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The Empress of Thorns #1
The Ice Beyond
HE DEFIED HIS PACK TO LOVE ME.
I had two childhood dreams: to shift into a wolf, and to win Nordin Stormsson’s forbidden heart.
My first dream shattered the day my mother confessed I wasn’t a shifter, but a valkyrie—stranded in a land far from my people. My second was crushed when Nordin rejected me…only to claim another as his mate.
Heartbroken, I crossed beyond the wards in search of my birth clan. My freedom came at a cost. Dragons, vampyrs, and enemy wolves stalked me through the dark. They weren’t the only ones who came after me, though.
Nordin came too. He seized me before they could, stealing my body and then my heart.
For a time, I dared to dream once more, to imagine a future with Nordin in the land of ice and wolves.
Until I uncovered my beloved's most closely guarded secret.
A truth about my past.
One that ruined us all.
The Ice Beyond is the first book in a fiercely romantic, Norse-inspired fantasy filled with forbidden love, warring supernaturals, and a spirited heroine who must decide whether to cling to the life she was given or step into the legacy she never asked for.
I had two childhood dreams: to shift into a wolf, and to win Nordin Stormsson’s forbidden heart.
My first dream shattered the day my mother confessed I wasn’t a shifter, but a valkyrie—stranded in a land far from my people. My second was crushed when Nordin rejected me…only to claim another as his mate.
Heartbroken, I crossed beyond the wards in search of my birth clan. My freedom came at a cost. Dragons, vampyrs, and enemy wolves stalked me through the dark. They weren’t the only ones who came after me, though.
Nordin came too. He seized me before they could, stealing my body and then my heart.
For a time, I dared to dream once more, to imagine a future with Nordin in the land of ice and wolves.
Until I uncovered my beloved's most closely guarded secret.
A truth about my past.
One that ruined us all.
The Ice Beyond is the first book in a fiercely romantic, Norse-inspired fantasy filled with forbidden love, warring supernaturals, and a spirited heroine who must decide whether to cling to the life she was given or step into the legacy she never asked for.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2026
About the author
Olivia Wildenstein
53 books5,516 followersOlivia is a USA Today best-selling author of romantasy. When she’s not swooning over her characters’ steamy escapades, or plotting their demise, you can find her sipping wine and crafting her next twisted, romantic masterpiece, all while trying to convince her children and leading man that she loves them more than her laptop.
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Ready to fall in love? Sign up to her Newsletter to claim your FREEBIE: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hmniv0406r
WEBSITE: http://oliviawildenstein.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/olives21/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@owildwrites
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Olivi...
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OWildWrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews
September 30, 2026
I was really struggling to rate this one and I have settled on 3 stars for now. At the beginning of this book I was totally invested and really loved the writing style, setting and journaling chapters from our FMC. Somewhere in the last third it started to lose me a little and for a long period of time towards the end I thought this was maybe wrapping up to be a standalone HOWEVER, I am starting to wonder if perhaps the events of the last few chapters of this book are leading us towards a complete shift in plot (I don’t want to spoil but if you’ve read you’ll maybe catch my drift 👀), in which case I think maybe my rating could be higher.. regardless I will be continuing on to book two as soon as I can 🤣
Olivia has created an intriguing lore and magic system and woven in Norse mythology which I think made this feel more unique to other romantasy books I’ve been reading recently. I liked our FMC Zas and though she did come across quite juvenile and overly jealous at points, I think this was intentional as we are in her head from the ages of 17-20 and so I hope we get growth from her in book two! Nordin I liked at first… but somewhere along the line he started to give me Tamlin vibes so I shall say no more on the matter 🤭.
If you’re looking for a romantasy/paranormal book with Wolf shifters, vampires, dragons and valkeryie full of mystery, intrigue and betrayals maybe pick this one up!
Olivia has created an intriguing lore and magic system and woven in Norse mythology which I think made this feel more unique to other romantasy books I’ve been reading recently. I liked our FMC Zas and though she did come across quite juvenile and overly jealous at points, I think this was intentional as we are in her head from the ages of 17-20 and so I hope we get growth from her in book two! Nordin I liked at first… but somewhere along the line he started to give me Tamlin vibes so I shall say no more on the matter 🤭.
If you’re looking for a romantasy/paranormal book with Wolf shifters, vampires, dragons and valkeryie full of mystery, intrigue and betrayals maybe pick this one up!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.25/5 ⭐⭐
⋆꙳❅*‧ ‧*❆ ₊⋆
The world is what kept me hooked. Wolf shifters, vampyres riding dragons, valkyries, all in the same universe? Cool concept. I just wish we got more of the valkyries and vampyres because every time they showed up I wanted more, and instead we barely scratched the surface.
So Zas grew up in a wolf pack thinking she was one of them, until she finds out that was all a lie, kept from her by her own mom and by Nordin, the guy she's had a crush on forever. Solid setup. The execution though, not so much.
Zas is 17 to 19 for most of the book so yeah, some immaturity makes sense. But it gets to be a lot. The internal monologue had me cringing more than once, starting literally with the letter in chapter one. And the thing that bugged me most is she just doesn't grow. She keeps needing to be rescued instead of saving herself, and when she finds out Nordin literally burned off her markings and hid her whole identity from her, she's mad for like two chapters and then forgives him and goes right back to wanting his attention. That's not fated mates energy to me, that's just a girl who doesn't know any better because he's all she's ever had.
And don't even get me started on Nordin. Dude has no interest in her until she's suddenly older and showing some cleavage, then tries to marry her off to someone else so nobody suspects anything, then randomly flips and decides he wants her with basically zero build up. Throw in that he helped raise her, plus what he did to her, plus him constantly shutting her down whenever she brings up wanting to leave and learn about her heritage, and the whole dynamic just felt off to me. I never once felt the chemistry.
The heritage/valkyrie stuff was the plot I actually cared about and it kept getting pushed aside for the romance drama. That's the book I wanted to read.
The world building carried it enough that I'm still curious about book two, mostly for the valkyries and vampyres. But I need Zas to grow some kind of backbone, and I need an actual reason to root for Nordin besides "he decided he's in now." Kind of predictable, kind of frustrating, but there's something good buried in there.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange of an honest review
⋆꙳❅*‧ ‧*❆ ₊⋆
The world is what kept me hooked. Wolf shifters, vampyres riding dragons, valkyries, all in the same universe? Cool concept. I just wish we got more of the valkyries and vampyres because every time they showed up I wanted more, and instead we barely scratched the surface.
So Zas grew up in a wolf pack thinking she was one of them, until she finds out that was all a lie, kept from her by her own mom and by Nordin, the guy she's had a crush on forever. Solid setup. The execution though, not so much.
Zas is 17 to 19 for most of the book so yeah, some immaturity makes sense. But it gets to be a lot. The internal monologue had me cringing more than once, starting literally with the letter in chapter one. And the thing that bugged me most is she just doesn't grow. She keeps needing to be rescued instead of saving herself, and when she finds out Nordin literally burned off her markings and hid her whole identity from her, she's mad for like two chapters and then forgives him and goes right back to wanting his attention. That's not fated mates energy to me, that's just a girl who doesn't know any better because he's all she's ever had.
And don't even get me started on Nordin. Dude has no interest in her until she's suddenly older and showing some cleavage, then tries to marry her off to someone else so nobody suspects anything, then randomly flips and decides he wants her with basically zero build up. Throw in that he helped raise her, plus what he did to her, plus him constantly shutting her down whenever she brings up wanting to leave and learn about her heritage, and the whole dynamic just felt off to me. I never once felt the chemistry.
The heritage/valkyrie stuff was the plot I actually cared about and it kept getting pushed aside for the romance drama. That's the book I wanted to read.
The world building carried it enough that I'm still curious about book two, mostly for the valkyries and vampyres. But I need Zas to grow some kind of backbone, and I need an actual reason to root for Nordin besides "he decided he's in now." Kind of predictable, kind of frustrating, but there's something good buried in there.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange of an honest review
August 5, 2025
I recieved an arc on this book and am so thankfully to Olivia for the opportunity!
I usually love Olivia's books, but this was a bit of an exception for me. I struggled to connect the Zas from the story to the journals, they seemed like 2 different people and as a reader in her 30s, felt very immature.
The world also felt a bit too big. From the onset knowing there were shifters, vampires and valkyries was a lot to try to take in and understand thr dynamics.
I didnt ever really get why Zas and Nordin even liked each other. it was such an instant love that I missed any sort of relationship building with them. I never really got over the fact that he partially raised her either. Nordin was hard for me to like. I kept wanting another love interest to join the page.
Zas was too much of a damsel here. Each time she got into trouble, she needed rescuing from her mother, cousin or Nordin. This felt like too much of a pattern and restricted our FMC from coming into her own.
I usually love Olivia's books, but this was a bit of an exception for me. I struggled to connect the Zas from the story to the journals, they seemed like 2 different people and as a reader in her 30s, felt very immature.
The world also felt a bit too big. From the onset knowing there were shifters, vampires and valkyries was a lot to try to take in and understand thr dynamics.
I didnt ever really get why Zas and Nordin even liked each other. it was such an instant love that I missed any sort of relationship building with them. I never really got over the fact that he partially raised her either. Nordin was hard for me to like. I kept wanting another love interest to join the page.
Zas was too much of a damsel here. Each time she got into trouble, she needed rescuing from her mother, cousin or Nordin. This felt like too much of a pattern and restricted our FMC from coming into her own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2026
The Ice Beyond (The Empress of Thorns #1) by Olivia Wildenstein
Book Blurb: HE DEFIED HIS PACK TO LOVE ME.
I had two childhood dreams: to shift into a wolf, and to win Nordin Stormsson’s forbidden heart.
Rating: *****
Feels: Adoration, Excitement, Obsessed, Burning
Style: Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Vampires, Mythology
First published September 22, 2026: 512 pages
Themes & Setting: Viking style world with three distinct areas for each faction, the wolf shifters, the vampires and the Valkyries. Within each of those factions it seems there may be more factions as we see mostly the wolves and vampires in this book. We are thrown into this mix of political struggles between the factions related to the survival of one of the factions.
FMC: Zas is really coming into her own, figuring out things and I am totally on board with her obsession with Nordin !!! I love her fight and just her never give up attitude.
MMC: I can't think of anything hotter than Nordin !! If you are into possessive MMC then this is one hot wolf shifter you are going to want to meet !! I wanted to just highlight like everything this man said !!!
Conclusion: If I could only crawl into this world and live there I would !! I can’t recall the last friends to lovers I enjoyed this much that was this unbelievably explosive. Like to say Nordin is possessive feels like an understatement!! Zas is most definitely the envy of not only every un mated wolf in this book but this girl right here. The amount of political twists and turns kept me entertained and wanting to enact revenge right there along with Zas. The amount of just super hot males in this book should be illegal. I may or may not also have a thing for broody blood sucking vampires … and can not wait for the next book to find out more about them. Add in a whole group of Valkyrie’s we barely know anything about yet and I’m definitely needing book two shot straight into my veins !!!
Favorite Quote: This man is my everything. My past. My present. My future.
Book Vibes:
Forbidden Romance
Age Gap
Hidden Identities
Friends to Lovers
Revenge Plot
Touch her and Die
Possessive MMC
Shifters, Vampires and Valkyries
August 3, 2025
3.5/5★
The Ice Beyond is the first book in a new series by Olivia Wildenstein, The Empress of Thorns. This is my first book by this author after discovering her on instagram and being instantly intrigued by the sound of this new book of hers. And while it wasn't quite a 4-star read, I'm still excited for the next book.
The Ice Beyond is inspired by Norse mythology and the fantasy world that the author created felt like a breath of fresh air. I loved the idea of this pack of wolf shifters in the north, where the female main character Zas was adopted into. Zas has always believed she was a wolf too but when she finds out this has in fact been a lie and kept from her by not only her mother but also her long-time crush Nordin, she feels her life falling apart.
As much as I loved the world inside this book, I couldn't say the same for most of the characters. Zas was very childish, insecure and jealous especially when it came to Nordin, even when they weren't together yet. We meet Zas when she's 17 up until 19 so I can understand her character for being childish and insecure since she is still so young. I mean, most people were a little like that at this age. So I get this part of Zas' character and maybe she'll have more character growth in the sequel.
But Nordin? Nordin really got on my nerves. When he found out Zas has feelings for him, he doesn't want anything to do with it. Until suddenly he changes his mind randomly. It felt a bit out of the blue after, in my opinion, needlessly pushing Zas away and making her feel like it could never happen between them. I felt like Nordin definitely kept Zas down, especially when she started mentioning wanting to leave the pack to go explore her own heritage and find out how and why she got seperated from her people. Nordin wouldn't hear any of it. No spoilers but I also didn't like it when something came to light that Nordin did. No matter if he thinks he did it for a good reason or not. If I were Zas I wouldn't be able to forgive him at all.
Aside from the wolf shifters, the book also has vampyres (who ride dragons!) and valkyries. I'm most fascinated by the valkyries. The book didn't give much information about the valkyries although I hope that will change in books two. But we got quite a few scenes with vampyres that made me only more curious about them. According to the wolves they are evil but I'm not too sure about that after the ending, which did make me really excited for the next book.
The Ice Beyond is the first book in a new series by Olivia Wildenstein, The Empress of Thorns. This is my first book by this author after discovering her on instagram and being instantly intrigued by the sound of this new book of hers. And while it wasn't quite a 4-star read, I'm still excited for the next book.
The Ice Beyond is inspired by Norse mythology and the fantasy world that the author created felt like a breath of fresh air. I loved the idea of this pack of wolf shifters in the north, where the female main character Zas was adopted into. Zas has always believed she was a wolf too but when she finds out this has in fact been a lie and kept from her by not only her mother but also her long-time crush Nordin, she feels her life falling apart.
As much as I loved the world inside this book, I couldn't say the same for most of the characters. Zas was very childish, insecure and jealous especially when it came to Nordin, even when they weren't together yet. We meet Zas when she's 17 up until 19 so I can understand her character for being childish and insecure since she is still so young. I mean, most people were a little like that at this age. So I get this part of Zas' character and maybe she'll have more character growth in the sequel.
But Nordin? Nordin really got on my nerves. When he found out Zas has feelings for him, he doesn't want anything to do with it. Until suddenly he changes his mind randomly. It felt a bit out of the blue after, in my opinion, needlessly pushing Zas away and making her feel like it could never happen between them. I felt like Nordin definitely kept Zas down, especially when she started mentioning wanting to leave the pack to go explore her own heritage and find out how and why she got seperated from her people. Nordin wouldn't hear any of it. No spoilers but I also didn't like it when something came to light that Nordin did. No matter if he thinks he did it for a good reason or not. If I were Zas I wouldn't be able to forgive him at all.
Aside from the wolf shifters, the book also has vampyres (who ride dragons!) and valkyries. I'm most fascinated by the valkyries. The book didn't give much information about the valkyries although I hope that will change in books two. But we got quite a few scenes with vampyres that made me only more curious about them. According to the wolves they are evil but I'm not too sure about that after the ending, which did make me really excited for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Genre: Fantasy Romance
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶 2/5
Cliffhanger: Yes
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete series. Single first-person POV. Expected publication date is 9/22/2026.
I love Olivia's writing and storytelling. This Norse inspired story was filled with so much yearning, angst and drama that it oozed off the page. This first book takes us through the daily trials of Zas who learns early in the book that her future will never be able to take her on the path she's always dreamed of. We experience all the ups and downs associated with these revelations as well as the ramifications. It's also a story of first love and how powerful it can be in the moment. It does come across as immature at times but it's supposed to. It's so relatable honestly and felt emotionally nostalgic. I really liked the FMC and even though I didn't agree with her all the time I always understood her why's.
Now Nordin, I love him! I have many feelings on where I think this story is going and will try to brace myself for the storm. This is a case where I know why we didn't get his POV but I wanted to be in his head so badly sometimes.
The plot is set up well in this book. It lays the groundwork for the world and story to expand as we go. I love our time with the wolves and I hope we get some of the aftermath of this cliffhanger in book 2. At the same time I'm excited for the adventure to take us on a whirlwind journey.
Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Olivia Wildenstein for the gifted eARC.
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶 2/5
Cliffhanger: Yes
Noteworthy: Book 1 of an incomplete series. Single first-person POV. Expected publication date is 9/22/2026.
I love Olivia's writing and storytelling. This Norse inspired story was filled with so much yearning, angst and drama that it oozed off the page. This first book takes us through the daily trials of Zas who learns early in the book that her future will never be able to take her on the path she's always dreamed of. We experience all the ups and downs associated with these revelations as well as the ramifications. It's also a story of first love and how powerful it can be in the moment. It does come across as immature at times but it's supposed to. It's so relatable honestly and felt emotionally nostalgic. I really liked the FMC and even though I didn't agree with her all the time I always understood her why's.
Now Nordin, I love him! I have many feelings on where I think this story is going and will try to brace myself for the storm. This is a case where I know why we didn't get his POV but I wanted to be in his head so badly sometimes.
The plot is set up well in this book. It lays the groundwork for the world and story to expand as we go. I love our time with the wolves and I hope we get some of the aftermath of this cliffhanger in book 2. At the same time I'm excited for the adventure to take us on a whirlwind journey.
Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Olivia Wildenstein for the gifted eARC.
August 1, 2025
Wildenstein knows how to reel me in. Thank you so much for an early ARC copy. I’m a huge fan of the Kingdom of crows series and was eager to read new work from Olivia.
I had a lot of fun with this one. I do love a good Viking tale. Although this is a bit of a mix, with Viking wolf shifters, vampires and valkyries. One issue I had with the Kingdom of Crows series was the story getting a bit convoluted and confusing to readers. I had that issue again with this read. The world building and lore get a bit confusing. Which makes it hard to understand fully what’s happening or be able to predict what could happen next.
I really enjoyed the ending. And am EAGER to learn more about these vamps. Kjell anyone? Listen I’m all ears lol.
One other critique is that the dialogue can go back and forth a bit between a more dated and modern style of speech. One minute they sound like Vikings and the next they sound like modern youth… would love a little more consistency between speech and characters.
Loved this read. And will absolutely be returning for book 2.
I had a lot of fun with this one. I do love a good Viking tale. Although this is a bit of a mix, with Viking wolf shifters, vampires and valkyries. One issue I had with the Kingdom of Crows series was the story getting a bit convoluted and confusing to readers. I had that issue again with this read. The world building and lore get a bit confusing. Which makes it hard to understand fully what’s happening or be able to predict what could happen next.
I really enjoyed the ending. And am EAGER to learn more about these vamps. Kjell anyone? Listen I’m all ears lol.
One other critique is that the dialogue can go back and forth a bit between a more dated and modern style of speech. One minute they sound like Vikings and the next they sound like modern youth… would love a little more consistency between speech and characters.
Loved this read. And will absolutely be returning for book 2.
November 17, 2025
Olivia has delivered another captivating romantasy with this beautifully imagined Norse-inspired world and a slow-burn romance full of yearning that delighted my angst-loving heart. The ending left me breathless and begging for more!
October 12, 2026
The Ice Beyond was a forbidden shifter romance that will sweep you away. Set in a frigid world, with political intrigue, this story's characters shined brightly! They will quickly pull you in and take you on an incredible journey. One filled with longing, betrayal, love, lies, and forgiveness. The Ice Beyond was my favorite romantasy of the year!
Zaskja had been in love with Nordin her whole life. And when he rejected her, my heart shattered right along with her. As her world kept crumbling and shaking around her, by learning she was a vaklyrie instead of a shifter, I loved that she remained determined and focused. That she found comfort and solace in her mother and best friend. That she helped cope and sort out her thoughts by writing. I absolutely loved being in Zaskja's head!
Nordin had the weight of his pack on his shoulders. He was to take another as his mate, to align their two packs. But his actions towards Zaskja spoke so differently than his words. He protected her time and again. And each time he did, my heart continued to thaw towards him. Nordin was a complicated soul who you will easily fall head over heels in love with!
Set in a brutal and frigid world, there were those that surrounded Nordin and Zaskja who only had their own best intentions. Also there were others who constantly had their backs. So as hands were forced, be careful who you trust….. go with your gut. And as pieces slowly started to come together, I was screaming! Sweaty palms and shock were impossible to avoid. This twists in this story were phenomenal!
With the threat of war in a world filled with shifters, vampyrs, valkyrie, and dragons, this story consumed me. Within the pages there were sacrifices, gut wrenching betrayal, bargains, confessions, and love. The steamy and seductive moments were beautifully woven into the story. Along with instances that will have you grabbing for tissues. Especially that cliffhanger. I was crying during that final page. The Ice Beyond was an epic tale that consumed my every waking thought!
Other Favorite Quotes:
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
A dull hush folds over me, numbing the parts of me blistered with rage.
Zaskja had been in love with Nordin her whole life. And when he rejected her, my heart shattered right along with her. As her world kept crumbling and shaking around her, by learning she was a vaklyrie instead of a shifter, I loved that she remained determined and focused. That she found comfort and solace in her mother and best friend. That she helped cope and sort out her thoughts by writing. I absolutely loved being in Zaskja's head!
“You lay a finger on her, Varganson, and I will scalp you.” Nordin’s casually delivered threat sears through my veins, turning what runs within them molten.
Why? Why must I become goo around this male? Why can’t I stick to hating him?
Nordin had the weight of his pack on his shoulders. He was to take another as his mate, to align their two packs. But his actions towards Zaskja spoke so differently than his words. He protected her time and again. And each time he did, my heart continued to thaw towards him. Nordin was a complicated soul who you will easily fall head over heels in love with!
“Please don’t push me away, Zas,” he murmurs.
“Can’t exactly hold on, though. Not if you want a chance to rule the pack someday.” My voice barely registers over the raucous howls that are echoing beyond these walls.
Set in a brutal and frigid world, there were those that surrounded Nordin and Zaskja who only had their own best intentions. Also there were others who constantly had their backs. So as hands were forced, be careful who you trust….. go with your gut. And as pieces slowly started to come together, I was screaming! Sweaty palms and shock were impossible to avoid. This twists in this story were phenomenal!
I inhale sharply. “That would start a war.”
“And…?”
With the threat of war in a world filled with shifters, vampyrs, valkyrie, and dragons, this story consumed me. Within the pages there were sacrifices, gut wrenching betrayal, bargains, confessions, and love. The steamy and seductive moments were beautifully woven into the story. Along with instances that will have you grabbing for tissues. Especially that cliffhanger. I was crying during that final page. The Ice Beyond was an epic tale that consumed my every waking thought!
Other Favorite Quotes:
“You might not be able to shift, but that doesn’t make you any less one of us. You are my daughter. You are part of this pack. You are— in all the ways that count— a wolf.”
“Promise me you’ll stop, Zaskja.” His lashes lower, blunting the blue gleam. He can’t even look at me.
My heart hardens like forged steel cooling in the open air. “Stop what, exactly? Journaling, or loving you?”
This man is my everything. My past. My present. My future.
His pupils shrink. “No. I kissed you because I needed to feel what’s worth fighting to my very last breath to protect.”
“Don’t make me pick between you and her. You won’t like my choice.”
Holy Fenrir.
“You might hate me.” His shoulders curl inward. “You might never forgive me or choose me again”— his face hovers over mine—“but I will always choose you.”
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
July 30, 2025
I'm a big fan of the Kingdom of Crows series by this author, so I was excited when I had the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this upcoming release.
This storyline is a bit of a mix of fantasy and paranormal, with wolves, vampyres and valkeryie, but we only spend time with the wolves. Zas, our FMS, was adopted by the pack and lives with her adopted mother hoping and praying she'll fit in with them, but discovering information that's been kept from her.
In between Zas' boughts of insecurity, jealousy, and her journal rantings about her enduring love for her wolf, we don't get much information on the inner workings of the pack and how they fit into this world. There's a war going on, but it's not between them. Then they want to go to war, but for what reason, really? Land or Zas? Are the vampyres really the evil bastard everyone says? How would they know, they don't talk to them? I was left with many questions and not a lot of information on how the puzzle pieces all fit together.
My other issue was connecting with the characters. Some were a bit childish and spoiled (Zas and Saga), making it hard to connect with them. Our MMC was overprotective, bossy and then we decided it was OK, all in with Zas. Uh...we're supposed to be all in with this relationship because you decided it was OK, Nordin? Nah...I don't think so.
I really wanted more from this. I wanted Zas to truly understand her heritage (or as much as she could get). It felt like she wanted to be off to discover that and then it went to the back burner. I felt like she kept hoping the pack would fully embrace her and she didn't need to worry about her heritage. But with that playing such a large part of the storyline, I would have thought someone would have started to help educate her.
I'm not sure what's going to happen with book two and the vampyre king, but hopefully some of the information that I need will be explained there.
This storyline is a bit of a mix of fantasy and paranormal, with wolves, vampyres and valkeryie, but we only spend time with the wolves. Zas, our FMS, was adopted by the pack and lives with her adopted mother hoping and praying she'll fit in with them, but discovering information that's been kept from her.
In between Zas' boughts of insecurity, jealousy, and her journal rantings about her enduring love for her wolf, we don't get much information on the inner workings of the pack and how they fit into this world. There's a war going on, but it's not between them. Then they want to go to war, but for what reason, really? Land or Zas? Are the vampyres really the evil bastard everyone says? How would they know, they don't talk to them? I was left with many questions and not a lot of information on how the puzzle pieces all fit together.
My other issue was connecting with the characters. Some were a bit childish and spoiled (Zas and Saga), making it hard to connect with them. Our MMC was overprotective, bossy and then we decided it was OK, all in with Zas. Uh...we're supposed to be all in with this relationship because you decided it was OK, Nordin? Nah...I don't think so.
I really wanted more from this. I wanted Zas to truly understand her heritage (or as much as she could get). It felt like she wanted to be off to discover that and then it went to the back burner. I felt like she kept hoping the pack would fully embrace her and she didn't need to worry about her heritage. But with that playing such a large part of the storyline, I would have thought someone would have started to help educate her.
I'm not sure what's going to happen with book two and the vampyre king, but hopefully some of the information that I need will be explained there.
May 2, 2026
I was so excited to receive this ARC ! Olivia Wildenstein has done it again! The Ice Beyond is an absolute whirlwind of a fantasy. We’ve got wolf shifters, vampires, dragons, and Valkyries all colliding in a world that feels both lush and dangerous.
The standout for me was definitely the slow burn romance between the FMC and MMC. If you live for a slow burn, this one delivers in spades! Their chemistry is simmering throughout, and it makes every interaction feel so earned. The plot kept me on my toes—it was refreshing to read a story where I couldn't predict the next twist. I’m already dying for the next installment!
The standout for me was definitely the slow burn romance between the FMC and MMC. If you live for a slow burn, this one delivers in spades! Their chemistry is simmering throughout, and it makes every interaction feel so earned. The plot kept me on my toes—it was refreshing to read a story where I couldn't predict the next twist. I’m already dying for the next installment!
September 10, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5
I AM OBSESSED. 🐺❄️
This book was such a surprise for me, and I genuinely had the best time reading it. The whole Norse-inspired mythology? INCREDIBLE. The world-building, the mysteries, the creatures, the lore — everything had me completely hooked. And the intrigue??? SO GOOD. I kept thinking I had things figured out, and then the story would throw something else at me.
And Nordin… that wolf is EVERYTHING. 😭🐺 He’s protective, intense, a little terrifying, and I am absolutely here for it. BUT. Something in my gut is telling me that this man is NOT as simple as he seems. I don’t trust him. I adore him. I’m suspicious of him. Basically, I need to know EVERYTHING about him.
And Zas!!! I loved watching her start to figure out who she really is and where she belongs. She’s strong, stubborn, emotional, and I’m SO rooting for her. I really hope she gets everything she’s fighting for because this girl deserves to find her place and absolutely own it.
The mythology, the secrets, the tension, the betrayals, the romance… I was SO invested. And that ending??? EXCUSE ME??? I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW.
I’m honestly in awe. This was such an addictive fantasy and easily a solid 5 stars for me and one of my favorite reads of the year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Olivia Wildenstein, you have me seated for book two. 🫡
I AM OBSESSED. 🐺❄️
This book was such a surprise for me, and I genuinely had the best time reading it. The whole Norse-inspired mythology? INCREDIBLE. The world-building, the mysteries, the creatures, the lore — everything had me completely hooked. And the intrigue??? SO GOOD. I kept thinking I had things figured out, and then the story would throw something else at me.
And Nordin… that wolf is EVERYTHING. 😭🐺 He’s protective, intense, a little terrifying, and I am absolutely here for it. BUT. Something in my gut is telling me that this man is NOT as simple as he seems. I don’t trust him. I adore him. I’m suspicious of him. Basically, I need to know EVERYTHING about him.
And Zas!!! I loved watching her start to figure out who she really is and where she belongs. She’s strong, stubborn, emotional, and I’m SO rooting for her. I really hope she gets everything she’s fighting for because this girl deserves to find her place and absolutely own it.
The mythology, the secrets, the tension, the betrayals, the romance… I was SO invested. And that ending??? EXCUSE ME??? I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW.
I’m honestly in awe. This was such an addictive fantasy and easily a solid 5 stars for me and one of my favorite reads of the year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Olivia Wildenstein, you have me seated for book two. 🫡
August 29, 2025
Sometimes you pick up a book and you just know within the first few chapters that it’s going to be special. By 20% into The Ice Beyond, I already felt it in my bones, this was going to be a five-star read, and wow did it exceed every expectation.
The world-building pulled me in right away, but what really anchored me were the characters: Nordin and Zas. Their dynamic is pure magic. Nordin, the wolf, is the perfect mix of fierce protector and tender caregiver, and every small way he looked after Zas just melted me. Zas, on the other hand, has such a compelling presence that balances beautifully with Nordin. Together, their slow burn romance had me giggling, blushing, and kicking my feet like a lovestruck teenager.
The chemistry between them is electric, one of those rare connections that feels both heart-meltingly sweet and scorching hot. It’s the kind of tension that makes you savour every page, waiting for the moment sparks finally ignite.
And let me just say: when they did? Absolute perfection.
And just when I thought I had the story figured out, bam, a plot twist that blindsided me. I didn’t see it coming, mostly because I was too enthralled by their budding relationship, but it added another layer of depth and excitement that made the book even better.
Nordin himself deserves his own shoutout because he might honestly crack my Top 5 book husbands of all time. The way he loves and protects while still being this fierce, broody wolf?
Chef’s kiss.
And then there’s the ending. Let me tell you, it was RUDE. The kind of cliffhanger that makes you want to scream at the author and beg for the sequel immediately.
Because the thought of seeing Nordin completely lose his cool?
Yeah, I need that in my life ASAP.
This book had everything: heart, tension, laughter, swoon-worthy moments, and a twist that left me reeling. If you love slow burns, super protective/possessive MMCs, and a romance that will make you both giggle and melt, The Ice Beyond is a must-read.
The world-building pulled me in right away, but what really anchored me were the characters: Nordin and Zas. Their dynamic is pure magic. Nordin, the wolf, is the perfect mix of fierce protector and tender caregiver, and every small way he looked after Zas just melted me. Zas, on the other hand, has such a compelling presence that balances beautifully with Nordin. Together, their slow burn romance had me giggling, blushing, and kicking my feet like a lovestruck teenager.
The chemistry between them is electric, one of those rare connections that feels both heart-meltingly sweet and scorching hot. It’s the kind of tension that makes you savour every page, waiting for the moment sparks finally ignite.
And let me just say: when they did? Absolute perfection.
And just when I thought I had the story figured out, bam, a plot twist that blindsided me. I didn’t see it coming, mostly because I was too enthralled by their budding relationship, but it added another layer of depth and excitement that made the book even better.
Nordin himself deserves his own shoutout because he might honestly crack my Top 5 book husbands of all time. The way he loves and protects while still being this fierce, broody wolf?
Chef’s kiss.
And then there’s the ending. Let me tell you, it was RUDE. The kind of cliffhanger that makes you want to scream at the author and beg for the sequel immediately.
Because the thought of seeing Nordin completely lose his cool?
Yeah, I need that in my life ASAP.
This book had everything: heart, tension, laughter, swoon-worthy moments, and a twist that left me reeling. If you love slow burns, super protective/possessive MMCs, and a romance that will make you both giggle and melt, The Ice Beyond is a must-read.
September 1, 2025
A Norse inspired fantasy that I didn’t know that I needed! OMG, the author combined two things that I love the most. A fantasy world with shifters, and forbidden love. *Squeal!*
The world building was amazing, and I absolutely love Zaskja. Following her story and her journal entries were really engaging. The journal entries made her feel so real. She’s a complex character who can be mouthy and is a fighter. Zas craves for more in her life and she must decide which path she will take. I’m rooting for Zas, and Nord. I absolutely love these two. There are a few more characters and other villains like vampyres, dragons, and valkyries!! I’m so addicted to this new world! The twists and secrets revealed were so good! If you’re looking for an addictive read, be sure to check this one out. This is one of my favorite reads this year.
The narrators, Lilly Drake, and Tim Campbell did an amazing job portraying the characters. The tones and inflections were spot on. I enjoyed listening to how they pronounced some of Norse words. I know I wouldn’t have pronounced some of these correctly. So hearing them said out loud was a great treat.
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted copy.
Favorite quotes:
If anything happens to you…” My throat clogs with emotion. “So long as you’re waiting for me, there’s nothing in this world that’ll keep me from coming home. No silver blade…no winged beast…no fanged monster.”
“Beyond Asgard. Beyond Ragnarök.”
I adore you, my Wolf. Stay safe. Stay mine.
“..... you fucking psychopath”
“Lies matter. Because lies turn into truths if repeated enough times.”
The world building was amazing, and I absolutely love Zaskja. Following her story and her journal entries were really engaging. The journal entries made her feel so real. She’s a complex character who can be mouthy and is a fighter. Zas craves for more in her life and she must decide which path she will take. I’m rooting for Zas, and Nord. I absolutely love these two. There are a few more characters and other villains like vampyres, dragons, and valkyries!! I’m so addicted to this new world! The twists and secrets revealed were so good! If you’re looking for an addictive read, be sure to check this one out. This is one of my favorite reads this year.
The narrators, Lilly Drake, and Tim Campbell did an amazing job portraying the characters. The tones and inflections were spot on. I enjoyed listening to how they pronounced some of Norse words. I know I wouldn’t have pronounced some of these correctly. So hearing them said out loud was a great treat.
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted copy.
Favorite quotes:
If anything happens to you…” My throat clogs with emotion. “So long as you’re waiting for me, there’s nothing in this world that’ll keep me from coming home. No silver blade…no winged beast…no fanged monster.”
“Beyond Asgard. Beyond Ragnarök.”
I adore you, my Wolf. Stay safe. Stay mine.
“..... you fucking psychopath”
“Lies matter. Because lies turn into truths if repeated enough times.”
July 14, 2026
The Ice Beyond instantly earned a spot among my favorite reads of the year. Olivia Wildenstein crafts a world that feels both perilous and breathtaking, pulling you into icy landscapes where danger, devotion, and emotion collide in the best possible way.
The atmosphere is mesmerizing; crisp, cold, and beautifully captivating and the characters burn bright against that frozen backdrop. Every relationship feels meaningful, every twist lands, and the emotional tension builds with a slow, addictive intensity that kept me reading far later than I intended.
Wildenstein’s storytelling is sharp and deeply felt. She balances character depth with high‑stakes adventure so seamlessly that the pages practically turn themselves. By the final chapters, I was fully invested, breathless, and already wishing I could experience it all again for the first time.
The Ice Beyond is everything I want in a fantasy favorite: transportive, thrilling, and exquisitely crafted. A flawless five‑star read.
Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC copy. This is my review.
The atmosphere is mesmerizing; crisp, cold, and beautifully captivating and the characters burn bright against that frozen backdrop. Every relationship feels meaningful, every twist lands, and the emotional tension builds with a slow, addictive intensity that kept me reading far later than I intended.
Wildenstein’s storytelling is sharp and deeply felt. She balances character depth with high‑stakes adventure so seamlessly that the pages practically turn themselves. By the final chapters, I was fully invested, breathless, and already wishing I could experience it all again for the first time.
The Ice Beyond is everything I want in a fantasy favorite: transportive, thrilling, and exquisitely crafted. A flawless five‑star read.
Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC copy. This is my review.
Did Not Finish
September 21, 2026DNF at page 177. I'm just not vibing with the characters or their relationship. I honestly don't like any of the characters at this point and I'm struggling to stay interested 😞
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Olivia Wildenstein is my go too for world building fantasy romances. I love her Crow series and she wrote some great shifter romances in the past. When I saw The Ice beyond I knew I had to have it.
The world building is like no other and the main character remained a bit of a mystery to me throughout.
Zas has grown up around wolfs and for a long time thought she was one of them. When she finally thought she was going to shift her whole world came crumbling down. Her adopted mother finally admits the truth. She’s not a wolf shifter… she’s a Valkyrie.
In a world where vampires and dragons exist. Being different proves to be challenging. The wolf she likes rejects her and she no longer understands the rules.
Can Zas be accepted in a wolf world? Will her love interest finally see her? Will being different have its advantages or will it lead to her demise?
The world building took me a minute to settle into. This is a unique story and some of the normal fantasy rules don’t apply. This is a continuous story and there is more to come. The pace really picks up in the end and the story leaves you really for book 2.
The world building is like no other and the main character remained a bit of a mystery to me throughout.
Zas has grown up around wolfs and for a long time thought she was one of them. When she finally thought she was going to shift her whole world came crumbling down. Her adopted mother finally admits the truth. She’s not a wolf shifter… she’s a Valkyrie.
In a world where vampires and dragons exist. Being different proves to be challenging. The wolf she likes rejects her and she no longer understands the rules.
Can Zas be accepted in a wolf world? Will her love interest finally see her? Will being different have its advantages or will it lead to her demise?
The world building took me a minute to settle into. This is a unique story and some of the normal fantasy rules don’t apply. This is a continuous story and there is more to come. The pace really picks up in the end and the story leaves you really for book 2.
September 23, 2026
3,5/5
Honestly, I think this could be pretty good for people who are just getting into the fantasy genre. Or for anyone who wants to have a little laugh in the evening.
**The idea.**
I always appreciate a good concept in any book, and this one is no exception. Because the idea itself is simply fantastic. We have a world of shifters, vampires, dragons who serve the vampires and choose them as their riders, ancient magic, curses, Norse mythology, and Valkyries.
We get a really colorful world here. Norse mythology, just like many other mythologies, is incredibly rich, especially when you add shifters to the mix.
So yes, for the idea alone, I’m giving it 5/5.
**The characters.**
A little dry, in my opinion. Maybe I would have liked to see more of Zaskia’s story: more of her thoughts about the past and the future, rather than her being so focused on Nordin.
To me, it’s not really right to portray women in books as if they’re only ever focused on men — and that’s it. It’s such a narrow way of thinking, and it takes away from the image of a strong female protagonist. (Maybe that’s just my opinion, but it is what it is.)
The side characters are interesting. A little dry as well. Except Gavrik (he’s an idiot).
I would have liked to see more of their individual stories and more interaction between them. But it feels like they were mostly added to the plot to break up the scenes between Zaskia and Nordin.
Honestly, I think this could be pretty good for people who are just getting into the fantasy genre. Or for anyone who wants to have a little laugh in the evening.
**The idea.**
I always appreciate a good concept in any book, and this one is no exception. Because the idea itself is simply fantastic. We have a world of shifters, vampires, dragons who serve the vampires and choose them as their riders, ancient magic, curses, Norse mythology, and Valkyries.
We get a really colorful world here. Norse mythology, just like many other mythologies, is incredibly rich, especially when you add shifters to the mix.
So yes, for the idea alone, I’m giving it 5/5.
**The characters.**
A little dry, in my opinion. Maybe I would have liked to see more of Zaskia’s story: more of her thoughts about the past and the future, rather than her being so focused on Nordin.
To me, it’s not really right to portray women in books as if they’re only ever focused on men — and that’s it. It’s such a narrow way of thinking, and it takes away from the image of a strong female protagonist. (Maybe that’s just my opinion, but it is what it is.)
The side characters are interesting. A little dry as well. Except Gavrik (he’s an idiot).
I would have liked to see more of their individual stories and more interaction between them. But it feels like they were mostly added to the plot to break up the scenes between Zaskia and Nordin.
July 22, 2025
This insanely beautiful slow burn fantasy romance kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There is incredible worldbuilding, based on Norse mythology. We see strong, broody wolf shifters. And there are dragons! 😍 Zaskja and Nordin are incredible characters. I loved everything about this and cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
Thank you to Olivia Wildenstein for the e-arc of this beautiful book!
Thank you to Olivia Wildenstein for the e-arc of this beautiful book!
August 31, 2025
I absolutely loved Olivia’s Kingdom of Crows series so when the opportunity to read this new series I sprinted towards it!
This new world has Norse/viking vibes that includes wolf shifters, vampires, and valkyrie.
Zas has been waiting her entire life to finally embrace her wolf. She is a young and impulsive girl who comes learns she is not the person she thought she was and struggles to understand her new reality while keeping it a secret from her wolf shifter pack. She also has been pinning after a much older Nordin who has been a guardian figure in her life and the future alpha of the pack.
This story is a coming of age/figuring who where you fit in the world. Zas and Nordin’s relationship is both forbidden and toxic at times. He is a VERY possessive MMC who struggles to find a way for them to be together. Olivia Wildenstein is definitely creating a foundation in this book for how their relationship dynamic will change in future books as more obstacles and character growth arise for Zas.
There is also lots of shenanigans and betrayal going on amongst the characters which makes it fun to see what the final reveals are at the end of the book. If you enjoyed Olivia’s previous books then you will definitely enjoy this new series!
This new world has Norse/viking vibes that includes wolf shifters, vampires, and valkyrie.
Zas has been waiting her entire life to finally embrace her wolf. She is a young and impulsive girl who comes learns she is not the person she thought she was and struggles to understand her new reality while keeping it a secret from her wolf shifter pack. She also has been pinning after a much older Nordin who has been a guardian figure in her life and the future alpha of the pack.
This story is a coming of age/figuring who where you fit in the world. Zas and Nordin’s relationship is both forbidden and toxic at times. He is a VERY possessive MMC who struggles to find a way for them to be together. Olivia Wildenstein is definitely creating a foundation in this book for how their relationship dynamic will change in future books as more obstacles and character growth arise for Zas.
There is also lots of shenanigans and betrayal going on amongst the characters which makes it fun to see what the final reveals are at the end of the book. If you enjoyed Olivia’s previous books then you will definitely enjoy this new series!
August 8, 2025
This book is the best kind of slow burn, forbidden romance with a MMC who would kill for his love.
The Ice Beyond has:
Wolf Shifters
Valkyrie
Dragons
Vampyr
Norse Mythology
and so much more.
Zas was found as a young child, alone in the woods, by Nordin. She is raised by Nordin's aunt as her own and a member of their wolf pack, believing herself to be a shifter. That is one until one day she learns she isn't, only to realize everything that she had known to be true may not be.
This journey is full of hope, dreams, yearning, heartache, betrayal, love, and a lot of questions.
Zas & Nordin are now within my heart forever & I can not wait for book two.
Biggest thank you in the world to Olivia for the gift of reading this early. I found her work beginning with the Kingdom of Crows and have been a huge fan ever since.
The Ice Beyond has:
Wolf Shifters
Valkyrie
Dragons
Vampyr
Norse Mythology
and so much more.
Zas was found as a young child, alone in the woods, by Nordin. She is raised by Nordin's aunt as her own and a member of their wolf pack, believing herself to be a shifter. That is one until one day she learns she isn't, only to realize everything that she had known to be true may not be.
This journey is full of hope, dreams, yearning, heartache, betrayal, love, and a lot of questions.
Zas & Nordin are now within my heart forever & I can not wait for book two.
Biggest thank you in the world to Olivia for the gift of reading this early. I found her work beginning with the Kingdom of Crows and have been a huge fan ever since.
August 7, 2026
What do you get when you mix wolf shifters, dragons, vampyres, and valkyries together and throw in forbidden love? An intoxicating read with so much action and sizzling chemistry!! I absolutely devoured this book! Forbidden love is my number one trope and this just proved why!! The tension and steamy encounters between Zaskja and Nordin had me in its clutches and the obstacles these two must overcome is utter insanity! It felt like everything was working against them. The secrets, betrayals, and twists all blended together to keep me completely engrossed! And those diary entries! Freaking loved them and how they contributed to the story! I am so excited to see where the storyline progresses and get more information about a certain character that has me very intrigued! I also have to give a shoutout to the incredible friendship and mother/daughter relationship in this book! If you are ready to fall in love with the most delicious possessive wolf shifter, you must pick this book up! 4.5 stars
✨Shifter romantasy
✨Forbidden love
✨Norse mythology
✨Possessive MMC
✨Virgin FMC
✨Age gap
“I kissed you because I needed to feel what’s worth fighting to my very last breath to protect.”
“My soul did not need any searching. It already knows what and who it wants.”
“Beyond Asgard. Beyond Ragnarok.”
“I love that you’re mad for me, because I’m fucking mad for you.”
Thank you to the author for the review copy!
✨Shifter romantasy
✨Forbidden love
✨Norse mythology
✨Possessive MMC
✨Virgin FMC
✨Age gap
“I kissed you because I needed to feel what’s worth fighting to my very last breath to protect.”
“My soul did not need any searching. It already knows what and who it wants.”
“Beyond Asgard. Beyond Ragnarok.”
“I love that you’re mad for me, because I’m fucking mad for you.”
Thank you to the author for the review copy!
April 23, 2026
I have read books by Wildenstein, specifically Angels of Elysium. They were okay during my college era but in hindsight do not stand the test of time.
This story intrigued when I received the ARC - dragons, wolves, and valkyrie. On par with the wave in the book world right now. What sounded promising in the synopsis did not translate well in the story.
The MFL is Zas, for all purposes she is 18 when we get introduced to her but she acted much younger. Her voice is borderline annoying. Very whiny and always needs rescuing. Honestly I was getting flashback of high school crush era. As the story progressed I hope for maturity but her character growth did not progressed. I also think the diary entry vs the story felt disconnected. Like two different individuals even though it parallel the storyline.
Nordin - the MML. Everything I do not like in a guy. Indecisive. He played on Zas emotions. Only wants her when other desires her. Pure A hole. Did not vibe with at all.
The premise sounded good. There is a lot of potential things to explore. Like I would like to know more about the Valkyrie. However this is not a story I would personally continue. The writing and development of the characters are not my cup of tea.
If you enjoy Nordic influences, dragons, shifters this might be the book for you.
This story intrigued when I received the ARC - dragons, wolves, and valkyrie. On par with the wave in the book world right now. What sounded promising in the synopsis did not translate well in the story.
The MFL is Zas, for all purposes she is 18 when we get introduced to her but she acted much younger. Her voice is borderline annoying. Very whiny and always needs rescuing. Honestly I was getting flashback of high school crush era. As the story progressed I hope for maturity but her character growth did not progressed. I also think the diary entry vs the story felt disconnected. Like two different individuals even though it parallel the storyline.
Nordin - the MML. Everything I do not like in a guy. Indecisive. He played on Zas emotions. Only wants her when other desires her. Pure A hole. Did not vibe with at all.
The premise sounded good. There is a lot of potential things to explore. Like I would like to know more about the Valkyrie. However this is not a story I would personally continue. The writing and development of the characters are not my cup of tea.
If you enjoy Nordic influences, dragons, shifters this might be the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
Inspired by Norse Mythology but make it paranormal with shifters, vampires, and dragons.
Count me in.
I absolutely devoured this book.
Main Characters-Zaskja and Nordin.
Zas has always loved Nordin but he’s her adopted cousin so to speak and the one to find her alone as a child, assumably abandoned and he had to fight his pack to keep her. He will be alpha one day and every decision he makes is important.
I love the world building and all the side characters. Drama everywhere.
Zas is both strong and vulnerable. She’s… going through a lot after some big news and changes in her life and it’s been a wild ride for Zas to figure out what she’s wants out of her destiny.
You know some authors who write so well that it’s hard to pick a chapter to stop and take a break at? Because the story flows so well and it’s nonstop, action and suspense that it’s hard to close that book?
Or maybe the spice be spicin?
It’s this book.
It was the angst, the plot twist, the suspense, the betrayals, and the ending.
I’m definitely invested and dying for the second book already!
“So long as you’re waiting for me, there’s nothing in this world that’ll keep me from coming home. No silver blade…no winged beast…no fanged monster.”
Count me in.
I absolutely devoured this book.
Main Characters-Zaskja and Nordin.
Zas has always loved Nordin but he’s her adopted cousin so to speak and the one to find her alone as a child, assumably abandoned and he had to fight his pack to keep her. He will be alpha one day and every decision he makes is important.
I love the world building and all the side characters. Drama everywhere.
Zas is both strong and vulnerable. She’s… going through a lot after some big news and changes in her life and it’s been a wild ride for Zas to figure out what she’s wants out of her destiny.
You know some authors who write so well that it’s hard to pick a chapter to stop and take a break at? Because the story flows so well and it’s nonstop, action and suspense that it’s hard to close that book?
Or maybe the spice be spicin?
It’s this book.
It was the angst, the plot twist, the suspense, the betrayals, and the ending.
I’m definitely invested and dying for the second book already!
“So long as you’re waiting for me, there’s nothing in this world that’ll keep me from coming home. No silver blade…no winged beast…no fanged monster.”
July 24, 2025
I was really so excited to begin a new journey with Olivia Wildenstein because I enjoyed my time reading the Kingdom of Crow series - even though the last installment had me cringing a little at the 'FOMO' and 'unaliving' quips. The Ice Beyond, unfortunately (in my opinion), continues the trend and I absolutely hate that I didn't love this book.
Honestly I struggle to think of the Zaskja in the journal entries and the Zaskja in the narrative as the same person because, even though she's relatively young at the tender age of 19 for the most of the book, the journal entries read as far younger. Especially the sidebars in the parenthesis. I also struggle to imagine a young woman who uses the word 'onus' in speaking would also use the word 'unaliving' in a situation that didn't quite fit the potentially humorous bit.
I feel like a Boomer - but I swear that I'm not!
I'm grateful for having gotten to read this as an ARC but this isn't a series I imagine myself continuing. Though I do imagine that there will be a lot of people, particularly those in the new adult category, who will really like this and can more easily see themselves in a character like Zaskja.
Honestly I struggle to think of the Zaskja in the journal entries and the Zaskja in the narrative as the same person because, even though she's relatively young at the tender age of 19 for the most of the book, the journal entries read as far younger. Especially the sidebars in the parenthesis. I also struggle to imagine a young woman who uses the word 'onus' in speaking would also use the word 'unaliving' in a situation that didn't quite fit the potentially humorous bit.
I feel like a Boomer - but I swear that I'm not!
I'm grateful for having gotten to read this as an ARC but this isn't a series I imagine myself continuing. Though I do imagine that there will be a lot of people, particularly those in the new adult category, who will really like this and can more easily see themselves in a character like Zaskja.
July 24, 2025
no surprise, another 5 star read from olivia! I am obsessed with her writing and her stories. Thank you so much, olivia, for the arc!
Friends to lovers is not my favorite trope, so when I say I love it here, trust! This was friends to lovers done perfectly!!! we still have tension, banter, and moments of stop or it will pick you up and carry you home.
The mmc and Fmc just have this magnetic connection that sucks you in, and suddenly, 3 hours have passed by. He is the type of person who will do whatever is best for her, even if thats making sure she eats or cutting off family members who dont support their relationship.
I loved how there is a mix of Norse mythology and wolf shifters. (Chiefs kisses 💋 😘)
are you looking for a forbidden romance,with a possessive mmc who will do anything for her,then look no further.
I loved how our side characters have their personally shine and aren't just there when necessary. Saga is the bff we all want in our life, supportive no matter what!
we also get hidden identys, politics, myths, and legends.
Friends to lovers is not my favorite trope, so when I say I love it here, trust! This was friends to lovers done perfectly!!! we still have tension, banter, and moments of stop or it will pick you up and carry you home.
The mmc and Fmc just have this magnetic connection that sucks you in, and suddenly, 3 hours have passed by. He is the type of person who will do whatever is best for her, even if thats making sure she eats or cutting off family members who dont support their relationship.
I loved how there is a mix of Norse mythology and wolf shifters. (Chiefs kisses 💋 😘)
are you looking for a forbidden romance,with a possessive mmc who will do anything for her,then look no further.
I loved how our side characters have their personally shine and aren't just there when necessary. Saga is the bff we all want in our life, supportive no matter what!
we also get hidden identys, politics, myths, and legends.
October 1, 2026
3,5⭐
First of all, I loved that the book starts with a map, a glossary, and even a pronunciation guide for the names. I wish all high fantasy books were like this; I always love it when authors take the care to include these things. I also want to mention that I listened to the audiobook while reading, which really enhanced the atmosphere—especially since it features dual narration (something I LOVE in novels). I truly loved the book's overall atmosphere and the protagonist's attitude (even though many people will surely call her childish at the beginning). I completely understood how she felt and why she acted the way she did. I might have acted the same way myself.
You know that feeling when you finish a book and aren't quite sure what you thought of it? That’s exactly how I feel right now. I loved the beginning, got deeply annoyed by a lot of things in the middle (though I suspect the author *intended* for me to be annoyed by them), and the ending left me with a huge desire to read the sequel. It’s a complex feeling when a book is genuinely good—and I already knew the author was a great writer from another book of hers I’d read—yet you dislike many elements that were clearly designed to be unlikable. Details included for the sake of the plot rather than for enjoyment. You can tell when a plot requires certain details to reach the intended conclusion.
And I think that’s exactly what happened here. At various points, I was genuinely irritated by the characters and certain choices, yet I could also see the narrative reason behind them. It didn't feel like the author simply didn't know what she was doing. Many of the things that bothered me most clearly exist to build the story that will unfold in the upcoming books.
Zas, for instance, will probably be called childish by many people. And, yes, at times she is. We follow a very young character undergoing a massive life change, discovering that everything she believed about herself was wrong, and having to grapple with feelings she doesn't quite know how to manage yet. I didn't find it hard to understand her insecurity, her jealousy, or even some of her decisions. In fact, I found it all very consistent with her age and the situation she was thrust into.
I really liked Zas precisely because she isn't a character who starts out knowing everything and always making the perfect choice. She is discovering who she is. There is a huge difference between liking every choice a character makes and understanding *why* they made a particular choice. With Zas, I could almost always understand.
Nordin is a different story.
I really liked him as a character, mainly because he has exactly the kind of personality that usually works for me: mysterious, protective, intense, emotionally guarded, and harbouring an absurd amount of things he doesn't want to reveal. The problem is that, at times, I wanted to step into the book and ask, "Could you just talk to her?" I completely understand why he acts the way he does within the story, but that doesn't mean I didn't spend a good chunk of the book deeply annoyed with him.
And that was part of the joy of reading it. I was constantly trying to figure out what was happening, who was telling the truth, what was being hidden, and just how much certain people actually knew. The story relies heavily on secrets, identities, and information revealed little by little, which kept me thoroughly engaged.
I also really liked the world-building. The blend of Norse mythology with wolves, vampires, dragons, and Valkyries caught my attention right from the start. And, above all, there was the sense that what I knew of this world was just a tiny fraction of something much bigger. In fact, that was actually one of my biggest frustrations. I wanted so much more regarding the Valkyries and the vampires. Whenever the book started to show glimpses of those other parts of the universe, I became much more interested, because it was clear there was still *so much* hidden there. And I get the impression that this is intentional. This is the first book, and it spends a lot of time laying the story's foundation, particularly within the world of the wolves. Consequently, I finished the book wanting to know far more about the rest of the universe, while also understanding that the author is likely saving that information for later.
Another thing that worked really well for me was the atmosphere. The Norse elements—the cold, the wolves, the sense of belonging to the clan, and the feeling of being in an isolated place—really helped me visualise that world. Listening to the audiobook alongside the text enhanced that experience even further.
I also really appreciated how the romance intertwines with the themes of identity and belonging. It isn't simply a story about a girl falling for the man she’s always wanted. Her feelings for Nordin are deeply connected to the life she thought she’d have, the place she believed she held in the world, and everything that is being taken away from her. That’s why, even when certain choices frustrated me, I understood why that relationship was so important to her.
At the same time, some aspects of their relationship moved faster than I would have liked. There is a lot of yearning, tension, and pent-up emotion, but I would have appreciated more time for certain emotional shifts—especially since some of Nordin’s decisions have massive consequences, and the reactions to them could have been explored even further.
The pacing felt a bit uneven to me, too. I loved the beginning and was completely hooked, but there were moments in the middle where the narrative seemed to take a long time to reach the point it was clearly building toward.
And then came the ending.
I won’t go into spoilers, but the ending is exactly what turned my reaction from “I’m not sure what I think about this” into “I NEED TO READ THE NEXT ONE.” It’s the kind of ending that makes various pieces of the story look different once you reach the final page. That’s when I realised that perhaps the things that frustrated me the most were the very things the author needed to build up to reach that point. That doesn’t mean I liked all of them; some choices still bothered me. But now I can better see why they were there.
Now I just need to find out when I can get my hands on the next book!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I loved that the book starts with a map, a glossary, and even a pronunciation guide for the names. I wish all high fantasy books were like this; I always love it when authors take the care to include these things. I also want to mention that I listened to the audiobook while reading, which really enhanced the atmosphere—especially since it features dual narration (something I LOVE in novels). I truly loved the book's overall atmosphere and the protagonist's attitude (even though many people will surely call her childish at the beginning). I completely understood how she felt and why she acted the way she did. I might have acted the same way myself.
You know that feeling when you finish a book and aren't quite sure what you thought of it? That’s exactly how I feel right now. I loved the beginning, got deeply annoyed by a lot of things in the middle (though I suspect the author *intended* for me to be annoyed by them), and the ending left me with a huge desire to read the sequel. It’s a complex feeling when a book is genuinely good—and I already knew the author was a great writer from another book of hers I’d read—yet you dislike many elements that were clearly designed to be unlikable. Details included for the sake of the plot rather than for enjoyment. You can tell when a plot requires certain details to reach the intended conclusion.
And I think that’s exactly what happened here. At various points, I was genuinely irritated by the characters and certain choices, yet I could also see the narrative reason behind them. It didn't feel like the author simply didn't know what she was doing. Many of the things that bothered me most clearly exist to build the story that will unfold in the upcoming books.
Zas, for instance, will probably be called childish by many people. And, yes, at times she is. We follow a very young character undergoing a massive life change, discovering that everything she believed about herself was wrong, and having to grapple with feelings she doesn't quite know how to manage yet. I didn't find it hard to understand her insecurity, her jealousy, or even some of her decisions. In fact, I found it all very consistent with her age and the situation she was thrust into.
I really liked Zas precisely because she isn't a character who starts out knowing everything and always making the perfect choice. She is discovering who she is. There is a huge difference between liking every choice a character makes and understanding *why* they made a particular choice. With Zas, I could almost always understand.
Nordin is a different story.
I really liked him as a character, mainly because he has exactly the kind of personality that usually works for me: mysterious, protective, intense, emotionally guarded, and harbouring an absurd amount of things he doesn't want to reveal. The problem is that, at times, I wanted to step into the book and ask, "Could you just talk to her?" I completely understand why he acts the way he does within the story, but that doesn't mean I didn't spend a good chunk of the book deeply annoyed with him.
And that was part of the joy of reading it. I was constantly trying to figure out what was happening, who was telling the truth, what was being hidden, and just how much certain people actually knew. The story relies heavily on secrets, identities, and information revealed little by little, which kept me thoroughly engaged.
I also really liked the world-building. The blend of Norse mythology with wolves, vampires, dragons, and Valkyries caught my attention right from the start. And, above all, there was the sense that what I knew of this world was just a tiny fraction of something much bigger. In fact, that was actually one of my biggest frustrations. I wanted so much more regarding the Valkyries and the vampires. Whenever the book started to show glimpses of those other parts of the universe, I became much more interested, because it was clear there was still *so much* hidden there. And I get the impression that this is intentional. This is the first book, and it spends a lot of time laying the story's foundation, particularly within the world of the wolves. Consequently, I finished the book wanting to know far more about the rest of the universe, while also understanding that the author is likely saving that information for later.
Another thing that worked really well for me was the atmosphere. The Norse elements—the cold, the wolves, the sense of belonging to the clan, and the feeling of being in an isolated place—really helped me visualise that world. Listening to the audiobook alongside the text enhanced that experience even further.
I also really appreciated how the romance intertwines with the themes of identity and belonging. It isn't simply a story about a girl falling for the man she’s always wanted. Her feelings for Nordin are deeply connected to the life she thought she’d have, the place she believed she held in the world, and everything that is being taken away from her. That’s why, even when certain choices frustrated me, I understood why that relationship was so important to her.
At the same time, some aspects of their relationship moved faster than I would have liked. There is a lot of yearning, tension, and pent-up emotion, but I would have appreciated more time for certain emotional shifts—especially since some of Nordin’s decisions have massive consequences, and the reactions to them could have been explored even further.
The pacing felt a bit uneven to me, too. I loved the beginning and was completely hooked, but there were moments in the middle where the narrative seemed to take a long time to reach the point it was clearly building toward.
And then came the ending.
I won’t go into spoilers, but the ending is exactly what turned my reaction from “I’m not sure what I think about this” into “I NEED TO READ THE NEXT ONE.” It’s the kind of ending that makes various pieces of the story look different once you reach the final page. That’s when I realised that perhaps the things that frustrated me the most were the very things the author needed to build up to reach that point. That doesn’t mean I liked all of them; some choices still bothered me. But now I can better see why they were there.
Now I just need to find out when I can get my hands on the next book!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2025
4.5⭐️
2/5🌶️
I couldn’t put this book down- I finished it in 24 hours!!
Although the story felt a tad slow at points, and I wish the pacing had been a bit quicker, the world and plot has been set up so flawlessly.
Our FMC, Zas, is naive and childish at times, but that’s the point- she’s so sheltered that at the beginning of the book, all she’s really focusing on is her crush. I loved seeing her try to break out of her shell, whilst making mistakes (which is natural and so human).
The romance with the MMC, Nordin, is rough- unrequited love, forbidden romance, secrets, age gap- but Zas is tenacious and headstrong enough to fight for what she wants.
I think this book is perfect for fans of To Bleed A Crystal Bloom and for fans of anything vikings x fantasy.
The ending was cruel, but I’m now on the edge of my seat awaiting book two. I’m ready for any twists and reveals that I thinkkkk may be next
2/5🌶️
I couldn’t put this book down- I finished it in 24 hours!!
Although the story felt a tad slow at points, and I wish the pacing had been a bit quicker, the world and plot has been set up so flawlessly.
Our FMC, Zas, is naive and childish at times, but that’s the point- she’s so sheltered that at the beginning of the book, all she’s really focusing on is her crush. I loved seeing her try to break out of her shell, whilst making mistakes (which is natural and so human).
The romance with the MMC, Nordin, is rough- unrequited love, forbidden romance, secrets, age gap- but Zas is tenacious and headstrong enough to fight for what she wants.
I think this book is perfect for fans of To Bleed A Crystal Bloom and for fans of anything vikings x fantasy.
The ending was cruel, but I’m now on the edge of my seat awaiting book two. I’m ready for any twists and reveals that I thinkkkk may be next
July 29, 2025
That cliffhanger ! How am I supposed to wait for book 2?! CANNOT WAIT 🫶🏻
July 30, 2025
This has everything you could want in a romantasy series, I am SO thrilled to continue. That cliffhanger was BRUTAL. Once again, Olivia writes a book that keeps me interested from start to finish. I love the character depth and the supporting characters she always writes in a way that makes them vital to the overall story.
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