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Gods of War #1
Shadow and Ice
Knox of Iviland, the most ruthless warrior in All War history, has spent his life fighting others to the death, winning new realms for his king. Now the stakes are higher than ever. If he prevails in the battle for Earth, his slave bands will be removed. Victory is his sole focus…until he meets her.
On an arctic getaway with her foster sister, street tough but vulnerable Vale London is shocked to stumble upon a cave filled with ancient gods waging epic combat. When she is inadvertently drawn into their war, she is forced to team up with an unlikely ally—the sexy god who makes her burn with desire.
Though Vale is his enemy, Knox is consumed with lust and a fierce need to protect her. But only one combatant can triumph, and he will have to choose: live for freedom, or die for love.
On an arctic getaway with her foster sister, street tough but vulnerable Vale London is shocked to stumble upon a cave filled with ancient gods waging epic combat. When she is inadvertently drawn into their war, she is forced to team up with an unlikely ally—the sexy god who makes her burn with desire.
Though Vale is his enemy, Knox is consumed with lust and a fierce need to protect her. But only one combatant can triumph, and he will have to choose: live for freedom, or die for love.
480 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2018
889 people are currently reading
6573 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
263 books27.9k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 503 reviews
December 1, 2023
I really love this new series from gena showalter. In her Gods of War we have both male and female warriors who fight in the All War and it's a fight to the death. I love the sci-fi feel to this,it's new compared to gena's usually paranormal feel. The world building is very good too . Their are many warrior's with a little backstory to each to get us interested and I like that,I'm all about wanting to know all the players!! I didn't like Knox at first.But as he told his story I fell in love with this sex god bad boy. Vale is a strong snarky character who was passed around from foster homes were she was abused and more til she went to live in the streets until she finally found a great foster mom . But it's made her tough and she doesn't take any shit from anyone not even king Ansel ( asshole)! Can't stand this prick I hope knox guts him!! The chemistry and steamy hot sex between knox and vale is off the charts and will melt your kindles !!! And I love when a writer puts little things in their books about things that some of us deal with every day. Nola vales foster sister has the very painful and chronic misunderstood disease fibromyalgia. I'm so thankful to Gena showalter for making that a part of this story it might start more conversions on this painful disease. I can't wait for the next book from this series it is Bane and Nola's story!!!
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October 26, 2018DNF at 55%
Le. Sigh.
This is a first. I adore all things Gena Showalter and have loved practically her entire backlist. I was so excited for a brand new series from the PNR queen. And while I'm curious enough about this series to want to read the next books, I couldn't connect with this one for the life of me.
If Thor, Hunger Games, and Vikings had an extremely confused baby, this book would be it. There's so much that's happening here, that I still couldn't wrap my mind around anything halfway through. There's way too many characters, too much happening, too many details, and none of it comes together. Or if it did, it went right over my head.
The main characters were interesting individually, but together, they just didn't do it for me. I didn't feel their chemistry and I didn't buy into their connection. Everything felt like it was moving at a glacial pace (no pun intended) and between the over informative and confusing world building and the inner monologue, I found the story dragging. I typically love Gena's style of sassy inner monologue, but it was simply too much here. The "I want her, I can't have her, desire her so, must kill everyone" on repeat, it got old after a while. Then there was the graphic and gory deaths of basically everyone in the book before I could even understand who they were or how they tied in, and color me over it.
I wanted so much to love this book, but sadly after forcing myself for over half and still not connecting with any of it, it was time to exit stage left. When you get to a point where you just don't care what happens to the characters at the end, you quit while you're ahead. Hopefully the next book will be more my speed. I took a glance at the end, and I'm definitely intrigued for these two characters. And as for this book, I tend to run on the side of picky, so give it a shot and judge for yourself. I may be the lone wolf with my opinion here.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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Le. Sigh.
This is a first. I adore all things Gena Showalter and have loved practically her entire backlist. I was so excited for a brand new series from the PNR queen. And while I'm curious enough about this series to want to read the next books, I couldn't connect with this one for the life of me.
If Thor, Hunger Games, and Vikings had an extremely confused baby, this book would be it. There's so much that's happening here, that I still couldn't wrap my mind around anything halfway through. There's way too many characters, too much happening, too many details, and none of it comes together. Or if it did, it went right over my head.
The main characters were interesting individually, but together, they just didn't do it for me. I didn't feel their chemistry and I didn't buy into their connection. Everything felt like it was moving at a glacial pace (no pun intended) and between the over informative and confusing world building and the inner monologue, I found the story dragging. I typically love Gena's style of sassy inner monologue, but it was simply too much here. The "I want her, I can't have her, desire her so, must kill everyone" on repeat, it got old after a while. Then there was the graphic and gory deaths of basically everyone in the book before I could even understand who they were or how they tied in, and color me over it.
I wanted so much to love this book, but sadly after forcing myself for over half and still not connecting with any of it, it was time to exit stage left. When you get to a point where you just don't care what happens to the characters at the end, you quit while you're ahead. Hopefully the next book will be more my speed. I took a glance at the end, and I'm definitely intrigued for these two characters. And as for this book, I tend to run on the side of picky, so give it a shot and judge for yourself. I may be the lone wolf with my opinion here.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
December 1, 2020
Loved the book cover, but very confusing story...
January 5, 2019
I really love this new series from gena showalter. In her Gods of War we have both male and female warriors who fight in the All War and it's a fight to the death. I love the sci-fi feel to this,it's new compared to gena's usually paranormal feel. The world building is very good too . Their are many warrior's with a little backstory to each to get us interested and I like that,I'm all about wanting to know all the players!! I didn't like Knox at first,but as he told his story I fell in love with this sex god bad boy. Vale is a strong snarky character who was passed around from foster homes were she was abused and more til she went to live in the streets until she finally found a great foster mom . But it's made her tough and she doesn't take any shit from anyone not even king Ansel ( asshole)! Can't stand this prick I hope knox guts him!! The chemistry and steamy hot sex between knox and vale is off the charts and will melt your kindles !!! And I love when a writer puts little things in their books about things that some of us deal with. Nola vales foster sister has the very painful and misunderstood disease fibromyalgia. I'm so thankful to gena for making that apart of this story it might start more conversions on this painful disease. I can't wait for the next book from this series it is Bane and Nola's story
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October 28, 2018DNF - NO RATING
What an information dump and so confusing at that. The world building was out of control,and details were hazy. I couldn't get a grasp on the universe at all. There was a lot of death and sex, the relationship between hero and heroine not organic. This was unexpectedly disappointing.
What an information dump and so confusing at that. The world building was out of control,and details were hazy. I couldn't get a grasp on the universe at all. There was a lot of death and sex, the relationship between hero and heroine not organic. This was unexpectedly disappointing.
October 23, 2018
Being a long time reader of Gena and a big fan of her Lords of the Underworld series, I was looking forward to read Shadow and Ice, the first book in Showalter's brand new paranormal series, Gods of War.
Gena ventured into something a little different and she rocked it. While still being a paranormal book, Shadow and Ice is not like her other series at all. Think hardcore Hunger Games with blood thirsty immortals from different planets, killing each other to conquer Earth. This book was freaking awesome! Bloody, violent, funny, sexy, Showalter went all in, nothing held back and wrote a one of a kind, not-so-typical, love story.
Knox is a powerhouse of an immortal, able to control shadows with his mind, he has already won four All Wars for his king and wants to win his fifth and finally gain his freedom. Nothing will get in his way, until him and his fellow combatants get imprisoned in ice for centuries. Vale is a city girl traveling with her sister in the Arctic before going home and opening their bakery. The girls get lost one day and end up in a cave full of frozen immortals, inadvertently freeing them and starting the war again.
It's simply impossible to get bored while reading this book. First of all, you can't be immune to all the blood and gory details, which I loved because, as I've said, Gena went there. The witty heroine and clueless hero made this for me. Knox knows absolutely nothing about this new Earth, left in ice for centuries, none of the immortals have any idea about the new technology and even their translators are outdated. New technology + bad translators = hilarious moments.
Knox is her total opposite. Already in the war and a veteran at that, he is not ready to lose no matter how many centuries passed since his imprisonment. He finds himself in a new situation though, being attracted by his enemy. Knox is definitely right up Gena's alley, powerful, not afraid to die, determined to win, tattooed, well hung, arrogant, protective yet supportive. You'll love him. Like Vale, he adapted to his new circumstances fast and he was ready to kill in no time.
Gena ventured into something a little different and she rocked it. While still being a paranormal book, Shadow and Ice is not like her other series at all. Think hardcore Hunger Games with blood thirsty immortals from different planets, killing each other to conquer Earth. This book was freaking awesome! Bloody, violent, funny, sexy, Showalter went all in, nothing held back and wrote a one of a kind, not-so-typical, love story.
Knox is a powerhouse of an immortal, able to control shadows with his mind, he has already won four All Wars for his king and wants to win his fifth and finally gain his freedom. Nothing will get in his way, until him and his fellow combatants get imprisoned in ice for centuries. Vale is a city girl traveling with her sister in the Arctic before going home and opening their bakery. The girls get lost one day and end up in a cave full of frozen immortals, inadvertently freeing them and starting the war again.
It's simply impossible to get bored while reading this book. First of all, you can't be immune to all the blood and gory details, which I loved because, as I've said, Gena went there. The witty heroine and clueless hero made this for me. Knox knows absolutely nothing about this new Earth, left in ice for centuries, none of the immortals have any idea about the new technology and even their translators are outdated. New technology + bad translators = hilarious moments.
"She’d also insisted he “buckle up,” willingly restricting his movements. When he’d flat-out refused, she’d said, “I’m going to give you a hands-on demonstration about car safety, and when I’m done, you’ll want to curse me, but you’re going to thank me instead.” She’d then sped up only to slam on the brakes. After his forehead had introduced itself to the dashboard, he’d decided the seat belt buckle wasn’t so bad, after all. And yes, he had thanked her."Vale is a funny, tough but insecure heroine who gets sucked into a crazy, scary and bloody war full of massive immortals who want her dead. I liked how she panicked but still took it all in stride and went with it because she didn't have a choice and chose to fight for her life and her planet. Her love for her sister is a fierce thing and I think Gena did a wonderful job with that, it's not the whole focus of the book but it does play a significant part in the story and it promises more to come. Vale is far from stupid, she adapted to her new life quickly and never back down. I loved that about her, finally a heroine who thought about things before doing something completely stupid and irrational.
Knox is her total opposite. Already in the war and a veteran at that, he is not ready to lose no matter how many centuries passed since his imprisonment. He finds himself in a new situation though, being attracted by his enemy. Knox is definitely right up Gena's alley, powerful, not afraid to die, determined to win, tattooed, well hung, arrogant, protective yet supportive. You'll love him. Like Vale, he adapted to his new circumstances fast and he was ready to kill in no time.
"He was a beast on the inside and a storybook prince on the outside, hot enough to send her hormones into overdrive."Their relationship was explosive. In and out of bed. I think this might be one of Gena's hottest book to date. She went gory but she also went steamy, like a lot. Far from complaining because I loved it, the sex scenes were everything. Close your door when you read it, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the ride. Vale sure did.
"What do you want to be when you're free?"It was sexy but not only. Vale and Knox made it work, it wasn't easy because in this war betrayal is easier than love and love is dangerous but Gena wrote a great romance. I absolutely loved seeing their feelings develop, especially with Knox because being who he is, he never got to have someone for himself and seeing him realize that he could, that love always finds a way no matter your circumstances, was amazing and so satisfying.
"I...don't know. Do it. Tell her. "I only know I want every inch of my shaft buried inside you."
"He'd lost the war the second they'd met."But you don't just get romance and great main characters in Shadow and Ice. As I may have mentioned, you get blood, lot of blood, heads too and some body parts but also some very intriguing secondary characters, I can already imagine all the new stories we're going to get. Don't get too attached though, it is a war after all, you never know who might get killed. In addition, Gena pulled some twists that made the story ten times more interesting and promise to make for a kickass book two. I already cannot wait.
October 9, 2022
Great expectations!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🤓🙂😎😕
The Hero: Knox (a.k.a. Loki) - he comes from a world of immortals. Actually there are many other worlds with immortals and since they don’t easily die, overpopulation is a problem. As a means to combat that problem each of the Kings from different worlds send their best fighters to fight to the death in the All War when a new planet is found. Each king has to send children to the council to eventually become enforcers and how many children are sent depends on when their fighter is taken out. The winner doesn’t have to send any.
The Story: Knox is a slave to his king and has fought in and won 4 All Wars on different worlds. His King promised that if he wins 5 of them, he will be set free. Knox wants to be set free and kill the king. He is fighting in his 5th on Terra (circa 760 A.D.) and plans to win. There are a lot of rules in the All War and ways for the kings and council to keep the warriors in line, including spelled tattoo ink and other things. When a viking man killed one of the combatants in the All War, he turned immortal and gained use of the immortal’s weapon. All the other combatants were within the circle and the Viking caught them unaware and froze all of them.
The heroine: Vale - she is a native of Terra (Earth). She grew up in foster care going from place to place until she finally was placed with a good woman. She is smart and courageous and doesn’t take any gruff from anyone, she also has synesthesia. Vale plans to open a business with her foster sister Magnolia (Nola lee), but they wanted one last hurrah before settling down, so they went on a vacation to Sweden, but went with a cheap travel service and ended up lost in the arctic circle after their guide disappeared.
The book was told in dual points of view via dual narration. Melissa Moran and Leo Barnabas did the narration. Leo Barnabus is a very good narrator, though I like a deeper voice for a 6’6” musclebound warrior. Melissa Moran has a clear feminine voice which is very pleasing and matched Vale perfectly. I enjoyed both narrators.
The story was very detailed and both Knox and Vale had backgrounds that made them wary of a relationship. They were attracted to each other from the beginning, but I must say I just wasn’t really feeling the chemistry for some reason. The story and the world were a bit too complex or maybe they weren’t explained well enough and the details were a bit disorganized. Overall the story was ok and got better as it went on.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🤓🙂😎😕
The Hero: Knox (a.k.a. Loki) - he comes from a world of immortals. Actually there are many other worlds with immortals and since they don’t easily die, overpopulation is a problem. As a means to combat that problem each of the Kings from different worlds send their best fighters to fight to the death in the All War when a new planet is found. Each king has to send children to the council to eventually become enforcers and how many children are sent depends on when their fighter is taken out. The winner doesn’t have to send any.
The Story: Knox is a slave to his king and has fought in and won 4 All Wars on different worlds. His King promised that if he wins 5 of them, he will be set free. Knox wants to be set free and kill the king. He is fighting in his 5th on Terra (circa 760 A.D.) and plans to win. There are a lot of rules in the All War and ways for the kings and council to keep the warriors in line, including spelled tattoo ink and other things. When a viking man killed one of the combatants in the All War, he turned immortal and gained use of the immortal’s weapon. All the other combatants were within the circle and the Viking caught them unaware and froze all of them.
The heroine: Vale - she is a native of Terra (Earth). She grew up in foster care going from place to place until she finally was placed with a good woman. She is smart and courageous and doesn’t take any gruff from anyone, she also has synesthesia. Vale plans to open a business with her foster sister Magnolia (Nola lee), but they wanted one last hurrah before settling down, so they went on a vacation to Sweden, but went with a cheap travel service and ended up lost in the arctic circle after their guide disappeared.
The book was told in dual points of view via dual narration. Melissa Moran and Leo Barnabas did the narration. Leo Barnabus is a very good narrator, though I like a deeper voice for a 6’6” musclebound warrior. Melissa Moran has a clear feminine voice which is very pleasing and matched Vale perfectly. I enjoyed both narrators.
The story was very detailed and both Knox and Vale had backgrounds that made them wary of a relationship. They were attracted to each other from the beginning, but I must say I just wasn’t really feeling the chemistry for some reason. The story and the world were a bit too complex or maybe they weren’t explained well enough and the details were a bit disorganized. Overall the story was ok and got better as it went on.
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September 15, 2019
3.5 Stars.
This is the start of an imaginative new series by this author and though this wasn't my favourite of her books I have read to date I still enjoyed myself and this was an intriguing start that has stacked the deck nicely for future story progression.
So this is the 103 rd All-War, This is a process that is enacted many times on many worlds whenever a new realm is discovered.
To stop the pillaging and fighting over resources worlds get to send a single combatant to fight for there sovereign for ownership of the new world.
Gladiator style fight to the death with an entire planet as the battleground, last man standing wins all or at least the ruler of his world does.
He is Knox of Iviland a stone-cold combatant who controls the shadows and will stop at nothing to win.
Already an All-War four-time winner he now after the death of his daughter else has nothing to lose.
His end game? win the war, gain his freedom and then annihilate his king.
One who he is compelled to obey because of the slave bands on his body and he will allow nothing to stand in his way, not even the lovely Vale London.
As a new player Eric, the Viking unwittingly joins the melee and Knox and his fellow warriors find themselves imprisoned and encased in ice for over a millennium.
Upon his eventual liberation from an icy prison and sensing that this strange female is an integral part of his future survival Knox absconds with her taking her to his hidden bunker.
So character-wise Knox is very rough and ready and a bit of a brute understandable considering his violent background.
He is literally a weapon of war and he doesn't tolerate any weakness.
Vale herself is such a liability and where usually he would annihilate he finds himself going against his very own nature and protecting her.
Vale is his perfect foil an orphan who has grown up in the system she is all hard edges and prickly attitude.
She has been metaphorically kicked back down so many times she refuses to show her weaknesses hiding behind a gruff and snarky persona to protect her soft underbelly.
These two had instant chemistry though Knox initially did fight it somewhat.
Enemies but also reluctant allies while they both are of use to the other.
So, This did get a tad cheesy at times and the language used could be somewhat juvenile but this was essentially at heart a fun read.
Fast-paced and jumping headfirst into the action this was such a unique and imaginative concept.
and I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
One final observation because there were so many players here it sometimes did get a trifle confusing and I did get lost in regard to some of the fight scenes other than that this was all grand an enjoyable experience.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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November 28, 2018
What even is this? I can’t believe I had to DNF a Gena Showalter book. I’ve been a Showalter fan for about 10 years now and the thought of me ever wanting to DNF any of her books is ridiculous to me. However, Shadow and Ice is such a dumpster fire of epic proportions and I cannot feasibly believe it’s going to get any better if I continue on. I’ll explain…
The basic premise goes like this: There’s this girl, Vale, and she's wandering around the Arctic Circle with her sister who’s addicted to opioids because their guide ditched them and now they’re lost. Already, I had a suspicion that these were going to be a couple of idiot characters. They stumble into a random ice cave and find all these frozen warriors. Vale’s immediate thought is that they must have stumbled into a tourist attraction. It was at this point that my suspicions of their idiocy were confirmed. Seriously? Bitch, you are lost in the Arctic Circle! Do you see any other tourists around?
She proceeds to wander around the cave checking things out. That’s fine, I would look around too. The problem here is that she sees the love interest in the story, Knox, encased in ice and immediately starts getting all hot and bothered. Girl… you are lost in the Arctic Circle with no food and a sister you’re trying to take care of and you find the time to get horned up over what you think are statues in a tourist attraction. What, what, what are you doing?
Before I go on, I need to talk for a minute about how the characters talk. They don’t talk like actual humans. They seem to speak entirely in slang. Not even realistic slang. It seems like the kind of slang purposefully used to make the characters seem like “real young people” when the author has no idea what the current young people are actually like. There was so much poorly used slang that it made them sound like complete imbeciles who can’t form a fucking sentence. No one talks entirely in slang! I get that their constant banter containing nothing but slang is supposed to be humorous but it doesn’t work. It just makes me think these characters are literally the dumbest characters to ever walk the earth.
Frankly, I was already considering a DNF right here after the first 11% of the novel. What was I going to do? Read about a couple of imbeciles who don’t have the good sense not to wander into an ice cave and get horned up over statues? I pushed onward with the utmost hope that this was just a shaky start to the book and it would surely get better. Spoiler alert: It didn’t.
One thing leads to another and Knox breaks out of the ice and basically kidnaps Vale and absconds with her to his magic shack in the woods. By the way, apparently he has a magical fortress that updates itself automatically with technology and it’s been just sitting around for 1,300 years because somehow he had this technology in the year 700. I do realize how ridiculous that explanation was but it wasn’t much more coherent in the book. Every time something nonsensical happened there would be an equally nonsensical line to explain why that happened. It honestly felt like the author didn’t know what was going on either and was quite obviously making it up as she goes. That way she could keep putting in anything she wanted regardless of it making actual sense or not. It was like she took every idea she had and threw them all at the wall and everything stuck. There were so many stupid explanations for things that were already stupid that I lost count of them…
Anyway, back to the story. Knox has kidnapped Vale and left her sister behind. Vale basically just gets dumber and dumber from here. She constantly finds herself attracted to Knox and has to keep reminding herself that he kidnapped her and she needs to find her sister. Mind you, he has done nothing to drug or alter her brain in any way. She’s literally so dumb that she keeps forgetting that she’s FUCKING KIDNAPPED! The sheer lack of any form of common sense on her part is honestly astounding. I didn’t think a character could be such an idiot that I genuinely thought they needed a helmet to protect the few brain cells she has left. And the kicker is she keeps talking like an imbecile who can’t form a sentence.
This takes us to approximately 25% of the way in and I had to throw in the towel. I couldn’t go forward with any hope that the story was going to be salvageable. I don’t know how this could have gone so far off the rails that it became unsalvageable. I’ve pretty much read everything Showalter's ever written so I feel like it’s safe for me to say that I’ve been feeling more and more that the recent Showalter books have gone down hill considerably compared to her earlier works. Her early books in the Lords of the Underworld series or the Alien Huntress series were great. There’s just been a subtle shift in the recent years and that spark that I loved about the stories seems to be missing. Maybe it’s me as a reader who’s grown out of her writing? I don't know what the disconnect is. I’ll still read other books by Gena Showalter in the future but now I feel like I’m going in with hesitation. I doubt I will ever go back and finish this but maybe I’ll do a spite read someday.
The basic premise goes like this: There’s this girl, Vale, and she's wandering around the Arctic Circle with her sister who’s addicted to opioids because their guide ditched them and now they’re lost. Already, I had a suspicion that these were going to be a couple of idiot characters. They stumble into a random ice cave and find all these frozen warriors. Vale’s immediate thought is that they must have stumbled into a tourist attraction. It was at this point that my suspicions of their idiocy were confirmed. Seriously? Bitch, you are lost in the Arctic Circle! Do you see any other tourists around?
She proceeds to wander around the cave checking things out. That’s fine, I would look around too. The problem here is that she sees the love interest in the story, Knox, encased in ice and immediately starts getting all hot and bothered. Girl… you are lost in the Arctic Circle with no food and a sister you’re trying to take care of and you find the time to get horned up over what you think are statues in a tourist attraction. What, what, what are you doing?
Before I go on, I need to talk for a minute about how the characters talk. They don’t talk like actual humans. They seem to speak entirely in slang. Not even realistic slang. It seems like the kind of slang purposefully used to make the characters seem like “real young people” when the author has no idea what the current young people are actually like. There was so much poorly used slang that it made them sound like complete imbeciles who can’t form a fucking sentence. No one talks entirely in slang! I get that their constant banter containing nothing but slang is supposed to be humorous but it doesn’t work. It just makes me think these characters are literally the dumbest characters to ever walk the earth.
Frankly, I was already considering a DNF right here after the first 11% of the novel. What was I going to do? Read about a couple of imbeciles who don’t have the good sense not to wander into an ice cave and get horned up over statues? I pushed onward with the utmost hope that this was just a shaky start to the book and it would surely get better. Spoiler alert: It didn’t.
One thing leads to another and Knox breaks out of the ice and basically kidnaps Vale and absconds with her to his magic shack in the woods. By the way, apparently he has a magical fortress that updates itself automatically with technology and it’s been just sitting around for 1,300 years because somehow he had this technology in the year 700. I do realize how ridiculous that explanation was but it wasn’t much more coherent in the book. Every time something nonsensical happened there would be an equally nonsensical line to explain why that happened. It honestly felt like the author didn’t know what was going on either and was quite obviously making it up as she goes. That way she could keep putting in anything she wanted regardless of it making actual sense or not. It was like she took every idea she had and threw them all at the wall and everything stuck. There were so many stupid explanations for things that were already stupid that I lost count of them…
Anyway, back to the story. Knox has kidnapped Vale and left her sister behind. Vale basically just gets dumber and dumber from here. She constantly finds herself attracted to Knox and has to keep reminding herself that he kidnapped her and she needs to find her sister. Mind you, he has done nothing to drug or alter her brain in any way. She’s literally so dumb that she keeps forgetting that she’s FUCKING KIDNAPPED! The sheer lack of any form of common sense on her part is honestly astounding. I didn’t think a character could be such an idiot that I genuinely thought they needed a helmet to protect the few brain cells she has left. And the kicker is she keeps talking like an imbecile who can’t form a sentence.
This takes us to approximately 25% of the way in and I had to throw in the towel. I couldn’t go forward with any hope that the story was going to be salvageable. I don’t know how this could have gone so far off the rails that it became unsalvageable. I’ve pretty much read everything Showalter's ever written so I feel like it’s safe for me to say that I’ve been feeling more and more that the recent Showalter books have gone down hill considerably compared to her earlier works. Her early books in the Lords of the Underworld series or the Alien Huntress series were great. There’s just been a subtle shift in the recent years and that spark that I loved about the stories seems to be missing. Maybe it’s me as a reader who’s grown out of her writing? I don't know what the disconnect is. I’ll still read other books by Gena Showalter in the future but now I feel like I’m going in with hesitation. I doubt I will ever go back and finish this but maybe I’ll do a spite read someday.
September 30, 2018
Meeeeeeeh. The world seemed kind of haphazardly thrown together and the rules were all over the place. 'We're vikings! No wait, futuristic space vikings! Just kidding, this is actually 1300 years in the past.' It was an attempt at a different take on lore/mythos that already exists by creating Vikings who travel using bifrost and fight in an All War to gain control of Midgard, so sounds a little Thor/Avengers-esque yes?
Sorry, don't get excited. Vikings is actually a general term to mean 'not natives' but I didn't read far enough to see what the natives were called, and the rules of this world seem to shift based on how conveniently a character needs to be or do a thing.
Speaking of characters...
There were so many character issues that drove me crazy that I couldn't even force myself to finish this one. I'm all down for a smutty read and characters being "caught in the moment" so to speak, but Vale was kidnapped but Knox who'd just ruthlessly murdered someone who was trying to help him, in a moment amidst battle that was totally unnecessary, (We figured by now that he was ruthless, this was overkill) and snatched away from her sister who apparently desperately needed the medication that Vale carried or she would go into severe withdrawals, but 2 seconds after Knox refused to take her to her sister even though Vale said that it was basically life or death, along with threatening her every other breath, her entire inner monologue amounts to: "Dooooo meeeeeeee! *pants*"
There was no chemistry whatsoever, and well before Knox showed a single 'maybe he's not actually an ax murderer' redeeming quality, she was like a cat in heat.
She also waxes on and on about how she prayed for and dreamed of being needed by a male. Gag. Not a person's head I want to be stuck in for 400+ pages.
Knox, for his part, was all the bad parts of a hate to love trope. He didn't care if her sister lived or died, no matter if he was attracted to Vale or not, and that's just not one of those things that someone so adamant about taking care of her sibling would overlook because he's hot. NOTHING about his personality warranted the rampant cornball cat in heat behavior of the 'heroine', but no worries, we'll fix that! She accidentally killed a several centuries old warrior and inherited not only her status in an interplanetary war (of which that seemed like a random af rule, but okay let's let that slide), but the warrior's pheromones that will now make Knox a Tom Cat to match her inner cornball. Hurrah! -_-
Sorry, don't get excited. Vikings is actually a general term to mean 'not natives' but I didn't read far enough to see what the natives were called, and the rules of this world seem to shift based on how conveniently a character needs to be or do a thing.
Speaking of characters...
There were so many character issues that drove me crazy that I couldn't even force myself to finish this one. I'm all down for a smutty read and characters being "caught in the moment" so to speak, but Vale was kidnapped but Knox who'd just ruthlessly murdered someone who was trying to help him, in a moment amidst battle that was totally unnecessary, (We figured by now that he was ruthless, this was overkill) and snatched away from her sister who apparently desperately needed the medication that Vale carried or she would go into severe withdrawals, but 2 seconds after Knox refused to take her to her sister even though Vale said that it was basically life or death, along with threatening her every other breath, her entire inner monologue amounts to: "Dooooo meeeeeeee! *pants*"
There was no chemistry whatsoever, and well before Knox showed a single 'maybe he's not actually an ax murderer' redeeming quality, she was like a cat in heat.
She also waxes on and on about how she prayed for and dreamed of being needed by a male. Gag. Not a person's head I want to be stuck in for 400+ pages.
Knox, for his part, was all the bad parts of a hate to love trope. He didn't care if her sister lived or died, no matter if he was attracted to Vale or not, and that's just not one of those things that someone so adamant about taking care of her sibling would overlook because he's hot. NOTHING about his personality warranted the rampant cornball cat in heat behavior of the 'heroine', but no worries, we'll fix that! She accidentally killed a several centuries old warrior and inherited not only her status in an interplanetary war (of which that seemed like a random af rule, but okay let's let that slide), but the warrior's pheromones that will now make Knox a Tom Cat to match her inner cornball. Hurrah! -_-
November 8, 2025
Showalter masterfully made a world come alive with words. Her writing translated into something utterly visual.
This story is completely original and not a concept that I've come across before.
That being said, Shadow and Ice really wasn't my normal cup of tea. It is very dark, it is very bloody and it has an abundance of sex. And yet, something kept me wanting to read on. Kind of like knowing something bad is coming but you just can't look away... you cringe and think you are going to look away but find that darn curiosity gets the better of you.
I have to admit I was blown away with the Showalter's ability to conceive and execute something so raw and visceral. And even if it is more gory than I enjoy, I appreciated the world building, the ingenuity and imagination behind the storytelling. 3.5 stars
I received this ARC copy of Shadow and Ice from HarperCollins - HQN. This is my honest and voluntary review. Shadow and Ice is set for publication October 23, 2018.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
This story is completely original and not a concept that I've come across before.
That being said, Shadow and Ice really wasn't my normal cup of tea. It is very dark, it is very bloody and it has an abundance of sex. And yet, something kept me wanting to read on. Kind of like knowing something bad is coming but you just can't look away... you cringe and think you are going to look away but find that darn curiosity gets the better of you.
I have to admit I was blown away with the Showalter's ability to conceive and execute something so raw and visceral. And even if it is more gory than I enjoy, I appreciated the world building, the ingenuity and imagination behind the storytelling. 3.5 stars
I received this ARC copy of Shadow and Ice from HarperCollins - HQN. This is my honest and voluntary review. Shadow and Ice is set for publication October 23, 2018.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Read
October 21, 2018I think this is my first DNF of 2018. Not too shabby if I do say so.
DNF @ 24 % because reasons.

DNF @ 24 % because reasons.

November 30, 2019
4.5 “In ice, you are my warmth.”Stars ⭐️
Oh my!!! Gena Showalter strikes again with this series!!
I loved this book!!
This is the introduction to this new world GS created , and isn’t it amazing?!
Thrilling, powerful, exciting battles, hot warriors , plans and alliances and action packed story just to dive in.
The first couple we meet is Knox ( of Iviland) and Vale (Valerina from Earth) . I always loved a strong bad ass heroine and Vale doesn’t disappoint, she is smart , mouthy and maybe a bit insecure at times but is understandable knowing her past , but she gives as good as she gets and as for Knox : he is sex personified, strong, a bit rough around the edges but very loving and loyal once he finds his “sun”.❤️❤️❤️
“Give me your breath, Knox. Feed it to me. I crave it. I crave you.”
We are introduced to the rest of the competitors in this All War for Earth and I must say I cannot wait to read Zion, Bane and maybe others stories too 😍😍
This promise to be an awesome series that I will continue reading !
Oh my!!! Gena Showalter strikes again with this series!!
I loved this book!!
This is the introduction to this new world GS created , and isn’t it amazing?!
Thrilling, powerful, exciting battles, hot warriors , plans and alliances and action packed story just to dive in.
The first couple we meet is Knox ( of Iviland) and Vale (Valerina from Earth) . I always loved a strong bad ass heroine and Vale doesn’t disappoint, she is smart , mouthy and maybe a bit insecure at times but is understandable knowing her past , but she gives as good as she gets and as for Knox : he is sex personified, strong, a bit rough around the edges but very loving and loyal once he finds his “sun”.❤️❤️❤️
“Give me your breath, Knox. Feed it to me. I crave it. I crave you.”
We are introduced to the rest of the competitors in this All War for Earth and I must say I cannot wait to read Zion, Bane and maybe others stories too 😍😍
This promise to be an awesome series that I will continue reading !
March 24, 2024
It's the All War and each participant is prepared to eliminate every one of their opponents... until a human enters the fray and freezes them all for many, many years. When the thaw starts to happen, another human stumbles upon the combatants and might be the very change that most of them have been looking for.
Vale wasn't prepared for all that her future had in store, but she seemed to be enjoying every moment of it. That probably had a lot to do with Knox. This male was so scrumptious. Who doesn't love a grumpy warrior who is only weak for his female? He was determined to win, at all costs, but winning meant ending Vale's life and he slowly started to recognize that he wasn't willing to do that.
There was so much to this story and there seems to be so much more to come. Who is Vale's sister's intended? Will it be a 'why choose' kind of story? Will Vale and Knox be the answer to end all All Wars?
I swear, every time I pick up a book from this author, I'm amazed. It's thrills and chills, action and suspense, steaminess and some weird sort of symmetry in the sensuality of the characters, and so much more. I'm still pretty new to the Showalter worlds, but I'm definitely a fan.
Vale wasn't prepared for all that her future had in store, but she seemed to be enjoying every moment of it. That probably had a lot to do with Knox. This male was so scrumptious. Who doesn't love a grumpy warrior who is only weak for his female? He was determined to win, at all costs, but winning meant ending Vale's life and he slowly started to recognize that he wasn't willing to do that.
There was so much to this story and there seems to be so much more to come. Who is Vale's sister's intended? Will it be a 'why choose' kind of story? Will Vale and Knox be the answer to end all All Wars?
I swear, every time I pick up a book from this author, I'm amazed. It's thrills and chills, action and suspense, steaminess and some weird sort of symmetry in the sensuality of the characters, and so much more. I'm still pretty new to the Showalter worlds, but I'm definitely a fan.
December 6, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Shadow and Ice was a book I was SUPER stoked to read. After listening to an interview with Gena Showalter about this upcoming series, I just was really eager to grab this up. So I jumped over to B&N and bought this one in print. I did have this on my nightstand for quite a while before actually grabbing it up. I think I was really NERVOUS, because of how many mixed reviews of this book that there is out there and I just was not wanting to hate a book that I bought in print. But seriously....why oh why did I wait so long to read this because I have three words: It KICKED ASS!! I had so much fun with this book, and I honestly knew that I would because this authors writing always works for me no matter how crazy her stories gets, her writing sucks me right into the story and doesn't let go.
Shadow and Ice isn't an easy book though and its NOT for the faint of heart, and you have to know that its get really brutal and boy this author knows how to kill off people and not easily either. But from the first chapter, I was addicted to this new world that Showalter has created for us and even though it did take two days to read (it is close to 500 pages) so its not a small book, it was highly engaging and keeps your brain and body on the edge all the way through. I think you need to warned beforehand how intense this book can be because if I hadn't known beforehand I might have had a different opinion. But I know this author, and love her writing style. I was captivated by this pair and the world building and the teaser that leads us to the second book and man I want it NOW!!
This story begins with our hero, who is a slave to his king and has to do his bidding. But he has been promised his freedom and the freedom of his people if he wins the third all war he has participated in. He has many tough exteriors, but deep down he has vulnerabilties including losing his daughter because of the all war. He is know at the third All War, which takes place on Terra (aka Earth) and is frozen in time and centuries have gone by. He is discovered by our delightful heroine. Vale and her sister Nola, are celebrating finishing college and accomplishing something no one ever thought that they would. Vale grew up on the streets, going from foster homes and surviving as best as she knew. She is tough and resilient but also loves fiercely. When they go exploring caves, and discover a man frozen in ice, she is drawn to this gorgeous male specimen and wants him in a sexual way even if he is frozen in ice. But then before she knows it, she is pulled into the all war and she and Knox join forces to defeat their enemies and even though she unknowingly becomes a participant, she doesn't know if she can trust Knox not to kill her but what she doesn't realize is that Knox is falling for her just as hard as she is falling for him and they will have to make a difficult choice and who will win and who will die? or will they have the HEA they deserve?
This book is like Hunger Games but for adults. Now I have never read Hunger Games, but I have watched the movies and yeah you won't get me to read those books, I would rather have my teeth extracted. However, this book totally worked for me in many ways. It is heartbreaking though to see certain characters being killed though and seeing all these combatants who at the heart are good immortals, but they each have something to fight for and they are all enslaved to the whims of their masters. So it is heartbreaking at times to read this book because of seeing this horrible situation and seeing some of them FIGHT back against those that are enslaving them.
We see Knox and Vale go through some difficult challenges in this book and seeing them overcome what they face is epic in many ways. Their love story ISNT easy or light hearted and it will rock your core in good ways and bad ways. We see how much they care for each other before they become enemies, and seeing them try to overcome the circumstances to be together is truly what makes this book an incredible experience. There are so many emotional moments that are going to break your heart but you also see the strength these two have together and seeing them fight for each other and for a future full of love and peace is so worth all the pain. Their journey isn't an easy one but unforgettable in many ways. This book will be sticking with me for a long while and I just can't wait for book two because I have a feeling that book is going to be kick ass as well!!
Overall I found Shadow and Ice to be packed with adventure, intensity, brutal at times and poignant in all the right moments.....A TREASURE TO DEVOUR!!
Shadow and Ice was a book I was SUPER stoked to read. After listening to an interview with Gena Showalter about this upcoming series, I just was really eager to grab this up. So I jumped over to B&N and bought this one in print. I did have this on my nightstand for quite a while before actually grabbing it up. I think I was really NERVOUS, because of how many mixed reviews of this book that there is out there and I just was not wanting to hate a book that I bought in print. But seriously....why oh why did I wait so long to read this because I have three words: It KICKED ASS!! I had so much fun with this book, and I honestly knew that I would because this authors writing always works for me no matter how crazy her stories gets, her writing sucks me right into the story and doesn't let go.
Shadow and Ice isn't an easy book though and its NOT for the faint of heart, and you have to know that its get really brutal and boy this author knows how to kill off people and not easily either. But from the first chapter, I was addicted to this new world that Showalter has created for us and even though it did take two days to read (it is close to 500 pages) so its not a small book, it was highly engaging and keeps your brain and body on the edge all the way through. I think you need to warned beforehand how intense this book can be because if I hadn't known beforehand I might have had a different opinion. But I know this author, and love her writing style. I was captivated by this pair and the world building and the teaser that leads us to the second book and man I want it NOW!!
This story begins with our hero, who is a slave to his king and has to do his bidding. But he has been promised his freedom and the freedom of his people if he wins the third all war he has participated in. He has many tough exteriors, but deep down he has vulnerabilties including losing his daughter because of the all war. He is know at the third All War, which takes place on Terra (aka Earth) and is frozen in time and centuries have gone by. He is discovered by our delightful heroine. Vale and her sister Nola, are celebrating finishing college and accomplishing something no one ever thought that they would. Vale grew up on the streets, going from foster homes and surviving as best as she knew. She is tough and resilient but also loves fiercely. When they go exploring caves, and discover a man frozen in ice, she is drawn to this gorgeous male specimen and wants him in a sexual way even if he is frozen in ice. But then before she knows it, she is pulled into the all war and she and Knox join forces to defeat their enemies and even though she unknowingly becomes a participant, she doesn't know if she can trust Knox not to kill her but what she doesn't realize is that Knox is falling for her just as hard as she is falling for him and they will have to make a difficult choice and who will win and who will die? or will they have the HEA they deserve?
This book is like Hunger Games but for adults. Now I have never read Hunger Games, but I have watched the movies and yeah you won't get me to read those books, I would rather have my teeth extracted. However, this book totally worked for me in many ways. It is heartbreaking though to see certain characters being killed though and seeing all these combatants who at the heart are good immortals, but they each have something to fight for and they are all enslaved to the whims of their masters. So it is heartbreaking at times to read this book because of seeing this horrible situation and seeing some of them FIGHT back against those that are enslaving them.
“Yes. Me. I'm an immortal made for war, and killing is what I do. What I'm good at. I do not live by the same rules as other people, those who do not have to fight to retain their liberties, those who let others do the fighting for them, then scoff at the results."
We see Knox and Vale go through some difficult challenges in this book and seeing them overcome what they face is epic in many ways. Their love story ISNT easy or light hearted and it will rock your core in good ways and bad ways. We see how much they care for each other before they become enemies, and seeing them try to overcome the circumstances to be together is truly what makes this book an incredible experience. There are so many emotional moments that are going to break your heart but you also see the strength these two have together and seeing them fight for each other and for a future full of love and peace is so worth all the pain. Their journey isn't an easy one but unforgettable in many ways. This book will be sticking with me for a long while and I just can't wait for book two because I have a feeling that book is going to be kick ass as well!!
Overall I found Shadow and Ice to be packed with adventure, intensity, brutal at times and poignant in all the right moments.....A TREASURE TO DEVOUR!!
December 11, 2018
This one wavered anywhere from not quite a three to a low four. There were things I really liked and others I just didn't. I was going to put it on my Cotton Candy Reads Shelf for the sheer PNR-goodness factor, but there's so much going on in this book I don't think it's fair to describe it as "light and fluffy".
I simply LOVED the concept, but it was some of the stylistic choices that didn't work for me. Specifically, the heroine's voice. At first I thought her internal narrative tics were a bit over the top because she was hypothermic, but nope. It was just her. I found it to be too...silly? One thought I marked early on was her thinking: "Each guy could star in a porno. Not that she ever watched those, cough, cough." It's more of a casual style than I prefer, is all. But I can totally see that being something that draws a different reader right in. And the heroine's train of thought and dialog might strike someone else as fun "snarkiness" instead of silliness and they'd be here for it. (I can be a boring reader, I know. :/ )
There were some other things, but instead of continuing to nitpick, here's what I really enjoyed:
Is this Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction Romance, or Fantasy Romance? It utilizes aspects of each, and I dug it!
The story of how the heroine discovers the hero and is thrust into everything head first is totally original and a lot of fun.
There's a scene where the hero finally allows himself to be completely vulnerable, and it is very, very sexy.
Shadow and Ice really found its stride after about page 300 and trust me, there are TONS of interesting characters to keep this series going, lol. And since we didn't even get the tiniest peek into a POV other than the MC's, I'm interested to learn more about the surviving combatants of the All War for Terra.
Book obtained through a Goodreads Giveaway
I simply LOVED the concept, but it was some of the stylistic choices that didn't work for me. Specifically, the heroine's voice. At first I thought her internal narrative tics were a bit over the top because she was hypothermic, but nope. It was just her. I found it to be too...silly? One thought I marked early on was her thinking: "Each guy could star in a porno. Not that she ever watched those, cough, cough." It's more of a casual style than I prefer, is all. But I can totally see that being something that draws a different reader right in. And the heroine's train of thought and dialog might strike someone else as fun "snarkiness" instead of silliness and they'd be here for it. (I can be a boring reader, I know. :/ )
There were some other things, but instead of continuing to nitpick, here's what I really enjoyed:
Is this Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction Romance, or Fantasy Romance? It utilizes aspects of each, and I dug it!
The story of how the heroine discovers the hero and is thrust into everything head first is totally original and a lot of fun.
There's a scene where the hero finally allows himself to be completely vulnerable, and it is very, very sexy.
Shadow and Ice really found its stride after about page 300 and trust me, there are TONS of interesting characters to keep this series going, lol. And since we didn't even get the tiniest peek into a POV other than the MC's, I'm interested to learn more about the surviving combatants of the All War for Terra.
Book obtained through a Goodreads Giveaway
October 28, 2018
3+ "All War" Stars!
This was on the plus side of ok for me. It was, The Hunger Games, the Immortals Edition with a "must learn to trust another" romance and a lot more sexy times.
I know a lot of PNR lovers are going to like this a lot. There is a lot of fighting action, a big cast of varying species with various paranormal abilities/ weapons. There is potential for the series. It seems the overall series arc will be ongoing; with a conclusion for each couple. I personally never got very vested in Val and Knox as a couple. They were both good characters to cheer for, but they didn't give me very many "feels". That's why for me it was on the plus side of ok. Happy reading.
This was on the plus side of ok for me. It was, The Hunger Games, the Immortals Edition with a "must learn to trust another" romance and a lot more sexy times.
I know a lot of PNR lovers are going to like this a lot. There is a lot of fighting action, a big cast of varying species with various paranormal abilities/ weapons. There is potential for the series. It seems the overall series arc will be ongoing; with a conclusion for each couple. I personally never got very vested in Val and Knox as a couple. They were both good characters to cheer for, but they didn't give me very many "feels". That's why for me it was on the plus side of ok. Happy reading.
October 23, 2018
There’s a new PNR series in town and it’s a hot one by Gena Showalter! If you’re like me and have been reading books when PNR was a hot topic, then you’ve probably noticed that good PNR series are rare these days. That was why I was very excited to see Gena Showalter coming out with a new PNR series.
The concept of this series is unique. It has a bit of an IAD feel to it because it involves these war gods competing against each other. So you can expect a lot of alpha males and females duking it out in a free for all. There’s a lot of trash talking, both within the competitors and actually even between the hero and heroine.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hero and the paranormal aspect of this series. It brought back those feelings that I have missed dearly in the recent years. And I am hoping that the series continues to stick to the PNR route and become better.
Showalter’s trademark humor is very much present within these pages. I like how much personality she brings to her characters, especially the heroine. However, I do think that it can be a double-edged sword at times. What makes these books so fun can also bog down the pacing and that was a little of the case here. But since I was just so excited about a new PNR series, I felt like I could excuse it. Keeping this in mind though, I wonder how my opinion will shift as the series goes on.
If you’ve been on the lookout for a new PNR to sink your teeth into, Gena Showalter’s SHADOW AND ICE will certainly appeal to you. She’s got a great new bunch of heroes and heroines and I can’t wait to read about them all!
October 31, 2018
I absolutely loved this one!! It’s been a long time since I’ve been so excited for a new series. I can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a good PNR/Fantasy book.
February 12, 2019
I've had to ponder a bit about how to best go about writing down this review.
It's so hard to put a book into words that had you feeling so many contradictory feelings. You don't want to let down the author, knowing they all put their heart into their work. But you also want to be honest. It's tough finding the right words to talk about of which you don't only have positive things to say, you know? Let's give it a go!
- I have to be honest here and say that overall, the story line is quite predictable. This wasn't necessarily a turn-off for me because this is more and more often the case with books I read within genres like this one. On a side note: There was quite a lot of engagement in this book that made sure it had me hooked from beginning till end. But it is a part of my decision about rating the book 3 stars.
- It took me a while to get 'into' the romance part of the book and for it to feel like it was believable to me . Sure, it was sexy and intense and it had me all hot and bothered from time to time, feelings Gena knows how to evoke in me so so well. But the sexiness, steaminess and intensity of the romance wasn't what bothered me. In the beginning, it really felt like these characters and their romance were just all over the place. I just couldn't get a good feel on it, the development felt not in-depth enough I guess. It all really progressed for the better though when I was about halfway through, but it had a rocky start unfortunately.
- I also did have some issues about the way things got wrapped up, with some of the struggles regarding the characters for example, towards the end. I won't go into detail because then I'd spoil things, but it felt like things were being resolved a bit too fast and easy sometimes, in my opinion. Because of this, the story lost some of its credibility here and there.
It really pains me to write down remarks on a Gena Showalter book, especially a Paranormal Romance one by this author because she's been a fave of mine for years. She was the one author who got me hooked to paranormal romance alongside Nalini Singh, so this not being at least a 4 star read, really pains me. But yeah... I had to say that overall it felt like some of the elements written down in this book were lacking in execution from time to time, which isn't something I'm familiar with when it comes to this author and her books. I think it's the first time I rated a book 3 stars by her and read a book by her that I felt so contradictory about.
To get back on a more positive note though, because there are definitely positive things about this book as well that I want to gush about:
- The concept of this story is quite awesome. The All War is a really interesting element for example; Representatives/Warriors are sent down to new discovered worlds, Earth in this case, to fight for their Kings and Queens in order to win them this particular world and rule it. Only one Warrior/representative survives. The rest has to be Killed. I really like how Gena's not shy of writing down a believable battle scene. Because my god, Gena knows how to kill of characters, let me tell you that. The fighting/killing scenes are dark, brutal, bloody and gruesome and I loved every second spent reading these scenes.
- the Characters are magnificent! Not only the two main characters, but the entire set of characters. The warriors for example: These warriors are so very believable and so realistically written down! I also really love the added paranormal elements. The warriors have special weapons and things like that and some of the warriors have supernatural abilities like turning into a Beast, being able to form shadows and blind your opponents, use fire, read minds, and more like that. Really loved reading about all of this!
- the writing in general was still great though I think. It had me more and more engaged by each new chapter I was reading, and it left me craving more in the end. I buddy read this book, so we set a schedule beforehand and agreed to read 5 chapters per day. And every single time when I was finished reading that 5th chapter I wanted MORE. Every day, no exceptions. So that's a good thing!!
And Gena is AMAZING btw with referrals to just about anything really haha. There was a referral to Gremlins for example, but so many more movies/characters and so on. I love this so so much. There are some Norse mythology elements being wrapped up into the story, and I really liked this authors take on this.
Overall, when I finished reading this book I thought: Gena has me hooked to yet another one of her (paranormal) series! I want more.
Strange, you might think considering my remarks on the book I've had as well, right?. But I dunno: even though I've had some serious remarks on the book, remarks that would make someone else maybe even decide to not giving the next book a go anymore, I'm just really curious about the next one already.
Some developments towards the end have me really excited to read more, to being introduced to new characters, a new romance, and seeing the world(s) being extended as well as seeing how things will progress with the characters we focused on in this one.
I think the concept of this first book and the series in general, is really awesome and I'm curious and excited to seeing it being developed even more so with the next book(s) in the series - hopefully. Gena's writing is still good and addictive, despite feeling there was missing something in the 'execution' part of some of the elements in the story. It still had me looking forward to reading the next chapter when I was reading it and this has me hopeful and excited about book 2.
In my opinion, this book is still one I'd recommend to give a go when you're into paranormal romance , if you like a steamy romance, if you're interested in new world(s) to explore and if you want a book that has you wanting more after each chapter you've read. It wasn't the best first book in a new paranormal romance series that I've read, but it was fun and it was exciting to getting aquatinted with.
It's so hard to put a book into words that had you feeling so many contradictory feelings. You don't want to let down the author, knowing they all put their heart into their work. But you also want to be honest. It's tough finding the right words to talk about of which you don't only have positive things to say, you know? Let's give it a go!
- I have to be honest here and say that overall, the story line is quite predictable. This wasn't necessarily a turn-off for me because this is more and more often the case with books I read within genres like this one. On a side note: There was quite a lot of engagement in this book that made sure it had me hooked from beginning till end. But it is a part of my decision about rating the book 3 stars.
- It took me a while to get 'into' the romance part of the book and for it to feel like it was believable to me . Sure, it was sexy and intense and it had me all hot and bothered from time to time, feelings Gena knows how to evoke in me so so well. But the sexiness, steaminess and intensity of the romance wasn't what bothered me. In the beginning, it really felt like these characters and their romance were just all over the place. I just couldn't get a good feel on it, the development felt not in-depth enough I guess. It all really progressed for the better though when I was about halfway through, but it had a rocky start unfortunately.
- I also did have some issues about the way things got wrapped up, with some of the struggles regarding the characters for example, towards the end. I won't go into detail because then I'd spoil things, but it felt like things were being resolved a bit too fast and easy sometimes, in my opinion. Because of this, the story lost some of its credibility here and there.
It really pains me to write down remarks on a Gena Showalter book, especially a Paranormal Romance one by this author because she's been a fave of mine for years. She was the one author who got me hooked to paranormal romance alongside Nalini Singh, so this not being at least a 4 star read, really pains me. But yeah... I had to say that overall it felt like some of the elements written down in this book were lacking in execution from time to time, which isn't something I'm familiar with when it comes to this author and her books. I think it's the first time I rated a book 3 stars by her and read a book by her that I felt so contradictory about.
To get back on a more positive note though, because there are definitely positive things about this book as well that I want to gush about:
- The concept of this story is quite awesome. The All War is a really interesting element for example; Representatives/Warriors are sent down to new discovered worlds, Earth in this case, to fight for their Kings and Queens in order to win them this particular world and rule it. Only one Warrior/representative survives. The rest has to be Killed. I really like how Gena's not shy of writing down a believable battle scene. Because my god, Gena knows how to kill of characters, let me tell you that. The fighting/killing scenes are dark, brutal, bloody and gruesome and I loved every second spent reading these scenes.
- the Characters are magnificent! Not only the two main characters, but the entire set of characters. The warriors for example: These warriors are so very believable and so realistically written down! I also really love the added paranormal elements. The warriors have special weapons and things like that and some of the warriors have supernatural abilities like turning into a Beast, being able to form shadows and blind your opponents, use fire, read minds, and more like that. Really loved reading about all of this!
- the writing in general was still great though I think. It had me more and more engaged by each new chapter I was reading, and it left me craving more in the end. I buddy read this book, so we set a schedule beforehand and agreed to read 5 chapters per day. And every single time when I was finished reading that 5th chapter I wanted MORE. Every day, no exceptions. So that's a good thing!!
And Gena is AMAZING btw with referrals to just about anything really haha. There was a referral to Gremlins for example, but so many more movies/characters and so on. I love this so so much. There are some Norse mythology elements being wrapped up into the story, and I really liked this authors take on this.
CONCLUSION
Overall, when I finished reading this book I thought: Gena has me hooked to yet another one of her (paranormal) series! I want more.
Strange, you might think considering my remarks on the book I've had as well, right?. But I dunno: even though I've had some serious remarks on the book, remarks that would make someone else maybe even decide to not giving the next book a go anymore, I'm just really curious about the next one already.
Some developments towards the end have me really excited to read more, to being introduced to new characters, a new romance, and seeing the world(s) being extended as well as seeing how things will progress with the characters we focused on in this one.
I think the concept of this first book and the series in general, is really awesome and I'm curious and excited to seeing it being developed even more so with the next book(s) in the series - hopefully. Gena's writing is still good and addictive, despite feeling there was missing something in the 'execution' part of some of the elements in the story. It still had me looking forward to reading the next chapter when I was reading it and this has me hopeful and excited about book 2.
In my opinion, this book is still one I'd recommend to give a go when you're into paranormal romance , if you like a steamy romance, if you're interested in new world(s) to explore and if you want a book that has you wanting more after each chapter you've read. It wasn't the best first book in a new paranormal romance series that I've read, but it was fun and it was exciting to getting aquatinted with.
Read
October 28, 2018DNF
I’m so sad :( I had high expectations for this one and even though I find it interesting I couldn’t feel connected a lot and it took me a lot to read the half and then I couldn’t continue! Hope the next is much better!
I’m so sad :( I had high expectations for this one and even though I find it interesting I couldn’t feel connected a lot and it took me a lot to read the half and then I couldn’t continue! Hope the next is much better!
March 21, 2019
The worst by Gena Showalter in my opinion. It hurts to say it. The worst by Gena Showalter in my opinion. It hurts to say it. But I won't lie to myself, I hated this book.
I've read 13 books by this author all in the same series, so when I found out about this series I was so excited, but I was beyond disappointed after reading this.
This book is like a bad combination of the hunger games, lords of the underworld and all cringy romance, do not even get me started on the writing, what was that.
The annoying thing is that I know Gena can write, so I don't get why she adapted this style. Vale the protagonist talks and thinks like an alien from another planet trying to be cool. Its so lame. Here is an example
She made her way to the bed and plucked a piece of purple fruit. Squishy like a peach, smooth like an apple. Scentless. If this thing tasted like burnt hair on a donkey’s behind, there would be hell to pay, and Knox would be the one to get the bill.
Tentative, she took a bite...and moaned. Oh, glory hallelujah. If cotton candy had married chocolate-dipped strawberries, this fruit would be their sugar baby.
The whole book is written like this except for Knox's POV. The overly use of metaphors and figures of speech is annoying.
The plot isn't so bad, it would have been great if only it was better portrayed and the insta love was toned down.
I've read 13 books by this author all in the same series, so when I found out about this series I was so excited, but I was beyond disappointed after reading this.
This book is like a bad combination of the hunger games, lords of the underworld and all cringy romance, do not even get me started on the writing, what was that.
The annoying thing is that I know Gena can write, so I don't get why she adapted this style. Vale the protagonist talks and thinks like an alien from another planet trying to be cool. Its so lame. Here is an example
She made her way to the bed and plucked a piece of purple fruit. Squishy like a peach, smooth like an apple. Scentless. If this thing tasted like burnt hair on a donkey’s behind, there would be hell to pay, and Knox would be the one to get the bill.
Tentative, she took a bite...and moaned. Oh, glory hallelujah. If cotton candy had married chocolate-dipped strawberries, this fruit would be their sugar baby.
The whole book is written like this except for Knox's POV. The overly use of metaphors and figures of speech is annoying.
The plot isn't so bad, it would have been great if only it was better portrayed and the insta love was toned down.
March 20, 2019
DNF !!!!
December 7, 2018
This new series by Showalter has started overall wonderfully, I was absorbed from the get go, finding it very difficult to put the book down until I had finished. In this book we get some good worldbuilding by Showalter and secondary characters with interesting backstories – I can see each of them having their own book.
This book is in some ways darker and bloodier than the authors previous work, but it overall works. Bad boy warrior/immortal Knox and sassy strong human Vale were well rounded characters. Both have massive emotional barriers up due to what they have individually gone through. Vale is definitely not a weak-willed heroine but adaptable, quick on her feet and a woman who never backs down.
I do hope the Council as well as the Kings and Queens forcing these battles get what’s coming to them, particularly the toad King Ansel.
I so enjoyed this book and at no time was I bored, but that being said I do think Showalter tried to cram in a fair bit here and the book may have been a tad richer with a little less, that being said this book will be staying permanently on my kindle.
This book is in some ways darker and bloodier than the authors previous work, but it overall works. Bad boy warrior/immortal Knox and sassy strong human Vale were well rounded characters. Both have massive emotional barriers up due to what they have individually gone through. Vale is definitely not a weak-willed heroine but adaptable, quick on her feet and a woman who never backs down.
I do hope the Council as well as the Kings and Queens forcing these battles get what’s coming to them, particularly the toad King Ansel.
I so enjoyed this book and at no time was I bored, but that being said I do think Showalter tried to cram in a fair bit here and the book may have been a tad richer with a little less, that being said this book will be staying permanently on my kindle.
February 11, 2021
Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter
1st book in the Gods of War series. Paranormal romantic suspense.
Present day Vale goes on a trip to the Antarctic and finds men in battle that we just moments before frozen in ice. How is that possible? Next thing she knows, she is in the middle of the battle and sees one of the warriors run off with her sister. What the heck? Don’t count her out though, Vale knows a thing or two about survival.
Too much violence. Lots of humor. Lots of sex.
I liked it better than some of the other series wars by this author, primarily because of the humor but also the ending and resolution for the couple.
1st book in the Gods of War series. Paranormal romantic suspense.
Present day Vale goes on a trip to the Antarctic and finds men in battle that we just moments before frozen in ice. How is that possible? Next thing she knows, she is in the middle of the battle and sees one of the warriors run off with her sister. What the heck? Don’t count her out though, Vale knows a thing or two about survival.
Too much violence. Lots of humor. Lots of sex.
I liked it better than some of the other series wars by this author, primarily because of the humor but also the ending and resolution for the couple.
May 23, 2024
It took me a long time to finish this book, but I'm glad I did. I wasn't feeling this book initially. It's a bit of an odd premise, but ultimately, that became a strength and made it stand out for me. Imagine the movie Highlander but if it was a sanctioned battle where one world fights another for control over a random world through their champions who all have their own personal reasons for fighting. Initially, I really didn't like Knox at first. I wasn't sure that I could get behind a romance between him and Vale. However, I just had to keep listening. And I'm glad I did. This whole premise is not something I've seen in paranormal romance, and ultimately, I think it was well done. I will say that this isn't a favorite of mine by Showalter.
What I loved:
*When Knox fell for Vale, he fell hard. I love that in a hero.
*The way that Knox evolves and getting to know him and his motivations better. Deep down, he is a very loving, loyal person. It was sad that this part of himself was not encouraged to bloom until Vale.
*The tech and the powers--they were fun and so useful. Descriptions of these parts really kept my interest. This part reminded me of a video game or fun sci-fi action movies/tv.
*Vale was so much fun. I loved her. I loved her devotion to her sister, her adaptability, her courage, and her humanity (how she feels vulnerable, afraid, lusty, etc). I love that she met Knox as an equal and fought for him as much as he fought for her. She's one of those characters I feel like I could be friends with in real life.
*The humor--Gena Showalter always can make me laugh.
*As the story moves forward, I really started to appreciate Vale and Knox's relationship and how they complemented each other and took care of each other.
*The sexytimes--well-written and sexy, with emotion!
*Meeting the other combatants and learning their quirks.
*Vale's sister Nola. She was sweet but also really savvy.
*This felt really cinematic, like a lot of the kind of science fiction action movies and tv shows I eat up.
*I loved the female narrator's voice. She did a great job describing Vale's POV and reading her lines.
What fell flat for me:
*As I said above, I didn't like Knox. At first, he came off as a real jerk.
*I feel like the other combatants were a little cardboard. I know that in theory, they are disposable, but I still would have liked to know them a little more as the narrative unfolds. I feel like they are killed off so fast (reminded me of Jurassic Park). I appreciate that Showalter did kill them off (and some deaths were really shocking to me), because it's a gladiatorial game on a large scale, but I don't think she made good use of the pathos involved with their deaths (each one had a strong motivation for competing and they often were as valid as Knox's was.)
*It was a little chaotic. I didn't know what the heck was going on pretty far into the book. Some parts didn't quite make sense to me.
*The ending was abrupt. I feel like even if the story was continuing in the next book, I should not have been thinking, "That's the end of the book?"
*The male narrator was weird. The way he emphasized certain words and spoke Knox's lines was kind of corny.
Final Thoughts:
I really want to read the next book, because I am already invested in Nola and Bane's romance. I'm also very interested in Zion. I hope he doesn't get killed. Yeah, I'm invested. I should get back into Gena Showalter's sci-fi romances.
I'm torn. This one was somewhat more than 3.5 stars, but not quite a full 4 stars. But I did grow to like it a lot, so I think I will go ahead and round it up to 4 stars. I feel like I'm grading hard because I love Gena Showalter's books so much and this didn't hit me the way some of my faves by her do. I usually don't rate her lower than four stars. I do have a feeling I will love book two, Frost and Flame so much more.
What I loved:
*When Knox fell for Vale, he fell hard. I love that in a hero.
*The way that Knox evolves and getting to know him and his motivations better. Deep down, he is a very loving, loyal person. It was sad that this part of himself was not encouraged to bloom until Vale.
*The tech and the powers--they were fun and so useful. Descriptions of these parts really kept my interest. This part reminded me of a video game or fun sci-fi action movies/tv.
*Vale was so much fun. I loved her. I loved her devotion to her sister, her adaptability, her courage, and her humanity (how she feels vulnerable, afraid, lusty, etc). I love that she met Knox as an equal and fought for him as much as he fought for her. She's one of those characters I feel like I could be friends with in real life.
*The humor--Gena Showalter always can make me laugh.
*As the story moves forward, I really started to appreciate Vale and Knox's relationship and how they complemented each other and took care of each other.
*The sexytimes--well-written and sexy, with emotion!
*Meeting the other combatants and learning their quirks.
*Vale's sister Nola. She was sweet but also really savvy.
*This felt really cinematic, like a lot of the kind of science fiction action movies and tv shows I eat up.
*I loved the female narrator's voice. She did a great job describing Vale's POV and reading her lines.
What fell flat for me:
*As I said above, I didn't like Knox. At first, he came off as a real jerk.
*I feel like the other combatants were a little cardboard. I know that in theory, they are disposable, but I still would have liked to know them a little more as the narrative unfolds. I feel like they are killed off so fast (reminded me of Jurassic Park). I appreciate that Showalter did kill them off (and some deaths were really shocking to me), because it's a gladiatorial game on a large scale, but I don't think she made good use of the pathos involved with their deaths (each one had a strong motivation for competing and they often were as valid as Knox's was.)
*It was a little chaotic. I didn't know what the heck was going on pretty far into the book. Some parts didn't quite make sense to me.
*The ending was abrupt. I feel like even if the story was continuing in the next book, I should not have been thinking, "That's the end of the book?"
*The male narrator was weird. The way he emphasized certain words and spoke Knox's lines was kind of corny.
Final Thoughts:
I really want to read the next book, because I am already invested in Nola and Bane's romance. I'm also very interested in Zion. I hope he doesn't get killed. Yeah, I'm invested. I should get back into Gena Showalter's sci-fi romances.
I'm torn. This one was somewhat more than 3.5 stars, but not quite a full 4 stars. But I did grow to like it a lot, so I think I will go ahead and round it up to 4 stars. I feel like I'm grading hard because I love Gena Showalter's books so much and this didn't hit me the way some of my faves by her do. I usually don't rate her lower than four stars. I do have a feeling I will love book two, Frost and Flame so much more.
November 6, 2018
Fierce, seductive, and savagely action packed!
Shadow and Ice is a riveting, at times shocking tale that introduces us to Vale London and her sister, Nola, two young women stranded in the Arctic who inadvertently stumble upon warriors from the fight-until-death, All War battle who have been frozen for 1,400 years, until now.
The prose is intense and intricate. The characters are unique, remorseless, and scarred. And the plot is an imaginative, compelling tale of supernatural abilities, magnificent weapons, sizzling chemistry, brutal violence, loyalty, humour, romance, and murder.
I have to say Shadow and Ice is like taking Hunger Games, Marvel Super Heroes, Gladiator, and a slice of mythology and mixing them all together. It's an epic saga featuring lots of bloody battles, grit, determination, gore, sexual tension, heat, adventure, and fantastical elements that is without a doubt suspenseful, violent, steamy, and thoroughly entertaining.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow and Ice is a riveting, at times shocking tale that introduces us to Vale London and her sister, Nola, two young women stranded in the Arctic who inadvertently stumble upon warriors from the fight-until-death, All War battle who have been frozen for 1,400 years, until now.
The prose is intense and intricate. The characters are unique, remorseless, and scarred. And the plot is an imaginative, compelling tale of supernatural abilities, magnificent weapons, sizzling chemistry, brutal violence, loyalty, humour, romance, and murder.
I have to say Shadow and Ice is like taking Hunger Games, Marvel Super Heroes, Gladiator, and a slice of mythology and mixing them all together. It's an epic saga featuring lots of bloody battles, grit, determination, gore, sexual tension, heat, adventure, and fantastical elements that is without a doubt suspenseful, violent, steamy, and thoroughly entertaining.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
There’s a new PNR series in town and it’s a hot one by Gena Showalter! If you’re like me and have been reading books when PNR was a hot topic, then you’ve probably noticed that good PNR series are rare these days. That was why I was very excited to see Gena Showalter coming out with a new PNR series.
The concept of this series is unique. It has a bit of an IAD feel to it because it involves these war gods competing against each other. So you can expect a lot of alpha males and females duking it out in a free for all. There’s a lot of trash talking, both within the competitors and actually even between the hero and heroine.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hero and the paranormal aspect of this series. It brought back those feelings that I have missed dearly in the recent years. And I am hoping that the series continues to stick to the PNR route and become better.
Showalter’s trademark humor is very much present within these pages. I like how much personality she brings to her characters, especially the heroine. However, I do think that it can be a double-edged sword at times. What makes these books so fun can also bog down the pacing and that was a little of the case here. But since I was just so excited about a new PNR series, I felt like I could excuse it. Keeping this in mind though, I wonder how my opinion will shift as the series goes on.
If you’ve been on the lookout for a new PNR to sink your teeth into, Gena Showalter’s SHADOW AND ICE will certainly appeal to you. She’s got a great new bunch of heroes and heroines and I can’t wait to read about them all!
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
October 23, 2018
I loveeeeeed Shadow and Ice as it was an amazing start to the Gods of War series. I don't even know how to describe it other than being an epic story filled with romance, adventure and adrenaline rushes galore. Think the Hunger Games but so much better. I loved Knox and Vale as they were sexy, strong and fantastic together. I loved their chemistry and how they were strong and independent on their own but together formed an amazing partnership.
Without giving away any spoilers, Valerina "Vale" London by chance comes across Knox of Iviland and a large group of combatants in an All War and unknowingly becomes a player in this high-stakes game of kill or be killed where there can only be one winner. But what happens when Knox and Vale as fellow competitors grow closer and form a connection.
This story was outstanding. The world building was extensive but something to be expected in a first book of a new series. I loved how Vale was a gamechanger for Knox as she roused all these foreign emotions he learned to turn off after countless years fighting in the All Wars. She was a new beginning for him. Likewise I loved how Knox was able to see the real Vale and helped combat her insecurities. All in all this was a great start to the series and I look forward to reading Bane and Nola's book! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
Without giving away any spoilers, Valerina "Vale" London by chance comes across Knox of Iviland and a large group of combatants in an All War and unknowingly becomes a player in this high-stakes game of kill or be killed where there can only be one winner. But what happens when Knox and Vale as fellow competitors grow closer and form a connection.
This story was outstanding. The world building was extensive but something to be expected in a first book of a new series. I loved how Vale was a gamechanger for Knox as she roused all these foreign emotions he learned to turn off after countless years fighting in the All Wars. She was a new beginning for him. Likewise I loved how Knox was able to see the real Vale and helped combat her insecurities. All in all this was a great start to the series and I look forward to reading Bane and Nola's book! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
November 14, 2018
The publisher gave me this book in exchange for an honest review and I’m honestly going to use it for kindling in my fire this winter. Not joking. I never DNF a book this is a major DNF. Who the heck edited this? Why would you write this? It’s the worst book I’ve ever attempted to read.
Let’s start with the prologue. It made ZERO sense. And when we talked about the planets(?) or lands(?) or whatever these guys came from, it was like the author literally just slammed down on the keyboard and was like, “Yeah, that sounds made up enough to work. No one will question it.”
Then I thought maybe the book itself would get better past the prologue. Nope. Big nope. Each sentence is like a major example of what writers should never do. How the heck do you have separate detailed mini plots that do not matter in every single sentence? Why did the publisher publish this? Do they not like readers?????
Let’s start with the prologue. It made ZERO sense. And when we talked about the planets(?) or lands(?) or whatever these guys came from, it was like the author literally just slammed down on the keyboard and was like, “Yeah, that sounds made up enough to work. No one will question it.”
Then I thought maybe the book itself would get better past the prologue. Nope. Big nope. Each sentence is like a major example of what writers should never do. How the heck do you have separate detailed mini plots that do not matter in every single sentence? Why did the publisher publish this? Do they not like readers?????
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