What do you think?
Rate this book
Frozen Sun Saga #3
Souls of Fire and Steel
To save her lover’s life, Lira of Stone swore allegiance to a demigod known as the Dragon. She’s transformed into his weapon—the Dragon’s deathbringer, using her gifts to conquer nations and unleash demons. Yet there’s a part of Lira not even the Dragon can stifle, and the soul-reader must find a way to free herself before he declares war against the gods.
After the warrior Reyker Lagorsson attempted to overthrow the Dragon, Reyker’s soul was fractured. Now, he’s a shadow of his former self, and his battle-madness grows stronger by the day. Reyker will stop at nothing to kill the Dragon and his mysterious death-bringer before his curse consumes him.
In the final installment of the Frozen Sun Saga, Lira and Reyker face off as enemies, confront their worst nightmares, and make their last stand against the Dragon. But can a god be killed? And if so, at what cost?
After the warrior Reyker Lagorsson attempted to overthrow the Dragon, Reyker’s soul was fractured. Now, he’s a shadow of his former self, and his battle-madness grows stronger by the day. Reyker will stop at nothing to kill the Dragon and his mysterious death-bringer before his curse consumes him.
In the final installment of the Frozen Sun Saga, Lira and Reyker face off as enemies, confront their worst nightmares, and make their last stand against the Dragon. But can a god be killed? And if so, at what cost?
Audible Audio
First published September 14, 2021
7 people are currently reading
1444 people want to read
About the author
Jill Criswell
5 books168 followersJill Criswell is a writer of Young Adult Historical Fantasy. She was born and raised in the swamps of northeastern Florida. She earned degrees in English and Psychology and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Florida. Her greatest passion, besides reading and writing, is traveling the world; she’s visited fifty countries across six continents, falling in love with places like Iceland, Namibia, and Cambodia. She works as a university English teacher and lives in South Carolina, near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with her husband and daughter (who is named after a volcano in Iceland).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 2, 2022
4 Stars ✨!!
Genre : Adult Fantasy
Out of all the books in the series, this was definitely my favorite. It held my attention the whole way through with all the twists and turns. I was so happy with the outcome. The pace was perfect and the story addicting. Making for a great conclusion to this Viking series.
Genre : Adult Fantasy
Out of all the books in the series, this was definitely my favorite. It held my attention the whole way through with all the twists and turns. I was so happy with the outcome. The pace was perfect and the story addicting. Making for a great conclusion to this Viking series.
September 19, 2021
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Laura Erne
This month sees the release of the final instalment in Jill Criswell’s Frozen Sun Saga and Souls of Fire and Steel marks the end of yet another amazing YA fantasy series. I’ve read each of these books and I can say with certainty that I am sad to see it end but also excited to see what’s next from Criswell. She is an amazing writer with incredible vision that brought to a life a ruthless, Icelandic inspired tale that will have fantasy readers craving more.
Although I loved this series, I do think that Souls of Fire and Steel missed the mark only slightly in comparison to its predecessors, which is solely based on the readability as it approached the climax when everything was coming together. There were many moving parts and with the complicated lore and addition of a side quest, although it made sense, it still felt rushed and pieced in. The romance was a little lacking from our two leading characters, but the story’s direction made it impossible for Criswell to add anymore than she already did. If this story ran slightly longer to allow for a more slow, even pace near the end, I think it would have increased the flow and readability and have the reader understand all scenes as they unfolded.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
This month sees the release of the final instalment in Jill Criswell’s Frozen Sun Saga and Souls of Fire and Steel marks the end of yet another amazing YA fantasy series. I’ve read each of these books and I can say with certainty that I am sad to see it end but also excited to see what’s next from Criswell. She is an amazing writer with incredible vision that brought to a life a ruthless, Icelandic inspired tale that will have fantasy readers craving more.
Although I loved this series, I do think that Souls of Fire and Steel missed the mark only slightly in comparison to its predecessors, which is solely based on the readability as it approached the climax when everything was coming together. There were many moving parts and with the complicated lore and addition of a side quest, although it made sense, it still felt rushed and pieced in. The romance was a little lacking from our two leading characters, but the story’s direction made it impossible for Criswell to add anymore than she already did. If this story ran slightly longer to allow for a more slow, even pace near the end, I think it would have increased the flow and readability and have the reader understand all scenes as they unfolded.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
December 8, 2021
Well that was brutal.
Think about what you think the worst thing that could happen to Reyker and Lira is, then double it. Now double it again. They are a big ol' mess.
There is no light and fluffy in this book, not even at the end when the bad guys are defeated and in theory everything should work out.
Nonstop action and heartache; this trilogy ends big.
Think about what you think the worst thing that could happen to Reyker and Lira is, then double it. Now double it again. They are a big ol' mess.
There is no light and fluffy in this book, not even at the end when the bad guys are defeated and in theory everything should work out.
Nonstop action and heartache; this trilogy ends big.
April 27, 2022
This was one hell of a rollercoaster ride!!!!
May 4, 2021
A bittersweet ending to one of my favorite series. After the end of book 2, I was dying to see where Lira, Reyker and Draki's stories were going to go in this final book, and I wasn't disappointed. I loved the darkness in both Lira and Reyker's storylines as they start out: Lira-enslaved and controlled by Draki as his deathbringer and Reyker-tormented by desires of revenge without his memories of his love for Lira. Both characters are very broken and make some horrible decisions and do terrible things before they are able to come back around to themselves and make things right. This corruption arc leads back towards one where, while it may not be complete redemption, allows our characters to work towards it. Draki is one of my favorite characters because he's just so bad but he has such human reasons for doing what he does. I loved getting more of his perspective in this book and the ending just about had me in tears. I think he's a well-formed villain, and Lira and Reyker are both good foils for him. The romance in this book is so multilayered and well formed that it both warmed and broke my heart in equal measure. There's so much action, intrigue and danger in these books and the world-building in this trilogy is one of the very best I've seen in the fantasy genre. With morally grey characters, high stakes and romance that defies the odds, SOULS OF FIRE AND STEEL is a story of coming back to yourself when the best parts of you have been stolen, and in finding absolution in the aftermath of a mistake.
October 9, 2021
Audio ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Audio review first: Really enjoyed both narrators, especially Alanna Kerr Collins, who I've been a fan of since I listened to the Bone Season.
We were back to a relentless, even frenetic pace, in this final book of the trilogy. One thing you can say with certainty is that Lire and Reyker are not the same people they were at the beginning. While this fantasy trilogy does have a focus on the romance between the leads, the spotlight is simultaneously on defeating the antagonist - a man who is trying to become a god and is becoming a monster by his actions. There are times when you don't much like either of the MCs and the fact that the conflict is almost exclusively external and usually very physical is somewhat exhausting. That said, those who like visceral fantasy with lots of action will definitely appreciate this.
I have really enjoyed this series with the same few reservations I've had since the start - all of which are largely matters of personal taste. (More sense of place, more reflective passages, higher proportion of wins and variance in pace, the MCs not constantly getting recaptured or repeating mistakes etc)
One thing it's definitely not is dull. If you like action packed fantasy with gods, demons and magic, give it a try.
Audio review first: Really enjoyed both narrators, especially Alanna Kerr Collins, who I've been a fan of since I listened to the Bone Season.
We were back to a relentless, even frenetic pace, in this final book of the trilogy. One thing you can say with certainty is that Lire and Reyker are not the same people they were at the beginning. While this fantasy trilogy does have a focus on the romance between the leads, the spotlight is simultaneously on defeating the antagonist - a man who is trying to become a god and is becoming a monster by his actions. There are times when you don't much like either of the MCs and the fact that the conflict is almost exclusively external and usually very physical is somewhat exhausting. That said, those who like visceral fantasy with lots of action will definitely appreciate this.
I have really enjoyed this series with the same few reservations I've had since the start - all of which are largely matters of personal taste. (More sense of place, more reflective passages, higher proportion of wins and variance in pace, the MCs not constantly getting recaptured or repeating mistakes etc)
One thing it's definitely not is dull. If you like action packed fantasy with gods, demons and magic, give it a try.
June 4, 2021
OMG I have read a lot of books this year but this series has just blown me away. As the final installment to the Frozen Sun Saga, Souls of Fire and Steel is epic. So many characters are rich and complex. There were many moments where I was frustrated, joyful, devastated, and exhilarated by this book.
I’d recommend this book for those who want an action packed series. Jill Criswell has done an excellent job of making a world that you love with characters that have both damning and redeeming qualities. As a finale to the trilogy this book is the best one yet and did not disappoint in any way. I honestly have a book hangover from all the emotions this series made me feel and I’m sad it has ended but happy to have gone along this journey.
Thank you to Jill Criswell for this amazing series! Also thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the allowing me to read this now for my honest review.
I’d recommend this book for those who want an action packed series. Jill Criswell has done an excellent job of making a world that you love with characters that have both damning and redeeming qualities. As a finale to the trilogy this book is the best one yet and did not disappoint in any way. I honestly have a book hangover from all the emotions this series made me feel and I’m sad it has ended but happy to have gone along this journey.
Thank you to Jill Criswell for this amazing series! Also thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the allowing me to read this now for my honest review.
June 4, 2021
OMG I have read a lot of books this year but this series has just blown me away. As the final installment to the Frozen Sun Saga, Souls of Fire and Steel is epic. So many characters are rich and complex. There were many moments where I was frustrated, joyful, devastated, and exhilarated by this book.
I’d recommend this book for those who want an action packed series. Jill Criswell has done an excellent job of making a world that you love with characters that have both damning and redeeming qualities. As a finale to the trilogy this book is the best one yet and did not disappoint in any way. I honestly have a book hangover from all the emotions this series made me feel and I’m sad it has ended but happy to have gone along this journey.
Thank you to Jill Criswell for this amazing series! Also thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the allowing me to read this now for my honest review.
I’d recommend this book for those who want an action packed series. Jill Criswell has done an excellent job of making a world that you love with characters that have both damning and redeeming qualities. As a finale to the trilogy this book is the best one yet and did not disappoint in any way. I honestly have a book hangover from all the emotions this series made me feel and I’m sad it has ended but happy to have gone along this journey.
Thank you to Jill Criswell for this amazing series! Also thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the allowing me to read this now for my honest review.
May 4, 2021
A bittersweet ending to one of my favorite series. After the end of book 2, I was dying to see where Lira, Reyker and Draki's stories were going to go in this final book, and I wasn't disappointed. I loved the darkness in both Lira and Reyker's storylines as they start out: Lira-enslaved and controlled by Draki as his deathbringer and Reyker-tormented by desires of revenge without his memories of his love for Lira. Both characters are very broken and make some horrible decisions and do terrible things before they are able to come back around to themselves and make things right. This corruption arc leads back towards one where, while it may not be complete redemption, allows our characters to work towards it. Draki is one of my favorite characters because he's just so bad but he has such human reasons for doing what he does. I loved getting more of his perspective in this book and the ending just about had me in tears. I think he's a well-formed villain, and Lira and Reyker are both good foils for him. The romance in this book is so multilayered and well formed that it both warmed and broke my heart in equal measure. There's so much action, intrigue and danger in these books and the world-building in this trilogy is one of the very best I've seen in the fantasy genre. With morally grey characters, high stakes and romance that defies the odds, SOULS OF FIRE AND STEEL is a story of coming back to yourself when the best parts of you have been stolen, and in finding absolution in the aftermath of a mistake.
November 23, 2021
I got this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When I requested to read it, I didn't know it was part of a series. So I dove right in anyway. The story is told in alternating perspectives: Lira, Reyker and the dragon. I enjoyed the different perspectives and what their view points had to offer. I also really enjoyed the immersion in Icelandic culture and mythology.
Lira is a death bringer. In order to save the love of her life, Reyker, she swears her allegiance to her worst enemy and commits many atrocities in his name.
Reyker is the dragon's brother. And now he must find himself again and destroy his own family to save the world.
The dragon wants to rule the whole world: both humans and gods and he's willing to sell his soul to accomplish his dreams.
Reyker and Lira were in love in the past. And now they are on opposite sides. Can their love survive the impending wars and battles? Will they find their ways back to each other?
I LOVE how many terrible choices that Lira is faced with. She has to make life and death decisions throughout the entire novel. It makes it feel more real. I was totally immersed into the story.
Lira is a death bringer. In order to save the love of her life, Reyker, she swears her allegiance to her worst enemy and commits many atrocities in his name.
Reyker is the dragon's brother. And now he must find himself again and destroy his own family to save the world.
The dragon wants to rule the whole world: both humans and gods and he's willing to sell his soul to accomplish his dreams.
Reyker and Lira were in love in the past. And now they are on opposite sides. Can their love survive the impending wars and battles? Will they find their ways back to each other?
I LOVE how many terrible choices that Lira is faced with. She has to make life and death decisions throughout the entire novel. It makes it feel more real. I was totally immersed into the story.
April 1, 2023
After everything, I honestly wish there was more given in Lira’s and Reyker’s ending, than a mere 60 seconds. Overall fantastic book, just felt unfinished.
July 6, 2021
Full review posted on chasing chapters.
Souls of Fire and Steel had me on the edge of my seat. I finished it in one sitting and I could not think of any one reason why I shouldn’t read it again. (This is me saying that just a few minutes after finishing the book.) It was fast-paced, action-packed, and wonderfully, epically brilliant! Jill Criswell will take readers on a wild and an unforgettable ride as Ryker and Lira fight their way to each other and save their world. (And my gods, the things they both went through! I can’t. that’s the sound of my heart breaking) I can’t think of what else to say?! I just know I have SO MUCH LOVE for this trilogy! And for the complex, flawed and lovable characters the author created! (Eathalin, Brokk, Solvei and Vengeance are definite favorites of mine!)
I received an ARC to read and review.
Souls of Fire and Steel had me on the edge of my seat. I finished it in one sitting and I could not think of any one reason why I shouldn’t read it again. (This is me saying that just a few minutes after finishing the book.) It was fast-paced, action-packed, and wonderfully, epically brilliant! Jill Criswell will take readers on a wild and an unforgettable ride as Ryker and Lira fight their way to each other and save their world. (And my gods, the things they both went through! I can’t. that’s the sound of my heart breaking) I can’t think of what else to say?! I just know I have SO MUCH LOVE for this trilogy! And for the complex, flawed and lovable characters the author created! (Eathalin, Brokk, Solvei and Vengeance are definite favorites of mine!)
I received an ARC to read and review.
May 24, 2021
Wow.... This wrecked me.
I spent this whole series falling in love with these characters, and watching them endure the hardships of war was.... hard to say the least. It is a testament to Jill Crisswell's writing that I had such a hard time stomaching some of this final installment.
Crisswell didn't pull any punches as she pushed these characters towards their fates.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
I spent this whole series falling in love with these characters, and watching them endure the hardships of war was.... hard to say the least. It is a testament to Jill Crisswell's writing that I had such a hard time stomaching some of this final installment.
Crisswell didn't pull any punches as she pushed these characters towards their fates.
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
January 6, 2022
𝐌𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝟒.𝟓/𝟓⭐️
“𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.”—Jill Criswell
In the final installment of the Beasts of the Frozen Sun Saga, we see Lira and her lover Reyker on opposite sides, facing off as enemies. Lira is a vessel of the gods and a soul reader. Reyker is a seasoned warrior with battle madness. Dreki is destroying the world around them and choices must be made. If Lira cannot gain control of her mind, if Reyker cannot rescue his crumbling memories, their war will destroy the world.
This series is everything I want out of a Viking inspired story. It’s raw, brutal even. Lira and Reyker’s lives are filled with difficulty and repeated challenges, but what I love most about them is they always fight for each other. Even when they find themselves as enemies. This book was an excellent conclusion to what has been a twisty-turny journey. I appreciated how things played out and even the way the ending was handled. Especially, ESPECIALLY the cost that Lira must pay at the end.
“𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧.”—Jill Criswell
SoFaS is told from dual POV with Lira in first person and Reyker in third. I thought I was going to be annoyed with the switching but I found myself equally eager to read both of them. They both face their own struggles and are forced to confront their deepest flaws and shortcomings. It was really satisfying to see some of the things they confronted. All of it was riding on the overarching theme of “a choice that is not a choice.”
Once again, the romance in these books always gets me. I adore Lira and Reyker’s relationship. I even liked the new dynamic between them in this book, almost as if they had to fall in love all over again. I’m HERE for it. I think in doing so, they grow even stronger, but must also make some really important realizations.
“𝐑𝐞𝐲𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.”—Jill Criswell
I love the world building in these books. Seriously. Vikings, hello. Warring factions, yep. Strong women, absolutely! There are so many great details. The gods for each land—like Iseneld and Glasnith—are fleshed out, the afterlife feels like its own world, and the maps are awesome. What really intrigued me, was that the battle between mortals was just a reflection of the battle taking place between the gods. The poor mortals were simply sucked in, collateral damage. There are so few series out there like this one with the genuine Viking feel. I’m sad that it’s over, but glad that it played out the way it did.
If you enjoy Viking fantasy, brutal storytelling, strong female MCs, enemies to lovers, mythology around gods and deities, fascinating villains, and maps, you’re going to love this one.
“𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.”—Jill Criswell
In the final installment of the Beasts of the Frozen Sun Saga, we see Lira and her lover Reyker on opposite sides, facing off as enemies. Lira is a vessel of the gods and a soul reader. Reyker is a seasoned warrior with battle madness. Dreki is destroying the world around them and choices must be made. If Lira cannot gain control of her mind, if Reyker cannot rescue his crumbling memories, their war will destroy the world.
This series is everything I want out of a Viking inspired story. It’s raw, brutal even. Lira and Reyker’s lives are filled with difficulty and repeated challenges, but what I love most about them is they always fight for each other. Even when they find themselves as enemies. This book was an excellent conclusion to what has been a twisty-turny journey. I appreciated how things played out and even the way the ending was handled. Especially, ESPECIALLY the cost that Lira must pay at the end.
“𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧.”—Jill Criswell
SoFaS is told from dual POV with Lira in first person and Reyker in third. I thought I was going to be annoyed with the switching but I found myself equally eager to read both of them. They both face their own struggles and are forced to confront their deepest flaws and shortcomings. It was really satisfying to see some of the things they confronted. All of it was riding on the overarching theme of “a choice that is not a choice.”
Once again, the romance in these books always gets me. I adore Lira and Reyker’s relationship. I even liked the new dynamic between them in this book, almost as if they had to fall in love all over again. I’m HERE for it. I think in doing so, they grow even stronger, but must also make some really important realizations.
“𝐑𝐞𝐲𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.”—Jill Criswell
I love the world building in these books. Seriously. Vikings, hello. Warring factions, yep. Strong women, absolutely! There are so many great details. The gods for each land—like Iseneld and Glasnith—are fleshed out, the afterlife feels like its own world, and the maps are awesome. What really intrigued me, was that the battle between mortals was just a reflection of the battle taking place between the gods. The poor mortals were simply sucked in, collateral damage. There are so few series out there like this one with the genuine Viking feel. I’m sad that it’s over, but glad that it played out the way it did.
If you enjoy Viking fantasy, brutal storytelling, strong female MCs, enemies to lovers, mythology around gods and deities, fascinating villains, and maps, you’re going to love this one.
October 24, 2021
I didn't expect how bittersweet the ending of these book will be. Starting it off last year I thought it was a good book that I enjoyed like any other, but the truth is, this trilogy just kept getting better and better with each book to the point I was so invested in it I put off finishing it for as long as possible because I couldn't bear the idea of parting with this world and these characters.
Lira and Reyker were a couple of the best characters I've ever read about, a great part of it was how morally grey both of them were, which obviously just made me love their story arcs even more. I absolutely loved how I couldn't predict how twisted their stories would get, what horrible choices they would continue to choose in the hopes of an ultimate victory, the back and forth between everything that happened only strengthened them in my opinion, made me root for them despite everything, because on some level their fears and hopes resonate with something in you.
As for Draki, *actually forgets how to articulate words * Goodness, I needed more of Draki - I mean I'm taking whatever little chapters we got from him but still, those last few chapters really hit hard, I wouldn't have asked for a different ending. It was horrible, it was beautiful.
Another major point that I loved about this series as a whole was the mythology, it was done so amazingly, the Gods and Goddesses played such a strong role to move the story along, not just as outside forces but actual players, they weren't dumb immortals as you'd often see in other books, but each had their own characteristic and their own moment of reckoning. We really came full circle with this one and it was absolutely amazing.
I can gush on and on about how much I enjoyed this, how I'm pretty sure I'm going to reread it once more, I'm just really curious what other stories the author will end up writing in the future.
Lira and Reyker were a couple of the best characters I've ever read about, a great part of it was how morally grey both of them were, which obviously just made me love their story arcs even more. I absolutely loved how I couldn't predict how twisted their stories would get, what horrible choices they would continue to choose in the hopes of an ultimate victory, the back and forth between everything that happened only strengthened them in my opinion, made me root for them despite everything, because on some level their fears and hopes resonate with something in you.
As for Draki, *actually forgets how to articulate words * Goodness, I needed more of Draki - I mean I'm taking whatever little chapters we got from him but still, those last few chapters really hit hard, I wouldn't have asked for a different ending. It was horrible, it was beautiful.
Another major point that I loved about this series as a whole was the mythology, it was done so amazingly, the Gods and Goddesses played such a strong role to move the story along, not just as outside forces but actual players, they weren't dumb immortals as you'd often see in other books, but each had their own characteristic and their own moment of reckoning. We really came full circle with this one and it was absolutely amazing.
I can gush on and on about how much I enjoyed this, how I'm pretty sure I'm going to reread it once more, I'm just really curious what other stories the author will end up writing in the future.
December 10, 2021
I received a free copy from Blackstone Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
At the conclusion of Kingdom of Ice and Bone, Lira and Reyker made tough choices to protect each other, which pushed them apart again as they headed to different parts of Iseneld to fulfill their destinies. Souls of Fire and Steel picks up shortly after these events and sees Lira and Reyker seeking to heal themselves and destroy Draki’s rule before he becomes immortal.
It’s taken me a few days to formulate my thoughts about the conclusion of this series. Jill Criswell, rip my heart out (several times and also pun intended) why don’t you. As the final leg of their story is told, Lira and Reyker are put through a number of hurdles to save the known world and those they care about from Draki. The obstacles that Criswell tosses in front of Lira and Reyker are not minor. The physical, emotional, and mental anguish is echoed only by the number of scars and long-term injuries they sustain. At times, I cringed from the beating they took, but given the world Criswell has built over the three books, it never felt excessive.
After expanding the world and cast of characters in Kingdom of Ice and Bone, the final act was all about pushing the characters to play out the remainder of the tale and lead the novel to a satisfactory conclusion. The characters already introduced are utilized in various ways and only two new Iseneld locations are included: the Haunted Isles and the Dragon’s Domain. And as a reader, the conclusion of Souls of Fire and Steel was inevitable and satisfying. Though I was somewhat disappointed with the lackluster conclusion to the love story that fueled all three novels, I also understood why the ending made sense, particularly after Criswell took a relatively fluffy first book and shifted more toward a grimdark tone in the final installment. The stakes are high, and unlike other YA novels, Criswell kills off characters you have come to care about as a reader, which frankly in a final showdown makes this feel very real.
Overall, I loved this series and it’s one I will recommend to others when they are seeking out a new YA fantasy.
At the conclusion of Kingdom of Ice and Bone, Lira and Reyker made tough choices to protect each other, which pushed them apart again as they headed to different parts of Iseneld to fulfill their destinies. Souls of Fire and Steel picks up shortly after these events and sees Lira and Reyker seeking to heal themselves and destroy Draki’s rule before he becomes immortal.
It’s taken me a few days to formulate my thoughts about the conclusion of this series. Jill Criswell, rip my heart out (several times and also pun intended) why don’t you. As the final leg of their story is told, Lira and Reyker are put through a number of hurdles to save the known world and those they care about from Draki. The obstacles that Criswell tosses in front of Lira and Reyker are not minor. The physical, emotional, and mental anguish is echoed only by the number of scars and long-term injuries they sustain. At times, I cringed from the beating they took, but given the world Criswell has built over the three books, it never felt excessive.
After expanding the world and cast of characters in Kingdom of Ice and Bone, the final act was all about pushing the characters to play out the remainder of the tale and lead the novel to a satisfactory conclusion. The characters already introduced are utilized in various ways and only two new Iseneld locations are included: the Haunted Isles and the Dragon’s Domain. And as a reader, the conclusion of Souls of Fire and Steel was inevitable and satisfying. Though I was somewhat disappointed with the lackluster conclusion to the love story that fueled all three novels, I also understood why the ending made sense, particularly after Criswell took a relatively fluffy first book and shifted more toward a grimdark tone in the final installment. The stakes are high, and unlike other YA novels, Criswell kills off characters you have come to care about as a reader, which frankly in a final showdown makes this feel very real.
Overall, I loved this series and it’s one I will recommend to others when they are seeking out a new YA fantasy.
August 29, 2021
“She had helped him let go of his hate, enough to learn how to love.”
We have a way in Italy to describe a book like this that is
“MAI UNA GIOIA”.
It means that the characters never have a moment of joy and of happiness. It’s been really hard for me to read this, not because of the story which was really beautiful and involving, but because I was hurting with the characters so damn much.
Seeing Lira and Reyker not recognizing each other and not remembering their true feelings was so painful, knowing their past and how much they have grown up together. Their story has never been easy but the beauty of it is that, against all odds, they always find a way to come back home, in each other’s arms.
The real thing here is that in each war sacrifices are made and then you need to live with the choices you took and it’s inevitable that you lose something and this is so true for Lira that I would only like to be her real friend to be able to hug and console her. Can you really be blamed when you take a decision if you had no choice? If your mind was controlled? How can you cope with your terrible mistakes? It’s something that is not easy neither in real life nor here and that makes this story so personal!
Honestly I would just like to reread it from the beginning to appreciate the characters development even more.. maybe I’ll really do it!
We have a way in Italy to describe a book like this that is
“MAI UNA GIOIA”.
It means that the characters never have a moment of joy and of happiness. It’s been really hard for me to read this, not because of the story which was really beautiful and involving, but because I was hurting with the characters so damn much.
Seeing Lira and Reyker not recognizing each other and not remembering their true feelings was so painful, knowing their past and how much they have grown up together. Their story has never been easy but the beauty of it is that, against all odds, they always find a way to come back home, in each other’s arms.
The real thing here is that in each war sacrifices are made and then you need to live with the choices you took and it’s inevitable that you lose something and this is so true for Lira that I would only like to be her real friend to be able to hug and console her. Can you really be blamed when you take a decision if you had no choice? If your mind was controlled? How can you cope with your terrible mistakes? It’s something that is not easy neither in real life nor here and that makes this story so personal!
Honestly I would just like to reread it from the beginning to appreciate the characters development even more.. maybe I’ll really do it!
July 1, 2022
Hmm well… I really don’t know what to think about this ending………
I’m really happy that Draki got his comeuppance with Iljda……
BUT…..
The progression of Reyker and Lira’s relationship was confusing at best - utterly incomprehensible at worst 😩
I felt at a loose end with their relationship, they were all fire and ice so that made them a really nice duo….. they both loved each other as much as the other and really deeply but then all of a sudden they’re just a mutual couple now that Lira is (mostly) back to her old self??? And now that Reyker doesn’t have his own powers from the Ice Gods????
It just doesn’t make sense to me - how can you go from LITERALLY DYING because you love someone so much to just “well I’m conflicted because Draki is dead*… so I’m now not so much in love with you” 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨
*note: also on that point - Lira says that she needs to figure out how she’s going to love Reyker and how to have a life with him now that Draki is dead BUT Draki wasn’t really a major player in them falling in love in the first place…
Lira’s statement would make more sense if she was being hurt by Rekyer (who’s working on the orders of Draki) and then she ends up falling in love with him… or an equivalent scenario….
So yes that is my mind dump/mini rant done! Hope that if anyone reads this: have a lovely day/night!!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻
I’m really happy that Draki got his comeuppance with Iljda……
BUT…..
The progression of Reyker and Lira’s relationship was confusing at best - utterly incomprehensible at worst 😩
I felt at a loose end with their relationship, they were all fire and ice so that made them a really nice duo….. they both loved each other as much as the other and really deeply but then all of a sudden they’re just a mutual couple now that Lira is (mostly) back to her old self??? And now that Reyker doesn’t have his own powers from the Ice Gods????
It just doesn’t make sense to me - how can you go from LITERALLY DYING because you love someone so much to just “well I’m conflicted because Draki is dead*… so I’m now not so much in love with you” 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨
*note: also on that point - Lira says that she needs to figure out how she’s going to love Reyker and how to have a life with him now that Draki is dead BUT Draki wasn’t really a major player in them falling in love in the first place…
Lira’s statement would make more sense if she was being hurt by Rekyer (who’s working on the orders of Draki) and then she ends up falling in love with him… or an equivalent scenario….
So yes that is my mind dump/mini rant done! Hope that if anyone reads this: have a lovely day/night!!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
What an EPIC conclusion to my favorite Viking series ever. Jill Criswell really outdid herself with this book. The plot was fast-moving and tense, and I was on the edge of my seat cheering for Lira and Reyker all the way through. I was surprised at how some things resolved quickly, and then more problems would arise. The whole plot was quite intricate and well-though-out.
Lira and Reyker's development was also stellar in this book. They've been through so much in this series, both individually and as a couple. And honestly, their reactions to everything in this book felt so realistic. And the ending was exactly perfect for them and what they went through.
Also, can we talk about Draki, the villain? So well written, and we find out so much more about him in this book. And I almost started to feel bad for him, even though I felt horrified with myself for feeling that way. That's how you know Jill Criswell has written a perfect villain.
I'm sad to leave this series, but I'm very happy with this book and how it ended. I absolutely can't wait for more fantasy books from Jill Criswell. Do yourself a favor and read this series!!!
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5
Thank you, Jill Criswell, for the ARC!
Lira and Reyker's development was also stellar in this book. They've been through so much in this series, both individually and as a couple. And honestly, their reactions to everything in this book felt so realistic. And the ending was exactly perfect for them and what they went through.
Also, can we talk about Draki, the villain? So well written, and we find out so much more about him in this book. And I almost started to feel bad for him, even though I felt horrified with myself for feeling that way. That's how you know Jill Criswell has written a perfect villain.
I'm sad to leave this series, but I'm very happy with this book and how it ended. I absolutely can't wait for more fantasy books from Jill Criswell. Do yourself a favor and read this series!!!
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5
Thank you, Jill Criswell, for the ARC!
May 30, 2021
I am sitting here with pinpricks of tears in my eyes thanks to the ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley. I came across this series when my library cataloged book 2, so of course I needed book 1. I was hooked, and flew through them, and lo and behold book 3 was on NG so I just read it in one day and I am not even sorry.
To me, this is a rare trilogy that gets better with each book. The stakes are higher, the emotions are more intense, consequences are more lasting, and no one is safe. I could go on but then we will be in spoiler territory, which I don't want to enter. I will say that Jill Criswell did a fantastic job of making me loathe and desire and pity Draki all on the same damn page. UGH! But I absolutely loved it!
The ending does leave room for more stories within the world, with other characters, with other Daughters, and I won't lie I am so down for that!
"For all else is dust."
To me, this is a rare trilogy that gets better with each book. The stakes are higher, the emotions are more intense, consequences are more lasting, and no one is safe. I could go on but then we will be in spoiler territory, which I don't want to enter. I will say that Jill Criswell did a fantastic job of making me loathe and desire and pity Draki all on the same damn page. UGH! But I absolutely loved it!
The ending does leave room for more stories within the world, with other characters, with other Daughters, and I won't lie I am so down for that!
"For all else is dust."
August 29, 2021
“She had helped him let go of his hate, enough to learn how to love.”
We have a way in Italy to describe a book like this that is
“MAI UNA GIOIA”.
It means that the characters never have a moment of joy and of happiness. It’s been really hard for me to read this, not because of the story which was really beautiful and involving, but because I was hurting with the characters so damn much.
Seeing Lira and Reyker not recognizing each other and not remembering their true feelings was so painful, knowing their past and how much they have grown up together. Their story has never been easy but the beauty of it is that, against all odds, they always find a way to come back home, in each other’s arms.
The real thing here is that in each war sacrifices are made and then you need to live with the choices you took and it’s inevitable that you lose something and this is so true for Lira that I would only like to be her real friend to be able to hug and console her. Can you really be blamed when you take a decision if you had no choice? If your mind was controlled? How can you cope with your terrible mistakes? It’s something that is not easy neither in real life nor here and that makes this story so personal!
Honestly I would just like to reread it from the beginning to appreciate the characters development even more.. maybe I’ll really do it!
We have a way in Italy to describe a book like this that is
“MAI UNA GIOIA”.
It means that the characters never have a moment of joy and of happiness. It’s been really hard for me to read this, not because of the story which was really beautiful and involving, but because I was hurting with the characters so damn much.
Seeing Lira and Reyker not recognizing each other and not remembering their true feelings was so painful, knowing their past and how much they have grown up together. Their story has never been easy but the beauty of it is that, against all odds, they always find a way to come back home, in each other’s arms.
The real thing here is that in each war sacrifices are made and then you need to live with the choices you took and it’s inevitable that you lose something and this is so true for Lira that I would only like to be her real friend to be able to hug and console her. Can you really be blamed when you take a decision if you had no choice? If your mind was controlled? How can you cope with your terrible mistakes? It’s something that is not easy neither in real life nor here and that makes this story so personal!
Honestly I would just like to reread it from the beginning to appreciate the characters development even more.. maybe I’ll really do it!
October 27, 2022
Welp. Souls of Fire and Steel is significantly darker and more brutal than any of the previous books. Everything that could go wrong did, and in a much worse way than you could ever imagine. I felt like the author added some scenes just for pure shock value.
The writing was still readable, but this definitely veers into Adult rather than YA with the sheer darkness of the story. I'd say it was probably my least favorite of the series, but it certainly wasn't awful.
Just...prepare yourself.
The writing was still readable, but this definitely veers into Adult rather than YA with the sheer darkness of the story. I'd say it was probably my least favorite of the series, but it certainly wasn't awful.
Just...prepare yourself.
September 16, 2021
i enjoyed this book i just really wish there were more soft moments between lira and reykor like in book 1, i’ve missed them so much! but i will say that i appreciate that in this book series there are CONSEQUENCES! and i mean ones that last, that remain and don’t get magically undone; it’s really refreshing (even if i wished they’d found ways to stop the consequences in the first place). an enjoyable read but it just didn’t resonate with me as much as the earlier books <3
May 24, 2022
Loved all the twists and turns in the finishing of this story. I kept guessing how the end would pull together and finish and I kept being wrong.
I do love the way this ended in the not so cliché way. Kudos JC on that! I'm almost sad to see the end for these two, but for two loyal people so used up and tossed out by so many...maybe they finally find some semblance of peace. Their final destination isn't for us to know. :-)
I do love the way this ended in the not so cliché way. Kudos JC on that! I'm almost sad to see the end for these two, but for two loyal people so used up and tossed out by so many...maybe they finally find some semblance of peace. Their final destination isn't for us to know. :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2021
Out of all three of the books in the series, this one is definitely my favorite. I loved watching Reyker and Lira find each other again. The journey in this book was very fun to read about! It brought out so many emotions in me! I was happy, I was sad, I was angry and even shocked at times. If you’re thinking about reading this book, I definitely think you should give it a chance!
September 12, 2021
Thank you Blackstone for the free arc via netgalley. This was a rollercoaster full of ups and downs. I enjoyed it the most when Lira was interacting with Reyker or Draki. Satisfying conclusion.
October 24, 2021
So glad I binged this series. I had so much fun, and the characters were dragged through it in this book. So good
February 8, 2022
This series got more and more violent and gruesome. (Not really my bag.). I stayed in to finish the story, but at the end I kept reading just to schlog through.
July 11, 2023
Better than the second book, but the ending was wrapped up too quick. And it still felt sad
May 29, 2025
sad that the story has actually ended enjoy this trilogy so much amazing author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews