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Winter Queen #1
Heart of Frost
A banished queen’s powers will be their salvation and ruin.
Captive of the Sultan, Zeyna’s power, beauty and rarity as a winter witch, earn her place among his collection. Craving freedom, she escapes the draining desert heat, and returns to her ancestral home. Only the sultan isn't going to let go of his most prized possession so easily.
Frostborne is cursed, the snow melts, crops dwindle, and leaps starve. Desperate to save his realm, Hunter, believes Zeyna to be their salvation, and enchants her with a dark persuasive power to perform his bidding. But soon he’ll be forced to choose between saving his people and her liberty.
Heart of Frost is the first, juicy, thick 92,000 word book in the Winter Queen series, a dual point of view retelling of the Snow Queen featuring sexy winter witches and snow leopards. A part of the Havenfall series. For fans of Gena Showalter, Marissa Meyer and Luanne G. Smith.
Captive of the Sultan, Zeyna’s power, beauty and rarity as a winter witch, earn her place among his collection. Craving freedom, she escapes the draining desert heat, and returns to her ancestral home. Only the sultan isn't going to let go of his most prized possession so easily.
Frostborne is cursed, the snow melts, crops dwindle, and leaps starve. Desperate to save his realm, Hunter, believes Zeyna to be their salvation, and enchants her with a dark persuasive power to perform his bidding. But soon he’ll be forced to choose between saving his people and her liberty.
Heart of Frost is the first, juicy, thick 92,000 word book in the Winter Queen series, a dual point of view retelling of the Snow Queen featuring sexy winter witches and snow leopards. A part of the Havenfall series. For fans of Gena Showalter, Marissa Meyer and Luanne G. Smith.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2020
12 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 1, 2021
Heart of Frost is Skyler Andra’s first book in her Snow Queen Retelling series. This book introduces readers to a captive ice witch by the name of Zeyna. Zeyna has only one wish…to get back home to the winter and ice so that she can be restored. But escaping isn’t possible. The sultan isn’t one to let something as precious as her slip away, but a chance presents itself when another witch enlists her help to steal a powerful magical item. Now free she crosses paths with Hunter, Zorha of the leopards. Hunter has his own issues with a “brother” who craves power and who will do whatever it takes to claim it. Add in a magic mirror and you know that things are going to be REAL interesting.
Heart of Frost really piqued my interest, because I do love a good retelling of a classic story. So I was eager to see how the author was going to take this story and I have to say…I wasn’t disappointed. Zeyna is an interesting character and I can’t really complain too much about her either. I like that she reflects her ice element/heritage in her appearance. She’s stronger than she seems, but she still needs the ice in order to recover from the years of abuse that she has been through. The author does a good job at keeping a few things secret about Zeyna as well until just the right moment to reveal them.
Surprisingly, I can’t complain too much about Hunter either. He is written leaning toward the stereotypical alpha male – stubborn, wanting to be in control, dominating, but not overly so. The author does a good job at portraying Hunter, for the most part, as being focused on his people and wanting the best for them. However, I have to say, that that goes out the window pretty fast when he begins to develop feelings (beyond lust) toward Zeyna. I’m not saying he completely stops focusing on his people, but they seem to take a back seat quite often until push comes to shove and he’s forced to direct his attention back to them for their survival.
Hunter does disappoint by being a typical male in letting his desires blind him. It’s disappointing because readers will see the danger lying in wait while he’s too busy thinking about satisfying his own personal desires. It plays well with the storyline, but it makes it predictable, as does the ending. I won’t complain about the ending though because it could only go one of two ways, but I like that it does go the way that it does as it gives me something to look forward to. This book leaves readers with quite a few questions and I’m hopeful that a few of them at the very least will be answered in this next book.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the storyline and the retelling is well done in my opinion. The characters are well-written and kept me engaged in the storyline. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series and to how the dangers still to come will play out.
Heart of Frost really piqued my interest, because I do love a good retelling of a classic story. So I was eager to see how the author was going to take this story and I have to say…I wasn’t disappointed. Zeyna is an interesting character and I can’t really complain too much about her either. I like that she reflects her ice element/heritage in her appearance. She’s stronger than she seems, but she still needs the ice in order to recover from the years of abuse that she has been through. The author does a good job at keeping a few things secret about Zeyna as well until just the right moment to reveal them.
Surprisingly, I can’t complain too much about Hunter either. He is written leaning toward the stereotypical alpha male – stubborn, wanting to be in control, dominating, but not overly so. The author does a good job at portraying Hunter, for the most part, as being focused on his people and wanting the best for them. However, I have to say, that that goes out the window pretty fast when he begins to develop feelings (beyond lust) toward Zeyna. I’m not saying he completely stops focusing on his people, but they seem to take a back seat quite often until push comes to shove and he’s forced to direct his attention back to them for their survival.
Hunter does disappoint by being a typical male in letting his desires blind him. It’s disappointing because readers will see the danger lying in wait while he’s too busy thinking about satisfying his own personal desires. It plays well with the storyline, but it makes it predictable, as does the ending. I won’t complain about the ending though because it could only go one of two ways, but I like that it does go the way that it does as it gives me something to look forward to. This book leaves readers with quite a few questions and I’m hopeful that a few of them at the very least will be answered in this next book.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the storyline and the retelling is well done in my opinion. The characters are well-written and kept me engaged in the storyline. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series and to how the dangers still to come will play out.
January 1, 2021
A fabulous tale of sorrow, terror, heartbreak, fighting and love. I really enjoyed this book and was enthralled from the very beginning. I really couldn't put this book down and laughed and cried with the characters. I can't wait to see where this story goes.
December 17, 2020
There are a few things that I like, and you never need to doubt that I like them, Alice in Wonderland retellings (well, you can mess it up of course, but it doesn't happen often) and Fairytale Retellings (okay, technically Alice in Wonderland is seen as a Fairytale and therefore Alice in Wonderland retellings are fairytale retellings, but details). So, when I got the chance to read an ARC of a Snow Queen retelling, I was intrigued from the very start!
And I have to admit that this book was a little different from what I had expected, but not in a bad way, actually. For starters. The book was a lot slower that I expected. It's a prejudice. A lot of self pub romances are quick and easy reads. This one really had a slow build up. The book really took its time to introduce us to the characters, to give us a feel for the world, for the lives these characters have been living and the book also took its time to build the relationship between these characters.
Because of that slow build up everything works. I really started to feel a connection with these characters. I started to care about them. It's most of all easy to connect with her. I think it's hard not to root for the woman who's trying to break her shackles and free herself from anyone who's trying to hold her. I have to admit that our hero is not the kind of guy that I like and there were moments I really wish he were less impulsive and a little smarter, but it also makes him human and therefore realistic.
Along the way I however also started caring about the world. There are more books set in this world and yet it never felt like I missed out. Without info dumps or lengthy explanations we get a feel for the world, it's troubles, how it should be and how it could be. And although the world is not the main star of the story, that are the characters, it does create the scenery and the circumstances for our characters to not only discover themselves, but to also discover everyone's true colors.
And I have to admit that this book was a little different from what I had expected, but not in a bad way, actually. For starters. The book was a lot slower that I expected. It's a prejudice. A lot of self pub romances are quick and easy reads. This one really had a slow build up. The book really took its time to introduce us to the characters, to give us a feel for the world, for the lives these characters have been living and the book also took its time to build the relationship between these characters.
Because of that slow build up everything works. I really started to feel a connection with these characters. I started to care about them. It's most of all easy to connect with her. I think it's hard not to root for the woman who's trying to break her shackles and free herself from anyone who's trying to hold her. I have to admit that our hero is not the kind of guy that I like and there were moments I really wish he were less impulsive and a little smarter, but it also makes him human and therefore realistic.
Along the way I however also started caring about the world. There are more books set in this world and yet it never felt like I missed out. Without info dumps or lengthy explanations we get a feel for the world, it's troubles, how it should be and how it could be. And although the world is not the main star of the story, that are the characters, it does create the scenery and the circumstances for our characters to not only discover themselves, but to also discover everyone's true colors.
January 8, 2021
❄️❄️ONE TITILLATING ADVENTURE❄️❄️
Blazing blizzards! Skyler hit the jackpot full tilt with this ground shaking rollercoaster, delivering up some harsh facts, callous lessons and relentless drive, grabbing your attention from start to finish, skyrocketing this jewel to staggering heights. Skyler weaves a cocoon around us so intricately and precise, drawing us deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist, observing the arduous struggles and challenging triumphs, exposing the dramatic twists and wicked turns, kicking this gem into a tailspin with an astonishing culmination, fusing this hot little number together seamlessly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines. Remarkable job Skyler, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
Blazing blizzards! Skyler hit the jackpot full tilt with this ground shaking rollercoaster, delivering up some harsh facts, callous lessons and relentless drive, grabbing your attention from start to finish, skyrocketing this jewel to staggering heights. Skyler weaves a cocoon around us so intricately and precise, drawing us deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist, observing the arduous struggles and challenging triumphs, exposing the dramatic twists and wicked turns, kicking this gem into a tailspin with an astonishing culmination, fusing this hot little number together seamlessly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines. Remarkable job Skyler, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
December 30, 2020
Zeyna was enslaved and held captive by the sultan for fifteen years. Now she has escaped, only to fall into a different trap - one that involves her own cold heart, too. Frostborn, her homeland, ruled and inhabited by the snow leopards, is slowly deteriorating thanks to fire magic, and Zeyna's abilities are needed to restore the land.
Interesting fairytale retelling with some original elements, great leading characters, and fast-developing plot. I could very much relate to the winter witch, understand her motives and hope for the best for her, even with Hunter, although I was also questioning his motives and completely agreed with Zeyna's decision in the end. There are loose ties still, ones that I hope will be closed in another book(s). The romance was hot, the environment magical, and several times I was looking out of the window in hope to see some snow falling down outside. Nice story.
Interesting fairytale retelling with some original elements, great leading characters, and fast-developing plot. I could very much relate to the winter witch, understand her motives and hope for the best for her, even with Hunter, although I was also questioning his motives and completely agreed with Zeyna's decision in the end. There are loose ties still, ones that I hope will be closed in another book(s). The romance was hot, the environment magical, and several times I was looking out of the window in hope to see some snow falling down outside. Nice story.
December 17, 2020
From the harsh burning sands to a magical winter palace, Merzy Zeyna comes into her own as she escapes an evil Sultan only to find herself captive to her own heart and her handsome snow leopard shifter mate. Now she is free to bring Winter back to her dying kingdom, but will the ice and snow protect her from herself and her love's traitorous broken promises as he fights to protect his people? Can two broken leaders rebuild themselves together and learn that sometimes we must forgive and yield if we are ever to rise and rule?
Skyler Andra has given us a cold new world filled with hot-blooded, hot tempered inhabitants that capture the reader's interest and holds it fast through the very last word!
Skyler Andra has given us a cold new world filled with hot-blooded, hot tempered inhabitants that capture the reader's interest and holds it fast through the very last word!
December 17, 2020
Engaging characters and age-old feuds
Zeyna, winter witch slave in a land the opposite of her element, dreams of escaping to a place opposite to the land of her captivity; while Hunter, a snow leopard shifter, dreams to save his people and their realm. As the story progresses their dreams come partially true, an encounter with kindness comes with unknown strings, and just when things seem to get better, they couldn’t get any worse. Skyler Andra has shifted the Snow Queen fairytale into a new realm with engaging characters and age-old feuds. I cannot wait to read the next book.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Zeyna, winter witch slave in a land the opposite of her element, dreams of escaping to a place opposite to the land of her captivity; while Hunter, a snow leopard shifter, dreams to save his people and their realm. As the story progresses their dreams come partially true, an encounter with kindness comes with unknown strings, and just when things seem to get better, they couldn’t get any worse. Skyler Andra has shifted the Snow Queen fairytale into a new realm with engaging characters and age-old feuds. I cannot wait to read the next book.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
January 1, 2021
Zeyna is a slave to the sultan, made to perform tricks for him and his guests and given only enough to survive in a land where she isn't meant to live. Hunter is the Zorha of his people, they are barely surviving. His people feel cursed, their lands and their offspring are dying and Hunter doesn't know how to stop it.
Zeyna will do anything for her freedom, and Hunter will do anything to save his people. In this retelling of the Snow Queen what happens when these two meet. They are meant to be enemies, but what if they can be so much more to each other.
There is a nice, slow build-up to the story which gives the characters a chance to get to know each other, and thankfully not a single insta-love in sight. There are things about each character that is kept from each other as well as the reader though you know something is a little different just maybe not exactly what.
I found this to be a really enjoyable read and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Zeyna will do anything for her freedom, and Hunter will do anything to save his people. In this retelling of the Snow Queen what happens when these two meet. They are meant to be enemies, but what if they can be so much more to each other.
There is a nice, slow build-up to the story which gives the characters a chance to get to know each other, and thankfully not a single insta-love in sight. There are things about each character that is kept from each other as well as the reader though you know something is a little different just maybe not exactly what.
I found this to be a really enjoyable read and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
January 7, 2021
This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it! This book had a slower start, but it gave us a chance to really get to know the main characters and appreciate the world building. We follow Zeyna, a captive Ice Witch barely surviving in the desert and Hunter, Zohra of His Leopards. I found their individual stories to be really interesting and when Zeyna’s situation changes, and her path crosses with Hunters I found myself wholly invested in their story. I thought they were two really well developed characters with depth and solid personalities. I liked the style and flow that this author used , this is a well written book and I found that I was engaged and immersed in the story. I am looking forward to reading the next installment and other books by this author.
December 17, 2020
This book was such an incredible read! It is apart of the Haven world but you definitely will not feel lost, there are some cameo's of previous characters in the world.
This installment is absolutely incredible and I couldn't put this book down. Zenya does not have a very good past and she is just trying to get back to her land and have winter back. Then we have Hunter who is just trying to save his people and doing anything he can to make sure they are safe when Zenya comes crashing in his life. It was a great book read and I hope to see them in future books as well!
Skylar did an incredible job with Zenya's story and I cannot wait to see what Skylar will write next!
This installment is absolutely incredible and I couldn't put this book down. Zenya does not have a very good past and she is just trying to get back to her land and have winter back. Then we have Hunter who is just trying to save his people and doing anything he can to make sure they are safe when Zenya comes crashing in his life. It was a great book read and I hope to see them in future books as well!
Skylar did an incredible job with Zenya's story and I cannot wait to see what Skylar will write next!
December 31, 2020
Despite the slow start, I enjoyed this Snow Queen retelling. I’ve read other books in the Havenfall universe and sadly I never realized that Skyler co-wrote some of them. This book had elemental magic, great world building, and vivid descriptions.
Hunter’s character was very relatable and realistic. He was doing his best to please everyone even when it wasn’t possible or done a way that it shouldn’t have been. Zeyna goes from one captive to another trying to gain her freedom and I honestly felt for her. I loved how much her character grew throughout the story.
I love finding more unique retellings of stories that aren’t as popular. I feel like it gives authors more creativity which is exactly what Skyler did. I’d be interested to see how Hunter and Zeyna’s story continues since not everything was wrapped up in this book.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Hunter’s character was very relatable and realistic. He was doing his best to please everyone even when it wasn’t possible or done a way that it shouldn’t have been. Zeyna goes from one captive to another trying to gain her freedom and I honestly felt for her. I loved how much her character grew throughout the story.
I love finding more unique retellings of stories that aren’t as popular. I feel like it gives authors more creativity which is exactly what Skyler did. I’d be interested to see how Hunter and Zeyna’s story continues since not everything was wrapped up in this book.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
January 10, 2021
This Snow Queen retelling is so unique and intriguing. Andra had me curious from the beginning when Zenya was revealed and her story started .
Zenya is someone not to be taken at first glance. There’s so much more to her and honestly it felt like she was on a journey of self discovery. One that no one has all the answers to so it going to be a wait and see game.
Hunter was powerful and honestly surprising as well, it will be interesting to see how he will manage everything given everything
The combination of them two as mates was intriguing given that they both were playing dangerous games, wanting different outcomes. Given the powers around them, there was plenty of possibilities and Andrea didn’t disappoint with her choices
The supporting characters only added richness to this world and I can’t wait for more.
This was my first time to visit Havenfall and I can’t wait to discover more of this world. Zenya and Hunter story is complex and I can’t wait to learn what happens next as the last few chapters were crazy.
Zenya is someone not to be taken at first glance. There’s so much more to her and honestly it felt like she was on a journey of self discovery. One that no one has all the answers to so it going to be a wait and see game.
Hunter was powerful and honestly surprising as well, it will be interesting to see how he will manage everything given everything
The combination of them two as mates was intriguing given that they both were playing dangerous games, wanting different outcomes. Given the powers around them, there was plenty of possibilities and Andrea didn’t disappoint with her choices
The supporting characters only added richness to this world and I can’t wait for more.
This was my first time to visit Havenfall and I can’t wait to discover more of this world. Zenya and Hunter story is complex and I can’t wait to learn what happens next as the last few chapters were crazy.
January 18, 2021
This is a fantastic retelling of the snow queen I was hooked from the first page.
Skyler really immerses you in this world and the Characters are well thought out and work well you really do feel a connection with zeyna and go through an array of emotions with her.
Hunter leader of the snow leopards works well his loyalties to his leap are torn when he meets Zeyna and realises he cares for her more than he should.
Fantastic read could have done with !more pages lol
Looking forward to reading more of this series.
Skyler really immerses you in this world and the Characters are well thought out and work well you really do feel a connection with zeyna and go through an array of emotions with her.
Hunter leader of the snow leopards works well his loyalties to his leap are torn when he meets Zeyna and realises he cares for her more than he should.
Fantastic read could have done with !more pages lol
Looking forward to reading more of this series.
December 18, 2020
Fairytale retellings can be hit or miss and Skyler's addition is a huge hit! I loved the magical world, the characters and a storyline to die for. There's lots of action and the dynamics between Zeyna and Hunter.... Hot! The imagination and creativity to write such an intriguing and rollercoaster of a story is awe inspiring. The ups and downs in this book kept me reading long into the night! I can't wait for more!
December 19, 2020
This is why you don't pick up litter on the side of the road. This book has a slightly different feel from the other books that I have read by this author but I enjoyed it a lot. It is detailed and a world created for her own use. There is even a dictionary at the front of the book. I go back and forth thinking whether or not it is one of her best books but it is like comparing apples to oranges. It is a slow start but worth the read. And the ending can break your heart
January 2, 2021
Heart of Frost: A fated mates fairytale retelling paranormal romance (Havenfall Universe) (Winter Queen Book 1) by Skyler Andra is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I really enjoyed reading. I highly recommend this story to everyone.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
December 13, 2020
What an interesting story. I wasn’t too sure what I was getting into when I started reading this book but it swept me away to another realm to enjoy all the amazing words written. We get to meet Zeyna who is a prisoner that just wants to be free and Hunter who is fiercely loyal to his friends and family & wants to protect them at all costs. This book takes you on a crazy ride of ups and downs while capturing your attention until that heartsick ending. Fabulous! Cannot wait to find out what happens next! 💜🖤
December 17, 2020
I actually really enjoyed reading this book. FMC is a snow / winter witch . That was Sold to a king in the middle of the Desert . That keeps her locked up along with other mythical/paranormal creatures. And that’s when the story begins what war????? Then read this awesome story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2020
I found this story slow to start - however still very interesting because it helped with character depth & world building. I like the multiple POV way its written. Overall it was a fascinating story that I definitely recommend
December 21, 2020
This is just incredible! It’s well written and it takes its time introducing us to this amazing world and it’s characters which will have you hooked! A rollercoaster ride of ups and downs this is entertaining and the characters relatable and I am very eager to read more!
December 31, 2020
This is definitely a great book though it takes a bit to really heat up and get going. Zeyna is a winter witch who’s trapped as a slave in a world that is the exact opposite of who she is. She’s always longed to be somewhere safe and that is more inline with her element. She finally gets a chance to escape and takes it but things don’t go quite how she planned or expected. Now she’s got a snow leopard shifter mate who wants her to bring winter back and save her people. And he’s hiding things from her. I definitely enjoyed the journey this story took the readers on and the ending was great!
December 31, 2020
As usual, Skyler brings a strong woman to the table with this fairytale reimagining.
Right from the first few lines of this story, you are aware of just what a powerhouse Zeyna is, and know that she won't be controlled for long.
I am a sucker for strong female leads and fated mates, so this story checked the boxes for me, for sure. There is so much emotion between these mates, and you can almost feel the connection.
I haven't read the other books in the Havenfall Universe yet but might need to try another soon.
Right from the first few lines of this story, you are aware of just what a powerhouse Zeyna is, and know that she won't be controlled for long.
I am a sucker for strong female leads and fated mates, so this story checked the boxes for me, for sure. There is so much emotion between these mates, and you can almost feel the connection.
I haven't read the other books in the Havenfall Universe yet but might need to try another soon.
January 7, 2021
This is my first book by this author and she does not disappoint. She paints the story and atmosphere perfectly. You can feel right along with all the characters struggles, fears, love, and choices. What an amazing read! I can not wait to read more about this world and this series!
January 10, 2021
I have loved everything this author has written so far and this one is no different. Enjoyed the entire book and didn't even realize it was the end until the last page, I was that hooked on this story.
December 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The author did a fantastic job writing this story. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this wonderful series.
December 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I love fairytale retellings. Like love love!!! This one was so so good. Zeyna is a good main character. Just loved reading about her. Over all this was an amazing story from start to finish. Makes me want more!!! Loved it!!
December 20, 2020
fabulous reimagining of this story ... absolutely recommend! ... cannot wait for the next 💙❄
January 1, 2021
A retelling of the snow queen. A fairytale you don't hear often. Very well done too. That is exactly why I like this since it isn't a well known story and makes it easier to like the story. At least for me. Hunter is a very likable and realistic character and Zeyna is going through some tough times being captive and trying to be free. Curious to see how this continues if it does continue
January 3, 2021
Love, love loved this. Such a great story and I love the retelling on the Snow Queen fairy tale. Skylar writes a wonderful world that draws you deep into its frosty clutches and sucks you completely into the story. Loved the characters and I literally cannot wait for more. I highly recommend!
January 4, 2021
I loved this fairytale retell so much. It was very entertaining and enjoyable. I love this author and cannot wait for the next story. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews