Fantasy readers may expect Greta Kelly’s The Frozen Crown to follow the lines of other fantasy novels meant for young adult readers that are popular within the genre. However, the amount of action, politics, adventure, and much more keeps readers interested and rooting for our cast of characters as they try to navigate the conflicts at hand.
The first in a new fantasy series by Greta Kelly, The Frozen Crown follows the story of young Princess Askia, heir to the Frozen Crown of Seravesh. After the evil Emperor Radovan killed her parents and began his tirade into Seraveshi lands, the task of finding an army to save her people fell into Askia’s hands. Her army has been able to keep the Roven Empire’s forces at bay, but after the discovery of a town burned to the ground Askia realises her time is running out and she needs to make some important moves in order to secure her peoples’ safety. After riding to the desert lands of Vishir and spending time amongst the court trying to figure out a way to convince Emperor Armaan to join her cause to save her people. However, shortly after Askia becomes accustomed to her life in Vishir she realises that one of her biggest secrets could be revealed—and get her killed.
Through the dense politicking throughout the novel, there is a lot Askia needs to learn about the customs of the Vishiri Empire and through the conversations Askia has in and out of court the reader is provided with important insight when it comes to each of the important leaders Askia comes face to face with. In addition, the heated discussions Askia has with Prince Enver of Vishir proves to the reader that her journey in this territory is not going to be an easy one—it will take a lot of willpower and negotiating to get these people to stand with her cause. These discussions that take place throughout the entirety of the novel proves to keep readers interested and wondering what could come next.
Through Princess Askia’s cutthroat attitude and compelling story, readers may find her and her many friends easy to fall in love with. From watching Askia’s development from the beginning of the novel in Eshkaroth to watching her fight and win over the Khazan Guard in Vishir, each twist and turn in this novel shows the true development of a young princess turning into the queen she needs to become. In addition, the conflict of heart Askia faces throughout the novel provides tension and mystery that compels readers to continue turning the pages to see just who Askia will or will not end up with in the end.
While there is a lot of information revealed about Askia’s past throughout the novel, there is more information needed in order to really understand Askia’s rage. It is known that the Shazir, a group of believers of The Day Lord who seek to expel witches from the world are the people who killed her parents. However, when the Shazir pledge alliance to Askia it seems very suspicious and out of context. This could just be more court politicking, but it would be helpful for readers to understand the Shazir’s intentions a little bit more without revealing too much.
Overall, The Frozen Crown is an epic tale of love, loss, and how much a young princess will sacrifice herself in order to save her people. Readers who enjoy adventure, action, and just the right amount of politics may find this novel the perfect read to keep them warm and excited in the impending cold winter months.
The Frozen Crown is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of January 12th 2021.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
A princess with a powerful and dangerous secret must find a way to save her country from ruthless invaders in this exciting debut fantasy, the first novel in a thrilling duology packed with heroism, treachery, magic, and war.
Askia became heir to the Frozen Crown of Seravesh because of her devotion to her people. But her realm is facing a threat she cannot defeat by sheer will alone. The mad emperor of the Roven Empire has unleashed a horde of invading soldiers to enslave her lands. For months, her warriors have waged a valiant, stealth battle, yet they cannot stop the enemy’s advancement. Running out of time, she sets sail for sun-drenched Vishir, the neighboring land to the south, to seek help from its ruler, Emperor Armaan.
A young woman raised in army camps, Askia is ill-equipped to navigate Vishir’s labyrinthine political games. Her every move sinks her deeper into court intrigues which bewilder and repel her, leaving her vulnerable not only to enemies gathering at Vishir’s gates, but to those behind the palace walls.
And in this glittering court, where secrets are worth more than gold, Askia fears that one false step will expose her true nature. For Askia is a witch gifted with magical abilities—knowledge that could destroy not only her life but her people. As her adversaries draw closer, Askia is forced to make an impossible choice—and no matter what she decides, it may not be enough to prevent Seravesh’s fall.
