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Steampunk Fairy Tales #2
Ice and Embers: Steampunk Snow Queen
It takes more than passion and pixie dust to thaw a frozen heart.
With the 1814 London Frost Fair in full swing, actress Elyse McKenna's performance in A Midwinter Night's Dream thrills the crowd. But Elyse's backstage has life is beginning to take on a distinctly Shakespearean flavor.
When she fell in love with Lord John Waldegrave, Elyse was prepared to keep their affair secret. But she wasn't ready for her new love to rock her relationship with her dearest friend, Doctor Kai Murray.
Everything Elyse thought she knew about her feelings for her old friend is flipped upside down when an enchanting ship captain turns her attention to Kai.
If Elyse hopes to escape the Thames with her heart intact, she must discover the truth about the captain, Kai, John, and her own feelings--before it's too late.
Ice and Embers is a retelling of the classic Snow Queen fairy tale set in a steampunk universe. Journey to gaslamp London during the 19th century to see how Melanie puts a steampunk spin on this reimagined fairytale.
With the 1814 London Frost Fair in full swing, actress Elyse McKenna's performance in A Midwinter Night's Dream thrills the crowd. But Elyse's backstage has life is beginning to take on a distinctly Shakespearean flavor.
When she fell in love with Lord John Waldegrave, Elyse was prepared to keep their affair secret. But she wasn't ready for her new love to rock her relationship with her dearest friend, Doctor Kai Murray.
Everything Elyse thought she knew about her feelings for her old friend is flipped upside down when an enchanting ship captain turns her attention to Kai.
If Elyse hopes to escape the Thames with her heart intact, she must discover the truth about the captain, Kai, John, and her own feelings--before it's too late.
Ice and Embers is a retelling of the classic Snow Queen fairy tale set in a steampunk universe. Journey to gaslamp London during the 19th century to see how Melanie puts a steampunk spin on this reimagined fairytale.
Paperback
First published July 23, 2017
223 people are currently reading
1926 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Karsak
90 books1,707 followersNew York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 2, 2026
A charming and romantic Snow Queen fairy-tale retelling by one of my favorite authors. The wintry atmosphere was very on-point with sparkly snowflakes and sleigh rides. This was such a perfect cozy novella to snuggle under a blanket with hot cocoa, and a sleepy kitty cat.
The Frost Fair Prince must choose his Queen
Scenes with rowdy laughter down an icy path toward the tavern as well as descriptions of vendors with the smell of roasted nuts and sights of children ice skating and sledding helped to create the wintry atmosphere.
Characters - The FMC has an inner battle between romantic love and obligation or dedication to her work. "For the good of the troupe". Magical characters Fairy God-mother shows up and Jack Frost gets a name-drop. The mirror of Titania's character journey in the play.
Setting - Lovely holiday scenes always covered in inches of snow. The backdrop of the theater also weaves into the story with the FMC playing Titania.
Romance - There was a little more romance in this one than in this author's other fairytale retellings. This worked really well to show the main characters' inner conflict.
"Then grant me just one wish," he said, stepping close.
"And what might that be?" I asked
"A kiss," he whispered.
Hidden behind the steed, I leaned toward him.
***
"I see we aren't the only ones looking for a little warmth today"
The Frost Fair Prince must choose his Queen
Scenes with rowdy laughter down an icy path toward the tavern as well as descriptions of vendors with the smell of roasted nuts and sights of children ice skating and sledding helped to create the wintry atmosphere.
Characters - The FMC has an inner battle between romantic love and obligation or dedication to her work. "For the good of the troupe". Magical characters Fairy God-mother shows up and Jack Frost gets a name-drop. The mirror of Titania's character journey in the play.
Setting - Lovely holiday scenes always covered in inches of snow. The backdrop of the theater also weaves into the story with the FMC playing Titania.
Romance - There was a little more romance in this one than in this author's other fairytale retellings. This worked really well to show the main characters' inner conflict.
"Then grant me just one wish," he said, stepping close.
"And what might that be?" I asked
"A kiss," he whispered.
Hidden behind the steed, I leaned toward him.
***
"I see we aren't the only ones looking for a little warmth today"
April 30, 2019
I usually enjoy fairytale retellings, but this retelling of "The snow Queen" was pretty disappointing. This book is my second that is written by Karsak, and I will say, that I enjoyed her first book of the Alice in wonderland retelling, more than this one.
This book has a beautiful cover, and that initially attracted me to it, even before I knew what the book was about. The plot had great potential, but simply failed to pull me in. I disliked the main character, Elyse, as I felt like I was watching her jump from one man to the next, all in one evening. She seemed unbelievably naive, and I felt like I was eating strong cheese around halfway through the book. It got embarassing, and it irritated me. The romance was too much, and the action too less. However, despite my negativity, I will be finishing the steampunk fairytale series.
This book has a beautiful cover, and that initially attracted me to it, even before I knew what the book was about. The plot had great potential, but simply failed to pull me in. I disliked the main character, Elyse, as I felt like I was watching her jump from one man to the next, all in one evening. She seemed unbelievably naive, and I felt like I was eating strong cheese around halfway through the book. It got embarassing, and it irritated me. The romance was too much, and the action too less. However, despite my negativity, I will be finishing the steampunk fairytale series.
March 11, 2018
This wasn't as good as the first book in the series but still such a cool take on the Snow Queen
September 1, 2021
I was disappointed by the content and the lack of a Snow Queen in the story .
The content ;
-A man puts his hand under a woman's shirt without asking . *me fuming in the background *. 😡
-Several times the main character (Elyse) is lusting after her "boyfriend".
- Two charcters almost end up having sex after some heavy making out .
- Sexual innuendos , and lewd comments.
- A woman (the villain) is said to be naked ,and in bed with a man who is unconcious .
All of this could have easily been cut out. The only one that was actually necessary to the story was the last thing .
The actual story :
Things I didn't like ....at all .
-John , Elyse's boyfriend , was a real sleaze ball . He left me feeling uncomfortable whenever he showed up .
- The fact that this was called a "Snow Queen retelling " when it didn't even actually have a legit snow queen in it . 😱 It heavily deviated from the original fairy tale .
- It did have the element of two best friends . The boy is kidnapped by a woman , The snow queen , and held captive while the girl goes looking for him . However this retelling evoked none of the feelings of the original .
- Also why the heck did The author throw in little hints that made you beleieve that there was actual magic going on .
Examples ;
❄ A man who frequently disappeared into thin air .
❄ A mysterious woman who said something about how an actress made a good Tatiana for a mortal .
There were so many lose ends that had so much potential . The magical elements could have made the story into something much more magical and wonderful.
What I liked :
The ice carnival , reminded me so much of Caraval , and I loved every minute of those scenes .
Kai ....just Kai 😍 He's an ANGEL !! 😭💛 We need more male characters like him .
The content ;
-A man puts his hand under a woman's shirt without asking . *me fuming in the background *. 😡
-Several times the main character (Elyse) is lusting after her "boyfriend".
- Two charcters almost end up having sex after some heavy making out .
- Sexual innuendos , and lewd comments.
- A woman (the villain) is said to be naked ,and in bed with a man who is unconcious .
All of this could have easily been cut out. The only one that was actually necessary to the story was the last thing .
The actual story :
Things I didn't like ....at all .
-John , Elyse's boyfriend , was a real sleaze ball . He left me feeling uncomfortable whenever he showed up .
- The fact that this was called a "Snow Queen retelling " when it didn't even actually have a legit snow queen in it . 😱 It heavily deviated from the original fairy tale .
- It did have the element of two best friends . The boy is kidnapped by a woman , The snow queen , and held captive while the girl goes looking for him . However this retelling evoked none of the feelings of the original .
- Also why the heck did The author throw in little hints that made you beleieve that there was actual magic going on .
Examples ;
❄ A man who frequently disappeared into thin air .
❄ A mysterious woman who said something about how an actress made a good Tatiana for a mortal .
There were so many lose ends that had so much potential . The magical elements could have made the story into something much more magical and wonderful.
What I liked :
The ice carnival , reminded me so much of Caraval , and I loved every minute of those scenes .
Kai ....just Kai 😍 He's an ANGEL !! 😭💛 We need more male characters like him .
July 21, 2017
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great story from Melanie Karsak! Steam punk retelling of the Snow Queen fairy tale that I just couldn't put down. I loved the characters and the twist that came at the end, I totally didn't see it coming! I love the mixture of steampunk and Regency London and Karsak makes the two fit together seamlessly and create a story that you will not want to put down. I am so looking forward to more of her steampunk fairy tale retellings.
This is a great story from Melanie Karsak! Steam punk retelling of the Snow Queen fairy tale that I just couldn't put down. I loved the characters and the twist that came at the end, I totally didn't see it coming! I love the mixture of steampunk and Regency London and Karsak makes the two fit together seamlessly and create a story that you will not want to put down. I am so looking forward to more of her steampunk fairy tale retellings.
July 14, 2017
This book is a new twist on the fairytale The Ice Queen, but is also so much more. Although it kind of bills itself as a romance story (the kind of book I NEVER read as I HATE slushy romances!) this book is a paranormal story with steampunk elements, and has wonderful writing and characters in it. The inclusion of plays gives the ability to have more dramatic scenes, and the author definitely exploits the Victorian Ice Fair setting too! The only negative thing I would say about it would be the naivity of the main female character Elyse can be frustrating at times - you want to give her a good shaking and talking to!!
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes reworked fairytales - an increasingly common trend at the moment (though this is the first Ice Queen I've seen) - as its great fun to keep an eye open to spot elements of the original story's theme in this. It's also a great story for anyone who likes those set in Victorian times, paranormal elements, those with romance elements without being too slushy, and anyone looking for a standalone book that's a bit different.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes reworked fairytales - an increasingly common trend at the moment (though this is the first Ice Queen I've seen) - as its great fun to keep an eye open to spot elements of the original story's theme in this. It's also a great story for anyone who likes those set in Victorian times, paranormal elements, those with romance elements without being too slushy, and anyone looking for a standalone book that's a bit different.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
July 25, 2017
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a wonderful retelling of the Snow Queen set in Regency London. The Thames freezes over and a city emerges on ice. Interesting Shakespearean story set in MidWinter nights dream. All the characters are there. Love the love triangle and how the author twist the story. Well done! I would recommend this book to everyone who loves regency romances.
January 21, 2019
3.5 stars.. i didn't really like that there was too much romance here, but that might be because i was expecting for more action/fantasy than this. still, i loved how the story ended.
December 16, 2019
I liked this book but it was slow. Not a lot happened until the end. That being said, what a ending.
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Romanceopoly- London Street
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Romanceopoly- London Street
July 31, 2017
I don't even know were to being with this book. The cover is amazing! I am so in love with this cover, everything about it. It's gorgeous! I am quickly falling in love with Melanie Karsak's writing, I haven't read any retelling quite like her take on fairytales. This one was about the snow queen and it did not disappoint.
Elysa & Kai...sigh...Kai....I loved this world and I adored both characters. I loved the love story and the twist at the end. I wish it had more of the "snow queen" but over all I just loved everything about this book. I wanted to be in this world for a while. Elysa is an actress and the Thames freezes which bring the 1814 London Frost Fair. Elysa performs at the Ice House Theatre, she is being courted by a gentleman that she is head over heals in love with but her BFF Kai that lives on the other side of her window isn't so sure about this gentleman since he wants to keep the relationship a secret. Kai is protective of Elysa but he allows her to do what she wants however you can tell he is in love with her. The story is loosely based on the Snow Queen fairytale. It's like you can sense the story underneath the wonderful story that she has created. I honesty hated when this book ended.
Overall, I thought this was an amazing story, I loved all the characters and the twist that I didn't see coming at all. I can't recommend this book enough. Between this book and her Curiouser and Curiouser book, I am loving her stories, I can't wait to read more from her.
Elysa & Kai...sigh...Kai....I loved this world and I adored both characters. I loved the love story and the twist at the end. I wish it had more of the "snow queen" but over all I just loved everything about this book. I wanted to be in this world for a while. Elysa is an actress and the Thames freezes which bring the 1814 London Frost Fair. Elysa performs at the Ice House Theatre, she is being courted by a gentleman that she is head over heals in love with but her BFF Kai that lives on the other side of her window isn't so sure about this gentleman since he wants to keep the relationship a secret. Kai is protective of Elysa but he allows her to do what she wants however you can tell he is in love with her. The story is loosely based on the Snow Queen fairytale. It's like you can sense the story underneath the wonderful story that she has created. I honesty hated when this book ended.
Overall, I thought this was an amazing story, I loved all the characters and the twist that I didn't see coming at all. I can't recommend this book enough. Between this book and her Curiouser and Curiouser book, I am loving her stories, I can't wait to read more from her.
July 18, 2017
I love, love, love this story! This romantic fairy tale is set in 1814 London, with the beautiful Frost Fair as its backdrop. Take some lovable characters, a dash of steampunk and paranormal, swirl it all together with Shakespearean drama and you’ve got a Shakespeare play come-to-life!
The paperback cover is stunning! Hints of the story—frozen roses, a special mirror—frame a gorgeous ballet performer with Tower Bridge, the most iconic bridge in London, as the backdrop. All of the elements came together beautifully.
I highly recommend Ice and Embers to anyone who likes fairy tales. It's a great story for those who enjoy a bit of paranormal and steampunk with their romance, and especially for those who like stories set in the Victorian era.
The paperback cover is stunning! Hints of the story—frozen roses, a special mirror—frame a gorgeous ballet performer with Tower Bridge, the most iconic bridge in London, as the backdrop. All of the elements came together beautifully.
I highly recommend Ice and Embers to anyone who likes fairy tales. It's a great story for those who enjoy a bit of paranormal and steampunk with their romance, and especially for those who like stories set in the Victorian era.
November 28, 2017
Fantastic version of an old classic of the Ice Queen. Great adult version to keep you interested. Just couldn't put it down, fast paced. Definitely ready for more.
February 26, 2019
It is quite a nice novel ..
I loved it though it had a few inappropriate pages ..
This writer is so talented. .
You just can't get enough of reading her books ..
I loved it though it had a few inappropriate pages ..
This writer is so talented. .
You just can't get enough of reading her books ..
July 11, 2017
Love. Love. Love. Quick and engaging! This is such a smart and fun mash-up of The Snow Queen and A Midsummer Night's Dream. This is my second Melanie Karsak book and I cannot wait to discover more!
July 23, 2017
Received an ARC of Ice and Embers. It took me longer than I had wished to really get hooked, but once I did I finished within a few hours. This book really surprised me. I think the cover threw me a bit image wise, but once I got a few chapters in, I was happy. A winter festival on the frozen Thames, mysterious strangers, a great theatre, and a dash of steampunk!
August 19, 2018
3.5 stars - The pretty cover initially won this book a place on my shelf shelves as did the promise of a steampunk fairy tale retelling. Although this is part of the author's steam punk series, this book was more magic than steam influenced, but did deliver on the fairytale with its twist on the snow queen. Ice and Embers was a pleasant enough read. The bits of plays as a foundation and the leading lady actress' performance worked well. Much better than the romance aspects - I thought her romance with John, weakened her character and made her seem fickle. Still, the Ice Fair setting was pretty neat.
I read the first Steampunk Red Riding Hood story by this author and will read others by her - it's nice that most are Kindle Unlimited.
I read the first Steampunk Red Riding Hood story by this author and will read others by her - it's nice that most are Kindle Unlimited.
August 15, 2019
Romance time
Quite a bit of Shakespeare in this one; a saving grace in my opinion. Gave it a low ranking as romance stories are not my favorite. As her other stories, it is well written.
Quite a bit of Shakespeare in this one; a saving grace in my opinion. Gave it a low ranking as romance stories are not my favorite. As her other stories, it is well written.
October 29, 2020
I must admit that The Snow Queen is one of my all time favourite fairy tales. Which meant that a steampunk adaptation of it was immediately going to draw me in. Particularly when the other two adaptations I’ve read by Karsak (Curiouser and Curiouser and Wolves and Daggers) were just so damn good. And you know what? This didn’t disappoint. It was fantastic and wonderful and did absolute justice to the original fairy tale (thank goodness).
Although the original fairy tale focuses on two children, I loved that Karsak bought this into adulthood. It wasn’t necessarily sexual (although there were moments of that), but Elyse’s battle and journey was that little bit more intense and serious because she was an adult. That, and the fact that it was partnered with Shakespeare, although I probably didn’t pick up on all of the references because I’m a little bit “eh” about The Bard. It was all very well done and completely seamlessly executed.
It may have taken me a bit over a week to read this novel, but the majority of it I actually read in one night. A night when there were thunderstorms overhead and the rain beating down on my tin roof. Which was an absolutely perfect setting for the Frost Fair on the frozen river Thames. Something about the winter setting and my own winter nest was really nice and fun. Cuddling up beneath my blanket while listening to the rain pour down and having my heart beat alongside Elyse’s… it was something very beautiful and thematic. Or at least, my fanciful heart felt so.
This doesn’t have as much of a steampunk feel as Curiouser and Curiouser. It’s a little more a regency feel with a few dashes of steampunk thrown in. Yet, I liked it. It was a nice way to show different classes and people within the same social setting and whilst I loved the Bandersnatch, I don’t think Elyse would have been so suited with so much machinery around her in her adventures…
Although the original fairy tale focuses on two children, I loved that Karsak bought this into adulthood. It wasn’t necessarily sexual (although there were moments of that), but Elyse’s battle and journey was that little bit more intense and serious because she was an adult. That, and the fact that it was partnered with Shakespeare, although I probably didn’t pick up on all of the references because I’m a little bit “eh” about The Bard. It was all very well done and completely seamlessly executed.
It may have taken me a bit over a week to read this novel, but the majority of it I actually read in one night. A night when there were thunderstorms overhead and the rain beating down on my tin roof. Which was an absolutely perfect setting for the Frost Fair on the frozen river Thames. Something about the winter setting and my own winter nest was really nice and fun. Cuddling up beneath my blanket while listening to the rain pour down and having my heart beat alongside Elyse’s… it was something very beautiful and thematic. Or at least, my fanciful heart felt so.
This doesn’t have as much of a steampunk feel as Curiouser and Curiouser. It’s a little more a regency feel with a few dashes of steampunk thrown in. Yet, I liked it. It was a nice way to show different classes and people within the same social setting and whilst I loved the Bandersnatch, I don’t think Elyse would have been so suited with so much machinery around her in her adventures…
December 9, 2023
Spoiler Free
I find books that I rate five stars to be the hardest to review. I’m not sure what to say about Ice and Embers other than I loved everything about it. I wanted to read a specific kind of story during the winter season and this book checked all my boxes. The setting of the London Frost Fair gave the perfect chilly winter vibes. Karsak always does an excellent job of transporting you to wherever her story takes place and this time was no different.
The romance, while not surprising, was so good. I am a big fan of the childhood friends to lovers trope so obviously I was rooting for Kai and Elyse to end up together. There was the perfect amount of drama to keep me on the edge of my seat and I was LIVID during a certain scene with a certain ship captain…
Another aspect of Karsak’s writing that I always enjoy is how she incorporates fantasy. This is a retelling of the Snow Queen and while it does deviate from the original, it still has the same magical vibes. The fairytale aspects are kept more on the periphery of the story. There’s one instance where Elyse thinks she sees a small fairy in the snow but then she blinks and its just the snow glimmering. It’s written in a way where we, as the reader, know that there’s some magical, fairytale things going on but the characters really don’t and I love that.
If you’re looking for a quick winter read with magical vibes and a great romance, this is the book for you.
For other reviews, go to https://thebookandbeautyblog.com/
I find books that I rate five stars to be the hardest to review. I’m not sure what to say about Ice and Embers other than I loved everything about it. I wanted to read a specific kind of story during the winter season and this book checked all my boxes. The setting of the London Frost Fair gave the perfect chilly winter vibes. Karsak always does an excellent job of transporting you to wherever her story takes place and this time was no different.
The romance, while not surprising, was so good. I am a big fan of the childhood friends to lovers trope so obviously I was rooting for Kai and Elyse to end up together. There was the perfect amount of drama to keep me on the edge of my seat and I was LIVID during a certain scene with a certain ship captain…
Another aspect of Karsak’s writing that I always enjoy is how she incorporates fantasy. This is a retelling of the Snow Queen and while it does deviate from the original, it still has the same magical vibes. The fairytale aspects are kept more on the periphery of the story. There’s one instance where Elyse thinks she sees a small fairy in the snow but then she blinks and its just the snow glimmering. It’s written in a way where we, as the reader, know that there’s some magical, fairytale things going on but the characters really don’t and I love that.
If you’re looking for a quick winter read with magical vibes and a great romance, this is the book for you.
For other reviews, go to https://thebookandbeautyblog.com/
October 30, 2020
Series Info/Source: This is the second book in the Steampunk Fairy Tales. There are five books in this series. I borrowed this book for my Kindle from Kindle Unlimited.
Story (4/5): This was a fun read and very sweet. This is a retelling of the Snow Queen with some fun twists. It has less of a steampunk tone to it than “Curiouser and Curiouser” and deals more with faerie and magical realism. I didn't love it quite as much as "Curiouser and Curiouser" but still really enjoyed it. There is an excellent mystery here to keep the reader engaged and I found it to be a delightfully fun and entertaining read.
Characters (4/5): The characters were all well done and I was surprised how quickly I engaged with them in this rather short book. Elyse is a sweet young woman with a delightfully beautiful outlook on just about everything. I enjoyed many of the side characters as well. Additionally, I loved that there are cameos from characters in Curiouser and Curiouser, as well as an introduction to the characters that will be featured in “Beauty and Beastly.
Setting (5/5): The setting of the Frost Fair in London is absolutely magical; I just loved it. I read this at a perfect time when we had just gotten our first snowfall for the year and reading this book made the snow feel more magical and less miserable. It is just so beautiful and the descriptions make the setting really come alive for the reader.
Writing/Drawing Style (4/5): Karsak writes in a style that is easy to read and engaging. The story moves along at a good pace and has some beautiful descriptions to really bring the world alive for the reader. I really loved all the Shakespeare references Karsak brought into this story as well; I am a huge Shakespeare fan and love revisiting some of it.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was an excellent continuation of the Steampunk Fairy Tales and I can't wait to read "Beauty and Beastly". I would recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a fun fairy tale retelling that is engaging and entertaining, full of good mystery, and leaves you feeling happy.
Story (4/5): This was a fun read and very sweet. This is a retelling of the Snow Queen with some fun twists. It has less of a steampunk tone to it than “Curiouser and Curiouser” and deals more with faerie and magical realism. I didn't love it quite as much as "Curiouser and Curiouser" but still really enjoyed it. There is an excellent mystery here to keep the reader engaged and I found it to be a delightfully fun and entertaining read.
Characters (4/5): The characters were all well done and I was surprised how quickly I engaged with them in this rather short book. Elyse is a sweet young woman with a delightfully beautiful outlook on just about everything. I enjoyed many of the side characters as well. Additionally, I loved that there are cameos from characters in Curiouser and Curiouser, as well as an introduction to the characters that will be featured in “Beauty and Beastly.
Setting (5/5): The setting of the Frost Fair in London is absolutely magical; I just loved it. I read this at a perfect time when we had just gotten our first snowfall for the year and reading this book made the snow feel more magical and less miserable. It is just so beautiful and the descriptions make the setting really come alive for the reader.
Writing/Drawing Style (4/5): Karsak writes in a style that is easy to read and engaging. The story moves along at a good pace and has some beautiful descriptions to really bring the world alive for the reader. I really loved all the Shakespeare references Karsak brought into this story as well; I am a huge Shakespeare fan and love revisiting some of it.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was an excellent continuation of the Steampunk Fairy Tales and I can't wait to read "Beauty and Beastly". I would recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a fun fairy tale retelling that is engaging and entertaining, full of good mystery, and leaves you feeling happy.
December 23, 2023
Ice and Embers by Melanie Karsak is advertised as a steampunk Snow Queen Retelling. But the only thing it has in Common with The Snow Queen is that it has a character named Kai.
Instead this novel works much better as a retelling of Shakespeare's Mid Summer Night's Dream. specifically the Oberon and Titania storyline from that play.
I really loved the Victorian setting. The story is set during the legendary Frost Fair on the frozen Thames. There isn't much steampunk about it save for a single character who likes to tinker, but this story is just as suited to a straight historical setting anyway.
I loved the main character Elise who acts in a troop of players, she is both a strong woman while still remaining a product of her time. I also loved the look behind the curtain at the workings of the theater.
The Narrator was fantastic. She did different voices and read dynamically with a great sense of timing.
Instead this novel works much better as a retelling of Shakespeare's Mid Summer Night's Dream. specifically the Oberon and Titania storyline from that play.
I really loved the Victorian setting. The story is set during the legendary Frost Fair on the frozen Thames. There isn't much steampunk about it save for a single character who likes to tinker, but this story is just as suited to a straight historical setting anyway.
I loved the main character Elise who acts in a troop of players, she is both a strong woman while still remaining a product of her time. I also loved the look behind the curtain at the workings of the theater.
The Narrator was fantastic. She did different voices and read dynamically with a great sense of timing.
May 25, 2021
Another fun, EXTREMELY well written Karsak fairy tale
. I realized after starting this one, what it is that hooks me so quickly, and completely. Her characters are instantly compelling. It usually takes mea chapter at least, to develope feelings about characters in novels. But MS. Karzai's characters grab me from the first few paragraphs. THAT is part of what makes her such a wonderful author. But not the only thing. She is, quite simply, an extremely good writer, with an amazing imagination. I am addicted to these reworked fairy stories. And I LOVE that she also writes historical fiction...a favorite genre of mine. Well worth reading ANYTHING by this author. AND... huge bonus...her books are edited, and proofread! So many Kindle unlimited titles aren't. Nothing destroys a good story more quickly for me. Onward to the next!
. I realized after starting this one, what it is that hooks me so quickly, and completely. Her characters are instantly compelling. It usually takes mea chapter at least, to develope feelings about characters in novels. But MS. Karzai's characters grab me from the first few paragraphs. THAT is part of what makes her such a wonderful author. But not the only thing. She is, quite simply, an extremely good writer, with an amazing imagination. I am addicted to these reworked fairy stories. And I LOVE that she also writes historical fiction...a favorite genre of mine. Well worth reading ANYTHING by this author. AND... huge bonus...her books are edited, and proofread! So many Kindle unlimited titles aren't. Nothing destroys a good story more quickly for me. Onward to the next!
July 29, 2018
Unlike the other stories, I didn't have much of the original to base this off of and I think that took some of the personal joy out of it for me. I did love the story for the most part but some of it felt like filler that didn't need to be there. Maybe the "filler" was just an introduction to future characters but maybe I'll know later. I haven't read Karsak's main series and she stated at the end there is a lot of Easter eggs in this book based off of those. I, of course, missed that as I haven't read the series like I said.
Great book, better enjoyed if you know what is going on, and is a stand alone.
Great book, better enjoyed if you know what is going on, and is a stand alone.
May 17, 2019
Still awesome
I didn't see the connection between the play that was being performed and the drama in the story until halfway through the book. The story and characters had me involved that completely (a bit embarrassing but was fun to realize belatedly). I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, so you'll probably see it a lot sooner than I did but I still think that the story and writing is that good.
It's fun. It's a fairy tale. It stays true to the steam punk thread and pre-Victorian European culture. This is a nice world with great stories, retelling fairy tales in what I thought were fun and clever ways.
I didn't see the connection between the play that was being performed and the drama in the story until halfway through the book. The story and characters had me involved that completely (a bit embarrassing but was fun to realize belatedly). I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, so you'll probably see it a lot sooner than I did but I still think that the story and writing is that good.
It's fun. It's a fairy tale. It stays true to the steam punk thread and pre-Victorian European culture. This is a nice world with great stories, retelling fairy tales in what I thought were fun and clever ways.
November 28, 2020
3.5 stars
I think that this book had a good plot. I think that I enjoyed this book the most out of the fairy tale retellings by Melanie Karsak that I've read. My issue with this book is that this did not give me a steampunk vibe at all. There were very little steampunk elements than in her Red Riding Hood retelling and her Alice in Wonderland retelling.
I think it could be that this book is in the same universe, which is why it is marketed as a steampunk Snow Queen. I'm still anticipating reading the rest in this steampunk universe. If you take the steampunk marketing out of this story, it would have been four stars. The story was enjoyable.
I think that this book had a good plot. I think that I enjoyed this book the most out of the fairy tale retellings by Melanie Karsak that I've read. My issue with this book is that this did not give me a steampunk vibe at all. There were very little steampunk elements than in her Red Riding Hood retelling and her Alice in Wonderland retelling.
I think it could be that this book is in the same universe, which is why it is marketed as a steampunk Snow Queen. I'm still anticipating reading the rest in this steampunk universe. If you take the steampunk marketing out of this story, it would have been four stars. The story was enjoyable.
December 8, 2017
My first read from author Melanie Karsak, although I own several of her books I’d yet to read one and I have to say reading this book was my pleasure. Exquisite detail, well developed characters and setting. Although not particularly long the story & the book reads longer as it’s so well written. I love the mixture of steam punk and 1814 Regency London and the author makes the two mesh together seamlessly and create a story that you will not want to put down. I received an advanced reader copy and am gladly reviewing it. I’ll be reading more from this author.
December 31, 2017
I will admit first off, I really like the steampunk cover, which is not featured here on the kindle version. A fairy tale twist on the Ice Queen, Ice and Embers is a Victorian romance with a splash of steampunk and paranormal. Quick and easy read! A short time spent at the Frost Fair, better enjoy it while it lasts because soon it will melt away. An aspiring ballet dancer and a handsome doctor, sweep the story away in their own Shakespearian drama. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Ice & Embers from the author.
August 8, 2018
I really enjoyed the fantasy of this story set on a frozen Thames, a novel concept for me, an Australian! I liked the interplay between the characters acting as other characters in Shakespeare's modified plays. There was so much going on within this story, the drowned man being brought back to life, the treachery and deceit, the romantic expectations and limitations within their station in life in the year 1814. the paranormal twists. I really loved the creative way Melanie Karsak weaves the tale.
May 17, 2021
Dreadful. Disappointing.
This was probably the one that I was most looking forward to reading and the one I ended up disliking the most. I love the story of the snow queen and couldn't wait to read this retelling. It was awful. The whole story could be summed up as; events, acting in some play (to be specific three different plays that repeated), more events, and sleep. Just to repeat over and over and over. This was so monotonous that by half way through the book, I was just so done. Nothing happened. Really, such a huge let down.
This was probably the one that I was most looking forward to reading and the one I ended up disliking the most. I love the story of the snow queen and couldn't wait to read this retelling. It was awful. The whole story could be summed up as; events, acting in some play (to be specific three different plays that repeated), more events, and sleep. Just to repeat over and over and over. This was so monotonous that by half way through the book, I was just so done. Nothing happened. Really, such a huge let down.
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