A Touch of Frost
The Shattered Crown Book 1
by Renee R. Harper
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Pub Date Jan 17 2023 | Archive Date Feb 26 2023
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Description
In a world where magic is outlawed, a shy 20-year-old tavern maid enlists in the military to learn runes and swordsmanship to protect the people she cares for. A Touch of Frost is a coming-of-age fantasy novel about an unlikely heroine who wanted a normal life. But fate has different plans, and the people she’s fighting to protect might be the greatest threat
Tragedies and curses, like all bad things, came in threes.
Most runes are forbidden within Aitera. Those who create them are executed or bound for fear they’d be the one prophesized to destroy the crown. Cybele cherished and adored the magic within her father’s stories of love and adventure until a curse stilled his beating heart, provoking fear within hers.
At nearly twenty, in the goddess’s eyes, Cybele’s responsibility is to marry and have children, so when her estranged mother pens a letter requesting to rebuild their relationship while proposing to arrange a marriage for her, Cybele gratefully accepts. She believes this will give her the simple life she longs for.
But when tragedy strikes, Cybele resents her weakness and foolishness, realizing that life isn’t simple and the world isn’t clearly divided between good and evil. As war looms overhead and Cybele’s forced from her home, a handsome stranger helps her and offers her the key to harnessing a strength she didn’t know she had.
Cybele soon discovers the man who saved her holds many secrets, and the magic that’s taken everything from her could be her only chance of survival.
This is an epic fantasy with a slow burn romance subplot. There are aspects of tragedy, grief, abandonment, violence and war.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798367386745 |
| PRICE | |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Emily U, Reviewer
This book is a solid 4.5, and I feel like the next one will he even better!
So, when beginning this book, I had a really hard time getting into it. I'm not sure if it was the writing itself, or writing style, or just bc there's a lot of information up front (it is multiple POV but that wasn't the issue). Either way, it only lasted a couple of chapters max, and I pushed through, And I am SO glad I did.
This book has some if everything I love.
Magic vs NonMagic
Heartbreak
Slow burn
Character Development
Mystery (I need that 2nd book asap now that I know I was right on the one count lol).
Just sooooo much.
I honestly hate how it ended, though I do understand. This book contains a lot of world/history/relationship building while still having a great plot that moves forward smoothly. Now, I'm stuck anxiously waiting for the 2nd one to come out!
Abigail L, Librarian
A Touch of Frost is a spellbinding book that will leave you breathless. The story is well-crafted, and the pacing is just right, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. The protagonist, Cybele, is a relatable character, and her journey of self-discovery is both inspiring and heartwarming. The world-building is phenomenal, and the author's attention to detail is impressive. The slow-burn romance subplot is beautifully done, adding a touch of sweetness to the story. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy novels and strong female leads.
Sue E, Reviewer
An absolute gem of a book that will transport you to a world of magic, adventure, and self-discovery. The author's writing is superb, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The protagonist, Cybele, is a shining example of a strong female lead who learns to harness her inner strength and overcome the challenges that life throws her way. The world-building is excellent, and the slow-burn romance adds an extra layer of depth to the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves coming-of-age fantasy novels and strong female characters.
Donna A, Reviewer
A Touch of Frost is a fabulous first in what I am sure is going to be an epic saga. I was pulled into Cybeles’ tale from the first page and didn’t want it to end. Watching her grow through grit and determination had me feeling for her. I can’t wait to see where her story takes us.
laurel p, Reviewer
she said-"i think i'll make you my husband"
and that's all it took for me to fall in love with this book
this book was really good i personaly enjoyed it verymuch as when Cybele a shy little girl starts discovering the secret's of magic the books keeps getting more intresting.
Kathryn M, Reviewer
this was a great start to the Shattered Crown series, it had what I was looking for from the fantasy genre. The concept worked great and I loved the character within the story. Renee R. Harper has a great writing style and I enjoyed getting to know Cybele as a main character. I can't wait to read more in this series.
"It’s the way things are.” Cybele spoke more to herself than him, trying to steel her expression. “The way the goddess wills it.”“I don’t pretend to know the will of the gods, yet I doubt the goddess of life would call for death.” Rai tightened his hold on her hands, squeezing her fingers gently.“H-He wasn’t evil.” Her lips trembled as shadows danced around her in the woods. Instead of beautiful flowers curling tenderly around the forest floor, dead leaves and wilting plants gripped the earth."
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