A Curse of Frost & Flame

by C.A. Elginsmith

Run… Or Die…

These are the options foisted upon Felix, the Bastard Heir to the Throne of Autumn. War is on the horizon, and Felix is banished from the only life she has ever known. She finds herself left with nowhere to run but to the very enemy she was taught to despise.

Thallan, High Lord of Winter, had enough on his plate: a war to win, his Court to free from exile, and his Queen to be rightfully placed upon the Throne of All Faerie Courts. So, when Limeare, the Goddess of All Creation drops Felix, a mysterious fire-haired Autumnarian right into Thallan's lap, he is utterly caught off guard and overwhelmed. Charged with watching over Felix, Thallan remains determined to not let her turn everything he has worked so hard for to ash.

A Curse of Frost and Flame is an Enemies-to-Lovers Adult High-Fantasy romance best for those who long to get lost in the pages of Fantasy, Fuckery, and a dash of Fire for good measure.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 19, 2026

About the author

Queer Indie Fantasy/Romantasy Author obsessed with bringing life to the page.

Reviews

[nicklein · Rating 4 out of 5]

two words: holy shit

[Abrianna · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this free ARC! All opinions are honest and my own!

Releasing November 19th, A Curse of Frost & Flame by C.A. Elginsmith, is a multi POV, true slow burn, enemies to lovers, high stakes fantasy romance for the ages!

We follow Felix, the banished heir to the Throne of Autumn, as she’s thrusted into the unknown while the only life she has ever known is on the brink of war. She crosses paths with her sworn enemy, Thallen, the High Lord of Winter.

Y’all what an adventure this was! This heart-pounding, steady paced story had me HOOKED! I ate this shit up! When I say I want a high stakes fantasy romance, this is what I mean. The author promised us “Fantasy and Fuckery” in the blurb and that is what we got! The author really makes you work for it and doesn’t spell everything out for you. It felt like a breath of fresh air in that regard. The tension and the spice, tastefully done!

I absolutely adored the world-building. You can tell how much research was put into the lore and I loved how the author put their own creative spin on it. I loved the author’s originality when it came to the Seasons Courts. The names are unique annd diverse and give that true fantasy feel that any fan of the genre loves. I really appreciated the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book. Oh, and I loved the typographical map as well!

Felix is one of my favorite FMCs, not just in this book but in general! She is so BADASS and her character arc was beautifully done. The ending had my jaw on the floor, mind completely blown! The number of times I audibly gasped is probably unhealthy. I haven’t read anything like this in a long time and the set up for the next book has me screaming, crying, throwing up!

Overall, I completely recommend this book, especially to readers like me that have been missing a refreshing fantasy that isn’t like everything else that has been coming out!

Thank you again to Cat for trusting me with an early copy! I know I’ve said this before but you’ve really done something special here! I can’t wait to preorder my shelf trophy! What a masterpiece!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this arc. Here is my honest review.

Let me start off by saying this book is magnificent. If I had known that I would enjoy it this much, I wouldn't have started it so late at 8 PM. So, here I am now, at midnight (having finished it in one sitting), and I am SEETHING that I have to practice my patience skills and wait for the next one. Anyways! On to the book-

First thoughts-
A Curse Of Frost And Flame starts off strong. Immediately we're thrown straight into the action with high stakes and that had me HOOKED from the first page.

The characters- this author does a spectacular job of bringing her characters to life.
We follow our FMC Felix, the daughter and heir to the Autumn Throne, as shes banished from her home. I adore Felix. She's strong, stubborn, sarcastic, and a bit hasty in her decision making skills. I found myself frequently laughing at some of the comments she'd make. She reminds me of the saying "it's better to ask forgiveness than permission".

And Thallan, swoon ✨️ cold, distant, but secretly a protective cuddly teddy bear ONLY for her? Yes please!

Did I mention this book is multi POV? So not only do you see Felix's point of view, we're blessed with Thallons as well! (And a few others).

The world building-
Setting- the world building is so incredibly immersive. I could easily visualize the beautiful autumn scenery with the fall colors and cooler air, and then the chill and the hauntingly beautiful snowy/icy world from the Winter area.
Lore- We're given a ton of lore without it being overloading or confusing about the kingdoms/creatures/species and how they came to be. But it's also given in a way that blends well into the story and not like we're just being given facts and a history lesson.


Overall, this book was a magnificant start to the new series. I am completely invested and excited to see where Ms. Elgensmith takes us next! (Especially with that cliffhanger)

If you enjoy high stakes, fast pacing, immersive world building, and twist after twist, i highly recommend this book for you!
5/5 ⭐️

[Lanae Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thank you to the author for sending me an extra advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review.

This book kept me engaged the entire time, it was so good! It was hard to put down because I was constantly eager to see what would happen next. The story is told in multiple point of views and it does end in a cliff-hanger so be warned.

This is a truly slow burn enemies to lovers faerie romantasy. Each faerie court is separated by season and each have their own unique magics and gifts, however many aspects of magic along with ancient magical creatures are forbidden, destroyed, or hidden away.

The MFC is stubborn and strong willed and not your typical princess. She’s the commander of the Autumn army until her father forces her back to court. She ends up committing treason and finds herself in enemy territory - the Winter Court - where she meets the MMC (the Winter High Lord) and is almost sold off as a slave. Throughout the rest of the story she discovers that things aren’t as they seem and the Winter Court aren’t the cold evil people she’s been led to believe.

[Briana Gonzalez · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to C.A. Elginsmith for providing an advanced review copy of A Curse of Frost & Flame. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

A Curse of Frost & Flame by C.A. Elginsmith is a breath of fresh air in the romantasy genre, that has so much to offer readers, including slow burn romance, enemies to lovers, chapters from different character perspectives and my favorite, an FMC that you actually want to root for.

The story follows Felix (FMC), the bastard heir of The Court of Autumn and leader of the Autumnarian army. After a massive treasonous accident that involves the secret she's been keeping her entire life, she finds herself in enemy territory - The Winter Court. There, she encounters her sworn enemy and Winterian High Lord, Thallan (MMC), who is intense, distant and hiding a few secrets of his own.

The first half of this book felt a bit slow and hesitant, focusing on world building and the backstory of all the characters involved. But by the second half of the book, I honestly couldn't put it down. The character arcs were authentic, the love story wasn't forced and by the end, I felt like the steadiness of the first half of the book was actually designed that way, to gain momentum for the last half. I also want to mention that the romance itself was so well written and didn't make me cringe like so many other books do. Sometimes the word choice during intimate scenes can be really whacky, but that was NOT the case here. BRAVO on that front.

I LOVED this reading experience, these characters, and the larger world that the author created. This will be your next favorite read, and you will probably (like me) be sad to know you're going to have to wait for the next book to be released!

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the get go this was a very gripping read, I enjoyed the attitude from FMC Felix, how she isn’t afraid to backchat and put people in her place. The fact that she defied her mother and chose to lead her army into battle to show how strong of a woman she truly is, but this is the sort of thing that ended up putting a deadly curse onto her which causes quite a stir when it comes to her parents POV, making her flare with anger (literally) to where it ends up with her causing an accidental treason where she has to run from her homeland.

But this is what I also found a little irritating as she is constantly captured, although she does put up a good fight. But it happens on a few occasions and some wording/phrases did feel a little repetitive. I also felt the yearning with MMC Thallen could’ve been more intense with dramatic moments.

Despite those things I still thoroughly enjoyed the story, once I started reading I couldn’t put it down and had to know what happened next. The world is very descriptive and for some of it I could fully imagine myself there.

I enjoyed the stories of each characters magic, how there is a loyalty between each other, and to protect each other they will keep identities hidden. But how they trusted Felix enough—although she should’ve been their prisoner—to teach her new ways of status doesn’t always mean you’re above everyone, everyone does their fair share of work, how prejudice is an old practice, and how people have evolved their mindset and that tales in other courts are wrong.

I can’t wait to see what else is in store.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was provided to me as an advanced reader copy and my review is entirely voluntary. My thoughts, opinions, and comments are all my own!

This book took me on such a wonderful journey that I’m literally yearning for the next one already. It’s a beautiful fantasy with romance tied in. You get magic. You get monsters and creatures only your wildest imagination can conjure up. You get breathtaking scenery of worlds that we only wish we could experience for ourselves.

We get to follow Felix (FMC) and Thallan (MMC) as they embark on paths of major responsibilities, devastations impacting their people, and then finding ways to work together despite being from different kingdoms. These both definitely have no pleasantries for each other as they’ve both been raised to view the other as the enemy. But we get to see respect and admiration grow between them (and feeeeeelings).

I loved how the feelings between the two grew naturally. It wasn’t something that felt forced, rushed, or awkward. And by reading from both of their perspectives, we could experience what they’re feeling and thinking.

I truly felt as though I was in the world myself the entire time I was reading this book. It was so beautifully written and the character growth and development was incredible. And the romance was added naturally and seamlessly. The spice may have come closer towards the end of the book, but it was done in a way that flowed perfectly with the overall book.

I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book! And maybe I’m even hoping we’ll get to see more explanations of how things came to be!

[Jacqueline Bugler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world that Cat has created here pays homage to the fantasy tales of old while being completely innovative and clearly built in depth. I hope that one day she writes the origin stories because it is too wondrous of a world not to have every possible story told. But not yet! This series first! I’m too in love with Felix and Thallan, and cannot wait to see the rest of their story unfold.

Her ability to speak with distinction from the brains of various characters and her attention to detail without getting lost in the narrative view is exactly the sort of storytelling that helps me get lost in the story. So many new authors have a great story or a great writing style, but Cat is the full package, and this first book in what will hopefully be a long and prolific collection of mesmerizing tales.

From the world building to the character development to the suspense… the suspense, oh gosh. Not overwhelming but definitely hard to put down! And now we twiddle our thumbs waiting for book two 🥲.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some spoilers ahead.....



An interesting take on finding your own power/self. There was some good world-building, and I would have liked to see some more about the other 'courts', but maybe that will come up in the sequel? The pace of the book was good up until the end of the book, then it felt rushed, like "oh crap, I need to wrap this up and make them finally kiss". The connection between the two main characters didn't feel all that believable, they tried to avoid each other a lot and I felt like they needed more time together and more talking before they got together. And his 'curse' felt like it got thrown in to add more tension, but it seemed so odd since he shifted so often in the story, one would think that if he lost a part of himself each time he shifted he would use it sparingly, instead of what felt like every other day.

I appreciated the pronunciation guide in the beginning of the book, instead of at the end after I've already been mis-pronouncing everything! I am interested in seeing where the second book takes the characters and world created in this story.

[Mary Elgin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caatalina Elginsmith’s first book, “A Curse of Frost and Flame,” left me desperately wishing for her second book.“A Curse of Frost and Flame" tells the story of a whole new world, Lethaeya, its passionate rulers and kingdoms, and the history thereof. But all this is told in such an exciting story of a young girl and her family, that it becomes very easy to place yourself on one side, or the other, or both, as the girl Felix Sevael struggles with her own heritage, the dragons’ blood in her veins, and her allegiances. To find for herself where she belongs seems impossible in an alien country, but Felix courageously persists to the end, only to find it is just the beginning. but to discover the real reason behind her confusions, wait for the surprise ending! Then, you too will desperately need to read Book Two. I highly recommend this book for excitement , innovative family relationships, edge of seat thrills, and expert fantasy creation.

[Sinead Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the pacing and when the author hit their stride you could really tell. The character developent is perfect and the tension and yearning all leads up the tasteful temple scene. No notes.

No insta-love which I am relieved to see as I have read far too many books like that from Trad publishers and authors recently.

Overall I loved the world building. It wasn't chunky but it was substantial enough for you to get an image of where it was taking you as a reader.

I adored the characters and the strong FMC was perfect for the story. I found the spice tasteful and just enough for the first book.

Continuing this series is not even a question and Cat is now an auto-buy author for me!

[C.M. Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an advanced copy of the book from the author. Everything below is my own opinion.

Overall: loved it and want to read more!! The beginning is a little slow but I know there’s a reason to it. I do think Felix is difficult to like in the beginning and even a little toward the end. Not in a bad way, just in a I’d like to see more growth way. Thallan and her relationship feels natural and I can’t wait to see how it grows.

The ending pissed me off (in a GOOD way) and I really liked that Cat had so many different species.

I do wish we had a little more with the rising queen and Thallans darkness.

Solid 4.5/5 stars for me!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC! This is a solid 4 stars for me. This book was a great story with compelling characters and a good theme of mystery and suspense regarding heritage/lineage and being the last of one's kind. I liked the magic systems but we didn’t get terribly deep into world building so the read was easy and smooth. I felt so sad for our FMC, as she's in a crap situation, not entirely of her own making. Our MM is HAWT and though it takes him some time to come around he gets there eventually.
I'm excited to see the growth of this
author - if her debut novel is this good, I can only imagine what comes next!

[Allison Scheler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Curse of Frost and Flame by C.A. Elginsmith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an interesting concept where the FMC, Felix, goes against societal norms to fight for her people, and her family doesn’t approve. The MMC, Thallan, is from a land with a better societal structure, but he is the FMC’s sworn enemy. Not everything is as it seems here. The book also ends on a cliff hanger and has another huge open plot point, which makes you want to read about what will happen next.

[Jori Cornand · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I have got a copie from the author to review.

I really loved the story and the build up of the characters. It is written in a way that makes me feel connected to them and the feelings they go through.
I was rooting for them when things got dangerous.
The story reads very fluently. I never had the feeling I had to push through a part of it.
When I was at the end, I thought immediately that I wanna know what happens next.
I am for sure reading the sequel ❣️

[Lillian Swartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book made me cry and laugh, and left me begging for more! i had the pleasure of beta reading this amazing book and it was so good! i absolutely adore all the characters in this book!
the yearning was IMMACULATE! i’m talking about not even a kiss until 95% of the way through this book! taking slow burn to an entire different dimension!

[Drie Corley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

I loved this book, once I got used to the writing style and to the world it was an adventure I didn’t want to end. The world was very immersive and the characters were easy to root for.