darquedreamer's review
5.0
Web of Frost will immerse you in a world of mysticism and folklore. With its elegant prose, and vivid imagery, it feels like a dream. For those who love enchanting stories full of Russian folklore and stunning twists, you will not be disappointed.
I was absolutely stunned at how much I enjoyed this one. Lindsay Smith enchanted me right from the start. I could see everything in my mind so clearly as if I was watching a movie set in a fantasy world.
Web of Frost introduced me to an incredible world cloaked in folklore and magic. I never felt lost or confused. The world was highly developed and I loved the flow of the story and the way the saints were incorporated in to the every day life of the characters.
I loved the fact that Katza was not the typical strong willed ya character. She was actually quite gullible, and weak at times. But, she fit the story and emanated grief at having suffered loss while her kingdom was on the bring of falling from a rebellion. She also had powerful moments of fierceness when using her gifts.
Ravin was dark and mysterious. It was no surprise as to the role he played in tempting Katza's heart. He was a tempestuous influence on Katza and he added intrigue to the story.
This story felt like a Russian folk tale. It had a mildly slow pace, but was fascinating as far as its development and depth. With the amount of world building Lindsay did, I was quite surprised to learn that the saints were, in fact, fiction. The mythology and folklore entwined in the tale felt genuine and captivated my mind and my heart. This one had me so entranced that I have already decided to pre-order book two the minute it is announced!
I was absolutely stunned at how much I enjoyed this one. Lindsay Smith enchanted me right from the start. I could see everything in my mind so clearly as if I was watching a movie set in a fantasy world.
Web of Frost introduced me to an incredible world cloaked in folklore and magic. I never felt lost or confused. The world was highly developed and I loved the flow of the story and the way the saints were incorporated in to the every day life of the characters.
I loved the fact that Katza was not the typical strong willed ya character. She was actually quite gullible, and weak at times. But, she fit the story and emanated grief at having suffered loss while her kingdom was on the bring of falling from a rebellion. She also had powerful moments of fierceness when using her gifts.
Ravin was dark and mysterious. It was no surprise as to the role he played in tempting Katza's heart. He was a tempestuous influence on Katza and he added intrigue to the story.
This story felt like a Russian folk tale. It had a mildly slow pace, but was fascinating as far as its development and depth. With the amount of world building Lindsay did, I was quite surprised to learn that the saints were, in fact, fiction. The mythology and folklore entwined in the tale felt genuine and captivated my mind and my heart. This one had me so entranced that I have already decided to pre-order book two the minute it is announced!
sabrinainbookland's review against another edition
3.0
3/5 stars
The story is so good and entertaining.
There's so much politics involved in this book, I was not expecting that (I really liked that).
I really liked the magic system and the world.
This was a very surprising read.
The main character I did not like very much, half of the book I kept thinking "Why?/OMG/ No".
She made very rash decisions (some of them I understand) always saying it was the best for her people and her "obsession" and need for Ravin it’s just annoying.
Yes, she was a girl with a power she did not understand, couldn't control and fear it, and then had to become ruler of an entire country (that she really didn't know anything about), everything was new to her.
The other characters in this book I like more then the main character.
the end was a cliffhanger and I will definitely read the sequel to know was going on.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
ania_star's review
4.0
Web of Frost is high-fantasy novel with very unique and intriguing setting. Is the world where power/magic is received from Saints, if you are lucky enough to be blessed and highly controlled by the Church. The magic system is very thought out, with good take on religion. You can draw a lot of parallels with history.
Katza is afraid of her powers, because of horrible vision. She doesn't use them. Being second in line for the throne, she didn't though she will have to. After untimely deaths, when she is in charge, she relies heavily on Ravin to guide and teach her.
I like the way Ravin guided her, not telling her what to do, but encouraging her to listen to herself, empowering her.
Received from in exchange for honest review
I really like his characters, it's very complex and mysterious.
The start was a bit slow, but after about third of the book, it's get really intense and I couldn't put it down.
I didn't like her at first didn't like her at first, she din't have a spine or opinions. I loved to see her grow, to see her growing a spine, growing into her role and her powers. I love her strength at the end and determination
She went from no voice, to the total opposite of it, and it took a lot to find her own self and the right thing to do.
Katza is afraid of her powers, because of horrible vision. She doesn't use them. Being second in line for the throne, she didn't though she will have to. After untimely deaths, when she is in charge, she relies heavily on Ravin to guide and teach her.
I like the way Ravin guided her, not telling her what to do, but encouraging her to listen to herself, empowering her.
Received from in exchange for honest review
I really like his characters, it's very complex and mysterious.
The start was a bit slow, but after about third of the book, it's get really intense and I couldn't put it down.
I didn't like her at first didn't like her at first, she din't have a spine or opinions. I loved to see her grow, to see her growing a spine, growing into her role and her powers. I love her strength at the end and determination
She went from no voice, to the total opposite of it, and it took a lot to find her own self and the right thing to do.
bearteddington's review
4.0
Neat
I like the kind of flowery language in this writing. It rly works well with the vibe of the world and the setting. It was sometimes a little bland but I kept reading because I wanted to see what was gonna happen; the politics are very relevant in These Sinful Days but also its its super interesting to see basically the other side of the revolutions where the ruler isn’t a mustache twirling villain
The magic was also super good. I really like the world building around the blessings and saints and there being deeper magic etc etc so! I’ll def be on the lookout for book two
I like the kind of flowery language in this writing. It rly works well with the vibe of the world and the setting. It was sometimes a little bland but I kept reading because I wanted to see what was gonna happen; the politics are very relevant in These Sinful Days but also its its super interesting to see basically the other side of the revolutions where the ruler isn’t a mustache twirling villain
The magic was also super good. I really like the world building around the blessings and saints and there being deeper magic etc etc so! I’ll def be on the lookout for book two
harmony's review
2.0
For the fact that the main character survives a revolution, not much really seems to happen. In a thinly disused alternate Russia (Rusalka), the main character goes from spare princess to whoops!queen after her father's death. The kingdom is in disarray and she starts using too much magic at the urging of a bad prophet, then karma her lesson and uses less magic. In the background, there is an uprising as well as the threat of a foreign invasion, but neither actually seems to bring any much-needed tension to the shambling plot.
menshevixen's review
4.0
An intricate and enticing introduction to a fresh fantasy world. The lush fantastic-Russia setting and court politics provide a backdrop of intrigue for Katza's development into tsarika, while her relationship with Ravin will appeal to fans of the Darkling and Kylo Ren. Personally, I'm excited for perhaps more exploration of Nadika and the Mozgai use of the Saints' blessings in the second book, as well as plenty of revolution and the evolution of the tension between Katza, Ulmarova, and the Russalkan people!
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