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Shards of Ice
What happens when your rescuer becomes obsessed with you? Even worse, what happens when that rescuer isn’t even human…
Kai's life has never been easy, and bleeding to death in the snow seems the perfect fated ending to his miserable existence. A beautiful stranger drags him back from death's door with a touch that is pure magic. Kai soon discovers that such magic lingers when Avery persists in seducing him. He starts to fall for him, but with every sliver of affection he gives Avery, his appreciation for his best friend Tristan gets stripped away to loathing, destroying every chance at love they might have had.
Tristan has been in love with Kai for years, but he’s too afraid to admit it for fear of what Kai’s reaction might be. When the ice prince enters their lives and binds Kai to him with fae magic, it seems like there’s nothing anyone can do about it. But Tristan has his own powers, and he’s determined to save Kai from Avery’s deadly clutches. The only problem is…
Kai might not want to be rescued.
This is a loose M/M retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.” Please note that it contains emotional and physical abuse as well as knife/bloodplay.
Grim and Sinister Delights is a dark romance series based on classic fairy tales and stories. You will find standalone tales of gay romance that range in darkness and kinks. If you dare to take the challenge, read them all to find yourself lost in a classic that you think you know. These stories are for adult readers and may contain morally ambiguous themes.
Kai's life has never been easy, and bleeding to death in the snow seems the perfect fated ending to his miserable existence. A beautiful stranger drags him back from death's door with a touch that is pure magic. Kai soon discovers that such magic lingers when Avery persists in seducing him. He starts to fall for him, but with every sliver of affection he gives Avery, his appreciation for his best friend Tristan gets stripped away to loathing, destroying every chance at love they might have had.
Tristan has been in love with Kai for years, but he’s too afraid to admit it for fear of what Kai’s reaction might be. When the ice prince enters their lives and binds Kai to him with fae magic, it seems like there’s nothing anyone can do about it. But Tristan has his own powers, and he’s determined to save Kai from Avery’s deadly clutches. The only problem is…
Kai might not want to be rescued.
This is a loose M/M retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.” Please note that it contains emotional and physical abuse as well as knife/bloodplay.
Grim and Sinister Delights is a dark romance series based on classic fairy tales and stories. You will find standalone tales of gay romance that range in darkness and kinks. If you dare to take the challenge, read them all to find yourself lost in a classic that you think you know. These stories are for adult readers and may contain morally ambiguous themes.
190 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2020
32 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
R. Phoenix
79 books553 followersR. Phoenix has an unhealthy fascination with contrasts: light and dark, heroes and villains, order and chaos. She believes that love can corrupt and power can redeem. Her muse is a sadomasochistic slave driver who thinks it's terribly amusing to give her the best ideas when she just got comfortable and warm in bed, and she passes on that torture to her readers. She also tries entirely too hard to be funny, and she mercilessly inflicts her terrible sense of humor upon anyone who speaks to her. She'd love it if you'd say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 20, 2023
(Warning: this review contains a bad ice pun).
Yeah, so true to its description, this book is whole-heartedly a “dark romance,” with a stronger emphasis on the “dark” part. I could see how some of the subject matter here might be a little too much for some, because there were definitely points where even I was extremely uncomfortable. The basic story is that Kai, a college student, is saved by a mysterious stranger named Avery from a fatal encounter and becomes indebted to the man. This proves unfortunate, as that stranger just happens to be a Fae Prince, who then becomes obsessed with Kai and starts isolating him from his best friend Tristan so that Kai will become wholly dependent on him. Despite this being more of a fantasy story, the book does tap into some very troubling real-life situations, and It was incredibly harrowing to read Tristan’s POV chapters, as he is forced to watch his friend (that he’s also in love with, mind you) become a completely different person right in front of his eyes. Though I’m not too familiar with the story that this book is a retelling of, this did immediately remind me of this movie called Before I Disappear, mostly because of the way sadness and dread were depicted in a dream-like quality. Moving on though, I will admit that by the half-way point, I was seriously sick of this freak Avery! Tristan, who’s a magic witch, can literally see Avery’s “hooks” in Kai, and still waits until it’s too late to take action. He should have kicked his ice from the first moment he knew he was mind controlling his best friend! Anyway, I haven’t even said, but I did enjoy this, and while the sometimes-clumsy execution of its themes leaves something to be desired, I think that with its melancholy tone and haunting, fairy-tale allure, I’d say that this book more than does its job to captivate. Oh, and I try not to get too into the nitty-gritty of whether or not characters deserve their respective fates… but I’m so glad that these two got their happily-ever-after. They deserved it.
Yeah, so true to its description, this book is whole-heartedly a “dark romance,” with a stronger emphasis on the “dark” part. I could see how some of the subject matter here might be a little too much for some, because there were definitely points where even I was extremely uncomfortable. The basic story is that Kai, a college student, is saved by a mysterious stranger named Avery from a fatal encounter and becomes indebted to the man. This proves unfortunate, as that stranger just happens to be a Fae Prince, who then becomes obsessed with Kai and starts isolating him from his best friend Tristan so that Kai will become wholly dependent on him. Despite this being more of a fantasy story, the book does tap into some very troubling real-life situations, and It was incredibly harrowing to read Tristan’s POV chapters, as he is forced to watch his friend (that he’s also in love with, mind you) become a completely different person right in front of his eyes. Though I’m not too familiar with the story that this book is a retelling of, this did immediately remind me of this movie called Before I Disappear, mostly because of the way sadness and dread were depicted in a dream-like quality. Moving on though, I will admit that by the half-way point, I was seriously sick of this freak Avery! Tristan, who’s a magic witch, can literally see Avery’s “hooks” in Kai, and still waits until it’s too late to take action. He should have kicked his ice from the first moment he knew he was mind controlling his best friend! Anyway, I haven’t even said, but I did enjoy this, and while the sometimes-clumsy execution of its themes leaves something to be desired, I think that with its melancholy tone and haunting, fairy-tale allure, I’d say that this book more than does its job to captivate. Oh, and I try not to get too into the nitty-gritty of whether or not characters deserve their respective fates… but I’m so glad that these two got their happily-ever-after. They deserved it.
May 6, 2022
This was a pretty enjoyable retelling. It kept the magic in the fairytale, which I always like. The fae were very ominous, and the formal and loaded way of speaking was well done.
I looked up the original tale before I started, and it was neat to see how R Phoenix worked those elements in. Given the magic being present, it followed very closely which was fun.
The epilogue was unexpected, yet creepy and good. Definitely a solid read overall.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
I looked up the original tale before I started, and it was neat to see how R Phoenix worked those elements in. Given the magic being present, it followed very closely which was fun.
The epilogue was unexpected, yet creepy and good. Definitely a solid read overall.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
October 4, 2020
4.5 stars
Shards of Ice by R. Phoenix is part of the Grim and Sinister Delights series and is a dark retelling of Hans Cristian Andersen’s The Snow Queen set in an m/m format. Be forewarned the trigger warnings here should be believed but even though this is decidedly a twisted version of an old story it is done so very well with compelling characters and a created world that will knock your socks off. Author R. Phoenix has given us a place where the veil between the magical realm of the fae and other mythical creatures and the human world is easily breached. One would do well to remember that faeries can be good and bad but they all demand a price when granting another a favor—sometimes the price can be steep as is the case for young man named Kai who is left badly injured in the snow after being mugged. He is helped by a white haired stranger named Avery.
Before long, Kai is seeing Avery everywhere and slowly but surely, and despite his long time feelings of love for his best friend, Tristan, he begins to fall under Avery’s spell. Then Kai makes a promise—and everything changes. From emotional subjugation and abuse to knife play the torture Avery inflicts both terrifies and arouses Kai. He is totally enthralled but Tristan is not out of the game yet—he too has a special secret and if he can pierce the magical hold Avery has over Kai then perhaps the two men who have always loved one other can find their way back to who and where they long to be—together.
This author does dark and multi-layered plots so well. It’s not just that we so often despair that good is not going to triumph it’s also the visceral quality of an evil so twisted and malevolent that you must acknowledge how when something is just so bad it is actually done so well. That’s how Avery is for me—a character I almost loved to hate. There is also this revelation in the story that love will win…eventually. It will be a hard fought, desperate fight with lots of pain and some sacrifice but in the end Kai and Tristan will get what they truly want—each other—and really, in any fairy tale who could ask for more?
Shards of Ice by R. Phoenix is part of the Grim and Sinister Delights series and is a dark retelling of Hans Cristian Andersen’s The Snow Queen set in an m/m format. Be forewarned the trigger warnings here should be believed but even though this is decidedly a twisted version of an old story it is done so very well with compelling characters and a created world that will knock your socks off. Author R. Phoenix has given us a place where the veil between the magical realm of the fae and other mythical creatures and the human world is easily breached. One would do well to remember that faeries can be good and bad but they all demand a price when granting another a favor—sometimes the price can be steep as is the case for young man named Kai who is left badly injured in the snow after being mugged. He is helped by a white haired stranger named Avery.
Before long, Kai is seeing Avery everywhere and slowly but surely, and despite his long time feelings of love for his best friend, Tristan, he begins to fall under Avery’s spell. Then Kai makes a promise—and everything changes. From emotional subjugation and abuse to knife play the torture Avery inflicts both terrifies and arouses Kai. He is totally enthralled but Tristan is not out of the game yet—he too has a special secret and if he can pierce the magical hold Avery has over Kai then perhaps the two men who have always loved one other can find their way back to who and where they long to be—together.
This author does dark and multi-layered plots so well. It’s not just that we so often despair that good is not going to triumph it’s also the visceral quality of an evil so twisted and malevolent that you must acknowledge how when something is just so bad it is actually done so well. That’s how Avery is for me—a character I almost loved to hate. There is also this revelation in the story that love will win…eventually. It will be a hard fought, desperate fight with lots of pain and some sacrifice but in the end Kai and Tristan will get what they truly want—each other—and really, in any fairy tale who could ask for more?
October 4, 2020
I loved it. I had a great time reading this book. There were the little details what made it so great for me.
I loved the plot. It keep me wondering about the actions on the characters, particularly Kai, who was far from predictable. It made things so much more interesting. I also loved the way he made me feel. There so many time I wanted to just yell at him and I just love when a book makes me feel such strong emotions. Tristan was also a nice character, maybe not as fascinating as Kai, but still very nice. Avery was also so intriguing. I loved everything about him, yet I cant really say I like him, but I guess I'm not supposed to. His dialogues were the best. He had me rereading what he said and thinking about it frecuently.
I did had things few things I didn't liked. At the beginning it took me a while to get fully interested on the story, but once it got my attention, I found it hard to stop reading. Also, I didn't loved the ending, mostly because I would like so much more dificulties than they actually had t, but that would be only me, who loves angst, I guess other readers will have a good time.
Overall, A great book, absolutely recommeded, but consider the warning tags before reading.
I loved the plot. It keep me wondering about the actions on the characters, particularly Kai, who was far from predictable. It made things so much more interesting. I also loved the way he made me feel. There so many time I wanted to just yell at him and I just love when a book makes me feel such strong emotions. Tristan was also a nice character, maybe not as fascinating as Kai, but still very nice. Avery was also so intriguing. I loved everything about him, yet I cant really say I like him, but I guess I'm not supposed to. His dialogues were the best. He had me rereading what he said and thinking about it frecuently.
I did had things few things I didn't liked. At the beginning it took me a while to get fully interested on the story, but once it got my attention, I found it hard to stop reading. Also, I didn't loved the ending, mostly because I would like so much more dificulties than they actually had t, but that would be only me, who loves angst, I guess other readers will have a good time.
Overall, A great book, absolutely recommeded, but consider the warning tags before reading.
October 25, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5 ⭐️
As far back as he can remember, Kai’s life has been filled with nightmares, darkness, and abuse, so when he finds himself alone and bleeding to death in the middle of a snowstorm after being attacked by muggers, he figures this is par for the course. However, Kai’s perpetual bad fortunes seem to take a turn for the better when he’s not only rescued, but healed by a handsome stranger who disappears into the swirling snow as mysteriously as he appears. When the stranger, who calls himself Avery, reappears, Kai quickly finds himself captivated by Avery’s attention and gifts to the exclusion of everything else, including his best friend, Tristan.
Tristan knows that something is wrong with Kai’s relationship and new boyfriend (and it’s not just jealousy talking). Using the gift he’s kept hidden from Kai, Tristan learns Kai is being bound by fae magic. Feeling powerless and hopeless as Kai becomes meaner and more distant, Tristan resigns himself to being unable to help Kai, until Kai disappears. Unwilling to let Kai go forever without trying everything in his power to reach him, Tristan embarks on a journey to face his greatest fear—that Kai will turn his back on Tristan’s love.
I love a good fairy tale re-telling, especially the darker ones, as they often align more with the original’s decidedly more gruesome and menacing roots. Knowing R. Phoenix’s stories tend to thrive on darkness and menace, I was expecting a lot from "Shards of Ice", the ninth story in the Grim and Sinister Delights collection, based on “The Snow Queen.” Possibly, my expectations were just too high because the story, to me, is just ok and actually quite tame by Phoenix’s standards. In my opinion, the story suffers in two major areas: character and relationship development, and pacing.
Tristan and Kai have been friends for 6 years, and share an apartment as college seniors. I am told of their long history and affection for one another, but their interactions on page don’t fully establish this deep bond/connection they are supposed to have. One cause of this is the simple fact that Tristan and Kai’s normal relationship is given short shrift; there is little time to invest in their dynamic before Avery’s influence over Kai occurs. Additionally, although the extent of Tristan’s love, devotion, and high regard for Kai is conveyed within those first two chapters, the same cannot be said for Kai. While I am told that Kai cares for Tristan and is protective of and attracted to him, I didn’t get much chance to see it, and what is there feels a bit hollow. His protectiveness of Tristan is in that somewhat condescending, patriarchal vein, which centers on protecting Tristan’s “innocence.” Kai won’t share his nightmares or the extent of the mugging with Tristan because Kai needs to be the strong one and keep Tristan pure. The impression of a one-sided/lacking connection is furthered by how Kai thinks about Tristan. A few gems are:
“It wasn’t like Tristan was a stalker, exactly, but he was clingy, needy, desperate to know [Kai] was safe at all times.”
“All right, so Tristan had sort of latched onto him like a barnacle, but he was a loveable barnacle, and Kai needed that sort of devotion—and light—in his life”
“He was lonely, and Tristan was nearby, and all he had to do was confess his feelings.”
Given that these are the kinds of thoughts Kai has about Tristan before he becomes an asshole, and with the truncated development of their relationship baseline, it was difficult to believe in their love for each other. I felt more of a connection to and interest in Vidar and their story (a secondary character that pops up in a few pages towards the end) than the two MCs.
This is also not helped by the pacing. The first 50% of the book is Kai being s l o w l y ensnared by Avery, and hurting Tristan’s feelings, while Tristan wrings his hands and bemoans his helplessness. Tristan discovers Kai’s enchantments early in Avery and Kai’s relationship and thinks he should talk to his parents about how to help Kai…then apparently waits a couple weeks? And then presents the dilemma in such a poor way that he begins to doubt himself? Then does nothing much except watch Avery’s entanglement grow until it is too late. The last half of the story is focused on Kai’s time in theSnow Queen’s Ice Prince’s castle and Tristan’s endeavors to attempt a rescue, leading to a somewhat flat and rushed creation of the final couple. The book is only 190 pages, but it feels longer; it could have used some of the time the narrative spends rehashing Kai’s cruelty and decline and introducing foreshadowing “that signaled the end of the world” (something that has no payoff) to instead firmly establishing the MCs’ relationship or been shorter all together.
"Shards of Ice" isn’t a bad book. Avery, the fae Ice Prince, is seductive and chilling. I like Tristan’s parents and some of the additional magical aspects and backstory that Phoenix incorporates into the story, and the epilogue is spot on. Unfortunately, most of the elements I found interesting aren’t developed as well as they could have been, while others felt redundant. Moreover, for me, the best retellings add dimensions to the characters that make them feel more dynamic and fleshed out than they usually are in their original stories and the besotted Tristan and broody Kai just didn’t do much for me; your mileage may vary.
2.5 ⭐️
As far back as he can remember, Kai’s life has been filled with nightmares, darkness, and abuse, so when he finds himself alone and bleeding to death in the middle of a snowstorm after being attacked by muggers, he figures this is par for the course. However, Kai’s perpetual bad fortunes seem to take a turn for the better when he’s not only rescued, but healed by a handsome stranger who disappears into the swirling snow as mysteriously as he appears. When the stranger, who calls himself Avery, reappears, Kai quickly finds himself captivated by Avery’s attention and gifts to the exclusion of everything else, including his best friend, Tristan.
Tristan knows that something is wrong with Kai’s relationship and new boyfriend (and it’s not just jealousy talking). Using the gift he’s kept hidden from Kai, Tristan learns Kai is being bound by fae magic. Feeling powerless and hopeless as Kai becomes meaner and more distant, Tristan resigns himself to being unable to help Kai, until Kai disappears. Unwilling to let Kai go forever without trying everything in his power to reach him, Tristan embarks on a journey to face his greatest fear—that Kai will turn his back on Tristan’s love.
I love a good fairy tale re-telling, especially the darker ones, as they often align more with the original’s decidedly more gruesome and menacing roots. Knowing R. Phoenix’s stories tend to thrive on darkness and menace, I was expecting a lot from "Shards of Ice", the ninth story in the Grim and Sinister Delights collection, based on “The Snow Queen.” Possibly, my expectations were just too high because the story, to me, is just ok and actually quite tame by Phoenix’s standards. In my opinion, the story suffers in two major areas: character and relationship development, and pacing.
Tristan and Kai have been friends for 6 years, and share an apartment as college seniors. I am told of their long history and affection for one another, but their interactions on page don’t fully establish this deep bond/connection they are supposed to have. One cause of this is the simple fact that Tristan and Kai’s normal relationship is given short shrift; there is little time to invest in their dynamic before Avery’s influence over Kai occurs. Additionally, although the extent of Tristan’s love, devotion, and high regard for Kai is conveyed within those first two chapters, the same cannot be said for Kai. While I am told that Kai cares for Tristan and is protective of and attracted to him, I didn’t get much chance to see it, and what is there feels a bit hollow. His protectiveness of Tristan is in that somewhat condescending, patriarchal vein, which centers on protecting Tristan’s “innocence.” Kai won’t share his nightmares or the extent of the mugging with Tristan because Kai needs to be the strong one and keep Tristan pure. The impression of a one-sided/lacking connection is furthered by how Kai thinks about Tristan. A few gems are:
“It wasn’t like Tristan was a stalker, exactly, but he was clingy, needy, desperate to know [Kai] was safe at all times.”
“All right, so Tristan had sort of latched onto him like a barnacle, but he was a loveable barnacle, and Kai needed that sort of devotion—and light—in his life”
“He was lonely, and Tristan was nearby, and all he had to do was confess his feelings.”
Given that these are the kinds of thoughts Kai has about Tristan before he becomes an asshole, and with the truncated development of their relationship baseline, it was difficult to believe in their love for each other. I felt more of a connection to and interest in Vidar and their story (a secondary character that pops up in a few pages towards the end) than the two MCs.
This is also not helped by the pacing. The first 50% of the book is Kai being s l o w l y ensnared by Avery, and hurting Tristan’s feelings, while Tristan wrings his hands and bemoans his helplessness. Tristan discovers Kai’s enchantments early in Avery and Kai’s relationship and thinks he should talk to his parents about how to help Kai…then apparently waits a couple weeks? And then presents the dilemma in such a poor way that he begins to doubt himself? Then does nothing much except watch Avery’s entanglement grow until it is too late. The last half of the story is focused on Kai’s time in the
"Shards of Ice" isn’t a bad book. Avery, the fae Ice Prince, is seductive and chilling. I like Tristan’s parents and some of the additional magical aspects and backstory that Phoenix incorporates into the story, and the epilogue is spot on. Unfortunately, most of the elements I found interesting aren’t developed as well as they could have been, while others felt redundant. Moreover, for me, the best retellings add dimensions to the characters that make them feel more dynamic and fleshed out than they usually are in their original stories and the besotted Tristan and broody Kai just didn’t do much for me; your mileage may vary.
October 23, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
I love a good fairy tale re-telling, especially the darker ones, as they often align more with the original’s decidedly more gruesome and menacing roots. Knowing R. Phoenix’s stories tend to thrive on darkness and menace, I was expecting a lot from Shards of Ice, the ninth story in the Grim and Sinister Delights collection, based on “The Snow Queen.” Possibly, my expectations were just too high because the story, to me, is just ok and actually quite tame by Phoenix’s standards. In my opinion, the story suffers in two major areas: character and relationship development, and pacing.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
I love a good fairy tale re-telling, especially the darker ones, as they often align more with the original’s decidedly more gruesome and menacing roots. Knowing R. Phoenix’s stories tend to thrive on darkness and menace, I was expecting a lot from Shards of Ice, the ninth story in the Grim and Sinister Delights collection, based on “The Snow Queen.” Possibly, my expectations were just too high because the story, to me, is just ok and actually quite tame by Phoenix’s standards. In my opinion, the story suffers in two major areas: character and relationship development, and pacing.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
September 28, 2020
Love this one very!
Kai and Tristan are best friends since ever. They live together. Both too afraid to lose the other, they never spook out their love for each other.
One day Kai nearly died but was rescued by Avery a beautiful man with exceptional white hair.
He made a promise to his rescuer.
From that moment every changed, Kai got a whole other attitude and Tristan is afraid to lose him forever. Kai got more and more distance.
When Tristan, who never told Kai he has a special gift, got to touch Kai he feels something extremely disturbing.
Wow, what a wonderful entertaining dark story. I loved it. Mages, fae’s, engaging work of magic. It was all quite exciting. Wonderfully written!
Kai and Tristan are best friends since ever. They live together. Both too afraid to lose the other, they never spook out their love for each other.
One day Kai nearly died but was rescued by Avery a beautiful man with exceptional white hair.
He made a promise to his rescuer.
From that moment every changed, Kai got a whole other attitude and Tristan is afraid to lose him forever. Kai got more and more distance.
When Tristan, who never told Kai he has a special gift, got to touch Kai he feels something extremely disturbing.
Wow, what a wonderful entertaining dark story. I loved it. Mages, fae’s, engaging work of magic. It was all quite exciting. Wonderfully written!
September 13, 2020
4,5☆
Oh it was so interesting, I enjoyed it so much!
I don't know the original story 'The Snow Queen', but I know Narnia - and it was like being in Narnia with the Ice Queen. And it was soooooo good!
Kai and Avery were awesome characters, I loved their relationship, they were really cute and I love when someone is blind to his crush's feelings toward them. I loved both Kai and Avery and couldn't wait to see their HEA and how it will happen.
The story was exciting, the dark elements were really delicious - the knife/blood play just holyhell!! The best ever! I was so afraid it would be only a little scene, but happily no. It was so so well written, oh god, I need more like this. Best scene ever.
Loved reading this story and highly recommend it!
Oh it was so interesting, I enjoyed it so much!
I don't know the original story 'The Snow Queen', but I know Narnia - and it was like being in Narnia with the Ice Queen. And it was soooooo good!
Kai and Avery were awesome characters, I loved their relationship, they were really cute and I love when someone is blind to his crush's feelings toward them. I loved both Kai and Avery and couldn't wait to see their HEA and how it will happen.
The story was exciting, the dark elements were really delicious - the knife/blood play just holyhell!! The best ever! I was so afraid it would be only a little scene, but happily no. It was so so well written, oh god, I need more like this. Best scene ever.
Loved reading this story and highly recommend it!
January 15, 2021
Shards of Ice
A twisted tale of Fae, magic and romance. I really enjoyed the story and loved the twist with the Fae.
A twisted tale of Fae, magic and romance. I really enjoyed the story and loved the twist with the Fae.
January 13, 2021
Shards Of Ice by R. Phoenix
Kai and Tristan are best friends and roommates and have been in love with each other for years. Both are to scared to tell the other for worry of losing them.
When Kai is mugged and fatally stabbed during a snowstorm a stranger, Avery, saves him somehow healing his deep stab wound. Kai falls for Avery more and more each time he shows up unannounced in his life. At the same time he finds himself becoming more and more frustrated with Tristan's over protectiveness.
When Tristan finds out Avery has cast a spell on Kai and taken him to the world of the fae he follows him in the hope's of saving him in time.
It was an okay book. To be honest the most emotion I felt in the whole book was during the last 2 chapters. I spent most of the book frustrated with Kai. It was good for a single read, but not one I'd read again.
Kai and Tristan are best friends and roommates and have been in love with each other for years. Both are to scared to tell the other for worry of losing them.
When Kai is mugged and fatally stabbed during a snowstorm a stranger, Avery, saves him somehow healing his deep stab wound. Kai falls for Avery more and more each time he shows up unannounced in his life. At the same time he finds himself becoming more and more frustrated with Tristan's over protectiveness.
When Tristan finds out Avery has cast a spell on Kai and taken him to the world of the fae he follows him in the hope's of saving him in time.
It was an okay book. To be honest the most emotion I felt in the whole book was during the last 2 chapters. I spent most of the book frustrated with Kai. It was good for a single read, but not one I'd read again.
October 4, 2020
Creepy but mesmerizing. At first, I was worried that Kai's seduction by Avery would be cliched, but it was deftly done. The author set up the psychological background for Kai that made him a perfect victim for Avery and watching him become more and more ensnared was frustrating and painful. I would have liked to have seen a little more of the relationship between Tristan and Kai before Avery came into their lives, but the resolution was satisfying if a little sinister.
September 28, 2020
4.5 Stars
R. Phoenix writes dark fantasy so well. Her books have dark parts, yes, but they're well-balanced with the story and the romance.
Tristan and Kai have been friends practically all their lives and have in love with each other for a long time, but they also fear telling the other in case their feelings aren't returned and it damages their friendship. After Kai is mugged and stabbed, he's rescued from bleeding to death by a mysterious and handsome stranger—Avery—who suddenly starts appearing at a lot of places Kai is in. At first, Kai is wary of him, but Avery knocks down his defenses and before long, Kai is completely wrapped in Avery. Tristan tries to warn Kai about Avery, but when he reveals his own secret to Kai, it doesn't go over well. Will Tristan be able to snatch Kai from Avery's clutches before it's too late?
Tristan and Kai were both very likable, and it was heartbreaking to see how Avery managed to get between the two of them and what he did to control Kai. Avery was a monster and I absolutely hated him, but I guess being cruel was in his nature.
This book is based on a fairytale and combines some paranormal elements (witches, fae) with contemporary romance and it was well-written and captivating.
While I have no trouble recommending it, be aware that this book deals with some darker issues, there's emotional and physical abuse and if those or blood/knife play are triggers for you, you should stay away from this book.
*** Copy provided by Gay Romance Reviews for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
R. Phoenix writes dark fantasy so well. Her books have dark parts, yes, but they're well-balanced with the story and the romance.
Tristan and Kai have been friends practically all their lives and have in love with each other for a long time, but they also fear telling the other in case their feelings aren't returned and it damages their friendship. After Kai is mugged and stabbed, he's rescued from bleeding to death by a mysterious and handsome stranger—Avery—who suddenly starts appearing at a lot of places Kai is in. At first, Kai is wary of him, but Avery knocks down his defenses and before long, Kai is completely wrapped in Avery. Tristan tries to warn Kai about Avery, but when he reveals his own secret to Kai, it doesn't go over well. Will Tristan be able to snatch Kai from Avery's clutches before it's too late?
Tristan and Kai were both very likable, and it was heartbreaking to see how Avery managed to get between the two of them and what he did to control Kai. Avery was a monster and I absolutely hated him, but I guess being cruel was in his nature.
This book is based on a fairytale and combines some paranormal elements (witches, fae) with contemporary romance and it was well-written and captivating.
While I have no trouble recommending it, be aware that this book deals with some darker issues, there's emotional and physical abuse and if those or blood/knife play are triggers for you, you should stay away from this book.
*** Copy provided by Gay Romance Reviews for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
October 3, 2020
A dark and sinister take on friends-to-lovers tale with interspersed themes of paranormal entities, fantasy and fairytale lore.
The story centres around best friends -Tristan and Kai who have been pining for each other, keeping their mutual feelings hidden for the fear of losing their most important person in the world. Tristan harbours yet another secret of his own. One that gives him a sense of foreboding, a constant warning of sorts that something is wrong with the way Kai was beginning to distance himself from Tristan.
I loved the way the author wrote the conflicted nature of thoughts brewing in Kai's mind as the strange Ice prince's magic binds him to the fae realm. Keeping up with the theme of the series, it was lovely how the author still gave us glimpses of the little moments that fortified the bond of friendship the two MCs shared. Very well written.
The writing style complements the very engaging and suspenseful plotline and the imagery painted by the descriptions of the worlds of fantasy makes for great world building.
Do heed the trigger warnings as the tale is quite dark and heart wrenching at times.
If you are on the lookout for a well written dark fantasy centred around a friends to lovers theme, this one's for ya.
The story centres around best friends -Tristan and Kai who have been pining for each other, keeping their mutual feelings hidden for the fear of losing their most important person in the world. Tristan harbours yet another secret of his own. One that gives him a sense of foreboding, a constant warning of sorts that something is wrong with the way Kai was beginning to distance himself from Tristan.
I loved the way the author wrote the conflicted nature of thoughts brewing in Kai's mind as the strange Ice prince's magic binds him to the fae realm. Keeping up with the theme of the series, it was lovely how the author still gave us glimpses of the little moments that fortified the bond of friendship the two MCs shared. Very well written.
|"It was like something cold around his heart had briefly parted, and he was desperate for his best friend. It was hard to fight for, too; it kept threatening to go back to utter coldness to where he didn’t give a damn about Tristan anymore."|
The writing style complements the very engaging and suspenseful plotline and the imagery painted by the descriptions of the worlds of fantasy makes for great world building.
Do heed the trigger warnings as the tale is quite dark and heart wrenching at times.
If you are on the lookout for a well written dark fantasy centred around a friends to lovers theme, this one's for ya.
October 3, 2020
Just read it
I expected to enjoy this book. What was unexpected was within Rissa's twisted Snow Queen retelling where the moments of "awww" and questions surrounding whether or not I really wanted Kai to escape from Avery. Y'all I don't even remember what happens in the original Snow Queen and honestly I don't care. This is the new canon as far as I'm concerned.
Superb writing aside (it's a givin), there is so much to love here. The gut punches every time Kai was cruel to Tristan. The alluring yet terrifying atmosphere Avery brought with him every time he showed up. The truly terrifying fae. That BEAUTIFUL epilogue. I know! I just complimented an epilogue. There's a first time for everything.
I don't want to say much because I don't think it's explicitly stated and if you have any experience with R Phoenix's books you know her endings could go either way. What I will say is that I did love the ending. It was so sweet a wonderful wrap up. BUT if it had gone the other direction I can't say I'd be mad because I was high key feelin' Avery. Don't come for me. I said what I said. Five stars because Tristan is the sweetest little cinnamon roll who needs to be protected at all cost.
Also I just want to put it out there, even though I know it's never going to happen, but Rissa, sis. If you wanted to do something with that epilogue none of us would be mad. I don't even care if it's just a scene and a half, I'll take what I can get.
I expected to enjoy this book. What was unexpected was within Rissa's twisted Snow Queen retelling where the moments of "awww" and questions surrounding whether or not I really wanted Kai to escape from Avery. Y'all I don't even remember what happens in the original Snow Queen and honestly I don't care. This is the new canon as far as I'm concerned.
Superb writing aside (it's a givin), there is so much to love here. The gut punches every time Kai was cruel to Tristan. The alluring yet terrifying atmosphere Avery brought with him every time he showed up. The truly terrifying fae. That BEAUTIFUL epilogue. I know! I just complimented an epilogue. There's a first time for everything.
I don't want to say much because I don't think it's explicitly stated and if you have any experience with R Phoenix's books you know her endings could go either way. What I will say is that I did love the ending. It was so sweet a wonderful wrap up. BUT if it had gone the other direction I can't say I'd be mad because I was high key feelin' Avery. Don't come for me. I said what I said. Five stars because Tristan is the sweetest little cinnamon roll who needs to be protected at all cost.
Also I just want to put it out there, even though I know it's never going to happen, but Rissa, sis. If you wanted to do something with that epilogue none of us would be mad. I don't even care if it's just a scene and a half, I'll take what I can get.
September 12, 2020
Shards of ice is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”.
Kai’s life has always being hard and when he gets robbed and left bleeding in the snow he thinks this is the end. He doesn’t expect a white haired gorgeous stranger to come to his rescue.
Tristan is Kai’s best friend. They’ve always been there for each other and they’re really close. They’re also both in love with each other but too afraid to admit their feelings because they don’t want to ruin their friendship.
When Kai starts dating the mysterious white haired man everything changes.
In this wonderfully dark book you can expect witches, fae, talking animals and a rescue mission that had me biting my fingernails. I read it in one sitting, I just had to find out what was going to happen next. The characters were deep and well developed and their struggles made me really care for them and worry for their lives. The writing style was also very beautiful. I enjoyed this book so much and ending was brilliant and very satisfying.
I highly recommend it but please read the trigger warnings before reading it. Like I said, it’s a dark book.
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Kai’s life has always being hard and when he gets robbed and left bleeding in the snow he thinks this is the end. He doesn’t expect a white haired gorgeous stranger to come to his rescue.
Tristan is Kai’s best friend. They’ve always been there for each other and they’re really close. They’re also both in love with each other but too afraid to admit their feelings because they don’t want to ruin their friendship.
When Kai starts dating the mysterious white haired man everything changes.
In this wonderfully dark book you can expect witches, fae, talking animals and a rescue mission that had me biting my fingernails. I read it in one sitting, I just had to find out what was going to happen next. The characters were deep and well developed and their struggles made me really care for them and worry for their lives. The writing style was also very beautiful. I enjoyed this book so much and ending was brilliant and very satisfying.
I highly recommend it but please read the trigger warnings before reading it. Like I said, it’s a dark book.
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
March 3, 2021
Shards of Ice: 4.5 Stars
[7.60 - Amazing!]
This was so much better than I expected it to be. Shards of Ice is a beautiful retelling of the snow queen. It takes so much from the original but gives it a whole new meaning - especially some details (such as Tristan/Gerda tending to flowers) just made me really happy because I am used to retellings either being very loose or exactly the og story. This one though took all of the beats of the og story and some added details from it but made it all it's own.
We got: Friends to Lovers, fae and witches, magic, pining, an adventure, a fast paced story
Since this series is written by different authors I am very apprehensive going into the other ones because marketing wise I expected them to be "smut/kink > plot" - but this one definitely wasn't. Yes we did have blood-play/knife-play - but it was maybe 5% of the book. The smut in general was in total maybe 15% of the book. (and it was good smut - I am just saying that I loved the amount of plot and development we got).
I will probably check some of the others out because (not gonna lie) I expected these to be bad - or at least not for me - but I ADORED this one.
[7.60 - Amazing!]
This was so much better than I expected it to be. Shards of Ice is a beautiful retelling of the snow queen. It takes so much from the original but gives it a whole new meaning - especially some details (such as Tristan/Gerda tending to flowers) just made me really happy because I am used to retellings either being very loose or exactly the og story. This one though took all of the beats of the og story and some added details from it but made it all it's own.
We got: Friends to Lovers, fae and witches, magic, pining, an adventure, a fast paced story
Since this series is written by different authors I am very apprehensive going into the other ones because marketing wise I expected them to be "smut/kink > plot" - but this one definitely wasn't. Yes we did have blood-play/knife-play - but it was maybe 5% of the book. The smut in general was in total maybe 15% of the book. (and it was good smut - I am just saying that I loved the amount of plot and development we got).
I will probably check some of the others out because (not gonna lie) I expected these to be bad - or at least not for me - but I ADORED this one.
October 3, 2020
Kai and Tristan both dance around the feelings they have for each other thinking that they'll never like each other back which has dire consequences for one of them. Kai is mugged and hurt when the mysterious Avery comes to his rescue and somehow heals him and strikes up a curious friendship. Tristan is trying so hard to not let Kai know how he feels about him but it only pushes him further into Avery's arms and this enables him to cart him off to a solemn ice palace where he is victimised daily and manipulated. Kai is falling deep under Avery's spell and Tristan is racing to stop him but with all that he tries it could be too late and Kai could be left with a frozen heart. I loved Tristan's determination and his willingness to do anything to keep Kai safe even giving up the ultimate prize, Kai just needed someone to love him and cherish him but found it in the wrong place, i throughly enjoyed this dark fairytale and the hope that shone through.
December 8, 2022
Another great story by R. Phoenix!
Kai and Tristan have been friends for years, and they’ve both wanted each other for years. Neither man feels brace enough to chance their friendship, in case the feelings aren’t mutual. But when a beautiful stranger comes into Kai’s life in a time of dire need, everything changes between them.
Avery is beautiful, mysterious, and very charming. Kai is willing to overlook some red flags, like his odd manner of speech, his dodging any questions about himself, and his always knowing where Kai is. He’s head over heels and completely infatuated, and he’s completely turned off to his best friend.
There’s much more to this world than Kai ever imagined, but he’s going to find out the hard way how far it goes. And when he falls, Tristan may be the only that can save him.
Kai and Tristan have been friends for years, and they’ve both wanted each other for years. Neither man feels brace enough to chance their friendship, in case the feelings aren’t mutual. But when a beautiful stranger comes into Kai’s life in a time of dire need, everything changes between them.
Avery is beautiful, mysterious, and very charming. Kai is willing to overlook some red flags, like his odd manner of speech, his dodging any questions about himself, and his always knowing where Kai is. He’s head over heels and completely infatuated, and he’s completely turned off to his best friend.
There’s much more to this world than Kai ever imagined, but he’s going to find out the hard way how far it goes. And when he falls, Tristan may be the only that can save him.
September 28, 2020
A slightly twisted retelling of The Snow Queen. There maybe some triggers for some people so heed the warning. I wouldn’t call this book dark. It is entertaining and I easily soaked up the story in one sitting. There’s an evil bad guy, lots of lying, hurting, and even love.
I enjoyed this read. I do wonder though is this what Tristan's father felt was going to happen? They talk about it the couple of times Tristan visits his family, but doesn’t mention anything again later in the story. I have to just assume it was, but I hate assuming… What I liked the most was Kai’s struggle with his lust for Avery, but his heart wanting Tristan. No matter how hard Avery tried to posses Kai his heart knew what it wanted.
I enjoyed this read. I do wonder though is this what Tristan's father felt was going to happen? They talk about it the couple of times Tristan visits his family, but doesn’t mention anything again later in the story. I have to just assume it was, but I hate assuming… What I liked the most was Kai’s struggle with his lust for Avery, but his heart wanting Tristan. No matter how hard Avery tried to posses Kai his heart knew what it wanted.
October 9, 2020
Two friends and a love that both men are afraid to speak of fearing an end to their friendship. That friendship is soon pushed to its end when Kai begins to date a mysterious man. Will Kai and Tristan find love or is it already too late for them?
This is a wonderful retelling of an old tale. If you enjoy adult fairy tales you will like this story. Kai and Tristan’s story drifts towards the darker side and keeps the reader fully engaged. The two have a bond that is strong and worth fighting for. I was pulled in right from the start and eager to see just how Tristan and Kai’s relationship would turn out. It was nice to see the men begin to figure out what they want and to fight for it. As strong as Fae magic is love has its own power and I enjoyed seeing the pull between the two.
This is a wonderful retelling of an old tale. If you enjoy adult fairy tales you will like this story. Kai and Tristan’s story drifts towards the darker side and keeps the reader fully engaged. The two have a bond that is strong and worth fighting for. I was pulled in right from the start and eager to see just how Tristan and Kai’s relationship would turn out. It was nice to see the men begin to figure out what they want and to fight for it. As strong as Fae magic is love has its own power and I enjoyed seeing the pull between the two.
March 25, 2023
Retelling of a old Faire tale
M/m
A witch, Tristan has been in love with his stubborn best friend Kia for 6 yrs. Kai gets mugged one day and severely injured. As Kai lay dying a mysterious man offers him a deal and heals his wound. Kai becomes infatuated with the mysterious tall blonde man. Tristan knows something is wrong, Kai has been acting weird, distant, cold, and not at himself. Tristan touches Kai and feels an unusual magic has taken a hold of his friend. So I'm not going to spoil anymore, but I will say there is a happy ending.!
And the Fae is a creep, what an epilogue though. I kinda hate the epilogue lol. Oh well.
Over all I enjoyed this short read. Tristan and Kai ending did feel a bit rushed though, I could have used more between the two.
M/m
A witch, Tristan has been in love with his stubborn best friend Kia for 6 yrs. Kai gets mugged one day and severely injured. As Kai lay dying a mysterious man offers him a deal and heals his wound. Kai becomes infatuated with the mysterious tall blonde man. Tristan knows something is wrong, Kai has been acting weird, distant, cold, and not at himself. Tristan touches Kai and feels an unusual magic has taken a hold of his friend. So I'm not going to spoil anymore, but I will say there is a happy ending.!
And the Fae is a creep, what an epilogue though. I kinda hate the epilogue lol. Oh well.
Over all I enjoyed this short read. Tristan and Kai ending did feel a bit rushed though, I could have used more between the two.
September 2, 2020
This a dark retelling of The Snow Queen that's not for the faint of heart. There's so many twists where the good seems helpless and the evil prevails. Is an interesting approach of the fairy tale with a dark twist an a supernatural touch.
Kai and Tristan are two childhood friends that have feelings for each other, but are afraid of losing what they have so those feelings remain hidden.
This story is a lesson that in the end love does prevails but the path is pressurised with lies, deceit, hurt, sacrifices, determination, trust, communication, faith and a lot of magic to achieve a most deserved happiness.
Kai and Tristan are two childhood friends that have feelings for each other, but are afraid of losing what they have so those feelings remain hidden.
This story is a lesson that in the end love does prevails but the path is pressurised with lies, deceit, hurt, sacrifices, determination, trust, communication, faith and a lot of magic to achieve a most deserved happiness.
September 30, 2020
Faeries are beautiful and cruel, without empathy; if they perform a service for you, they will exact a price. In this M/M riff on The Snow Queen, college student Kai becomes spellbound by the beautiful Avery, after the fae saves him from certain death following a late night mugging. The unspoken bond that Kai has with his best friend, Tristan, is imperiled by this new relationship… I really loved the world R. Phoenix has created for this story, in which witches and fae and magical reindeer exist, and portals between the human and fae worlds can be breached. I found Kai’s capitulation to Avery’s darkness both delicious and concerning, and was intrigued by his yearning for the pain of physical abuse and the need that it meets for him… would Tristan’s love for him be a stronger pull than Avery’s dark wiles and sublime cruelty? I enjoyed every moment of the journey.
October 3, 2020
I'll bet that somewhere in this book you will be in the same dilemma Kai is - who does he really want/need to be with, Avery or Tristan? It was rather disturbing that I knew Avery wasn't the good choice but could still appreciate the attraction. If you want to be placed smack in the middle of a world where you can never be on a sure footing and are as wrapped in the fae magic as the characters you have to read this book. You will also want to find a version of The Snow Queen and see how the author has adapted parts of that story for this one. That is one of my marks of an excellent fairy tale book, it sends me back to other tellings of the source story.
October 10, 2020
Icing on the Series
Ice cold heart melted by love. Basically that is this book, but there is so much more to it when plunged into this series and twisted by R. Phoenix. She writes with a deliciously dark sensibility that is what I love about all of the books of hers that I have read. I feel like I should feel bad about how much I am enjoying this series. These books are a whole lot of delicious fun to read but only if you like your books as dark and twisted as I do. You have been warned. On the other hand if you have a twisted little f... of a mind like we do then you will probably gobble them right up.
Ice cold heart melted by love. Basically that is this book, but there is so much more to it when plunged into this series and twisted by R. Phoenix. She writes with a deliciously dark sensibility that is what I love about all of the books of hers that I have read. I feel like I should feel bad about how much I am enjoying this series. These books are a whole lot of delicious fun to read but only if you like your books as dark and twisted as I do. You have been warned. On the other hand if you have a twisted little f... of a mind like we do then you will probably gobble them right up.
June 14, 2023
I really liked it and I wasn't expecting it to take the dark spin that it did. I wouldn't necessarily call this a true or very dark but it had more than an undertone. A bit of non-con-ish. Stockholm-like behaviors due to fae magic.
October 3, 2020
This is a dark twisted retelling of The Snow Queen; I had never heard of that story before. Now I’ve got to go looking for it. Kai and Tristan have been best friends since childhood. Avery saves Kai from death with his magical touch, but every time that Avery touches Kai, he losses interest in his friend Tristan. I love it when the story line involves magic, mage’s and fae’s. I loved this story, so well written! I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
October 3, 2020
An awesome dark fantasy with a happy ending. Kai and Tristan have a special friendship, both attracted to each other but afraid to ruin anything. When Kai almost dies and is rescued by a stranger, everything changes. Avery is a cruel Fae who takes a liking to Kai and reels him into his world. Tristan needs to step up! The story is engaging, exciting and hard to put down. While being a retelling of another book, it has its own interesting elements and a great writing style. Hated Avery, loved Kai and Tristan.
October 4, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I love the Snow Queen and R. Phoenix so I was really excited to read this. Kai is such an intriguing character and I liked Tristan a lot too. Avery was a complex character but I found that I actually liked him, not really sure why but I did. The plot of this book was unique while still being reminiscent of the tale that it derives from. I loved the dynamics between all of the characters and I loved that the story kept my attention the whole time. If you can get behind the warnings then I would definitely recommend this book.
October 12, 2020
This story is enchanting... You start off with the knowledge from the blub and then suddenly you're halfway thru. And just like Kai, you suddenly realize things are about to get really bad and you're under the spell too. I consumed this book in one sitting and I really did feel like I was put under a spell by the author.
Tristan is one of my favorite characters. He's unsure of himself and it has held him back several times in his life. It's his quiet strength and learning more about himself which saves the day.
Loved the epilogue. Exactly what I expected from the fae.
Tristan is one of my favorite characters. He's unsure of himself and it has held him back several times in his life. It's his quiet strength and learning more about himself which saves the day.
Loved the epilogue. Exactly what I expected from the fae.
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