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In Arcadia, winter has no heart.

I make magic dresses for a living. I’m not rich or pretty enough to wear them, but I love what I do, working out of my family’s shop on Carnaby Street in London—until the fae show up.

It’s a straight-up kidnapping, and before I know it, I’m brought to this wintry place of cold hearts and beautiful nightmares, but that’s not the worst part.

The worst part is, they think I’m fae, and I’m supposed to participate in some competition against a host of other women who have been training their whole lives for this. The prize? The winner is to marry the Prince.

On the surface that sounds almost like a fairytale, only this competition is brutal and bloody, and the Prince is the jerk that kidnapped me. I can’t get too close to him or he’ll know I’m not fae, and then I’m dead. But I want to get close to him. His body burns with the fire of a cold star, and I’m drawn to him.

I need to fight the pull and survive long enough to find a way out of here, but these winter fae won’t make that easy.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2021

2016 people are currently reading
10397 people want to read

About the author

Katerina Martinez

92 books520 followers
Katerina Martinez is a widely known author who writes supernatural fiction with a creepy, thrilling, and romantic bent. A veteran of many years of writing, she is the author of Dark Siren, the first book in the breakout Half-Lich Trilogy which became an instant bestseller in 2016. She continues to expand her back-list with books such as Wings of Light, and Heart of the Thief, and Night Hunter - three series starters that all take place in the same world.

If you would like to keep in touch with Katerina, learn about her work, and receive an exclusive short story set in the Blood and Magick universe, just follow this link, sign up, and don't be shy to drop her an email.

https://www.katerinamartinez.com/

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5 stars
1,998 (29%)
4 stars
2,393 (35%)
3 stars
1,786 (26%)
2 stars
440 (6%)
1 star
125 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
Profile Image for Maddy.
179 reviews76 followers
January 23, 2021
This one is hard to rate. While the writing left a lot to be desired, I did get invested in the story once the heroine was taken to the Fae realm. It was like The Bachelor for the fae winter prince...and surprisingly the heroine sucks at it...she doesn’t seem to all of a sudden become this warrior and get through her trials easily 👏. She is amazing as a seamstress and she uses that to her advantage.
Unfortunately I just didn’t feel anything for the prince...we are told within 5 seconds of her meeting him how absolutely gorgeous he is and blah blah...but it felt forced. Every time she was with him, it went on and on about his gorgeousness but it felt flat. Less is more 99% of the time. He also thinks she is his soul mate, so she gets his help sometimes as well...which is a tad unfair but then again the other contestants have been training for this for years and some of them are bitchy 🤷‍♀️.
I probably will read the next book, to see what other trials there are, I just hope the next book uses the words “arse” and “$hit” a lot less 🙄
Profile Image for Naia Pard.
Author 2 books103 followers
October 19, 2022
A seamstress was kidnaped and thrown into a Fae Bachelor competition for “the hand of the Prince”.
If it hadn`t been for my personal pledge to write a review for every book I would finished, I wouldn`t have bothered with this one.


Not that it had been that of a bad book. It was averagely good. It was written at a fast pace, in a hurry to reach the prescient end to these “trials” that took place. The reasoning was that Fae believed in destiny and that DESTINY was at play in helping the winner, well, to win—and that`s how they would know that the winner of the competition was the CHOSEN ONE.


Just because women are given weapons that does not make the book a feminist masterpiece. To be a strong woman does not lay in your ability to “sucker punch” and equality it is not translated as the chance for girls all around the kingdom to fight with one another over one Prince Charming --aloof and kind of a-hole-ish.
But, to be honest,
I did not held this book in such high regards as to expect a feminist exposition or something. This was supposed to be a casual read before bed time (an it did its job—I mean, it relaxed me enough to fall asleep).

Despite all of this, I do think that this author has real potential. I could just fill, fine layers of wit and intelligence in “playing” with words. There were also moment in which stereotypes were purposefully not avoided as to be mocked or parodied (a move that presupposes some ability).
Over all, I recommend it was a good book if you want to have something accessible.

Instagram\\my Blog\\
Profile Image for Laura..devouring books like crumpets.
1,960 reviews109 followers
November 26, 2021
Im a bit of a Shiromi Arserio Audiobook stalker... i Love her as a Narrator! so After the Ministry of curiosities coming to an end i was looking for a new book Narrated by her and came across this!

If you like The selection books this will be right up your street! it was a good introduction to the series a little predictable in places but an easy read....

Audio Narrator - 5 Stars
Novel - 3.5 Stars

Im going to round up to 4

Profile Image for Alaina.
7,345 reviews203 followers
December 31, 2021
Welcome to the fantasy version of the Bachelor.

While I'm not a fan of the show, I did actually like Taken. Like might even be a bad word because I ended up devouring this book. In it, you will meet Dahlia. She's a human living a material world. Well, wait - that's wrong. She deals with material in the world. Yes, she's a seamstress and makes clothes for mages. A bunch of asshole mages.

Then one day, she's kidnapped and thrown into a trial to win the prince's hand. Long story short, she doesn't belong in this world because she's human. When they find out, well, it won't be good. At all. So, she's thrown into these trials with zero preparation. The only good thing she has is Gullie, her pixie.

It's interesting that no one knows who she is and I'm speaking human-wise. Then again, what the prince said at the end has me confused. I'm wondering if Dahlia is her real name or if she truly is part Fae. Or full Fae. Honestly, I have so many questions because we don't have all the information.

In the end, I'm so intrigued by fate and destiny. Mostly because the prince keeps freaking saying it to her. Like what is up guy. Tell us the truth already. I need answers and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,893 reviews116 followers
January 10, 2021
OMG I absolutely loved this and it totally hooked me from the very start. With an exciting and intriguing storyline that’s full of mystery, a little action, fae, mages, monsters and magic, I just could not put this down and read it in one sitting. I love Dahlia and her pixie Gullie and their cautious but kick ass attitude and the world building is simply incredible and beautiful and you could feel the cold and the ice as if you were actually there! There’s secrets, questions to be answered and the Prince well I still haven’t figured him out so I am anxious to read the next book!
Profile Image for ⊹ Gabriela | Asternyx ⊹.
638 reviews506 followers
March 26, 2023
A pretty average book, but quite entertaining to listen to when you have errands to run.
It's short, fast-paced and easy to get into, I don't think I would've picked it up otherwise.

What to expect:
∘ New Adult
∘ Fantasy Romance
∘ Fae & Royalty
∘ Competition to win the Prince's hand in marriage
∘ Short & Fast-paced
∘ Seamstress FMC
Tropes:
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Slowburn
∘ Found Family

Don't expect much from the main character, as she is a lost and naive girl and I hope she'll get some character development in the next books.
The prince is an enigma and everyone believes he's gone mad. I'm starting to believe it too...
I'll continue this series for now.
Profile Image for Zoe.
201 reviews
April 16, 2024
4🌟
Entertaining! I quite enjoyed the fact that the main character is a seamstress.
Profile Image for ♦♣ queen of faerie ♠♥.
264 reviews205 followers
March 8, 2021
A good romance, but not anything special.

I liked this book, the plot is something we've all seen before, competitions to marry the prince, but it was okay. The only unique point that was good for me was the fact that the main character is a seamstress who can sew magical clothing. I think that's really special, otherwise than that, it was average.



→ 3 stars
Profile Image for Larissa.
484 reviews14 followers
February 4, 2021

Okay really conflicted on the rating for this one, I liked reading it and I think it has a lot of promising material it just dragged so much at parts. The book starts in an alternative London where mages think they're superior to humans. The protagonist, Dahlia, is promptly kidnapped and taken to a secret fae kingdom where she's enrolled in a bachelor style competition for the fae prince's hand in marriage. Except think less pageantry and more like fight for your life and if you lose you might die.

I read the premise and was skeptical but again, I think it has some great potential to be something kind of original. I liked Dahlia, I love books about protagonists who are seamstresses like they just hit different. There are also a lot of mysteries to uncover, nothing was revealed too soon and the author is definitely going to make us work for it. I think it just has a bit too go but it could be great.

I will say that there should be a little more focus on the other characters or Dahlia's relationship with them. What makes books like this great is the partnerships and allies which the characters make along the way. The romance hasn't been overdone yet, regardless of what it might originally appear as. It's teetering right now though so I'm really hoping that it turns into something amazing.

The next book comes out next week (the turnover is really impressive I have no idea how these Kindle Unlimited authors do it). I'll definitely be reading it because, like I said, there are a lot of things that leave me wanting more and I'm excited to see where it goes.


This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
Profile Image for hollie.
1,118 reviews54 followers
March 30, 2021
This review covers all the first 3 books of the series.

book one: 4 stars
book two: 4 stars
book three: 3.5 stars

I’m not even sure where to start with all of this because I have a lot to say but I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll try and keep this as short as possible!

WRITING: could this be a new favourite indie author? I think so! Everything about this book had me clawing for more (so much so I finished all three released books in 24 hours) so that’s gotta show some talent, right?
PLOT: book one and two were definitely my favourites but that’s primarily because it focused on the selection & the trials they had to face were really interesting. I liked book three and for our main character to go on her expedition of finding answers. I have a feeling I will like the fourth book more as we are going back to where it started.
CHARACTERS: so Cillian has my heart and I honestly loved all our secondary characters! Gullie and Mira were hilarious and their interactions were great and I really liked the build up with the romance.

The only thing I can critique for all three books is that I wanted more world building and explanations for things and we didn’t get that. I was confused at some parts and wanted some more depth regarding the history of the fae world.

Overall, l would definitely recommend this series so far!
Profile Image for Brend.
806 reviews1,728 followers
March 16, 2024
The best and most entertaining Bachelor season ever
Profile Image for kiaratdf.
41 reviews71 followers
October 16, 2023
3.75 This is like the selection series but make it fae and with trials🤭 def not the best book i’ve ever read but really entertaining
Profile Image for Shelley.
5,598 reviews489 followers
January 14, 2021
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5

*Thoughts*

Taken is the first installment in author Katrina Martinez's The Coldest Fae series. Dahlia Green was raised by three women, all mages, who she calls mother after being orphaned by unknown parents. She works as a seamstress in The Magic Box on Carnaby Street in London which apparently is a real place according to the author. She can make dresses made out of magical thread. While returning home from a disastrous meeting with Madame Lydia Whitmore of Whitmore's Academy of Ballet, she is bumped into by a stranger who calls her Belore.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Lauren.
543 reviews42 followers
February 6, 2022
Dahlia a human seamstress raised by mages, is stolen by the Fae to participate in a competition to become Royal Fae and the commander of the Winter Courts military. Now she has to pretend to be Fae or be killed for being a human in a very anti-human (or anything not fae) people. She also has to go through trials against fae worriers who have trained for these trials all their lives. But there seems to be a bigger picture here and I am looking forward to finding out what that is when the second book comes out.
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,772 reviews85 followers
April 11, 2021
I'll admit, I snort-laughed more than I'd like through this book - not because it was really funny, but because it wasn't supposed to be... Dahlia just has a way of dropping a line that tickled that dry wit bone I like to nurture now and again. She's innocent yet snarky, oddly bold even as she is bashful and far too honest to survive long in the Fae world, and yet she does. I can't help it, I like her. I like her a lot. And when she meets Mira? Well, the gloves are off then and this mismatched duo really galvanizes the story and takes it to the next level, far more so than the dubious Prince.

I mean, the Prince is nice and all - good looking and mysterious, but he almost seems superfluous, even though he is fundamental to the plot... as in, there wouldn't be a plot without him. But really, the friendships that are formed and showcased here are the backbone of this narrative and why I kept reading, and why I will follow the series.

Perspective:
First Person, Single POV

Ending Type:
Episodic

Rating:
R

Romantic Dynamic:
M/F

My Final Verdict on Taken


Fiery and inventive, this is a series worth catching up to. The Fae are cold and brutal, yet the layers that are slowly revealed under that ice keep this book fresh and appealing - not to mention the friendships that inspire no small amount of envy in the reader - just me? Ok then.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,122 reviews85 followers
January 7, 2021
I am fairly new to this author duo, and I have really enjoyed the series I’ve read so far. When this new series came about, I have to admit to some trepidation; I am not a huge romance fan. I like it, but it’s not my favorite. However, I should have trusted the authors. This series-starter was excellent! I was immediately drawn into Dahlia’s world, and I was captivated by the other characters are they were revealed. I also like that they didn’t make her immediately powerful and able to handle everything; she had to work at some things. I am really intrigued where this is going, and I think I have some idea…. can’t wait to see! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Dori Miller.
544 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2021
SO much BETTER than Frozen!!

This book is FANTASTIC!! Once again, we are presented with a great FMC. Plucky, creative, determined, dazzling, and superior to the competion in almost no way at all. Despite having every possible disadvantage, Dahlia shines with an inner fire that gives her a brilliance unmatched by even the Frost Stone itself.

As I anticipated, Katerina Martinez has created characters which demand to tell their stories in a world that haunts the reader's dreams. I simply can't say enough good things about this book and its author. One caveat, however... once you start, you'll never be able to stop!
Profile Image for Kerry.
387 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2022
The Selection meets The Cruel Prince, a YA feel to the writing but a competition element (which I love) to win the heart of a fae prince, in the fae world, who seem to hate humans and struggle to be particularly nice.
Characters are fun you’ve got pixies, fae and various other species, lots of action and it’s fast paced and super quick to read!
Moved instantly to the next book for more following a cliffhanger ending!
Lovers of completions, fight to the death and enemies to lovers will enjoy this!
Profile Image for Debi Mozingo.
197 reviews6 followers
January 9, 2021
I just finished this book, and could NOT put it down! I instantly fell in love with the characters, and who doesn't love a sexy, handsome prince? The storyline is action-packed and original, with fun and whimsy galore! I'm absolutely loving this new fae series by Katerina Martinez, and cannot wait for the next book. A must read!
Profile Image for Tara Whitley.
40 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2021
Hunger Games meets Bachelor

Dalia a human gets swept away into Fae lands to compete for the hand of the prince and the opportunity to lead the military. What Dalia doesn’t realize is she is not all human and the Fae don’t realize she’s not all Fae... pitted against odds she can’t beat and and attraction she doesn’t understand will she stand a chance?
Profile Image for Niki.
192 reviews18 followers
June 19, 2021
Well this was a surprise!

I accidentally bumped into this ebook while navigating for ebooks on Amazon!

The fact that this book was a 'Selection' type of series caught my attention immediately.


Extremely easy to read and very enjoyable! I personally would have liked more details about the other contestants and possible relationships with Dahlia. Also we got a really small glimpse of the competition and I would like to see more. Guess all that will be happening in the next book of the series!


Now straight to book no 2!!!!!


If you are looking for a series to cure your 'Selection' series slump, this is the one 😊❤️
Profile Image for Jayla Jones.
414 reviews18 followers
December 29, 2022
2.5* I picked this up on a complete whim while browsing Libby and seeing that it was marketed as The Bachelor so automatically I assumed this would be similar to The Selection series by Kiera Cass which I loved. However, this story was not it. While much didn’t happen I guess I just never got connected to the characters enough to feel fully immersed. I don’t think I will be continuing with the series.
Profile Image for Priya.
2,152 reviews78 followers
July 25, 2023
Very magical and enjoyable

I loved the world of icy, cold Arcadia that the author has created and the characters Dahlia and Prince Cillian are very interesting too.
The descriptions bring the images vividly to life and the story is laced with humour.
The magic is amazing too as is the competition Dahlia is chosen to participate in.
There are many unanswered questions at the end of this first book and I would love to know more so I'm definitely continuing this series.
Profile Image for MandyViolete.
1,052 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2021
My favorite book by this author yet! The characters are amazing and I love the banter between Dahlia and Mira. The book really pulls you in and you feel like you're experiencing things right along side the characters - a definite pause all adulting because I'm reading kind of book! I am starving for the next book!
Profile Image for Tanya.
849 reviews16 followers
February 3, 2023
This book is mostly fantasy, with a few moments in the city of London. I would enjoy the Prince more if we had his pov and if he wasn't so cold and aloof. There are very few moments that lean toward romance but mostly just action and adventure. I like the character development of Dahlia as she progresses thru the trials. I know this part of a series, but I don't feel intrigued enough to continue it.

Dahlia is a seamstress with a magical pixie and many personalities but not a shrewd businesswoman. What her pixie says is accurate, and the author does give some hints. She is an orphan human living with three mothers who are mages. Each mother has her own way of her, but they each make up a portion of what a mother could be. She has a run-in with a beautiful, curious man in London. Her world gets turned upside down rather quickly by an unknown, unidentified foe.

Dahlia is very much out of sorts and very cold. Her first introduction to Arcadia, "land of Fae," is less pleasant than she would like. While comical, her human nature also gets her in a lot of trouble. Somehow she ends up being part of the royal selection for the Fae winter court. As this is all from her point of pov, we have a little information. I do love that her pixie is along for the adventure. The Prince is cold and aloof but has a weird sensation when touching Dhalia. I don't know what it means or even if they know.

The first trial is a mystery. We get to feel the moments with her, and she experiences them. She may not be in the lead, but she is undoubtedly creative, using her talents to help herself. She is the underdog in these trials, yet by fate or will, she keeps making it to the next one. The action and adventure kick up a notch, with her and a few others fighting for their lives against a fantasy monster.

This book ends unexpectedly, with more to come in this storyline. Still, the author has it correct with the description of a "beautiful nightmare." This is from a single person's perspective and definitely, so far, fantasy fiction more than anything else. There are more books in the series The Coldest Fae, but I may not be reading them anytime soon.
Profile Image for Zen.
2,980 reviews
September 22, 2024
4.5 stars

Read this as a part of a TBR challenge since I bookmarked this series when if first came out. I really enjoyed this series. I liked the fact that although there are trials, there is more to the book as this character is finding out who she really is and where she comes from.
Profile Image for Ivelisse.
710 reviews6 followers
September 11, 2023
Dhalia has been kidnapped ... a human who has been taken by a Fae Prince to the fae world. Only to have to compete with other women for his hand... weird right?! Well she has Gullie, a pixie, who helps her keep her head while there. Lots of adventure and intrigue as there have been some changes that makes you wonder about Dhalia's background. She was raised by three mothers and knows nothing about where she comes from. She also makes magical dresses! Book 2 here I come!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews

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