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A review by melodicfate
Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter
4.0
I've wanted to read something by this author for a long time. I always thought I'd start with her Lords of the Underworld series because I'm a huge mythology lover, but when I saw that she was coming out with a new series, I took the less intimidating route and started here. What I got was a very unique mix of sci-fi and paranormal romance.
Knox was a warrior enslaved to his king. He had to win this All War to obtain his freedom. Cold, emotionless, and untrusting of everyone, he started out this novel alone and willing to do anything to win, even if that meant killing an ally. Vale, the heroine, was tough due to her past as a foster kid, extremely loyal to her sister, and also a bit immaturely written. If I'm honest, that was my biggest issue here. Vale was a woman with a business degree, but she talked like a teenager. And yet, I ended up really liking her.
This book's plot was full of action. Parts of the story were slower as the world-building was shown, but once the action got going, it was unputdownable. The prologue was a little long, too, though I definitely understand why it was there. This book was also pretty steamy, too. There was romance, action, and quite a lot of angst as these characters had to try and figure out how to be together, since the mission was a solo victory wherein no partnerships could exist.
In short, I found this story very original. I can honestly say that I've read nothing like it. I love how the war and warriors were tied to gods and paranormal creatures. For example, Knox was called Loki by the Vikings when they first invaded to start the All War to win Earth for one of their realms. After this, I can't wait to see where Vale's sister's story takes the series. Things with the war aren't solved, though Knox and Vale do end this in a good place.
Knox was a warrior enslaved to his king. He had to win this All War to obtain his freedom. Cold, emotionless, and untrusting of everyone, he started out this novel alone and willing to do anything to win, even if that meant killing an ally. Vale, the heroine, was tough due to her past as a foster kid, extremely loyal to her sister, and also a bit immaturely written. If I'm honest, that was my biggest issue here. Vale was a woman with a business degree, but she talked like a teenager. And yet, I ended up really liking her.
This book's plot was full of action. Parts of the story were slower as the world-building was shown, but once the action got going, it was unputdownable. The prologue was a little long, too, though I definitely understand why it was there. This book was also pretty steamy, too. There was romance, action, and quite a lot of angst as these characters had to try and figure out how to be together, since the mission was a solo victory wherein no partnerships could exist.
In short, I found this story very original. I can honestly say that I've read nothing like it. I love how the war and warriors were tied to gods and paranormal creatures. For example, Knox was called Loki by the Vikings when they first invaded to start the All War to win Earth for one of their realms. After this, I can't wait to see where Vale's sister's story takes the series. Things with the war aren't solved, though Knox and Vale do end this in a good place.