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The Frostbound Heir
He was made of winter. She was meant to thaw it.
The villagers of Hollowmere call her witch, though Katria Vale’s only sin is knowing how to heal.
When the fragile truce between mortals and fae begins to crack, Hollowmere offers her up as tribute—one life to keep the Winter Court at bay. But the frost does not forgive bargains, and the fae do not honor them.
Prince Kaelith of Winter was never meant to rule. Born of ice and oath, he serves the court as its heir and its weapon, bound to find the missing Dreamstone before the Veil between worlds collapses. The mortal envoy delivered to his gates is supposed to be expendable—another mortal sacrifice to cold politics. Instead, she unsettles everything he thought immutable.
Katria’s defiance is a spark in the frozen silence of his world. Her wit cuts through his restraint. And when her compassion awakens something in him that even frost cannot contain, the lines between duty and desire blur into perilous warmth.
But warmth is deadly in the Winter Court.
As the Veil weakens and ancient forces stir, Katria must decide whether peace is worth her freedom—and Kaelith must choose between the realm he swore to protect and the mortal who threatens to melt his frozen heart.
The beginning of The Shattered Veil Saga, The Frostbound Heir is a sweeping romantasy of forbidden love, dangerous magic, and a world on the edge of ruin.
The villagers of Hollowmere call her witch, though Katria Vale’s only sin is knowing how to heal.
When the fragile truce between mortals and fae begins to crack, Hollowmere offers her up as tribute—one life to keep the Winter Court at bay. But the frost does not forgive bargains, and the fae do not honor them.
Prince Kaelith of Winter was never meant to rule. Born of ice and oath, he serves the court as its heir and its weapon, bound to find the missing Dreamstone before the Veil between worlds collapses. The mortal envoy delivered to his gates is supposed to be expendable—another mortal sacrifice to cold politics. Instead, she unsettles everything he thought immutable.
Katria’s defiance is a spark in the frozen silence of his world. Her wit cuts through his restraint. And when her compassion awakens something in him that even frost cannot contain, the lines between duty and desire blur into perilous warmth.
But warmth is deadly in the Winter Court.
As the Veil weakens and ancient forces stir, Katria must decide whether peace is worth her freedom—and Kaelith must choose between the realm he swore to protect and the mortal who threatens to melt his frozen heart.
The beginning of The Shattered Veil Saga, The Frostbound Heir is a sweeping romantasy of forbidden love, dangerous magic, and a world on the edge of ruin.
- GenresFantasy
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
4 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5- 4 ⭐️ But rounding up for one heck of a plot twist ending..
The Frostbound Heir has a layered story that had one of those endings that made you want to throw your Kindle across the room ( but in a good way - lol)
This story has 2 really good MMCs. First Kaelith, the reluctant heir to the winter kingdom, torn between love and duty. The tension between him and the FMC was perfect. Then there’s Kael , his brother, who keeps you guessing. Is he going to be a hero or a @hole?
The conversations between the characters in this story were so layered with politics and double entendre that they kept you hooked.
However, the plot faltered slightly in fully explaining why FMCs magic was causing the problems it was. I also felt Katria, the FMC, felt a little flat at times. Like maybe, instead of walking around the castle and gardens, she could have done something to try and learn about her magic?
But ending, Holy Crap??!! I can't even begin to process it.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader
The Frostbound Heir has a layered story that had one of those endings that made you want to throw your Kindle across the room ( but in a good way - lol)
This story has 2 really good MMCs. First Kaelith, the reluctant heir to the winter kingdom, torn between love and duty. The tension between him and the FMC was perfect. Then there’s Kael , his brother, who keeps you guessing. Is he going to be a hero or a @hole?
The conversations between the characters in this story were so layered with politics and double entendre that they kept you hooked.
However, the plot faltered slightly in fully explaining why FMCs magic was causing the problems it was. I also felt Katria, the FMC, felt a little flat at times. Like maybe, instead of walking around the castle and gardens, she could have done something to try and learn about her magic?
But ending, Holy Crap??!! I can't even begin to process it.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader
January 13, 2026
I was privileged to be a member of the ARC team for The Frostbound Heir by Kassidy Carlisle.
This book was a bit of a challenge for me at the start. While the world building was strong right away, I initially struggled to fully grasp some of the historical elements—particularly the deeper reasons behind Katria being sent to the Winter Court and the significance of the tribute and truce between the humans and the fae. Those details took time to settle, and the first part of the story required a little patience on my end.
That said, the world building itself was beautifully done. As someone who often has trouble visualizing settings, I was surprised by how clearly I could feel this world—especially the cold. Every description of the Winter Court was immersive and atmospheric, making the setting come alive in a way that felt almost tangible.
I’ll be honest: I struggled through the first 25% of the book. But I’m so glad I stuck with it. Around the 45% mark, something clicked, and from that point on I was fully invested. The story pulled me in, and I found it hard to put the book down.
By the end, I was genuinely excited—not only about how this installment concluded, but about where the story is headed next. I’m very much looking forward to book two and seeing how this tale of seasons, fae, and humans continues to unfold.
This book was a bit of a challenge for me at the start. While the world building was strong right away, I initially struggled to fully grasp some of the historical elements—particularly the deeper reasons behind Katria being sent to the Winter Court and the significance of the tribute and truce between the humans and the fae. Those details took time to settle, and the first part of the story required a little patience on my end.
That said, the world building itself was beautifully done. As someone who often has trouble visualizing settings, I was surprised by how clearly I could feel this world—especially the cold. Every description of the Winter Court was immersive and atmospheric, making the setting come alive in a way that felt almost tangible.
I’ll be honest: I struggled through the first 25% of the book. But I’m so glad I stuck with it. Around the 45% mark, something clicked, and from that point on I was fully invested. The story pulled me in, and I found it hard to put the book down.
By the end, I was genuinely excited—not only about how this installment concluded, but about where the story is headed next. I’m very much looking forward to book two and seeing how this tale of seasons, fae, and humans continues to unfold.
January 1, 2026
Overall, this was a good read, but it was confusing in some parts. It felt like certain points of the story read more smoothly in comparison to other parts. I really liked the beginning of the book and the atmosphere it had. I also found it more interesting because there was more going on with Katria's character with her healing the village and the conflict between her and the villagers.
The start of her entering the Winter Court is interesting too, but as it goes into the middle part of the book it there's quite of bit of going in circles. I enjoyed getting to the last third of the book because it felt smooth to read again, and things were picking up again. The cliffhanger at the end makes me really interested to know what actually happened there. 🤔
There was an inconsistency a little halfway through that left me confused until I read further and realised there was a mistake, and that's why I was confused. I read the eARC, so I'm not sure if that bit is still there in the final version.
I received the arc of this book for free and am leaving an honest review of my opinion. Thank you for the arc 🩷
The start of her entering the Winter Court is interesting too, but as it goes into the middle part of the book it there's quite of bit of going in circles. I enjoyed getting to the last third of the book because it felt smooth to read again, and things were picking up again. The cliffhanger at the end makes me really interested to know what actually happened there. 🤔
There was an inconsistency a little halfway through that left me confused until I read further and realised there was a mistake, and that's why I was confused. I read the eARC, so I'm not sure if that bit is still there in the final version.
I received the arc of this book for free and am leaving an honest review of my opinion. Thank you for the arc 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Warmth is deadly in the Winter Court"
This is the quote that has stuck with me throughout this read.
Kassidy did an amazing job with the world building. I mean I am not a cold person but I could feel myself there and wanting to see the Winter Court for myself. The details, the way she put it all together really brought it to life in my mind while reading.
Now for what you are waiting for, but you will not get spoilers from me. You have your morally grey heir, Kaelith. And of course the mortal envoy, Katria. And surprise, Kaelith has a brother, Kael. Katria is given the Winter Court and basically weird things begin to happen upon her arrival. She peaks the interest of both brothers. Kaelith has to fight between his love for his Court and these new feelings that come with Katria.
You get a slow burn, enemies to forbidden lovers, surrounded by dangeroud magic with a beautiful world building.
This is the quote that has stuck with me throughout this read.
Kassidy did an amazing job with the world building. I mean I am not a cold person but I could feel myself there and wanting to see the Winter Court for myself. The details, the way she put it all together really brought it to life in my mind while reading.
Now for what you are waiting for, but you will not get spoilers from me. You have your morally grey heir, Kaelith. And of course the mortal envoy, Katria. And surprise, Kaelith has a brother, Kael. Katria is given the Winter Court and basically weird things begin to happen upon her arrival. She peaks the interest of both brothers. Kaelith has to fight between his love for his Court and these new feelings that come with Katria.
You get a slow burn, enemies to forbidden lovers, surrounded by dangeroud magic with a beautiful world building.
November 30, 2025
Katria Vale is chosen as the mortal envoy to the realm beyond the Veil. When she arrives at the Winter Court, no one expects her to survive as long as she does, least of all the handsome but cold, Prince Kaelith, who realizes her defiance and impertinence challenge his long-held control and makes him yearn for something that can never be. The Frostbound Heir was beautifully written with detailed descriptions of Winter as Katria struggles to understand her purpose for being offered as envoy. I was intrigued from the beginning and enjoyed unraveling the mysteries of Katria’s new environment. This a clean low-spice, slow-burn romantasy with a cliffhanger ending. I’m excited to see where the story goes in book 2!
I received this ebook for free as an ARC reader, but my honest review is entirely my own.
I received this ebook for free as an ARC reader, but my honest review is entirely my own.
Review of advance copy
Slow burn, Real world meets fantasy. An outcast in the real world, Katria tries to just help heal people in her world. One day she found that she is traded to the Winter Court in the Fae world where she meets the Prince of Winter. She is not sure what is happening to her as she is experiencing things that she knows is not normal. Is she a witch, just a mortal or something more……
As she tries to navigate this new world and Fae her feelings for the Prince of the Winter Court grow. The Prince of the Winter Court is a methodical rule follower who does not understand the feelings that he is experiencing to this new mortal that landed in his world.
This slow burn fantasy is action packed and could not put down to the very end. I can not wait to see how Katria story unfolds in book two....
As she tries to navigate this new world and Fae her feelings for the Prince of the Winter Court grow. The Prince of the Winter Court is a methodical rule follower who does not understand the feelings that he is experiencing to this new mortal that landed in his world.
This slow burn fantasy is action packed and could not put down to the very end. I can not wait to see how Katria story unfolds in book two....
January 1, 2026
“And for a heartbeat there was no prince, no heir, no duty. Only a man terrified of losing what he didn't realize he'd already lost.” When i tell you that i LOVED this book, I mean it. I was already recommending it to the WORLD at around 20% because of the gripping storytelling by Kassidy. I loved the original story, the character development and the opening for a SERIES (yay!!!!). I honestly forgot I was reading an ARC because of how enthralled I was, as if I had hand selected this story to read myself. I absolutely cannot wait to continue from this cliffhanger and to have my questions answered through the series. If you like forced proximity, slow burn and grumpy x sunshine - this one is for you- sprinkled with some frosty ice magic and winter vs summer seasons battling for resolution.
November 22, 2025
Thank you Kassidy for the ARC really appreciate the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Kassidy creates a world so detailed and beautifully described you feel like you’re walking in the Winter Court. I loved imagining this landscape.
The Frostbound Heir follows 2 Fae Princes (also brothers) 1 mortal healer and a cracking Winter Court Kingdom. Bound by duty Kaelith The Frostbound heir must protect his people/kingdom or choose to protect the very woman they believe is causing the damage. The anguish he endures over which path to take worsens with the presence of his brother. The story is a slow burn and the ending sets up perfect for book 2.
I gave the book 3.5 stars.
Kassidy creates a world so detailed and beautifully described you feel like you’re walking in the Winter Court. I loved imagining this landscape.
The Frostbound Heir follows 2 Fae Princes (also brothers) 1 mortal healer and a cracking Winter Court Kingdom. Bound by duty Kaelith The Frostbound heir must protect his people/kingdom or choose to protect the very woman they believe is causing the damage. The anguish he endures over which path to take worsens with the presence of his brother. The story is a slow burn and the ending sets up perfect for book 2.
I gave the book 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
When I tell you the plot snatched me up, I am not exaggerating. I was honestly so excited to read The Frostbound Heir. Katria being hated in her town while she was the one holding the village together was such an interesting setup. But the disappointment hit hard once I started to realize the writing was heavily assisted with AI. The excitement I had for it faded fast. There were a few clear tells in some of the key phrases, and while some readers might not mind that, I wanted to leave a heads up that this is an AI assisted book.
It is still a great idea, but for me, I love the human element in writing, imperfect as it is.
It is still a great idea, but for me, I love the human element in writing, imperfect as it is.
December 31, 2025
Spoiler free review
Some things to note:
POV: Dual1st person between Katria and Kaelith.
Language: none
Spice: none
I truly enjoyed reading this book so much. The writing was elegant and mature, but not in a snobbish way. The world building was great. Katria is no damsel in distress by any means. She is strong, intelligent and insanely witty. Kaelith is cold and emotionless, and of course there is always more than meets the eye. We are left with a cliffhanger, and I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some things to note:
POV: Dual1st person between Katria and Kaelith.
Language: none
Spice: none
I truly enjoyed reading this book so much. The writing was elegant and mature, but not in a snobbish way. The world building was great. Katria is no damsel in distress by any means. She is strong, intelligent and insanely witty. Kaelith is cold and emotionless, and of course there is always more than meets the eye. We are left with a cliffhanger, and I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2026
ARC review :) A mortal in winter’s kingdom where warmth is deadly. This book had such an interesting concept I’ve never read a take on fae courts quite like this! It was also refreshing that the fmc, while sassy, wasn’t throwing tantrums all the time about being sent to the winter court. There were also two brothers, our mmc’s, one stoic and serious and the other warm and funny. The twist at the end was great and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2. Hoping for more Kael time :)
December 4, 2025
Winter isn’t supposed to be kind. It’s supposed to silent and dangerous. It was for so long until Katria gets sacrificed by her people to the winter court. There, she meets Kaelith, the cold ice prince. Between him, his brother, and the Frostfather’s obsession with ending her, she has to learn to survive the best she knows how. If you like fantasy and magic, then this book is for you!
December 12, 2025
Love is the most precious gift that anyone can ever give, but it must be given willingly. In this novel you will witness Katria Vale (FMC) be used as a sacrifice by her people, be despised by the Fae for being mortal, and inherit powers that she never asked for. Love was never in the cards for Katria, but miraculously she managed to capture the affections of not just one prince, but two! This low spice, slow burn romantasy is original, detailed oriented, and emotionally rich. My only complaint is that this story ended with a cliffhanger ending, and now I have to wait for book two to be released.
January 2, 2026
i absolutely loved the plot twist ending, this book was beautifully written, it will keep you wanting to read more of the story and not wanting to put it down or stop reading, i cant wait to read the second book, i have to after this 😍😍.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2025
While it took forever for the mmc to come to his sense, I really enjoyed this book. The ending was really unexpected and I'm hoping to see Kaelith return for book 2 and whatever else lies ahead for Katria.
*received an ARC
*received an ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
So personally for me i had a hard time. it was no fault to the author I am just in a bad stage of life.
she has amazing world building skills
the two brothers seem like good guys
ones more annoying than the other
the fmc seemed flat and not what I was expecting
she has amazing world building skills
the two brothers seem like good guys
ones more annoying than the other
the fmc seemed flat and not what I was expecting
January 7, 2026
What a wonderful fantasy book to start the new year with! Beautifully written, characters are complex and interesting, the world is rich and detailed. Looking forward to next one in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
Really well written. Full of angst, fear mongering, dread and discovery. 👍👍 Looking forward to the second book.
November 17, 2025
Such a great description of this Fae world. The author put a lot of heart into this world and you can picture it perfectly. No detail missed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, human x fae romantasy. I loved every minute of this read. The worldbuilding was just amazing. There are so many beautiful details about this world that I can't stop thinking about. Both MMCs were so intriguing. You have your morally grey heir, Kaelith, and his brother Kael. The tension between Kaelith and the FMC Katria was literally to die for. The banter between Kael and Katria was so good too. I can't wait to read book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely LOVED the lush descriptions in here!! I'm always a sucker for things written well, especially when it comes to the seasons!! The characters were complex, and I was totally drawn into Katria and Kaelith's romance. But the PLOT TWIST!?!??! WHAAAAT!?!?! Can't wait for the next book! All in all, this is your classic romantasy, without too much spice.
Thank you to the author for the eARC!!
Thank you to the author for the eARC!!
January 9, 2026
A Lush, Romantic Tapestry of Ice, Duty, and Destiny
The Frostbound Heir by Kassidy Carlisle delivers a beautifully woven tale where romance blooms like a rare winter rose—fragile, unexpected, and all the more precious against the biting cold of its world. Carlisle’s gift lies in crafting a realm so vivid you can almost feel the frost settling on your eyelashes and hear the distant hum of ancient magic drifting through the frozen pines.
The world-building here is nothing short of enchanting. From glittering ice citadels carved with forgotten runes to the sprawling frost forests that whisper with restless spirits, every setting feels alive and steeped in history. Carlisle layers cultures, traditions, and mythologies with a storyteller’s patience, giving the kingdom a heartbeat all its own. You don’t just read about this world — you inhabit it.
At the center of it all stands the reluctant heir, whose journey intertwines political danger with a romance that is equal parts tender and fierce. Their connection with the love interest grows slowly, like warmth returning to numb fingers — subtle at first, then all-consuming. The stolen glances, the quiet confessions, the shared burdens… each moment feels intimate and earned. It’s the kind of love story that glows softly beneath the icy tension of looming war.
If the novel stumbles anywhere, it’s that some plot developments rush past as swiftly as a winter gale, leaving you wishing for just a little more time to savor them. But the emotional richness and atmospheric depth more than make up for it.
With sweeping landscapes, palpable magic, and a romance that thaws even the coldest hearts, The Frostbound Heir is a four-star journey worth getting lost in.
The Frostbound Heir by Kassidy Carlisle delivers a beautifully woven tale where romance blooms like a rare winter rose—fragile, unexpected, and all the more precious against the biting cold of its world. Carlisle’s gift lies in crafting a realm so vivid you can almost feel the frost settling on your eyelashes and hear the distant hum of ancient magic drifting through the frozen pines.
The world-building here is nothing short of enchanting. From glittering ice citadels carved with forgotten runes to the sprawling frost forests that whisper with restless spirits, every setting feels alive and steeped in history. Carlisle layers cultures, traditions, and mythologies with a storyteller’s patience, giving the kingdom a heartbeat all its own. You don’t just read about this world — you inhabit it.
At the center of it all stands the reluctant heir, whose journey intertwines political danger with a romance that is equal parts tender and fierce. Their connection with the love interest grows slowly, like warmth returning to numb fingers — subtle at first, then all-consuming. The stolen glances, the quiet confessions, the shared burdens… each moment feels intimate and earned. It’s the kind of love story that glows softly beneath the icy tension of looming war.
If the novel stumbles anywhere, it’s that some plot developments rush past as swiftly as a winter gale, leaving you wishing for just a little more time to savor them. But the emotional richness and atmospheric depth more than make up for it.
With sweeping landscapes, palpable magic, and a romance that thaws even the coldest hearts, The Frostbound Heir is a four-star journey worth getting lost in.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews