Whispering Snowflakes is a lush, romantic fantasy of court intrigue, inherited magic, and feminine power—told through multiple perspectives where desire simmers beneath ritual, quiet magic, and a realm hidden not by ice, but by a curse.
In the frozen realm of Sneeuwvlok, silence is survival.
Myst Silvraim has spent her life contained by expectation—watched by the court, ruled by a calculating queen, and marked by silver snowflakes that bloom on her skin each year. As her nineteenth birthdate approaches, the magic she has been taught to restrain begins to stir, whispering of truths buried deep within the Forest of Shadows.
At court, romance is dangerous and loyalty easily broken. Desire becomes leverage, ancient bargains linger beneath ritual, and every connection carries consequence. Beyond the icebound kingdoms waits a realm erased from memory—warm, wild, and forbidden.
As forgotten spells awaken and the past presses closer to the present, Myst must decide whether she will remain contained by the role chosen for her… or surrender to a fate that has never truly let her go.
Haunting, romance forward, and richly immersive, this is a slow burn, multi POV fantasy filled with emotional depth, layered relationships, and heat that builds as steadily as the magic itself—meant to be savored, not rushed.
Elke Chantil writes lush romantic fantasy filled with court intrigue, layered relationships, and powerful heroines discovering the truth of who they are.
She is the author of the Hybiscus Snowflakes series, beginning with Whispering Snowflakes.
Her stories explore inherited magic, feminine strength, and the emotional cost of destiny in realms shaped by ancient curses and dangerous desire.
Two queens began the curse. One stolen daughter will end it.
Very whimsical and ethereal. So much mystery intertwined with many characters, who are weaved into the story, even at the end. There's magic, attraction, friendship, rage, nostalgia, and evil. There were many moments where things just took off and I couldn't stop reading. I enjoyed the plot and how it led up to an interesting curse being broken, and I'd like to know where the mystery is leading. I am excited to see where Myst fits into all of this, so the sequel will be very anticipated!
Two years ago, my cousin shared what she thought was just a short chapter—nothing more than a spark of an idea. From the moment I started reading, I was completely hooked. I begged her to keep going because I had to know where this story was headed. She laughed… and thankfully, she listened. Every week, new chapters landed in my inbox, and with each one I fell deeper into the world she was creating. The adventure, the emotional depth, the sheer imagination—it all pulled me in. Myst is not the typical clumsy or helpless heroine found in so many stories. She is strong from the very beginning, facing trials alongside her friends rather than being carried by them. Each character feels fully realized, with their own story, struggles, and motivations that make you want to know them better. Beatrix, in particular, stole my heart with her layered complexity, while Blayze embodies everything women truly want in a hero—his passion and devotion leap off the page. And then there’s Iyce: a villain so well-written that you feel nothing but disgust… even as you catch yourself hoping he might redeem himself. I couldn’t put this book down, and now that I’ve finished it, I’m already eager to read it again. I cannot wait for the next book in this series—this is only the beginning of something special.
I was lucky enough to be chosen to read an early copy of this book before it came out, which made diving into this wintery world feel even more special. Getting a first look at the story and its magical atmosphere was such a treat, and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to experience it early.
This story has such a dreamy, atmospheric feel with a quiet emotional depth that really pulls you in. It feels soft and magical on the surface, but there’s always something deeper unfolding underneath.
I loved the blend of fantasy and emotion. The pacing is gentle, which makes the world feel immersive and the character journeys more meaningful. There’s a subtle tension throughout that kept me reading because I needed to see how everything would come together.
It’s not a super fast-paced read, but that’s part of its charm — it’s perfect for a cozy evening when you want to fully sink into a story.
LOOOOOVED this book! It’s different then ones I’ve been reading and it was everything I needed to get me out of my slump and bleh towards books recently! Not only do you get the whimsical amazing world but you get spice!! And who doesn’t love tastefully written not over the top spice?! I know I do! I can’t wait for everyone to get to read this book and then desperately wait for the next one!
3.5⭐️ One of the things I love about reading debut novels is discovering new writers with unique voices. Elke Chantil's writing style in Whispering Snowflakes is definitely that.
The writing pulled me in and kept me intrigued; it's like no writing style I've ever encountered before - eloquent, vintage, otherworldly. At times it grew a bit formulaic, but then at others, she would say so much in so few words that the depth would take my breathe away. The writing style was my favorite part of this book, but the unusual world this author crafted was a close second.
I was immediately enchanted by these different realms introduced, lands frozen in ice, ringed by glaciers or paradises under multiple moons and colorful skies, filled with strange creatures (sleigh-pulling reindeer and rock monsters!) and even stranger characters (sorcerers, witches, women warriors, bat shifters and more!).
But I did struggle for a large part of this book. It's heavy on the spice, though much of it is not graphic and is tastefully written. It overpowered the plot in the beginning until I began to question what the point of all this was. I'm also typically someone who enjoys a puzzle of a read with multiple POVs, but this time, I met my match! Almost every character introduced gets to share their POV at some point. It became disorienting and left me feeling disconnected from the characters. In addition, the style of foreshadowing was to have characters withhold information about certain encounters that left me feeling frustrated and, by the time the information was revealed later, I had forgotten the small details of how we got to that point.
The last 5-10 chapters were a ride (and the consistency of the spice as well 🥴) that finally pulled everything together nicely and set up the anticipation for the next book. All in all, this was an unusual read and, though my honest feelings are conflicted and fall somewhere in the middle, I'm sure there are tons of readers who will appreciate this story just as it is.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book; this volunteer review is my honest opinion.
I would like to thank Paige for getting me situated with my ARC, and with Discord. (Amongst all the multitude of other tasks she is doing for this book's promotion.)
I also want to express deep gratitude to Elke, not just for writing the book, but for making her readers feel a sense of community...more on this in a few.
While this book is classified as romantasy, that is truly a disservice to this book, and to potential readers who do not like that genre. Whispering Snowflakes is a wild ride across varied genres: Romance ✔️ Fantasy ✔️ Mystery ✔️ Thriller ✔️ Adventure ✔️ Sci-fi ✔️ Comedy ✔️ Horror ✔️✔️✔️ (yes, it even has witches, sorcerers, vampires, rock monsters, and more!)
As each chapter begins, is a mini-adventure in an immersive world building carefully curated by the author. And, it's only going to get better, as this is just book one in the much anticipated new Hybiscus Snowflakes series by Elke Chantil.
My personal favorite characters are: Mairi, Beatryx, Blayze, and Karze (have to include my vampire).
Part of this unique reading was the additional Discord community exclusive to the readers of WS. This was my first experience with Discord, and I'll admit I hated it at first (Discord, for clarity). But I'm so glad I didn't delete it because I found an incredibly engaging and active group of fellow ARC readers who were sharing the exact same experience as I was in real time!
Don't make me snatch your wig, because the time is now to join the Whispering Snow Crystal royalty!
Memorable Quotes:
"Her throat opens--something she's had plenty of practice doing, I'm sure."
"Damn, I may need to sit in the snow."
"She is a beautiful hot mess."
"But the man is such a prick that ugliness eclipses every part of him."
"So they were born into conflict. Fire and ice--love and resentment."
"Bruises on the heart cannot be seen."
"His people aren't the only ones suffering. Across this realm, families are fractured, choices stolen, futures rewritten by force."
I had the amazing opportunity to read whispering snowflakes as an arc reader!! The following review contains a few quotes from the book. I have read this book like three times already and everything I want to tell you about this book contains a spoiler so I will try and keep it short and simple.
Whispering snowflakes is the kind of book that makes you want to sit down have a cup of tea and just dive in all night long. I loved the plot line and how it pulled me into the book. I could relate to the main female character Myst in many ways. This story just grabbed me and took me on a journey that I didn't even know I needed. If you like a deep, but slow and steady story then this is definitely the book for you. I recommend 10/10. I will list below some of my favorite quotes so that you can find them in the book and what lies behind them. I don't want to add to much to the review because spoilers are a thing and I don't like to spoil anything!
****QUOTES***** " " I had a random encounter, and it felt good. And stop judging me. I felt loved the entire time. It fuels me." I don't judge her. I feel empathy."
" I must keep myself in check. A crazed woman is not attractive. And I refuse to be seen as anything less than sovereign."
" she deserves to be treated like a princess. All girls do. " - this one is top tier!!!! All women deserve princess and queens status !!!!!!
So just to say the least I loved this book with my heart and soul. I will have this book on my shelf sitting pretty where she belongs. And I can't wait to read more of your books in the future.
Much love to the Amazing author Elke Chantil for creating such a story and journey through this book!!!!!!
I don't even know how I'm going to put this into words. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish.
The world itself seems absolutely magical. I wish I could jump into the book and take a look around. The author did such a good job with descriptions on scenes and clothing/hair. It really helped paint the picture of what I was reading.
This book is told in multiple POVs from almost all the characters in the book. Some people might not find this a good thing but for someone who is nosey and wants to know everything, it hit top tier for me! It let me see what was going on with each character and what their thoughts were. It made me feel close to them and I really feel like I got to bond with them throughout the book.
The secrets....lord the secrets in this book that cannot be spoken! I love a good mystery/found family/identity vibe. This book has it all throughout. You may feel confused but as the book comes closer to the end the puzzle pieces start piecing themselves together. It was beautiful and kept me wanting more.
There is spice in here throughout but it's not heavily descriptive. I feel like it's just the right amount without it being called smut. It was absolutely perfect for this book and I feel like people who aren't super into detailed spice will enjoy that.
I have so many characters I love and then I have the few that I want to jump inside the book and knock in the mouth. I'm itching for book two and can't wait to read it. After the ending, I need to know what happens next! This book has set everything in motion for so many possibilities to happen throughout the rest of the series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I received an early copy of this book by the author and was able to finish within a week.
What a whimsical world! Elke does a great job of exploring romantic, magical realms, with magic, creatures and fashion. (Definitely a fashionista because she describes the attire and hairstyles with much detail!) Initial thoughts: A little bit confusing to get into at first with the quick character switches and not knowing who is who, so I had to slow down and make sure I’m understanding everything correctly. I definitely think having a character guide in the beginning or end of the book would be helpful. That being said, the more you read, you'll understand the style and the story will quickly captivate you.
There's so many characters to love here!! And lots of people to root for. I'm still deciding who my favorites are, but I feel like more will be unveiled in the next book.
"I chuckle. "I suppose I could strangle a man with this dupatta if I had to." Laila looks momentarily startled, then laughs. "Oh Myst, do not worry. There are not many men here. It is mostly women.'"
"'And you can call me Pretty Tears."Our walk turns into a light run. "Wrap your fingers around mine and don't let go." he says. "I know you but have you ever flown?'"
There’s something really soft and almost dreamlike about Whispering Snowflakes by Elke Chantil. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t rush you—it kind of wraps around you slowly until you realize you’re fully inside this frozen, magical world.
At the center is Myst, a princess tied to her kingdom in a way that’s both beautiful and unsettling. Every year, these snowflakes appear on her skin, binding her more and more to a place that might not even be as safe as she believes. The whole idea of being connected to something you don’t fully understand is what gives the story its edge. 
What I liked most is the atmosphere. The writing feels very visual—like you can actually see the frost, the woods, the quiet magic. It leans more into emotion and mood than fast action, so it’s not a book you rush through. It’s more of a “read when you want to feel something” kind of story.
The characters are layered too. Myst isn’t weak or overly dramatic—she feels grounded, even when everything around her is magical. And the relationships (romantic and otherwise) have weight, especially because there’s always this question in the background: what’s real and what’s been shaped by the curse?
That said, it’s definitely a slower read. It takes a little time to fully get into, and with multiple perspectives, it can feel slightly overwhelming at first. But once it clicks, it really pulls you in. 
Also worth noting—it leans into romantasy, so if you like your fantasy with emotion, tension, and a bit of spice, this will work for you.
I’m so thankful for a copy of Whispering Snowflakes @ElkeChantil ✨❄️ Such an enchanting story - with a lot of spice 🌶️ if you know, you know 😅
First of all, the author herself is super sweet, and I’m happy to support both her and her work.
Maybe it’s because I’m deep in my mom era 😂 but I definitely kept catching little Elsa & Anna vibes throughout the snowy kingdom/family dynamics in the best way lol ❄️💙 Not that Myst had nice parents because she does NOT 🚫
This story felt enchanting from the start. Elegant writing, dreamy winter atmosphere, slow-burn vibes, lots of characters and moving parts. But I’d say it all comes together well.
I can’t say that I’ll keep reading fantasy, but only because my mind needs more psychological violence - like @karinslaughter and @lucindaberryauthor lol 😂 🖤🔪
From a reader who doesn’t typically pick up fantasy, here are my raw notes:
* Well-written * Well-thought out storyline and visuals * Enchanting, princess and magic spells were well balanced * Maybe too many characters? * Pretty funny dialogue - and it takes a bit for a book to make me laugh * A bit on the long side, I’m not usually into slow burns - I see why there is a lot to set up though. This is just the beginning of a series.
I was given the opportunity to read this book ahead of its publication on Tuesday, February 3rd, and it completely exceeded my expectations. This was my first fantasy read, and I finished it in just three days—I truly could not put it down.
The writing is beautiful and immersive, told through multiple POVs from unique, well-developed characters that make you feel as though you are standing beside them in every kingdom within the realm. The world-building is rich without ever feeling overwhelming, and each perspective adds depth rather than distraction.
I laughed, gasped, rolled my eyes, and cried throughout this book, and that emotional range is exactly why I am still thinking about it—especially after the emotionally charged final chapter. Every relationship feels intentional and meaningful, and you can feel the weight and significance of each connection as the story unfolds.
This is the kind of book that pulls you in completely and refuses to let go. I cannot wait for book two.
"A perfect day would be spent here beneath warm blankets, snuggling with Midnight while reading." Is exactly how I felt reading Whispering Snowflakes. I'm so glad I read this while there was still snow so I could curl up on my couch with some hot tea and read this. I could practically feel the cold air, see the frost-laced petals, and hear the eerie hush of secrets waiting to be uncovered. The mythology woven into the story creates a setting that feels magical. What truly stood out to me was the emotional depth beneath all the magic. Myst’s struggle between duty and identity, safety and freedom, was deeply moving. The choices she faced made the story feel intimate and heartbreaking as well as epic. If you love fantasy with poetic prose, cursed bloodlines, enchanted forests, and a heroine standing on the edge of fate, this book is a must-read. It’s haunting, romantic, and filled with quiet magic that lingers long after you turn the final page. I would recommend this to any fantasy reader. ❄️🌺
Myst finds herself going through the paces of her life, doing what's expected, doing as she's told, and not making waves. The thing is the life that is planned for her is not the life she wants. She is betrothed to a horrible prince. She has magic she can't control. She has snowflakes that appear on her body each year, and there are mysteries surrounding her that she must discover the answers to. With so many unanswered questions, so much at stake, and unsure who she can truly trust will Myst discover the truth before it is too late? Will she be strong enough to face the truth no matter what she finds? I found this book to be exciting and engaging. The world building was wonderful. The characters were well developed. The plot is well thought out and established. There are so many little things that interconnect throughout the story. It truly keeps you on your toes. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and their struggles. You are able to feel a vast range of emotions throughout this story. Overall this was a wonderful book and I am looking forward to the next book.
"A perfect day would be spent here beneath warm blankets, snuggling with Midnight while reading."
One of the things I love most is discovering new authors, characters, and stories that pull you in.. who doesn’t love having their heart ripped out, right?
Whispering Snow Flakes is intriguing and enchanting. Multiple layers of worlds built with eloquent details.. lands protected by ice frozen glaciers, vibrant paradises gazing up at collective moons, breathtaking castles holding secrets. Cursed bloodlines, enchanted forests, a life promised yet just out of reach.
The mythology centering around Myst as she struggles to find her way on self discovery- shackled by duty, and longing for a glimpse at her true identity. Epic, sometimes devastating choices make the story pull you in as the hauntingly romantic quest erupts into chaos.
Thank you, Elke Chantil, for allowing me the privilege to be an ARC reader.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, though it took me a little while to fully settle into the story. Once the plot began to develop, I found myself increasingly engaged and keen to see how things unfolded.
The storyline has an interesting central concept, and the use of multiple POVs adds depth and variety to the narrative. I particularly enjoyed Myst and Blaze’s perspectives, which helped bring additional layers to the story. At times, the number of viewpoints made it slightly harder for me to fully connect with every character, but others may enjoy this style of storytelling.
Some of the more intimate scenes and character nicknames weren’t entirely to my personal taste, though readers who enjoy spice will likely appreciate this element. The spice level is fairly high, especially in the beginning, with some moments continuing throughout the book.
Overall, this book will appeal most to readers who enjoy romance-heavy fantasy or romantasy stories with an engaging plot.
"Whispering Snowflakes" is an enchanting and mystical story with characters that have multiple personas that are complicated but necessary for the story to come together. The writing was such that I was drawn in and wanted to see the gowns and creatures described, taste the snow cream and amber liquid, smell the jasmine and hybiscus and feel the magic of the world being detailed by the author. I enjoyed the story and became emotionally attached to character success and hopeful for failure (or even death) in some situations. To me, some of the encounters and depicted relationships especially in the beginning of the book seemed flat with little emotion or connection being felt but this improved as the story evolved. There were numerous unanswered questions and I can only assume they will be addressed in the next book - which I look forward to and would definitely read.
First off, I enjoy the concept for this book. I think it has a lot of potential, and the author is just a peach. 🍑 The street team is incredibly supportive.
I loved some of the imagery in the book. Quotes from this book are memorable.
Things that didn’t jive with me:
- the spicy scenes are too short. There is no real detail to them and they stop as soon as they start. I would have liked more substance in these scenes. - Too many points of view. I understand there are many characters that are companions but multiple points of view in one chapter is distracting. I suggest one chapter per POV to make it flow better. - I think this book needs more action and description. I found it hard to follow in many scenes. - Who is the main character? I didn’t find that clear.
I give this novel a 3/5, because it has potential, but needs some more description.
Arc Review Whispering Snowflakes by Elke Chantil ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you Ivy’s Publishing, LLC (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op) for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, in the beginning it was a little hard to connect to the story but I found the further I read the more engaged I became. There are multiple POV's which I believe being more to the story but at time I did find a little overwhelming but that probably has to do with the fact I'm used to only one POV. The characters were well written and the spice was on point!!! I believe it was a fantastic way to be introduced to this author's writing style and hope to read more from her in the future!!! #WhisperingSnowflakes #NetGalley.
Whispering Snowflakes is like stepping into a softly glowing snow globe—gentle, romantic, and quietly emotional. The story unfolds with a cozy charm that makes it perfect for curling up with on a chilly evening. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the heartfelt connections between the characters. There’s a sweetness to the romance that feels genuine, and the emotional moments land in a subtle, comforting way rather than overwhelming you. Chantil does a lovely job of weaving themes of healing, second chances, and finding warmth even in life’s coldest seasons. The overall experience was enjoyable and left me with that soft, content feeling you get after a good winter story.
🩷 Book Review 🩷 📚 Whispering Snowflakes ✒️ Elke Chantil 💫💫💫💫
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
First off, absolutely stunning cover!
Whispering Snowflake is such a different story. It does take a bit to get going but once it does you find yourself hooked. There are multiple POVs which was confusing a little at first but after the 30% mark it became integral to the story.
This book is romance heavy with a little bit of fantasy. The spice scenes were very hot and heavy.
Overall, a great first book and I am interested to see where the story goes from here.
WOW!! An incredible beginning to the new series Hibiscus Snowflakes by Elke Chantil. This story carries a dreamy magical feeling on the outside, but it covers up all the ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected surprises that keeps you captivated and turning the pages. The characters are all well written, they each have a different depth to them. They are relatable and engaging and you really get to know them. Else's dreamy wintery wonderland world is brilliant, beautiful, and magical and weaves and blends warmly throughout the story. I highly recommend reading this book and I can't wait for the next one.
AMAZING!!!! I was extremely lucky to be an ARC reader and got to read the book before it was released. This book had me into it from the very first chapter!! Myst the main female character was so relatable in so many ways and the relationship between the main characters was steamy and was so detailed could picture it. I love when relationships between two main characters reminds me of my relationship. This book is one I stayed up reading all night as I just could not put it down! I will for sure be ordering the physical copy when its available as I am so excited to see the cover art. I highly suggest buying it!!!I cant wait to see what other books Elke writes!!
I received this as an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
This was an interesting read. It took me a little while to get into the book between the multiple POV’s and just the pace the book but once I was 25-30% of the way in the multiple POV made more sense and really hooked me. The writing is unique and the world building and characters are written so well that it’s very easier to picture them and the surroundings. Overall, this was a good fantasy book heavy on the Romance and I will be interested to see what comes next.
Whispering Snowflakes is an amazing book that feels like stepping into a beautiful but dangerous winter world. I loved that the story is told by different characters because it makes the mystery feel like a big puzzle where everyone has a secret. You can really feel the "chill" of the magic on the main character's skin, and the snowy setting is so well-described that it feels like you are right there in the forest. It is a great slow-burn romance that kept me guessing until the very end because I never knew who to fully trust. I can’t wait for second book.
As the first book in the series there was a lot of world building and background that needed to be covered. The author did a great job eloquently writing this novel. For me I felt that it was a bit too much world building and not enough action throughout the story. Though I enjoyed the characters and how they all connected. Thank you to Ivy’s publishing and Goodreads for the giveaway. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
This novel contains a rich environment and settings with many different and well-developed characters. The storyline is also beyond amazing and just when things seemed to be winding down, it wasn't over yet. The ending was satisfying yet hints that there is more to come.
Definitely will be reading. more by this author especially to.find out what adventures await the characters next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am telling you I needed to read this especially after a long day with the kiddos. Something about the writing just made it feel like a dream and almost poetic to it. Its not super fast paced but the gentle pacing is what makes it so whimsical. To top of this amazing book there is spice!! I absolutely love when a romantasy takes on a different direction!!
This book was so amazing. The beauty of the story, the characters it just draws you in. The story flowed really well within all the characters. This is the kind of book where you grab yourself your favorite drink, blanket and curl up in your favorite spot and fall in love with this story as it draws you in. I'm so glad I had an opportunity to ARC Read this.
This book has great characters and outstanding world building. I also loved the writing style. This is a wonderful story that I'm sure I will read again.