What do you think?
Rate this book
A Promise of Ice and Spite: A Dark Fantasy Romance
The Festival of the First Light was meant to be a celebration. Instead, it’s a battlefield dressed in silk and song.
Summoned to Highmark’s radiant court, Queen Eurydice finds herself dazzling and despised in equal measure. Assassins stalk her every step, sent by rival queens who would rather see her dead than face her in the Killing Fields. Queen Liora, the Dawnmaker, offers Eurydice a glittering alliance—but at a price. If Eurydice refuses, she will be crushed in the final trial. If she accepts, she gambles her life on a queen she cannot trust.
Her only hope lies in a cursed weapon lost to legend, hidden by the infamous Courtbreaker. To claim it, Eurydice and Dorian must return to the Kingdom of Storms—her forsaken homeland—where acid has scoured the earth and, deep below the ground, endless darkness awaits.
But even if she returns with the blade in hand, one truth in a trial where only those who bend the knee are spared, there can be no mercy.
A Promise of Ice and Spite is the second novel in a character-driven romantasy duet filled with deadly trials, courtly intrigue, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a fiercely competent heroine determined to survive on her own terms. Perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Throne of Glass, and The Bridge Kingdom.
Summoned to Highmark’s radiant court, Queen Eurydice finds herself dazzling and despised in equal measure. Assassins stalk her every step, sent by rival queens who would rather see her dead than face her in the Killing Fields. Queen Liora, the Dawnmaker, offers Eurydice a glittering alliance—but at a price. If Eurydice refuses, she will be crushed in the final trial. If she accepts, she gambles her life on a queen she cannot trust.
Her only hope lies in a cursed weapon lost to legend, hidden by the infamous Courtbreaker. To claim it, Eurydice and Dorian must return to the Kingdom of Storms—her forsaken homeland—where acid has scoured the earth and, deep below the ground, endless darkness awaits.
But even if she returns with the blade in hand, one truth in a trial where only those who bend the knee are spared, there can be no mercy.
A Promise of Ice and Spite is the second novel in a character-driven romantasy duet filled with deadly trials, courtly intrigue, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a fiercely competent heroine determined to survive on her own terms. Perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Throne of Glass, and The Bridge Kingdom.
- GenresFantasy
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 31, 2026
“Remember who took your life. Remember who gives it back to you.”
First, I want to thank author SW Clarke for choosing me to read this book as an early ARC street team member. This review is my own honest opinion.
We pick up directly where A Curse of Storms and Scorn left off. Where Eury is now Queen! Is she going to be the same kind of queen Rhiannon was? Or something better? More? I love how we felt the longing and ache Dorion felt for Eury right off the bat. Oh and Eury and her strength! She is as always tough, thoughtful, careful and calculates her next move. I love the court she surrounded herself with. Faun, Haskel and Finch quickly became favorite sub characters.
The plot of A Promise of Ice and Spite was different than the trial aspect of book one, but I was here for it! It was definitely a quest style book. We were twisted and turned into different directions and met lots of new characters. Mostly they were the ones you loved to hate. People who were trying to unalive our Queen? To all of those characters in the story, I say this; remember that Eury has surrounded herself with a whole court quite literally ready to ‘ride at dawn’ to protect her!
And I cannot forget the terrible albeit lonely, evil dragon🐉 ? Yes please! I’m a sucker for a good dragon.
We still had Dorion and Eury teamed up, but there relationship felt softer. More muted for most of the book. Mainly because there was a major issue of trust.
I was not ready for the last 10ish % of the book! More than once I said “no!” out loud. There is definite sadness, death and that last second plot twist at the epilogue?! What?!?! 😱😱😱
Throughout the book we saw resolve in Eury. Immense strength. Character growth! Bonds of friendship, found family and of course, love. Eury definitely walked through the door in this book.
I can’t wait to see whew she goes next. 🫶🫶🫶
First, I want to thank author SW Clarke for choosing me to read this book as an early ARC street team member. This review is my own honest opinion.
We pick up directly where A Curse of Storms and Scorn left off. Where Eury is now Queen! Is she going to be the same kind of queen Rhiannon was? Or something better? More? I love how we felt the longing and ache Dorion felt for Eury right off the bat. Oh and Eury and her strength! She is as always tough, thoughtful, careful and calculates her next move. I love the court she surrounded herself with. Faun, Haskel and Finch quickly became favorite sub characters.
The plot of A Promise of Ice and Spite was different than the trial aspect of book one, but I was here for it! It was definitely a quest style book. We were twisted and turned into different directions and met lots of new characters. Mostly they were the ones you loved to hate. People who were trying to unalive our Queen? To all of those characters in the story, I say this; remember that Eury has surrounded herself with a whole court quite literally ready to ‘ride at dawn’ to protect her!
And I cannot forget the terrible albeit lonely, evil dragon🐉 ? Yes please! I’m a sucker for a good dragon.
We still had Dorion and Eury teamed up, but there relationship felt softer. More muted for most of the book. Mainly because there was a major issue of trust.
I was not ready for the last 10ish % of the book! More than once I said “no!” out loud. There is definite sadness, death and that last second plot twist at the epilogue?! What?!?! 😱😱😱
Throughout the book we saw resolve in Eury. Immense strength. Character growth! Bonds of friendship, found family and of course, love. Eury definitely walked through the door in this book.
I can’t wait to see whew she goes next. 🫶🫶🫶
April 8, 2026
This is an ARC review, thank you for the advanced copy !
I give 3.5✨✨✨, I would love to give more but something was missing for me.
The story continues right where it left off in the first book, Eury bested Rihannon and is now the queen.
The world building extends towards other courts and I liked the glimpse we get of the squeming and powerplays at hand. The ulterior motive was clear, the other queens are cunning and Eury must navigate beeing a queen and her duty to her people (but they aren’t really her people are they?)
She doesn’t interact with them and there is no deeper connection and I felt it lacked in her motivation to break the wheel- she does it for herself, for her own power and looses herself in it.. I didn’t like her character development, I was utterly annoyed by her most of the time :(
I just couldn’t care for Faun, their friendship and kinship was all so sudden and lacked depth. I couldn’t see reason behind her agenda and always waited for the betrayl..
And Dorian.. we have a double POV and we get more backround information of him but it all felt quite .. convenient ? To make it fit ? I really loved his longing and mystery in the first book, he wasn’t at all like the other brooding and dark MMC like in other books, but in this he turned out to be just like them.. a little flat.
We get nice twist and turns and a mild cliffhanger and the end.
The spice was okay 🌶️.5.
Some Easter eggs planted in the first book made more sense now and I liked how it came together in the end.
But all in all I was a little disappointed maybe because I loved the first book so much.
I give 3.5✨✨✨, I would love to give more but something was missing for me.
The story continues right where it left off in the first book, Eury bested Rihannon and is now the queen.
The world building extends towards other courts and I liked the glimpse we get of the squeming and powerplays at hand. The ulterior motive was clear, the other queens are cunning and Eury must navigate beeing a queen and her duty to her people (but they aren’t really her people are they?)
She doesn’t interact with them and there is no deeper connection and I felt it lacked in her motivation to break the wheel- she does it for herself, for her own power and looses herself in it.. I didn’t like her character development, I was utterly annoyed by her most of the time :(
I just couldn’t care for Faun, their friendship and kinship was all so sudden and lacked depth. I couldn’t see reason behind her agenda and always waited for the betrayl..
And Dorian.. we have a double POV and we get more backround information of him but it all felt quite .. convenient ? To make it fit ? I really loved his longing and mystery in the first book, he wasn’t at all like the other brooding and dark MMC like in other books, but in this he turned out to be just like them.. a little flat.
We get nice twist and turns and a mild cliffhanger and the end.
The spice was okay 🌶️.5.
Some Easter eggs planted in the first book made more sense now and I liked how it came together in the end.
But all in all I was a little disappointed maybe because I loved the first book so much.
April 21, 2026
A Promise of Ice and Spite is even better than book one, and I loved A Curse of Storms and Scorn. It’s deeper, riskier, and Dorian and Eury are completely addictive. This is a true slow-burn romantasy with a unique magic system, complex characters, an addition of a dragon (I’m a sucker for a dragon) and the continuation of the enemies-to-lovers trope. The main characters had a lot to work through from book one and the author did not rush them through untangling their complicated relationship. I appreciated the uniqueness of the court politics and the different courts being overseen by queens-the deception, betrayal and intrigue was masterfully written. I also have to give love to the side characters because they add so much depth and emotional weight to the story. And then there’s the final stretch… I don’t know what S.W. Clarke did to us in that last 25% and the epilogue, but I was absolutely wrecked. The “killing fields” scene was so well done. It was my favorite part of the book. Make sure you give yourself space to read the last stretch of the book, you will not want to be interrupted. If you’re looking for a romantasy that pushes beyond the typical tropes, delivers intense slow-burn tension, and isn’t afraid to take risks, this series is it. I received a complementary advanced review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 28, 2026
First, I want to say a HUGE thank you to the author for allowing me to continue being part of the ARC team for this series!
The first ~40% of the book moved a little slower—not in a bad way—but once I hit that mark, everything really picked up and I did NOT want to put it down. Learning about Dorian’s backstory absolutely broke my heart, and discovering Eury’s true bloodline, while somewhat predictable, was exactly what the story needed. Their paths had almost crossed so many times, and the twists truly kept twisting.
The battle in the Killing Fields is probably one of my favorite battle scenes—so much death, betrayal, and emotional impact. (Also… the author definitely has a talent for killing off beloved characters—please stop 😂)
The dragon - while I liked him, I felt like he was added just for the sake of having a talking dragon. The things he did to Eury made for good reading but he, himself, seemed out of place. Still a 5 star read though.
A Promise of Ice & Spite ends on a pretty hefty cliffhanger that reveals the FMC for the next duet, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next. This book answered so many lingering questions from book one and really expanded on the intricacies of Feyreign and the Kingdom of Storms.
My only small complaint—and honestly, it may just be reader error—is that the multiple POVs occasionally felt a bit hard to follow. The POV is stated at the beginning of each chapter, but there were a few moments where it seemed to shift mid-chapter, which threw me off a bit. That said, I may have just been reading too late into the night to fully catch it.
Overall, A Promise of Ice & Spite is a strong conclusion to Eurydice and Dorian’s story and the second installment in The Cursebreaker Duet (within the Feyreign series). Knowing this series will span three duets—with a new FMC coming next—has me very excited for what’s ahead.
Favorite Quotes :
“Put aside the wills and wonts of young love for an afternoon, would you? There’s a fucking kingdom to be rewritten.”
“You love her for her courage. For her intelligence. But will you love the person her fear brings out of her?”
“Power is not granted. It is taken. So take it.”
“I had begun to understand—to trust—that I, Eurydice Waters, was a greater asset to myself than any weapon, any man, any god. I would always be with me. Through life, through death. I could trust myself.”
“He had been buried alive—not because he was evil, but because he was powerful enough to be hidden. Because one king had looked at what he was and decided it was easier to cage him than to share the world with him.”
The first ~40% of the book moved a little slower—not in a bad way—but once I hit that mark, everything really picked up and I did NOT want to put it down. Learning about Dorian’s backstory absolutely broke my heart, and discovering Eury’s true bloodline, while somewhat predictable, was exactly what the story needed. Their paths had almost crossed so many times, and the twists truly kept twisting.
The battle in the Killing Fields is probably one of my favorite battle scenes—so much death, betrayal, and emotional impact. (Also… the author definitely has a talent for killing off beloved characters—please stop 😂)
The dragon - while I liked him, I felt like he was added just for the sake of having a talking dragon. The things he did to Eury made for good reading but he, himself, seemed out of place. Still a 5 star read though.
A Promise of Ice & Spite ends on a pretty hefty cliffhanger that reveals the FMC for the next duet, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next. This book answered so many lingering questions from book one and really expanded on the intricacies of Feyreign and the Kingdom of Storms.
My only small complaint—and honestly, it may just be reader error—is that the multiple POVs occasionally felt a bit hard to follow. The POV is stated at the beginning of each chapter, but there were a few moments where it seemed to shift mid-chapter, which threw me off a bit. That said, I may have just been reading too late into the night to fully catch it.
Overall, A Promise of Ice & Spite is a strong conclusion to Eurydice and Dorian’s story and the second installment in The Cursebreaker Duet (within the Feyreign series). Knowing this series will span three duets—with a new FMC coming next—has me very excited for what’s ahead.
Favorite Quotes :
“Put aside the wills and wonts of young love for an afternoon, would you? There’s a fucking kingdom to be rewritten.”
“You love her for her courage. For her intelligence. But will you love the person her fear brings out of her?”
“Power is not granted. It is taken. So take it.”
“I had begun to understand—to trust—that I, Eurydice Waters, was a greater asset to myself than any weapon, any man, any god. I would always be with me. Through life, through death. I could trust myself.”
“He had been buried alive—not because he was evil, but because he was powerful enough to be hidden. Because one king had looked at what he was and decided it was easier to cage him than to share the world with him.”
April 29, 2026
Reading A Promise of Ice and Spite by S.W. Clarke felt like walking into a room full of beautifully dressed people who are all quietly deciding whether or not to kill each other and realizing way too late that you’re part of the game. This sequel does not ease you back in. It grabs you immediately and reminds you that whatever sense of safety you thought you had in the first book was an illusion.
Eurydice is thrown straight into a court that thrives on manipulation, and every interaction feels layered with tension. Nothing is said plainly, no alliance feels solid, and even moments that should feel like victories come with an undercurrent of “this will cost you later.” That constant unease is what makes the story so addictive; you’re never allowed to relax. I kept waiting for a calm moment, and the book basically laughed and handed me another betrayal instead.
What really worked for me is how unapologetically sharp everything is. The characters aren’t softened to be more likable, the choices aren’t made easier for the sake of comfort, and the emotional beats hit harder because they aren’t wrapped up neatly. Eurydice, especially, continues to be a main character who prioritizes survival over being liked, and that makes her feel real in a world where kindness can get you killed. She’s reactive, sometimes ruthless, and constantly adapting, and I loved that the story lets her be complicated without trying to redeem every decision she makes.
The romance leans into tension rather than comfort, and instead of giving you something stable to hold onto, it keeps shifting. There’s longing there, but it’s tangled up in distrust and conflicting motives, so every interaction feels like it could either turn into something meaningful or completely implode. It never settles, and honestly, that instability fits the book's tone perfectly.
The stakes feel bigger this time, not just in terms of the plot with looming trials, dangerous quests, and rival powers circling, but emotionally too. There’s a sense that every move matters and every misstep could be irreversible. The world itself expands in darker, more brutal ways, adding weight to everything Eurydice is dealing with. By the end, I felt like I had been holding my breath the entire time, waiting for something to snap, and when it does, it hits.
This isn’t a gentle sequel or a filler middle book. It’s sharper, messier, and far more unforgiving, and that’s exactly why it works. It builds on everything established before and pushes it further into morally grey territory, where trust is fragile, and survival always comes first. I finished it feeling slightly betrayed, completely invested, and very aware that I trust absolutely no one in the future, and honestly, that feels like exactly what this book wanted.
Eurydice is thrown straight into a court that thrives on manipulation, and every interaction feels layered with tension. Nothing is said plainly, no alliance feels solid, and even moments that should feel like victories come with an undercurrent of “this will cost you later.” That constant unease is what makes the story so addictive; you’re never allowed to relax. I kept waiting for a calm moment, and the book basically laughed and handed me another betrayal instead.
What really worked for me is how unapologetically sharp everything is. The characters aren’t softened to be more likable, the choices aren’t made easier for the sake of comfort, and the emotional beats hit harder because they aren’t wrapped up neatly. Eurydice, especially, continues to be a main character who prioritizes survival over being liked, and that makes her feel real in a world where kindness can get you killed. She’s reactive, sometimes ruthless, and constantly adapting, and I loved that the story lets her be complicated without trying to redeem every decision she makes.
The romance leans into tension rather than comfort, and instead of giving you something stable to hold onto, it keeps shifting. There’s longing there, but it’s tangled up in distrust and conflicting motives, so every interaction feels like it could either turn into something meaningful or completely implode. It never settles, and honestly, that instability fits the book's tone perfectly.
The stakes feel bigger this time, not just in terms of the plot with looming trials, dangerous quests, and rival powers circling, but emotionally too. There’s a sense that every move matters and every misstep could be irreversible. The world itself expands in darker, more brutal ways, adding weight to everything Eurydice is dealing with. By the end, I felt like I had been holding my breath the entire time, waiting for something to snap, and when it does, it hits.
This isn’t a gentle sequel or a filler middle book. It’s sharper, messier, and far more unforgiving, and that’s exactly why it works. It builds on everything established before and pushes it further into morally grey territory, where trust is fragile, and survival always comes first. I finished it feeling slightly betrayed, completely invested, and very aware that I trust absolutely no one in the future, and honestly, that feels like exactly what this book wanted.
May 8, 2026
This book was EXCELLENT! I absolutely love Eurydice and Dorian’s story and how it continued beyond book 1. The character development was just so profound and meaningful. I felt I could relate to both of them and their struggles throughout the book. Their stories are both heartbreaking and inspirational both separate and together. I loved the supporting characters and how they shaped the story and broke hearts at the same time. Faun, Haskell and Finch will always hold a place so near and dear to me. The magic system was even further developed and it was so unique. I was so torn because I wanted so much to know what was going to happen next but I also didn’t want the story to end. There were quite a few twists in this one and I absolutely did not see any part of the story unfold until I was told- so unpredictable. You will get resolution with this main story, but the ending leaves you absolutely ready to stay in Feyreighn to see what happens next!
April 19, 2026
Beyond thankful to be on the Street Team for SW Clarke and have been blessed with reading this book as an ARC!
Book 1 A Curse of Storms and Scorn was my favorite read of 2025 and definitely a five star read. Because I absolutely loved book 1, I had high hopes for book 2 and while it was still a great read, it seemed to move much slower than book 1.
Book 2 A Promise of Ice and Spite starts right where book 1 left off. So this is not a book that you’d be able to fully understand without reading book 1.
It focuses on the story of Eury becoming Queen after the defeat of Rhiannon, the story of Dorian, her protector - veyre, and the battle at The Killing Fields. You will read of the challenges Eury faces as Queen. The challenges she must overcome from the other Queens trying to kill her and the deceit from them to battling them at the Killing Fields.
Eury and Dorian are sent to The Kingdom of Storms on a quest to find Carys’s dagger. During this journey, we find out more about the changelings, Eury’s lineage, secrets of Dorian, where the dagger was hidden, the power that it gives and what must be given in order to walk away with it.
Will they make it to the Killing Fields in time? Will Eury defeat the other Queens? Who will die, who will survive? Will Dorian betray Eury? Who will bow?
Overall a good read but not as great as book 1 in my opinion. The world building seemed to drag a bit in the beginning and when it finally picked up, I found it still lacked something. It began to focus solely on the battle at The Killing Fields which was a great journey to learn about but I wanted more with Eury and Dorian … the truth of the feelings he has for her to have been revealed sooner. I wanted to see more of how their relationship would progress. If Eury could let down her guards and come to trust Dorian and even fall in love with him.
Book 1 A Curse of Storms and Scorn was my favorite read of 2025 and definitely a five star read. Because I absolutely loved book 1, I had high hopes for book 2 and while it was still a great read, it seemed to move much slower than book 1.
Book 2 A Promise of Ice and Spite starts right where book 1 left off. So this is not a book that you’d be able to fully understand without reading book 1.
It focuses on the story of Eury becoming Queen after the defeat of Rhiannon, the story of Dorian, her protector - veyre, and the battle at The Killing Fields. You will read of the challenges Eury faces as Queen. The challenges she must overcome from the other Queens trying to kill her and the deceit from them to battling them at the Killing Fields.
Eury and Dorian are sent to The Kingdom of Storms on a quest to find Carys’s dagger. During this journey, we find out more about the changelings, Eury’s lineage, secrets of Dorian, where the dagger was hidden, the power that it gives and what must be given in order to walk away with it.
Will they make it to the Killing Fields in time? Will Eury defeat the other Queens? Who will die, who will survive? Will Dorian betray Eury? Who will bow?
Overall a good read but not as great as book 1 in my opinion. The world building seemed to drag a bit in the beginning and when it finally picked up, I found it still lacked something. It began to focus solely on the battle at The Killing Fields which was a great journey to learn about but I wanted more with Eury and Dorian … the truth of the feelings he has for her to have been revealed sooner. I wanted to see more of how their relationship would progress. If Eury could let down her guards and come to trust Dorian and even fall in love with him.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First I want to say thank you to S.W. Clarke for allowing me to stay on her ARC team! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book picked up right after the first one ended. I loved that you were tossed right back into the story like you never left. Eury is the Queen and under a lot of pressure to do everything right. She is also not speaking to Dorian unless she has to. But the longing, my god, the longing and tension between the two of them was coming off the page. I loved every tense, wonderful moment of it.
Unlike the pervious book, this book is more of an adventure theme, with a goal in mind. I like that they were forced to work together and forced to come to terms with each other. I loved learning more about Dorian, his history and past. I was glad that he wanted to share it Eury and that she was willing to listen.
Eury was always a bad ass! Eury steps into her own and totally owns every inch of it. Another favorite scene of mine, is high tea with all the queens, she was so strong in that moment proving that she was a queen. I love watching her growth in this book and her finding out who she was.
I really enjoyed how the book was broken up, each section flowing well together and making it see like the journey we know we are on. I think the Killing Fields is one of my favorite scenes, yes it's devastating but it shows everyone who they are at the base self. Yes I cried, yes, I couldn't put it down, yes I devoured it until it was way to late to stay up but yes, this book was amazing and I don't regret it. This is also the part of the book where everything come together and make sense.
I just want to leave here with, That epilogue? Excuse me? What am I supposed do to with that?
This book was excellent and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the duets play out.
The book picked up right after the first one ended. I loved that you were tossed right back into the story like you never left. Eury is the Queen and under a lot of pressure to do everything right. She is also not speaking to Dorian unless she has to. But the longing, my god, the longing and tension between the two of them was coming off the page. I loved every tense, wonderful moment of it.
Unlike the pervious book, this book is more of an adventure theme, with a goal in mind. I like that they were forced to work together and forced to come to terms with each other. I loved learning more about Dorian, his history and past. I was glad that he wanted to share it Eury and that she was willing to listen.
Eury was always a bad ass! Eury steps into her own and totally owns every inch of it. Another favorite scene of mine, is high tea with all the queens, she was so strong in that moment proving that she was a queen. I love watching her growth in this book and her finding out who she was.
I really enjoyed how the book was broken up, each section flowing well together and making it see like the journey we know we are on. I think the Killing Fields is one of my favorite scenes, yes it's devastating but it shows everyone who they are at the base self. Yes I cried, yes, I couldn't put it down, yes I devoured it until it was way to late to stay up but yes, this book was amazing and I don't regret it. This is also the part of the book where everything come together and make sense.
I just want to leave here with, That epilogue? Excuse me? What am I supposed do to with that?
This book was excellent and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the duets play out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to SW Clarke for the gifted eArc. All opinions are my own.
A Promise of Ice and Spite was one of my most highly anticipated arcs for this year, and it absolutely delivered on my expectations. We jump straight in where A Curse of Storms and Scorn left off, and it was so great to be back with Eury and Dorian. This is a high fantasy with a depth of world-building and lore that makes the world and characters so immersive. If your a fan of series like Throne of Glass and The Bridge Kingdom this is a series worthy of your TBR.
Whereas deadly trials were the focus of A Curse of Storms and Scorn, A Promise of Ice and Spite is definitely a quest story. Which is so fitting for where Eury is in her character development and runs parallel to her own growth as a person and a queen. We also get a more expanded view of the world and the characters, learning more about the other queens and their courts. I love the found family trope, and we get such an amazing cast of side characters who absolutely stole (and broke) my heart. The romance is a little bit softer in this book, less snark and more tension and yearning. It felt like the right progression for our two characters, and their ending feels so deserved.
The pacing is a little bit slower at the beginning, which I think works well as Eury tries to adapt to her new life and role. The ending though is fall off a cliff fast-paced, and the final battle is heartbreakingly brutal. The author does not pull her punches! Overall this is a stunning conclusion to Eury and Dorian's story, with a hook at the end leading into the next duet of the series. I can't wait to get into a new FMC's POV, and to see how this world expands!
A Promise of Ice and Spite was one of my most highly anticipated arcs for this year, and it absolutely delivered on my expectations. We jump straight in where A Curse of Storms and Scorn left off, and it was so great to be back with Eury and Dorian. This is a high fantasy with a depth of world-building and lore that makes the world and characters so immersive. If your a fan of series like Throne of Glass and The Bridge Kingdom this is a series worthy of your TBR.
Whereas deadly trials were the focus of A Curse of Storms and Scorn, A Promise of Ice and Spite is definitely a quest story. Which is so fitting for where Eury is in her character development and runs parallel to her own growth as a person and a queen. We also get a more expanded view of the world and the characters, learning more about the other queens and their courts. I love the found family trope, and we get such an amazing cast of side characters who absolutely stole (and broke) my heart. The romance is a little bit softer in this book, less snark and more tension and yearning. It felt like the right progression for our two characters, and their ending feels so deserved.
The pacing is a little bit slower at the beginning, which I think works well as Eury tries to adapt to her new life and role. The ending though is fall off a cliff fast-paced, and the final battle is heartbreakingly brutal. The author does not pull her punches! Overall this is a stunning conclusion to Eury and Dorian's story, with a hook at the end leading into the next duet of the series. I can't wait to get into a new FMC's POV, and to see how this world expands!
May 5, 2026
Disclosure: Since this is an ARC, it’s standard practice to add a small disclaimer at the bottom: "I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily."
A Promise of Ice and Spite (The Sylvanwild Chronicles, #2)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
The Vibe: Gritty, brutal, and high-stakes. A total "villain era" evolution for a Queen who has finally found her teeth.
The Transformation: Eury’s journey from survivor to the Queen of Sylvanwild is intense. Watching her grapple with what she is while deciding who she wants to be as a ruler is the heart of this book. She’s no longer just playing the game; she’s trying to flip the board. 👑❄️
The Politics of War: Juggling the "Killing Fields" against three other lethal Queens created non-stop havoc. The strategy, the court-building, and the sheer brutality of the Kingdom of Storms kept me on the edge of my seat.
Dorian & Eury: The "hating vs. longing" energy in this installment is unmatched. Getting both of their perspectives and finally diving into Dorian’s backstory added so much depth to their connection. It’s complicated, messy, and everything I wanted.
The Trauma: I honestly don’t think I’ll ever recover from what transpired on the day of the Killing Fields. It was devastating, dark, and perfectly executed.
The Ending: Just when you think you’ve grasped the new status quo, a new player is revealed at the very last second. Everything is intertwined, and the setup for the remaining Queens to find their revenge has me desperate for book three.
Read this if you love: Brutal Fae politics, dual POV angst, "who did this to you" energy, and massive world-shifting plot twists.
A Promise of Ice and Spite (The Sylvanwild Chronicles, #2)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
The Vibe: Gritty, brutal, and high-stakes. A total "villain era" evolution for a Queen who has finally found her teeth.
The Transformation: Eury’s journey from survivor to the Queen of Sylvanwild is intense. Watching her grapple with what she is while deciding who she wants to be as a ruler is the heart of this book. She’s no longer just playing the game; she’s trying to flip the board. 👑❄️
The Politics of War: Juggling the "Killing Fields" against three other lethal Queens created non-stop havoc. The strategy, the court-building, and the sheer brutality of the Kingdom of Storms kept me on the edge of my seat.
Dorian & Eury: The "hating vs. longing" energy in this installment is unmatched. Getting both of their perspectives and finally diving into Dorian’s backstory added so much depth to their connection. It’s complicated, messy, and everything I wanted.
The Trauma: I honestly don’t think I’ll ever recover from what transpired on the day of the Killing Fields. It was devastating, dark, and perfectly executed.
The Ending: Just when you think you’ve grasped the new status quo, a new player is revealed at the very last second. Everything is intertwined, and the setup for the remaining Queens to find their revenge has me desperate for book three.
Read this if you love: Brutal Fae politics, dual POV angst, "who did this to you" energy, and massive world-shifting plot twists.
April 28, 2026
This book completely pulled me in from the very first page and did not let go. A Promise of Ice and Spite is one of those rare reads where the world-building, characters, and emotional depth all come together perfectly.
The atmosphere is rich and immersive—you can feel the cold, the tension, and the underlying danger in every scene. Clarke does an amazing job crafting a setting that feels both beautiful and unforgiving, which made the stakes feel even higher throughout the story.
The characters are easily one of the strongest parts of this book. They’re complex, layered, and feel real in their struggles and choices. I especially loved how the relationships developed—nothing felt rushed or forced. Every interaction had meaning, and the emotional moments truly hit.
The plot kept me hooked the entire time. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something shifted and raised the stakes even more. The pacing was strong, balancing action with quieter, character-driven moments that made everything feel earned.
And the tension? Absolutely perfect. Whether it was emotional, romantic, or plot-driven, it kept building in a way that made this impossible to put down.
Overall, this was a 5-star read for me. If you love immersive fantasy with strong characters, emotional depth, and a gripping storyline, this is definitely one to pick up. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC!
The atmosphere is rich and immersive—you can feel the cold, the tension, and the underlying danger in every scene. Clarke does an amazing job crafting a setting that feels both beautiful and unforgiving, which made the stakes feel even higher throughout the story.
The characters are easily one of the strongest parts of this book. They’re complex, layered, and feel real in their struggles and choices. I especially loved how the relationships developed—nothing felt rushed or forced. Every interaction had meaning, and the emotional moments truly hit.
The plot kept me hooked the entire time. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something shifted and raised the stakes even more. The pacing was strong, balancing action with quieter, character-driven moments that made everything feel earned.
And the tension? Absolutely perfect. Whether it was emotional, romantic, or plot-driven, it kept building in a way that made this impossible to put down.
Overall, this was a 5-star read for me. If you love immersive fantasy with strong characters, emotional depth, and a gripping storyline, this is definitely one to pick up. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC!
May 7, 2026
A phenomenal continuation of what is already a grand series!!! We get to see the story continue with Eury after all her and Dorians’ trials and what new obstacles they face. A little bit slow to start, but once it kicks off, this book is hard to put down. I picked up this series because the FMC was named Eurydice, and if you know Greek mythology, you know the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. I have always loved the Greek tragedies and was so eager to see what this book had in store, and it did not disappoint. The cunning and strong FMC was top tier, and the MMC with his tortured past and ability to maneuver and support the FMC at every turn was very powerful. The care and attention in this book is evident and amazingly written.
Oh and also there is a spiteful dragon IYKYK 🤌
Some of my favorite quotes:
📜 Feyreign was, and always had been, diadems and boots on necks and gods. And I was sick of being a pawn.
📜 That was the thing about grief, though: it didn’t obey rightness, didn’t bend into sense.
📜 “Spite,” I whispered. “The feeling is spite.”
📜 “It is a bitter thing to know the player and the strategy, yet remain nothing but the piece.”
📜 These were all things I knew, but placed together they became a bouquet of shit.
Themes/Tropes:
🗡️ Romantasy
🗡️ Deadly Trials
🗡️ High Stakes
🗡️ Found Family
🗡️ Slow Burn
Triggers:
🔺Violence
🔺Physical Injury
🔺Mentions of SA
🔺Abduction
🔺Imprisonment
Overall Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Oh and also there is a spiteful dragon IYKYK 🤌
Some of my favorite quotes:
📜 Feyreign was, and always had been, diadems and boots on necks and gods. And I was sick of being a pawn.
📜 That was the thing about grief, though: it didn’t obey rightness, didn’t bend into sense.
📜 “Spite,” I whispered. “The feeling is spite.”
📜 “It is a bitter thing to know the player and the strategy, yet remain nothing but the piece.”
📜 These were all things I knew, but placed together they became a bouquet of shit.
Themes/Tropes:
🗡️ Romantasy
🗡️ Deadly Trials
🗡️ High Stakes
🗡️ Found Family
🗡️ Slow Burn
Triggers:
🔺Violence
🔺Physical Injury
🔺Mentions of SA
🔺Abduction
🔺Imprisonment
Overall Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book one set the bar high, so expectations going into this one were inevitable. This is not a standalone. Book one is necessary, or the relationships and stakes won’t matter.
I enjoyed it, but somewhere in the back of my mind I kept measuring it against book one, and it didn't quite get there. While book one focused on trials, this sequel is a quest that greatly broadens Feyreign's world. That expansion is interesting but it does slow things down, especially in the first part. There were stretches where I wanted less world building and more Eury and Dorian.
Eury is figuring out what it means to wear a crown while the queens around her are already sharpening their knives. These queens are formidable, their alliances are conditional, and nobody is playing nice; The political intrigue at court showcases Clarke's sharp writing skills. And seeing Eury handle that situation, all while figuring out her feelings for the man beside her, kept me turning pages long after I should have gone to bed.
The Kingdom of Storms section was where I couldn’t fathom putting the book down. A great deal of history lies hidden there - stories about Dorian, Eury's ancestry, and even the world itself. We got more of Dorian's backstory here and I loved finding out more about his character. The agonizing tension between the two of them never lets up, but I wished his feelings for Eury had been acknowledged sooner rather than kept under wraps for so long. The slow burn worked, but there were moments that were just taking too long and I was just ready for one of them to crack.
The Killing Fields. So good! I do not want to say anything else about it except that you should not start it if you have somewhere to be.
A couple of things didn't fully work for me: some friendships felt underdeveloped and a little surface level, and Dorian lost a little of the mysterious quality that made him so compelling in book one ( but I still adore him)
4.0- 4.5 stars Not the same magic as book one but I have no regrets either!
Grateful to S.W. Clarke and the Street Team for the ARC opportunity
I enjoyed it, but somewhere in the back of my mind I kept measuring it against book one, and it didn't quite get there. While book one focused on trials, this sequel is a quest that greatly broadens Feyreign's world. That expansion is interesting but it does slow things down, especially in the first part. There were stretches where I wanted less world building and more Eury and Dorian.
Eury is figuring out what it means to wear a crown while the queens around her are already sharpening their knives. These queens are formidable, their alliances are conditional, and nobody is playing nice; The political intrigue at court showcases Clarke's sharp writing skills. And seeing Eury handle that situation, all while figuring out her feelings for the man beside her, kept me turning pages long after I should have gone to bed.
The Kingdom of Storms section was where I couldn’t fathom putting the book down. A great deal of history lies hidden there - stories about Dorian, Eury's ancestry, and even the world itself. We got more of Dorian's backstory here and I loved finding out more about his character. The agonizing tension between the two of them never lets up, but I wished his feelings for Eury had been acknowledged sooner rather than kept under wraps for so long. The slow burn worked, but there were moments that were just taking too long and I was just ready for one of them to crack.
The Killing Fields. So good! I do not want to say anything else about it except that you should not start it if you have somewhere to be.
A couple of things didn't fully work for me: some friendships felt underdeveloped and a little surface level, and Dorian lost a little of the mysterious quality that made him so compelling in book one ( but I still adore him)
4.0- 4.5 stars Not the same magic as book one but I have no regrets either!
Grateful to S.W. Clarke and the Street Team for the ARC opportunity
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's wonderful to be back with Eury and Dorian; it feels like we never left their captivating world! From the very first page, I was drawn right back into their story.
Eury stands as her own champion, which means she needs to fight. She must seek out a cursed weapon and travel to Highmark's Court to participate in the trials. Complicating matters, she is bound by a curse to a man with whom she has a love-hate relationship.
The world building and pacing are captivating, as the journey unfolds not just physically but also mentally, revealing the depth of Eury's challenges and growth.
I love the growth of Eury from book one to book 2. She is a strong, fierce, capable woman in book 2. She embodies the essence of feminine rage, and it is expressed in a truly remarkable way.
There are some twists and turns I definitely didn't see coming! There is definitely longing. Eury and Dorian also have a few funny moments woven in. The revelations in this book are so good; they made me keep yearning for more! Hold on tight and get prepared, the ending is quite the ride! I need book 3!!
Wow!! What a cliffhanger at the end!. I really enjoyed book two and I can't wait until book three is released! I need more Eury and Dorian! Thank you S.W. Clarke for the arc. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
"Don't despair over the size of the spine, Eury. Just read the page in front of you."
"Another person lives inside all of us. And when we're afraid, that person comes out. Sometimes, Eurydice, that person is capable of the most remarkable things."
"A wall stands highest in the mind."
"You can never change the thoughts of others."
"Remember who took your life. And remember who gives it back to you."
Eury stands as her own champion, which means she needs to fight. She must seek out a cursed weapon and travel to Highmark's Court to participate in the trials. Complicating matters, she is bound by a curse to a man with whom she has a love-hate relationship.
The world building and pacing are captivating, as the journey unfolds not just physically but also mentally, revealing the depth of Eury's challenges and growth.
I love the growth of Eury from book one to book 2. She is a strong, fierce, capable woman in book 2. She embodies the essence of feminine rage, and it is expressed in a truly remarkable way.
There are some twists and turns I definitely didn't see coming! There is definitely longing. Eury and Dorian also have a few funny moments woven in. The revelations in this book are so good; they made me keep yearning for more! Hold on tight and get prepared, the ending is quite the ride! I need book 3!!
Wow!! What a cliffhanger at the end!. I really enjoyed book two and I can't wait until book three is released! I need more Eury and Dorian! Thank you S.W. Clarke for the arc. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
"Don't despair over the size of the spine, Eury. Just read the page in front of you."
"Another person lives inside all of us. And when we're afraid, that person comes out. Sometimes, Eurydice, that person is capable of the most remarkable things."
"A wall stands highest in the mind."
"You can never change the thoughts of others."
"Remember who took your life. And remember who gives it back to you."
May 2, 2026
OMG!! This gets a 4.5 stars to start.......
UMMMM when does book 3 come out? Yesterday... perfect... If not yesterday, not perfect..... That last bit left me saying ummmmmmm no no.... we're too close to the end.. I need more.... No no...... no that's ok, you're going to add another few chapters.... But alas, here we are..... now I'm just sitting and thinking.....
Ok, so read book 1 first. You need to read it to understand the betrayal and the backstabbing of the queens. There is a lot of reference to book 1 in this book but if you skim over book 1 or don't read it, a lot of things won't make sense.. We have our MFC who is even more of a spitfire. We have our MMC who falls but doesn't want to admit he has fallen (typical I know). There are some "trials" per se but not like in the first book. We see more of our MFC navigating a world that wants her destroyed but to only end up with something in the end that is kinda a little scary...
This book gave me all the emotions. I even cried a little. Not a lot but a few tears fell. You learn more about our MC past and about how some will do whatever they have to in order to remain in power. Political plays and even attempted murder are on the list for this book.
If you like magic but more of a hidden past, political plays, trying to survive then this is your book. More political and power plays than book 1 but it fit oh so perfectly with the series so far.
Just go read it and thank me!
UMMMM when does book 3 come out? Yesterday... perfect... If not yesterday, not perfect..... That last bit left me saying ummmmmmm no no.... we're too close to the end.. I need more.... No no...... no that's ok, you're going to add another few chapters.... But alas, here we are..... now I'm just sitting and thinking.....
Ok, so read book 1 first. You need to read it to understand the betrayal and the backstabbing of the queens. There is a lot of reference to book 1 in this book but if you skim over book 1 or don't read it, a lot of things won't make sense.. We have our MFC who is even more of a spitfire. We have our MMC who falls but doesn't want to admit he has fallen (typical I know). There are some "trials" per se but not like in the first book. We see more of our MFC navigating a world that wants her destroyed but to only end up with something in the end that is kinda a little scary...
This book gave me all the emotions. I even cried a little. Not a lot but a few tears fell. You learn more about our MC past and about how some will do whatever they have to in order to remain in power. Political plays and even attempted murder are on the list for this book.
If you like magic but more of a hidden past, political plays, trying to survive then this is your book. More political and power plays than book 1 but it fit oh so perfectly with the series so far.
Just go read it and thank me!
April 29, 2026
How does one just simply leave a review?
I received a copy of an eARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
First of all, just WOWZERS. I truly have no words.
We immediately pick up where we left off in A curse of Storms and Scorn and the blows just keep coming. Eury and Dorian are not in a good place, but they are still tied to one another.
Eury must face the biggest trial she has yet to take part in , a trial that will change her to her very core.
I truly enjoyed getting back into this. The fleshing of the characters, learning the past of Dorian and how he came to be. The relationship of Eury and Faun. It’s truly giving found family and i absolutely love that for her, especially with all she’s lost.
I never in a million years saw the betrayal coming, never. The twists and turns and gut wrenching heart ache. I had to pause for a moment and recollect myself because WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT HAPPENED??
The story line came to a close nicely, I forgave S.W. for the trauma and pain she inflicted. I’m excited to see how the next duet unfolds. (Helloooooo this was a true bomb, Shavonne!!! Not my first guess and you had me fooled for sure) 🫶🏻
5 stars for me
🌶️ spice rating
I received a copy of an eARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
First of all, just WOWZERS. I truly have no words.
We immediately pick up where we left off in A curse of Storms and Scorn and the blows just keep coming. Eury and Dorian are not in a good place, but they are still tied to one another.
Eury must face the biggest trial she has yet to take part in , a trial that will change her to her very core.
I truly enjoyed getting back into this. The fleshing of the characters, learning the past of Dorian and how he came to be. The relationship of Eury and Faun. It’s truly giving found family and i absolutely love that for her, especially with all she’s lost.
I never in a million years saw the betrayal coming, never. The twists and turns and gut wrenching heart ache. I had to pause for a moment and recollect myself because WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT HAPPENED??
The story line came to a close nicely, I forgave S.W. for the trauma and pain she inflicted. I’m excited to see how the next duet unfolds. (Helloooooo this was a true bomb, Shavonne!!! Not my first guess and you had me fooled for sure) 🫶🏻
5 stars for me
🌶️ spice rating
April 29, 2026
This book picks up where book 1 ends ( a curse of storms and scorn). Honestly, this is one of those series where each book is better than the last! Loved our FMC in book one and even more so in this one. She has always been so strong- the epitome of what a queen should be! the different sections of this book flowed together nicely. I also loved how the author started the beginning. It made it easy to pick the series right back up. The Killing fields.... UGH.... WOW... I flew through this part! It's like once it all clicks together- you just have to keep reading. As others have mentioned- the LONGING in this book- CHEF'S KISS! This author does an excellent job with her character development and her world building. I had no problems diving into this fantasy world- whereas in others I struggle to get into the story in the beginning with all the world building etc.
Overall- great follow up to book 1! Cannot wait for her next book! If you want a fantasy novel with longing, tension, loss, betrayal and love- this is it! Once you get going- you cannot put it down!
Overall- great follow up to book 1! Cannot wait for her next book! If you want a fantasy novel with longing, tension, loss, betrayal and love- this is it! Once you get going- you cannot put it down!
April 11, 2026
I honestly don’t know how to review this book without giving spoilers and I’m not a spoiler kinda person. Sorry, you’ll just have to read it.
What I will say is, I felt it started off slow but definitely picked up in the last 50%. Now with that being said, I think the slow pacing was needed to give the reader time to truly connect with the characters so you can fully understand the choices they make in the second half.
The way the Author brings you right into this world, is just amazing. You get so connected that you feel like you are living along side the characters. Their pain is your pain. Their heartache is your heartache. Their victories are your victories.
I will give you a heads up…if you allow yourself to truly connect with this world and these characters, the last 100 pages will destroy you.
Thank you so much S.W. Clarke for the opportunity to read this amazing story. I can’t wait to see what adventures you take us on next
What I will say is, I felt it started off slow but definitely picked up in the last 50%. Now with that being said, I think the slow pacing was needed to give the reader time to truly connect with the characters so you can fully understand the choices they make in the second half.
The way the Author brings you right into this world, is just amazing. You get so connected that you feel like you are living along side the characters. Their pain is your pain. Their heartache is your heartache. Their victories are your victories.
I will give you a heads up…if you allow yourself to truly connect with this world and these characters, the last 100 pages will destroy you.
Thank you so much S.W. Clarke for the opportunity to read this amazing story. I can’t wait to see what adventures you take us on next
April 28, 2026
**Review of Advanced Copy from the author. All opinions are my own**
I went into this sequel with pretty high expectations after how much I enjoyed the first book, and while it didn’t completely capture that same spark for me, it’s still a solid continuation of the story.
The world opens up a lot more here, with deeper political tension and more focus on the different courts, which I found interesting.
The moments centered around Eury and Dorian stood out the most, their relationship has a lot of emotional intensity and underlying tension that keeps things engaging.
The political side of the story is well done, with shifting alliances and a constant sense that no one can be fully trusted. It adds an interesting layer, even if some of the side relationships felt a little underdeveloped in comparison. There were moments where I wanted more showing rather than being told.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable follow-up with strong character moments and an intriguing world, even if it didn’t quite match the magic of the first book for me.
I went into this sequel with pretty high expectations after how much I enjoyed the first book, and while it didn’t completely capture that same spark for me, it’s still a solid continuation of the story.
The world opens up a lot more here, with deeper political tension and more focus on the different courts, which I found interesting.
The moments centered around Eury and Dorian stood out the most, their relationship has a lot of emotional intensity and underlying tension that keeps things engaging.
The political side of the story is well done, with shifting alliances and a constant sense that no one can be fully trusted. It adds an interesting layer, even if some of the side relationships felt a little underdeveloped in comparison. There were moments where I wanted more showing rather than being told.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable follow-up with strong character moments and an intriguing world, even if it didn’t quite match the magic of the first book for me.
April 29, 2026
This epic second book in the Crown of Feyreign series did not disappoint and setup for the next installment perfectly! This book led my emotions on a crazy journey! The betrayals, next level. The yearning, top-notch. The writing of the author painted a landscape and environment I could see and feel and that I was immersed in.
“The carriage wheels rode the rutted road like an ex-lover.”
“Mongrel or human or fae, the truth of life always resided in the sharpness of your teeth.”
“I cut straight through the center, under the night sky.” - This line gave me straight up Disney Princess x Evil Queen from Once Upon a Time vibes (literally heard that theme song in my head).
Eury and Dorian’s character development continue to impress as they grow and leave me longing to see where Book 3 will lead them (somewhere dark and cold perhaps).
“The carriage wheels rode the rutted road like an ex-lover.”
“Mongrel or human or fae, the truth of life always resided in the sharpness of your teeth.”
“I cut straight through the center, under the night sky.” - This line gave me straight up Disney Princess x Evil Queen from Once Upon a Time vibes (literally heard that theme song in my head).
Eury and Dorian’s character development continue to impress as they grow and leave me longing to see where Book 3 will lead them (somewhere dark and cold perhaps).
April 30, 2026
** Review of advanced copy received from Author**
4.5⭐️ This book picked up right where A Curse of Storms and Scorn left off, and the stakes could not be higher. Both Eurydice and Dorian grew up feeling powerless in their own ways, and watching their growth and story unfold was a quest worth diving into.
S.W. Clarke created complex characters layered with emotional stakes that jumped off of the page, whether they were a main character or a side character. And adding in some longing, tension and strong world-building? I was SOLD!
If you want a battle that is captivating, immersive and will rip your heart out, you will get that and more in the Killing Fields. And that EPILOGUE?? What a twist going into the next installment in the series!
If you like books with political intrigue, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity and strong world-building, this is the book for you!
4.5⭐️ This book picked up right where A Curse of Storms and Scorn left off, and the stakes could not be higher. Both Eurydice and Dorian grew up feeling powerless in their own ways, and watching their growth and story unfold was a quest worth diving into.
S.W. Clarke created complex characters layered with emotional stakes that jumped off of the page, whether they were a main character or a side character. And adding in some longing, tension and strong world-building? I was SOLD!
If you want a battle that is captivating, immersive and will rip your heart out, you will get that and more in the Killing Fields. And that EPILOGUE?? What a twist going into the next installment in the series!
If you like books with political intrigue, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity and strong world-building, this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all I would like to say thank you to the author, S.W. Clarke for allowing me to read this ARC copy and be a part of her street team.
To find words for such a beautiful book is hard. Eury and Dorian are amazing characters. This world is fantastical (that's right, I'm making up words because words just don't describe it).
This book is an emotional roller-coaster. For the first third of the book, you build on what the first book presents, and you can feel the pressure building. Then the rest of the book keeps you on your toes. I cried several times. The descriptions in this book paint a vivid picture of what happens and creates an emotional response better than any book I've read in a long time.
I cannot wait to see where Book 3 takes us next!
To find words for such a beautiful book is hard. Eury and Dorian are amazing characters. This world is fantastical (that's right, I'm making up words because words just don't describe it).
This book is an emotional roller-coaster. For the first third of the book, you build on what the first book presents, and you can feel the pressure building. Then the rest of the book keeps you on your toes. I cried several times. The descriptions in this book paint a vivid picture of what happens and creates an emotional response better than any book I've read in a long time.
I cannot wait to see where Book 3 takes us next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌟ARC REVIEW🌟
All the yearning and angst from the first book continue, but this time with more power and female rage. The stakes are higher and the betrayal deeper. Will Dorian protect or kill Eury? Will she ever forgive him? Will she be able to kill the other three queens?
All this and more loomed over our heads at the end of the first book, and A Promise of Ice and Spite did a wonderful job of bringing it all together. Eury stayed strong and badass as a FMC, and Dorian remained a solid book boyfriend through and through. I love Eury and Dorian and their story is perfect and wonderful and while I’m sad for it to end I cannot wait to find out what happens next in Feyreign.
Stars: 4.25
Spice: 1.5
All the yearning and angst from the first book continue, but this time with more power and female rage. The stakes are higher and the betrayal deeper. Will Dorian protect or kill Eury? Will she ever forgive him? Will she be able to kill the other three queens?
All this and more loomed over our heads at the end of the first book, and A Promise of Ice and Spite did a wonderful job of bringing it all together. Eury stayed strong and badass as a FMC, and Dorian remained a solid book boyfriend through and through. I love Eury and Dorian and their story is perfect and wonderful and while I’m sad for it to end I cannot wait to find out what happens next in Feyreign.
Stars: 4.25
Spice: 1.5
May 12, 2026
A Promise of Ice and Spite has a very haunting atmosphere and the feeling that absolutely no one could be trusted. Every conversation felt layered with hidden motives and potential betrayal.
Eurydice and Dorian’s dynamic is tense and complicated. There’s so much distrust, hidden emotion, and unresolved tension between them. I kept trying to figure out their true motives and where their relationship was heading, and honestly, the twists kept proving me wrong.
I also loved that the story doesn’t hand you all the answers. There’s still this lingering feeling that there’s more beneath the surface.
Dark, addictive, and so easy to get lost in. I’ll absolutely be reading more from S.W. Clarke and thank you for letting me have this opportunity to review your amazing work!!
Eurydice and Dorian’s dynamic is tense and complicated. There’s so much distrust, hidden emotion, and unresolved tension between them. I kept trying to figure out their true motives and where their relationship was heading, and honestly, the twists kept proving me wrong.
I also loved that the story doesn’t hand you all the answers. There’s still this lingering feeling that there’s more beneath the surface.
Dark, addictive, and so easy to get lost in. I’ll absolutely be reading more from S.W. Clarke and thank you for letting me have this opportunity to review your amazing work!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What in the actual sh!t just happened! Listen I cried multiple times in this book. This is book 2- book 1 was one of my top 5 reads of last year and book 2 omg didn’t disappoint! I was shocked multiple times I’m the edge of my seat. Couldn’t sleep… couldn’t put it down! The world building and character development is NEXT LEVEL!!! I couldn’t recommend these books more. It isn’t like anything I’ve ever read.. and if you know me you know how much I read and that’s saying something. Even the side characters are amazing and this book picks right up where book 1 left off (thank god the anticipation was literally killing me!) bravo!! 100% recommend! -Kerin
Review of advance copy received from Author
First thank you S.W. Clarke for trusting me as an ARC reader!! I absolutely love this series and was truly honored to be chosen as an ARC reader. That being said, this review reflects my own opinion.
A Promise of Ice and Spite by S.W. Clarke is such a strong finale to the duet.
The twists kept me second guessing myself the entire time, and the author does a great job planting clues that make the reveals feel earned.
I also loved the detail of how magic feels drastically different depending on the region, it added great depth to the world.
The final battle was the standout for me: intense, cinematic, and incredibly satisfying.
5⭐ - honestly for the battle scenes alone.
A Promise of Ice and Spite by S.W. Clarke is such a strong finale to the duet.
The twists kept me second guessing myself the entire time, and the author does a great job planting clues that make the reveals feel earned.
I also loved the detail of how magic feels drastically different depending on the region, it added great depth to the world.
The final battle was the standout for me: intense, cinematic, and incredibly satisfying.
5⭐ - honestly for the battle scenes alone.
April 20, 2026
Thank you to S.W. Clarke for this ARC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While it took me a few days to finish book one, I completed this one in 24 hours. The story has definitely gotten better as the series is progressing.
The love/hate between Eury and Dorian kept me going and ultimately I’m happy with how their relationship finished at the end of the book. I enjoyed learning about Dorian’s backstory, too.
The beginning of the book was slow, but I now understand why it was necessary for the plot. The Champions Battle was intense and my heart hurt for the casualties, but she prevailed (as expected).
The epilogue threw me for a loop, so I cannot wait to see where that takes the story!
While it took me a few days to finish book one, I completed this one in 24 hours. The story has definitely gotten better as the series is progressing.
The love/hate between Eury and Dorian kept me going and ultimately I’m happy with how their relationship finished at the end of the book. I enjoyed learning about Dorian’s backstory, too.
The beginning of the book was slow, but I now understand why it was necessary for the plot. The Champions Battle was intense and my heart hurt for the casualties, but she prevailed (as expected).
The epilogue threw me for a loop, so I cannot wait to see where that takes the story!
April 28, 2026
Thank you to S.W Clarke for the chance to read and review this novel as a part of their ARC team!
An absolutely fantastic continuation of Eury and Dorian's journey. I couldn't put it down once I started. We see the bonds strengthening as the story progresses. Betrayal lurks around every corner, and trust is a fanciful thing. Throw an ancient, spite-filled dragon into the mix, and we have a story that sucked you in and left you breathless, wanting more. Devastating loss, redemption, and characters you can't help but relate to. S.W Clarke outdid themselves with this second installment in the Feyreign series. I can't wait to see what happens next!
An absolutely fantastic continuation of Eury and Dorian's journey. I couldn't put it down once I started. We see the bonds strengthening as the story progresses. Betrayal lurks around every corner, and trust is a fanciful thing. Throw an ancient, spite-filled dragon into the mix, and we have a story that sucked you in and left you breathless, wanting more. Devastating loss, redemption, and characters you can't help but relate to. S.W Clarke outdid themselves with this second installment in the Feyreign series. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
For the second time I have to gladly give S.W Clarke her props. She has written a masterpiece. This book has all the feels for me, intrigue, banter, toil, angst. I am in love with the characters and this series. I can’t wait to see where goes from here.
Eurydice is such a strong FMC and I want to be her. To become a Queen then go up against other Queens 3x her age is amazing.
Then to have Dorian one of my favorite MMC in her corner is the epitome of fantastic storytelling. Then you have her faithful friend Faun who just makes it all the better.
I loved reading this book.
Eurydice is such a strong FMC and I want to be her. To become a Queen then go up against other Queens 3x her age is amazing.
Then to have Dorian one of my favorite MMC in her corner is the epitome of fantastic storytelling. Then you have her faithful friend Faun who just makes it all the better.
I loved reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2026
I have received an ARC of this book, big thank you to the author. A Promise of Ice and Spite picks up exactly where the first book left off—and it absolutely delivers. From the start, it kept me on my toes, pulling me deeper into the tension and intrigue. The court politics were bigger this time, layered with more drama. And that final stretch? The last 20% was a whirlwind of twists that just didn’t stop. It’s the kind of ending that makes you flip pages faster without even realizing it.
Highly recommend I really enjoyed this book. Solid 4.5/5
Highly recommend I really enjoyed this book. Solid 4.5/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews