What do you think?
Rate this book
Living Ice #1
The Heir of an Ancient Bloodline (Living Ice Book 1): A Portal Progression Fantasy Series
The next book of the series! Demon Hunter (Living Ice Book 2): A Portal Progression Fantasy Series -
So you died a horrific death in your own world? No problem! Maybe you are exactly what an old, dying mage needs to resurrect the princely line of the Morozov family.
An old maniac sliced a couple of people to bits right before your eyes? Relax! Now he’s your teacher, and he’s going to guide you along through life.
What? You’ve actually seen real demons? Huge, ten-foot-tall monsters wielding axes? Take a chill pill! They appear pretty frequently in unexpected places all over the world and wreak destruction.
You want to go back? But don’t you want to hear about the Wastelands? They’re well-protected lands of magic inhabited by demons who pillage and plunder borderland cities...
You’re going to stay away from them? Good luck. Just to let you know, your teacher is planning to go and live right next to one of them. For some reason he thinks that if you just learn to kill demons and undergo a series of dangerous tests, you can become a true master of your bloodline...
The Heir of an Ancient Bloodline is the first book of the Living Ice saga. It brings us to a stark and forbidding parallel world where, by some miracle, humanity managed to survive after a demon invasion. In those ancient times, mages took it upon themselves to play a central role in protecting the human race, thereafter founding the aristocratic families that stood as the world’s guardians.
To one such family was born Ivan, a boy with no control over his magical energy. This flaw cost him his life, and only the willing sacrifice of an old mage is able to return the soul to his body before it goes cold. Well, with one small catch—it’s not his soul. In fact, it’s not a young boy’s soul at all.
So you died a horrific death in your own world? No problem! Maybe you are exactly what an old, dying mage needs to resurrect the princely line of the Morozov family.
An old maniac sliced a couple of people to bits right before your eyes? Relax! Now he’s your teacher, and he’s going to guide you along through life.
What? You’ve actually seen real demons? Huge, ten-foot-tall monsters wielding axes? Take a chill pill! They appear pretty frequently in unexpected places all over the world and wreak destruction.
You want to go back? But don’t you want to hear about the Wastelands? They’re well-protected lands of magic inhabited by demons who pillage and plunder borderland cities...
You’re going to stay away from them? Good luck. Just to let you know, your teacher is planning to go and live right next to one of them. For some reason he thinks that if you just learn to kill demons and undergo a series of dangerous tests, you can become a true master of your bloodline...
The Heir of an Ancient Bloodline is the first book of the Living Ice saga. It brings us to a stark and forbidding parallel world where, by some miracle, humanity managed to survive after a demon invasion. In those ancient times, mages took it upon themselves to play a central role in protecting the human race, thereafter founding the aristocratic families that stood as the world’s guardians.
To one such family was born Ivan, a boy with no control over his magical energy. This flaw cost him his life, and only the willing sacrifice of an old mage is able to return the soul to his body before it goes cold. Well, with one small catch—it’s not his soul. In fact, it’s not a young boy’s soul at all.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2024
568 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 26, 2024
Book one
I received an ARC of this book to check the smoothness of the translation from Russian to English. I thought a pretty good job was done.
I don't understand that weird colorization in the author's note.
If you find something that I may have missed please report it. Magic Dome publishing is really good at fixing mistakes that are found in their translated books.
8/10
I received an ARC of this book to check the smoothness of the translation from Russian to English. I thought a pretty good job was done.
I don't understand that weird colorization in the author's note.
If you find something that I may have missed please report it. Magic Dome publishing is really good at fixing mistakes that are found in their translated books.
8/10
June 22, 2024
Why?!
I really don't understand why a grown ass adult wants to write a story about running around in a child's body. It's creepy. There's no other way around it. Reincarnation is a fine tool to use in your story and you can even give accounts of what I was like for the child to grow up but for becks sake fast forward till they are at least a young adult!
I really don't understand why a grown ass adult wants to write a story about running around in a child's body. It's creepy. There's no other way around it. Reincarnation is a fine tool to use in your story and you can even give accounts of what I was like for the child to grow up but for becks sake fast forward till they are at least a young adult!
May 21, 2024
Most enjoyable plot line and a typical Russian style. Strong commanding men, all the adversaries think they are tough and smart but never measure up to the MC. Women, simpering or manipulative and get their strength through the men. But the plot gets interesting and the story is quite fun
June 20, 2024
I was braced for another bad translation of a self-published Russian novel... this ain't that. Instead, we get a near-perfectly-edited well-plotted Isekai story with decently rendered characters and a great premise.
The magic system seems familiar at first; magic users versus body cultivators, but it's actually more nuanced than expected. Naturally, the protagonist goes in for both schools... or at least his mentor has those intentions. There's also a brief allusion to family heirs inheriting a legacy, but not if they renounce their family. I'm not sure how that works.
The world-building is also somewhat divergent from the genre. Instead of monsters randomly appearing or swarming out of dungeon breaks, there are well-defined demon territories that inhibit modern technology. Break-outs are rare so hunters must venture into enemy territory if they want to grow stronger and bring home the spoils.
Honestly, this novel blew me away. It's sitting on my re-read shelf while I await book two's publication.
The magic system seems familiar at first; magic users versus body cultivators, but it's actually more nuanced than expected. Naturally, the protagonist goes in for both schools... or at least his mentor has those intentions. There's also a brief allusion to family heirs inheriting a legacy, but not if they renounce their family. I'm not sure how that works.
The world-building is also somewhat divergent from the genre. Instead of monsters randomly appearing or swarming out of dungeon breaks, there are well-defined demon territories that inhibit modern technology. Break-outs are rare so hunters must venture into enemy territory if they want to grow stronger and bring home the spoils.
Honestly, this novel blew me away. It's sitting on my re-read shelf while I await book two's publication.
April 24, 2025
Very entertaining, however slow paced
An enjoyable read with likable main characters. The world-building was nuanced but fulfilling. For the most part, the story was engaging, logical, and interesting. The pacing of the story at times became slow because of the exposition of one of the main characters inner dialogue to explain the nuance of his new life. A lot of this became filler because the reader was fully aware of this knowledge and didn't need the main character to divulge his inner reasoning. Overall a good story, and I look forward to the second book in the series.
An enjoyable read with likable main characters. The world-building was nuanced but fulfilling. For the most part, the story was engaging, logical, and interesting. The pacing of the story at times became slow because of the exposition of one of the main characters inner dialogue to explain the nuance of his new life. A lot of this became filler because the reader was fully aware of this knowledge and didn't need the main character to divulge his inner reasoning. Overall a good story, and I look forward to the second book in the series.
May 2, 2024
Great Book
Strong start to a new series. I wish it had been a little longer. The book reminds me a bit of a web serial as the first book just ends with no real closure of any of the issues the mc is facing. Also, it's a bit of a cliffhanger. All the books have already been written, and it's a bummer to have to wait till September for the next one. Reminds me a little of last life if you're looking for a comparison.
Strong start to a new series. I wish it had been a little longer. The book reminds me a bit of a web serial as the first book just ends with no real closure of any of the issues the mc is facing. Also, it's a bit of a cliffhanger. All the books have already been written, and it's a bummer to have to wait till September for the next one. Reminds me a little of last life if you're looking for a comparison.
April 29, 2024
Great portal progression. First book seems like an introduction leading to what will be some academy and political intrigue as our MC heads off to school now that he has awakened his powers and become more comfortable inhabiting his new body. Characters are great and the series should be really fun.
April 25, 2024
Very good
I really liked this book. It's well written, with interesting characters and good action. Some of the transitions are a bit jarring, so just be aware.
Highly recommended.
I really liked this book. It's well written, with interesting characters and good action. Some of the transitions are a bit jarring, so just be aware.
Highly recommended.
July 8, 2025
The Heir of an Ancient Bloodline (Living Ice Book 1) by Dmitry Sheleg
Plot Overview
What Works
Worldbuilding: The ice-covered realm is vividly described, and its magical rules are coherent, which adds depth to the setting. Sheleg introduces just enough lore to intrigue without overwhelming.
Character Growth: Vlad is not a ready-made hero. His journey is filled with uncertainty, failure, and incremental triumphs. This realistic arc makes him relatable and compelling.
Atmosphere: The constant presence of cold, isolation, and the looming unknown creates a tense, immersive environment that suits the themes of survival and hidden heritage.
What Could Be Improved
Some early exposition feels slightly rushed or mechanical — understandable for a first book establishing a broader arc, but it may momentarily pull readers out of the immersion.
Side characters, though interesting, could use more depth or emotional stakes to make them memorable beyond their roles.
Final Thoughts
Rating:
"A portal fantasy brimming with mystery, character growth, and chilling magic."
Dmitry Sheleg delivers a well-paced and intriguing entry into the portal progression genre with The Heir of an Ancient Bloodline, the first book in the Living Ice series. It’s a story that combines familiar tropes with fresh twists, serving up a mix of self-discovery, survival, and the emergence of dormant power in an otherworldly realm.
Plot Overview
The novel follows a young protagonist, Vlad, who is thrust from Earth into a frozen, hostile world through a mysterious portal. There, he discovers not only that he is descended from a powerful and ancient lineage, but also that his survival — and possibly the fate of the new world he inhabits — hinges on unlocking abilities buried deep within him.
The stakes are personal, but the world is epic. The story leans into the progression fantasy formula, where Vlad’s strength and knowledge evolve through trials, magical systems, and combat, rather than sudden power-ups. That pacing makes his growth believable and satisfying.
What Works
Worldbuilding: The ice-covered realm is vividly described, and its magical rules are coherent, which adds depth to the setting. Sheleg introduces just enough lore to intrigue without overwhelming.
Character Growth: Vlad is not a ready-made hero. His journey is filled with uncertainty, failure, and incremental triumphs. This realistic arc makes him relatable and compelling.
Atmosphere: The constant presence of cold, isolation, and the looming unknown creates a tense, immersive environment that suits the themes of survival and hidden heritage.
What Could Be Improved
Some early exposition feels slightly rushed or mechanical — understandable for a first book establishing a broader arc, but it may momentarily pull readers out of the immersion.
Side characters, though interesting, could use more depth or emotional stakes to make them memorable beyond their roles.
Final Thoughts
The Heir of an Ancient Bloodline is a strong start to what promises to be a fascinating series. Fans of portal fantasy and progression stories — especially those who enjoyed works like Awaken Online or Cradle — will likely find this book rewarding. Its narrative is not only about becoming powerful, but also about finding identity and purpose in a world that doesn’t care if you live or die.
Verdict: A gripping and atmospheric adventure that balances tension, character growth, and progression mechanics with skill.
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐☆ ☆
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy portal fantasy, slow-burn character development, survival challenges, and magic systems grounded in lore and logic.
September 3, 2025
~Audiobook Review~
I can barely stand what the MC turned into after the merger of the memories from two different lives.
The MC acts and thinks like a person afraid of his own shadow let alone anything else. There is also a fair bit of faulty logic and irrationality to it with internal contradictions to his behaviour. On the whole though mc characterisation brings down my rating of the story by 0.5.
The story gets better later on with the mc retracting his head from between hid buttocks but there is still some obtuseness.. That said the rest of the story flows on fairly well into the next book and I am hopeful for the rest of the series.
There are very few discernible errors to the text/writing that I picked up on. I'd say less than a handful. The VA narration is workman like and up to K.T.C usual good standard.
On the whole my rating for this is a high, for me rare, 3.5/5 rating.
I can barely stand what the MC turned into after the merger of the memories from two different lives.
The MC acts and thinks like a person afraid of his own shadow let alone anything else. There is also a fair bit of faulty logic and irrationality to it with internal contradictions to his behaviour. On the whole though mc characterisation brings down my rating of the story by 0.5.
The story gets better later on with the mc retracting his head from between hid buttocks but there is still some obtuseness.. That said the rest of the story flows on fairly well into the next book and I am hopeful for the rest of the series.
There are very few discernible errors to the text/writing that I picked up on. I'd say less than a handful. The VA narration is workman like and up to K.T.C usual good standard.
On the whole my rating for this is a high, for me rare, 3.5/5 rating.
October 29, 2024
This type of book is a bit of a weakness for me, so I’m never completely impartial about it. Overall, many elements are enjoyable to read, the pacing is more than decent, and the storyline isn’t so straightforward that I feel like I’ve read this style multiple times before. However, I would change some elements that still bother me. For example, the fact that they only travel for a few days, yet the other nobles don’t necessarily recognize Yvan. Similarly, there’s a strong emphasis on the fact that he’s from a “Bloodline,” but aside from a bit of coldness, there’s very little reference to it. (I’m quite sure this will appear more later when they delve into family magic and he comes of age). The rest falls within the acceptable range for an isekai/reincarnation story. I’m now looking forward to the third book!
June 7, 2025
Pretty interesting Isekai cultivation story
The MC is a gestalt of the consciousness of a murdered 10 year old child and an isekaied man from earth coexisting in the child’s revived body. His family would be out to get him for personal gain, if the knew he had survived. But his ally, a family retainer who is a high level knight wisks him away. The knights martial training is pretty aggressive and he has to fight off a group of bullys and some low level thugs. Then the real training begins in the wastelands fighting monsters and demons.
Well written with interesting takes on philosophy and human interactions.
The MC is a gestalt of the consciousness of a murdered 10 year old child and an isekaied man from earth coexisting in the child’s revived body. His family would be out to get him for personal gain, if the knew he had survived. But his ally, a family retainer who is a high level knight wisks him away. The knights martial training is pretty aggressive and he has to fight off a group of bullys and some low level thugs. Then the real training begins in the wastelands fighting monsters and demons.
Well written with interesting takes on philosophy and human interactions.
April 21, 2024
I received a review copy of this book.
Living Ice 1 is a story about a boy who is supposed to be dead. Thanks to his grandfather, he isn't (well, sort of), and the book covers the time his grandfather spends training him before he starts that most agregeous of institutions... public school.
it's a very interesting story, and I would like to read more in this series.
Living Ice 1 is a story about a boy who is supposed to be dead. Thanks to his grandfather, he isn't (well, sort of), and the book covers the time his grandfather spends training him before he starts that most agregeous of institutions... public school.
it's a very interesting story, and I would like to read more in this series.
July 29, 2024
surprisingly awesome
The paragraph snippet doesn’t do this book justice. It’s way more captivating than that intro gives it credit for. And old man dies from hypothermia while drunk and gets transported into an alternate parallel version of earth with demons, mages, magic, family intrigue etc. he’s in the body of a son of a prince but since daddy dearest is the one who killed him ges forced to go on the run and into hiding. He can either grow and train or be cannon fodder for the demons. Get the book- it’s worth the read
The paragraph snippet doesn’t do this book justice. It’s way more captivating than that intro gives it credit for. And old man dies from hypothermia while drunk and gets transported into an alternate parallel version of earth with demons, mages, magic, family intrigue etc. he’s in the body of a son of a prince but since daddy dearest is the one who killed him ges forced to go on the run and into hiding. He can either grow and train or be cannon fodder for the demons. Get the book- it’s worth the read
May 15, 2025
DNF. It's a well-written book that suffers from the stilted language that often comes with being translated from another language. It's just not for me. I thought the first third of the book was strong and I was sucked into the story, but it petered out for me from there and I lost interest long before the finish.
I may come back to it because the premise of the series is interesting, and I'd love to learn more. However, for now, I have many books on my to-read list that I'm much more interested in.
I may come back to it because the premise of the series is interesting, and I'd love to learn more. However, for now, I have many books on my to-read list that I'm much more interested in.
June 26, 2024
Weird ending
The book ended abruptly with the epilogue starting at a completely different place than the previous chapter ended. That was frustrating and ended the book on a sour note. The detail in this book is a bit sparse on alot of fronts. The mc's previous life, the background of his mentor.. there are loose ends that would have been nice to have wrapped up so that everything didn't feel like it was just hanging. I also didn't like the pov shifts, just felt like filler.
The book ended abruptly with the epilogue starting at a completely different place than the previous chapter ended. That was frustrating and ended the book on a sour note. The detail in this book is a bit sparse on alot of fronts. The mc's previous life, the background of his mentor.. there are loose ends that would have been nice to have wrapped up so that everything didn't feel like it was just hanging. I also didn't like the pov shifts, just felt like filler.
August 11, 2024
It is sad to have to wait for the next book as I quite enjoyed this one.
While one can argue that the pace of the book is slower than in comparable stories and it uses similar tropes I found myself well entertained and eager to continue reading the series.
The two main characters are gruff but likeable and have a refreshing no nonsense attitude. I also enjoyed the lack of annoying pronoun nonsense which I found refreshing.
The book has a much better translator than most books from Russian authors.
While one can argue that the pace of the book is slower than in comparable stories and it uses similar tropes I found myself well entertained and eager to continue reading the series.
The two main characters are gruff but likeable and have a refreshing no nonsense attitude. I also enjoyed the lack of annoying pronoun nonsense which I found refreshing.
The book has a much better translator than most books from Russian authors.
September 24, 2024
KU readers beware!!!!!!
While this first book of a trilogy is available on KU, the NEXT one costs $7.99. The idea of paying extra for something offered on KU just doesn't sit right with me. Maybe it because the author is Russian, who knows? Decent story, but I will NOT be continuing the series. Dmitri, you suck. Those of us on fixed incomes can't afford your little games.
While this first book of a trilogy is available on KU, the NEXT one costs $7.99. The idea of paying extra for something offered on KU just doesn't sit right with me. Maybe it because the author is Russian, who knows? Decent story, but I will NOT be continuing the series. Dmitri, you suck. Those of us on fixed incomes can't afford your little games.
January 16, 2025
I hope this is interesting.
I want to see how the author can make me enjoy a book about an ice magic user.
There was no ice magic use. Just using energy techniques to fight Demons.
I don't know if I will read the sequel, as it will be about school with a bunch of ten to eleven year olds.
We will see.
3/5 Stars
I want to see how the author can make me enjoy a book about an ice magic user.
There was no ice magic use. Just using energy techniques to fight Demons.
I don't know if I will read the sequel, as it will be about school with a bunch of ten to eleven year olds.
We will see.
3/5 Stars
July 11, 2025
Excellent book for imaginative readers
The mix of magic and warrior skills is an entertaining storyline. Young Ivan is resurrected by his mage grandfather using all his remaining magic and strength. His faithful servant and friend rescues Ivan from his enemies and continues to train him in combat. A good start to this series by Dmitry Sheleg.
The mix of magic and warrior skills is an entertaining storyline. Young Ivan is resurrected by his mage grandfather using all his remaining magic and strength. His faithful servant and friend rescues Ivan from his enemies and continues to train him in combat. A good start to this series by Dmitry Sheleg.
May 28, 2024
Amazing
Excellent first book and I hope the translations are done quickly. In Russian the series is steady finished, 8 books. Translation is excellent and a great well crafted story.
Excellent first book and I hope the translations are done quickly. In Russian the series is steady finished, 8 books. Translation is excellent and a great well crafted story.
July 9, 2024
awesome
This was a blast. The world building was expansive and interesting, the magic system was clever, and the MC’s character progression was super fun to follow.
Can’t wait to see how the next book proceeds with him attending school.
This was a blast. The world building was expansive and interesting, the magic system was clever, and the MC’s character progression was super fun to follow.
Can’t wait to see how the next book proceeds with him attending school.
May 28, 2025
Excellent read heir at risk
Characters good, normal great powers but needs to train. Most annoying thing is first book is free and the rest seem to be chargeable. So not bother continuing
Characters good, normal great powers but needs to train. Most annoying thing is first book is free and the rest seem to be chargeable. So not bother continuing
August 5, 2025
Fantastic
I do not usually read Portal Progression books! This book is different! Right from the start, you are grabbed by what is happening! We get to follow along like we are actually there! I am glad book 2 is written!
I do not usually read Portal Progression books! This book is different! Right from the start, you are grabbed by what is happening! We get to follow along like we are actually there! I am glad book 2 is written!
August 20, 2025
Enjoying this
This hits all the high points, good story, interesting characters and the overpowered teacher is nice. The magical and martial frameworks are pretty good as well. The epilogue was actually rather funny. I liked it too.
This hits all the high points, good story, interesting characters and the overpowered teacher is nice. The magical and martial frameworks are pretty good as well. The epilogue was actually rather funny. I liked it too.
October 28, 2025
It really don't make you want to read more.
It don't really make you want to read more. Yes the story is sound and it has moments, but the MC is whiny and the writing don't flow. So feel free to waste your money like I did on this first book.
It don't really make you want to read more. Yes the story is sound and it has moments, but the MC is whiny and the writing don't flow. So feel free to waste your money like I did on this first book.
May 2, 2024
Nice surprise
A bit short but entertaining book. Looking forward to Book 2. Big shout to this new author and it’s free on KU!
A bit short but entertaining book. Looking forward to Book 2. Big shout to this new author and it’s free on KU!
May 29, 2024
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
June 4, 2024
Excellent book great story.
Why do I have to pre-order books already published. Dmitry finished the entire storyline by 2023. So what are u guys up too
Why do I have to pre-order books already published. Dmitry finished the entire storyline by 2023. So what are u guys up too
June 7, 2024
Good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews