and loved.
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