What do you think?
Rate this book
From the Cold
She was born to be a lady of the court… not a woman who can kill a monster made of death.
When a soul-stealing demi-lich stalks her father’s lands, twenty-year-old Claris seizes the one chance she’s ever had to break free of her gilded future. Joining the hunt means defying tradition, risking scandal, and possibly her life… but it also means finally becoming the warrior she’s dreamed of.
Earning her place among the seasoned garde is hard enough. Resisting Torsten is harder. The aggravatingly handsome warrior with a roguish smile challenges her every step… and makes her wish her future weren’t already promised.
As fae tricksters, corpse crawlers, and marauders close in, Claris’s blade skills are pushed to their breaking point, and so is the slow-burn desire she and Torsten can no longer ignore.
But the demi-lich has a secret weakness… and exploiting it will demand a sacrifice Claris never expected.
To save her people, she must decide what she’s willing to risk—her duty, her future, or her heart.
When a soul-stealing demi-lich stalks her father’s lands, twenty-year-old Claris seizes the one chance she’s ever had to break free of her gilded future. Joining the hunt means defying tradition, risking scandal, and possibly her life… but it also means finally becoming the warrior she’s dreamed of.
Earning her place among the seasoned garde is hard enough. Resisting Torsten is harder. The aggravatingly handsome warrior with a roguish smile challenges her every step… and makes her wish her future weren’t already promised.
As fae tricksters, corpse crawlers, and marauders close in, Claris’s blade skills are pushed to their breaking point, and so is the slow-burn desire she and Torsten can no longer ignore.
But the demi-lich has a secret weakness… and exploiting it will demand a sacrifice Claris never expected.
To save her people, she must decide what she’s willing to risk—her duty, her future, or her heart.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
9 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Mia K. Rose
2 books9 followersMIA K ROSE lives in the Gold Coast, Australia (Yugambeh Country) with her husband, two children, and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. When not writing, you’ll find her in a D&D campaign, reading the latest romantasy, adding to her book trophy collection, or on a pilates reformer to assist with her hEDS.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
dnf-or-gave-up
January 25, 2026ARC REVIEW
DNF at 30%
I’m always a bit hesitant to DNF a debut novel, but unfortunately this book had too many elements that didn’t work for me, and I couldn’t find enough interest to continue.
My first issue was the author’s writing style. It felt quite two-dimensional, and I struggled to perceive any emotional depth: whether frustration, embarrassment, fear, or satisfaction. The narration is very linear: events follow one another in a rather cold, calculated way, leaving little room to emotionally connect with either the characters or the setting. There is no space to absorb the environment or the people being introduced, and even the characters’ movements feel static and strictly confined to their narrative roles. The FMC is eager to take command despite lacking any meaningful background or experience, the soldiers rarely express emotions beyond what their function requires, and secondary characters remain firmly locked into their "assigned roles" rather than feeling like "characters".
This lack of immersion is noticeable from the very first chapters. The conflict or tension that should help the reader form an opinion about the characters is underdeveloped, resulting in a general sense of indifference rather than engagement. I requested this ARC because I was genuinely intrigued by the premise, but unfortunately it didn’t leave a strong impression on me.
To give an idea of the story: it begins when Brahim (whose role remained unclear to me (mage? warrior? monk?) and, if explained early on, did not come across clearly) arrives at Count Arnoul’s villa to request an escort to kill a demi-lich, a rare and dangerous creature. Claris, the count’s daughter and FMC, seizes this opportunity to join the expedition in hopes of becoming a blade-maiden and avoiding an arranged marriage, in a world where women are primarily valued for their ability to produce an heir.
This premise led me to expect a romantasy with rich worldbuilding and a compelling heroine. Instead, I often felt confused by the speed at which information was delivered and overwhelmed by how much the story expected me to absorb without sufficient narrative grounding. Even stopping at around 30%, it felt as though the plot was moving too fast, without allowing concepts, characters, or motivations the time to fully settle.
Claris’s desire to escape the traditional role of a woman meant only to bear an heir is understandable and potentially compelling. Her confidence in throwing knives is repeatedly emphasized, while everything else is pushed into the background: how she plans to manage herself during the journey, how she intends to earn respect within the group, or even how she will carve out a place for herself in a space dominated by men. Meanwhile, her thoughts constantly drift toward how she will lead the group. She has no real background in monster hunting and no concrete knowledge of the creature they are facing, so her confidence in making a name for herself feels unearned. The other soldiers aren’t hunters either—they serve under her family, and while they follow orders, they are trained men who wouldn’t naturally defer to her authority simply because she is the count’s daughter. If there had been a situation where she could prove herself through her skills rather than her status, I would have understood her confidence, but up to the point I reached, no moments had given the protagonist a chance to demonstrate her abilities in a meaningful way.
One aspect I did appreciate was Brahim’s attitude toward her skills: he questions her confidence in knife-throwing, puts her to the test, and someways helps her improve. If I had to choose a potential romantic interest for Claris, he felt far more convincing to me than Torsten, whose characterization relies mostly on charm and physical presence rather than substance. This also ties into another issue I had with the romantic subplot. Claris’s crush on Torsten felt abrupt and underdeveloped. At one point, she is deeply affected after seeing him in bed with another soldier, despite the fact that their connection is minimal and limited to a near-kiss in a rather random situation. Considering this happens quite early in the story (around the 30% mark), the emotional reaction felt disproportionate, making the foundations for a potential romance seem weak rather than organic.
Even during what should have been a key scene - one that could have introduced tension or suspicion - when Claris and Torsten discover an important message inside a chapel located within her father’s domain, the moment feels oddly weightless and passes without any real impact. This was the point where I realized that, for all these reasons, continuing would likely lead only to further dissatisfaction rather than renewed interest, and I decided to stop reading.
I’m aware that I DNF’d the book relatively early, and I did try to push through, but around 30% I stopped because I couldn’t find the interest to continue. I don’t want to spend time rereading passages just to understand what’s happening, especially when the events themselves aren’t particularly complex. Unfortunately, for these reasons, I also don’t feel comfortable recommending the story. While the core premise has potential, the execution didn’t fully work for me.
As a final note, something another reader pointed out (and that I hadn’t noticed at first): the animal on the cover is not a wolf, but a lynx—presumably the protagonist’s companion. This mirrors one of my issues with the story itself, as the animal appears and disappears throughout the narrative in a rather random way, never leaving a lasting impression and often being easy to forget entirely.
Thanks to #TheNerdFam and the #author for letting me have an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF at 30%
I’m always a bit hesitant to DNF a debut novel, but unfortunately this book had too many elements that didn’t work for me, and I couldn’t find enough interest to continue.
My first issue was the author’s writing style. It felt quite two-dimensional, and I struggled to perceive any emotional depth: whether frustration, embarrassment, fear, or satisfaction. The narration is very linear: events follow one another in a rather cold, calculated way, leaving little room to emotionally connect with either the characters or the setting. There is no space to absorb the environment or the people being introduced, and even the characters’ movements feel static and strictly confined to their narrative roles. The FMC is eager to take command despite lacking any meaningful background or experience, the soldiers rarely express emotions beyond what their function requires, and secondary characters remain firmly locked into their "assigned roles" rather than feeling like "characters".
This lack of immersion is noticeable from the very first chapters. The conflict or tension that should help the reader form an opinion about the characters is underdeveloped, resulting in a general sense of indifference rather than engagement. I requested this ARC because I was genuinely intrigued by the premise, but unfortunately it didn’t leave a strong impression on me.
To give an idea of the story: it begins when Brahim (whose role remained unclear to me (mage? warrior? monk?) and, if explained early on, did not come across clearly) arrives at Count Arnoul’s villa to request an escort to kill a demi-lich, a rare and dangerous creature. Claris, the count’s daughter and FMC, seizes this opportunity to join the expedition in hopes of becoming a blade-maiden and avoiding an arranged marriage, in a world where women are primarily valued for their ability to produce an heir.
This premise led me to expect a romantasy with rich worldbuilding and a compelling heroine. Instead, I often felt confused by the speed at which information was delivered and overwhelmed by how much the story expected me to absorb without sufficient narrative grounding. Even stopping at around 30%, it felt as though the plot was moving too fast, without allowing concepts, characters, or motivations the time to fully settle.
Claris’s desire to escape the traditional role of a woman meant only to bear an heir is understandable and potentially compelling. Her confidence in throwing knives is repeatedly emphasized, while everything else is pushed into the background: how she plans to manage herself during the journey, how she intends to earn respect within the group, or even how she will carve out a place for herself in a space dominated by men. Meanwhile, her thoughts constantly drift toward how she will lead the group. She has no real background in monster hunting and no concrete knowledge of the creature they are facing, so her confidence in making a name for herself feels unearned. The other soldiers aren’t hunters either—they serve under her family, and while they follow orders, they are trained men who wouldn’t naturally defer to her authority simply because she is the count’s daughter. If there had been a situation where she could prove herself through her skills rather than her status, I would have understood her confidence, but up to the point I reached, no moments had given the protagonist a chance to demonstrate her abilities in a meaningful way.
One aspect I did appreciate was Brahim’s attitude toward her skills: he questions her confidence in knife-throwing, puts her to the test, and someways helps her improve. If I had to choose a potential romantic interest for Claris, he felt far more convincing to me than Torsten, whose characterization relies mostly on charm and physical presence rather than substance. This also ties into another issue I had with the romantic subplot. Claris’s crush on Torsten felt abrupt and underdeveloped. At one point, she is deeply affected after seeing him in bed with another soldier, despite the fact that their connection is minimal and limited to a near-kiss in a rather random situation. Considering this happens quite early in the story (around the 30% mark), the emotional reaction felt disproportionate, making the foundations for a potential romance seem weak rather than organic.
Even during what should have been a key scene - one that could have introduced tension or suspicion - when Claris and Torsten discover an important message inside a chapel located within her father’s domain, the moment feels oddly weightless and passes without any real impact. This was the point where I realized that, for all these reasons, continuing would likely lead only to further dissatisfaction rather than renewed interest, and I decided to stop reading.
I’m aware that I DNF’d the book relatively early, and I did try to push through, but around 30% I stopped because I couldn’t find the interest to continue. I don’t want to spend time rereading passages just to understand what’s happening, especially when the events themselves aren’t particularly complex. Unfortunately, for these reasons, I also don’t feel comfortable recommending the story. While the core premise has potential, the execution didn’t fully work for me.
As a final note, something another reader pointed out (and that I hadn’t noticed at first): the animal on the cover is not a wolf, but a lynx—presumably the protagonist’s companion. This mirrors one of my issues with the story itself, as the animal appears and disappears throughout the narrative in a rather random way, never leaving a lasting impression and often being easy to forget entirely.
Thanks to #TheNerdFam and the #author for letting me have an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2026
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4 out of 5 stars)
------------------
Summary
From the Cold is a fantasy novel that follows Claris, a nobleman’s daughter expected to settle into a life of courtly duties, marriage, and heir-bearing. Longing to become a warrior like the famed blade-maidens of Suevia, she takes the chance to hunt a deadly demi-lich, a soul-stealing undead mage, when it threatens her father’s lands. Claris sets out with a group of guards, including Torsten, whose charm and shared trials deepen into a complicated attraction. Battling faeries, goblins, marauders, and deadly magic, she must prove her worth, master her blade skills, and confront the risks to her duty, future, and heart in order to save her people.
------------------
What I Liked
• The magical creatures & artifacts
• The journey is basically from the start so you’re instantly hooked.
• Stand alone fantasy book.
------------------
What I Didn't Like
• Towards the end (70-80%) I did feel like it was a bit slow up until the reveal.
------------------
Tropes & Content Warnings
Tropes:
• Forced Proximity
• Slow burn
Triggers/Content Warnings:
• Violence/Death
------------------
Favorite Quotes/Phrases
"Many think caution can help save a life. It also kills life."
------------------
My Review
I didn’t know what to expect, but I really enjoyed this. From the start, Claris is an interesting character. She starts off a little self-deprecating, but you realize early on that she is smart and has fighting skills. Although she is a little out of her element when starting her journey, you see her grow more confident and willing to face anything to save her people and defend her father’s legacy. Although I understand Torsten was the love interest I honestly didn’t like him that much because he seemed shady; however, this was all in my head. There were a few parts where I was kind of bored or lost interest so I had to push onward but overall I would say this is a great read.
------------------
Would I recommend this book?
Yes - Fantasy readers that don’t want to commit to another unfinished series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4 out of 5 stars)
------------------
Summary
From the Cold is a fantasy novel that follows Claris, a nobleman’s daughter expected to settle into a life of courtly duties, marriage, and heir-bearing. Longing to become a warrior like the famed blade-maidens of Suevia, she takes the chance to hunt a deadly demi-lich, a soul-stealing undead mage, when it threatens her father’s lands. Claris sets out with a group of guards, including Torsten, whose charm and shared trials deepen into a complicated attraction. Battling faeries, goblins, marauders, and deadly magic, she must prove her worth, master her blade skills, and confront the risks to her duty, future, and heart in order to save her people.
------------------
What I Liked
• The magical creatures & artifacts
• The journey is basically from the start so you’re instantly hooked.
• Stand alone fantasy book.
------------------
What I Didn't Like
• Towards the end (70-80%) I did feel like it was a bit slow up until the reveal.
------------------
Tropes & Content Warnings
Tropes:
• Forced Proximity
• Slow burn
Triggers/Content Warnings:
• Violence/Death
------------------
Favorite Quotes/Phrases
"Many think caution can help save a life. It also kills life."
------------------
My Review
I didn’t know what to expect, but I really enjoyed this. From the start, Claris is an interesting character. She starts off a little self-deprecating, but you realize early on that she is smart and has fighting skills. Although she is a little out of her element when starting her journey, you see her grow more confident and willing to face anything to save her people and defend her father’s legacy. Although I understand Torsten was the love interest I honestly didn’t like him that much because he seemed shady; however, this was all in my head. There were a few parts where I was kind of bored or lost interest so I had to push onward but overall I would say this is a great read.
------------------
Would I recommend this book?
Yes - Fantasy readers that don’t want to commit to another unfinished series.
Review of advance copy
Thank you for the ARC 🩵❄️
So, let me start off by saying that I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and I devoured it so fast. I honestly didn't expect to like it this much since I applied for the ARC thinking "The cover is really pretty and the blurb is nice..." but I'm so happy I read the book because it was genuinely amazing.
I took a liking to Claris' character almost instantly, she really is a strong FMC and we love to see that. Pepin, her lynx was a great companion and every time he was mentioned, I was so happy, I think I got a bit
attached to the cat.
The story itself was great too. Claris setting off on a hunt to kill a demi-lich while traversing the frosty forests was so atmospheric and even when the pacing was a bit slow, the story and the landscape description kept me engaged all the way through.
The characters were thought through, their relationships were really well done. The power dynamic between Claris, trying to prove herself a good leader, and her garde was really good too and I LOVE when we get a FMC who's actually a good leader, is smart and cunning.
Although the story had romance, that was more of a subplot and the book was mainly story driven. The romance was well done though and there was some nice chemistry too as well as struggles.
All in all great book, very atmospheric and even though the slow pacing may not be for everyone, it had some really suspenseful moments to it.
So, let me start off by saying that I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and I devoured it so fast. I honestly didn't expect to like it this much since I applied for the ARC thinking "The cover is really pretty and the blurb is nice..." but I'm so happy I read the book because it was genuinely amazing.
I took a liking to Claris' character almost instantly, she really is a strong FMC and we love to see that. Pepin, her lynx was a great companion and every time he was mentioned, I was so happy, I think I got a bit
attached to the cat.
The story itself was great too. Claris setting off on a hunt to kill a demi-lich while traversing the frosty forests was so atmospheric and even when the pacing was a bit slow, the story and the landscape description kept me engaged all the way through.
The characters were thought through, their relationships were really well done. The power dynamic between Claris, trying to prove herself a good leader, and her garde was really good too and I LOVE when we get a FMC who's actually a good leader, is smart and cunning.
Although the story had romance, that was more of a subplot and the book was mainly story driven. The romance was well done though and there was some nice chemistry too as well as struggles.
All in all great book, very atmospheric and even though the slow pacing may not be for everyone, it had some really suspenseful moments to it.
January 30, 2026
Sadly had to DNF at 31%. I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t click for me.
The French aristocracy–inspired setting had a lot of potential, though I would’ve loved more world-building to fully immerse myself. The pacing was very slow, and by the time I stopped reading, not much had actually happened to pull me in.
Unfortunately I didn’t feel much chemistry or emotional connection between the MMC and the FMC. Their dynamic never quite sparked for me.
I did enjoy the FMC’s desire to become a warrior rather than submit to an arranged marriage, and her animal companion—a lynx—was definitely a highlight. 🐾
Overall, this just wasn’t the right book for me, but I think readers who enjoy slower, character-focused fantasy with light political elements may still enjoy it.
Thank you to the author and Nerd Fam for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The French aristocracy–inspired setting had a lot of potential, though I would’ve loved more world-building to fully immerse myself. The pacing was very slow, and by the time I stopped reading, not much had actually happened to pull me in.
Unfortunately I didn’t feel much chemistry or emotional connection between the MMC and the FMC. Their dynamic never quite sparked for me.
I did enjoy the FMC’s desire to become a warrior rather than submit to an arranged marriage, and her animal companion—a lynx—was definitely a highlight. 🐾
Overall, this just wasn’t the right book for me, but I think readers who enjoy slower, character-focused fantasy with light political elements may still enjoy it.
Thank you to the author and Nerd Fam for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Read
January 25, 2026Unfortunately I am DNFing at 30% 😭😭
Sadly this book from the jump just lacked some things I look forward in my romantasy books and I just could not connect with any of the characters or the plot.
I did not leave a rating because I do not want to fear with the GR rating for the author, but sadly this was just not for me.
Sadly this book from the jump just lacked some things I look forward in my romantasy books and I just could not connect with any of the characters or the plot.
I did not leave a rating because I do not want to fear with the GR rating for the author, but sadly this was just not for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 *
What happens when a lady has the heart of a warrior and her land is threatened by a demi-lich? I really enjoyed this story. The characters were all well planned and unique. The atmosphere was vast and the fight scenes were amazing. And the slow burn was slow burning. The chapters were on the longer side so just know this in advance if you convince yourself of "one more chapter" before bed.
What happens when a lady has the heart of a warrior and her land is threatened by a demi-lich? I really enjoyed this story. The characters were all well planned and unique. The atmosphere was vast and the fight scenes were amazing. And the slow burn was slow burning. The chapters were on the longer side so just know this in advance if you convince yourself of "one more chapter" before bed.
January 30, 2026
Pepin is my favorite ❤️❤️❤️. Really enjoyed this story and loved Claris’ determination. She took her role as a future leader seriously and I loved that. A lot of things happened that left me heartbroken for Claris. So glad no cliffhanger! Wonderfully written and easy to follow this world.
February 5, 2026
Some of the story felt rushed and incidents resolved very quickly. There are parts I enjoyed in the story, especially the lynx. Other areas, I wanted more depth so I could feel more of an emotional impact with these characters.
Review of advance copy
A romantic fantasy about a noblewoman who longs to be more than what she was born into. She convinces her father to let her escort her betrothed’s warrior to warn the king of impending doom, and along the journey she discovers she has what it takes to train as a warrior herself. What I loved most was watching the FMC fight against the path laid out for her and claim a new one of her own. This slow burn builds beautifully and delivers an incredibly satisfying payoff.
December 30, 2025
I received an arc of this book and I’m so glad I was lucky enough to get into this story. This was a really great read. I truly enjoyed the characters and the plot line. The world building/magic system wasn’t extensive but was written well enough to understand how things worked. The ending felt a bit rushed after majority of the book was leading up to it but otherwise this was an incredible unexpected read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the e-copy of this book. All thoughts here are my own.
2.5 stars but rounded up here.
My first and biggest beef with this book is the cover. I thought this was werewolf romance bc of the cover. About midway through I realized the animal on the front is her lynx, a big cat. That goof might totally be on me, but only seeing this cover digitally in a IG square or thumbnail, I feel like I’m not going to be the only person making that mistake.
This story started strong and ended fine. I struggled with the middle 3/4 of this book.
I liked that we met the MMC early on. I like the French flair to the language/names/ places. I appreciated what the FMC set out to be as a woman of nobility taking the opportunity to do more than her station allows and excel by her own merit. There was a non-binary character which was cool to represented.
The general scale of the plot stays pretty small; malevolent magical creature must be tracked and killed. The plot thickens but only slightly . Every hurdle the group encounters challenges the group on time and resources but none of these issues really affect the group. Brahim and Halvar have answers for every problem so there is no intrigue and no stakes.
There is magic but we don’t learn much and what we do learn is doled out slowly.
The dialogue was written very formally, which fits for the noble characters, but it ended up making the characters read pretty stiff to me. (This especially effected Claris)
I had such a hard time connecting to Claris and Torsten. Claris struggled with the same insecurities for the entire book (as a leader and with her relationship) and never really stood in any place of her own power. Their will they/ won’t they situation drove me nuts and I COULD NOT get behind them as a couple. I kept hoping she’d ditch Torsten get with Halvar.
2.5 stars but rounded up here.
My first and biggest beef with this book is the cover. I thought this was werewolf romance bc of the cover. About midway through I realized the animal on the front is her lynx, a big cat. That goof might totally be on me, but only seeing this cover digitally in a IG square or thumbnail, I feel like I’m not going to be the only person making that mistake.
This story started strong and ended fine. I struggled with the middle 3/4 of this book.
I liked that we met the MMC early on. I like the French flair to the language/names/ places. I appreciated what the FMC set out to be as a woman of nobility taking the opportunity to do more than her station allows and excel by her own merit. There was a non-binary character which was cool to represented.
The general scale of the plot stays pretty small; malevolent magical creature must be tracked and killed. The plot thickens but only slightly . Every hurdle the group encounters challenges the group on time and resources but none of these issues really affect the group. Brahim and Halvar have answers for every problem so there is no intrigue and no stakes.
There is magic but we don’t learn much and what we do learn is doled out slowly.
The dialogue was written very formally, which fits for the noble characters, but it ended up making the characters read pretty stiff to me. (This especially effected Claris)
I had such a hard time connecting to Claris and Torsten. Claris struggled with the same insecurities for the entire book (as a leader and with her relationship) and never really stood in any place of her own power. Their will they/ won’t they situation drove me nuts and I COULD NOT get behind them as a couple. I kept hoping she’d ditch Torsten get with Halvar.
January 30, 2026
Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this book and NerdFam for emailing about this book. I was not sure what to expect, some things I like, other things not so much.
The cover of this book doesn't give any real clues about the story, but I really believed there might be werewolves in the book, instead it was a lynx. I also wish the lynx was more pivotal to the story instead there one minute and gone the next.The pace of the story was great in the beginning but then it slowed down which made parts hard to get through, but I did push through to the end.
It was difficult to connect with the characters as they didn't really have much depth, but I guess that is to be expected with noble people. I would have loved to see more depth to the plot as well. It was strange that when they were facing challenges, there was no real answer as two of the characters knew what needed to happen, so everything resolved quickly.
For a romance story between Claris and Torsten came across forced and an afterthought, the characters really had not chemistry with one another and seemed like a struggle. It did not help that Claris was extremely insecure. I would have to say that Brahim was my favorite character in the group, he pushed Claris to worker harder and grow her skills, I do believe this helped her insecurity.
Overall all I would say this was 2.75 ⭐'s but I will round it up. I will give this author another shot for a different story.
The cover of this book doesn't give any real clues about the story, but I really believed there might be werewolves in the book, instead it was a lynx. I also wish the lynx was more pivotal to the story instead there one minute and gone the next.The pace of the story was great in the beginning but then it slowed down which made parts hard to get through, but I did push through to the end.
It was difficult to connect with the characters as they didn't really have much depth, but I guess that is to be expected with noble people. I would have loved to see more depth to the plot as well. It was strange that when they were facing challenges, there was no real answer as two of the characters knew what needed to happen, so everything resolved quickly.
For a romance story between Claris and Torsten came across forced and an afterthought, the characters really had not chemistry with one another and seemed like a struggle. It did not help that Claris was extremely insecure. I would have to say that Brahim was my favorite character in the group, he pushed Claris to worker harder and grow her skills, I do believe this helped her insecurity.
Overall all I would say this was 2.75 ⭐'s but I will round it up. I will give this author another shot for a different story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Mia K. Rose and The Nerd Fam for the ARC—this book completely surprised me in the best way.
I went into From the Cold intrigued by the cover and blurb, but I came out genuinely impressed by the depth of the story and characters. Claris is a fantastic FMC—intelligent, determined, and quietly fierce. Watching her step beyond the role the world assigned her and prove herself as a leader and warrior was incredibly satisfying.
The atmosphere is where this book truly shines. The frozen landscapes, dangerous creatures, and tense journey through the wilderness felt vivid and immersive. Even when the pacing slowed, I never felt bored—the world and the stakes kept pulling me forward.
The romance is a slow burn and very much a subplot, which I personally loved. The chemistry builds naturally through shared danger and mutual respect rather than rushing toward instant passion. And Pepin the lynx? Absolutely stole my heart. Every appearance made me smile.
This is a story-driven fantasy with strong character development, excellent action scenes, and a quiet emotional core. If you love wintry settings, capable FMCs, and slow-burn tension, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I went into From the Cold intrigued by the cover and blurb, but I came out genuinely impressed by the depth of the story and characters. Claris is a fantastic FMC—intelligent, determined, and quietly fierce. Watching her step beyond the role the world assigned her and prove herself as a leader and warrior was incredibly satisfying.
The atmosphere is where this book truly shines. The frozen landscapes, dangerous creatures, and tense journey through the wilderness felt vivid and immersive. Even when the pacing slowed, I never felt bored—the world and the stakes kept pulling me forward.
The romance is a slow burn and very much a subplot, which I personally loved. The chemistry builds naturally through shared danger and mutual respect rather than rushing toward instant passion. And Pepin the lynx? Absolutely stole my heart. Every appearance made me smile.
This is a story-driven fantasy with strong character development, excellent action scenes, and a quiet emotional core. If you love wintry settings, capable FMCs, and slow-burn tension, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
January 8, 2026
Somehow both so saddened by the last few chapters and the devastating consequences but overall happy for those characters that made it to the end!
This book follows our FMC, a lady of the court, as she heads out an mission to take down a magical being with a magician, guards from her court and another, her pet lynx and a stranger who knows more than he should about tracking this being. They must work together to cross the kingdom following this beast and protect her people from it.
There was so much conflict in this story with struggles for this group around each corner. Each loss was devastating and I felt for the FMC as she struggled to deal with the consequences of this mission. I enjoyed the storyline also of her with one of the guards and debating crossing the line a lady of her status shouldn’t with a man she barely knows meant to protect her, there’s plenty of tensions between them that even the others see! I also loved the pet lynx and its sassy reactions to things! Overall the journey of this book brought me to highs and lows and I got emotional but overall was very invested and couldn’t put it down! My rating 4.2/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
This book follows our FMC, a lady of the court, as she heads out an mission to take down a magical being with a magician, guards from her court and another, her pet lynx and a stranger who knows more than he should about tracking this being. They must work together to cross the kingdom following this beast and protect her people from it.
There was so much conflict in this story with struggles for this group around each corner. Each loss was devastating and I felt for the FMC as she struggled to deal with the consequences of this mission. I enjoyed the storyline also of her with one of the guards and debating crossing the line a lady of her status shouldn’t with a man she barely knows meant to protect her, there’s plenty of tensions between them that even the others see! I also loved the pet lynx and its sassy reactions to things! Overall the journey of this book brought me to highs and lows and I got emotional but overall was very invested and couldn’t put it down! My rating 4.2/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
February 7, 2026
📚✨ From the Cold by Mia Rose
⭐️ 3/5 | 🌶️ 1/5
The beginning? Actually great. I was intrigued, invested, and seated. And then the pacing hit the brakes HARD, and I was suddenly trudging through dense prose like I was on a monster hunt myself. I finished, but not without skimming and questioning my life choices.
The characters… whew. I wanted depth. Layers. Emotional damage. Instead, I got very noble, very composed, very hard to emotionally latch onto. Every time the plot dangled a challenge in front of me, it was immediately resolved because someone already knew what to do. Where is the struggle?? The panic?? The chaos???
The world-building and verbiage were… a lot. At times, I genuinely had to reread paragraphs and still thought, “Am I dumb or is this just dense?” (jury’s out). It took way too long for me to feel settled, and even then, I was occasionally lost.
This book is plot-first, vibes-second. Monster hunt and grief take center stage, while the romance politely waits in the corner and barely clears its throat.
If you love fantasy journeys, monster hunts, animal companions, and don’t need your romance front and center, you might vibe with this more than I did.
📖Reading mood: confused but committed, whispering “what is happening” every 20 pages
⭐️ 3/5 | 🌶️ 1/5
The beginning? Actually great. I was intrigued, invested, and seated. And then the pacing hit the brakes HARD, and I was suddenly trudging through dense prose like I was on a monster hunt myself. I finished, but not without skimming and questioning my life choices.
The characters… whew. I wanted depth. Layers. Emotional damage. Instead, I got very noble, very composed, very hard to emotionally latch onto. Every time the plot dangled a challenge in front of me, it was immediately resolved because someone already knew what to do. Where is the struggle?? The panic?? The chaos???
The world-building and verbiage were… a lot. At times, I genuinely had to reread paragraphs and still thought, “Am I dumb or is this just dense?” (jury’s out). It took way too long for me to feel settled, and even then, I was occasionally lost.
This book is plot-first, vibes-second. Monster hunt and grief take center stage, while the romance politely waits in the corner and barely clears its throat.
If you love fantasy journeys, monster hunts, animal companions, and don’t need your romance front and center, you might vibe with this more than I did.
📖Reading mood: confused but committed, whispering “what is happening” every 20 pages
December 2, 2025
A Captivating, Wintry Escape ❄️
From the Cold by Mia K. Rose is a beautifully atmospheric story that wraps you in frostbitten landscapes, simmering tension, and tender emotional beats. From the very first page, Rose creates a world where every icy breath feels intentional, every moment between the characters charged with something deeper waiting to thaw.
The characters are the heart of this book—layered, vulnerable, and shaped by the cold around them. Their journey, both physical and emotional, is filled with quiet bravery and hard-won connection. The slow warmth that builds between them feels authentic and deeply satisfying, like finding a fire on a freezing night.
Rose’s writing is vivid without overwhelming, and her pacing strikes a nice balance between introspective moments and gripping scenes that keep the pages turning. While a few parts feel intentionally slow, the payoff is worth it, delivering a story full of heart, resilience, and unexpected sweetness.
A wonderfully immersive read that blends chill and charm in equal measure. Perfect for curling up with on a cold night. ❄️💙
From the Cold by Mia K. Rose is a beautifully atmospheric story that wraps you in frostbitten landscapes, simmering tension, and tender emotional beats. From the very first page, Rose creates a world where every icy breath feels intentional, every moment between the characters charged with something deeper waiting to thaw.
The characters are the heart of this book—layered, vulnerable, and shaped by the cold around them. Their journey, both physical and emotional, is filled with quiet bravery and hard-won connection. The slow warmth that builds between them feels authentic and deeply satisfying, like finding a fire on a freezing night.
Rose’s writing is vivid without overwhelming, and her pacing strikes a nice balance between introspective moments and gripping scenes that keep the pages turning. While a few parts feel intentionally slow, the payoff is worth it, delivering a story full of heart, resilience, and unexpected sweetness.
A wonderfully immersive read that blends chill and charm in equal measure. Perfect for curling up with on a cold night. ❄️💙
January 27, 2026
From the Cold by Mia K. Rose ❄️✨
Big thanks to The Nerd Fam, RoseQuill Publishing and the author for the eARC—this was a fun read!
I’ll start by saying this book is beautifully written. Mia K. Rose has a real talent for vivid descriptions, bringing both the characters and the world to life in a way that feels immersive and intentional.
This is a high fantasy novel, and for me, it leaned very high fantasy. I hesitate to say this, but at times the verbiage and depth of world-building were a little hard for me to follow. Because of that, it took me a while to fully settle into the story, and I occasionally found myself confused. That said, this feels more like a reflection of my own fantasy comprehension than any flaw in the writing itself.
The romance, though? A slow burn done right. I loved how naturally it unfolded, and the ending was especially satisfying-everything tied up neatly in that way you hope for with a strong standalone.
Overall, a well-crafted, immersive fantasy with a rewarding romantic arc-perfect for readers who love rich world-building and a patient, emotional payoff. ❄️📚
Big thanks to The Nerd Fam, RoseQuill Publishing and the author for the eARC—this was a fun read!
I’ll start by saying this book is beautifully written. Mia K. Rose has a real talent for vivid descriptions, bringing both the characters and the world to life in a way that feels immersive and intentional.
This is a high fantasy novel, and for me, it leaned very high fantasy. I hesitate to say this, but at times the verbiage and depth of world-building were a little hard for me to follow. Because of that, it took me a while to fully settle into the story, and I occasionally found myself confused. That said, this feels more like a reflection of my own fantasy comprehension than any flaw in the writing itself.
The romance, though? A slow burn done right. I loved how naturally it unfolded, and the ending was especially satisfying-everything tied up neatly in that way you hope for with a strong standalone.
Overall, a well-crafted, immersive fantasy with a rewarding romantic arc-perfect for readers who love rich world-building and a patient, emotional payoff. ❄️📚
February 2, 2026
This book took a little bit for me to settle into, but once I did, I really enjoyed the journey. There were echoes of J.R.R. Tolkien in the text dominated by a quest. The author has vividly created a world that was engaging and characters that I wanted to support. The motivations driving the FMC (Claris) forward were well-developed and made sense, even in the context of a fantasy world where magic and humanity intertwine.
What is stopping me from giving a rave (5*) review was the slightly uneven pacing throughout - with some moments described in detail while others were seemingly skipped over - particularly towards the end of the book (say, final 15%). I got to the end and wondered whether this was part of a larger series because so much happened in the final pages. Also, I would have liked to understand the lead MMC a bit more, particularly the interaction between the two leads and how they ended up where they did.
All that said, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to others who enjoy the romantasy genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What is stopping me from giving a rave (5*) review was the slightly uneven pacing throughout - with some moments described in detail while others were seemingly skipped over - particularly towards the end of the book (say, final 15%). I got to the end and wondered whether this was part of a larger series because so much happened in the final pages. Also, I would have liked to understand the lead MMC a bit more, particularly the interaction between the two leads and how they ended up where they did.
All that said, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to others who enjoy the romantasy genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the Cold surprised me, then grabbed me by the throat and refused to let me go.
It earned every single one of these 5 stars with its remarkable world building, unique magic and one of the best plots I've read in a long while!
Claris is such a wonderfully written FMC, with flaws that make her human and relatable. Her sense of duty, but yearning to be more than what is wished of her struck true as her story unfolded.
I loved the way she formed bonds with the men of her guarde, though she struggled at first, it was one of the most heartfelt parts of this book!
The romance was full of twists, tension, and a bit of heartbreak sprinkled in that I could hardly bear!
The last half of this book had me laughing, sobbing, yelling and tossing my kindle. I felt every emotion and stayed up much too late to finish.
I cannot recommend it enough!!
Thank you Mia K Rose for allowing me to ARC read this book.
It earned every single one of these 5 stars with its remarkable world building, unique magic and one of the best plots I've read in a long while!
Claris is such a wonderfully written FMC, with flaws that make her human and relatable. Her sense of duty, but yearning to be more than what is wished of her struck true as her story unfolded.
I loved the way she formed bonds with the men of her guarde, though she struggled at first, it was one of the most heartfelt parts of this book!
The romance was full of twists, tension, and a bit of heartbreak sprinkled in that I could hardly bear!
The last half of this book had me laughing, sobbing, yelling and tossing my kindle. I felt every emotion and stayed up much too late to finish.
I cannot recommend it enough!!
Thank you Mia K Rose for allowing me to ARC read this book.
January 29, 2026
Interesting fantasy story with a strong, brave and intelligent woman protagonist. Claris is Demoiselle who is expected to marry and bear the next Comte de Grecy. She’s extremely skilled with knife throwing and impaling skills. However, it’s considered to be rather unladylike. She’d much rather be a warrior than a wife. She even has a pet Lynx named Pepin. Her father, the Comte, has been ill and hasn’t been able to travel to court. A ley tracer named Brahim shows up to advise that there is a demi-lich in their lands. He has come to request the services of a skilled knife thrower but the man he wanted to hire has died. Claris uses this as an opportunity to join the hunt and prove that she’s a skilled fighter.
The story can be a bit slow and tedious at times, hence the 4* rating. I loved that there is a brave female protagonist and that she was able to fulfill her dreams and wishes.
I received an ARC and this review is my personal opinion.
The story can be a bit slow and tedious at times, hence the 4* rating. I loved that there is a brave female protagonist and that she was able to fulfill her dreams and wishes.
I received an ARC and this review is my personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Mia K. Rose and the Nerd Fam for the ARC!
From The Cold follows Claris as she gathers a group of her father's garde to go in search of a demi-lich in her territory. The setting was perfectly set up to be read during the winter. I enjoyed our main character and I thought that her internal dialogue made sense as she navigated traveling with a group of men and thinking about society's standards for noble ladies. There were also some elements that stood out as unique to me when compared to typical romantasy reads. The author included goblins which I don't typically see in the genre (unlike fae, vampires, shifters, etc). The pacing kept me engaged and the twists kept me wanting to read more. I did feel that resolution at the end was a bit rushed but as a debut author, I thought that this was a strong start and will be keeping an eye on future releases!
From The Cold follows Claris as she gathers a group of her father's garde to go in search of a demi-lich in her territory. The setting was perfectly set up to be read during the winter. I enjoyed our main character and I thought that her internal dialogue made sense as she navigated traveling with a group of men and thinking about society's standards for noble ladies. There were also some elements that stood out as unique to me when compared to typical romantasy reads. The author included goblins which I don't typically see in the genre (unlike fae, vampires, shifters, etc). The pacing kept me engaged and the twists kept me wanting to read more. I did feel that resolution at the end was a bit rushed but as a debut author, I thought that this was a strong start and will be keeping an eye on future releases!
January 31, 2026
From the Cold is a stand alone high fantasy told from the pov of Demoiselle Claris. Claris has been sheltered inside her home, while still being allowed to train in the art of throwing daggers. She dreamt of being a blade maiden, something improper for a woman of her status, and once her mother died she took a chance to get some lessons without the watchful eye of any woman around her.
This means that while she can defend herself, and due to her status the leader of their party, in all other aspects she is completely ignorant of how the world works and extremely naive: she cannot break down her own tent, she does not hunt for herself, she doesn't cook. At times this can be a source of frustration for the reader, making it difficult to connect with the character.
Over all the plot isn't bad but the characters need development.
This means that while she can defend herself, and due to her status the leader of their party, in all other aspects she is completely ignorant of how the world works and extremely naive: she cannot break down her own tent, she does not hunt for herself, she doesn't cook. At times this can be a source of frustration for the reader, making it difficult to connect with the character.
Over all the plot isn't bad but the characters need development.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was a slower start for me. I was intrigued, but the dense writing style made it a tougher read, and I found myself skimming at times. The story is very plot driven, with the monster hunt and themes of grief taking center stage.
The romance stays in the background, and I didn’t fully connect with Torsten as the MMC. Pepin, Claris’s lynx companion, is a constant presence and will be a highlight for readers who love animal companions. If you enjoy fantasy journeys and monster hunts with a lighter touch of romance, this could be for you!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this eARC! 🫶
The romance stays in the background, and I didn’t fully connect with Torsten as the MMC. Pepin, Claris’s lynx companion, is a constant presence and will be a highlight for readers who love animal companions. If you enjoy fantasy journeys and monster hunts with a lighter touch of romance, this could be for you!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this eARC! 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Blurb -
When a deadly demi-lich needs to be hunted, twenty-year-old Claris defies tradition and vows to destroy it—risking her reputation, her father’s standing, and her own life. But to succeed, she must rely on the one man she shouldn’t trust: her future father-in-law’s infuriatingly handsome garde.
I found this book to be extremely well written. Very detailed and the pacing was perfect. It was easy to fall into the story and feel very immersed!
I really appreciate the opportunity given by Nerd Fam to read this ARC!
When a deadly demi-lich needs to be hunted, twenty-year-old Claris defies tradition and vows to destroy it—risking her reputation, her father’s standing, and her own life. But to succeed, she must rely on the one man she shouldn’t trust: her future father-in-law’s infuriatingly handsome garde.
I found this book to be extremely well written. Very detailed and the pacing was perfect. It was easy to fall into the story and feel very immersed!
I really appreciate the opportunity given by Nerd Fam to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What is not to love?!! I will absolutely be buying this in paperback so I can highlight and annotate.
Not only is the world rich, but the atmosphere is incredible—the snow, the trees, the setting. The author does a fantastic job painting such a vivid picture that I could see everything clearly in my mind.
And the romance? Chef’s kiss. I love our main male character—he is literally goals.
I can’t recommend this enough. If you’re after an atmospheric romance with big character arcs and meaningful growth, this one is for you.
An easy 5 stars.
Not only is the world rich, but the atmosphere is incredible—the snow, the trees, the setting. The author does a fantastic job painting such a vivid picture that I could see everything clearly in my mind.
And the romance? Chef’s kiss. I love our main male character—he is literally goals.
I can’t recommend this enough. If you’re after an atmospheric romance with big character arcs and meaningful growth, this one is for you.
An easy 5 stars.
Review of advance copy
Overall, I really liked this story.
It started a bit slowly and I would have loved to see a little more worldbuilding/background. That being said, the story is fascinating. Our FMC is a complex and nuanced personality. I loved that she was bucking societal norms to do what she believed was the right thing.
I enjoyed the banter between Claris and Torsten, as well as the “will they, won’t they” slow burn. Very well written debut novel!
Thank you to Mia K. Rose and The Nerd Fam for the opportunity to ARC read.
It started a bit slowly and I would have loved to see a little more worldbuilding/background. That being said, the story is fascinating. Our FMC is a complex and nuanced personality. I loved that she was bucking societal norms to do what she believed was the right thing.
I enjoyed the banter between Claris and Torsten, as well as the “will they, won’t they” slow burn. Very well written debut novel!
Thank you to Mia K. Rose and The Nerd Fam for the opportunity to ARC read.
January 28, 2026
I received this book as an EARC from the Author through The Nerd Fam. Thank you to the author Mia K Rose for the chance to read this fantastic romantasy stand alone. Romantasy stand alones are so hard to come by and this one was great. To me, this one was pretty mild. Not too heavy on the action, magic or romance, but heavy on the feelings, heartbreak and plot. I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a nice easy romantasy stand alone with a strong FMC and an adorable pet sidekick.
February 2, 2026
This book featured a captivating and incredibly engaging story, skillfully and thoughtfully written, that completely gripped me from beginning to end, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout. I was particularly enthralled by the remarkable character development and the dynamic, believable, and often surprising interactions between the characters, which added significant depth, complexity, and undeniable emotional resonance to the narrative, making the entire reading experience truly unforgettable.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This was an entertaining little read.
This standalone follows a young woman, Claris, who sets out on a journey to eliminate and evil threat to her father’s county. She teams up with some gardens and a mage to do this…and her pet lynx.
Claris strives to behave bravely and honorably, though this proves somewhat difficult while traveling without any female chaperones.
I enjoyed seeing Claris grow and evolve throughout this story. The development of the relationships in the book was fun to read, too.
A quick, easy and enjoyable book!
What to expect:
Forced proximity
Humans, mages & demi-lich
Slowest burn
Deadly quest
Forbidden love
This was an entertaining little read.
This standalone follows a young woman, Claris, who sets out on a journey to eliminate and evil threat to her father’s county. She teams up with some gardens and a mage to do this…and her pet lynx.
Claris strives to behave bravely and honorably, though this proves somewhat difficult while traveling without any female chaperones.
I enjoyed seeing Claris grow and evolve throughout this story. The development of the relationships in the book was fun to read, too.
A quick, easy and enjoyable book!
What to expect:
Forced proximity
Humans, mages & demi-lich
Slowest burn
Deadly quest
Forbidden love
January 29, 2026
A Hero's journey to defeat a great evil with a great FMC that grows with the story.
The first few chapters where slowish but it quickly grasped my attention. Although it focuses a lot on the journey I didn't find it boring or stale at all.
Overall its a good story, although I would have liked to see a little bit more of world building, I like this as a standalone. The characters were enjoyable and the romance plot was actually very cute!🥺
it has an HEA but at what cost...🥲
Pepin's adorable🫶
The first few chapters where slowish but it quickly grasped my attention. Although it focuses a lot on the journey I didn't find it boring or stale at all.
Overall its a good story, although I would have liked to see a little bit more of world building, I like this as a standalone. The characters were enjoyable and the romance plot was actually very cute!🥺
it has an HEA but at what cost...🥲
Pepin's adorable🫶
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews