Of Ice and Snow (Fairy Queens #0.5) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Of Ice and Snow (Fairy Queens #0.5)
Author: Amber Argyle
Publication Date: August 18, 2015

My Reviews: Winter Queen (#1) | Of Fire and Ash (#1.5) | Summer Queen (#2)

Synopsis: Otec thought destiny forgot him…

The middle child of the clanchief, Otec is the overlooked son in an overflowing house. He dreams of escape and adventure, so when a mysterious stranger offers both, he doesn’t need persuading. But when his faraway village comes under attack, Otec will do anything to save the people he loves. Cut off from his nation, he must trust a foreign woman with a dubious past as they race to save his clan. But nothing is what it seems, and Otec may have to trust his enemy if he is to become the leader he was never meant to be.

Destiny is not always kind.

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Review: I'm a huge fan of Amber's Fairy Queen series - it's dark and gritty, but also full of beautiful world-building, memorable (and sometimes terrifying) characters, and even a few glimpses of hope and light through the horrors of war. I also really love novellas that reveal the background of more minor characters, so I knew I had to read this story as soon as I heard the Amber was writing it. 

In this novella, we're given a little bit more insight into Ilyenna's parents before the start of Winter Queen. We get to see how they meet, and how they deal with all kinds of awful circumstances that are out of their control. Otec is a middle child - he's not old enough to go with his brothers and father to meet the coming army, and he definitely will never be clanchief. Except destiny has a different plan for him, and his entire world is flipped upside down when the Shyle is attacked. But even in the midst of trying to save his family and his people, Otec manages to find love.

The romance is definitely a big part of the story, but Amber still somehow manages to weave an exciting story that has so many different facets that the romance doesn't overwhelm the rest of the plot. Matka is dangerous and cunning all on her own, and guards her heart just as much, if not more, as Otec guards his. I loved watching their friendship develop and transform into something more, through perceived betrayals, interfering fairies, and the loss of loved ones. 

If you haven't read the rest of the Fairy Queen series, this story will still stand on its own. You don't need to know much else before diving right into this book, and it might be a good place to start. If you have read the Fairy Queen books though, you definitely want to read this novella! There are so many references and connections to things in both Winter Queen and Summer Queen, and it was a lot of fun to be able to recognize those. It makes the entire series stronger and gives the world and the characters so much more depth. If you love fantasy, especially books like the Graceling series, you definitely want to read these books! 5/5.


--Ashley

Of Fire and Ash (Fairy Queens #1.5) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review

*I received a copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Of Fire and Ash (Fairy Queens #1.5)
Author: Amber Argyle
Publication Date: January 8th, 2015

My Winter Queen (Fairy Queens #1) Review

Synopsis: One promise can change everything.

The fairies must never know of Nelay’s sight, for the attention of such dark and terrible creatures brings more things dark and terrible.

But when Nelay's father is near death, the fairies are the only ones who can save him. All they require is a simple promise that she'll return the favor one day.

Sometimes promises are deadly.

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Review: I first stumbled across Amber Argyle a few years ago, when her book Witch Song was free on Amazon. I have eagerly devoured every single thing she has written that I could get my hands on since, and I'm always left wanting more! So you can imagine my excitement when I found out Amber was writing a short prequel novelette for the upcoming second book in her Fairy Queens series, Summer Queen. 

Of Fire and Ash was pretty short - around 68 pages - but it was still jam-packed with all of the things that I love about Amber's books. There's a significant amount of world building without shoving it down your throat and there's q huge amount of background on Nelay, the main character in Summer Queen. I'm really glad that I got to learn more about how Nelay's journey toward becoming the powerful priestess that she is in Summer Queen began. I loved getting to know Nelay as a child, because I think that will help me (and other readers) understand her as the woman she becomes. 

This novelette also sheds quite a bit of light on the fairies and what happens when they learn you can see them. Or what happens when you ask for their help. Everything comes at a price, and sometimes the price might be too steep... although it might be too late. After reading Winter Queen, I had so many questions about the fairies, and Of Fire and Ash definitely answered a couple of the more minor ones.

What Amber does best though, is give just enough of a story that I'm left wanting the next installment ASAP! I have to know what happens to Nelay next, and what will happen when the fairies call in their favor for saving her father. I want to know what she's like after she grows up, and I want to know if she's able to save her people. Of Fire and Ash was enough to get me back into this incredible world, and I cannot wait to read Summer Queen! A 5/5 for sure!


--Ashley

COVER REVEAL - Summer Queen (Fairy Queens #2) by Amber Argyle

Hello! Today, we have the cover of Summer Queen, the next book in Amber Argyle's Fairy Queens series. Ashley loved Winter Queen, and has been looking forward to Summer Queen since she finished it.

The cover for Winter Queen was absolutely gorgeous, but we think this one might be even better! What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

About the Book

Title: Summer Queen (Fairy Queens #2)
Author: Amber Argyle


Synopsis: Nelay never wanted to be queen.

Poised to become the most powerful priestess in Idara, Nelay doesn’t have time to become a pretty bauble for the king. She’s too busy saving her people from the invading army sweeping across her kingdom.

But in defeat after defeat, Nelay begins to realize a bigger power is at play than that wielded by mere mortals. Only she can stand between the cinders of her once-great nation and the vengeance of a goddess.

A Note From the Author

I wrote this book during perhaps one of the hardest times of my life. My son was in and out of hospitals with a noncancerous bone tumor. He had two surgeries and was in a wheelchair and not allowed any type of physical activity for months.

We also moved to another state, I broke my leg, had surgery, and played single mom while my husband was away. Insurance was, and still is, a nightmare (I'm looking at you, Humana).

This book is perhaps the strongest straight-up fantasy novel I've written. One of the themes I explore is leadership. To quote from the book: “To be a true leader, one must not simply be strong. One must also be selfless.”

And I can't mention one of my books without talking about the main characters. Nelay doesn't start off as this weak, timid little thing being oppressed. She's poised to become the most powerful woman in her kingdom. But as with most of those in power, she lacks empathy.

Rycus knows who he is and what he wants, but unlike Nelay, he is also willing to sacrifice for those he loves. And Rycus loves Nelay "as the sun loves the sky."

I also want to announce that I've written a prequel for Summer Queen, entitled, Of Fire and Ash. It's with my editors now and will be published as soon as it's finished. You can find both on Goodreads here and here. I hope you're as excited for the next installment in the Fairy Queen Series as I am.

About the Author

Super short: Amber Argyle is the #1 bestselling and award winning author of the Witch Song and Fairy Queens series. In her novels, good always triumphs over evil. Though sometimes just barely.

Slightly longer: Amber Argyle is the #1 bestselling author of Witch Song and Fairy Queen series. Her books have been nominated for and won awards in addition to being translated into French and Indonesian.

She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in English and physical education, a husband, and a two-year old. Since then, she and her husband have added two more children, which they are actively trying to transform from crazy small people into less crazy larger people. 

To find out more about Amber Argyle, you can visit her blog at amberargyle.blogspot.com

 You can find Amber on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest.