Thank you so much for the chance to read A FATE SO COLD!

Much of what I’ve come to love about this writing duo is the snappy quality of the writing. It really shines here, especially anytime Dom and El can flex their flirty banter. I think I’d find it very, very easy to fall in love with Dom Barrow in real life! While I enjoyed both MCs, I thought Dom brought a fresh perspective to the Chosen One trope, and just a unique voice as far as male fantasy leads go.

Another thing I loved from this book was the entire lore around the living wands. I love how they were all unique, some creepy, and felt, well…living! It was neat to read a book where magic was so intrinsically physical—every time a spell was used it truly felt like they were calling it from their blood/heart/soul. The sky is the limit for magic as long as you can take it. I did wonder what exactly they learned at the academy though. There was a lack of detail about the study of magic in general, which would be okay except the entire concept of the school.

The ending was satisfactory. I actually wasn’t sure whether Dom or El would come out on top until the end. In terms of leaving me wanting the next book…it didn’t give me that breathless, “need it now” feeling. I actually think it could have been fine just as a standalone, but I’m willing to see where it goes next in case it surprises me!

I only have one major gripe, and it doesn’t have to do with the book itself. Rather, the blurb:
“Until they discover the unthinkable truth. The Chosen Two aren’t fated allies, but eternal rivals, and the only way to save their home is for one of them to slay the other.”
I honestly think this should be REMOVED from the official blurb. The discovery of them being fated to kill the other doesn’t happen until 75% of the way through. It felt like it should have been a twist, but because it was in the blurb I’d spent the entire book waiting for this revelation—so when it finally came it felt strange, and almost flat. When I recommend this book to people it will be with the caveat to go in blind, because I think knowing about the “eternal rivals” twist is a disservice to the plot.

Overall, a good read! Some very high points throughout, and Dom will go down as a forever favourite MC.