The villagers of Hollowmere call her witch, though Katria Vale’s only sin is knowing how to heal.
When the fragile truce between mortals and fae begins to crack, Hollowmere offers her up as tribute—one life to keep the Winter Court at bay. But the frost does not forgive bargains, and the fae do not honor them.
Prince Kaelith of Winter was never meant to rule. Born of ice and oath, he serves the court as its heir and its weapon, bound to find the missing Dreamstone before the Veil between worlds collapses. The mortal envoy delivered to his gates is supposed to be expendable—another mortal sacrifice to cold politics. Instead, she unsettles everything he thought immutable.
Katria’s defiance is a spark in the frozen silence of his world. Her wit cuts through his restraint. And when her compassion awakens something in him that even frost cannot contain, the lines between duty and desire blur into perilous warmth.
But warmth is deadly in the Winter Court.
As the Veil weakens and ancient forces stir, Katria must decide whether peace is worth her freedom—and Kaelith must choose between the realm he swore to protect and the mortal who threatens to melt his frozen heart.
The beginning of The Shattered Veil Saga, The Frostbound Heir is a sweeping romantasy of forbidden love, dangerous magic, and a world on the edge of ruin.
3.5- 4 ⭐️ But rounding up for one heck of a plot twist ending.. The Frostbound Heir has a layered story that had one of those endings that made you want to throw your Kindle across the room ( but in a good way - lol) This story has 2 really good MMCs. First Kaelith, the reluctant heir to the winter kingdom, torn between love and duty. The tension between him and the FMC was perfect. Then there’s Kael , his brother, who keeps you guessing. Is he going to be a hero or a @hole? The conversations between the characters in this story were so layered with politics and double entendre that they kept you hooked. However, the plot faltered slightly in fully explaining why FMCs magic was causing the problems it was. I also felt Katria, the FMC, felt a little flat at times. Like maybe, instead of walking around the castle and gardens, she could have done something to try and learn about her magic? But ending, Holy Crap??!! I can't even begin to process it. Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader
DNFed @ 45% I tried to push through, but I struggled with this entire book. The first chapter was so promising, I loved the juxtaposition of the people’s need for Katrina’s services and their fear of her. But after that, it became very clear that plot was not important to this story.
The poetic writing style feels like nails on a chalkboard. It is just one line after the other of flowery, clever writing with zero substance. It makes the dialogue feel stiff and lacking of personality, and the story is truly nonexistent. This book feels like an excuse to write prose, but as a story it is nonfunctional. After getting almost halfway, I can confidently say that nothing happens to justify this being the halfway point.
I just really could not connect with this writing style at ALL, the prose was unbearable and repetitive. The characters don’t have distinct voices, and they barely feel like characters at all. I won’t be returning to this book, or the series.
We start with Katria, a healing mortal. She's ostracized, in her village, though still used. One day, the Winter Court in the realm of the Fae, decide she's the newest sacrifice for their court and they collect her. I really loved the beginning of this book. It drew me in. However, as the story went on, and on, I did find it to become extremely repetitive without moving forward. Being so cryptic, it left me with questions ,but few, if any answers. At one point, for several pages, a character when in circles so many times, I thought maybe it was an accident?
Unfortunately, for as slow as it moved, out of nowhere, it became so fast-paced that I got whiplash.
I have the ARC for the second book, The Summer Prince and have started it. I find myself ha ing some feelings regarding the first book so far, so apparently it did have an impact.
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Frostbound Heir is one of those rare books that feels genuinely original. From the very first chapters, it becomes clear that Kassidy Carlisle isn’t simply reworking familiar fantasy tropes—she’s building something fresh, atmospheric, and captivating in its own right. I found myself completely absorbed by the world, the tension, and the slow, slow, slow burn that defines the central relationship.
Katria is an outstanding heroine. She’s brave, unyielding, and refuses to bend to anyone’s will—not even the king’s. Her strength isn’t loud or exaggerated; it’s rooted in her integrity, her resilience, and her refusal to compromise who she is. That alone makes her one of the most admirable protagonists I’ve read in a while.
The plot is intriguing and full of subtle mysteries that keep you questioning what will happen next. Carlisle knows exactly how to pace her reveals, giving just enough information to keep the reader hooked while leaving plenty of threads to unravel in future installments. By the end, I was fully invested and eager to see where Katria’s journey will lead in the next book.
Overall, Frostbound Heir is a refreshing and compelling fantasy with a heroine worth rooting for and a story that lingers long after the final page. I’m already looking forward to the sequel.
If you love your fantasy with sharp edges, colder stakes, and a romance that burns like a forbidden flame in the middle of a blizzard… this one delivers.
From the first chapter, the world feels like it’s carved from ice and secrets. Court politics glide beneath the surface like something dangerous under frozen water, and every conversation feels like a chess move wrapped in silk gloves. The tension? Immaculate. The betrayals? Personal.
Our FMC is no fragile snowflake. She’s layered, guarded, and stronger than she even realizes. Watching her step into her power felt like watching winter claim the throne. And the MMC? Cold, calculating, morally gray in the most delicious way. The kind of man who would burn kingdoms quietly if it meant protecting what’s his.
The romance builds slow and deliberate, full of glances, unspoken promises, and moments that made me clutch the book like it might bite. When it finally ignites, it’s intense, emotional, and absolutely worth the wait.
This story had me fully invested, flipping pages way past bedtime. If you’re into icy kingdoms, powerful heirs, and love stories forged in frost and fire, add this to your TBR immediately.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
So I will be honest this book had me confused for a while. The world building is very in depth and there is a lot going on within the world. And learning all about the winter realm and all the secrets they hold.
The story follows Katria who has been given to the fae as a gift to keep the peace between the fae and human realm. As an MC she is brave and doesn’t let them push her around as she’s trying to navigate the ways of this world. While also learning more about who and what she is and what she can do.
We then meet out MMC which is Kaelith who is the winter heir and he is definitely described that way… he’s cold and secretive but cares for her all the same. Then we meet the other MMC Kael who is the brother and of the summer realm he’s warmer and charismatic.
The bonds between them 3 was great to read about and the story is good and interesting, but I do think this book is a lot of filler… not a lot really happened until it went all crazy at the end it was still such an interesting story but just very slow , due to the building and we didn’t get a lot of answers however I will be jumping straight into book too as I’m intrigued to find out what is going to happen and I want my questions answered.
I would give this a 3.5 really but can’t do the extra half stars
Overall, this was a good read, but it was confusing in some parts. It felt like certain points of the story read more smoothly in comparison to other parts. I really liked the beginning of the book and the atmosphere it had. I also found it more interesting because there was more going on with Katria's character with her healing the village and the conflict between her and the villagers.
The start of her entering the Winter Court is interesting too, but as it goes into the middle part of the book it there's quite of bit of going in circles. I enjoyed getting to the last third of the book because it felt smooth to read again, and things were picking up again. The cliffhanger at the end makes me really interested to know what actually happened there. 🤔
There was an inconsistency a little halfway through that left me confused until I read further and realised there was a mistake, and that's why I was confused. I read the eARC, so I'm not sure if that bit is still there in the final version.
I received the arc of this book for free and am leaving an honest review of my opinion. Thank you for the arc 🩷
This is the quote that has stuck with me throughout this read.
Kassidy did an amazing job with the world building. I mean I am not a cold person but I could feel myself there and wanting to see the Winter Court for myself. The details, the way she put it all together really brought it to life in my mind while reading.
Now for what you are waiting for, but you will not get spoilers from me. You have your morally grey heir, Kaelith. And of course the mortal envoy, Katria. And surprise, Kaelith has a brother, Kael. Katria is given the Winter Court and basically weird things begin to happen upon her arrival. She peaks the interest of both brothers. Kaelith has to fight between his love for his Court and these new feelings that come with Katria.
You get a slow burn, enemies to forbidden lovers, surrounded by dangeroud magic with a beautiful world building.
The Frostbound Heir by Kassidy Joseph had many of the tropes I love in a fantasy romance - forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, slow burn, yearning, and even a love triangle. The story follows a human girl named Katria, who has been dubbed “the witch” by her community. She is eventually offered up as tribute by the humans to the Winter Court, where she meets the MMC, Kaelith, the Frostbound Heir. The forbidden love, yearning, and tension between these two characters was done so well that I was literally screaming at them to just hurry up and hook up already. At one point it almost became slightly ridiculous how long it took for them to finally get together. While I did enjoy parts of the book, I found the pacing a bit too slow for my liking. At times it made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story, and I often found myself confused or slightly bored. However, things started to pick up more toward the ending, which I appreciated. Overall, I’m giving it 3 stars. ⭐⭐⭐
Katria Vale is chosen as the mortal envoy to the realm beyond the Veil. When she arrives at the Winter Court, no one expects her to survive as long as she does, least of all the handsome but cold, Prince Kaelith, who realizes her defiance and impertinence challenge his long-held control and makes him yearn for something that can never be. The Frostbound Heir was beautifully written with detailed descriptions of Winter as Katria struggles to understand her purpose for being offered as envoy. I was intrigued from the beginning and enjoyed unraveling the mysteries of Katria’s new environment. This a clean low-spice, slow-burn romantasy with a cliffhanger ending. I’m excited to see where the story goes in book 2!
I received this ebook for free as an ARC reader, but my honest review is entirely my own.
Slow burn, Real world meets fantasy. An outcast in the real world, Katria tries to just help heal people in her world. One day she found that she is traded to the Winter Court in the Fae world where she meets the Prince of Winter. She is not sure what is happening to her as she is experiencing things that she knows is not normal. Is she a witch, just a mortal or something more……
As she tries to navigate this new world and Fae her feelings for the Prince of the Winter Court grow. The Prince of the Winter Court is a methodical rule follower who does not understand the feelings that he is experiencing to this new mortal that landed in his world.
This slow burn fantasy is action packed and could not put down to the very end. I can not wait to see how Katria story unfolds in book two....
“And for a heartbeat there was no prince, no heir, no duty. Only a man terrified of losing what he didn't realize he'd already lost.” When i tell you that i LOVED this book, I mean it. I was already recommending it to the WORLD at around 20% because of the gripping storytelling by Kassidy. I loved the original story, the character development and the opening for a SERIES (yay!!!!). I honestly forgot I was reading an ARC because of how enthralled I was, as if I had hand selected this story to read myself. I absolutely cannot wait to continue from this cliffhanger and to have my questions answered through the series. If you like forced proximity, slow burn and grumpy x sunshine - this one is for you- sprinkled with some frosty ice magic and winter vs summer seasons battling for resolution.
The Summer Prince (The Shattered Veil Saga Book 2) releases April 2nd, 2026!
🖤Romantasy 🖤Slow Burn 🖤Enemies to Lovers 🖤Complex world 🖤Complex magic 🖤Low spice
@kassidycarlislebooks delivers a wonderful romantasy with complex world building, complex magic, and very descriptive writing. You are able to place yourself right into the world and feel the elements and emotions.
This contains a low spice romance but has no shortage of chemistry, banter and desire.
The incredible plot twist and cliff hanger ending will leave you yearning for the next book.
Thank you @kassidycarlislebooks and @netgalley for the copy of your book!
Firstly, I would like to thank the author for providing me with the ARC.
The Frostbound Heir presented an intriguing premise and a compelling romantic dynamic between the leads. I felt the story and world-building could have been more deeply developed to fully realize its creative potential.
The book focused on maintaining mystery, but sometimes it is necessary to divulge some information or reveal parts of the plot to keep readers engaged. Without a balance between mystery and revelation, the narrative lacked the spark needed to sustain interest or the adventure that drives a reader to keep turning pages.
The romantic connection stood out, but I found myself wishing for a more richly detailed storyline to complement the unique premise.
Thank you Kassidy for the ARC really appreciate the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Kassidy creates a world so detailed and beautifully described you feel like you’re walking in the Winter Court. I loved imagining this landscape.
The Frostbound Heir follows 2 Fae Princes (also brothers) 1 mortal healer and a cracking Winter Court Kingdom. Bound by duty Kaelith The Frostbound heir must protect his people/kingdom or choose to protect the very woman they believe is causing the damage. The anguish he endures over which path to take worsens with the presence of his brother. The story is a slow burn and the ending sets up perfect for book 2.
I gave the book 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When I tell you the plot snatched me up, I am not exaggerating. I was honestly so excited to read The Frostbound Heir. Katria being hated in her town while she was the one holding the village together was such an interesting setup. But the disappointment hit hard once I started to realize the writing was heavily assisted with AI. The excitement I had for it faded fast. There were a few clear tells in some of the key phrases, and while some readers might not mind that, I wanted to leave a heads up that this is an AI assisted book.
It is still a great idea, but for me, I love the human element in writing, imperfect as it is.
Some things to note: POV: Dual1st person between Katria and Kaelith. Language: none Spice: none
I truly enjoyed reading this book so much. The writing was elegant and mature, but not in a snobbish way. The world building was great. Katria is no damsel in distress by any means. She is strong, intelligent and insanely witty. Kaelith is cold and emotionless, and of course there is always more than meets the eye. We are left with a cliffhanger, and I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book has an interesting plot and well-described characters that help bring the story to life. However, the middle section is quite slow and sometimes confusing, which made it difficult to stay fully engaged. For much of the story the pacing feels drawn out, and it doesn’t become truly gripping until the final part. Most of the action happens near the end, where the plot finally builds momentum and becomes more exciting. Overall, while the strong character descriptions and intriguing idea stand out, the slow middle section makes it harder to stay invested until the ending.
ARC review :) A mortal in winter’s kingdom where warmth is deadly. This book had such an interesting concept I’ve never read a take on fae courts quite like this! It was also refreshing that the fmc, while sassy, wasn’t throwing tantrums all the time about being sent to the winter court. There were also two brothers, our mmc’s, one stoic and serious and the other warm and funny. The twist at the end was great and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2. Hoping for more Kael time :)
This book was amazing! Very well written and detailed. The author had you falling in love with all the main characters in their own unique way. Katria’s stubborn, fiery attitude had you rooting for her to never change no matter what she endures. Kaelith’s cold demeanor had me hoping he can feel the warmth again. And Kael is playful and flirty. Who wouldn’t love that? lol the cliffhanger has me craving for more and I cannot wait to read the next book!
This was the most boring book I have ever read. Could have been a really cool concept but spends over 80%of the time with nothing happening, the same exact conversations keep happening (almost always repeated word for word) and the FMC keeps flirting with two brothers with virtually the same name. By the time something actually happens I was kinda hoping for some sort of mass murder where they all die and put me out of my misery because, once something resembling some sort of plot appeared about 85% through, they are STILL having the same freaking conversations over and over. What little bit of mystery the author attempted to put in was never answered. There was zero character development. Was there no story editor?
Winter isn’t supposed to be kind. It’s supposed to silent and dangerous. It was for so long until Katria gets sacrificed by her people to the winter court. There, she meets Kaelith, the cold ice prince. Between him, his brother, and the Frostfather’s obsession with ending her, she has to learn to survive the best she knows how. If you like fantasy and magic, then this book is for you!
Love is the most precious gift that anyone can ever give, but it must be given willingly. In this novel you will witness Katria Vale (FMC) be used as a sacrifice by her people, be despised by the Fae for being mortal, and inherit powers that she never asked for. Love was never in the cards for Katria, but miraculously she managed to capture the affections of not just one prince, but two! This low spice, slow burn romantasy is original, detailed oriented, and emotionally rich. My only complaint is that this story ended with a cliffhanger ending, and now I have to wait for book two to be released.
i absolutely loved the plot twist ending, this book was beautifully written, it will keep you wanting to read more of the story and not wanting to put it down or stop reading, i cant wait to read the second book, i have to after this 😍😍.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you so much Kassidy Carlisle for this ARC! Although it isn’t something I would have normal picked up, I loved it… it was a nice easy fantasy read. Who knew that a love triangle was my kind of trope but I will now be adding it to this! I was team Kael up until the end. The ending broke me slightly 🥺 Will 100% be reading The Summer Prince that I have a ARC for!
Thank you Netgalley for an eARCin exchange for an honest review.
It showed so much promise but unfortunately I could not keep pushing through this book.
I don't know if it is the writing style or that the plot was non-existent but the book felt like it dragged along and nothing was getting done, despite how repetitive it was.
While it took forever for the mmc to come to his sense, I really enjoyed this book. The ending was really unexpected and I'm hoping to see Kaelith return for book 2 and whatever else lies ahead for Katria.
What a wonderful fantasy book to start the new year with! Beautifully written, characters are complex and interesting, the world is rich and detailed. Looking forward to next one in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.