While I don't mind having multiple POVs for a book, I didn't like the way it was structured here.  Pretty much any important character was up for grabs as long it would give a POV that would let a section of the plot progress.  Because of that the book felt a bit scattered and frantic since we were jumping around so much.

Also, if I can make a Frozen reference, one thing I loathe about the beginning of that movie is the Anna/Hans romance "development".  Pretty much all the relationships here are like that.  "We've just met...let's get married."  (I wish I were joking about how long it goes from meeting -> proposal.)

The world with the different countries and the magic was interesting.  I'd like to see that fleshed out a bit more other than the people focusing on the metal magic.

The marriage of Leah and what went on in that household after she arrived was very disturbing.

Burning her at the dinner table for asking questions/speaking back, welding a metal collar on her so that it could be heated up if she "misbehaved", her husband smacking her whenever the grandmother would indicate she needed to be punished, her "inspection" after suspected pregnancy by the grandmother and with the brothers in the room watching her strip naked, the brother-in-law deciding he would be the one to consummate the marriage because he wanted to, etc.

It was a very uncomfortable section of the book and I was upset that she returned.  I never actually liked Leah as a character, but even then I didn't like her in that environment.

Naia was an easier character for me to get attached to, but she seems to have dumped her brain out the moving carriage on the way to the meeting of the nobles at the beginning of the book.  Her life decisions are motivated by pretty eyes and the memory of a kiss.  Alright, if I'm being fair she's also trying to get a bit of freedom, but I just can't get on board with the dumbness that enters her brain to do it.

Fel, I really liked.  He's a man of great magical power and didn't let his disability hold him back.  He does have an annoyingly long mope timeframe though.

River, I don't like because he pretty much imprisons Naia because of devotion and safety, but also doesn't communicate anything.  He says he loves her, and I know he's young, but he clearly doesn't respect her enough to talk to her after he's corrected about whether or not she tried to kill him on their first meeting.

Also, I don't know if it was just the digital version, but the book needs to go to a proofreader with the number of typos and partial sentences I encountered.  It wasn't enough to make the book unreadable, but it did have me wondering if English wasn't the native language of the writer or if the writer was young.

I'm not interested in the characters enough to want to see how the story continues so I'll be stopping here.  It's definitely a book world and plot that I wouldn't mind re-reading if it went through another rounding of editing with a publisher that could tighten up the flow a bit more.

This book has so much potential. The world created and the magic types are quite interesting. There is a lot of intruige and court drama.
However the writing could be better. Some conversationsare quite stilted, and the pacing is off in some places. In general the prose needs work. 

I will now be reading the next one though! 

 ⭐⭐⭐💫

CW

⚫ Death on Page

⚫ Abuse/Torture

TROPES

🖤 Miscommunication

🖤 Insta-Love?

Frozen Hearts and Death Magic follows four teens as they try to understand the world around them, their ancestry, and how they can stop a war brewing while protecting the ones they love.

It took me a hot second to understand the world-building going on. At around ~30%, I feel the book hit its stride and things moved at a great pace. I easily went from that point to being nearly done in a single sitting. I enjoy the world and the magic system going on, especially when it seems like even the characters aren’t sure of where they fall within that system. I am excited to see how the second book continues to explore that.

I liked this as a fantasy with solid romantic subplots. I particularly enjoyed Naia and River’s story, and look forward to seeing where they end up at the end of the second book and if their relationship can stand the test of whatever is coming next. In terms of Leah and Fel’s, I am hopeful that they can come together despite the change in Fel’s life in the final pages. 

The main thing keeping me from rating this book a touch higher is the number of POVs used. What started as two POVs quickly became five, and it was a bit much to follow, especially with how quickly the plot was moving. Not necessarily a bad thing, I just found it took me out of the story a bit with how quickly we shifted between POVs.

 

 *I received a digital copy from the author for an honest review* 

Frozen Hearts and Death Magic is the first book in Fire and Magic duology. I’m impressed by Day Leitao’s creativity to write such an enchanting world! Of course, I was expecting magic, given the title, but the verity of magic in this book really surprises me. There are elemental magic and cooler ones like necromancy. Faes have their special abilities as well, and I enjoy how these elements come into play and affect the fate of different kingdoms. 

I also like the multi-pov writing style that allows me a glance into some characters’ past. My favorite character is the mysterious fae, River. I love reading about his adventure and his secrets. I can’t wait to read more of him! 

Princess Leah is another character that leaves a strong impression. Her story is dramatic and full of hardships that some might find disturbing, but I’m amazed by how much those experiences challenge and change her. Her personality arc is gripping and unconventional. I’m more than ready to see what path she will take next. 

The execution could have been better, though, especially in the first half of the book. Some scenes felt too short and could have had better emotional build-up. It’s like touching things with gloves: you know what it’s supposed to be but you couldn’t feel the exact texture. Despite that, I was still able to enjoy the story and I’m glad I read it. 

Overall, I enjoy reading Frozen Hearts and Death Magic and I’m looking forward to the sequel! I would recommend it to readers who love magic, fae, adventure, and fast-paced plot.