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The Ice Moves for No One
The ice moves for no one, the trees do not answer, and the Svall obeys no master.
Selkie warrior Aalgur Thalon was born to fight in honor of the Dread One. She’s going to win the Dusk Trials, join the elite Duskingr Air Fleet, and kiss her old life as a deckhand goodbye. But when her body betrays her, Thalon is forced to give up the biggest part of her identity.
And that might just be the least of her worries.
Thalon must learn the strength of vulnerability as she faces battles she’s never trained Spindel Co. getting into everything and everywhere, villains in unexpected places, and worst of all, herself.
Selkie warrior Aalgur Thalon was born to fight in honor of the Dread One. She’s going to win the Dusk Trials, join the elite Duskingr Air Fleet, and kiss her old life as a deckhand goodbye. But when her body betrays her, Thalon is forced to give up the biggest part of her identity.
And that might just be the least of her worries.
Thalon must learn the strength of vulnerability as she faces battles she’s never trained Spindel Co. getting into everything and everywhere, villains in unexpected places, and worst of all, herself.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 25, 2025
Update: Just came here to say that this book pops into my head almost daily. My brain just reminds me that it exists. Not many books do that for me and if anyone is looking for chronic illness rep for Disability Pride Month, this one packs a punch!
4.25/5 stars
This is a fiercely original story: queer, painful, defiant, and full of jagged edges softened by so much vulnerability. The Ice Moves for No One blends selkie folklore with gritty sci-fi-fantasy elements, chronic pain rep, and biting commentary on colonialism, capitalism, and identity. It’s a lot. At times, maybe too much; but when it works, it really works.
Thalon is such a raw and deeply palpable protagonist. I honestly feel connected to her in a way that I so rarely feel with characters. Watching her navigate the fallout of losing what she thought defined her (her body, her strength, her future) was honestly heartbreaking. Her past rejection from her family, especially her mother, hit so hard. The story isn’t afraid to sit with that grief, and it never flinches from the emotional weight of what she’s lost. Those with abandonment issues will really feel this one.
And yet, this isn’t a hopeless book. It’s also tender and quietly powerful. The romance is beautiful and the broader queer and disability representation is some of the best I’ve read in recent fantasy. There’s a subtle strength to how these characters live, love, and survive in a world that’s not built for them.
The world-building is bold and feels a little bit fragmented initially, but it is so lived in that it WORKS. It has folklore species, an air fleet, corporate overreach, cultural erasure, and a weirdly terrifying corporation that seems to have its fingers in everything. There’s so much ambition here, and while I loved the ideas, I do think the story got a little crowded. A few threads didn’t get the attention they deserved, and some tonal shifts felt abrupt. Still, the emotional core of Thalon’s journey of identity and recovery kept me grounded.
Overall, this is a deeply personal, gutsy story with a lot to say. It doesn’t always tie everything together perfectly, but it does leave a lasting impression. A standout for representation and a strong entry into queer speculative fiction.
Thanks so much to the author, Quills and Cosmos Publishing, and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
4.25/5 stars
This is a fiercely original story: queer, painful, defiant, and full of jagged edges softened by so much vulnerability. The Ice Moves for No One blends selkie folklore with gritty sci-fi-fantasy elements, chronic pain rep, and biting commentary on colonialism, capitalism, and identity. It’s a lot. At times, maybe too much; but when it works, it really works.
Thalon is such a raw and deeply palpable protagonist. I honestly feel connected to her in a way that I so rarely feel with characters. Watching her navigate the fallout of losing what she thought defined her (her body, her strength, her future) was honestly heartbreaking. Her past rejection from her family, especially her mother, hit so hard. The story isn’t afraid to sit with that grief, and it never flinches from the emotional weight of what she’s lost. Those with abandonment issues will really feel this one.
And yet, this isn’t a hopeless book. It’s also tender and quietly powerful. The romance is beautiful and the broader queer and disability representation is some of the best I’ve read in recent fantasy. There’s a subtle strength to how these characters live, love, and survive in a world that’s not built for them.
The world-building is bold and feels a little bit fragmented initially, but it is so lived in that it WORKS. It has folklore species, an air fleet, corporate overreach, cultural erasure, and a weirdly terrifying corporation that seems to have its fingers in everything. There’s so much ambition here, and while I loved the ideas, I do think the story got a little crowded. A few threads didn’t get the attention they deserved, and some tonal shifts felt abrupt. Still, the emotional core of Thalon’s journey of identity and recovery kept me grounded.
Overall, this is a deeply personal, gutsy story with a lot to say. It doesn’t always tie everything together perfectly, but it does leave a lasting impression. A standout for representation and a strong entry into queer speculative fiction.
Thanks so much to the author, Quills and Cosmos Publishing, and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
May 7, 2025
This is my first ARC I've ever agreed to read. I discovered ARLO Z GRAVES through social media.
The Ice Moves For No One is one of the most unique stories I've ever read. The MC battles chronic pain, abandonment issues, and self-worth while searching for a connection to her power and her deity. Betrayed and duped into service, we follow Aalgur Thalon as she struggles to find her way in the world and fight through constant pain. This is a slow burn story. It builds slowly, but perfectly. It draws you in and carries you along. I read at night and I found I couldn't wait for the day to end so I could get back to this book.
I love this character. She's everything you look for in modern fantasy. Arlo Z Graves created a deeply personal and rich FMC that I can't wait to read more of. This first installment of the DISKINGR SAGA will leave you ready to dive in to the rest of the series. Bravo! Loved this book!
The Ice Moves For No One is one of the most unique stories I've ever read. The MC battles chronic pain, abandonment issues, and self-worth while searching for a connection to her power and her deity. Betrayed and duped into service, we follow Aalgur Thalon as she struggles to find her way in the world and fight through constant pain. This is a slow burn story. It builds slowly, but perfectly. It draws you in and carries you along. I read at night and I found I couldn't wait for the day to end so I could get back to this book.
I love this character. She's everything you look for in modern fantasy. Arlo Z Graves created a deeply personal and rich FMC that I can't wait to read more of. This first installment of the DISKINGR SAGA will leave you ready to dive in to the rest of the series. Bravo! Loved this book!
August 1, 2025
The main character is a selkie, half human, half sea lion. Rejected by her parents, working odd jobs, she is more of an underdog in comparison to the sponsored champions of the Dusk Trials, but she does not let that stop her... until her body decides otherwise.
It is not very often that I meet chronic illness as a central part of a story. The author's own experiences shine through strongly and I feel deeply with Thalon. It is heartbreaking to see all her dreams crushed, betrayed by her friend, even the odd job lost, all for an inexplicable illness that affects her brain and nerves, her balance and her ability to fight or work.
Reading this book broke my heart into pieces, stomped on them, and then continued to painstakingly stitch them together again.
The book is a mix of folklore and modern-day corporate power abuse, of old gods and disappearing magic. This is not a story with a magic fix and a happy ever after. It is a story about learning to accept and live with a chronic illness, recognizing that strength comes in many shapes. It is also a story about questioning corporate power and breaking racist boundaries, a story about listening to higher forces of nature.
It is not very often that I meet chronic illness as a central part of a story. The author's own experiences shine through strongly and I feel deeply with Thalon. It is heartbreaking to see all her dreams crushed, betrayed by her friend, even the odd job lost, all for an inexplicable illness that affects her brain and nerves, her balance and her ability to fight or work.
Reading this book broke my heart into pieces, stomped on them, and then continued to painstakingly stitch them together again.
The book is a mix of folklore and modern-day corporate power abuse, of old gods and disappearing magic. This is not a story with a magic fix and a happy ever after. It is a story about learning to accept and live with a chronic illness, recognizing that strength comes in many shapes. It is also a story about questioning corporate power and breaking racist boundaries, a story about listening to higher forces of nature.
July 21, 2025
This is a lovely story that deserves to be read. If you like Holly Black or Xiran Jay Zhao, you will find plenty to love here.
It’s a sweet urban fantasy with magical airships, creatures from norse mythology, a tournament arc, and an Interesting and solid magic system.
The plot is deeper and more intricate than it first appears, with shadows of capitalist shenanigans and eco-dystopia.
More importantly, has wonderful characters who struggle through very relatable issues. The main characters journey to find herself after an injury destroys her dreams made me cry.
There is also a cute love story with girls kissing. And kitchen eels.
It’s a sweet urban fantasy with magical airships, creatures from norse mythology, a tournament arc, and an Interesting and solid magic system.
The plot is deeper and more intricate than it first appears, with shadows of capitalist shenanigans and eco-dystopia.
More importantly, has wonderful characters who struggle through very relatable issues. The main characters journey to find herself after an injury destroys her dreams made me cry.
There is also a cute love story with girls kissing. And kitchen eels.
June 21, 2025
This book made my cry, twice, and the first time it was ugly.
But at least I was ugly in a good way.
This was far better than I expected. Not saying that I expected it to be bad, because I'm too lazy and self-entitled to read bad books. I mean that this is a book that takes somebody who has lived, experienced, and in not insignificant ways, suffered, to write it.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that you have to be a masochist to find this book rewarding, but if you've been out in the world, got knocked down more than a few times, maybe even unconscious, and gotten back up, one way or another... I'll bet you will at least leak a little water, not because you're weak or sentimental, but because you can relate.
It's got fun and funny parts too. I got some cackles and snorts, and perhaps some spitting of cold beverage, and maybe it was better that I read it while traveling alone, with the privacy of a hotel room.
If you like whatever this genre is (seems like fantasy/scifi of sorts, but the genre boundaries and lore mixing are a little unconventional, even if apparently well-founded), or even if you don't, between weeping and silly snorts, it's a lot of fun, engaging page turner, and I got to the end sooner than I felt I wanted, but the pacing was excellent.
I'm not exactly an informed book critic, so take all of this in context, but for you strangers out there that I haven't met at the Shape Changing Sky Viking convention (yet), I would suggest giving it a try.
But at least I was ugly in a good way.
This was far better than I expected. Not saying that I expected it to be bad, because I'm too lazy and self-entitled to read bad books. I mean that this is a book that takes somebody who has lived, experienced, and in not insignificant ways, suffered, to write it.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that you have to be a masochist to find this book rewarding, but if you've been out in the world, got knocked down more than a few times, maybe even unconscious, and gotten back up, one way or another... I'll bet you will at least leak a little water, not because you're weak or sentimental, but because you can relate.
It's got fun and funny parts too. I got some cackles and snorts, and perhaps some spitting of cold beverage, and maybe it was better that I read it while traveling alone, with the privacy of a hotel room.
If you like whatever this genre is (seems like fantasy/scifi of sorts, but the genre boundaries and lore mixing are a little unconventional, even if apparently well-founded), or even if you don't, between weeping and silly snorts, it's a lot of fun, engaging page turner, and I got to the end sooner than I felt I wanted, but the pacing was excellent.
I'm not exactly an informed book critic, so take all of this in context, but for you strangers out there that I haven't met at the Shape Changing Sky Viking convention (yet), I would suggest giving it a try.
April 25, 2025
“I AM YOUR DAUGHTER!” I roar. I am enough.
This LGBTQ+ high fantasy has a strong yet vulnerable FMC, selkie lore with magic, mythology and Gods, found family (one of my personal favs) with a stellar cast of eccentrics, chronic illness representation, a tournament of sorts, and an emotional roller coaster that will take you from laughter, to weeping, to everywhere in between.
This story follows Aagular Thalon, the FMC who was born different than all the other selkies, but she refuses to allow this to hinder her and uses this to fuel her fire. Now with the Dusk Trials fast approaching, she is determined to earn her place with the distinguished Dusking Air fleet and serve in honor of the Dread One. When her body is pushed beyond its limits, she is faced with a decision that changes the biggest part of her. Through her fears, she learns that although she may be exposed and vulnerable, she can still be bold.
This was an easy read, well written and I truly appreciated the pronunciation guide and glossary in the back of the book. It was very helpful in understanding all the lore, names and characters. It made navigating the story that much more entertaining and allowed me to fully experience all the author intended. Although this book is not heavy on the romance, the slow burn is still pleasant part of the story and served well.
“You have no idea what my life is worth.”
This LGBTQ+ high fantasy has a strong yet vulnerable FMC, selkie lore with magic, mythology and Gods, found family (one of my personal favs) with a stellar cast of eccentrics, chronic illness representation, a tournament of sorts, and an emotional roller coaster that will take you from laughter, to weeping, to everywhere in between.
This story follows Aagular Thalon, the FMC who was born different than all the other selkies, but she refuses to allow this to hinder her and uses this to fuel her fire. Now with the Dusk Trials fast approaching, she is determined to earn her place with the distinguished Dusking Air fleet and serve in honor of the Dread One. When her body is pushed beyond its limits, she is faced with a decision that changes the biggest part of her. Through her fears, she learns that although she may be exposed and vulnerable, she can still be bold.
This was an easy read, well written and I truly appreciated the pronunciation guide and glossary in the back of the book. It was very helpful in understanding all the lore, names and characters. It made navigating the story that much more entertaining and allowed me to fully experience all the author intended. Although this book is not heavy on the romance, the slow burn is still pleasant part of the story and served well.
“You have no idea what my life is worth.”
August 29, 2025
This book is exceptional. It is powerful, bold, raw, painful, and unexpected.
As a lifelong fan of folklore and strange beings, I adored the premise of The Ice Moves for No One from my first skim of its description. The world is rich and full, with huge truck caravans and a mountain that is a god, with selkies and combat trials, with electricity and soda alongside temples and myths walking down the street. Worldbuilding is rich and vital, there's a believable cadence to the days and the seasons that these characters live.
Some of the lines in this book will stay with me forever. Stunning prose, genuinely stop-in-your-tracks moments of writing that caught my breath.
I am so, so glad this is book #1 of a saga, because I need more of it. More Thalon, more answers, more of everything this author has created in this chaotic world.
The story is riveting. It truly finds its footing in the third act, building on hard foundations laid in the first two parts. It's a very earned ending, and I respect that.
But also, please give me more, ASAP.
Absolutely recommend this book.
-
In the interest of full disclosure, I am also an author working with Quills and Cosmos Press, but I bought the book independently of the publisher and am reviewing of my own volition. As a fellow author I was extra motivated to read; as a reader, I was enthralled every page and can't wait to reread, highlighting favorite passages and phrasings.
As a lifelong fan of folklore and strange beings, I adored the premise of The Ice Moves for No One from my first skim of its description. The world is rich and full, with huge truck caravans and a mountain that is a god, with selkies and combat trials, with electricity and soda alongside temples and myths walking down the street. Worldbuilding is rich and vital, there's a believable cadence to the days and the seasons that these characters live.
Some of the lines in this book will stay with me forever. Stunning prose, genuinely stop-in-your-tracks moments of writing that caught my breath.
I am so, so glad this is book #1 of a saga, because I need more of it. More Thalon, more answers, more of everything this author has created in this chaotic world.
The story is riveting. It truly finds its footing in the third act, building on hard foundations laid in the first two parts. It's a very earned ending, and I respect that.
But also, please give me more, ASAP.
Absolutely recommend this book.
-
In the interest of full disclosure, I am also an author working with Quills and Cosmos Press, but I bought the book independently of the publisher and am reviewing of my own volition. As a fellow author I was extra motivated to read; as a reader, I was enthralled every page and can't wait to reread, highlighting favorite passages and phrasings.
June 21, 2025
“It was Impossible, until it wasn’t.”
The Ice Moves for No One is a compelling fantasy set in a fascinating 1930’s inspired world. Gladiators sponsored by cola companies fight for the right to work on skyships and secure their futures.
Our protagonist, Thalon has aspirations to win for more than just financial stability. Her identity is wrapped up in being the best and proving all of her naysayers wrong.
But fate has other ideas.
I loved how thoughtfully this story touched on themes of chronic illness and depression. Navigating these challenges is central to Thalon’s journey. Her internal thoughts during her lows were sincere and heartbreaking, but there is also a spark of hope.
I found this story inspiring and captivating. Had dreams about it. Like Arlo’s other published tale Black rose, I will be thinking about this one for a long time.
Also, Vesp is just the best.
Highly recommend this story for readers that like emotionally driven fantasy. This wasn’t just a fantastic read, it was inspirational.
The Ice Moves for No One is a compelling fantasy set in a fascinating 1930’s inspired world. Gladiators sponsored by cola companies fight for the right to work on skyships and secure their futures.
Our protagonist, Thalon has aspirations to win for more than just financial stability. Her identity is wrapped up in being the best and proving all of her naysayers wrong.
But fate has other ideas.
I loved how thoughtfully this story touched on themes of chronic illness and depression. Navigating these challenges is central to Thalon’s journey. Her internal thoughts during her lows were sincere and heartbreaking, but there is also a spark of hope.
I found this story inspiring and captivating. Had dreams about it. Like Arlo’s other published tale Black rose, I will be thinking about this one for a long time.
Also, Vesp is just the best.
Highly recommend this story for readers that like emotionally driven fantasy. This wasn’t just a fantastic read, it was inspirational.
May 20, 2025
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about The Ice Moves for No One at first. I went in expecting an epic fantasy adventure, but it turned out to be way more character-driven than I anticipated. Once I let go of those expectations, I found myself really drawn into Thalon’s journey. The world is super cool—shifters and humans, but it’s Thalon’s personal growth that steals the show. She goes through so much, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and even though she doesn’t achieve her initial goal, what she discovers about herself is even more powerful.
This story gave me such a bleeding heart by the end. Thalon’s struggles feel real, and her growth is hard-earned. If you like coming-of-age stories with battle trials, inner demons, sapphic romance, and strong queer rep, this one is worth picking up. It’s emotional, empowering, and delievers an important message about personal strength and perseverance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story gave me such a bleeding heart by the end. Thalon’s struggles feel real, and her growth is hard-earned. If you like coming-of-age stories with battle trials, inner demons, sapphic romance, and strong queer rep, this one is worth picking up. It’s emotional, empowering, and delievers an important message about personal strength and perseverance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2025
The Ice Moves for No One is an utterly unique, beautiful, engaging, imaginative, and wonderful novel. I haven’t had a book suck me in like this in ages.
The world is unlike anything I’ve seen in a fantasy novel before, blending an early 20th-century American aesthetic with elements of traditional fantasy.
The main character’s voice is wonderfully defined and sharp. Within pages, you’re immersed in her world and want to follow her journey as far as it goes.
You deeply feel the trials that the main character endures throughout the book, both the literal ones and the emotional ones later on. From the author’s social media, I know Thalon’s struggles through the bulk of the book are a deeply personal thing for them, and it shows on every page.
While this is clearly the first book in a series, it stands solidly on its own, and I felt like there was a satisfying conclusion at the end of it while still leaving me eagerly awaiting a sequel.
Do yourself a favor and read it!
The world is unlike anything I’ve seen in a fantasy novel before, blending an early 20th-century American aesthetic with elements of traditional fantasy.
The main character’s voice is wonderfully defined and sharp. Within pages, you’re immersed in her world and want to follow her journey as far as it goes.
You deeply feel the trials that the main character endures throughout the book, both the literal ones and the emotional ones later on. From the author’s social media, I know Thalon’s struggles through the bulk of the book are a deeply personal thing for them, and it shows on every page.
While this is clearly the first book in a series, it stands solidly on its own, and I felt like there was a satisfying conclusion at the end of it while still leaving me eagerly awaiting a sequel.
Do yourself a favor and read it!
September 21, 2025
4.5/5 stars
A beautiful story with gripping world building and lore. At times I couldn't put the book down and I found myself deep into the book within a few days.
Thalon, the MC, is up against both herself and the world at large. As her body begins to fail her, she's up against new challenges including herself. The disability representation is thoughtful and powerful, one might say even like the cleave of an axe.
Despite the challenges, this is not a hopeless situation. This books shows the reader that seemingly impossible situations can change if given the right tools to help push through the darkness. This book made me cry, made me shake, and made me reflect on myself. I would very much read it again.
"What are you?!"
A beautiful story with gripping world building and lore. At times I couldn't put the book down and I found myself deep into the book within a few days.
Thalon, the MC, is up against both herself and the world at large. As her body begins to fail her, she's up against new challenges including herself. The disability representation is thoughtful and powerful, one might say even like the cleave of an axe.
Despite the challenges, this is not a hopeless situation. This books shows the reader that seemingly impossible situations can change if given the right tools to help push through the darkness. This book made me cry, made me shake, and made me reflect on myself. I would very much read it again.
"What are you?!"
September 13, 2025
*clears throat* "Thalon didn't start the fiiire—"
Sorry, couldn't help it. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique gift to the world by Arlo Graves. The bold, powerful setting and the tale of a formidable FMC who, for once, did *not* get what she wanted handed to her on a silver platter, was entirely refreshing. That sobering touch of realism makes the story all the more brilliant and unexpected... you truly don't know what is going to happen next. Executed with brilliant, smooth action scenes, a diverse cast, and celebrating both the sea and the mountain forests in all their glory, I certainly look forward to book two in the Duskingr Saga. P.S. I want to live in Ingfalla.
Sorry, couldn't help it. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique gift to the world by Arlo Graves. The bold, powerful setting and the tale of a formidable FMC who, for once, did *not* get what she wanted handed to her on a silver platter, was entirely refreshing. That sobering touch of realism makes the story all the more brilliant and unexpected... you truly don't know what is going to happen next. Executed with brilliant, smooth action scenes, a diverse cast, and celebrating both the sea and the mountain forests in all their glory, I certainly look forward to book two in the Duskingr Saga. P.S. I want to live in Ingfalla.
May 23, 2025
This story fascinated me and left me wanting the next book now. The world building and characters are well written and made me fall in love with them.
The story follows the main character, Aalgur Thalon, on a journey of health struggles, depression, love, and loss. The people she meets along the way create a found family that helps her as she finds her true self.
The disability, queer, and mental health rep is so real and raw.
I look forward to continuing this series in the future!
Thank you for the ARC!
The story follows the main character, Aalgur Thalon, on a journey of health struggles, depression, love, and loss. The people she meets along the way create a found family that helps her as she finds her true self.
The disability, queer, and mental health rep is so real and raw.
I look forward to continuing this series in the future!
Thank you for the ARC!
June 15, 2025
What an interesting story. I enjoyed the selkie community and their warrior games. The big corporation sneakily taking over everything gave me hunger games capital politics meets "taco bell won the restaurant wars" demolition man vibes. Lol. The threat to traditional cultures colonialism plot line is huge in this book, so if that's not your thing, you may want to find another book. You will feel uncomfortable, but we need that and it's by design. I was surprised with the change of venue when we get to the woods, and the plot twists there. Then that plot twist at the end. What a setup for book two.
September 25, 2025
Finally . . . Positive Disability Rep in Fantasy
This was a great read. Fun, engaging characters and a really interesting world and magic system. I think my favorite part of this book, though, was the representation. Arlo does an amazing job of representing disability in Thalon. I also really loved Vesp's character, too. I'm excited to see what the rest of the series brings!
This was a great read. Fun, engaging characters and a really interesting world and magic system. I think my favorite part of this book, though, was the representation. Arlo does an amazing job of representing disability in Thalon. I also really loved Vesp's character, too. I'm excited to see what the rest of the series brings!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews