OMEN OF ICE

A magical error binds human and Fae and thaws a kingdom’s frozen secrets.

As a member of a druid order sworn to protect the Winter Fae, 18-year-old Keltania has spent most of her life training to serve as a guard in the Winter Lands, the sole place in the kingdom where magic still thrives. The initial honor she feels about protecting Valen, the court’s reluctant heir, quickly vanishes upon meeting the arrogant, wolfish, 19-year-old Fae. She performs her duty to safeguard Valen’s life and clandestine magic while warding off his repeated advances. When the use of a protective sigil has unexpected consequences, Keltania and Valen are plunged into events stemming from truths about Valen’s origins, the histories of their people, and their growing mutual attraction. Chapters alternate between the leads’ first-person perspectives, allowing for rich internal monologues that soften Valen’s persistently sexual dialogue and negging, which readers may find abrasive when combined with the unequal power dynamics. Shifting the setting beyond the Winter Lands invigorates the pacing and plot development. An entertaining side quest involving trolls enriches the narrative and serves to introduce several well-developed supporting characters like a trickster kelpie. The briskly paced ending brings initial resolution and forecasts conflict for additional installments. Keltania and Valen are described as pale-skinned; Keltania has red hair and hazel eyes, and Valen has black hair and violet eyes.

A mixed start for a feisty fantasy romance series.