What do you think?
Rate this book
The Frost Gate: A Retelling of Snow White
Mirror mirror made of gold,Here's the story you were never told . . .
I've always suspected some sort of mystery surrounding my adoption—I mean, who doesn't remember anything before they were five? But the tall, dark, axe-wielding fae huntsman showing up at my door yelling that I'm a lost princess and the Unseelie Queen is coming to kill me? That I didn't see coming.
It's hard to argue with a pack of evil wolves on your doorstep, so I grab my sword, my cookbook, and my seven chickens (yes, you heard me right), and follow him to Faerie. I'm all for not being eaten by wolves. I'm less excited about the fact that the huntsman seems to think I'm the only one who can defeat the Unseelie Queen and save Faerie. I'm not powerful or magical, even if my baking skills are legendary.
But the longer I stay in Faerie, the more I want to help its people. And the more time I spend with the terrifyingly handsome huntsman, the more I want to convince him that he's who I need by my side while I do. He'd do anything to protect me, but it's my heart he's putting in danger.
Do I have what it takes to go from baking pies to saving kingdoms? Who will take care of the chickens if I fail?
**This sweet and cozy retelling of Snow White is a stand-alone novel in the Faerie Tale Romances series. If you like a little cottagecore slice-of-life with your fantasy romance, read The Frost Gate today!**
I've always suspected some sort of mystery surrounding my adoption—I mean, who doesn't remember anything before they were five? But the tall, dark, axe-wielding fae huntsman showing up at my door yelling that I'm a lost princess and the Unseelie Queen is coming to kill me? That I didn't see coming.
It's hard to argue with a pack of evil wolves on your doorstep, so I grab my sword, my cookbook, and my seven chickens (yes, you heard me right), and follow him to Faerie. I'm all for not being eaten by wolves. I'm less excited about the fact that the huntsman seems to think I'm the only one who can defeat the Unseelie Queen and save Faerie. I'm not powerful or magical, even if my baking skills are legendary.
But the longer I stay in Faerie, the more I want to help its people. And the more time I spend with the terrifyingly handsome huntsman, the more I want to convince him that he's who I need by my side while I do. He'd do anything to protect me, but it's my heart he's putting in danger.
Do I have what it takes to go from baking pies to saving kingdoms? Who will take care of the chickens if I fail?
**This sweet and cozy retelling of Snow White is a stand-alone novel in the Faerie Tale Romances series. If you like a little cottagecore slice-of-life with your fantasy romance, read The Frost Gate today!**
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2024
48 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 12, 2025
Read it out loud to my daughters, and they liked it, so the 5 stars are from them. Because it's weird to rate your own book, but I think it counts for my yearly reading goal!
January 31, 2024
Hanna Sandvig’s fairy tale retellings have become a favourite series of mine. The Frost Gate is no exception. I adored the main character Neve/Niamh. She was spunky, funny, and just enough unsure of herself to be believable without being whiny. I loved her growth throughout the story. And don’t get me started on Kylian. I will be hard-pressed to choose the love interest I like the best out of all the tales, but I think Kylian may have stolen my heart. The setting was, as usual, imaginative and immersive. The side chickens, erm, characters were a fun addition, and it was great to learn new details about the rest of the characters who have featured in the different stories in the series. Everyone is linked, and it’s all set in the same faerie world, but you can easily read each story as a standalone though there may be a few spoilers for earlier books. I highly recommend this cosy and sweet book!
January 24, 2024
Another super cute book in a wonderful series!
I loved the grumpy / sunshine relationship, the determination to make the perfect apple pie, and a wonderful happily ever til next time ending. Can't wait to see more of the characters in future books!
I loved the grumpy / sunshine relationship, the determination to make the perfect apple pie, and a wonderful happily ever til next time ending. Can't wait to see more of the characters in future books!
Read
August 25, 2024The couple that gets tattooed together stays together ❤️ if you like cozy fairytales and enjoyed the vibe of the tv show Once Upon a Time you’ll like this Snow White retelling! I enjoyed her seven chickens 🐓
Read
February 26, 2024"Please tell me I don’t have grandchickens."
Written in 1st person, past tense
Dual pov: Neve, Kylian
Contains:
🍎Snow White retelling
🍎Cosy fantasy romance
🍎Grumpy/sunshine
🍎Fae x Fae
🍎Lost princess
🍎Cottagecore vibes
🍎Banter
🍎Animal sidekick
🍎Winter
🍎Tattoo magic
🍎Baking
🍎Clean & Sweet
🍎Light fantasy
🍎Quick read
It's part of a series but can be read as a standalone (Faerie Tale Romances series), although you'll definitely get more out of it if you read the previous ones (The Lily Gate doesn't affect it much). It feels like the other stories have been leading to this one, all the work a certain secretive fairie godmother has been doing for the balance and strength of Tír na nÓg and the happiness of its inhabitants.
It's cute, and light, perfect for a quick escape, and the couple complements each other well. It mixes comfort with the most action and non-graphic violence of any of the books, as the mcs and their allies confront the Final Boss!!😱 Which still isn't a lot as it also has slice of life.
Audrey is so cool!! I love how Sandvig thought "Hey, you know what would be cool? A spellcrafter with the mind of a programmer!" And it is! That scene with the wolves was such a gamer move too 🤩
April 26, 2025
This is everything I look and hope for in a fairytale retelling!.
.
Snow White + Irish Mythology = perfection.
.
I loved everything about this story. It's true to the original fairytale, but expands on the basics to create an entirely unique tale of grief, loss, redemption and love.
.
I'm ready to read it all over again.
.
9/7/24: This book still gave me that "soul mate" book feeling when I read it, and I love that. I can't wait to get my kickstarter paperback edition!
4/25/25: I needed something familiar to come back to as I finished my school semester, and this was perfect. This.book is exquisite in every way.
.
Snow White + Irish Mythology = perfection.
.
I loved everything about this story. It's true to the original fairytale, but expands on the basics to create an entirely unique tale of grief, loss, redemption and love.
.
I'm ready to read it all over again.
.
9/7/24: This book still gave me that "soul mate" book feeling when I read it, and I love that. I can't wait to get my kickstarter paperback edition!
4/25/25: I needed something familiar to come back to as I finished my school semester, and this was perfect. This.book is exquisite in every way.
January 24, 2024
I loved this book!! I think it’s been my favorite Hanna Sandvig book so far. The couple’s dynamic is just SO AWESOME!!! I love them. The romance is amazing and completely clean, but there’s still more to the plot than just romance, which is my favorite kind of book. I highly recommend this book.
I did receive an ARC of this book.
I did receive an ARC of this book.
March 22, 2025
I'm really enjoying these fairy tale inspired stories without the x-rated either lust-crazy or other creepy contrived fae tropes. A little tension goes a long way, but then, so do talking owls.
January 14, 2024
What a charming book! I was so excited to read this one. I have read all of the Faerie Tale Romances and the set up was perfect! Neve has always suspected some sort of mystery around her adoption, who doesn’t remember anything before they were five? But the tall, dark, axe-wielding fae huntsman showing up at her door yelling that’s she’s a lost princess and the Unseelie Queen is coming to kill her is not what she expected. It’s hard to argue with a pack of evil wolves on her doorstep, so she grabs her sword, her cookbook, and her seven chickens to follow him to Faerie. She’s not interested in being eaten by wolves, but is less excited about the fact that the huntsman seems to think she’s the only one who can defeat the Unseelie Queen and save Faerie. She’s not powerful or magical, even if her baking skills are legendary. But the longer Neve is in Faerie, the more she wants to help its people. And the more time she spends with the terrifyingly handsome huntsman, the more she wants to convince him that he’s who she needs by her side when she does. He would do anything to protect her, but it’s her heart he’s putting in danger. Can she go from baking pies to saving kingdoms?
This is such a cozy and charming fairytale retelling! Neve was a lovely narrator. She felt realistic and she was so kind. Her heart for the people of Faerie was so evident and her chickens! Loved them and their little personalities! All of the animals in this were so fun and it really added to the cottage-core fairytale vibes! I also loved her vulnerability,though she was a protector, she felt her weaknesses. Kylian was the perfect grumpy foil to Neve’s sunshine. I adored how protective he was of her and how he truly cared. He had to sacrifice a lot to protect her and felt the weight of how he had to do so. Their relationship was so sweet! They stood by each other and made one another stronger.
All of the other characters were amazing! I loved seeing old friends again, especially from Neve’s perspective! As someone who read the other books in the series, I loved seeing the connections! I loved meeting new characters too, the dwarves! All of the Snow White references were also so lovely. Overall, I loved this charming fairytale romance and watching Neve find her place in Faerie! It is romantasy story with some fantasy violence and only kissing. .
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
This is such a cozy and charming fairytale retelling! Neve was a lovely narrator. She felt realistic and she was so kind. Her heart for the people of Faerie was so evident and her chickens! Loved them and their little personalities! All of the animals in this were so fun and it really added to the cottage-core fairytale vibes! I also loved her vulnerability,though she was a protector, she felt her weaknesses. Kylian was the perfect grumpy foil to Neve’s sunshine. I adored how protective he was of her and how he truly cared. He had to sacrifice a lot to protect her and felt the weight of how he had to do so. Their relationship was so sweet! They stood by each other and made one another stronger.
All of the other characters were amazing! I loved seeing old friends again, especially from Neve’s perspective! As someone who read the other books in the series, I loved seeing the connections! I loved meeting new characters too, the dwarves! All of the Snow White references were also so lovely. Overall, I loved this charming fairytale romance and watching Neve find her place in Faerie! It is romantasy story with some fantasy violence and only kissing. .
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
February 5, 2025
I can’t believe it’s over- I’ve read the series, the novellas and downloads… and now I am stuck waiting until the Gold Gate is released.
I have never been a huge fan of Snow White as interpreted via Disney- in fact, I’ve really only enjoyed her in the Snow White and Rose Red versions. The popularity of YA fairy romances, however, have helped sweeten her for me somewhat.
This retelling now happens to be one of them. Seriously, how can you resist a plump baker who has an arm full of pretty tats and a pin-up girl retro fashion style? This chunky chick would LOVE sneaking anything from Neve’s wardrobe and activating the made-to-fit charm. But alas, I cannot… bummer.
But back to the story… Neve thinks her small town life is perfect. She works at her family’s quirky diner, helping bake cakes, cookies and pies and has a serious love affair with apples and apple pie.
Kylian is a massive and brooding hulk with skin the color of chocolate, eyes black as his unchanging wardrobe and dreadlocks to his waist. If that wasn’t imposing enough the huge silver axe he carries will make your body freeze down to your very bones.
Not to mention that he is the Unseelie usurper’s Huntsman- said to have carved out Neve’s beating heart and presenting it to the wicked fae wannabe queen.
Yes, he’s committed acts of evil, but really it’s all been to minimize the damage the queen inflicts upon the land, and all of it to keep Neve safe in the human world. Until now… she’s twenty now, no longer a small and terrified child, and the wards of protection are fading quickly. The only way to keep Neve safe is to let her in on the secret, that she really is the lost Unseelie Princess who needs to return to Tir Na Nog and rescue her failing kingdom.
Our plucky baker agrees to go, if only to keep her adoptive parents safe, but insists that she being along her newly hatched seven chickens, tucked away inside her backpack.
Poor Kylian never stood a chance against the whirlwind that is Neve as they make their way through Tir Na Nog before the final showdown against her wicked aunt to gain her crown.
Neve is all sunshine and sugar and couldn’t be any sweeter than she is written here. Kylian, however, is struggling as his duty is to protect Neve, but his guilt over the choices he has made in serving the evil queen keeps weighing him down. Once Neve knows all he has done he is positive she will never want to see him again.
There are loads of fun cameos, tons of baking, and hilarity thanks to Neve’s seven chickens as they grow along the way. There’s enough elements of the Snow White story here, but the story does not bow down to them and incorporates them quite nicely into a unique twist.
The entire series is an easy read for preteens and up, the character approachable and the stories are G/PG in rating- safe for both you and your FT loving kids to enjoy together.
I have never been a huge fan of Snow White as interpreted via Disney- in fact, I’ve really only enjoyed her in the Snow White and Rose Red versions. The popularity of YA fairy romances, however, have helped sweeten her for me somewhat.
This retelling now happens to be one of them. Seriously, how can you resist a plump baker who has an arm full of pretty tats and a pin-up girl retro fashion style? This chunky chick would LOVE sneaking anything from Neve’s wardrobe and activating the made-to-fit charm. But alas, I cannot… bummer.
But back to the story… Neve thinks her small town life is perfect. She works at her family’s quirky diner, helping bake cakes, cookies and pies and has a serious love affair with apples and apple pie.
Kylian is a massive and brooding hulk with skin the color of chocolate, eyes black as his unchanging wardrobe and dreadlocks to his waist. If that wasn’t imposing enough the huge silver axe he carries will make your body freeze down to your very bones.
Not to mention that he is the Unseelie usurper’s Huntsman- said to have carved out Neve’s beating heart and presenting it to the wicked fae wannabe queen.
Yes, he’s committed acts of evil, but really it’s all been to minimize the damage the queen inflicts upon the land, and all of it to keep Neve safe in the human world. Until now… she’s twenty now, no longer a small and terrified child, and the wards of protection are fading quickly. The only way to keep Neve safe is to let her in on the secret, that she really is the lost Unseelie Princess who needs to return to Tir Na Nog and rescue her failing kingdom.
Our plucky baker agrees to go, if only to keep her adoptive parents safe, but insists that she being along her newly hatched seven chickens, tucked away inside her backpack.
Poor Kylian never stood a chance against the whirlwind that is Neve as they make their way through Tir Na Nog before the final showdown against her wicked aunt to gain her crown.
Neve is all sunshine and sugar and couldn’t be any sweeter than she is written here. Kylian, however, is struggling as his duty is to protect Neve, but his guilt over the choices he has made in serving the evil queen keeps weighing him down. Once Neve knows all he has done he is positive she will never want to see him again.
There are loads of fun cameos, tons of baking, and hilarity thanks to Neve’s seven chickens as they grow along the way. There’s enough elements of the Snow White story here, but the story does not bow down to them and incorporates them quite nicely into a unique twist.
The entire series is an easy read for preteens and up, the character approachable and the stories are G/PG in rating- safe for both you and your FT loving kids to enjoy together.
May 31, 2025
‘Stronger together’
“It takes a village” isn’t only about raising children. It can also pertain to overthrowing an evil usurper and saving the realm from further wickedness. We each have our strengths and working with others toward a common goal benefits everyone.
*‘Someone with the right skills should be in charge.’
Neve learned all about Finance, Logistics, Management from her adoptive parents and these will all come in handy for Niamh to rule - baking exceptional pies is the proverbial cherry on top!
*I gotta have this series:
‘Daggers and Doughnuts, the sixth Poukha Knitting Club Mystery’.
I just love an ax-wielding hunk of a man who gets really into food-related cozy mysteries. Niamh and Kylian are such a perfect pairing! Add all the yummies such as apple pies, lavender shortbread, stuffed flatbreads, and all sorts of mushroom tasties…a veritable feast for readers’ imaginations.
*I learned something new:
Spellcrafting is the Fae way of coding. Or is it the other way around? Since computers arrived after magic, wouldn’t coding be a form of spellcrafting? Can spells be hacked? Hmmm…
*Some sage advice from the author:
‘When in doubt, pack some food.’
Every fifteen-year-old girl needs her emotional support chickens - princess or not!
‘When powerful evil rules a land, smaller evil is emboldened to grow unchecked.’
May we live in a realm where we all strive to seek out injustices and malevolencies before they gain traction.
Can’t wait to find out which goodies the author has for us in the upcoming ‘The Gold Gate’ (Amber’s tale).
“It takes a village” isn’t only about raising children. It can also pertain to overthrowing an evil usurper and saving the realm from further wickedness. We each have our strengths and working with others toward a common goal benefits everyone.
*‘Someone with the right skills should be in charge.’
Neve learned all about Finance, Logistics, Management from her adoptive parents and these will all come in handy for Niamh to rule - baking exceptional pies is the proverbial cherry on top!
*I gotta have this series:
‘Daggers and Doughnuts, the sixth Poukha Knitting Club Mystery’.
I just love an ax-wielding hunk of a man who gets really into food-related cozy mysteries. Niamh and Kylian are such a perfect pairing! Add all the yummies such as apple pies, lavender shortbread, stuffed flatbreads, and all sorts of mushroom tasties…a veritable feast for readers’ imaginations.
*I learned something new:
Spellcrafting is the Fae way of coding. Or is it the other way around? Since computers arrived after magic, wouldn’t coding be a form of spellcrafting? Can spells be hacked? Hmmm…
*Some sage advice from the author:
‘When in doubt, pack some food.’
Every fifteen-year-old girl needs her emotional support chickens - princess or not!
‘When powerful evil rules a land, smaller evil is emboldened to grow unchecked.’
May we live in a realm where we all strive to seek out injustices and malevolencies before they gain traction.
Can’t wait to find out which goodies the author has for us in the upcoming ‘The Gold Gate’ (Amber’s tale).
April 13, 2024
Such a great read, loved the chickens.
January 29, 2024
What’s a girl to do when the wolves are on the hunt and said Huntsman says to pack up to leave or he’ll basically throw her over his shoulder and carry her off; why carefully pack up her little chicks, get some goodies from her dad, and don’t forget her sword. As you can hopefully tell, this is awesome. Key ingredients for harrowing moments are mixed with bit of humor, a dash of bravery, a pinch of frustration, and a handful of what could possibly happen nexts.
This book is an epic cozy romantasy retelling of Snow White and the seven newly hatched Chicks, only it is so much more with a great grumpy/sunshine dynamic, wonderful world building, and interesting secondary characters. The Rose Gate is a favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling and The Frost Gate is definitely a favorite Snow White retelling.
Neve (Niamh) has great character with her retro dresses, baking talents, HEMA skills, attention to detail and planning, and best friend personality. She’s been on a quest most of her life to replicate that apple pie she vaguely remembers as a young child and though all the attempts are good, she’s still looking for those particular apples. Her latest project is hatching out carefully selected chicken eggs after research and choosing particular breeds for pets… and if her dad asks; eggs for baking! After waiting for so long, the little ones hatch and then Neve’s life is thrown into turmoil with the arrival of one tall, dark, and grumpy axe-wielding Huntsman… who doesn’t eat sugary baked goods!
Kylian, The Huntsman, is given some hard choices in life; tragic circumstances and choices in his past that threaten all their futures, and a present that tests every facet of his existence. His character has such depth. He projects an icy exterior and tries to make everyone believe his interior reflects the same; but he’s really not giving his sunshiny counterpart her due credit let alone himself. Will he continue to deny his heart the emotions he tries not to feel just as he does his taste buds sugary treats like cookies and pie?
This story has a bit of it all adventure, fantasy magic, romance, shifters, dragons, animal familiars, and other mythical creatures. Both main characters have their own strengths and weaknesses; the latter for both is doubt. They both grow in their own ways and together throughout the story. This is slowly shown as time passes until those defining moments that prove just how much.
The new secondary characters are loveable and interesting from the Dvergr (Dwarven) people, especially the two kings and Estrid, to Fluffy, to the chickens, and so much more I will not mention to avoid spoilers. Returning characters have also grown over the time since we last heard from them, especially Amber, but Audrey and Gavin have as well, even Liadan.
And things finally will come to a battle with Moriath, if Neve (Niamh) makes it there.
The world building has always been there, but it crosses into that epic level threshold with this book. We delve more into the Tír na nÓg, or Celtic Faerie Country, this time more into the Unseelie lands with more history, languages, characters, peoples, politics, and more. Hanna Sandvig takes bits of myth and lore, some elements of old fairy tales, comes up with her own elements and characters, and entwines all those together into her stories for classic world building that is as imaginative as it is believable.
The diversity, depth of cultures, histories, variety of characters, and even the different types of magics are wonderfully written to distinguish not only the thoughts of different characters’ personalities clearly, but also work well together for their places in the world. There is a lot of detail, but not so overwhelming that it hinders the story like some do because it’s done so well. It’s just the right amount of epic fantasy detail.
I love that we get glimpses into other characters’ continuing happily ever afters throughout the series, as well has hints to stories that may yet come. In both the case of The Glass Gate and The Frost Gate previous main or secondary characters of the other stories not only have cameos, but have essential roles to play.
Although the author strives to make this series a standalone, not reading all the books in the series is like reading Return of the King without the rest of LOTR first; yes you can technically read only ROTK and enjoy it, but why would you want to; you’d miss so much. You also risk spoiling some details by reading this book before the others.
I highly recommend Reading The Rose Gate and The Wolf Gate first, followed by The Lily Gate and then The Glass Gate, before reading The Frost Gate. The World Building grows as do the characters. The Lily Gate novella is the only previous story whose main or secondary characters do not play an essential role in this story.
The author included a pronunciation guide as well as place names; a map and more are available on her website. Hanna Sandvig is also an artist, and her artwork on the cover is beautiful. I am already wishlisting the hardcover copy of this book for additional art and maps.
This story is told in first person perspective, well told too, varying by chapter between the two main characters: Neve and Kylian. The beginning of each chapter specifies who is telling that chapter. You’ll notice in the chapter list that “Neve” changes to “Niamh” when she accepts that name more-so, but just note she is the same character. A final epilogue is told by Amber. The story has a final ending and does not end on a cliffhanger, but the epilogue hints at a future story or two. There is kissing and all kinds of chemistry between the lines; but this is safe for a variety of ages as a clean or swoony romance with no spicy explicit content.
There is fighting and a battle, bad guys do die, there are sword-fights, and there are attempts on the main characters’ lives and so forth; but all of it is written well and not graphically. I would have loved this kind of story as a teen or preteen just as much as I do as an adult; but I also read the aforementioned Tolkien too.
Warning: Neve’s a baker and she bakes when she’s frustrated or upset or to show her affection for others… or just because. You may get cravings for fresh apple pie and cookies; especially if you’re like this reader who can’t have ANY of those things due to allergies anymore but remembers how yummy they were. ;0P Feel free to eat an extra cookie for me.
Spoilers:
The Frost Gate is definitely reread worthy and I shall be doing so maybe right away.
This book is an epic cozy romantasy retelling of Snow White and the seven newly hatched Chicks, only it is so much more with a great grumpy/sunshine dynamic, wonderful world building, and interesting secondary characters. The Rose Gate is a favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling and The Frost Gate is definitely a favorite Snow White retelling.
Neve (Niamh) has great character with her retro dresses, baking talents, HEMA skills, attention to detail and planning, and best friend personality. She’s been on a quest most of her life to replicate that apple pie she vaguely remembers as a young child and though all the attempts are good, she’s still looking for those particular apples. Her latest project is hatching out carefully selected chicken eggs after research and choosing particular breeds for pets… and if her dad asks; eggs for baking! After waiting for so long, the little ones hatch and then Neve’s life is thrown into turmoil with the arrival of one tall, dark, and grumpy axe-wielding Huntsman… who doesn’t eat sugary baked goods!
Kylian, The Huntsman, is given some hard choices in life; tragic circumstances and choices in his past that threaten all their futures, and a present that tests every facet of his existence. His character has such depth. He projects an icy exterior and tries to make everyone believe his interior reflects the same; but he’s really not giving his sunshiny counterpart her due credit let alone himself. Will he continue to deny his heart the emotions he tries not to feel just as he does his taste buds sugary treats like cookies and pie?
This story has a bit of it all adventure, fantasy magic, romance, shifters, dragons, animal familiars, and other mythical creatures. Both main characters have their own strengths and weaknesses; the latter for both is doubt. They both grow in their own ways and together throughout the story. This is slowly shown as time passes until those defining moments that prove just how much.
The new secondary characters are loveable and interesting from the Dvergr (Dwarven) people, especially the two kings and Estrid, to Fluffy, to the chickens, and so much more I will not mention to avoid spoilers. Returning characters have also grown over the time since we last heard from them, especially Amber, but Audrey and Gavin have as well, even Liadan.
And things finally will come to a battle with Moriath, if Neve (Niamh) makes it there.
The world building has always been there, but it crosses into that epic level threshold with this book. We delve more into the Tír na nÓg, or Celtic Faerie Country, this time more into the Unseelie lands with more history, languages, characters, peoples, politics, and more. Hanna Sandvig takes bits of myth and lore, some elements of old fairy tales, comes up with her own elements and characters, and entwines all those together into her stories for classic world building that is as imaginative as it is believable.
The diversity, depth of cultures, histories, variety of characters, and even the different types of magics are wonderfully written to distinguish not only the thoughts of different characters’ personalities clearly, but also work well together for their places in the world. There is a lot of detail, but not so overwhelming that it hinders the story like some do because it’s done so well. It’s just the right amount of epic fantasy detail.
I love that we get glimpses into other characters’ continuing happily ever afters throughout the series, as well has hints to stories that may yet come. In both the case of The Glass Gate and The Frost Gate previous main or secondary characters of the other stories not only have cameos, but have essential roles to play.
Although the author strives to make this series a standalone, not reading all the books in the series is like reading Return of the King without the rest of LOTR first; yes you can technically read only ROTK and enjoy it, but why would you want to; you’d miss so much. You also risk spoiling some details by reading this book before the others.
I highly recommend Reading The Rose Gate and The Wolf Gate first, followed by The Lily Gate and then The Glass Gate, before reading The Frost Gate. The World Building grows as do the characters. The Lily Gate novella is the only previous story whose main or secondary characters do not play an essential role in this story.
The author included a pronunciation guide as well as place names; a map and more are available on her website. Hanna Sandvig is also an artist, and her artwork on the cover is beautiful. I am already wishlisting the hardcover copy of this book for additional art and maps.
This story is told in first person perspective, well told too, varying by chapter between the two main characters: Neve and Kylian. The beginning of each chapter specifies who is telling that chapter. You’ll notice in the chapter list that “Neve” changes to “Niamh” when she accepts that name more-so, but just note she is the same character. A final epilogue is told by Amber. The story has a final ending and does not end on a cliffhanger, but the epilogue hints at a future story or two. There is kissing and all kinds of chemistry between the lines; but this is safe for a variety of ages as a clean or swoony romance with no spicy explicit content.
There is fighting and a battle, bad guys do die, there are sword-fights, and there are attempts on the main characters’ lives and so forth; but all of it is written well and not graphically. I would have loved this kind of story as a teen or preteen just as much as I do as an adult; but I also read the aforementioned Tolkien too.
Warning: Neve’s a baker and she bakes when she’s frustrated or upset or to show her affection for others… or just because. You may get cravings for fresh apple pie and cookies; especially if you’re like this reader who can’t have ANY of those things due to allergies anymore but remembers how yummy they were. ;0P Feel free to eat an extra cookie for me.
Spoilers:
The Frost Gate is definitely reread worthy and I shall be doing so maybe right away.
Read
April 24, 2024wow!
I’m loving the beautiful world building in those series. The other books have been lovely, but this one is exquisite! Cannot recommend enough to anyone who wants to disappear into a fairytale world with a contemporary twist with no content concerns. Cannot wait to read any and all other books Ms. Sandvig writes for this enchanted world!
I’m loving the beautiful world building in those series. The other books have been lovely, but this one is exquisite! Cannot recommend enough to anyone who wants to disappear into a fairytale world with a contemporary twist with no content concerns. Cannot wait to read any and all other books Ms. Sandvig writes for this enchanted world!
February 19, 2024
I never knew that Snow White needed chickens. And unseelie fae. And definitely not tattoos and rune magic. And unicorns? Apple pie? Well, okay, definite yes to the apple pie. But at this point, I'm convinced that Hanna Sandvig herself is a magical creature.
But Snow White needed all those things. And of course, the huntsman, haunted by his past misdeeds, when he had been forced to choose between evils. The dwarves who were so kind to Neve--to everyone, really--but found vegetables so distasteful. A girl who just wanted to bake pies, not rule a kingdom. All of the characters were just so lovely and unique. And there were many, many cameo appearances by old friends from previous books.
The story was the same old stories in all the ways that matter, but beautifully unique in fun ways that made me want to keep reading this book forever. Like all of Hanna's books before this, it will be worth a reread in the not-so-distant future.
I received an ARC from the author and reviewed it willingly because I loved it.
But Snow White needed all those things. And of course, the huntsman, haunted by his past misdeeds, when he had been forced to choose between evils. The dwarves who were so kind to Neve--to everyone, really--but found vegetables so distasteful. A girl who just wanted to bake pies, not rule a kingdom. All of the characters were just so lovely and unique. And there were many, many cameo appearances by old friends from previous books.
The story was the same old stories in all the ways that matter, but beautifully unique in fun ways that made me want to keep reading this book forever. Like all of Hanna's books before this, it will be worth a reread in the not-so-distant future.
I received an ARC from the author and reviewed it willingly because I loved it.
February 4, 2024
So totally worth the wait! (includes a PARENTAL CAVEAT!)
It seems like I've been waiting for this next book in the series forever, but it was so worth it! It's such a great wrap up of the main series arc but there's still a little bit of a loose end to tie up. As with the other books in the series, this is such a creative & fun modernized fairytale retelling! I enthusiastically recommend them all!
*Romance level: passionate kisses but nothing graphic (~PG)
*PARENTAL CAVEAT: As another review mentioned, there's a strong positive emphasis on tattoos. Many Christians are unaware that it's forbidden by God in Scripture & that was not changed by the New Testament as it's a pagan worship custom. A longtime, credible exorcist has attested to demonic harassment enabled even via religious tattoos because of that doorway. Parents will want to use discretion & discussion to help teens discern enjoying fiction as fiction vs living in God's world
It seems like I've been waiting for this next book in the series forever, but it was so worth it! It's such a great wrap up of the main series arc but there's still a little bit of a loose end to tie up. As with the other books in the series, this is such a creative & fun modernized fairytale retelling! I enthusiastically recommend them all!
*Romance level: passionate kisses but nothing graphic (~PG)
*PARENTAL CAVEAT: As another review mentioned, there's a strong positive emphasis on tattoos. Many Christians are unaware that it's forbidden by God in Scripture & that was not changed by the New Testament as it's a pagan worship custom. A longtime, credible exorcist has attested to demonic harassment enabled even via religious tattoos because of that doorway. Parents will want to use discretion & discussion to help teens discern enjoying fiction as fiction vs living in God's world
August 4, 2025
DNF. There are witches and overall, I just felt like the vibe I got from the book wasn't right. I stopped reading. The romance barely took off, and there were suddenly so many characters that my head spun. Also, a lot of the characters have a normal name and some kind of name that sounds magical but is really hard to remember? It was hard to keep track of who was who when there were that many characters and each character had two completely different names.
Content: There's a witch, the MMC is described by the FMC as hot or something so I'm thinking the romance is more physical than emotional, perhaps? I didn't finish the book, though, so I'm not quite sure.
Content: There's a witch, the MMC is described by the FMC as hot or something so I'm thinking the romance is more physical than emotional, perhaps? I didn't finish the book, though, so I'm not quite sure.
July 11, 2024
The Frost Gate is a Young/New Adult Portal Fantasy/Romance novel, book 3 in The Fairy Tale Romance series.
Book Cover: 5* - Like with all the covers in this series, this one is not only cute, but very cool too. I mean, pretty dress AND a sword? Ok, I'm in lol.
Summary/Tagline: /* - Honestly, I never read the synopsis. I just knew this story was a Snow White retelling. By this point, I already knew I was going to read it, but feel free to check it out if you want to know what's up, there's no spoilers if you didn't read the previous standalone books in this series.
Characters: 4* - Like with TGG, TFG is also dual PoV, but the love interest, Killian, has more chapters than Prince Tiernan did. We follow Nieve, our Snow White character, and Killian, our huntsman character. I like both characters, however, I have some . . . issues with how the author wrote the main male character, I'll explain it more in the next section, it has to do with his lore than anything else. Otherwise, the banter was good as usual, made me laugh and made me go aww sometimes. We even get some returning characters from the previous series show up every now and then in this book. They were fun to follow.
World Building: 3* - Like with previous books, TFG continues to build on the lore with this new story, except this time the focus is on both the unseelie and the dwarves, with a bit of Norse Mythology inspiration sprinkled in. Now, to not go into spoilers that we learn in this book, all I'm going to say is that Killian is in the same boat as Saoirse from TGG when it comes to, fae kids forced to live somewhere else as political hostages for the host fae country and never return for fear of death. THAT BEING SAID! I don't know if the author meant to write it in this manner, but the cultural identity was stripped away from BOTH Killian AND Saoirse, the ONLY black characters in this entire series, in favor to be tolerated and accepted by the white faes. If the author stopped at, they kept their white names to do away with the parents that happily abandoned them to their gilded jailers, fine, but the author also wrote that their white names would remain because it would be easier to pronounce anyway for their friends and love interests . . . That was very infuriating to read, especially when that's a real world issue going on right now! Not only was this a, back in the day issue, but many immigrant families and indigenous ones to this day do chose white names for their kids so that it would be "easier" for their kids not to be mocked, harassed, and bullied by white people, both kids and adults alike. I've literally witnessed the racism of just not having the "appropriate names" happen right in front of me growing up as a Latine woman. I don't know how something like this got past so many beta readers, but this book just really aggravated me as I was finishing it.
Story: 4* - Ok, if you have an idea of the Snow White faerie tale, you'll know some of the beats, otherwise, the story follows Nieve who quickly learns that she is not only who she thought she was, but is also destined to take down her evil stepmother slash aunt and be become Queen of the Unseelie faes, and all it takes is a tall, muscular, albeit infuriatingly handsome, huntsman to barrel into her home to say so. Being forced to say farewell to her adoptive parents, and pack up her newly hatched seven chickens, Nieve must flee to Faerie, away from the wolves her stepmother had sent to capture or kill her, and survive until they figure out a way to stop the evil fae. Problem is, Nieve wants absolutely nothing to do with any of that. Being surprised to see some of the familiar attempts to kill Nieve from the original faerie tale, such as the corset and comb, I think the poisoned apple scene was some of the most creative ways I've seen done in a Snow White retelling. That definitely surprised me, but to not spoil how the scene went, I won't say a thing. Just take my word for it, it was pretty cool lol.
Over All: 4* - Ok, so first things first, the author very much wanted this story to be a cozy romance first before anything else. So, despite TFG being a lot more actiony than all the previous books in this series, know that most of the action scenes will go by very quickly. I was actually pretty underwhelmed when I read the corset scene, but the comb and apple scene made up for it at least. This story was cute and fun, and aside from some aggravating lore stuff, I enjoyed this retelling by the end, even noticed the author revealed a Rapunzel retelling for a future book. So, pick this story up if you like faerie tale retellings, cozy fantasies, and cute, bantery romances. Even though this series is done, there will still be books that'll take place in this world.
Book Cover: 5* - Like with all the covers in this series, this one is not only cute, but very cool too. I mean, pretty dress AND a sword? Ok, I'm in lol.
Summary/Tagline: /* - Honestly, I never read the synopsis. I just knew this story was a Snow White retelling. By this point, I already knew I was going to read it, but feel free to check it out if you want to know what's up, there's no spoilers if you didn't read the previous standalone books in this series.
Characters: 4* - Like with TGG, TFG is also dual PoV, but the love interest, Killian, has more chapters than Prince Tiernan did. We follow Nieve, our Snow White character, and Killian, our huntsman character. I like both characters, however, I have some . . . issues with how the author wrote the main male character, I'll explain it more in the next section, it has to do with his lore than anything else. Otherwise, the banter was good as usual, made me laugh and made me go aww sometimes. We even get some returning characters from the previous series show up every now and then in this book. They were fun to follow.
World Building: 3* - Like with previous books, TFG continues to build on the lore with this new story, except this time the focus is on both the unseelie and the dwarves, with a bit of Norse Mythology inspiration sprinkled in. Now, to not go into spoilers that we learn in this book, all I'm going to say is that Killian is in the same boat as Saoirse from TGG when it comes to, fae kids forced to live somewhere else as political hostages for the host fae country and never return for fear of death. THAT BEING SAID! I don't know if the author meant to write it in this manner, but the cultural identity was stripped away from BOTH Killian AND Saoirse, the ONLY black characters in this entire series, in favor to be tolerated and accepted by the white faes. If the author stopped at, they kept their white names to do away with the parents that happily abandoned them to their gilded jailers, fine, but the author also wrote that their white names would remain because it would be easier to pronounce anyway for their friends and love interests . . . That was very infuriating to read, especially when that's a real world issue going on right now! Not only was this a, back in the day issue, but many immigrant families and indigenous ones to this day do chose white names for their kids so that it would be "easier" for their kids not to be mocked, harassed, and bullied by white people, both kids and adults alike. I've literally witnessed the racism of just not having the "appropriate names" happen right in front of me growing up as a Latine woman. I don't know how something like this got past so many beta readers, but this book just really aggravated me as I was finishing it.
Story: 4* - Ok, if you have an idea of the Snow White faerie tale, you'll know some of the beats, otherwise, the story follows Nieve who quickly learns that she is not only who she thought she was, but is also destined to take down her evil stepmother slash aunt and be become Queen of the Unseelie faes, and all it takes is a tall, muscular, albeit infuriatingly handsome, huntsman to barrel into her home to say so. Being forced to say farewell to her adoptive parents, and pack up her newly hatched seven chickens, Nieve must flee to Faerie, away from the wolves her stepmother had sent to capture or kill her, and survive until they figure out a way to stop the evil fae. Problem is, Nieve wants absolutely nothing to do with any of that. Being surprised to see some of the familiar attempts to kill Nieve from the original faerie tale, such as the corset and comb, I think the poisoned apple scene was some of the most creative ways I've seen done in a Snow White retelling. That definitely surprised me, but to not spoil how the scene went, I won't say a thing. Just take my word for it, it was pretty cool lol.
Over All: 4* - Ok, so first things first, the author very much wanted this story to be a cozy romance first before anything else. So, despite TFG being a lot more actiony than all the previous books in this series, know that most of the action scenes will go by very quickly. I was actually pretty underwhelmed when I read the corset scene, but the comb and apple scene made up for it at least. This story was cute and fun, and aside from some aggravating lore stuff, I enjoyed this retelling by the end, even noticed the author revealed a Rapunzel retelling for a future book. So, pick this story up if you like faerie tale retellings, cozy fantasies, and cute, bantery romances. Even though this series is done, there will still be books that'll take place in this world.
January 30, 2024
(1/28/2024) RTC - after I make some cookies, or maybe an apple pie...yum...
Now for the review!
Ah cozy fantasy. I'm really starting to appreciate you. And when there is baking involved, how can I say no? Neve is a baker by trade and by lifestyle, ever in pursuit of not only the most delicious cookie and pie recipes, but more importantly the perfect apple pie. She tweaks the ratios in the recipe, tries various different types of apples, but she just can't quite find the right flavor she seeks.
And one day, her life turns to upside-down apple pie.
Okay, not quite like that. But a dark loc'd Fae Huntsman comes knocking, silver axe at the ready, and she finds herself whisked away to Tír na nÓg, her precious baby heritage chicks in tow along with her recipe book and fighting sword. The Huntsman, Kylian, had been sent to kill her at her stepmother Queen Moriath's command, but he is done following her orders for more than one reason. Neve might not have known her heritage nor the secrets it holds for her future, but his secrets run far darker. Can he find atonement for the things he has done at Moriath's command? Will Neve's light brighten the darkness encasing his heart? And will Neve be up to face off against the powerful and treacherous Queen Moriath to save the Unseelie Kingdom from her power-hungry darkness?
I've read the other books and novellas in this series, though not since the last one came out, so I would say this one stands quite well on its own. There are cross-over characters from the other stories (and some clues for future ones!), but they fit in their own way in this one, and it never felt too cumbersome. Neve has a very sunny personality, and is very caring and protective. On the other hand we have Kylian, who is haunted by his past deeds and can only hope to make amends for some of the terrible things he has done as Moriath's Huntsman. I enjoyed seeing them interact, push each other, and grow, together, as they try to help the Unseelie Kingdom and still stay hidden from Moriath. After all, Moriath is still determined to kill Neve, in her desire to become the true rule of the Unseelie Fae.
The story itself is a retelling of Snow White, and while it is clear, it is also not hitting you over the head with it. The chicks are an adorable stand-in for the seven dwarves, though with far less definition to their personalities (it's hard to anthropomorphize two or three chicks, let alone 7, as side characters!). But as a cute sidekick addition, a reflection of Neve's heart, and a sort of measure of growth for Kylian, they fill a tall order quite nicely. (No, they are not for eating!) I also appreciated the inclusion of more of the original fairy tale, not the Disney-fied version. I enjoy seeing more of Sandvig's Faerie, from the dwarves and dragons to unicorns and piskies and more. There is always something new showing up on the adventures - of which there are plenty, as Neve and Kylian hide their doings from Moriath. And even visiting somewhere or someone from earlier books is fun, and offers its own Easter eggs for those who have read them.
I also liked that the book opens with a pronunciation guide (at least the ARC did), because wow most of the names are not pronounced even remotely like they're spelled! And people tell me French is bad with pronunciation, like only saying half the word. Gaelic (Irish Gaelic?) can give it a run for its money!
Overall, I enjoyed this foray back to Faerie, this time the Unseelie Court. And now please excuse me, I need to bake some cookies...
I received a free eARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. This has not affected my review or rating.
Now for the review!
Ah cozy fantasy. I'm really starting to appreciate you. And when there is baking involved, how can I say no? Neve is a baker by trade and by lifestyle, ever in pursuit of not only the most delicious cookie and pie recipes, but more importantly the perfect apple pie. She tweaks the ratios in the recipe, tries various different types of apples, but she just can't quite find the right flavor she seeks.
And one day, her life turns to upside-down apple pie.
Okay, not quite like that. But a dark loc'd Fae Huntsman comes knocking, silver axe at the ready, and she finds herself whisked away to Tír na nÓg, her precious baby heritage chicks in tow along with her recipe book and fighting sword. The Huntsman, Kylian, had been sent to kill her at her stepmother Queen Moriath's command, but he is done following her orders for more than one reason. Neve might not have known her heritage nor the secrets it holds for her future, but his secrets run far darker. Can he find atonement for the things he has done at Moriath's command? Will Neve's light brighten the darkness encasing his heart? And will Neve be up to face off against the powerful and treacherous Queen Moriath to save the Unseelie Kingdom from her power-hungry darkness?
I've read the other books and novellas in this series, though not since the last one came out, so I would say this one stands quite well on its own. There are cross-over characters from the other stories (and some clues for future ones!), but they fit in their own way in this one, and it never felt too cumbersome. Neve has a very sunny personality, and is very caring and protective. On the other hand we have Kylian, who is haunted by his past deeds and can only hope to make amends for some of the terrible things he has done as Moriath's Huntsman. I enjoyed seeing them interact, push each other, and grow, together, as they try to help the Unseelie Kingdom and still stay hidden from Moriath. After all, Moriath is still determined to kill Neve, in her desire to become the true rule of the Unseelie Fae.
The story itself is a retelling of Snow White, and while it is clear, it is also not hitting you over the head with it. The chicks are an adorable stand-in for the seven dwarves, though with far less definition to their personalities (it's hard to anthropomorphize two or three chicks, let alone 7, as side characters!). But as a cute sidekick addition, a reflection of Neve's heart, and a sort of measure of growth for Kylian, they fill a tall order quite nicely. (No, they are not for eating!) I also appreciated the inclusion of more of the original fairy tale, not the Disney-fied version. I enjoy seeing more of Sandvig's Faerie, from the dwarves and dragons to unicorns and piskies and more. There is always something new showing up on the adventures - of which there are plenty, as Neve and Kylian hide their doings from Moriath. And even visiting somewhere or someone from earlier books is fun, and offers its own Easter eggs for those who have read them.
I also liked that the book opens with a pronunciation guide (at least the ARC did), because wow most of the names are not pronounced even remotely like they're spelled! And people tell me French is bad with pronunciation, like only saying half the word. Gaelic (Irish Gaelic?) can give it a run for its money!
Overall, I enjoyed this foray back to Faerie, this time the Unseelie Court. And now please excuse me, I need to bake some cookies...
I received a free eARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. This has not affected my review or rating.
January 24, 2024
If you have not yet escaped into the Faerie Tale Romance series by Hanna Sandvig then you are missing out on one of the coziest, sweetest, swooniest, most enchanting and heartwarming series I’ve ever read! So GO! GO READ IT! NOW!
Neve loves her simple and sugary sweet life filled with creating scrumptious and mouth watering desserts, brewing the perfect cup of coffee, and searching for the exact variety of apple to perfect her birth mother’s apple pie recipe. Working and running Pie in the Sky—her’s and her adoptive parents cafe—is exactly how she envisions her future. But when a handsome man appears with a whole pack of vicious, deadly, and cursed wolves biting at his heels she realizes that her life has never been what it seemed. And everything has just changed and she is about to embark on both a physical and emotional journey filled with Fae beings, seven adorable emotional support chicks, more magic than she could have ever imagined, lifetime friends with secrets of both their own and hers, a handsome huntsman—who may just steel her heart if she’s not careful—and an evil queen that will stop at nothing to see her dead.
I absolutely adored this enchanting continuation of The Faerie Tale Romances! It is the quintessential combo of sweet, swoonie and magically enchanting that warmed my heart and soothed my soul, but with just the perfect amount of battles, deadly endeavors, and cursed wolves to keep me on the edge of my seat and the pages turning!
Yep! I just had to added Kylian—deadly and foreboding huntsman and sweet, swoony, protector—to my literary harem. I mean…apparently tortured heroes are my new favorite male lead…and Kylian was absolutely yummy. Self sacrificing, self deprecating…I mean he swore off sweets because “he didn’t deserve them”…he was just so endearing and I couldn’t have loved him anymore!
And then there were the seven chicks who were enchanting and sweet and added oh so much fun to the story. My favorite was, of course, Meringue who I helped name when Sandvig held a competition to name them in her newsletter and Facebook group.
And I absolutely adored Sandvig’s twist on the apples in this Snow White Retelling. It was ingenious and creative and I loved it oh so much! I’ve read a lot of Snow White retelling’s but this twist on the Apple was one of the most unique and one of my all time favorites.
So yep! This book was magically, swoony, enchanting perfection! If you like a sweet, cozy, and heartwarmingly perfect story then you just have to read The Frost Gate!
Neve loves her simple and sugary sweet life filled with creating scrumptious and mouth watering desserts, brewing the perfect cup of coffee, and searching for the exact variety of apple to perfect her birth mother’s apple pie recipe. Working and running Pie in the Sky—her’s and her adoptive parents cafe—is exactly how she envisions her future. But when a handsome man appears with a whole pack of vicious, deadly, and cursed wolves biting at his heels she realizes that her life has never been what it seemed. And everything has just changed and she is about to embark on both a physical and emotional journey filled with Fae beings, seven adorable emotional support chicks, more magic than she could have ever imagined, lifetime friends with secrets of both their own and hers, a handsome huntsman—who may just steel her heart if she’s not careful—and an evil queen that will stop at nothing to see her dead.
I absolutely adored this enchanting continuation of The Faerie Tale Romances! It is the quintessential combo of sweet, swoonie and magically enchanting that warmed my heart and soothed my soul, but with just the perfect amount of battles, deadly endeavors, and cursed wolves to keep me on the edge of my seat and the pages turning!
Yep! I just had to added Kylian—deadly and foreboding huntsman and sweet, swoony, protector—to my literary harem. I mean…apparently tortured heroes are my new favorite male lead…and Kylian was absolutely yummy. Self sacrificing, self deprecating…I mean he swore off sweets because “he didn’t deserve them”…he was just so endearing and I couldn’t have loved him anymore!
And then there were the seven chicks who were enchanting and sweet and added oh so much fun to the story. My favorite was, of course, Meringue who I helped name when Sandvig held a competition to name them in her newsletter and Facebook group.
And I absolutely adored Sandvig’s twist on the apples in this Snow White Retelling. It was ingenious and creative and I loved it oh so much! I’ve read a lot of Snow White retelling’s but this twist on the Apple was one of the most unique and one of my all time favorites.
So yep! This book was magically, swoony, enchanting perfection! If you like a sweet, cozy, and heartwarmingly perfect story then you just have to read The Frost Gate!
January 24, 2024
"The Frost Gate" by Hanna Sandvig is a captivating and unique retelling of Snow White that weaves together classic elements with a fresh and engaging storyline. Niamh, a spirited heroine with a heart of gold, finds herself thrust into the world of Faerie when a huntsman arrives, claiming she is a lost princess and the Unseelie Queen is after her.
The story is a delightful blend of humor, drama, action, and romance. Hanna skillfully incorporates twists and turns, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages. The banter between Niamh and Kylian, the grumpy huntsman, adds a sweet and funny touch to their evolving relationship. The presence of seven chickens, a clever nod to the traditional seven dwarves, adds a whimsical element that contributes to the charm of the tale.
The interconnectedness of characters from previous books in the Faerie Tale Romances series enriches the narrative, creating a well-established world filled with enchantment and magic. While the book can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the series in order enhances the overall experience, offering a deeper understanding of the relationships between characters.
Hanna's world-building in Tir na nOg is whimsical, and the Frost Gate itself becomes a doorway to an enchanting faerieland. The healing and growth of the characters, accompanied by moments of laughter and tears, make for a heartwarming experience. The clean romance, with its tender moments, adds a layer of sweetness to the story.
The inclusion of modern elements, such as cell phones, may initially break the immersion for some readers but becomes an interesting blend as the story unfolds. The plot's primary draw lies in the connection between the protagonists, and their journey towards understanding and building their relationship is heartwarming and endearing.
In conclusion, "The Frost Gate" is a lovely and original Snow White retelling that captures the essence of a fairy tale while introducing fresh perspectives. The cozy and charming narrative, coupled with well-developed characters and a touch of magic, makes this book an enjoyable read. Whether you're a fan of fairy tale retellings or looking for a heartwarming story with a touch of fantasy, "The Frost Gate" is a delightful choice. This review is based on an honest reading experience, and I recommend it to those seeking a blend of romance and magic in a fairy tale setting.
* I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.*
The story is a delightful blend of humor, drama, action, and romance. Hanna skillfully incorporates twists and turns, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages. The banter between Niamh and Kylian, the grumpy huntsman, adds a sweet and funny touch to their evolving relationship. The presence of seven chickens, a clever nod to the traditional seven dwarves, adds a whimsical element that contributes to the charm of the tale.
The interconnectedness of characters from previous books in the Faerie Tale Romances series enriches the narrative, creating a well-established world filled with enchantment and magic. While the book can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the series in order enhances the overall experience, offering a deeper understanding of the relationships between characters.
Hanna's world-building in Tir na nOg is whimsical, and the Frost Gate itself becomes a doorway to an enchanting faerieland. The healing and growth of the characters, accompanied by moments of laughter and tears, make for a heartwarming experience. The clean romance, with its tender moments, adds a layer of sweetness to the story.
The inclusion of modern elements, such as cell phones, may initially break the immersion for some readers but becomes an interesting blend as the story unfolds. The plot's primary draw lies in the connection between the protagonists, and their journey towards understanding and building their relationship is heartwarming and endearing.
In conclusion, "The Frost Gate" is a lovely and original Snow White retelling that captures the essence of a fairy tale while introducing fresh perspectives. The cozy and charming narrative, coupled with well-developed characters and a touch of magic, makes this book an enjoyable read. Whether you're a fan of fairy tale retellings or looking for a heartwarming story with a touch of fantasy, "The Frost Gate" is a delightful choice. This review is based on an honest reading experience, and I recommend it to those seeking a blend of romance and magic in a fairy tale setting.
* I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.*
January 15, 2024
First time reading a story by Hanna Sandvig, and there are many positives to say about her work. Her writing is immersive and well crafted. The world is unique and interesting. The plot is intriguing, while the romance ties the story together, showing how differences can balance and make both parties grow.
For readers like myself, the primary draw of the story is the connection between the protagonists. Watching them learn, understand, and build their relationship is heart warming and endearing. Hanna did a wonderful job at showcasing how impactful love can be to a person. I also enjoy that this is a clean, and sweet story. The only aspect of the romance that could be improved is a little more development in the early stages as to why they are drawn to each other.
While the story is primarily a fantasy, many modern elements are woven in. This will ultimately be a matter of preference, but items like cell phones break my immersion into the fantasy world. Another event, the arranged marriages are thought of by the protagonists as the parents not loving them. But within the story, little is shown of the parents not caring for the children. To the contrary, the story notes how these arranged marriages are to provide stability and security for the children and the kingdom. As written, it views these practices from a somewhat narrow worldview, neglecting the context of arranged marriage in other cultures and times.
The story can be read as a standalone, but there are many named characters whom I suspect were in previous books. The relationships of these other characters with the protagonists were well established, more than I saw as a first time reader, leaving me to feel a little bit left out at times.
Overall, I think this is a solid book. The fantasy is unique, the romance is powerful, and the plot exciting. The focus on modernity drew me out of the world a bit, and there were a few moments where I struggled to connect with the characters, which is why I would drop my rating to about a 4.5, rounding up to a five. But I think most readers of clean fantasy romance who enjoy fairy tale retellings would love this book.
For readers like myself, the primary draw of the story is the connection between the protagonists. Watching them learn, understand, and build their relationship is heart warming and endearing. Hanna did a wonderful job at showcasing how impactful love can be to a person. I also enjoy that this is a clean, and sweet story. The only aspect of the romance that could be improved is a little more development in the early stages as to why they are drawn to each other.
While the story is primarily a fantasy, many modern elements are woven in. This will ultimately be a matter of preference, but items like cell phones break my immersion into the fantasy world. Another event, the arranged marriages are thought of by the protagonists as the parents not loving them. But within the story, little is shown of the parents not caring for the children. To the contrary, the story notes how these arranged marriages are to provide stability and security for the children and the kingdom. As written, it views these practices from a somewhat narrow worldview, neglecting the context of arranged marriage in other cultures and times.
The story can be read as a standalone, but there are many named characters whom I suspect were in previous books. The relationships of these other characters with the protagonists were well established, more than I saw as a first time reader, leaving me to feel a little bit left out at times.
Overall, I think this is a solid book. The fantasy is unique, the romance is powerful, and the plot exciting. The focus on modernity drew me out of the world a bit, and there were a few moments where I struggled to connect with the characters, which is why I would drop my rating to about a 4.5, rounding up to a five. But I think most readers of clean fantasy romance who enjoy fairy tale retellings would love this book.
January 26, 2024
This is such a great read! The Rose Gate is my favorite, but the Frost Gate is a close second. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one because I didn't love the Glass Gate, so I was happily surprised at how much I loved this book. Some of the wonderful things about Hanna Sandvig's stories are that they aren't overly dark, there's lots of romance yet it stays clean, and there's plenty of humor. There were several points in this book where I laughed out loud. She weaves in enough of the original fairytale to make it identifiable but also manages to really make it her own. I loved all the side characters, and the chickens! Everyone has such a distinct personality. The sunshiny baker princess and the grumpy woodsman was a really fun dynamic too. I really appreciate how Neve uses baking as her stress reliever and does not apologize for needing it, but actually advocates for self care. It's refreshing to see that in books. I also love that we got some fun interactions with characters from the other books in the series.
The Frost Gate is supposed to be the last in the main series and definitely wraps up a lot of story lines, but there are still a bunch of questions that are kept open. I hope Hanna Sandvig will address these soon because the series doesn't quite feel finished to me. Overall it was a very satisfying read though and one I'll want to reread soon! It had been awhile since I read the other books in the series, but I already started to go back and reread the other books and novellas. If you haven't read the other stories, I highly suggest it! While it technically isn't necessary, it would give you a lot more background info and context. And if you're starting with this book, definitely go back and read the others! I don't want to give anything away, but the glimpses of Kylian and his actions in the other books definitely helps me better understand his overall character and his role under Moriath's rule.
I received an ARC of this book but all opinions are my own.
The Frost Gate is supposed to be the last in the main series and definitely wraps up a lot of story lines, but there are still a bunch of questions that are kept open. I hope Hanna Sandvig will address these soon because the series doesn't quite feel finished to me. Overall it was a very satisfying read though and one I'll want to reread soon! It had been awhile since I read the other books in the series, but I already started to go back and reread the other books and novellas. If you haven't read the other stories, I highly suggest it! While it technically isn't necessary, it would give you a lot more background info and context. And if you're starting with this book, definitely go back and read the others! I don't want to give anything away, but the glimpses of Kylian and his actions in the other books definitely helps me better understand his overall character and his role under Moriath's rule.
I received an ARC of this book but all opinions are my own.
February 1, 2024
This may very well be my favorite Snow White retelling ever! Hanna Sandvig has some 🙌 cool writing skills, pulling the reader into this cozy story that delivers on the action; the tender, sweet, slow-burn romance, the slight suspense/hold-your-breath moments, and the cute animal side characters.
For real, I loved Neve/Niamh's arc through this story, finding it relatable to how she took the "chosen one" news, but also making me cheer her on during her journey. Her love for animals is so cute, especially with the 7 (or 8—gotta love the majestic, fluffy 🦉) feathery sidekicks, and her finding out her heritage and all it entailed was pretty special. Kylian is the most lovable grump with a heart of gold (or, yes, inner cinnamon roll) that made for one of my favorite/most enjoyable heroes in a while. I mean, he's protective, a warrior, takes care of her, has been sacrificing for the good of everyone (Princess included) for centuries, loves to read in his downtime, and changes dramatically in his relationship with the chickens. What's not to love? (Seriously, his interactions with Essie had my heart. And that "naming the chickens" scene? Hilarious!) Oh, and the fact that ? Best retelling ever!
Readers of this series will love the continuation of this story/world, and new readers are strongly encouraged to catch up with the other previous books. If not, you'll just learn to roll with all the names until you get the hang of it (having only read one book before this one, I was surprised it wasn't as long as I thought it'd take). Still, I completely recommend this book/series to anyone looking for a cozy fairytale retelling with a sassy, sword-wielding heroine and a protective, warrior hero. ~ 5 stars!
For real, I loved Neve/Niamh's arc through this story, finding it relatable to how she took the "chosen one" news, but also making me cheer her on during her journey. Her love for animals is so cute, especially with the 7 (or 8—gotta love the majestic, fluffy 🦉) feathery sidekicks, and her finding out her heritage and all it entailed was pretty special. Kylian is the most lovable grump with a heart of gold (or, yes, inner cinnamon roll) that made for one of my favorite/most enjoyable heroes in a while. I mean, he's protective, a warrior, takes care of her, has been sacrificing for the good of everyone (Princess included) for centuries, loves to read in his downtime, and changes dramatically in his relationship with the chickens. What's not to love? (Seriously, his interactions with Essie had my heart. And that "naming the chickens" scene? Hilarious!) Oh, and the fact that ? Best retelling ever!
Readers of this series will love the continuation of this story/world, and new readers are strongly encouraged to catch up with the other previous books. If not, you'll just learn to roll with all the names until you get the hang of it (having only read one book before this one, I was surprised it wasn't as long as I thought it'd take). Still, I completely recommend this book/series to anyone looking for a cozy fairytale retelling with a sassy, sword-wielding heroine and a protective, warrior hero. ~ 5 stars!
January 11, 2024
The Frost Gate - A Review
So I got to read this book early as a Typo Hunter and I read in less than two days! I loved every minute of it! Here we go:
I loved this book! I never expect less from Hanna Sandvig at this point as she crafts a wonderful story with excellent world building, making it the perfect blend of Disney, Hallmark sweetness, and fairytale lore. It’s also just filled to the brim with absolute cuteness!!!🥰🥰🥰 Just wait until you meet her seven… Chickens! 🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥
My only complaint with the story is that I’m not the biggest fan of stubborn female leads, and Neve definitely qualifies as that, but she doesn’t commit the sin I’ve seen so often of “strong, independent female leads” who don’t admit when they’re wrong or need help, especially from a man. Can you tell I’m not the most feminist woman out there? Shocking, but true. As grating to me as some of Hanna’s more stubborn female leads have been, including Neve, I’ve admired how she doesn’t take the male characters and break them down just to build the female ones up. They work together and that’s actually the message of this book in a way. Better together. And I love that. Rant on modern feminism aside…
So go ahead, sit down with a cup of tea or a mug of coffee, a slice of apple pie or a cookie (because everyone deserves a cookie), and enjoy this beautiful Snow White retelling that’s sure to be more memorable than the live action movie Disney needs to give up on - because this story did such a good job blending elements of the original fairytale and the 1937 Disney film with a modern flare!
Oh, and this was a sweet, clean romance, just kissing!
So I got to read this book early as a Typo Hunter and I read in less than two days! I loved every minute of it! Here we go:
I loved this book! I never expect less from Hanna Sandvig at this point as she crafts a wonderful story with excellent world building, making it the perfect blend of Disney, Hallmark sweetness, and fairytale lore. It’s also just filled to the brim with absolute cuteness!!!🥰🥰🥰 Just wait until you meet her seven… Chickens! 🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥
My only complaint with the story is that I’m not the biggest fan of stubborn female leads, and Neve definitely qualifies as that, but she doesn’t commit the sin I’ve seen so often of “strong, independent female leads” who don’t admit when they’re wrong or need help, especially from a man. Can you tell I’m not the most feminist woman out there? Shocking, but true. As grating to me as some of Hanna’s more stubborn female leads have been, including Neve, I’ve admired how she doesn’t take the male characters and break them down just to build the female ones up. They work together and that’s actually the message of this book in a way. Better together. And I love that. Rant on modern feminism aside…
So go ahead, sit down with a cup of tea or a mug of coffee, a slice of apple pie or a cookie (because everyone deserves a cookie), and enjoy this beautiful Snow White retelling that’s sure to be more memorable than the live action movie Disney needs to give up on - because this story did such a good job blending elements of the original fairytale and the 1937 Disney film with a modern flare!
Oh, and this was a sweet, clean romance, just kissing!
January 21, 2024
I was lucky enough to get this book as an ARC and have thoroughly enjoyed reading it. There’s been buildup towards it through the preceding books in this series, so it was fun to get the pay off. Despite this, I think this book would work just fine as a standalone if you haven’t read the others and want to start here.
This book is a lovely, original Snow White retelling featuring a “Snow White” character who isn’t named Snow and who is far more active in her own story than many Snow White types are or get to be. I thoroughly enjoyed how Sandvig incorporates the Snow White elements (they are all there) into her book in a fresh, new way. Also, there’s a point in the story when I absolutely knew what was coming next, and even to some degree how it was going to unfold. And this did not make the story feel tired or predictable. Instead it completely heightened the tension and angst for the character.
Which may be misleading, because I also found this book to be refreshingly non-angst-y for the most part. So, really I’m just referring to one particular scene.
I also really enjoyed the slow burn romance (which is completely sweet/clean for those who wish to know this sort of thing in either direction). There are elements of enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, and arranged engagement tropes that all come through in Niamh and Kylian’s relationship, but through it all there’s a warmth in their communications that I appreciated and when they finally acknowledge their feelings, their openness and vulnerability with one another is very sweet.
This book is a lovely, original Snow White retelling featuring a “Snow White” character who isn’t named Snow and who is far more active in her own story than many Snow White types are or get to be. I thoroughly enjoyed how Sandvig incorporates the Snow White elements (they are all there) into her book in a fresh, new way. Also, there’s a point in the story when I absolutely knew what was coming next, and even to some degree how it was going to unfold. And this did not make the story feel tired or predictable. Instead it completely heightened the tension and angst for the character.
Which may be misleading, because I also found this book to be refreshingly non-angst-y for the most part. So, really I’m just referring to one particular scene.
I also really enjoyed the slow burn romance (which is completely sweet/clean for those who wish to know this sort of thing in either direction). There are elements of enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, and arranged engagement tropes that all come through in Niamh and Kylian’s relationship, but through it all there’s a warmth in their communications that I appreciated and when they finally acknowledge their feelings, their openness and vulnerability with one another is very sweet.
January 14, 2024
Hanna Sandvig has written another wonderful fairytale retelling of Snow White. In this story you have Neve, who ends up being a lost princess, and Kylian, her supposedly fae protector. Throughout the story other characters from Hanna's previous books show up which makes it even more interesting. Neve is not your typical teenager, her parents had her take lessons in sword training while helping them run a bakery in the human town of Pilot Bay. Neve loves to bake, always trying to make that perfect apple pie but just can't seem to find the right apples. She always wanted pets and ended up hatching chickens, which became her pets. Suddenly, she is thrust into the faerie realm and is expected to save a kingdom and all the faerie creatures in it. Can she destroy the wicked Queen and become a Queen herself? I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Snow White and am always sad to see a Hanna story end. I loved the happily ever after ending and the epilogue was great. I did receive an ARC copy but these are my own comments. A statement in the book says "We are stronger together" and that is the best summary for this book. We can accomplish anything when we work together in solving our problems. I give this 5 stars and strongly recommend this book. It truly gives you that warm fuzzy feeling in reading this tale of love, action and working together.
January 24, 2024
5* again
What can I say a very good retelling of snow white - Neve was a great snow white and one thing I loved in particular was she actually wasn't the defenceless normal princess - she came with sword skills that I admit I would have loved to read more of - her training sessions with kylian I definitely needed more of!!!
Now our lead male the huntsman/prince kylian was excellent and loved his grump (especially with the coffee scene at the beginning)
I love Hanna's writing style. Though I definitely would have enjoyed more of a flesh out of the sword training scenes (I just wanted more)
And I loved all the old characters making their appearance (the dwarves are hilarious -the two kings I loved so much)
Now the chickens ... Very interesting cause I know if I were carrying baby chick around with me I'd be a nervous reck making sure they were well cared for (this was nicely done and I dont feel anxious incase one of them got killed)
The pacing of the story was good I don't feel it was rushed, nor was the ending rushed which is a pet peeve of mine the characters actually had a good ending and left it open for the next story in this world.
It was an interesting ending to the evil queen so I'm going to love seeing what is next.
Thank you to the author for RAC and I hope you like the honest review.
What can I say a very good retelling of snow white - Neve was a great snow white and one thing I loved in particular was she actually wasn't the defenceless normal princess - she came with sword skills that I admit I would have loved to read more of - her training sessions with kylian I definitely needed more of!!!
Now our lead male the huntsman/prince kylian was excellent and loved his grump (especially with the coffee scene at the beginning)
I love Hanna's writing style. Though I definitely would have enjoyed more of a flesh out of the sword training scenes (I just wanted more)
And I loved all the old characters making their appearance (the dwarves are hilarious -the two kings I loved so much)
Now the chickens ... Very interesting cause I know if I were carrying baby chick around with me I'd be a nervous reck making sure they were well cared for (this was nicely done and I dont feel anxious incase one of them got killed)
The pacing of the story was good I don't feel it was rushed, nor was the ending rushed which is a pet peeve of mine the characters actually had a good ending and left it open for the next story in this world.
It was an interesting ending to the evil queen so I'm going to love seeing what is next.
Thank you to the author for RAC and I hope you like the honest review.
January 12, 2024
My favorite Snow White retelling!
Neve is happy baking and running her parents cafe in Pilot Bay until an arrogant (but gorgeous) stranger interrupts her life with a crazy tale of her being a hidden Fairy Princess and forces her to immediately flee for her life. Well, she’s certainly not leaving without the 7 chicks she just hatched or her book of apple pie recipes!
Animal loving, pie baking Neve is a terrific main character, but all the other characters are great, too. I loved how Sandvig twisted some of the details of the fairytale into this retelling - the 7 chicks and the apple motif are inspired! I also really enjoyed the different settings; the dwarf's mountain home, the cozy cottage in the snow, the Faerie woods, the ice castle - they were all creative and beautifully described. Talking animals, bickering Dwarf Kings, secret dream women, and an epic final battle -there’s a lot to love in this story!
While technically this could be read as a standalone, I think these books are better read in order. This book in particular brings together some threads and characters from earlier stories. It’s been too long since I read the earlier books and I’d forgotten a lot of details. And it’s such a fun world to revisit!
Neve is happy baking and running her parents cafe in Pilot Bay until an arrogant (but gorgeous) stranger interrupts her life with a crazy tale of her being a hidden Fairy Princess and forces her to immediately flee for her life. Well, she’s certainly not leaving without the 7 chicks she just hatched or her book of apple pie recipes!
Animal loving, pie baking Neve is a terrific main character, but all the other characters are great, too. I loved how Sandvig twisted some of the details of the fairytale into this retelling - the 7 chicks and the apple motif are inspired! I also really enjoyed the different settings; the dwarf's mountain home, the cozy cottage in the snow, the Faerie woods, the ice castle - they were all creative and beautifully described. Talking animals, bickering Dwarf Kings, secret dream women, and an epic final battle -there’s a lot to love in this story!
While technically this could be read as a standalone, I think these books are better read in order. This book in particular brings together some threads and characters from earlier stories. It’s been too long since I read the earlier books and I’d forgotten a lot of details. And it’s such a fun world to revisit!
November 4, 2024
This is my favorite of the series, but don't start here. Even though all the books in the series are called stand alones, and the rest work like that, this one does not. To fully understand what's going on you have to read all the other books in the series (except maybe Lily Gate). Of all the female protagonists, this one (the name I choose might be a spoiler, so I'll go with Snow White) is my favorite. She does HEMA! That is, Historical European Martial Arts, swings a sword around and is in general awesome. This does not fall into the girl boss trope. She's a girl that can sword, but that doesn't define her. She's also a girly girl and into baking. There is so much to her character that you'd get tired of all my gushing.
There are also dwarves. More akin to Tolkien than Disney, thank you. But there aren't seven of them… there are seven chickens. This was a hilarious twist that made me laugh so hard. Speaking of laughing, this is full of stuff that made me smile. The dwarves are hilarious in everything they do. They have a completely unexplained obsession with soup that was taken to the perfect level. It was absurd enough to be funny, but the author knew when to quit before it got irritating.
There are also dwarves. More akin to Tolkien than Disney, thank you. But there aren't seven of them… there are seven chickens. This was a hilarious twist that made me laugh so hard. Speaking of laughing, this is full of stuff that made me smile. The dwarves are hilarious in everything they do. They have a completely unexplained obsession with soup that was taken to the perfect level. It was absurd enough to be funny, but the author knew when to quit before it got irritating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews