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The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death
The girl with the touch of ice and heart of steel.
Ever since Wynter woke in the river that has stolen more lives than the harsh mountains of the North, she has been cast from town after town for her deadly touch.
An exiled assassin.
Niav used to be the most notorious assassin in the Mortal Lands—until the king she served killed the only leverage he had over her and she fled to the North, determined to never be someone else’s tool again.
When a fellow immortal by the name Evander offers them a chance at retribution, they are more than happy to accept.
A rebel set on overthrowing them all.
After the brutal death of his parents, Kieran is hellbent on finishing what they ridding the North of the immortals once and for all—including the infamous Ice Queen.
All three of their fates are entwined when Evander takes his tyranny too far, spurring Kieran and the rebels into action. But after a fateful encounter with the Ice Queen, Kieran’s perception of what is good and evil is flipped on its head, and he starts to wonder whether she could be the key to their salvation.
Little do they know, Evander has plans far beyond what any of them imagined. Plans that could unleash evils that have been slumbering for centuries—evils that were locked away for a reason.
Ever since Wynter woke in the river that has stolen more lives than the harsh mountains of the North, she has been cast from town after town for her deadly touch.
An exiled assassin.
Niav used to be the most notorious assassin in the Mortal Lands—until the king she served killed the only leverage he had over her and she fled to the North, determined to never be someone else’s tool again.
When a fellow immortal by the name Evander offers them a chance at retribution, they are more than happy to accept.
A rebel set on overthrowing them all.
After the brutal death of his parents, Kieran is hellbent on finishing what they ridding the North of the immortals once and for all—including the infamous Ice Queen.
All three of their fates are entwined when Evander takes his tyranny too far, spurring Kieran and the rebels into action. But after a fateful encounter with the Ice Queen, Kieran’s perception of what is good and evil is flipped on its head, and he starts to wonder whether she could be the key to their salvation.
Little do they know, Evander has plans far beyond what any of them imagined. Plans that could unleash evils that have been slumbering for centuries—evils that were locked away for a reason.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
40 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Stofka
3 books102 followersIsabella Stofka moved around a lot growing up until finally settling in Rockville, Maryland with her husband and three cats. Ever since she was little, Isabella has woven epic stories in her mind and rambled about them to anyone who would listen. Eventually, she discovered the fine art of writing them down and has never turned back.
When she is not writing, she is either binge-watching her favorite TV show for the 20th time or devouring a good book—all while getting kitty cuddles, of course.
You can find her on Instagram at @isabellastofka_author, or on her website at isabellastofkaauthor.com
When she is not writing, she is either binge-watching her favorite TV show for the 20th time or devouring a good book—all while getting kitty cuddles, of course.
You can find her on Instagram at @isabellastofka_author, or on her website at isabellastofkaauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 23, 2025
𝒊 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
⟡
i really enjoyed 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐼𝒸𝑒 𝒬𝓊𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒦𝑒𝑒𝓅𝑒𝓇 𝑜𝒻 𝒟𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽! it's an atmospheric read that kept me hooked
the world seems to be vaguely inspired by Greek mythology so that was interesting. i found the worldbuilding immersive, it felt like being right there in that wintery village. it was done very naturally too without any info dumping which i appreciated and the set up for the Pandora's box retelling was very intriguing!
the characters are very endearing and likable. i enjoyed seeing them learn how to sort of be and the push and pull between being good and/or bad in all of them. at first i actually wasn't really interested in the third POV but she was a very compelling character! i think i wanted a bit more depth to all of their inner journeys and relationships but i still enjoyed what we got
i did thoroughly enjoy this, i'm so quick to DNF but this did keep me hooked and the rating is a solid 4, i just had some hang ups. like i said above, i wanted a bit more depth and not just for the characters. the writing was a little clunky at times so it felt as if there was great potential and we'd really scratch the surface and then it wouldn't go much further and i think part of that was the writing need to be developed/smoothed out a little more. i think the characters, the platonic relationships, the rebellion and the romance could have used a bit more exploration and depth so hopefully we see that in the next book because there's a really great foundation there!
this is marketed as a romantasy and it just isn't. i expected much more romance, there wasn't even really any romance at all just the barest budding of one that felt more like friendship. that being said, i enjoyed their dynamic and look forward to more from them (and maybe a potential second couple at the end there?). there's also a great focus on friendship and self discovery to make up for it
the first half of the book is quite character focused and internalized in the one setting and then the second half takes off more with the plot and expands on the world which was very intriguing and compelling. i saw some twists coming but didn't see others so that was a pleasant surprise! the ending was very abrupt but in a way that made me excited to read the next book
overall this was a dark-ish cozy fantasy with an immersive world, endearing characters and a plot that keeps you hooked
𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔:
❄️ morally grey characters
🗡️ pandora's box retelling
❄️ multiple POVs
🗡️ she's the 200 year old immortal
❄️ the ice queen x the rebel who vowed to stop her
🗡️ ND coded, Elsa vibes FMC
❄️ arctic fox companion
🗡️ character driven with a compelling plot
⟡
i really enjoyed 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐼𝒸𝑒 𝒬𝓊𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒦𝑒𝑒𝓅𝑒𝓇 𝑜𝒻 𝒟𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽! it's an atmospheric read that kept me hooked
the world seems to be vaguely inspired by Greek mythology so that was interesting. i found the worldbuilding immersive, it felt like being right there in that wintery village. it was done very naturally too without any info dumping which i appreciated and the set up for the Pandora's box retelling was very intriguing!
the characters are very endearing and likable. i enjoyed seeing them learn how to sort of be and the push and pull between being good and/or bad in all of them. at first i actually wasn't really interested in the third POV but she was a very compelling character! i think i wanted a bit more depth to all of their inner journeys and relationships but i still enjoyed what we got
i did thoroughly enjoy this, i'm so quick to DNF but this did keep me hooked and the rating is a solid 4, i just had some hang ups. like i said above, i wanted a bit more depth and not just for the characters. the writing was a little clunky at times so it felt as if there was great potential and we'd really scratch the surface and then it wouldn't go much further and i think part of that was the writing need to be developed/smoothed out a little more. i think the characters, the platonic relationships, the rebellion and the romance could have used a bit more exploration and depth so hopefully we see that in the next book because there's a really great foundation there!
this is marketed as a romantasy and it just isn't. i expected much more romance, there wasn't even really any romance at all just the barest budding of one that felt more like friendship. that being said, i enjoyed their dynamic and look forward to more from them (and maybe a potential second couple at the end there?). there's also a great focus on friendship and self discovery to make up for it
the first half of the book is quite character focused and internalized in the one setting and then the second half takes off more with the plot and expands on the world which was very intriguing and compelling. i saw some twists coming but didn't see others so that was a pleasant surprise! the ending was very abrupt but in a way that made me excited to read the next book
overall this was a dark-ish cozy fantasy with an immersive world, endearing characters and a plot that keeps you hooked
𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔:
❄️ morally grey characters
🗡️ pandora's box retelling
❄️ multiple POVs
🗡️ she's the 200 year old immortal
❄️ the ice queen x the rebel who vowed to stop her
🗡️ ND coded, Elsa vibes FMC
❄️ arctic fox companion
🗡️ character driven with a compelling plot
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review ❄️✨️
First of all, a huge thank you to the author for making me part of the street team! I was genuinely so excited to receive an ARC of this book, and it made diving into this story feel even more special.
This ended up being one of those books that quietly pulled me in and then refused to let go. From the very beginning, I was completely sold on the world and magic system. Everything felt thoughtfully built, from the immortals and their long histories to the humans in the village who felt just as real and important. At its core, this story is very much about found family and that’s something I’ll never get tired of reading.
What I really loved was the balance. It’s a cozy, character-driven story with some slightly darker topics, but the plot keeps thickening the deeper you get.
You can tell things are being carefully set up, and it made me want to keep reading “just one more chapter” to see how all these threads would connect. The character development especially stood out. Everyone felt like they were on a journey, not just existing to move the plot along.
Unexpectedly, I found myself really drawn to Draven, whom we meet later in the book. I know he’s meant to be dangerous and morally questionable, but the small flickers of chemistry between him and Niav gave him this dark, deadly charm that worked far too well on me. I’m very curious to see more of him and where his role goes next.
That said, my favorite is still Lachlan. My boy. He never wanted to be bad, and paired with Kieran, they were absolute sunshine. They balanced out our colder queens, Wynter and Niav, perfectly and brought so much heart to the story.
Evander also surprised me. Design-wise and power-wise, he might actually be my favorite immortal, which made it even more shocking to see him lean the most into being “evil.” I’m really hoping the series gives him a chance at a different path, because the potential for growth there is huge.
And that ending… honestly criminal. It left me with so many questions and such a strong need to know what happens next. You can feel that this is only the beginning, and I’m genuinely excited to see how the story and these characters continue to evolve.
If you love immersive worlds, morally gray immortals, cozy found family vibes, and a story that slowly tightens its grip on you, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
First of all, a huge thank you to the author for making me part of the street team! I was genuinely so excited to receive an ARC of this book, and it made diving into this story feel even more special.
This ended up being one of those books that quietly pulled me in and then refused to let go. From the very beginning, I was completely sold on the world and magic system. Everything felt thoughtfully built, from the immortals and their long histories to the humans in the village who felt just as real and important. At its core, this story is very much about found family and that’s something I’ll never get tired of reading.
What I really loved was the balance. It’s a cozy, character-driven story with some slightly darker topics, but the plot keeps thickening the deeper you get.
You can tell things are being carefully set up, and it made me want to keep reading “just one more chapter” to see how all these threads would connect. The character development especially stood out. Everyone felt like they were on a journey, not just existing to move the plot along.
Unexpectedly, I found myself really drawn to Draven, whom we meet later in the book. I know he’s meant to be dangerous and morally questionable, but the small flickers of chemistry between him and Niav gave him this dark, deadly charm that worked far too well on me. I’m very curious to see more of him and where his role goes next.
That said, my favorite is still Lachlan. My boy. He never wanted to be bad, and paired with Kieran, they were absolute sunshine. They balanced out our colder queens, Wynter and Niav, perfectly and brought so much heart to the story.
Evander also surprised me. Design-wise and power-wise, he might actually be my favorite immortal, which made it even more shocking to see him lean the most into being “evil.” I’m really hoping the series gives him a chance at a different path, because the potential for growth there is huge.
And that ending… honestly criminal. It left me with so many questions and such a strong need to know what happens next. You can feel that this is only the beginning, and I’m genuinely excited to see how the story and these characters continue to evolve.
If you love immersive worlds, morally gray immortals, cozy found family vibes, and a story that slowly tightens its grip on you, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
November 7, 2025
I had the privilege of Beta reading this twisty yet moving book. I loved every second of it. And man did I have some feelings at the end. Please give me book 2! I can’t wait to see the final version Bella comes up with!
December 28, 2025
I think thay ending will absolutely haunt me until the next book. It left off on, almost literally, a cliff hanger.
This story was so good and I loved the mythology feel to it. The author did an amazing job of world and character building and yet I was still shocked several times from discoveries about a couple different characters. I definitely can't wait to dive deeper into the world and find out more lore. very intriguing.
This story was so good and I loved the mythology feel to it. The author did an amazing job of world and character building and yet I was still shocked several times from discoveries about a couple different characters. I definitely can't wait to dive deeper into the world and find out more lore. very intriguing.
December 16, 2025
*thanks very much to the author isabella stofka for this fun story and providing the e-arc! this is my completely honest review*
4⭐️
this was such a fun and enjoyable read for me ❄️📚✨ i had a really good time reading it, and even when i noticed things i wished were a bit stronger, i still felt engaged and happy to keep reading.
i really liked being in this world 🌍❄️ it’s a bit inspired by greek mythology, which i enjoyed a lot, even though the world itself isn’t as extensive or complex as i personally prefer 🥹
with that said, the worldbuilding is actually done really well. it felt smooth, easy to understand, and never overwhelming 💫 i never felt lost or confused, and i appreciated how naturally the information was woven into the story 🫶
fmc wynter really made my heart ache 💙🥺 she’s been neglected and outcast her whole life, and her character’s lack of emotion (or in a way, her lack of sense of the world) makes her a bit naive, and honestly kind of cute and innocent at times 🥹
i found myself really liking her ❄️🤍 i did wish for more depth from her character, but i also understand that it’s hard to do that when she’s meant to be emotionally empty, so it makes sense within the story.
the slow potential-romance between fmc wynter and mmc kieran was one of my favorite parts 🖤❄️ it made me smile a lot.
their interactions felt sweet and soft, and “cute” really is the best way to describe it 🥹 i just wished i could experience more of it from wynter’s pov or read more of her inner journey during those moments.
the plot kept me interested the whole time, and some scenes were so vividly written that i could clearly see them playing out in my head 🌌✨ a few parts did feel slightly juvenile, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story or the overall direction it was going in 💕
there are 3 povs in the story - wynter, kieran, and another fmc niav 💭
niav’s backstory is explained well, yet i didn’t felt as attached to her as i wanted to be. to me somehow she felt more like wynter’s friend rather than a true fmc in her own right 🥹
the ending surprised me 😮 it felt quite abrupt and didn’t give me the sense of closure i was expecting. i definitely thought there would be more, which caught me off guard, but it also made me curious about what comes next.
overall i really enjoyed the world, the characters are interesting, and found the slow, very gentle, very cute romance especially charming 🖤 even with its flaws, it was a fun and satisfying reading experience, and i’m glad i picked it up 📖💫
i’m definitely very curious abt what comes next in the rest of this series!! 🥰🫶
4⭐️
this was such a fun and enjoyable read for me ❄️📚✨ i had a really good time reading it, and even when i noticed things i wished were a bit stronger, i still felt engaged and happy to keep reading.
i really liked being in this world 🌍❄️ it’s a bit inspired by greek mythology, which i enjoyed a lot, even though the world itself isn’t as extensive or complex as i personally prefer 🥹
with that said, the worldbuilding is actually done really well. it felt smooth, easy to understand, and never overwhelming 💫 i never felt lost or confused, and i appreciated how naturally the information was woven into the story 🫶
fmc wynter really made my heart ache 💙🥺 she’s been neglected and outcast her whole life, and her character’s lack of emotion (or in a way, her lack of sense of the world) makes her a bit naive, and honestly kind of cute and innocent at times 🥹
i found myself really liking her ❄️🤍 i did wish for more depth from her character, but i also understand that it’s hard to do that when she’s meant to be emotionally empty, so it makes sense within the story.
the slow potential-romance between fmc wynter and mmc kieran was one of my favorite parts 🖤❄️ it made me smile a lot.
their interactions felt sweet and soft, and “cute” really is the best way to describe it 🥹 i just wished i could experience more of it from wynter’s pov or read more of her inner journey during those moments.
the plot kept me interested the whole time, and some scenes were so vividly written that i could clearly see them playing out in my head 🌌✨ a few parts did feel slightly juvenile, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story or the overall direction it was going in 💕
there are 3 povs in the story - wynter, kieran, and another fmc niav 💭
niav’s backstory is explained well, yet i didn’t felt as attached to her as i wanted to be. to me somehow she felt more like wynter’s friend rather than a true fmc in her own right 🥹
the ending surprised me 😮 it felt quite abrupt and didn’t give me the sense of closure i was expecting. i definitely thought there would be more, which caught me off guard, but it also made me curious about what comes next.
overall i really enjoyed the world, the characters are interesting, and found the slow, very gentle, very cute romance especially charming 🖤 even with its flaws, it was a fun and satisfying reading experience, and i’m glad i picked it up 📖💫
i’m definitely very curious abt what comes next in the rest of this series!! 🥰🫶
January 1, 2026
Such a good book! The setting by and world building are interesting, and I really appreciated the way the author reveals things about the lore as the book progresses. There was no giant info dump at the beginning, the things you need to understand to understand the story are given to you one piece at a time.
The characters are all unique and interesting, the villains are designed in a way that makes you hate them for being evil but love them because they feel personable.
The main character, Wynter, is so neurodivergent coded. A huge part of her character is that she feels detached from reality and she has a hard time recognizing and understanding emotions in other people because she her self cannot feel them. There’s a really cute scene in the book where she asks her friends to show her what certain emotions look like and how to mimic them.
Then Wynter’s best friend Niev is kind of the opposite, her upbringing has caused her to need to learn how to read people well. It’s really interesting to see their different povs play out, because you’ll be reading Wynter’s, just enjoying the world building and story, and then boom you’ll switch to Niev’s and you’ll be like, wow I didn’t see all these other things where happening lol.
Overall a really fun read, no spice at all. The characters are fun and engaging and the world is interesting to discover.
The characters are all unique and interesting, the villains are designed in a way that makes you hate them for being evil but love them because they feel personable.
The main character, Wynter, is so neurodivergent coded. A huge part of her character is that she feels detached from reality and she has a hard time recognizing and understanding emotions in other people because she her self cannot feel them. There’s a really cute scene in the book where she asks her friends to show her what certain emotions look like and how to mimic them.
Then Wynter’s best friend Niev is kind of the opposite, her upbringing has caused her to need to learn how to read people well. It’s really interesting to see their different povs play out, because you’ll be reading Wynter’s, just enjoying the world building and story, and then boom you’ll switch to Niev’s and you’ll be like, wow I didn’t see all these other things where happening lol.
Overall a really fun read, no spice at all. The characters are fun and engaging and the world is interesting to discover.
December 13, 2025
I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been a beta reader and have received an advanced copy of The Ice Queen and The Keeper of Death from the author! 🫶
It’s time to give a standing ovation to The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death because this book is a Romantasy world masterpiece that forever will be a part of my heart and soul! 🥹❄️🩵 I have goosebumps going up and down my arms from everything about this beautiful and exquisite story and if I had the power to give this infinite stars I would because this is perfection. I’m currently crying hard in best way right now because getting to read this book for the second time as an ARC reader and seeing how much it has blossomed from the beta reader stage into the beautiful snowflake that it is truly is one of the most incredible things ever! 🫶 This book is going to be a sensation and I need this to become a movie because I need this on the big-screen! 😍❤️ In other words, I love this book with all of my being and am obsessed! 🫶
The world building is beautiful and incredible! ❤️ The combination of romantasy with Greek Mythology is such an epic combo. Isabella Stofka writes in such a way that it draws the reader in to the point that it felt like I was there experiencing everything the characters were. That’s how powerful the writing is! ❄️🩵 This book features three POVs and it was done so well! 😍 All of the characters who have POVs have such depth and I loved them all immensely! 🥹🫶 Don’t even get me started with characters I am shipping together because the chemistry, banter, and tension is off-the-charts so chef’s kiss! 🤭🔥 I legit have shipping names because that’s how invested I am but I won’t be sharing them on here because you need to read and find out because my lips are sealed! 🤫🤐 I will say that l went on the biggest rollercoaster ride of emotions while reading from happiness, ugly sobbing tears, laughter, anger, heartbreak, shock and needing book two in my life right now! 🥰❤️😭💔😱🙊🤯😂
If you love Romantasy books then this book is an absolute must-add to the TBR because it is beautiful and incredible beyond what my words could ever convey! 🫶
It’s time to give a standing ovation to The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death because this book is a Romantasy world masterpiece that forever will be a part of my heart and soul! 🥹❄️🩵 I have goosebumps going up and down my arms from everything about this beautiful and exquisite story and if I had the power to give this infinite stars I would because this is perfection. I’m currently crying hard in best way right now because getting to read this book for the second time as an ARC reader and seeing how much it has blossomed from the beta reader stage into the beautiful snowflake that it is truly is one of the most incredible things ever! 🫶 This book is going to be a sensation and I need this to become a movie because I need this on the big-screen! 😍❤️ In other words, I love this book with all of my being and am obsessed! 🫶
The world building is beautiful and incredible! ❤️ The combination of romantasy with Greek Mythology is such an epic combo. Isabella Stofka writes in such a way that it draws the reader in to the point that it felt like I was there experiencing everything the characters were. That’s how powerful the writing is! ❄️🩵 This book features three POVs and it was done so well! 😍 All of the characters who have POVs have such depth and I loved them all immensely! 🥹🫶 Don’t even get me started with characters I am shipping together because the chemistry, banter, and tension is off-the-charts so chef’s kiss! 🤭🔥 I legit have shipping names because that’s how invested I am but I won’t be sharing them on here because you need to read and find out because my lips are sealed! 🤫🤐 I will say that l went on the biggest rollercoaster ride of emotions while reading from happiness, ugly sobbing tears, laughter, anger, heartbreak, shock and needing book two in my life right now! 🥰❤️😭💔😱🙊🤯😂
If you love Romantasy books then this book is an absolute must-add to the TBR because it is beautiful and incredible beyond what my words could ever convey! 🫶
December 24, 2025
What makes a true monster?
Slow, but intentional.
This story questions morality. What is good and evil, are one's actions construed as either if they are naive in intent? What really makes one a monster?
It does so by following Wynter. An immortal being who knows nothing of her past. Her first memory one of drowning, as if she were born from the river and instantly told survive or die. Then freezing everything she touches. She lacks control or even the impulse to learn. Freezing her heart against the humanity who hunts her down, until Kieran. The first to give her a chance and ask her intent. She would make Elsa and Anna proud. A perfect mix of the sisters.
Wynter's world is diverse and larger than life. Grander than she. Full of a huge mythos it makes its own yet also with familiarity. Making it easy to understand while unique. Her little town is only the beginning and she's already mixed in with the fate of the rest without even knowing the stakes.
Very good read. Takes some time, but the characters are easy to like, full of mystery and easy to invest in. Left in cliffhanger but enough story is there, I am not completely mad about that.
Slow, but intentional.
This story questions morality. What is good and evil, are one's actions construed as either if they are naive in intent? What really makes one a monster?
It does so by following Wynter. An immortal being who knows nothing of her past. Her first memory one of drowning, as if she were born from the river and instantly told survive or die. Then freezing everything she touches. She lacks control or even the impulse to learn. Freezing her heart against the humanity who hunts her down, until Kieran. The first to give her a chance and ask her intent. She would make Elsa and Anna proud. A perfect mix of the sisters.
Wynter's world is diverse and larger than life. Grander than she. Full of a huge mythos it makes its own yet also with familiarity. Making it easy to understand while unique. Her little town is only the beginning and she's already mixed in with the fate of the rest without even knowing the stakes.
Very good read. Takes some time, but the characters are easy to like, full of mystery and easy to invest in. Left in cliffhanger but enough story is there, I am not completely mad about that.
December 29, 2025
When I tell you I absolutely love the Morally Grey band of villains!
Not to brag (totally bragging though🫣)
I was here for Bella's first book Curses Of Lavender (go and read that right now🫵) and I can't even string together enough words to describe how much I loved that book! So believe me when I tell you, The Ice Queen And The Keeper Of Death is just as amazing as Curses Of Lavender!
The book as a whole is very well paced
But that last 30% was incredibly exciting!
Normally I can see a twist coming but the twists in this book truly surprised me! I love Wynter so much, my girl is such an unbothered Queen😂 all of these characters are so interesting and unique, each character really stands on their own, and makes it sooo hard to choose a favorite!
You'll notice a theme with all of these reviews, and i must agree with them...WHAT WAS THAT ENDING!?!?
that is all, carry on🤗
Not to brag (totally bragging though🫣)
I was here for Bella's first book Curses Of Lavender (go and read that right now🫵) and I can't even string together enough words to describe how much I loved that book! So believe me when I tell you, The Ice Queen And The Keeper Of Death is just as amazing as Curses Of Lavender!
The book as a whole is very well paced
But that last 30% was incredibly exciting!
Normally I can see a twist coming but the twists in this book truly surprised me! I love Wynter so much, my girl is such an unbothered Queen😂 all of these characters are so interesting and unique, each character really stands on their own, and makes it sooo hard to choose a favorite!
You'll notice a theme with all of these reviews, and i must agree with them...WHAT WAS THAT ENDING!?!?
that is all, carry on🤗
December 27, 2025
I think this story has a lot of potential, but it needs editing. Too much time is spent on stuff that could be condensed down for the same effect. The world building is super shallow. The whole plot revolves around the history of the world but it is hard to really follow/understand in my opinion as I don't think enough basic information or history about the world/mythology is given.
And it just kind of abruptly ends. Literally turned the page and it's acknowledgments. It's like...the part of the movie where you just discovered the big bad and he shoves you in a closet to go do his bag bad plan and instead of the movie continuing with our heroes coming up with a plan and going after the big bad...it ended. I feel the author could have dropped/condensed 20 chapters and just finished the story.
And it just kind of abruptly ends. Literally turned the page and it's acknowledgments. It's like...the part of the movie where you just discovered the big bad and he shoves you in a closet to go do his bag bad plan and instead of the movie continuing with our heroes coming up with a plan and going after the big bad...it ended. I feel the author could have dropped/condensed 20 chapters and just finished the story.
December 29, 2025
This Greek mythology inspired fantasy was filled with elemental type magic, found family, mysteries, secrets, and the glimmerings of hope to spark change in the midst of darkness.
Wynter has spent her immortal existence running from town to town, as the mortal humans try to hunt her down. All she wishes for is to live alone and in peace. Niav, a highly trained assassin known as Death’s Shadow, flees the captor king who used her as his weapon, after the king destroyed all that she loved. All she wants is her newly found family of immortals to stay together. When Evander, the mysterious yet ruthless immortal with magical red mist that inflicts pain, coerces our group of immortals to join him on a quest that he claims would give them all what they truly want, they agree. But they never expect things to turn in a wildly sinister direction, nor do they plan on meeting a mortal rebel named Kieran, who starts to thaw the ice encapsulating the Ice Queen’s heart.
This story held me captivated the entire time, and I absolutely loved Wynter! An emotionless Elsa, with the power to create frozen objects out of images from her thoughts, and everything ice power related? I’m sold. And Lachlan, our immortal gifted with the ability to not be harmed by swords, knives, or anything for that matter (except cold air lol) is my fave too. The banter that flickers between Death’s Shadow and Death? Absolute perfection.
I cannot wait to read the next one in this series!
Romantic Content: ❌ No Spice
TW: Death of Parents (Not Described), Battle Violence, Torture, Revenge, Regret, Remorse, Betrayal, Explicit Swearing Scattered Rarely Throughout
Wynter has spent her immortal existence running from town to town, as the mortal humans try to hunt her down. All she wishes for is to live alone and in peace. Niav, a highly trained assassin known as Death’s Shadow, flees the captor king who used her as his weapon, after the king destroyed all that she loved. All she wants is her newly found family of immortals to stay together. When Evander, the mysterious yet ruthless immortal with magical red mist that inflicts pain, coerces our group of immortals to join him on a quest that he claims would give them all what they truly want, they agree. But they never expect things to turn in a wildly sinister direction, nor do they plan on meeting a mortal rebel named Kieran, who starts to thaw the ice encapsulating the Ice Queen’s heart.
This story held me captivated the entire time, and I absolutely loved Wynter! An emotionless Elsa, with the power to create frozen objects out of images from her thoughts, and everything ice power related? I’m sold. And Lachlan, our immortal gifted with the ability to not be harmed by swords, knives, or anything for that matter (except cold air lol) is my fave too. The banter that flickers between Death’s Shadow and Death? Absolute perfection.
I cannot wait to read the next one in this series!
Romantic Content: ❌ No Spice
TW: Death of Parents (Not Described), Battle Violence, Torture, Revenge, Regret, Remorse, Betrayal, Explicit Swearing Scattered Rarely Throughout
December 29, 2025
❄️🪓⚜️🕯📖
The dark and cosy fairytale theme of this book made for the most spectacular backdrop to this tale. The authors storytelling was just enchanting and the mythology inspired lore was the most perfect divine touch.
The landscapes were described absolutely beautifully, and every scene was so atmospheric.
I vividly remember the first scene of this story that began in a lake and how completely cinematic it felt.
I was immediately drawn into the world and felt like I was experiencing it right alongside the characters.
The theme of this book had the same magical vibe to Disney's Frozen and reminded me of the darkness and tragedy of Jack Frost's tale in the Rise of the Guardians movie. Combined with the Pandora's Box inspired retelling and the gods and mythology, this book was such an adventure and so intriguing.
I thought the world building was absolutely incredible and unbelievably immersive. I did find however that a lot of the lore behind the gods and history of the world was fed to the reader through longer monologues and storytelling, which got a bit repetitive after a while.
I expected this to be a romantasy based on the advertising, and while that may be developed further in the next book, the relationship between Wynter and Kieran felt mostly platonic in nature in this one, which was a bit disappointing.
I love a good slow burn and did feel a strong bond between them. I think this was done particularly well considering one of Wynter's traits is that she does not feel emotion. This made the pull she had towards Kieran all the more intriguing.
Their connection still had good emotional depth and felt like a beautiful friendship forming, so I don't feel too disappointed, but I would have loved more romance and especially yearning to heighten the stakes.
Wynter was fascinating, and I thought her characterisation was done brilliantly and was so fitting. She was unique and complex, and she had the perfect stoic personality I was looking forward to reading. I loved the flashback scenes we got of her and would have enjoyed even more.
Kieran was also a really wonderful character, and I appreciated the softness he had to him. The 'enemies to lovers' (which I found lacking) aspect between them stemmed from a place of misunderstanding, and I loved how compassionate and empathetic Kieran was towards Wynter. The way he truly saw her was beautiful.
Their forbidden bond was excellent and remains one of my favourite tropes in fantasy books.
The humanisation and exploration of the immortals motives and trauma was executed so well and added so much depth to each character.
We got POV's from Niav as a secondary main character, and I only wish we could have gotten something of Lachlan too as he felt a bit left out.
Each of our immortal villains were forced into the role of villain and made into outcasts due to their differences, and I loved seeing how they all adapted to this. They were each battling demons throughout the story and all handled persecution differently.
The theme of hope throughout this tale was a beautiful one and I felt a deep ache for the characters battles and the way they fought - as well as failed at times - to do the 'good' or 'right' thing.
There were so many layers to this story, and I loved the balance of the light and the dark.
I do wish we could have seen more small acts of rebellion from our rebel group to add tension and some more excitement to the plot, as I did find the pacing at times to be a bit slow and at a lull.
Quite all at once things took off and began to unravel, which I found to be a little disorientating, especially as our main characters were following along blindly and didn't know what was happening. It felt in character for Wynter to not care to ask questions, but out of character for what we knew of Niav and Lachlan.
Overall, the intricate details of this story made for such an immersive reading experience. The characters past lives as immortals were built upon really well and had great backstory to them. There was so much attention to detail, and while some things at times felt almost a little too much, this book was a solid foundation for this mysterious tale to unfold.
♥︎ my favourite quotes ♥︎
"Wynter had always thought she was too different to ever belong."
"Ice can burn, and when it does, its bite is more painful than any flame."
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book! 🩵
* I received a free e-arc of this book for the purpose of review, however, this review is voluntary, and all opinions within are my completely honest thoughts *
The dark and cosy fairytale theme of this book made for the most spectacular backdrop to this tale. The authors storytelling was just enchanting and the mythology inspired lore was the most perfect divine touch.
The landscapes were described absolutely beautifully, and every scene was so atmospheric.
I vividly remember the first scene of this story that began in a lake and how completely cinematic it felt.
I was immediately drawn into the world and felt like I was experiencing it right alongside the characters.
The theme of this book had the same magical vibe to Disney's Frozen and reminded me of the darkness and tragedy of Jack Frost's tale in the Rise of the Guardians movie. Combined with the Pandora's Box inspired retelling and the gods and mythology, this book was such an adventure and so intriguing.
I thought the world building was absolutely incredible and unbelievably immersive. I did find however that a lot of the lore behind the gods and history of the world was fed to the reader through longer monologues and storytelling, which got a bit repetitive after a while.
I expected this to be a romantasy based on the advertising, and while that may be developed further in the next book, the relationship between Wynter and Kieran felt mostly platonic in nature in this one, which was a bit disappointing.
I love a good slow burn and did feel a strong bond between them. I think this was done particularly well considering one of Wynter's traits is that she does not feel emotion. This made the pull she had towards Kieran all the more intriguing.
Their connection still had good emotional depth and felt like a beautiful friendship forming, so I don't feel too disappointed, but I would have loved more romance and especially yearning to heighten the stakes.
Wynter was fascinating, and I thought her characterisation was done brilliantly and was so fitting. She was unique and complex, and she had the perfect stoic personality I was looking forward to reading. I loved the flashback scenes we got of her and would have enjoyed even more.
Kieran was also a really wonderful character, and I appreciated the softness he had to him. The 'enemies to lovers' (which I found lacking) aspect between them stemmed from a place of misunderstanding, and I loved how compassionate and empathetic Kieran was towards Wynter. The way he truly saw her was beautiful.
Their forbidden bond was excellent and remains one of my favourite tropes in fantasy books.
The humanisation and exploration of the immortals motives and trauma was executed so well and added so much depth to each character.
We got POV's from Niav as a secondary main character, and I only wish we could have gotten something of Lachlan too as he felt a bit left out.
Each of our immortal villains were forced into the role of villain and made into outcasts due to their differences, and I loved seeing how they all adapted to this. They were each battling demons throughout the story and all handled persecution differently.
The theme of hope throughout this tale was a beautiful one and I felt a deep ache for the characters battles and the way they fought - as well as failed at times - to do the 'good' or 'right' thing.
There were so many layers to this story, and I loved the balance of the light and the dark.
I do wish we could have seen more small acts of rebellion from our rebel group to add tension and some more excitement to the plot, as I did find the pacing at times to be a bit slow and at a lull.
Quite all at once things took off and began to unravel, which I found to be a little disorientating, especially as our main characters were following along blindly and didn't know what was happening. It felt in character for Wynter to not care to ask questions, but out of character for what we knew of Niav and Lachlan.
Overall, the intricate details of this story made for such an immersive reading experience. The characters past lives as immortals were built upon really well and had great backstory to them. There was so much attention to detail, and while some things at times felt almost a little too much, this book was a solid foundation for this mysterious tale to unfold.
♥︎ my favourite quotes ♥︎
"Wynter had always thought she was too different to ever belong."
"Ice can burn, and when it does, its bite is more painful than any flame."
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader for this book! 🩵
* I received a free e-arc of this book for the purpose of review, however, this review is voluntary, and all opinions within are my completely honest thoughts *
Review of advance copy received from Author
I knew I was going to love this book the moment I started seeing it advertised on Instagram.
Isabella Stofka pitches this NA romantasy as an “icy spin on Pandora’s Box” with a cast of immortals who give Disney’s Descendants vibes. It was the latter comparison that drew me in, but I absolutely stayed for the story. I was drawn in from those first pages and held on right until the end — where I turned the page expecting more only to be faced with the reality that I’d been hit with a killer cliffhanger! But don’t let that scare you away. It’s a great read, and here’s why!
Wynter, Evander, Niav, and Lachlan definitely remind me of my favourite foursome of villains, but they’re different enough to make them standout characters in their own right, so don’t be swayed if you didn’t enjoy the movies! Wynter, also known as the Ice Queen, is a girl known for her icy powers and steel heart, the latter of which prevents her from feeling any sort of emotion; Niav is an ex-assassin with the abilities to turn invisible and phase through solid objects; Lachlan has been gifted impenetrable skin, which is lucky for him, since he loves to annoy Niav; and Evander has the ability to inflict pure pain on anyone he so chooses. Together, these four immortals terrorise the local town.
But after a brutal incident with the immortals leaves several of the townspeople dead, the townspeoples’ children decide its finally time to put a stop to the immortals and take back their town.
Enter Kieran — recently orphaned woodchopper intent on getting revenge.
I loved this book. Loved it!
That said, there were of course things I wish had been done better — so let’s get one thing out of the way.
I wish there’d been more to the rebellion in the earlier parts of the book. We hear about their existence, and we get a glimpse into something they’re researching, but we don’t really get much of a feel for them until much later in the novel, when we finally experience our first meeting. I wish there’d been more of a sense of secrecy, more of an urgency to keep their group a secret. As it is, it felt more like a high school gang talking about a group project, right there out in the open for anyone to hear. It gave me the impression these kids weren’t very bright — and for some of them, that sentiment remained.
All right, enough negative. Let’s get to the good stuff!
First off, the characters. I loved them. I loved the main four. I loved Kieran. And I’m an absolute sucker for foxes, so you know I loved Seren! The immortals in particular I really enjoyed. Found family is one of my absolute favourite tropes, and if a gang of immortals coming together so they’re not alone in the world doesn’t fit that bill, I don’t know what does. I loved that Wynter couldn’t feel emotion; I loved that Niav has a love of baking. I loved that Lachlan can’t stand the cold but does it anyway because Wynter loves it, and I loved that Evander can be a sassy little bitch! Kieran took time to grow on me, but he got there. Seren requires no notes. Fox. That is all.
The world building here was wonderful. I’ll admit I’d have to do another readthrough to try to fully grasp everything, but this world was so fleshed out that I almost want a whole separate guidebook on it all — the three kingdoms, the wars of the past, the gods and goddesses, the Undying Lands. Every time I thought we’d had everything covered, another story cropped up to add to the lore, and I loved it! I’m a sucker for mythology, and you’ll find it sprinkled throughout this book in a number of ways. If you go in only expecting Pandora’s Box, you’re in for a surprise! I won’t mention what else I picked up on here, because I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone.
Despite the fact that it looks like we’ll be getting a sequel, I do wish this one had been longer or split into two parts itself. There were sections I wish had been more fleshed out, and characters I wish had been given more time to develop (looking at you, Kaylyn) instead of their motives being made so obvious. A lot happens in this novel — and I mean a lot — and there’s a very clear break in the story that I think would have been the perfect place to end it and start the second novel. But this is Stofka’s story, not mine, and I loved it regardless.
If you’re a fan of fantasy worlds, characters that dance the line between good and evil, and twists you won���t see coming, this is definitely the novel for you.
Isabella Stofka pitches this NA romantasy as an “icy spin on Pandora’s Box” with a cast of immortals who give Disney’s Descendants vibes. It was the latter comparison that drew me in, but I absolutely stayed for the story. I was drawn in from those first pages and held on right until the end — where I turned the page expecting more only to be faced with the reality that I’d been hit with a killer cliffhanger! But don’t let that scare you away. It’s a great read, and here’s why!
Wynter, Evander, Niav, and Lachlan definitely remind me of my favourite foursome of villains, but they’re different enough to make them standout characters in their own right, so don’t be swayed if you didn’t enjoy the movies! Wynter, also known as the Ice Queen, is a girl known for her icy powers and steel heart, the latter of which prevents her from feeling any sort of emotion; Niav is an ex-assassin with the abilities to turn invisible and phase through solid objects; Lachlan has been gifted impenetrable skin, which is lucky for him, since he loves to annoy Niav; and Evander has the ability to inflict pure pain on anyone he so chooses. Together, these four immortals terrorise the local town.
But after a brutal incident with the immortals leaves several of the townspeople dead, the townspeoples’ children decide its finally time to put a stop to the immortals and take back their town.
Enter Kieran — recently orphaned woodchopper intent on getting revenge.
I loved this book. Loved it!
That said, there were of course things I wish had been done better — so let’s get one thing out of the way.
I wish there’d been more to the rebellion in the earlier parts of the book. We hear about their existence, and we get a glimpse into something they’re researching, but we don’t really get much of a feel for them until much later in the novel, when we finally experience our first meeting. I wish there’d been more of a sense of secrecy, more of an urgency to keep their group a secret. As it is, it felt more like a high school gang talking about a group project, right there out in the open for anyone to hear. It gave me the impression these kids weren’t very bright — and for some of them, that sentiment remained.
All right, enough negative. Let’s get to the good stuff!
First off, the characters. I loved them. I loved the main four. I loved Kieran. And I’m an absolute sucker for foxes, so you know I loved Seren! The immortals in particular I really enjoyed. Found family is one of my absolute favourite tropes, and if a gang of immortals coming together so they’re not alone in the world doesn’t fit that bill, I don’t know what does. I loved that Wynter couldn’t feel emotion; I loved that Niav has a love of baking. I loved that Lachlan can’t stand the cold but does it anyway because Wynter loves it, and I loved that Evander can be a sassy little bitch! Kieran took time to grow on me, but he got there. Seren requires no notes. Fox. That is all.
The world building here was wonderful. I’ll admit I’d have to do another readthrough to try to fully grasp everything, but this world was so fleshed out that I almost want a whole separate guidebook on it all — the three kingdoms, the wars of the past, the gods and goddesses, the Undying Lands. Every time I thought we’d had everything covered, another story cropped up to add to the lore, and I loved it! I’m a sucker for mythology, and you’ll find it sprinkled throughout this book in a number of ways. If you go in only expecting Pandora’s Box, you’re in for a surprise! I won’t mention what else I picked up on here, because I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone.
Despite the fact that it looks like we’ll be getting a sequel, I do wish this one had been longer or split into two parts itself. There were sections I wish had been more fleshed out, and characters I wish had been given more time to develop (looking at you, Kaylyn) instead of their motives being made so obvious. A lot happens in this novel — and I mean a lot — and there’s a very clear break in the story that I think would have been the perfect place to end it and start the second novel. But this is Stofka’s story, not mine, and I loved it regardless.
If you’re a fan of fantasy worlds, characters that dance the line between good and evil, and twists you won���t see coming, this is definitely the novel for you.
December 31, 2025
This is a story I ultimately enjoyed as a whole. Its strengths lie in its intricate plot, expansive worldbuilding, and the breadth of its cast. It succeeds largely because of the distinct tone, structure, and thematic choices it commits to, even when some individual elements feel imperfect. These imperfections did not take away from my overall enjoyment, but rather shaped the kind of reading experience the story set out to deliver.
One of the book’s defining features is its deeply flawed cast. None of the characters are presented as idealized heroes pushed toward greatness; instead, they are shaped by long lives, complicated histories, and morally complex choices. I appreciated this approach and, for the most part, found their personality flaws understandable and even fitting within the context of the story. These imperfections clearly serve a narrative purpose, though at times they are emphasized more strongly to move the plot along. In some moments, character decisions felt guided more by the needs of the story than by organic emotional progression, though this seems aligned with the author’s broader storytelling style.
The book unfolds at a slow pace, which works well for immersing the reader in its lore-heavy world. There are moments where key information, particularly regarding character histories and motivations, is intentionally held back. This approach reinforces the sense of mystery and long history surrounding the characters, though many of these revelations arrive later in the story. As a result, character development and emotional shifts feel more concentrated toward the end rather than gradually unfolding throughout. While this structure ultimately comes together, I found myself wishing some of that growth had been explored earlier to deepen the emotional impact.
The book’s primary focus is clearly on worldbuilding and lore, and in this regard it is quite successful. The setting feels vast, layered, and rich with history. Through shared experiences and past events, the reader gains a solid understanding of the characters’ motivations, worldviews, and personal stakes. The story prioritizes atmosphere and mythology over interpersonal dynamics. Stronger relationships earlier on could have added another layer of tension and investment, complementing the already robust worldbuilding. Despite these observations, I did enjoy the characters and found them intriguing. I simply wished they had been explored in greater depth. The mortal rebel Keiran's perspective grounded the narrative and provided emotional clarity, which made his reduced presence later on more noticeable. I hope his role, along with those of the other main characters, is expanded in future installments, because that ending really left me hanging for more and I am hoping he has a role to play.
In the end, the story comes together effectively. The plot comes together cohesively (though not resolved), the world feels more realized, and the thematic intentions are clear. While I personally would have enjoyed a stronger emphasis on character relationships and emotional development earlier in the novel, these choices reflect a deliberate focus on lore and long-form storytelling. Overall, the book left me interested in the series and hopeful to see these characters further developed in the next installment.
One of the book’s defining features is its deeply flawed cast. None of the characters are presented as idealized heroes pushed toward greatness; instead, they are shaped by long lives, complicated histories, and morally complex choices. I appreciated this approach and, for the most part, found their personality flaws understandable and even fitting within the context of the story. These imperfections clearly serve a narrative purpose, though at times they are emphasized more strongly to move the plot along. In some moments, character decisions felt guided more by the needs of the story than by organic emotional progression, though this seems aligned with the author’s broader storytelling style.
The book unfolds at a slow pace, which works well for immersing the reader in its lore-heavy world. There are moments where key information, particularly regarding character histories and motivations, is intentionally held back. This approach reinforces the sense of mystery and long history surrounding the characters, though many of these revelations arrive later in the story. As a result, character development and emotional shifts feel more concentrated toward the end rather than gradually unfolding throughout. While this structure ultimately comes together, I found myself wishing some of that growth had been explored earlier to deepen the emotional impact.
The book’s primary focus is clearly on worldbuilding and lore, and in this regard it is quite successful. The setting feels vast, layered, and rich with history. Through shared experiences and past events, the reader gains a solid understanding of the characters’ motivations, worldviews, and personal stakes. The story prioritizes atmosphere and mythology over interpersonal dynamics. Stronger relationships earlier on could have added another layer of tension and investment, complementing the already robust worldbuilding. Despite these observations, I did enjoy the characters and found them intriguing. I simply wished they had been explored in greater depth. The mortal rebel Keiran's perspective grounded the narrative and provided emotional clarity, which made his reduced presence later on more noticeable. I hope his role, along with those of the other main characters, is expanded in future installments, because that ending really left me hanging for more and I am hoping he has a role to play.
In the end, the story comes together effectively. The plot comes together cohesively (though not resolved), the world feels more realized, and the thematic intentions are clear. While I personally would have enjoyed a stronger emphasis on character relationships and emotional development earlier in the novel, these choices reflect a deliberate focus on lore and long-form storytelling. Overall, the book left me interested in the series and hopeful to see these characters further developed in the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓯𝔂𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯 𝓪𝓵𝓵, 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓪 𝓽𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓸𝓶—𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓰𝓸 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴.
I’d love to thank the author, Isabella, for writing such a beautiful story and for giving me the opportunity to ARC read her book. Honestly, she ATE and left no crumbs 🩵
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and I still can’t believe it’s already Bella’s second published book. I’m just so proud of her. You can really see how much she’s grown as a writer and it shows in every page 🥹
The world-building is AWE-FREAKING-SOME ❤️ From the very first page, I was hooked. Not a single dull moment. The lore of the gods, mortals, and immortals was poetic, immersive, and beautifully layered. I felt completely pulled into the world she created. The multi-POV was written so well, and the morally gray characters kept me fully invested. Are they complex? Yes. Will they keep you hooked? Absolutely 😮💨
Wynter is such an interesting character. She’s complicated, a little misunderstood, and not capable of showing emotions, but she’s beautiful inside and out. Her loneliness was palpable and heartbreaking. Even though she can’t fully feel, she’s still compassionate, kind, and selfless in ways that matter most 😭
Kieran gave full golden retriever energy throughout the book, and it made me giggle more times than I can count 🙈 He’s fair, just, and always looks for the good in people. He truly believes that anyone who wants to save themselves deserves a chance. He’s brave, loyal, and would go to any length for those he loves. And the way he blushed every time he was around Wynter? It was adorable 🤭
Wynter and Kieran’s slow-burn romance was everything I hoped for. Longing looks, shared stories, quiet moments, and growing feelings that unfolded so naturally. And Seren being the absolute cutie she is? Them as a little family would be everything 🥹🩶
Niav is a certified badass. She’s the kind of friend everyone deserves. Fiercely protective, insanely skilled in the kitchen, and deadly with knives. She’ll kill first and ask questions later 🔥 Lachlan is the happy-go-lucky one, but like everyone else, he has secrets. He looks out for his friends in his own way, and I loved that about him 🙂↔️ Evander, though… at one point gave me major “I can fix him” vibes. After that ending? I’m not so sure anymore 🤫
I need book two ASAP. I need answers. I need to know what happens next!! 😭
If you love reverse grumpy × sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, found family, gods, rebellion, slow-burn romance, and morally gray characters… this is your sign. Go read it ❤️🔥✨
I’d love to thank the author, Isabella, for writing such a beautiful story and for giving me the opportunity to ARC read her book. Honestly, she ATE and left no crumbs 🩵
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and I still can’t believe it’s already Bella’s second published book. I’m just so proud of her. You can really see how much she’s grown as a writer and it shows in every page 🥹
The world-building is AWE-FREAKING-SOME ❤️ From the very first page, I was hooked. Not a single dull moment. The lore of the gods, mortals, and immortals was poetic, immersive, and beautifully layered. I felt completely pulled into the world she created. The multi-POV was written so well, and the morally gray characters kept me fully invested. Are they complex? Yes. Will they keep you hooked? Absolutely 😮💨
Wynter is such an interesting character. She’s complicated, a little misunderstood, and not capable of showing emotions, but she’s beautiful inside and out. Her loneliness was palpable and heartbreaking. Even though she can’t fully feel, she’s still compassionate, kind, and selfless in ways that matter most 😭
Kieran gave full golden retriever energy throughout the book, and it made me giggle more times than I can count 🙈 He’s fair, just, and always looks for the good in people. He truly believes that anyone who wants to save themselves deserves a chance. He’s brave, loyal, and would go to any length for those he loves. And the way he blushed every time he was around Wynter? It was adorable 🤭
Wynter and Kieran’s slow-burn romance was everything I hoped for. Longing looks, shared stories, quiet moments, and growing feelings that unfolded so naturally. And Seren being the absolute cutie she is? Them as a little family would be everything 🥹🩶
Niav is a certified badass. She’s the kind of friend everyone deserves. Fiercely protective, insanely skilled in the kitchen, and deadly with knives. She’ll kill first and ask questions later 🔥 Lachlan is the happy-go-lucky one, but like everyone else, he has secrets. He looks out for his friends in his own way, and I loved that about him 🙂↔️ Evander, though… at one point gave me major “I can fix him” vibes. After that ending? I’m not so sure anymore 🤫
I need book two ASAP. I need answers. I need to know what happens next!! 😭
If you love reverse grumpy × sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, found family, gods, rebellion, slow-burn romance, and morally gray characters… this is your sign. Go read it ❤️🔥✨
December 21, 2025
I finished this book a few days ago and just had to sit on it before attempting a review. The ending left me in total shock. The only thoughts I could process were, “Wow . . . Oh my God . . . Ahhhh! What?!” I say this in the best way possible, because the novel was honestly fantastic, and the cliffhanger has me desperate for book two!
The book is marketed as a Pandora’s box retelling, which is what got me interested. I’m obsessed with all things Greek Mythology. And while, yes it is a retelling of sorts, we definitely don’t get to that plot point until the latter part of the story. But that’s okay! Stofka’s world is uniquely its own. It’s cold and cruel, but also full of wonder, magic, and mystery - much like the Ice Queen herself.
That being said, a lot of the story is very character driven. The novel opens on a group of four immortals collecting tribute from a small town. They are harsh and cruel overlords, and the townspeople are terrified. That’s how they are presented, but there is more than what meets the eye. As the tale progresses, we get more of each character’s backstory, more of their personality, and a better understanding of thoughts and emotions that drive their actions. I don’t want to give away too much, but maybe Wynter - the Ice Queen known for her heart of steel - isn’t as emotionless as once believed.
I had a lot of fun with the story. It’s different from most books I’ve read. The beginning half gives cozy vibes, but the last quarter gets pretty dark fast. There is an element of budding romance, but it didn’t overpower the story. Instead, we see a much bigger emphasis on ideas of friendship and self discovery (which I personally loved). The characters are a lot more complex than they first seem, which keeps things interesting.
The only thing I wish there was more of was the rebellion. We know the townspeople were unhappy and looking for a way to get rid of the immortals. We know Kieran was a part of this group. But I just feel like we only got a small taste of everything the rebellion was up to. Maybe we will see more from that storyline in the second installment?
Thank you to Isabella Stofka for the eARC of The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death! All thoughts are my own.
The book is marketed as a Pandora’s box retelling, which is what got me interested. I’m obsessed with all things Greek Mythology. And while, yes it is a retelling of sorts, we definitely don’t get to that plot point until the latter part of the story. But that’s okay! Stofka’s world is uniquely its own. It’s cold and cruel, but also full of wonder, magic, and mystery - much like the Ice Queen herself.
That being said, a lot of the story is very character driven. The novel opens on a group of four immortals collecting tribute from a small town. They are harsh and cruel overlords, and the townspeople are terrified. That’s how they are presented, but there is more than what meets the eye. As the tale progresses, we get more of each character’s backstory, more of their personality, and a better understanding of thoughts and emotions that drive their actions. I don’t want to give away too much, but maybe Wynter - the Ice Queen known for her heart of steel - isn’t as emotionless as once believed.
I had a lot of fun with the story. It’s different from most books I’ve read. The beginning half gives cozy vibes, but the last quarter gets pretty dark fast. There is an element of budding romance, but it didn’t overpower the story. Instead, we see a much bigger emphasis on ideas of friendship and self discovery (which I personally loved). The characters are a lot more complex than they first seem, which keeps things interesting.
The only thing I wish there was more of was the rebellion. We know the townspeople were unhappy and looking for a way to get rid of the immortals. We know Kieran was a part of this group. But I just feel like we only got a small taste of everything the rebellion was up to. Maybe we will see more from that storyline in the second installment?
Thank you to Isabella Stofka for the eARC of The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death! All thoughts are my own.
December 15, 2025
Holy hell. This book was an absolute rollercoaster.
This is the second romantasy ARC I’ve read in a row where the fantasy world is the main focus and the romance exists as a yearning slow-burn subplot, and I’m really enjoying that.
The story follows three MCs: Wynter, Niav, and Kieran. I loved experiencing the story through all of their POVs. Seeing events unfold from such different perspectives added so much depth, especially because we get to learn about their unique pasts and motivations. I also massively appreciate that Niav, a deadly assassin likes to bake. The world-building is excellent. Even though I was curled up at home under a blanket, the icy, snow-covered setting genuinely gave me chills. This is the perfect winter read.
One of my favorite aspects is how the script is flipped when it came to the MCs. Wynter and Niav, the FMCs, are immortals, while the MMC, Kieran is mortal, but much of the story is told through the immortals’ perspectives. I’m especially intrigued by Lachlan and Evander (the other immortals who live with Wynter and Niav) and can’t wait to learn more about them. I also love the different kinds of powers all the immortals have. They are as deadly as they are unique.
The mythological aspects are also incredibly detailed. I found myself flipping back to the beginning more than once just to keep track of the gods mentioned. She definitely put a lot of thought into the lore. It’s marketed as a loose Pandora’s Box retelling, and while I didn’t fully see it at first, everything clicked during the final third of the book. Once it did, it made so much sense.
Fair warning: this ends on a massive cliffhanger. But I’m fully invested and dying to see where this goes next. If you love mythology and are craving a fantasy that breaks away from the copy and paste formula, you’ll want to pick this one up. And the best part is that it releases in just one week.
This is the second romantasy ARC I’ve read in a row where the fantasy world is the main focus and the romance exists as a yearning slow-burn subplot, and I’m really enjoying that.
The story follows three MCs: Wynter, Niav, and Kieran. I loved experiencing the story through all of their POVs. Seeing events unfold from such different perspectives added so much depth, especially because we get to learn about their unique pasts and motivations. I also massively appreciate that Niav, a deadly assassin likes to bake. The world-building is excellent. Even though I was curled up at home under a blanket, the icy, snow-covered setting genuinely gave me chills. This is the perfect winter read.
One of my favorite aspects is how the script is flipped when it came to the MCs. Wynter and Niav, the FMCs, are immortals, while the MMC, Kieran is mortal, but much of the story is told through the immortals’ perspectives. I’m especially intrigued by Lachlan and Evander (the other immortals who live with Wynter and Niav) and can’t wait to learn more about them. I also love the different kinds of powers all the immortals have. They are as deadly as they are unique.
The mythological aspects are also incredibly detailed. I found myself flipping back to the beginning more than once just to keep track of the gods mentioned. She definitely put a lot of thought into the lore. It’s marketed as a loose Pandora’s Box retelling, and while I didn’t fully see it at first, everything clicked during the final third of the book. Once it did, it made so much sense.
Fair warning: this ends on a massive cliffhanger. But I’m fully invested and dying to see where this goes next. If you love mythology and are craving a fantasy that breaks away from the copy and paste formula, you’ll want to pick this one up. And the best part is that it releases in just one week.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
If I had to sum this book up in one sentence: the cliffhanger quite literally cleaved my soul in two.
I am beyond shook by that ending. I need Book Two immediately. How am I supposed to continue living a normal, functioning life after that ending? 😳😭
Isabella Stofka is a mastermind storyteller. The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death is rich in lore, drama, chaos, and villains you can’t help but root for (not you, Evander). From the very first chapter, I was completely enchanted, and the grip this story had on me never loosened.
The enemies-to-lovers twist is elite, the hero and the villain falling in love adds such a delicious layer of tension, heartbreak, and longing. This story takes you on more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, except instead of safely bringing you back down, it leaves you suspended mid-air, breathless and screaming for more.😍
The found friendships between Death’s Shadow, the Ice Queen, and Lachlan absolutely stole my heart, and the budding romance was tender, emotional, and quietly devastating in the best way. As someone who loves superhero stories and mythology, this hit every single sweet spot. Think Elsa meets Deadpool meets Katana! All your favorites in one place with a beautiful and brilliantly written storyline, deathly creatures, wicked villains, perfectly timed humor that had me laughing out loud, plot twists I never saw coming, and an ending that had me flipping pages like a feral gremlin wondering where the rest of the story went and desperately wanting more!
The stories-within-stories pull you deeper and deeper until you’re fully submerged. The world-building is lush and immersive, the kind that makes you want to climb inside the pages and live there, consequences and all.
If you’re looking for a romantasy that’s unique, spellbinding, and leaves you gasping for more… this is it.
10/10!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to be an early reader on this magical and beautiful story!
If I had to sum this book up in one sentence: the cliffhanger quite literally cleaved my soul in two.
I am beyond shook by that ending. I need Book Two immediately. How am I supposed to continue living a normal, functioning life after that ending? 😳😭
Isabella Stofka is a mastermind storyteller. The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death is rich in lore, drama, chaos, and villains you can’t help but root for (not you, Evander). From the very first chapter, I was completely enchanted, and the grip this story had on me never loosened.
The enemies-to-lovers twist is elite, the hero and the villain falling in love adds such a delicious layer of tension, heartbreak, and longing. This story takes you on more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, except instead of safely bringing you back down, it leaves you suspended mid-air, breathless and screaming for more.😍
The found friendships between Death’s Shadow, the Ice Queen, and Lachlan absolutely stole my heart, and the budding romance was tender, emotional, and quietly devastating in the best way. As someone who loves superhero stories and mythology, this hit every single sweet spot. Think Elsa meets Deadpool meets Katana! All your favorites in one place with a beautiful and brilliantly written storyline, deathly creatures, wicked villains, perfectly timed humor that had me laughing out loud, plot twists I never saw coming, and an ending that had me flipping pages like a feral gremlin wondering where the rest of the story went and desperately wanting more!
The stories-within-stories pull you deeper and deeper until you’re fully submerged. The world-building is lush and immersive, the kind that makes you want to climb inside the pages and live there, consequences and all.
If you’re looking for a romantasy that’s unique, spellbinding, and leaves you gasping for more… this is it.
10/10!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to be an early reader on this magical and beautiful story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Ice Queen And The Keeper Of Death by Isabella Stofka is a dark Winter inspired romantasy filled with shocking plot twists,morally grey characters,and stunning world building.❄️
The author Mrs.Stofka has created a unique Greek mythology inspired Pandora's box retelling with a misunderstood morally grey fmc with magic ice powers.❄️ The fmc Wynter is strong,caring,and resourceful.
The world building is very detailed with elements of foreshadowing that readers will have fun trying to figure out the mystery about who or what is Pandora's box?👀 Mrs.Stofka is a natural storyteller that always writes from the heart.
The found family trope is written perfectly,and shows that friendships can last for years. All of the characters each have their own motives, flaws,and backstories that are important to the story's plot.
The romance is a slow burn with cute grumpy × sunshine moments. There's also another romance which is an enemies to lovers that is hinted at.
I have said this once, and I will say it again when Mrs.Stofka writes an ending she always goes all out with top tier plot twists that reader's will never see coming.
Reader who love dark Wintery romantasy's with these tropes should definitely add this story to their tbrs:
1.Found family
2.Morally grey characters
3.Enemies to lovers
4.Multi pov's
5.Greek mythology
6.Retellings specifically Pandora's box.
7.Slow burn
8.Grumpy Elsa inspired fmc x sunshine mmc.
9.Unique magic powers.
Thank you Mrs.Stofka for the opportunity to read another one of your beautiful stories.❄️
The Ice Queen And The Keeper Of Death by Isabella Stofka will be released tomorrow December 21st, 2025.❄️
The author Mrs.Stofka has created a unique Greek mythology inspired Pandora's box retelling with a misunderstood morally grey fmc with magic ice powers.❄️ The fmc Wynter is strong,caring,and resourceful.
The world building is very detailed with elements of foreshadowing that readers will have fun trying to figure out the mystery about who or what is Pandora's box?👀 Mrs.Stofka is a natural storyteller that always writes from the heart.
The found family trope is written perfectly,and shows that friendships can last for years. All of the characters each have their own motives, flaws,and backstories that are important to the story's plot.
The romance is a slow burn with cute grumpy × sunshine moments. There's also another romance which is an enemies to lovers that is hinted at.
I have said this once, and I will say it again when Mrs.Stofka writes an ending she always goes all out with top tier plot twists that reader's will never see coming.
Reader who love dark Wintery romantasy's with these tropes should definitely add this story to their tbrs:
1.Found family
2.Morally grey characters
3.Enemies to lovers
4.Multi pov's
5.Greek mythology
6.Retellings specifically Pandora's box.
7.Slow burn
8.Grumpy Elsa inspired fmc x sunshine mmc.
9.Unique magic powers.
Thank you Mrs.Stofka for the opportunity to read another one of your beautiful stories.❄️
The Ice Queen And The Keeper Of Death by Isabella Stofka will be released tomorrow December 21st, 2025.❄️
December 19, 2025
❄️ The Ice Queen
& the Keeper of Death❄️
Wynter, the Ice Queen, has been labeled a monster due to her ice touch and inability to feel with a heart of “steel.” Niav is an exiled assassin. The two join a group of other immortals, ran by the immortal Evander. Kieran is a rebel sent to try and find a way to get rid of the immortals. When he and Wynter meet, he is stuck between deciding what is right and wrong. All the while, Evander is planning something, much more sinister than any of the immortals or mortals could think of.
Publication Date: 21 December 2025
Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, thank you so much to the author, Isabella Stofka for the ARC!!
I was blown away by this book. The plot had my attention the whole time. The world and the magic system were great. The ending has me needing the sequel right now!
My favorite part of this book is the relationship between Wynter and Kieran. Going into this, I thought it was going to be a quick romance, but even by the end, we don’t know if there is going to be romance between them. Their friendship is still building and I absolutely love that.
I felt for Wynter so much. She has been told for so long who and what she is that she has a hard time seeing anything different. Even her friends tell her who she is and she just takes their words. And her trying to understand, feelings, felt so right for her character.
I liked Niav, but I was frustrated with her a bit with how she aided in making Wynter think she was unable to feel and be anything other than the Ice Queen.
The writing in this book is great. They characters feel alive and have their own personalities. There’s chemistry and flow.
I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
I recommend the Ice Queen & the Death Keeper if you like, romantasy,
& the Keeper of Death❄️
Wynter, the Ice Queen, has been labeled a monster due to her ice touch and inability to feel with a heart of “steel.” Niav is an exiled assassin. The two join a group of other immortals, ran by the immortal Evander. Kieran is a rebel sent to try and find a way to get rid of the immortals. When he and Wynter meet, he is stuck between deciding what is right and wrong. All the while, Evander is planning something, much more sinister than any of the immortals or mortals could think of.
Publication Date: 21 December 2025
Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, thank you so much to the author, Isabella Stofka for the ARC!!
I was blown away by this book. The plot had my attention the whole time. The world and the magic system were great. The ending has me needing the sequel right now!
My favorite part of this book is the relationship between Wynter and Kieran. Going into this, I thought it was going to be a quick romance, but even by the end, we don’t know if there is going to be romance between them. Their friendship is still building and I absolutely love that.
I felt for Wynter so much. She has been told for so long who and what she is that she has a hard time seeing anything different. Even her friends tell her who she is and she just takes their words. And her trying to understand, feelings, felt so right for her character.
I liked Niav, but I was frustrated with her a bit with how she aided in making Wynter think she was unable to feel and be anything other than the Ice Queen.
The writing in this book is great. They characters feel alive and have their own personalities. There’s chemistry and flow.
I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
I recommend the Ice Queen & the Death Keeper if you like, romantasy,
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death
By ISABELLA STOFKA
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm absolutely thrilled with The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death! Isabella Stofka has crafted an immersive New Adult romantasy that hits all the right notes for fans of Greek mythology retellings and morally grey characters.
The loose retelling of the Pandora's Box myth is incredibly creative. The plot is action-packed and complex, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The world-building is fantastic, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek lore without feeling repetitive. It's the perfect blend of winter aesthetics and epic fantasy world-building.
The characters are the true highlight. I loved the dynamic between the main FMC
She is a 200-year-old immortal "Ice Queen". She is a force to be reckoned with, but also deeply complex, grappling with themes of trauma and loss. The MMC ,The "Keeper of Death", provides a wonderful "reverse grumpy x sunshine" dynamic that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking to read. The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance is everything you could want. The tension is palpable and perfectly paced, making the eventual romance incredibly satisfying. The cast of morally grey characters adds so much depth to the story.
Was I impressed!! Heck Yeah!! This book is an intense and thrilling escape that I highly recommend. If you love forbidden romance, intricate plots, and powerful heroines, you need to pick this up. It's easily one of my favorite reads this year! I can't wait to see what new adventures and storylines Stofka creates. I’m intrigued to know happens next for this cast of characters!
10/10 Would recommend this book to family and friends.
By ISABELLA STOFKA
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm absolutely thrilled with The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death! Isabella Stofka has crafted an immersive New Adult romantasy that hits all the right notes for fans of Greek mythology retellings and morally grey characters.
The loose retelling of the Pandora's Box myth is incredibly creative. The plot is action-packed and complex, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The world-building is fantastic, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek lore without feeling repetitive. It's the perfect blend of winter aesthetics and epic fantasy world-building.
The characters are the true highlight. I loved the dynamic between the main FMC
She is a 200-year-old immortal "Ice Queen". She is a force to be reckoned with, but also deeply complex, grappling with themes of trauma and loss. The MMC ,The "Keeper of Death", provides a wonderful "reverse grumpy x sunshine" dynamic that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking to read. The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance is everything you could want. The tension is palpable and perfectly paced, making the eventual romance incredibly satisfying. The cast of morally grey characters adds so much depth to the story.
Was I impressed!! Heck Yeah!! This book is an intense and thrilling escape that I highly recommend. If you love forbidden romance, intricate plots, and powerful heroines, you need to pick this up. It's easily one of my favorite reads this year! I can't wait to see what new adventures and storylines Stofka creates. I’m intrigued to know happens next for this cast of characters!
10/10 Would recommend this book to family and friends.
December 26, 2025
4⭐️ 0🌶️
Firstly, thank you to Isabella Stofka for providing me with an eARC!
This book was less focused on the romance between Wynter and Kieran and more on Wynter’s journey of self-discovery and the quest she undertakes alongside her friends—which I honestly didn’t mind at all, because I really enjoyed their journey together. I also found it interesting that we got multiple points of view, not just from Wynter and Kieran, but from Niav as well.
I won’t lie, Niav was a bit hard for me to like at first, which made it difficult for me to fully engage with her POV chapters. However, as the story progressed, I did start to warm up to her. Evander, on the other hand, was a character I couldn’t stand from start to finish. That said, once we learned more about his background, it became clear why he was so unlikeable. Even so, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated by how Wynter, Niav, and Lachlan (the 4th, and possibly most likable member of their gang) continued to entertain Evander’s demands and go along with his cruelty and scheming. I understand that it made sense for the progression of the story—but it definitely drove me a little crazy 😅
Kieran played a larger role in the first half of the book, helping to peel back Wynter’s layers and see her as a person rather than just a cruel immortal. He was a very likeable character, and I’m really excited to see how his journey unfolds in book two.
Speaking of book two—I’m desperately hoping we get a release date soon, because that ending left me on the edge of my seat. I need to know what happens next!
Overall, this was an adventurous, wintery read that I thoroughly enjoyed. But seriously… I need book two ASAP! ❄️📚
Firstly, thank you to Isabella Stofka for providing me with an eARC!
This book was less focused on the romance between Wynter and Kieran and more on Wynter’s journey of self-discovery and the quest she undertakes alongside her friends—which I honestly didn’t mind at all, because I really enjoyed their journey together. I also found it interesting that we got multiple points of view, not just from Wynter and Kieran, but from Niav as well.
I won’t lie, Niav was a bit hard for me to like at first, which made it difficult for me to fully engage with her POV chapters. However, as the story progressed, I did start to warm up to her. Evander, on the other hand, was a character I couldn’t stand from start to finish. That said, once we learned more about his background, it became clear why he was so unlikeable. Even so, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated by how Wynter, Niav, and Lachlan (the 4th, and possibly most likable member of their gang) continued to entertain Evander’s demands and go along with his cruelty and scheming. I understand that it made sense for the progression of the story—but it definitely drove me a little crazy 😅
Kieran played a larger role in the first half of the book, helping to peel back Wynter’s layers and see her as a person rather than just a cruel immortal. He was a very likeable character, and I’m really excited to see how his journey unfolds in book two.
Speaking of book two—I’m desperately hoping we get a release date soon, because that ending left me on the edge of my seat. I need to know what happens next!
Overall, this was an adventurous, wintery read that I thoroughly enjoyed. But seriously… I need book two ASAP! ❄️📚
January 1, 2026
First of all, I need to say this: the cover is absolutely stunning, and the character art is gorgeous. Visually, this book is a dream, and it immediately pulled me in. I also really loved the premise and the core idea of the story. The concept itself is intriguing and full of potential.
There were characters I genuinely enjoyed, especially Kieran and Lachlan. They brought something warm and interesting to the story, and every time they appeared, the narrative felt richer and more engaging.
The Ice Queen herself is intriguing, and I could understand where she was coming from. Still, I found myself wanting a deeper exploration of her inner world, something that would add more weight and nuance to her character.
The absolute highlight of the book for me was her relationship with Kieran. Their interactions, the tension, and the gradual growth of their connection were by far the strongest part of the story. I was fully invested in them and really wanted to see how their relationship and the world around them would evolve.
However, the pacing felt uneven. At times, the story dragged, while at other moments, especially toward the end, it suddenly became very interesting and then it just ended. The conclusion felt abrupt, more like a sudden stop than a natural cliffhanger, and I was left feeling a bit confused and incomplete, unsure if I fully understood what was happening or where the story was truly heading.
Overall, this is a book with a beautiful aesthetic, a strong idea, and moments I truly loved, but it left me wanting more clarity and development, especially at the end. The author is clearly very talented, and I am still curious to see where this story goes next.
There were characters I genuinely enjoyed, especially Kieran and Lachlan. They brought something warm and interesting to the story, and every time they appeared, the narrative felt richer and more engaging.
The Ice Queen herself is intriguing, and I could understand where she was coming from. Still, I found myself wanting a deeper exploration of her inner world, something that would add more weight and nuance to her character.
The absolute highlight of the book for me was her relationship with Kieran. Their interactions, the tension, and the gradual growth of their connection were by far the strongest part of the story. I was fully invested in them and really wanted to see how their relationship and the world around them would evolve.
However, the pacing felt uneven. At times, the story dragged, while at other moments, especially toward the end, it suddenly became very interesting and then it just ended. The conclusion felt abrupt, more like a sudden stop than a natural cliffhanger, and I was left feeling a bit confused and incomplete, unsure if I fully understood what was happening or where the story was truly heading.
Overall, this is a book with a beautiful aesthetic, a strong idea, and moments I truly loved, but it left me wanting more clarity and development, especially at the end. The author is clearly very talented, and I am still curious to see where this story goes next.
December 22, 2025
Thank you to the author Isabella Stofka for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review 🩵❄️
This story was really interesting! In this icy, loose Pandora’s box retelling with sprinkles of Greek mythology, we follow 3 POVs, Wynter, Kieran, and Niev.
Wynter-known as the Ice Queen- is an emotional less woman who doesn’t know what she wants with her life. It was a little hard to feel connected to her character given her lack of expressions, but that was a main aspect of the story so it makes sense.
Kieran-the human woodcutter- was orphaned when his parents were murdered and is now seeking revenge. He hates the immortals, but grows to like Wynter.
Niev-Deaths Shadow- is Wynters best friend that’s always trying to protect her.
I liked that we had multiple POVs to get insight on other characters, but I wished the storylines were more in depth. We know Niev has a complex history, but that’s all that we really got from her. Also, I feel like there were other lovable characters that would’ve been sweet to see, such as Lachlan!
The ending came really fast! The story started out slow and steady allowing us to learn the world, magic system, and history. The last 20% really shifted gears and came onto us fast. I was intrigued the whole time and really invested into the story though! I think the ease in which the story was flowing, it kept me interested and wanting to learn more.
Nonetheless, in excited to read the next book and read more from this author! If you want a slow, Greek mythology retelling, this book is for you!
This story was really interesting! In this icy, loose Pandora’s box retelling with sprinkles of Greek mythology, we follow 3 POVs, Wynter, Kieran, and Niev.
Wynter-known as the Ice Queen- is an emotional less woman who doesn’t know what she wants with her life. It was a little hard to feel connected to her character given her lack of expressions, but that was a main aspect of the story so it makes sense.
Kieran-the human woodcutter- was orphaned when his parents were murdered and is now seeking revenge. He hates the immortals, but grows to like Wynter.
Niev-Deaths Shadow- is Wynters best friend that’s always trying to protect her.
I liked that we had multiple POVs to get insight on other characters, but I wished the storylines were more in depth. We know Niev has a complex history, but that’s all that we really got from her. Also, I feel like there were other lovable characters that would’ve been sweet to see, such as Lachlan!
The ending came really fast! The story started out slow and steady allowing us to learn the world, magic system, and history. The last 20% really shifted gears and came onto us fast. I was intrigued the whole time and really invested into the story though! I think the ease in which the story was flowing, it kept me interested and wanting to learn more.
Nonetheless, in excited to read the next book and read more from this author! If you want a slow, Greek mythology retelling, this book is for you!
December 31, 2025
First of all, thank you to Isabella Stofka for trusting me with an ARC! I'm so grateful I got to read this book, It was just so good, i loved how the story unfolded and how every character added something important to it. I really liked Niav; everyone needs a loyal friend who’s also a good cook! And I loved Lachlan, he brought so much sunshine and warmth, and his character proved to be way more important than I thought at the start, Evander, though... he’s just so cruel. It was frustrating to see him take such a huge place in the others lives. Now that I’ve finished the book, I get why he is like that, but ugh, I still don't like him. What he did at the end is such a red flag because I really thought he wouldn't do something like that to his friends. Now l'ets talk about the main characters, I really liked Kieran and his development. He’s really courageous, brave and simply a really good person for forgiving and trying to do the right thing for everyone! Being able to care for someone who hurt you this way is really strong. With Wynter, I have mixed feelings. It’s strange how she feels about her past actions, but I like that she’s starting to believe in herself and trying to take a real interest in her friends and their emotions! The plot twist is just so good and now I can’t wait for the next book! This book is such a cozy winter read and not too long, which is a plus. I really enjoyed it and i can't wait to see the developpement of the characters in the following one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
I’m still reeling from that ending. I got ARC and honestly, I wasn't prepared for how much I’d get sucked into this world.
The story is told through three different perspectives, which can be hit-or-miss for me, but it really worked here once the paths started crossing. We have Wynter who has been treated like a monster her whole life because her touch is literally lethal, Niav aka a badass exiled assassin and Kieran who is basically on a mission to kill people like Wynter.
The tension between Kieran and Wynter is easily my favorite part. It’s that classic hunter vs prey setup, but when she saves his life, his entire world-view just cracks. The tension between them? Phenomenal. It’s atmospheric, cold, and honestly felt pretty brutal at times.
It starts off a bit slow because there’s a lot of ground to cover with the three different storylines, but once Evander (the villain you’ll love to hate) starts making moves, the pace just picks up and doesn't stop.
And THAT CLIFFHANGER. I’m actually so mad I have to wait for the next book now. The way the stakes shifted in the final chapters—bringing in these ancient evils that have been locked away, it was such a massive hook. It changed the whole vibe of the story from a revenge plot to something much more epic.
You should definitely keep this on your radar for 2025. It’s a solid debut and I’m desperate to know what happens next.
I’m still reeling from that ending. I got ARC and honestly, I wasn't prepared for how much I’d get sucked into this world.
The story is told through three different perspectives, which can be hit-or-miss for me, but it really worked here once the paths started crossing. We have Wynter who has been treated like a monster her whole life because her touch is literally lethal, Niav aka a badass exiled assassin and Kieran who is basically on a mission to kill people like Wynter.
The tension between Kieran and Wynter is easily my favorite part. It’s that classic hunter vs prey setup, but when she saves his life, his entire world-view just cracks. The tension between them? Phenomenal. It’s atmospheric, cold, and honestly felt pretty brutal at times.
It starts off a bit slow because there’s a lot of ground to cover with the three different storylines, but once Evander (the villain you’ll love to hate) starts making moves, the pace just picks up and doesn't stop.
And THAT CLIFFHANGER. I’m actually so mad I have to wait for the next book now. The way the stakes shifted in the final chapters—bringing in these ancient evils that have been locked away, it was such a massive hook. It changed the whole vibe of the story from a revenge plot to something much more epic.
You should definitely keep this on your radar for 2025. It’s a solid debut and I’m desperate to know what happens next.
December 19, 2025
I am so thankful to have received an eArc of The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death from the author!
As we all do when we get lost in a good book, I told myself “just one more chapter” multiple times tonight, trying to read enough to be able to easily finish in the morning. But the next thing I knew, I had hit the acknowledgements page! The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death is extremely fast paced and most of the chapters are short so it was really easy to keep reading without ever getting bored.
Evander just makes me so mad I can’t even describe it. Wynter, however, I understand all too well.
The slow burn is slow burning and I’m here for it!! I can’t wait for more of the romance in the next book, especially between Wynter and Kieran, because I refuse to accept that cliffhanger.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am very excited to eventually continue the story!
Favorite quotes:
“The almost shy way she admitted to wanting to discover more tugged at something inside him. It was almost like she wasn’t used to wanting anything—like she had convinced herself it was impossible.”
“‘You think I can change?’
‘I do.’
Even though I have a heart of steel’
‘I don’t think you have a heart of steel,’ Kieran said. ‘I think you have a heart of ice.’
‘What’s the difference?’
‘A heart of steel cannot thaw. A heart of ice can.’”
“They would never accept her, no matter what she did. If they thought her a monster, so be it. A monster she would be.”
As we all do when we get lost in a good book, I told myself “just one more chapter” multiple times tonight, trying to read enough to be able to easily finish in the morning. But the next thing I knew, I had hit the acknowledgements page! The Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death is extremely fast paced and most of the chapters are short so it was really easy to keep reading without ever getting bored.
Evander just makes me so mad I can’t even describe it. Wynter, however, I understand all too well.
The slow burn is slow burning and I’m here for it!! I can’t wait for more of the romance in the next book, especially between Wynter and Kieran, because I refuse to accept that cliffhanger.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am very excited to eventually continue the story!
Favorite quotes:
“The almost shy way she admitted to wanting to discover more tugged at something inside him. It was almost like she wasn’t used to wanting anything—like she had convinced herself it was impossible.”
“‘You think I can change?’
‘I do.’
Even though I have a heart of steel’
‘I don’t think you have a heart of steel,’ Kieran said. ‘I think you have a heart of ice.’
‘What’s the difference?’
‘A heart of steel cannot thaw. A heart of ice can.’”
“They would never accept her, no matter what she did. If they thought her a monster, so be it. A monster she would be.”
Review of advance copy received from Autor
Thank you Bella for this advance copy 💙 Rated 4.5 and rounded up here!
This story felt like a cozy yet dark fantasy, and it's mostly character-driven and Greek mythology-based. It was really interesting and fun to read!
There was a war between gods, goddesses, and humans, and as a result, the world was fragmented, leaving the Unnamed Lands and the Mortal Lands, separated by a magical veil. But the fight between humans and immortals never ceased, and the only way to be safe is through power, or that's what they say..
With 3 POVs, we get to know Wynter, Kieran, and Niav's thoughts, and I really enjoyed each and every one of them. Wynter was such an interesting and complex character, truly a lost soul. Being an immortal but never being able to belong anywhere, she's still fighting inner wars. And Niav only wants to help her and, with Lachlan, be the family she once lost. But then Kieran, a mortal, came along, and things got even more complicated🔥
The world building and plotline were amazing, although I'd love to read more about the world background and characters' backstories. Even about the mortals or the new immortals that appeared later in the story. But maybe I'm just being greedy 😏
The ending was a really jaw-dropping cliffhanger and now I'm dying to know what happens next!
✨Greek Mythology Inspired
⚔️Human vs Inmortals
☠️Morally Grey FMCs
🌺Cinnamon-Roll MMC
❤️🩹Found Family
🔥Slow-Slow-Burn
🥀Deceptions
📜Pandora's Box Retelling
This story felt like a cozy yet dark fantasy, and it's mostly character-driven and Greek mythology-based. It was really interesting and fun to read!
There was a war between gods, goddesses, and humans, and as a result, the world was fragmented, leaving the Unnamed Lands and the Mortal Lands, separated by a magical veil. But the fight between humans and immortals never ceased, and the only way to be safe is through power, or that's what they say..
With 3 POVs, we get to know Wynter, Kieran, and Niav's thoughts, and I really enjoyed each and every one of them. Wynter was such an interesting and complex character, truly a lost soul. Being an immortal but never being able to belong anywhere, she's still fighting inner wars. And Niav only wants to help her and, with Lachlan, be the family she once lost. But then Kieran, a mortal, came along, and things got even more complicated🔥
The world building and plotline were amazing, although I'd love to read more about the world background and characters' backstories. Even about the mortals or the new immortals that appeared later in the story. But maybe I'm just being greedy 😏
The ending was a really jaw-dropping cliffhanger and now I'm dying to know what happens next!
✨Greek Mythology Inspired
⚔️Human vs Inmortals
☠️Morally Grey FMCs
🌺Cinnamon-Roll MMC
❤️🩹Found Family
🔥Slow-Slow-Burn
🥀Deceptions
📜Pandora's Box Retelling
December 24, 2025
Oh my goodness. THIS BOOK!!!
It was absolutely amazing. I could not put it down.
The characters were well written, bringing them to life on the pages. I wish the book was longer so I could spend more time with them.
There were a lot of characters, but they each had significant character development over the course of the book. I loved seeing them develop and change.
I had a love-hate relationship with the villain. He was a complex character with so many layers, I didn't know what he would do next.
This book made me smile, laugh, gasp, and (if I wasn't reading on my phone) I would've thrown it across the room a couple times.
The plot twists caught me off guard each time. Like, seriously????
I have not read a book with such a unique concept in a long, long time. I loved it. And the characters made it even better (I could talk about them all day. I loved them!)
The ending, however, was brutal. I sat there and stared at the wall, trying to figure out how THAT could be the end. As an author, I understand and applaud Isabella Stofka for it, as a READER, I cannot forgive that ending. It was brutally amazing, but I was left wanting more.
If you are interested, at all, in this book, buy it. Do not hesitate. It is SOOOO worth it.
I want to thank the amazing author Isabella Stofka for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this amazing book. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, but it was totally worth it.
It was absolutely amazing. I could not put it down.
The characters were well written, bringing them to life on the pages. I wish the book was longer so I could spend more time with them.
There were a lot of characters, but they each had significant character development over the course of the book. I loved seeing them develop and change.
I had a love-hate relationship with the villain. He was a complex character with so many layers, I didn't know what he would do next.
This book made me smile, laugh, gasp, and (if I wasn't reading on my phone) I would've thrown it across the room a couple times.
The plot twists caught me off guard each time. Like, seriously????
I have not read a book with such a unique concept in a long, long time. I loved it. And the characters made it even better (I could talk about them all day. I loved them!)
The ending, however, was brutal. I sat there and stared at the wall, trying to figure out how THAT could be the end. As an author, I understand and applaud Isabella Stofka for it, as a READER, I cannot forgive that ending. It was brutally amazing, but I was left wanting more.
If you are interested, at all, in this book, buy it. Do not hesitate. It is SOOOO worth it.
I want to thank the amazing author Isabella Stofka for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this amazing book. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, but it was totally worth it.
December 26, 2025
The story is built in a way that is similar to Greek mythology and is a retelling of Pandora's box. The first third of the book is character development but we are really only scratching the surface on them. The world building is done naturally around the story and I could easily picture the places as I read.
I struggled to personally connect with the main FMC BUT she was written exactly as she should've been and it didn't distract from the story. So, it is not a criticism of the character just an insight from myself. We watch the characters start to develop and battle between the good and evil in all of them. I personally would have liked more depth to the characters but this book has set a solid foundation for the storyline and I am hoping we will get much more in book 2.
The budding romance between Wynter and Kieran is at the very beginning stages so if you are looking for spice or tension you will not find it in this book. Though there may have been just an inkling of tension between two other characters there at the end that was intriguing.
There is found family, good Vs Evil, twists and turns, and that cliffhanger.....damn it!!
I rate this a 3.5 but GR doesnt give the half options so I rounded up. This is a solid foundation for the story I just wanted a little more of the character depth and felt like I was a third of the way into the book before I was really hooked.
I struggled to personally connect with the main FMC BUT she was written exactly as she should've been and it didn't distract from the story. So, it is not a criticism of the character just an insight from myself. We watch the characters start to develop and battle between the good and evil in all of them. I personally would have liked more depth to the characters but this book has set a solid foundation for the storyline and I am hoping we will get much more in book 2.
The budding romance between Wynter and Kieran is at the very beginning stages so if you are looking for spice or tension you will not find it in this book. Though there may have been just an inkling of tension between two other characters there at the end that was intriguing.
There is found family, good Vs Evil, twists and turns, and that cliffhanger.....damn it!!
I rate this a 3.5 but GR doesnt give the half options so I rounded up. This is a solid foundation for the story I just wanted a little more of the character depth and felt like I was a third of the way into the book before I was really hooked.
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