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A Touch of Frost
In a world where magic is outlawed, a shy 20-year-old tavern maid enlists in the military to learn runes and swordsmanship to protect the people she cares for. A Touch of Frost is a coming-of-age fantasy novel about an unlikely heroine who wanted a normal life. But fate has different plans, and the people she’s fighting to protect might be the greatest threat.
Tragedies and curses, like all bad things, came in threes.
Most runes are forbidden within Aitera. Those who create them are executed or bound for fear they’d be the one prophesized to destroy the crown. Cybele cherished and adored the magic within her father’s stories of love and adventure until a curse stilled his beating heart, provoking fear within hers.
At nearly twenty, in the goddess’s eyes, Cybele’s responsibility is to marry and have children, so when her estranged mother pens a letter requesting to rebuild their relationship while proposing to arrange a marriage for her, Cybele gratefully accepts. She believes this will give her the simple life she longs for.
But when tragedy strikes, Cybele resents her weakness and foolishness, realizing that life isn’t simple and the world isn’t clearly divided between good and evil. As war looms overhead and Cybele’s forced from her home, a handsome stranger helps her and offers her the key to harnessing a strength she didn’t know she had.
Cybele soon discovers the man who saved her holds many secrets, and the magic that’s taken everything from her could be her only chance of survival.
A Touch of Frost is a coming-of-age fantasy novel about a shy heroine who wanted a normal life.
Tragedies and curses, like all bad things, came in threes.
Most runes are forbidden within Aitera. Those who create them are executed or bound for fear they’d be the one prophesized to destroy the crown. Cybele cherished and adored the magic within her father’s stories of love and adventure until a curse stilled his beating heart, provoking fear within hers.
At nearly twenty, in the goddess’s eyes, Cybele’s responsibility is to marry and have children, so when her estranged mother pens a letter requesting to rebuild their relationship while proposing to arrange a marriage for her, Cybele gratefully accepts. She believes this will give her the simple life she longs for.
But when tragedy strikes, Cybele resents her weakness and foolishness, realizing that life isn’t simple and the world isn’t clearly divided between good and evil. As war looms overhead and Cybele’s forced from her home, a handsome stranger helps her and offers her the key to harnessing a strength she didn’t know she had.
Cybele soon discovers the man who saved her holds many secrets, and the magic that’s taken everything from her could be her only chance of survival.
A Touch of Frost is a coming-of-age fantasy novel about a shy heroine who wanted a normal life.
335 pages, Hardcover
First published January 15, 2023
6 people are currently reading
4314 people want to read
About the author
Renée R. Harper
1 book18 followersRenée R. Harper has always sought escape amidst the words transcribed on a page. Over the years, reading evolved into a desire to create and share stories. She loves traveling and learning new things. Renée has lived on the east and west coast of the U.S. though she currently resides in the southwest with her chaotic pets, loving partner, and overwhelming collection of books.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 1, 2024
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A fantasy that starts slow, and has too many moving parts. DNF.
A fantasy that starts slow, and has too many moving parts. DNF.
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February 28, 2023This book is a solid 4.5, and I feel like the next one will he even better!
So, when beginning this book, I had a really hard time getting into it. I'm not sure if it was the writing itself, or writing style, or just bc there's a lot of information up front (it is multiple POV but that wasn't the issue). Either way, it only lasted a couple of chapters max, and I pushed through, And I am SO glad I did.
This book has some if everything I love.
Magic vs NonMagic
Heartbreak
Slow burn
Character Development
Mystery (I need that 2nd book asap now that I know I was right on the one count lol).
Just sooooo much.
I honestly hate how it ended, though I do understand. This book contains a lot of world/history/relationship building while still having a great plot that moves forward smoothly. Now, I'm stuck anxiously waiting for the 2nd one to come out!
So, when beginning this book, I had a really hard time getting into it. I'm not sure if it was the writing itself, or writing style, or just bc there's a lot of information up front (it is multiple POV but that wasn't the issue). Either way, it only lasted a couple of chapters max, and I pushed through, And I am SO glad I did.
This book has some if everything I love.
Magic vs NonMagic
Heartbreak
Slow burn
Character Development
Mystery (I need that 2nd book asap now that I know I was right on the one count lol).
Just sooooo much.
I honestly hate how it ended, though I do understand. This book contains a lot of world/history/relationship building while still having a great plot that moves forward smoothly. Now, I'm stuck anxiously waiting for the 2nd one to come out!
February 10, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. The synopsis sounded interesting and when I won a copy from a giveaway, I looked forward to reading it. Unfortunately, I had issues with it.
There was too much going on with multiple curses and prophecies. Most of which weren't explained well. A lot of things in the world building (and what was happening in general) weren't explained very well. Some unnecessary pov chapters as well.
The main character wasn't interesting. I kept waiting for her to become more interesting or for some character to stand out to me. For being 20 years old and on her own since about 9, she was quite immature.
Several characters lacked consistency and most of them had juvenile behavior.
The pacing was all over the place but mostly it felt like the main character just stumbled towards the plot.
The big reveals were easy to figure out and were confirmed at the end of the book.
The author's ideas had potential which is why I gave it 2 stars rather than 1. However, I doubt I'll read the next book in the series.
There was too much going on with multiple curses and prophecies. Most of which weren't explained well. A lot of things in the world building (and what was happening in general) weren't explained very well. Some unnecessary pov chapters as well.
The main character wasn't interesting. I kept waiting for her to become more interesting or for some character to stand out to me. For being 20 years old and on her own since about 9, she was quite immature.
Several characters lacked consistency and most of them had juvenile behavior.
The pacing was all over the place but mostly it felt like the main character just stumbled towards the plot.
The big reveals were easy to figure out and were confirmed at the end of the book.
The author's ideas had potential which is why I gave it 2 stars rather than 1. However, I doubt I'll read the next book in the series.
February 22, 2023
✨ Thank you to the publisher and to netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review ✨
The synopsis of this drew me in, it sounded thrilling, complex and spellbinding.
The maps at the beginning of the book were stunning, you can tell a lot of love and care has gone into formatting this book and it definitely pays off.
Unfortunately, something missed the mark in translation from the synopsis to the story.
There were a lot of curses, some of which I felt confused about- I feel like we got a little context but not nearly enough.
I also felt that one of the MCs having fended for herself since age 9, was a little immature for me. I struggled to sympathise for some of the book because I found the reactions to things to be a little too young when considering the age of the MCs.
The idea was super interesting and holds a lot of promise but the story felt fragmented and the pacing suffered because of this.
The synopsis of this drew me in, it sounded thrilling, complex and spellbinding.
The maps at the beginning of the book were stunning, you can tell a lot of love and care has gone into formatting this book and it definitely pays off.
Unfortunately, something missed the mark in translation from the synopsis to the story.
There were a lot of curses, some of which I felt confused about- I feel like we got a little context but not nearly enough.
I also felt that one of the MCs having fended for herself since age 9, was a little immature for me. I struggled to sympathise for some of the book because I found the reactions to things to be a little too young when considering the age of the MCs.
The idea was super interesting and holds a lot of promise but the story felt fragmented and the pacing suffered because of this.
February 18, 2023
An absolute gem of a book that will transport you to a world of magic, adventure, and self-discovery. The author's writing is superb, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The protagonist, Cybele, is a shining example of a strong female lead who learns to harness her inner strength and overcome the challenges that life throws her way. The world-building is excellent, and the slow-burn romance adds an extra layer of depth to the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves coming-of-age fantasy novels and strong female characters.
February 20, 2023
A Touch of Frost is a spellbinding book that will leave you breathless. The story is well-crafted, and the pacing is just right, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. The protagonist, Cybele, is a relatable character, and her journey of self-discovery is both inspiring and heartwarming. The world-building is phenomenal, and the author's attention to detail is impressive. The slow-burn romance subplot is beautifully done, adding a touch of sweetness to the story. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy novels and strong female leads.
February 20, 2023
There was a lot of build up with little payout and a quick end. I want to read the next installment, but I’m hoping it follows a different plot structure before I finish the series. Over all fun read, I like the love interest better than the main character.
February 17, 2023
A Touch of Frost is a fabulous first in what I am sure is going to be an epic saga. I was pulled into Cybeles’ tale from the first page and didn’t want it to end. Watching her grow through grit and determination had me feeling for her. I can’t wait to see where her story takes us.
Want to read
May 11, 2023A compelling story, confusing at times.
I adored the delicate world-building of Harper's novel. It introduces the reader to Cybelle's world in a way I haven't experienced since Hunger Games. In fact, I found myself drawing several subtle parallels. Instead of hunting, there's a ban on magic use. Enforced by capital military... But I digress.
This was one of those reads that swallowed me whole and left me turning the pages long after the first promise of 'one more chapter'. However, it was a slower read than I would have liked. Not in terms of pacing, but prose. There were several passages that I found myself stopping to reread in order to wrap my head around who was doing or saying what exactly. At first, I hoped it would get easier the more familiar I became with the characters, but the rich run-ons and pronouns persisted. For that reason, and the fact that Cybelle made me just as mad at her as I was proud of her- I decided to withhold a star. Regardless, I am looking forward to future installments by Renee Harper!
I adored the delicate world-building of Harper's novel. It introduces the reader to Cybelle's world in a way I haven't experienced since Hunger Games. In fact, I found myself drawing several subtle parallels. Instead of hunting, there's a ban on magic use. Enforced by capital military... But I digress.
This was one of those reads that swallowed me whole and left me turning the pages long after the first promise of 'one more chapter'. However, it was a slower read than I would have liked. Not in terms of pacing, but prose. There were several passages that I found myself stopping to reread in order to wrap my head around who was doing or saying what exactly. At first, I hoped it would get easier the more familiar I became with the characters, but the rich run-ons and pronouns persisted. For that reason, and the fact that Cybelle made me just as mad at her as I was proud of her- I decided to withhold a star. Regardless, I am looking forward to future installments by Renee Harper!
February 14, 2023
she said-"i think i'll make you my husband"
and that's all it took for me to fall in love with this book
this book was really good i personaly enjoyed it verymuch as when Cybele a shy little girl starts discovering the secret's of magic the books keeps getting more intresting.
and that's all it took for me to fall in love with this book
this book was really good i personaly enjoyed it verymuch as when Cybele a shy little girl starts discovering the secret's of magic the books keeps getting more intresting.
February 25, 2023
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb on this really intrigued me- it reminded me of so many of my favorite fantasy stories- strong heroine, overcoming obstacles and saving those they care for, or you know- the world.
So, though the story and world building was good, I was disappointed that this had such a slow start. I felt like I was halfway through before any major conflict arose, and then the real fun didn’t even start until the last few pages.
I will likely read the next as it was good enough to care to know more, but I’m hoping it doesn’t have the same pacing.
The blurb on this really intrigued me- it reminded me of so many of my favorite fantasy stories- strong heroine, overcoming obstacles and saving those they care for, or you know- the world.
So, though the story and world building was good, I was disappointed that this had such a slow start. I felt like I was halfway through before any major conflict arose, and then the real fun didn’t even start until the last few pages.
I will likely read the next as it was good enough to care to know more, but I’m hoping it doesn’t have the same pacing.
March 3, 2023
It took me longer than usual to finish this book, not because I found it boring, but because there was so much to absorb. Where to begin after the ending left me in shambles?
The plot is quite simple, but well carried out. There is this young woman who fears magic for personal and cultural reasons, who enlists in hopes of becoming stronger to protect the people she loves. The book focuses on her training, how she grows into herself and the relationships she has with some of her fellow recruits. Writing an entire novel centered around training is difficult, but this author mastered it. The reader gets sucked into the story and roots for its characters as they are slowly introduced. I would only note that at the beginning we are played foul and left to bleed out. Read at your own peril. Let's move on to the characters:
The main character is Cybelle, whom we first meet at a very young age in the prologue and then again as an adult. She is consistent. That's the first time I say that about a character - scratch that, it's the second. But only the second in 100+ books. She is shy, loving but constantly scared. As readers, we get to witness her growing somewhat more into herself as she faces her training. She struggles with her trauma as much as with what she has been taught since childhood and its, well, consistent. So is her growth. She stumbles, gets up, stumbles again, has to talk herself into believing in herself and has many questions about her abilities and what they mean in her cultural context. I loved how she was written.
Thael was my love. That's it. He was caring, kind, protective of the people he loved and very keen on proving himself to Cybelle.
Rai is well, the typical very hurt, callous and cold MMC who happens to have a heart of gold buried somewhere deep inside. He, just like Ash, Rhys, insert more names, has reasons to not want to care again for anyone, but ends up caring anyway. I feel like we need more books about kind, respectful, average looking guys. Nevertheless, the author managed to make him slightly different from the names you mentioned above, though I feel there's still some depth missing. Regardless, I believe we will get to know him better in the next installment and I'm looking forward to it.
Fara is an intriguing character, though we still need to get to know her better. She is Cybelle's friend, strong, loyal and great to read. I wish we had gotten some more time with her.
This book has many underlying thematics. One that is quite interesting is how your Worldview is shaped by the culture you grow up with, therefore also shaping how you view yourself. Questioning those beliefs can be hard and often takes a lot of time. I believe this was well represented. Another interesting thing to note is how experiences in life, specially with the people closest to you, can influence how worthy you see yourself. Cybelle did not believe she could be loved. She was so convinced about this that, when faced with a confession, she believed it was only because the man felt sorry for her. Cybelle has to learn that she is worthy of love and affection, just like many others do these days. Did I mention how consistent she is??
We didn't get to see much of the world, but the next installment promises to fix that and so far, this world seems quite exciting.
Overall, I recommend "A Touch of Frost" for all fantasy lovers. Believe me, it's worth it.
The plot is quite simple, but well carried out. There is this young woman who fears magic for personal and cultural reasons, who enlists in hopes of becoming stronger to protect the people she loves. The book focuses on her training, how she grows into herself and the relationships she has with some of her fellow recruits. Writing an entire novel centered around training is difficult, but this author mastered it. The reader gets sucked into the story and roots for its characters as they are slowly introduced. I would only note that at the beginning we are played foul and left to bleed out. Read at your own peril. Let's move on to the characters:
The main character is Cybelle, whom we first meet at a very young age in the prologue and then again as an adult. She is consistent. That's the first time I say that about a character - scratch that, it's the second. But only the second in 100+ books. She is shy, loving but constantly scared. As readers, we get to witness her growing somewhat more into herself as she faces her training. She struggles with her trauma as much as with what she has been taught since childhood and its, well, consistent. So is her growth. She stumbles, gets up, stumbles again, has to talk herself into believing in herself and has many questions about her abilities and what they mean in her cultural context. I loved how she was written.
Thael was my love. That's it. He was caring, kind, protective of the people he loved and very keen on proving himself to Cybelle.
Rai is well, the typical very hurt, callous and cold MMC who happens to have a heart of gold buried somewhere deep inside. He, just like Ash, Rhys, insert more names, has reasons to not want to care again for anyone, but ends up caring anyway. I feel like we need more books about kind, respectful, average looking guys. Nevertheless, the author managed to make him slightly different from the names you mentioned above, though I feel there's still some depth missing. Regardless, I believe we will get to know him better in the next installment and I'm looking forward to it.
Fara is an intriguing character, though we still need to get to know her better. She is Cybelle's friend, strong, loyal and great to read. I wish we had gotten some more time with her.
This book has many underlying thematics. One that is quite interesting is how your Worldview is shaped by the culture you grow up with, therefore also shaping how you view yourself. Questioning those beliefs can be hard and often takes a lot of time. I believe this was well represented. Another interesting thing to note is how experiences in life, specially with the people closest to you, can influence how worthy you see yourself. Cybelle did not believe she could be loved. She was so convinced about this that, when faced with a confession, she believed it was only because the man felt sorry for her. Cybelle has to learn that she is worthy of love and affection, just like many others do these days. Did I mention how consistent she is??
We didn't get to see much of the world, but the next installment promises to fix that and so far, this world seems quite exciting.
Overall, I recommend "A Touch of Frost" for all fantasy lovers. Believe me, it's worth it.
March 12, 2023
Stories with a curse, a prophecy and warring nations set in a magical world? Sign me up!
Unfortunately the delivery was a bit jarring at times. The beginning was jumpy and I often found myself confused with the lack of information or detail. I became more invested around Ch 4 (or was it Ch. 5?) but was thrown off course a bit with the sprinkling of different POV chapters mid-book. Either these should have been started from the beginning (so we see these characters develop as well) or move them to the next book as the main character to provide a different perspective of the same events/timeline. I did become rather invested in the main character and the group of people in basic training together. I want too see how these will intersect in the storyline and hope the don’t just disappear. A few gems were missed in character development such as the mom and brother. They suddenly just dropped off and we never heard from them again even though they seemed important initially. I hope we will circle around to them in the next book.
In an effort to create mystery/cliffhangers, the author attempts to drop hints and bits of the prophecy and curses throughout the book. I want/need more detail and motivation behind them. I’m still a bit unclear on the different curses and prophecy.
The maps were great and clearly a lot of thought had gone into visualizing/developing this world, I think a little more character development, and smoothing out the chapters, could make this book/series really shine. I do want to know more so I can see myself picking up the next book to find out what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Unfortunately the delivery was a bit jarring at times. The beginning was jumpy and I often found myself confused with the lack of information or detail. I became more invested around Ch 4 (or was it Ch. 5?) but was thrown off course a bit with the sprinkling of different POV chapters mid-book. Either these should have been started from the beginning (so we see these characters develop as well) or move them to the next book as the main character to provide a different perspective of the same events/timeline. I did become rather invested in the main character and the group of people in basic training together. I want too see how these will intersect in the storyline and hope the don’t just disappear. A few gems were missed in character development such as the mom and brother. They suddenly just dropped off and we never heard from them again even though they seemed important initially. I hope we will circle around to them in the next book.
In an effort to create mystery/cliffhangers, the author attempts to drop hints and bits of the prophecy and curses throughout the book. I want/need more detail and motivation behind them. I’m still a bit unclear on the different curses and prophecy.
The maps were great and clearly a lot of thought had gone into visualizing/developing this world, I think a little more character development, and smoothing out the chapters, could make this book/series really shine. I do want to know more so I can see myself picking up the next book to find out what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
May 28, 2023
Book: **
Performance: **
An incomplete and ultimately disappointing story
To get straight to the point, there is an incredibly slow buildup with no clear, discernible plot until you get to a quick, and completely predictable, reveal at the end that sets up the series.
I was definitely intrigued by the synopsis and the world building was as interesting as I expected. Unfortunately, the story itself meandered through the world while focusing on the angsty emotional drama of the MC, making it difficult to connect with her. This was made even more problematic by the confusing collection of competing prophecies and curses that were poorly explained and hard to keep straight. By the end you are still left with a conflict between two nations, one from which magic is brutally persecuted because of a prophecy against the ruling monarch while the MC, a young woman caught up in the events as they unfold while she pines over a lost love and dreams of a “magical” future. Despite the long, and drawn out story buildup, the story was pretty typical for a YA Fantasy genre; however, it loses points for the abrupt ending and a narration that struggled to differentiate character voices. It really is part 1 of a larger story that should have been told together, but by the time you get to the intermission, there isn’t quite enough interest to continue.
I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#ATouchOfFrost #TheShatteredCrown #FreeAudiobookCodes #KindleUnlimited
Performance: **
An incomplete and ultimately disappointing story
To get straight to the point, there is an incredibly slow buildup with no clear, discernible plot until you get to a quick, and completely predictable, reveal at the end that sets up the series.
I was definitely intrigued by the synopsis and the world building was as interesting as I expected. Unfortunately, the story itself meandered through the world while focusing on the angsty emotional drama of the MC, making it difficult to connect with her. This was made even more problematic by the confusing collection of competing prophecies and curses that were poorly explained and hard to keep straight. By the end you are still left with a conflict between two nations, one from which magic is brutally persecuted because of a prophecy against the ruling monarch while the MC, a young woman caught up in the events as they unfold while she pines over a lost love and dreams of a “magical” future. Despite the long, and drawn out story buildup, the story was pretty typical for a YA Fantasy genre; however, it loses points for the abrupt ending and a narration that struggled to differentiate character voices. It really is part 1 of a larger story that should have been told together, but by the time you get to the intermission, there isn’t quite enough interest to continue.
I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#ATouchOfFrost #TheShatteredCrown #FreeAudiobookCodes #KindleUnlimited
February 17, 2023
Firstly, thank you to Goodreads for this giveaway win.
A Touch of Frost at its heart is a young woman on the borderlands of two warring kingdoms only just finding out what she’s always been told isn’t quite the truth. Taught to fear magic and it’s users, she finds that most around her use it through runes for daily lives even if she tries to shun it.
The summary caught my interest and it was a quick read. That said, this wasn’t quite the book for me. The story was told through a few perspectives, but none ever quite felt right. Characters were flat, for lack of a better word. When you start reading, you feel as if you’re in the middle of another book. Backgrounds and storylines feel jagged and overall, almost as if I was reading an earlier draft.
The idea is interesting, but the execution just wasn’t there for me. I never felt myself all that interested in the characters and the plot and storylines felt a bit lacking. Backgrounds were a bit more interesting, but were fragmented in ways that didn’t help move the story along.
A Touch of Frost at its heart is a young woman on the borderlands of two warring kingdoms only just finding out what she’s always been told isn’t quite the truth. Taught to fear magic and it’s users, she finds that most around her use it through runes for daily lives even if she tries to shun it.
The summary caught my interest and it was a quick read. That said, this wasn’t quite the book for me. The story was told through a few perspectives, but none ever quite felt right. Characters were flat, for lack of a better word. When you start reading, you feel as if you’re in the middle of another book. Backgrounds and storylines feel jagged and overall, almost as if I was reading an earlier draft.
The idea is interesting, but the execution just wasn’t there for me. I never felt myself all that interested in the characters and the plot and storylines felt a bit lacking. Backgrounds were a bit more interesting, but were fragmented in ways that didn’t help move the story along.
February 24, 2023
The premise of the book was promising but I ended up confused in the first half of the book, as I felt that there were too many indistinguishable characters to keep track of. And then the second half of the book felt rushed to me.
April 28, 2023
I found myself drawn into this magical world with its curses and prophesy. Cybel's journey is fraught with hardships, but she is slowly growing stronger. Good start to this series and I'm looking forward to more!
September 26, 2023
Thank you Goodreads giveaways for my copy.
I am so intrigued and want to know more. It took a while to read, some things need a little more context while others are hard to follow. Definitely need a reread to wrap my head around everything
I am so intrigued and want to know more. It took a while to read, some things need a little more context while others are hard to follow. Definitely need a reread to wrap my head around everything
November 21, 2023
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wonderful Fantasy story following a young girl, with great world building and varied characters.
This was really enjoyable and it seemed to fly past leaving me wanting more.
This is a wonderful Fantasy story following a young girl, with great world building and varied characters.
This was really enjoyable and it seemed to fly past leaving me wanting more.
December 22, 2023
The character building and the world building is done well and will probably grow more in the next book. Really wish the next book was available in Audible now so I can continue this st. Narrator does a very good job with the characters and the Entire Storyline.
March 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. This was good! No spoilers ;) just read it
March 26, 2023
DNF @ 8% - Not for me atm.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews