Gena Showalter does it again, guys! This time with a brand new series that I am so excited about!

When I first read about Shadow and Ice I was excited about the premise. A new take on ancient gods, how they came to be, who were they really, what were they doing on Earth, is always going to grab my attention. Pair that with the Showalter name and I was ready to read this book as fast as possible. The book starts with a formal document detailing the rules of an All War, the competition that decides which realm will rule the new planet discovered, Earth. I love the idea of multiple realms searching for new planets, and the idea of them competing for it is really interesting.

The story moves to present times shortly after that, and we get to meet Vale. Vale is an intriguing character. She has a condition I've never heard of before, called synesthesia, which in her case it means she can taste sounds. Once she enters the war, this particular ability proves to be an asset for her. Vale is very stubborn. Even though Knox does everything in his power to teach her how to be a good combatant, therefore not trust anyone, Vale wants to believe there's a chance for them all if only they can find trustworthy allies. Vale and Knox had a very interesting dynamic. Beyond the sexual attraction between the two, I could feel the way Knox really wanted to trust her, even though his brain was telling him to kill her and be done with it. Vale, on the other hand, has had a rough life, but she was willing to trust Knox to be a real team player and not come at her when she was at her most vulnerable. Which, when you hear about her childhood, is really amazing and inspiring. She's also a fighter. She might not like the fact that she has unwittingly entered this war and she might have doubts and moments in which she hates what she has to do in order to stay alive, but she's willing to fight and she's not going to give up living. I liked that about her.

Knox is kind of a morally ambiguous character and I loved that about him. He's not a team player, he's not the kind of guy you can or should trust, and he is willing to do anything in order to win. He is driven by his need for revenge, and the reader finds out why later on in the story, so I found it easy to accept why he does what he does, why he betrays alliances, why he tries to distance himself from everyone. I couldn't help but root for him, even when he did some pretty shady things, things I probably wouldn't have been okay with from some other character, but his reasons, his pain really, makes it all almost acceptable. I really felt sorry for him, and at times he managed to break my heart. I also loved the fact that even though he could have betrayed Vale when she was at her most vulnerable, he didn't, in fact he went above and beyond to keep her safe and make sure she wouldn't die.

I have to say that, unlike the previous Gena Showalter books I've read, I had a little bit of a hard time following the entire mythology of this new series. It's a big world, there were a lot of names and realms to discover and remember, so at times I found it difficult to follow the story because of that. I also found the ending a bit too abrupt. I guess it matches the story, in a way, and I'm hoping the repercussions of what Knox had to do at the end of the book will be explored in the sequel.

That aside, I had a lot of fun reading this book. I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in the series, especially since towards the end of this book some things were revealed to the main characters that might change the course of the All War. I can't wait for more!

This is my first book by Gena Showalter and OMFG WHY HAVE I WAITED! Her attention to detail, let alone the concept she has come up with this book has my mind blown and dying for more! Her words are pure gold. While the book is a little slow out of the gates, the build up is worth it as you have an interesting take on a battle royale with winner take all. I love the banter between Vale and Knox and how things played out for these two. While there is a lot of information thrown at you in this book, please wait it out. I found it overwhelming at times but it made sense in the long run. I love chemistry as well as the lore that created this book. If you want something unique, snag up this one!

I adore Gena Showalter and her paranormal stories. I would give this one 3.5 stars. I was so excited that she was starting a new series. I could not wait to dig in. I really enjoyed the start to this new series. I liked the ideas behind the world these characters live in and I am curious to learn more. The world building was very well done. The only trouble I had with this story, is it just felt a convoluted at times and I was a little lost in places, but I am definitely interested in continuing on with this story and learning more. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

This is a super compelling start to a new series. Knox is a warrior from another realm, sent to Earth during Viking Times as part of an all-war. This is basically a thunderdome type situation where only one warrior will be left standing. However, an enemy traps them all into ice.....fast forward to modern day, and the ice is cracking. Knox frees himself in time to save a human woman named Vale who happens to be nearby.

I love stories about super cold, calculating men brought low by love, and this book totally delivers. I am very much looking forward to upcoming books in the series. Especially because Vale's sister Nola has been taken by another warrior. Delicious.

It had been a long time since I had read fantastic romance, especially Gena Showalter and it was frankly a pure pleasure to find her sensual and sexy pen.

Knox is a warrior from another world, he’s immortal and is sent to Earth with other immortal warriors from other worlds like him. They wage a war, at the end of which the king of the victor’s world becomes the owner of the planet in question.

I won’t tell you anymore and let you discover the story for yourself.

Knox is a very intelligent warrior, this is his fifth war and he intends to win it in order to gain his freedom, to no longer be a slave and to be able to take revenge. All this was before meeting Vale, a young and beautiful human being, who suffered as much as he did and who doesn’t let anyone walk on his feet. Knox wants to win at all costs, that’s what he’s always done, he doesn’t trust anyone, he’s a bully. However, he also has a good side, he is sexy, protective of Vale, he also suffered a lot at the hands of his king.

Vale is a charming young girl who has gone on a road trip with her sister, during this trip their guide abandons them and they will discover warriors in a cave. Vale will be kidnapped by Knox while her sister will be kidnapped by Zion. Knox and Vale will get to know each other, she will especially teach him about the land and he will explain to her everything there is to know about war.

I loved Knox and Vale, they’re both too cute together, they keep looking for each other and it provides some pretty nice moments.

Gena Showalter knew how to create a romantic and downright sexy love story, I was hot, very hot and it’s really nice to find this kind of story again. I look forward to reading on and finding out what will happen to Knox, Vale, Nola, Zion and Bane.

Quick word: A great story to read imperatively.

Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter is book one in her Gods of War series.
Meet Knox. He's forced to fight for his king, his realm, his freedom. He's like a machine, emotions are useless to him, a powerful alpha male. ´til he meets Vale London. Vale is on vacation with her sister Nola and the women stumble over the warriors from a distant planet. She gets sucked inmto the intrigues and fights of this ancient world and their war.
Vale is the enemy who has to be beaten at all costs, but at the same time he can't get her out of his head.
Shadow and Ice is a slow burn, enemies to lovers story, well written, left me a bit confused in the end, but all in all a good read. Fands of the author will love this new world she crafted, a world of violence, original and breathtaking beautiful, dark and more. I give 4 dark pnr stars.

An interdimensional Hunger Games for adults.
Gena Showalter's epic new paranormal romance saga, GODS OF WAR, pits warrior against warrior with Earth as the battleground. The Prize? Earth.

The journey begins with book one, Shadow And Ice...

Knox of Iviland has spent his life competing in the All Wars, where vicious warriors with supernatural powers fight to the death to claim new realms. One winner takes everything — and all losers die. Enslaved as a child for his ability to control shadows, the most ruthless champion in history will stop at nothing to kill his king. But first he must win the battle for Earth. When a fearsome weapon imprisons every combatant in ice, centuries pass without progress…until she walks in.

Vale London craves a fun arctic getaway with her foster sister before settling down to open a bakery. Street-tough but vulnerable, she is unprepared to find ancient gods escaping a frozen cave — merciless beings who target her when she inadvertently enters their war.

Though Vale is now his enemy, Knox is consumed with lust and a fierce need to protect her. But only one combatant can prove victorious, and he will have to choose: live for freedom, or die for love.

Want to know a little more about the characters?

Knox of Iviland is a battle-hardened, alpha, warrior - cold, bitter and bloodthirsty - he will do whatever it takes to win. Including, keeping close to a woman, when everything he's ever known has shown him not to trust or show mercy.
Vale London is a strong, tough, take charge woman who's been kicked in the teeth and knocked around by life for too many years to count.

Although extremely wary of each other, the two will have to work together if they want to survive.

My thoughts on the book?
This is a book unlike any that I have read before and is a definite must read.
People (adults!) who enjoyed reading The Hunger Games may especially get a kick out of it. I can't wait to read the next book in this awesome new series.
Highly Recommended.

When I first heard about this series I had a mini heart attack from the excitement, a new paranormal romance from GENA SHOWALTER, Heck yeah, gimme, gimme, gimme!
I will say that there is a lot happening in this book but I blame that on it being the first book in an entirely new series and world. There is a lot of information to pass along and characters to meet. It can be confusing if you aren't paying close attention. I will say that in the back of the book Gena adds a index of all the characters that is particularly helpful because there are a lot and it can be hard to keep up with who is alive or dead and who has what powers.

All in all though I really loved this book. I loved this new world but with the feel we have come to know from Gena, the snark, the depth of the characters, even if it seems like they are nothing more than meat heads, the concept of their being a fine line between good and evil and who gets the right to decide what is and what isn't.

I quite enjoyed these characters as individuals. Their stories will break you heart and the depth of love that they have for others is a beautiful thing. Together they were a mixed bag, I wanted a stronger connection but can't deny that they connection in and of it's self was hot. I feel like due to the amount of information that had to be shared in this first book the relationship of the main characters may have suffered some. When it comes down to it though this is a book about learning to trust and I can say with out reservation that these two characters walk away with complete faith in one another.

Knox's internal monologue may have been one of my favorite parts. Just 'watching' this warrior fight with himself was entertaining. Seeing how he acted like the big bad fierce warrior on the outside but was a man who wanted more than revenge and battle on the inside made me smile. He really is a big old teddy bear when everything else is pushed to the side. Vale, is a kick butt heroine. I want so much more of her. Once she gets on board she doesn't even wait to take names after kicking tush. The way she announced herself at the first gathering after she comes into the picture is one of the best parts! They are both broken on the inside, both in one way or another having been beaten down, but they are two of the strongest characters out there. They are two people who will overcome their circumstances not become their circumstances.

I am really excited for Nola and Bane's book, mainly because until a certain moment in the book I had no idea that was even going to be the connection, it was unexpected and super exciting!

This is a great start to a new series. Go in with a lot of time on your hands just so you can sort through everything in your mind, but be ready for an exciting ride.

Sidenote: I partially listened to the narration of this as well and I will say the male narrator was not my favorite, I felt like there was a campiness to the way he read Knox that isn't there in Gena's words. I loved the dual POV narration though, it felt really 'alive' that way.

~ HAPPY READING ~

I totally love Gena Showalter's writing so when I saw that she was starting a new series I knew I had to jump on it. How could I not try a book where the men and women from different worlds fighting a war in our world!

Doesn't it sound like a great idea? I thought so which is why I had to read it.

The story starts out very well. You find yourself wanting to know more and more. Who are these people and why are they doing what they are doing? So many questions. I just couldn't wait to get into it and find out the answers to my questions.

Right away I liked the characters. Showalter has a talent for writing great guys. Ones you want to know more about. Knox is so battle hardened that you have trouble at first thinking of him as a hero. Yes, you know right away that he loved his daughter but that's all you get from him. It's as he gets to know Vale that you see who he really is.

I really liked these two together. The one liners they gave each other cracked me up at times. They worked even when they didn't know it.

As a whole the story isn't a bad one. It does suffer a bit from first book in a new series syndrome. At times you feel information is coming at you from everywhere and you can become slightly confused. Not that we know all the players the next in the series should be much easier to read.

Terrific supernatural story and start to a new series by a favorite author of mine. Seriously hot Alpha immortals, sassy fierce heroines, supernatural abilities and weapons, and a fight to the end. It's classic Gena Showalter! Exciting storyline with bloody battles, alien technology and lots of dangerous immortals that invade Earth and endanger its inhabitants. The fiercest of all is badass assassin Knox but is he good or really, really bad? He's good at war and bad for his opponents. He had a cold heart until he encounters Vale. She's the spitfire mortal that's in the wrong place at the right time and otherworldly Knox captures her during battle. Thus begins a battle of wills with tons of heat and surprises for the two. There's a lot going on in this first story setting up for the continuation of the series with earthlings trying to save their world and immortals from other realms and worlds trying to win Earth by waging war. Loved it! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC and bought the book. 4.5 stars

4.5 STARS!! A Fabulous and Exciting read!!

Enslaved as a child for his ability to control shadows, the most ruthless champion in history will stop at nothing to kill his king, but he must win the battle for Earth in order to achive his goal. However, Knox finds himself imprisoned in ice, just waiting for the day he can be freed and continue his battle; instead he encounters a beautiful girl who stirs something inside him that no one has before.

Vale London craves a fun arctic getaway with her foster sister before settling down to open a bakery. Street-tough but vulnerable, she is unprepared to find ancient gods escaping a frozen cave—merciless beings who target her when she inadvertently enters their war.

I won't go into detail because I hate to spoil it for you! All in all, Shadow and Ice is exciting, intriguing, intense, action-packed, nail biting, sexy, all-consuming and aggresive. An amazing way to start this series which is taking place in the human realm. (Not for the faint of heart (blood and gore. lots of it))


Can’t wait for the next installment!

Verdict: If the TV show Highlander and Marvel’s Ragnarok had a baby, it might read something like this. Book one of a brand new series by Gena Showalter, set up some pretty awesome world-building filled with tons of potential for an outstanding series. If you’ve read Showalter’s work before, the characters are pretty typical with a big strong alpha male, and a feisty snarky female who get into tons of trouble. If you like these character tropes set in a paranormal world, pick this one up for a good time. You won’t be disappointed.

*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Like I said before when I shared an excerpt for Shadow & Ice, this is my first paranormal romance by this author! I have only read one of the books in a young adult series that she also wrote.

While I really enjoyed Shadow & Ice, I have to be honest and say it took me a few chapters to really get this story and understand the world. The prologue starts out a bit cryptic for me and I didn't quite understand everything in the beginning. As I went along, I definitely started understanding everything more.

I have read a few people describing this as Hunger Games. I can definitely see that link, but a paranormal version. In All Wars, the winner is the last one standing. I also have to warn you that this book is bloody! Gena isn't afraid to describe bodyparts flying around and what it looks like.

Our two main characters are really interesting though. Knox has never known freedom. He was enslaved as a child for his abilities with shadows. Knox needs to win the All Wars to be free. After losing so much, he's ready to be on his own. Gena's description of him is impressing and I wouldn't mind seeing him walking down the street, haha.

Vale hasn't had the easiest life, but has come out of it stronger. Her foster sister is important to her and she can't wait to open up a bakery together. Things get interesting when there fun getaway becomes less fun. While trying to find food and a way back to society, finding a cave with frozen warriors wasn't on her wishlist.

Shadows & Ice is filled with some steamy scenes, but also a lot of humor. Gena even used a Harry Potter reference, I was sold after that! I loved seeing the relationship between Vale and Knox grow. I'm all for the dominant caveman idea, but sometimes he was a bit too much. Being frozen for quite awhile, he still doesn't trust easily, which is understandable.

Vale is sassy and maybe a tad bit insecure, but she is stronger than she thinks. Instead of going into complete panic mode when everything started to happen she took things as they happened. I don't know if I would've been able to say the same if the roles were reversed.

I haven't read many paranormal romances, so I don't have much to compare this to. All in all, a definitely exciting and sexy read. I do think I will keep an eye on the next release to this series!

I wanted to love this, I really did. But after 2 weeks of trying to choke this book down like an extra serving of Brussel sprouts, I’m throwing in the towel: DNF @ 33%

I’m sorry. Normally I love Showalter’s paranormal romances, but I just couldn’t get into this weird Viking hunger games nonsense. I couldn’t see or get a feel for the world cause there was just. so. much.

I’m giving it 3 stars cause the blurb sounds interesting and Showalter is an amazing author. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood. Idk. I’ll try it again I’m sure but for now....pass.

This is the first novel by Gena Showalter that I have read in the romance adult section. I have read one of her YA novels before and really enjoyed it. And I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well! It was awesome and I loved the vibe from this book! She just brought this intense and well rounded world to life and really liked what it brought to the table. Her world building is just fantastic, nothing was too complicated and you could really get an idea of where you were at during this story. She also really made me interested in getting back into paranormal romance because I haven't been reading much of it in the past few months. It was one of my favorite genres and I miss it after reading this book. Thank you Gena! I highly recommend this novel, it's a fun read! You won't want to put it down, and you'll find yourself falling for Knox and Vale and wanting the best for me during this novel. I'm excited for the next novel! I enjoyed the other characters and I want to read more about them and have them get their stories told! I need it! Badly!

Shadow and Ice

**received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Once again Gena Showalter brings to life a story that grips you from the beginning till the end. Knox and Vale’s story is filled with action, suspense, and sexual tension that will have you glued to the pages. Knox not only has to fight for his planet, but also his life. And during this time he will meet someone who could change everything for him. Their relationship will be tested but if they trust in one another they could finally find what they have been looking for. If you are a fan of Gena you won’t want to miss this book!

Quite an interesting start to this series! I've read just about all of the Lords of the Underworld series, so I thought I knew what I was getting into when I started this book, and I'm happy to say that my preconceived notions were way off base. I will say that this book doesn't shy away from the visuals of war, it's bloody and descriptive (which I love!)

Unbelievably, there's chemistry between Knox and Vale; I say unbelievably because Knox is a supernatural warrior fighting for his freedom, and Vale is a woman on vacation with her sister and they happen to stumble onto the cave filled with frozen beings. The sisters inadvertently set the warriors free, thus getting caught up in the ongoing battle amongst the gods. The chemistry between Knox and Vale is hot, but it's their interactions that had me laughing at times; Vale's witty and snarky, and poor Knox hasn't the first clue of Earth and its societies today, since he's been frozen for centuries.

Vale might not have the first clue about what the war is about, but that doesn't stop her from fighting for her life (I mean who wouldn't, since all of the focus is suddenly on them?) Plus she's fighting for her sister's life as well, and that is what's most important for Vale.

Wow!

What an amazing first book in a NEW Gena Showalter series, I am digging this new world she has created.

A Lot happens in this book, as always because it is a first book in a new series, you get that eeehh what is happening feel, but as always she nails it.

I loved the writing, and the characters and I am excited for more.

✦Blog Tour, Review & Excerpt: SHADOW AND ICE (Gods of War) by Gena Showalter https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aV3
Publication Date: October 23, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

I am so excited about this new series! I’m obsessed with Gena Showalter’s new world of immortals after devouring SHADOW AND ICE. I fell in love with Knox and was cheering for Val. Gena Showalter always creates such great female characters. I want stories for all the characters now. It’s a toss-up on who I want more. I want them and I want them now! I’m adding my Gods of War addiction to my LOTU addiction. Fans of Gena Showalter’s LOTU Series will enjoy this series but you do not need to read the series before you pick up this one. It’s a separate series. I highly recommend this new series for paranormal romance lovers.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle http://amzn.to/2oJw52g | Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/2oI1Ska

LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD INFO:
✦PRE-ORDER: THE DARKEST CAPTIVE: A Lords of the Underworld Novella by Gena Showalter (Paranormal Romance) (Releasing 12/04/18) ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/2CZOY5E

✿LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD SERIES BY GENA SHOWALTER✿
Amazon Series Link http://amzn.to/2yzQLQF
✦THE DARKEST FIRE (this is a bonus story and you don't have to read it to understand the series or the characters) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2yElhGz
✦THE DARKEST NIGHT - Maddox (Violence) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2iX58HF
✦THE DARKEST KISS - Lucien (Death) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2gVyKSC
✦THE DARKEST PLEASURE - Reyes (Pain) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2yzrlCC
✦THE DARKEST PRISON (Novella) - Atlas and Nike (another bonus story) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2xccs5b
✦THE DARKEST WHISPER - Sabin (Doubt) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2xW3MUY
✦THE DARKEST ANGEL - Lysander and Bianka ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2gXVBNz
✦INTO THE DARK - a compendium of The Darkest Fire and The Darkest Prison printed inside, plus the original The Darkest Facts ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2zseQFt
✦THE DARKEST PASSION - Aeron (Wrath) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2yyIGLW
✦THE DARKEST LIE - Gideon (Lies) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2xcwA7l
✦THE DARKEST SECRET - Amun (Secrets) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2gWHcRr
✦THE DARKEST SURRENDER - Strider (Defeat) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2gWhCw4
✦THE DARKEST SEDUCTION - Paris (Promiscuity) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2gWstpW
✦THE DARKEST CRAVING - Kane (Disaster) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2xcNl2a
✦THE DARKEST TOUCH - Torin (Disease) ➢ Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1Fm | Kindle http://amzn.to/2zqzWnO
✦THE DARKEST TORMENT - Baden (Distrust) ➢ Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-759 | Kindle http://amzn.to/2lH2Mxp
✦THE DARKEST PROMISE - Cameo (Misery) ➢ Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-90y | Kindle http://amzn.to/2rymHCb
✦THE DARKEST WARRIOR - Puck & Gillian ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aMP | Kindle http://amzn.to/2BQXRz8
✦THE DARKEST CAPTIVE (1001 Dark Nights Novella) - Galen & Legion (Releasing 12/04/18) ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/2CZOY5E

#GodsOfWar #ShadowAndIce

I’ve been a huge fan of Gena’s for awhile now. The LOTU series is one of my all time favorites so when I heard she was coming out with an all new paranormal romance series I threw all caution to the wind and jumped in. The beginning to the Gods of War series is intense and packed with everything you’ve come to love about Showalter’s writing. With that said Shadow and Ice is a completely new concept and isn’t like anything Gena has done previously.
“There is only one thing you need to know about me,” he finally said. “I will protect you as long as you are necessary, and as long as you do not seek my downfall.”
There were so many characters but it’s sort of understandable since it’s a new series. It did take me a minute to catch on and at times I had to go back and reread some parts. Vale is hilarious and fierce; her character was written well. Knox is an immortal fighting in a war called the All War. When Vale happens upon him and his kind it’s years later. Knox was intriguing from the start and I loved watching the main characters together. They fit perfectly.
The plot itself was hard to imagine since the world building, in my opinion, sort of happens fast, but once I was a few chapters in I was hooked. The story itself is fast paced and intense with a lot of gore, but the romance is right up there with the intensity. Overall, Showalter gives a good start to a series I can’t wait to get more of.