Heart of Ice by K.M. Shea

Heart of Ice
by K.M. Shea

ebook: 227 pages
Released: December 17th 2015

Source: Rented through Kindle Unlimited.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Rakel, a princess by birth, has spent most of her life exiled on a barren mountain, despised because of her powerful snow magic. Though she longs to be accepted, she hides in her ice-castle and lives with the fear that her brother—the King—will one day order her execution. Her empty life changes forever when an army of magic users—led by the enigmatic Colonel Farrin Graydim—invade her home country and plan to enslave its citizens. Swallowing her fear, Rakel joins forces with her jailers and uses her magic to save the people who scorned her. If Rakel cannot defend her homeland, the country will be lost.


My Review:
Heart of Ice is a retelling of the Snow Queen fairytale. Rakel has been isolated on a snowy mountain for most of her life, and she has spent her time reading books and developing her magic. Then the men guarding her ask her to save the kingdom, which has been invaded by magic users intent on revenge. Magic users are feared and often abused and enslaved. Rakel isn't inclined to help those who isolated and fear her, but her compassion for children draws her out into the world. She's hurt that some of the people she helps continue to insult and try to kill her, but her loyal friends help bring out the best in her.

I liked the story more than I expected and look forward to reading the sequel. The characters had some complexity and grew as people. Though we know very little about the background of the secondary characters, they were interesting and engaging. I cared about what happened to them. There was the beginnings of a romance that started as mutual respect. The world-building was mostly focused on creating an interesting magic system. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I recommend this enjoyable fantasy.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.