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Black Ice
The path to the throne is a dangerous one
All her life, Princess Snow of House White has had to tread carefully. The powerful Contratulum plans to use her as its puppet. Her aunt wishes her dead. And as for her stepfather – well, Snow has no illusions about what he desires from her.
Escaping an assassination attempt, Snow finds sanctuary with the mysterious Ronin – the Captain of a band of outlaws living deep within the Great Forest. These seven are all that is left of the Dwarvians, a once proud and powerful people driven to the brink of extinction by the Contratulum.
When the seven Dwarvians pledge to help Snow claim her throne, the race is on to enlist allies using forbidden airship technology. But the clock is ticking …
With only two weeks to go before her coronation, and facing almost insurmountable odds, Snow and her friends must push themselves to the limits of their endurance – and beyond.
Think you know the Snow White story? Think again!
All her life, Princess Snow of House White has had to tread carefully. The powerful Contratulum plans to use her as its puppet. Her aunt wishes her dead. And as for her stepfather – well, Snow has no illusions about what he desires from her.
Escaping an assassination attempt, Snow finds sanctuary with the mysterious Ronin – the Captain of a band of outlaws living deep within the Great Forest. These seven are all that is left of the Dwarvians, a once proud and powerful people driven to the brink of extinction by the Contratulum.
When the seven Dwarvians pledge to help Snow claim her throne, the race is on to enlist allies using forbidden airship technology. But the clock is ticking …
With only two weeks to go before her coronation, and facing almost insurmountable odds, Snow and her friends must push themselves to the limits of their endurance – and beyond.
Think you know the Snow White story? Think again!
493 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2020
10 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Julia Blake
20 books175 followersI was born and raised in the beautiful historic market town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, where I live still with my kid, one crazy cat and a succession of even crazier lodgers. I'm a multi-genre author which basically means I write whatever story floats into my head and worry about what genre it fits into afterwards. So far, I have written in contemporary fiction, romantic suspense, YA fantasy, folklore fantasy, sci-fi, short stories, poetry, and even a fabulous steampunk retelling of the Snow White story.
I have been writing stories and poems since I could first pick up a pen, and I promise there are many more books in the pipeline. I write the kind of books that I like to read myself. Books I can escape into and that make me laugh, cry and really connect with the characters. I also like my books to have a very satisfying ending, where all is explained and no string is left untied, well, not unless I'm planning a sequel that is.
www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Instagram: juliablakeauthor
YouTube: Julia Blake Author
Facebook: Julia Blake Author
I have been writing stories and poems since I could first pick up a pen, and I promise there are many more books in the pipeline. I write the kind of books that I like to read myself. Books I can escape into and that make me laugh, cry and really connect with the characters. I also like my books to have a very satisfying ending, where all is explained and no string is left untied, well, not unless I'm planning a sequel that is.
www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Instagram: juliablakeauthor
YouTube: Julia Blake Author
Facebook: Julia Blake Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 23, 2020
Buckle up - this one's a wild ride! Think you know the story of Snow White? Think again. This adventurous fairytale retelling begins with the attempted murder of Princess Snow, heir to the throne of House White, and builds the drama from there. Instead of seven dwarves, the protagonist's companions are the last seven survivors of the Dwarvian people, living in secret in the Great Forest. There's a steampunk theme to the story, but technology, and the magic that powers it, is forbidden in the Kingdom of House White - a rule enforced by the powerful Contratulum. Princess Snow is the only person standing between the Contratulum and absolute power, and she's going to need all the help she can get to claim the throne.
The Dwarvians are engineers with magic in their blood. They are masters of forbidden technology - and they know how to build airships. Snow might stand a chance after all ...
This is a fairytale with a difference: kick-ass female leads, dark family secrets, evil plots, a dose of magic, a sprinkling of romance, fabulous parties - and epic airship battles. Hold on to your corsets and goggles, and prepare to fight for House White!
The Dwarvians are engineers with magic in their blood. They are masters of forbidden technology - and they know how to build airships. Snow might stand a chance after all ...
This is a fairytale with a difference: kick-ass female leads, dark family secrets, evil plots, a dose of magic, a sprinkling of romance, fabulous parties - and epic airship battles. Hold on to your corsets and goggles, and prepare to fight for House White!
December 9, 2020
Snow White comes of age
What a clever play on an old favourite this turned out to be. Whilst this is a retelling of an old fairytale, the steam punk style and this author’s use of language, capturing the feel of the fairy tale genre, and the even flow of pace gives this twist such a sense of originality that you quickly forget this novel is a retelling. It becomes its ‘own person’.
The novel is also very much about people. Snow can look after herself but it is the odd and assorted collection of beings around her that give her the strength to come out on top. Her growing understanding of this, is as much a part of the story as the events leading up to the rightful heir regaining her kingdom.
Acceptance, courage and loyalty all have their place in this novel and ultimately, it is the fact that it is about what people can do when they stand up for themselves and others that leaves you feeling good and wishing fairy tales did come true. A most enjoyable ride to victory.
What a clever play on an old favourite this turned out to be. Whilst this is a retelling of an old fairytale, the steam punk style and this author’s use of language, capturing the feel of the fairy tale genre, and the even flow of pace gives this twist such a sense of originality that you quickly forget this novel is a retelling. It becomes its ‘own person’.
The novel is also very much about people. Snow can look after herself but it is the odd and assorted collection of beings around her that give her the strength to come out on top. Her growing understanding of this, is as much a part of the story as the events leading up to the rightful heir regaining her kingdom.
Acceptance, courage and loyalty all have their place in this novel and ultimately, it is the fact that it is about what people can do when they stand up for themselves and others that leaves you feeling good and wishing fairy tales did come true. A most enjoyable ride to victory.
November 30, 2020
Having resisted every attempt to manipulate her by the sinister Contratulum and the scarred Mirage, the heir to the throne of House White survives an assassination attempt. Fleeing into the forest, Princess Snow meets the legendary, magic wielding Dwarvians, rumoured to have been massacred long ago, and their captain, the brooding Ronin. They are soon engulfed in the search for allies and the emergence of outlawed machines in the fight to recover her throne.
Uniquely steampunk, Black Ice channels the joy and wonder of the original fairytale whilst wrapping it securely in modern fantasy ideas and themes, such as redemption, prejudice, persecution and diversity. Populated with Blake's trademark quirky characters, bristling with fast past action and poignant relationships, this novel is a fun filled delight from start to finish.
Uniquely steampunk, Black Ice channels the joy and wonder of the original fairytale whilst wrapping it securely in modern fantasy ideas and themes, such as redemption, prejudice, persecution and diversity. Populated with Blake's trademark quirky characters, bristling with fast past action and poignant relationships, this novel is a fun filled delight from start to finish.
April 30, 2021
Steampunk Snow White
I love a classic fairy tale but I don’t often gravitate to re-tellings. When I heard Julia Blake combined steampunk with Snow White, I couldn’t resist. The cover alone is deliciously juicy. The story was full of adventure with a kick-ass edginess that I adore. I especially liked the personifications of the Dwarvians and I wouldn’t mind learning / reading more about them. Blake spared no expense to detail. The beautiful graphics throughout really make this book sparkle. I give this 4.5 stars.
I love a classic fairy tale but I don’t often gravitate to re-tellings. When I heard Julia Blake combined steampunk with Snow White, I couldn’t resist. The cover alone is deliciously juicy. The story was full of adventure with a kick-ass edginess that I adore. I especially liked the personifications of the Dwarvians and I wouldn’t mind learning / reading more about them. Blake spared no expense to detail. The beautiful graphics throughout really make this book sparkle. I give this 4.5 stars.
November 27, 2020
The idea for Black Ice originally came to me when I was invited to contribute to an anthology of fairytales. I chose the story of Snow White because although it is a tale that has been retold many times, it always follows the same predictable path. Beautiful girl from a dysfunctional family, helped by small hairy men, eats a poisoned apple, dies, then some random prince who happens to be riding by gives her the kiss of true love – seriously, dude, you don’t even know her – and she revives, becomes his bride, and they live happily ever after.
This is unlikely, and dare I say it, boring, and in every version the character of Snow White is two-dimensional. I wanted my Snow to be a real person, to be relatable and a person you can really root for. Yes, she’s a princess, but she’s also a woman, with enough problems to crush even the strongest of us.
Sadly, the anthology never went anywhere, and I was left with a title, some characters, and a vague concept. Fast forward two years. I’m wondering which book to write next, and for some reason, Black Ice floats into my head. I search my laptop, wondering if I still have the opening chapter I’d written. I did, and as I began to read it the ideas started buzzing. This was mid-August – six weeks later it was finished – all 150,000 words of it.
On fire to get it published in 2020, my team of wonderful people worked overtime – editing, formatting, beta reading, and illustrating – so that it could squeeze into the publishing year with a launch date of 30th November. I am immensely proud of this book – all 495 pages of it – especially the forty-plus pages of illustrations that tie in with the story beautifully
And what a story it is. Did I stop at merely retelling the Snow White tale in a traditional fantasy setting? Oh no, nothing so dull. This tale is an epic voyage of discovery, friendship, loyalty, and family, as Snow fights to claim her throne, making friends and allies along the way. The Seven Dwarves are now the sole survivors of the once powerful and magical race of Dwarvians – who, despite malicious propaganda, are not stunted, hairy men with a fondness for mines. Instead, my Dwarvians are tall, intelligent, and magical – and two of them are women!
Then the idea came to me to make it a steampunk tale. Getting very excited at the thought of Snow White in a leather corset, onboard an airship, I knew this was the angle I’d been looking for to elevate this beyond a simple retelling into a completely new imagining of the story.
Don’t worry, all the much-loved aspects of the old tale are present in Black Ice – the poisoned apple, an evil magical entity, and a mirror – just not quite in the way, you would expect. Ah, I hear you cry, but is there a Prince Charming? After all, doesn’t every fairytale and every princess deserve one of them? Well, all I will say is that heroes come in many shapes and sizes, and you need to read the book to find out.
It’s a big, beautiful doorstop of a book – complete with a Dramatis Personae, a Glossary of Terms, a map of the Five Kingdoms, and forty-plus pages of wonderful hand-drawn images that illustrate the tale perfectly. I know most people will choose the eBook version from a convenience and cost point of view, but seriously, if you only buy one fantasy, steampunk, fairytale paperback this year – make it this one.
I hope you enjoy the book and as usual welcome feedback and reviews.
This is unlikely, and dare I say it, boring, and in every version the character of Snow White is two-dimensional. I wanted my Snow to be a real person, to be relatable and a person you can really root for. Yes, she’s a princess, but she’s also a woman, with enough problems to crush even the strongest of us.
Sadly, the anthology never went anywhere, and I was left with a title, some characters, and a vague concept. Fast forward two years. I’m wondering which book to write next, and for some reason, Black Ice floats into my head. I search my laptop, wondering if I still have the opening chapter I’d written. I did, and as I began to read it the ideas started buzzing. This was mid-August – six weeks later it was finished – all 150,000 words of it.
On fire to get it published in 2020, my team of wonderful people worked overtime – editing, formatting, beta reading, and illustrating – so that it could squeeze into the publishing year with a launch date of 30th November. I am immensely proud of this book – all 495 pages of it – especially the forty-plus pages of illustrations that tie in with the story beautifully
And what a story it is. Did I stop at merely retelling the Snow White tale in a traditional fantasy setting? Oh no, nothing so dull. This tale is an epic voyage of discovery, friendship, loyalty, and family, as Snow fights to claim her throne, making friends and allies along the way. The Seven Dwarves are now the sole survivors of the once powerful and magical race of Dwarvians – who, despite malicious propaganda, are not stunted, hairy men with a fondness for mines. Instead, my Dwarvians are tall, intelligent, and magical – and two of them are women!
Then the idea came to me to make it a steampunk tale. Getting very excited at the thought of Snow White in a leather corset, onboard an airship, I knew this was the angle I’d been looking for to elevate this beyond a simple retelling into a completely new imagining of the story.
Don’t worry, all the much-loved aspects of the old tale are present in Black Ice – the poisoned apple, an evil magical entity, and a mirror – just not quite in the way, you would expect. Ah, I hear you cry, but is there a Prince Charming? After all, doesn’t every fairytale and every princess deserve one of them? Well, all I will say is that heroes come in many shapes and sizes, and you need to read the book to find out.
It’s a big, beautiful doorstop of a book – complete with a Dramatis Personae, a Glossary of Terms, a map of the Five Kingdoms, and forty-plus pages of wonderful hand-drawn images that illustrate the tale perfectly. I know most people will choose the eBook version from a convenience and cost point of view, but seriously, if you only buy one fantasy, steampunk, fairytale paperback this year – make it this one.
I hope you enjoy the book and as usual welcome feedback and reviews.
February 20, 2021
Black Ice by Julia Blake is a tale of once upon a time and happily ever after...it is a fairytale. I simply loved this fantasy steampunk fairytale version of Snow White. The seven outlaw dwarves take the story of Snow White to a whole new level! An author must be able to create memorable characters and flawlessly weave them through a spectacular world with just the right amount of tempo. Blake has done exactly that.
Blake shows us an age-spectrum of characters from child to old and she does it with such depth and subtle flair that they seem to come to life right off the page.
Snow...she is sincere, caring and smart. She has powers that have just begun to show themselves, has a soft touch and a caring heart. She presents herself as a thinker, is intuitive and has the inner strength to fight. I loved her immediately because she knew she was not only a burden but also a threat to the gang. She has the beginnings of a kissassry woman; but with a heart as well as a brain. Believe me when I say there is nothing not to love about Ronin. He’s the captain for a reason. He thinks things through, draws on the talents and expertise of the rest of the team and is strike down pure gorgeousness. The image of him in my brain is, well...
Cesil! Arden’s pet pig, dressed in a waistcoat with a pair of goggles on his head who goes everywhere with Arden. Love! Love! Love! There’s gotta be a story there somewhere!
I have read most of Blake’s books and loved all of them. She is a most talented and conscientious author, wanting to put out the best book possible from the look of the book to the story itself. She offers up a banquet with Black Ice, one I have had to digest and reflect upon long after closing the book.
Blake shows us an age-spectrum of characters from child to old and she does it with such depth and subtle flair that they seem to come to life right off the page.
Snow...she is sincere, caring and smart. She has powers that have just begun to show themselves, has a soft touch and a caring heart. She presents herself as a thinker, is intuitive and has the inner strength to fight. I loved her immediately because she knew she was not only a burden but also a threat to the gang. She has the beginnings of a kissassry woman; but with a heart as well as a brain. Believe me when I say there is nothing not to love about Ronin. He’s the captain for a reason. He thinks things through, draws on the talents and expertise of the rest of the team and is strike down pure gorgeousness. The image of him in my brain is, well...
Cesil! Arden’s pet pig, dressed in a waistcoat with a pair of goggles on his head who goes everywhere with Arden. Love! Love! Love! There’s gotta be a story there somewhere!
I have read most of Blake’s books and loved all of them. She is a most talented and conscientious author, wanting to put out the best book possible from the look of the book to the story itself. She offers up a banquet with Black Ice, one I have had to digest and reflect upon long after closing the book.
February 12, 2021
Black Ice is a well-written, ingenious retelling of the Snow White story with a cool, steampunk vibe. The story opens with Princess Snow of House White escaping attack by her aunt’s soldiers, being rescued by Ronin, leader of the few remaining Dwarvians. The Dwarvians are victims of a near-genocide by the evil, power-hungry Contratulum who are seeking to exert their power through Snow once she ascends the throne. From there launches a pacy and enjoyable adventure, with intrigues and airships, as the Dwarvians seek to help Snow evade the Contratulum and their agent Mirage, so that she can ascend her throne and save her people.
I’ve read The Forest by Julia Blake and in both books the author shows a deft skill for storytelling and handling myth. With echoes of Game of Thrones, I thought Black Ice was highly cinematic, with vivid descriptions that brought the characters and action deftly to life. Looking forward to the film!
I’ve read The Forest by Julia Blake and in both books the author shows a deft skill for storytelling and handling myth. With echoes of Game of Thrones, I thought Black Ice was highly cinematic, with vivid descriptions that brought the characters and action deftly to life. Looking forward to the film!
February 24, 2021
I was looking forward to reading this book and I wasn’t disappointed when I did. I’ve loved Julia Blake’s other books, including The Forest, but Black Ice has been put on my list of one of my favourite reads.
A retelling of Snow White, Black Ice has everything. True love, adventure, action, drama, castles, amazing flying ships, seven Dwarvians and a tempting red apple and all with a steampunk setting. Not to mention the evil villains. Julia Blake nailed the steampunk background, tying everything together.
Then there is an amazing cast of characters. All superbly written and brought to life, all relatable and believable.
I think I could rave about this book all day but the best thing I can say is to go out and buy it and enjoy it for yourself.
I highly recommended it. A definite 5 star read.
A retelling of Snow White, Black Ice has everything. True love, adventure, action, drama, castles, amazing flying ships, seven Dwarvians and a tempting red apple and all with a steampunk setting. Not to mention the evil villains. Julia Blake nailed the steampunk background, tying everything together.
Then there is an amazing cast of characters. All superbly written and brought to life, all relatable and believable.
I think I could rave about this book all day but the best thing I can say is to go out and buy it and enjoy it for yourself.
I highly recommended it. A definite 5 star read.
December 13, 2020
Black Ice by Julia Blake
I have had so much fun reading this retelling of Snow White in Julia Blake’s, Black Ice. It all happens in an extraordinarily creative Steam Punk setting. Snow White is alive and fighting for her throne, but transformed into a heroine whose modern sensibilities you will love; a young woman, pure of spirit, sheltered in some ways due to her life at the castle, but savvy and cautious having grown up in a world of deceit, hypocrisy, and Machiavellian behavior, all culminating in an attempted assassination on her life.
Lost in the woods, running for her life, she will be found and killed by either her own family or the Contratulum, an evil organization with advanced mechanics, hungry for power and planning a takeover patiently for many years. If she does not find shelter and help she will die. What she finds is not 7 small dwarfs, but 7 members of the nearly extinct race of Dwarvians. They are very human in most ways, have powers and skills that will surprise you and they are fiercely loyal to each other and soon to Snow. As the story unfolds, their relationship to Snow White is nothing short of mind-blowing. Each of the 7 Dwarvians have distinct and well developed characters and I came to care or love them all. They are superbly conceived.
This is a completely unique and creative retelling. It still carries the essence of the original fairy tale but it is a modern adventure told in beautiful language that is a blend of fairytale descriptions and modern expectations. The setting is gorgeous, this Steam Punk World Blake had created, and Blake’s world building is so satisfying. There are amazing airships, road cars and hot baths and wonderful outfits! There is the love story, of course, modern, but romantic and passionate. There is scrying, the ability to tell the future or observe an individual from afar, witchcraft and a continuous stream of intrigue to take you right to the glorious ending.
I have had so much fun reading this retelling of Snow White in Julia Blake’s, Black Ice. It all happens in an extraordinarily creative Steam Punk setting. Snow White is alive and fighting for her throne, but transformed into a heroine whose modern sensibilities you will love; a young woman, pure of spirit, sheltered in some ways due to her life at the castle, but savvy and cautious having grown up in a world of deceit, hypocrisy, and Machiavellian behavior, all culminating in an attempted assassination on her life.
Lost in the woods, running for her life, she will be found and killed by either her own family or the Contratulum, an evil organization with advanced mechanics, hungry for power and planning a takeover patiently for many years. If she does not find shelter and help she will die. What she finds is not 7 small dwarfs, but 7 members of the nearly extinct race of Dwarvians. They are very human in most ways, have powers and skills that will surprise you and they are fiercely loyal to each other and soon to Snow. As the story unfolds, their relationship to Snow White is nothing short of mind-blowing. Each of the 7 Dwarvians have distinct and well developed characters and I came to care or love them all. They are superbly conceived.
This is a completely unique and creative retelling. It still carries the essence of the original fairy tale but it is a modern adventure told in beautiful language that is a blend of fairytale descriptions and modern expectations. The setting is gorgeous, this Steam Punk World Blake had created, and Blake’s world building is so satisfying. There are amazing airships, road cars and hot baths and wonderful outfits! There is the love story, of course, modern, but romantic and passionate. There is scrying, the ability to tell the future or observe an individual from afar, witchcraft and a continuous stream of intrigue to take you right to the glorious ending.
July 6, 2022
“Black Ice” is a Snow White retelling that takes you on a wild ride. The concept is incredible; world-building extraordinary and the quirky and kick-ass characters are authentic and relatable. The tale is epic—found family, self-discovery, love, loyalty and friendship combined with ancient magic and steampunk. I was hooked. The fast-paced narrative, plot twists, and adventure has you fervently turning the pages. The book is enormous, but worth tackling, and the visuals throughout are outstanding. Fantasy and fairytale-reimagining lovers are in for a thrill. This is my first read by this author, but it won’t be my last.
February 19, 2021
Having read some of Blake’s other books, I knew when I cracked open this book, I would set off on that type of reading experience of sneaking pages when you have a free moment, staying up late for one more chapter, and forgoing other tasks in favor of the fictional world she’d created.
And she did not disappoint.
A retelling of Snow White, Black Ice is just simply a fun and engaging novel. Blake manages to weave in elements from Snow White that are recognizable, yet so different they stand apart on their own.
Characters we may have loved as a child (or even now) are given depth and emotion. The plot twists and turns, nodding to the old as it moves in new directions. As far as retellings go, Blake did such an amazing job of telling her own story, I often forgot it was a retelling at all. The steampunk elements were just icing on the cake.
Definitely recommend.
And she did not disappoint.
A retelling of Snow White, Black Ice is just simply a fun and engaging novel. Blake manages to weave in elements from Snow White that are recognizable, yet so different they stand apart on their own.
Characters we may have loved as a child (or even now) are given depth and emotion. The plot twists and turns, nodding to the old as it moves in new directions. As far as retellings go, Blake did such an amazing job of telling her own story, I often forgot it was a retelling at all. The steampunk elements were just icing on the cake.
Definitely recommend.
May 11, 2022
An exquisite re-imagining of the Brothers Grimm 'vertically challenged community find charming princess with poison apple' classic without the Disney schmaltz. Not to mention a nice touch of edgy feminism and femininity with the addition of distaff dwarves and lady airship pilots. It's a cunningly constructed and cleverly written left-field view of the genre with a remarkable resonance to the contemporary conflict in Ukraine. As with all good quest stories good overcomes evil and we can all sleep happily at night. Loved it and highly recommend.
June 17, 2022
Black Ice has everything I want in a book: action, romance, and characters I like. Since reading my first steampunk book, I have enjoyed the genre with its blending of futuristic technology and machinery with a past era. This book has the perfect balance between having a unique plot and using enough references to the original Snow White tale. I like retellings that aren't too far from their predecessor that I can't recognize what it is supposed to be re-imagining.
It's refreshing to read a brilliant book without having to be a cookie-cutter version of books being published in masses today. I began to shy away from newly published stories because so many popular books have been disappointing. Black Ice has renewed my faith and has become one of my favorite reads in 2022.
It's refreshing to read a brilliant book without having to be a cookie-cutter version of books being published in masses today. I began to shy away from newly published stories because so many popular books have been disappointing. Black Ice has renewed my faith and has become one of my favorite reads in 2022.
June 4, 2021
A retelling of the classic fairytale, Snow White, is only half the story!
You may think you know what you are getting or have a pretty good idea but think again. Black Ice is a richly painted world of glorious steampunk, cogs and steam-power, romance, and good versus evil.
Black Ice may have its feet settled on the path of Snow White. Still, you soon find yourself heading down a road paved with mechanical wonders, flying machines, feuding kingdoms, and the villainous Contratulum who wants to rid the land of these kingdoms and control it all - but Princess Snow is the key.
It is a love story, undoubtedly. But if you are expecting Princess Snow to be rescued by her Prince Charming, think again, she may start out naive to the world around her, having lived a closeted life shrouded in lies, but she finds herself talking the wheel, gripping it with both hands to steer her own destiny. Then she gets her man.
The author has not skrimped on the cast; she could have quite easily stuck to the original feel of Snow White, but of course, what's the point of that? Instead, you get a vast cast of intriguing characters, each multi-dimensional and rich in description, to tantalise and entice you into their own back story, and there are many. This is a tale rich in its history.
Black Ice is a feast for the senses and imagination, and certainly, a must-read for lovers of epic tales of fantasy, of good overcoming evil, and of course, those who hark back to those childhood days of reading fairytales.
You may think you know what you are getting or have a pretty good idea but think again. Black Ice is a richly painted world of glorious steampunk, cogs and steam-power, romance, and good versus evil.
Black Ice may have its feet settled on the path of Snow White. Still, you soon find yourself heading down a road paved with mechanical wonders, flying machines, feuding kingdoms, and the villainous Contratulum who wants to rid the land of these kingdoms and control it all - but Princess Snow is the key.
It is a love story, undoubtedly. But if you are expecting Princess Snow to be rescued by her Prince Charming, think again, she may start out naive to the world around her, having lived a closeted life shrouded in lies, but she finds herself talking the wheel, gripping it with both hands to steer her own destiny. Then she gets her man.
The author has not skrimped on the cast; she could have quite easily stuck to the original feel of Snow White, but of course, what's the point of that? Instead, you get a vast cast of intriguing characters, each multi-dimensional and rich in description, to tantalise and entice you into their own back story, and there are many. This is a tale rich in its history.
Black Ice is a feast for the senses and imagination, and certainly, a must-read for lovers of epic tales of fantasy, of good overcoming evil, and of course, those who hark back to those childhood days of reading fairytales.
February 24, 2022
A wonderful take on the Snow White fairytale from author Julia Blake, with a steampunk setting and inclusivity for the twenty-first century.
Many of the original features of the story are here, with additions. There’s the princess with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair (and eyes here) as black as ebony. The wicked stepmother figure appears in her aunt, Princess Jay, with Jay’s husband, Prince Hawk, for good measure, and the huntsman (turned into a palace guardsman) sent by these to kill the princess in the forest.
For there’s a plot afoot here, and it’s more than Jay taking the throne for her own child. Enter the Contratulum, a religious movement led by the sinister Pontifex Slie and focussed on ultimate power in the kingdom. To this end they have worked against and almost wiped-out the Dwarvians, possessors of elemental magic and great knowledge of airship technology.
Killing her would-be murderer, Princess Snow lands in the hands of seven of the remaining Dwarvians (clever, huh?) and together they embark on a mission, together with Snow’s maternal relatives of the House Avis, to defeat the powers of darkness and crown Snow as the rightful monarch in the two-week window available.
It’s a well-paced narrative with believable characters who won’t all make it to the end of the book. Expect action scenes of the war, with doughty warriors both male and female, magic, of the traditional variety together with the science of steampunk airships, battles and love mixed with the war as Snow fights for her throne with her supporters and for her personal need in her new-found love. There’s even a magic mirror, and a fairytale happy ending? You’ll have to read to find out.
Many of the original features of the story are here, with additions. There’s the princess with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair (and eyes here) as black as ebony. The wicked stepmother figure appears in her aunt, Princess Jay, with Jay’s husband, Prince Hawk, for good measure, and the huntsman (turned into a palace guardsman) sent by these to kill the princess in the forest.
For there’s a plot afoot here, and it’s more than Jay taking the throne for her own child. Enter the Contratulum, a religious movement led by the sinister Pontifex Slie and focussed on ultimate power in the kingdom. To this end they have worked against and almost wiped-out the Dwarvians, possessors of elemental magic and great knowledge of airship technology.
Killing her would-be murderer, Princess Snow lands in the hands of seven of the remaining Dwarvians (clever, huh?) and together they embark on a mission, together with Snow’s maternal relatives of the House Avis, to defeat the powers of darkness and crown Snow as the rightful monarch in the two-week window available.
It’s a well-paced narrative with believable characters who won’t all make it to the end of the book. Expect action scenes of the war, with doughty warriors both male and female, magic, of the traditional variety together with the science of steampunk airships, battles and love mixed with the war as Snow fights for her throne with her supporters and for her personal need in her new-found love. There’s even a magic mirror, and a fairytale happy ending? You’ll have to read to find out.
March 15, 2021
Black Ice serves up a treat
Black Ice was the first of Julia Blake’s books that I’ve read, and I was drawn to it by comments likening it to a fusion of Snow White meets His Dark Materials. Having read it, I think that’s probably a pretty good description of what is a superbly polished story that is a match for any I have read recently. There is a wonderful fluency in the writing, and a beautiful crafting of the different characters.
Black Ice was like the best of fusion food … it’s possible that it won’t appeal to a traditionalist, but if you are seeking a different blend of ingredients that tastes fantastic, then Black Ice serves up a treat. Bravo chef!
Black Ice was the first of Julia Blake’s books that I’ve read, and I was drawn to it by comments likening it to a fusion of Snow White meets His Dark Materials. Having read it, I think that’s probably a pretty good description of what is a superbly polished story that is a match for any I have read recently. There is a wonderful fluency in the writing, and a beautiful crafting of the different characters.
Black Ice was like the best of fusion food … it’s possible that it won’t appeal to a traditionalist, but if you are seeking a different blend of ingredients that tastes fantastic, then Black Ice serves up a treat. Bravo chef!
February 25, 2021
What a wonderful story. I’ve never read a re-telling of a fairy tale, but this was amazing. It was clean with a bit of everything: romance, drama, heartbreak, fighting against evil, humor and an ending I approve of. 😉 I loved the good characters and hated the bad ones. If you like fantasy and fairy tales with everything a heart desires, I highly recommend this book. It kept me hooked from start to finish and occupied my mind whenever I wasn’t reading, always wondering what would happen next. A story well-deserving of every single star!!!
May 31, 2021
*** Note: I started this book in December but life got hectic and sad and I wasn't reading (or writing) for a few months. Without the break, I would have finished this book in about three weeks, which is saying a lot because A) it's a BIG book! and B) I'm a slow-ass reader! ;)
When you think of Snow White, the word "steampunk" couldn't be further from your mind, which is why I was excited to see this re-telling of Snow's tale in a steampunk setting. This book was such a treat! The Five Kingdoms was an absolutely fascinating land with an intriguing back story, including the rise of the dangerous and power-hungry Contratulum. The twisting and turning plot alone is enough to keep you turning pages, but it's the vibrant, lovable characters and stunning setting that will make you fall in love with this book. If you enjoy sweeping fantasies, steampunk, or fairy tale retellings, this is a book you do not want to miss!
When you think of Snow White, the word "steampunk" couldn't be further from your mind, which is why I was excited to see this re-telling of Snow's tale in a steampunk setting. This book was such a treat! The Five Kingdoms was an absolutely fascinating land with an intriguing back story, including the rise of the dangerous and power-hungry Contratulum. The twisting and turning plot alone is enough to keep you turning pages, but it's the vibrant, lovable characters and stunning setting that will make you fall in love with this book. If you enjoy sweeping fantasies, steampunk, or fairy tale retellings, this is a book you do not want to miss!
May 10, 2021
This was my first book by Julia Blake, and I can say for sure that it will not be my last! From start to finish, I couldn't put it down.
I was intrigued from the start by Black Ice's description. Even though fairytale retellings don't usually grab my attention, the steampunk angle sounded quite original. Ms. Blake reeled me in further with the gorgeous character profiles she posted on social media...and next thing you know, there I was, attached to my eReader far into the wee hours. Thankfully, she more than delivered on the story she promised to tell.
Every aspect of this book worked for me. The action started early and kept me invested throughout. I loved how Ms. Blake built a fantasy world with just the right amount of magic, clockwork devices, intrigue, and romance. Her characters felt real and well-developed, with natural, believable chemistry. On top of that, the plot had plenty of twists, making for an incredibly entertaining read.
As many of you know, I don't often stray from the romance genre in my reading - but this book sure made it worth my while! Tons of fun and highly recommended.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed; Entertaining; Great world building; Happily Ever After; Original; Page-turner; Wonderful characters!
I was intrigued from the start by Black Ice's description. Even though fairytale retellings don't usually grab my attention, the steampunk angle sounded quite original. Ms. Blake reeled me in further with the gorgeous character profiles she posted on social media...and next thing you know, there I was, attached to my eReader far into the wee hours. Thankfully, she more than delivered on the story she promised to tell.
Every aspect of this book worked for me. The action started early and kept me invested throughout. I loved how Ms. Blake built a fantasy world with just the right amount of magic, clockwork devices, intrigue, and romance. Her characters felt real and well-developed, with natural, believable chemistry. On top of that, the plot had plenty of twists, making for an incredibly entertaining read.
As many of you know, I don't often stray from the romance genre in my reading - but this book sure made it worth my while! Tons of fun and highly recommended.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed; Entertaining; Great world building; Happily Ever After; Original; Page-turner; Wonderful characters!
December 31, 2020
Fleeing the evil Contratulum, Princess Snow of House White finds herself under the protection of the magic Dwarvians, a race thought long dead. To recover her throne, they must find allies while avoiding the machinations of Mirage and the Contratulum.
This is the first steampunk novel I’ve read, and what a fun read it was! As always, Blake brings unique characters and a fast-clipped plot, but this time with the wonderfully imaginative world of steampunk and their glorious devices. While containing the bones of the original Snow White fairytale, Black Ice brings a more modern and somewhat darker twist as it carries the themes of racism, discrimination and prejudice. Yet, hope shines through.
Snow is no damsel in distress. Wise enough to accept the help offered by the Dwarvians she displays courage while remaining humble and kind, just like the original princess I loved as a child. Favourites are hard to choose from this tale, but Ronin and Eli lit up the page with every appearance.
Well paced, a clever plot, a host of intriguing characters and vivid descriptions that’ll have you up close with the fascinating machines, Black Ice is another Blake show stopper! An easy 5 stars.
This is the first steampunk novel I’ve read, and what a fun read it was! As always, Blake brings unique characters and a fast-clipped plot, but this time with the wonderfully imaginative world of steampunk and their glorious devices. While containing the bones of the original Snow White fairytale, Black Ice brings a more modern and somewhat darker twist as it carries the themes of racism, discrimination and prejudice. Yet, hope shines through.
Snow is no damsel in distress. Wise enough to accept the help offered by the Dwarvians she displays courage while remaining humble and kind, just like the original princess I loved as a child. Favourites are hard to choose from this tale, but Ronin and Eli lit up the page with every appearance.
Well paced, a clever plot, a host of intriguing characters and vivid descriptions that’ll have you up close with the fascinating machines, Black Ice is another Blake show stopper! An easy 5 stars.
July 17, 2021
Brilliant re-telling. I found myself loving this book page by page. The twists, turns and creativeness, pulling me deeper into this big beautiful novel. Nothing more to say other than… - I LOVED IT!!!!
April 15, 2025
Oh my goodness. This book! I'm a sucker for a retelling, although I'm NOT big on fantasy and lots of characters, or steampunk. This has all of that, and I loved it. L-O-V-E-D I-T
Hell, this could be my book of 2025. The warmth of the characters, the twists and turns of castle politics, the humour, and Snow herself, thinking she would be happy in the cottage making pies and living with the man she has grown to love, but no, the author had other plans for her.
Snow becomes a badass heroine, hunted by a spooky (and strangely hot - I mean, I wouldn't have said no) villain, Mirage, as well as her weakling uncle and step-aunt. There are fantastic machines, well described but without that exhaustive detail which can put a lot of people of steampunk, and seven Dwarvians fighting for their very existence.
This is about found family, about diversity and acceptance. OMG, the Lissa and her woman broke my heart (I'm in the coffee shop writing this and can't remember some of the names!) Theirs was a beautiful love story woven in a story of intrigue, of the power of love, of resistance and conquering of evil.
Just read the damned thing. I can't say any more. Just read it.
Hell, this could be my book of 2025. The warmth of the characters, the twists and turns of castle politics, the humour, and Snow herself, thinking she would be happy in the cottage making pies and living with the man she has grown to love, but no, the author had other plans for her.
Snow becomes a badass heroine, hunted by a spooky (and strangely hot - I mean, I wouldn't have said no) villain, Mirage, as well as her weakling uncle and step-aunt. There are fantastic machines, well described but without that exhaustive detail which can put a lot of people of steampunk, and seven Dwarvians fighting for their very existence.
This is about found family, about diversity and acceptance. OMG, the Lissa and her woman broke my heart (I'm in the coffee shop writing this and can't remember some of the names!) Theirs was a beautiful love story woven in a story of intrigue, of the power of love, of resistance and conquering of evil.
Just read the damned thing. I can't say any more. Just read it.
December 7, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Snow White. The characters were down to earth and very relatable. I began caring about them immediately. Lots of twists and turns in the plot which I always love. Highly recommend this one for engrossing read.
April 19, 2021
A beautiful retelling of a classic set in a unique world of steampunk. Black Ice is imaginative and compelling with wonderfully engaging characters. It’s one of those books where you genuinely want to know what happens to the characters. The villains are multifaceted and interesting to the point where a prequel is definitely in order.
June 8, 2021
A pacey contemporary interpretation of the Snow White fairy tale. A clever plot with strong dwarf characters who have their own sub stories. The magic mirror was represented in a clever way. This author brought this magical tale to life in a unique way - bravo!
May 31, 2021
Fascinating steampunk fantasy version of Snow White with rich character development and world building. Liked how the author changed up the stock characters of the tale to make them more like real people with motivation and energy.
August 5, 2021
This book was the best fun I’ve had in a while! What’s not to love about a rollicking steampunk ride through the Snow White fairytale? I’m a fan of steampunk (as a great excuse to dress up), but I’d never before read anything in the genre. So I had enormous fun with this lively and fast-paced tale full of airships, gadgets and goggles!
Princess Snow starts the story as a rather ignorant girl, having led a sheltered life of near imprisonment. She’s the rightful heir to the throne but her own aunt wants her dead; the villain Mirage has designs on her, but even he is under the control of the truly terrible Contratulum who plot to control Snow once she ascends the throne and rule through her.
Against impossible odds, brave Snow has managed to resist their machinations, but the story begins with her attempted assassination in the Great Forest. After foiling the assassin herself, she is found by one of the outlawed and almost exterminated Dwarvians. Only seven of this once great race remain - hidden away in the depths of the forest, they tinker with their forbidden steampunk contraptions, from airships and skimmers to hot-water showers - as well as a bit of magic!
With their assistance, and using her inner strength and growing resourcefulness, Snow must seek out more allies to help her stop the Contratulum from gaining absolute power, to claim her throne and save her people.
This story hooked me from the first page - it’s fast paced and exciting, full of great characters that come to life on the page and who you care about, and has just enough romance to satisfy. Add some frightening villains, marvellous gadgets, and a touch of magic, and you’ve got an absolute page-turner!
(I would absolutely love to see this cinematic story made into a movie or Netflix series!)
Princess Snow starts the story as a rather ignorant girl, having led a sheltered life of near imprisonment. She’s the rightful heir to the throne but her own aunt wants her dead; the villain Mirage has designs on her, but even he is under the control of the truly terrible Contratulum who plot to control Snow once she ascends the throne and rule through her.
Against impossible odds, brave Snow has managed to resist their machinations, but the story begins with her attempted assassination in the Great Forest. After foiling the assassin herself, she is found by one of the outlawed and almost exterminated Dwarvians. Only seven of this once great race remain - hidden away in the depths of the forest, they tinker with their forbidden steampunk contraptions, from airships and skimmers to hot-water showers - as well as a bit of magic!
With their assistance, and using her inner strength and growing resourcefulness, Snow must seek out more allies to help her stop the Contratulum from gaining absolute power, to claim her throne and save her people.
This story hooked me from the first page - it’s fast paced and exciting, full of great characters that come to life on the page and who you care about, and has just enough romance to satisfy. Add some frightening villains, marvellous gadgets, and a touch of magic, and you’ve got an absolute page-turner!
(I would absolutely love to see this cinematic story made into a movie or Netflix series!)
May 11, 2021
My first foray into Steampunk, Black Ice has set a high bar for future reads in this genre. The idea – based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – is clever, and it’s beautifully crafted by Blake who stays true to the original story while taking us on an action-packed ride through the world of airships, skimmers, and wireless communicators, all mixed in with a healthy dose of magic.
The story starts in true fairy tale fashion with Ronin, captain of the dwarfs, stumbling across a beautiful young woman in desperate trouble in the forest. It soon becomes clear that this is no ordinary damsel in distress, but is in fact Princess Snow, heir to the throne of House White, who has run away after an attempt on her life. We learn that all is not well in the kingdom, dominated as it is by the Contratulum – the only religion allowed to be practiced – which is intent on maintaining and expanding its power and wealth. The pureness and strength of Snow is recognised by Ronin, and she is introduced to a dwindling group – the only remaining dwarfs who have been persecuted by the Contratulum. Together, they agree to help her to reclaim her throne. The dwarfs, like all the characters, have great depth with well-told back stories which help to build a vivid picture of a kingdom in trouble and its people in danger of being overrun by evil.
I loved the way technology merged with magic. None of it seemed forced or false – just a natural marriage that made the action sequences all the more exciting. If you decide to read only one steampunk book this year – Black Ice should be it. In fact, you won’t be disappointed if this is the only book you read this year.
The story starts in true fairy tale fashion with Ronin, captain of the dwarfs, stumbling across a beautiful young woman in desperate trouble in the forest. It soon becomes clear that this is no ordinary damsel in distress, but is in fact Princess Snow, heir to the throne of House White, who has run away after an attempt on her life. We learn that all is not well in the kingdom, dominated as it is by the Contratulum – the only religion allowed to be practiced – which is intent on maintaining and expanding its power and wealth. The pureness and strength of Snow is recognised by Ronin, and she is introduced to a dwindling group – the only remaining dwarfs who have been persecuted by the Contratulum. Together, they agree to help her to reclaim her throne. The dwarfs, like all the characters, have great depth with well-told back stories which help to build a vivid picture of a kingdom in trouble and its people in danger of being overrun by evil.
I loved the way technology merged with magic. None of it seemed forced or false – just a natural marriage that made the action sequences all the more exciting. If you decide to read only one steampunk book this year – Black Ice should be it. In fact, you won’t be disappointed if this is the only book you read this year.
February 5, 2021
Julia Blake has taken my favorite genre (fantasy) and paired it with one that I had almost never read before (steampunk). This remastered version of the beloved classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” follows Princess Snow of House White through her struggles against the Contractulum.
The Contractulum plan to intimidate and control Princess Snow through magic and deceit when she is set to be crowned Queen a fortnight later. However, her jealous Aunt, Princess Jay, acting Queen, has her sent away to be murdered and abused by her personal guards. Here, Her Highness meets Ronin, Captain of the remain dwarves.
Ronin and Snow’s romance dances from scene to scene with the perfect balance of foreshadowing, longing, and outright heat. Snow must travel with Ronin and his merry band of surviving Dwarves to ensure the throne is returned to Princess Snow without any resistance.
Can they defeat Mirage, evil warlock set on manipulating Snow’s mind? Will Pontifex Slie, leader of the Contractulum, create the perfect puppet replica of Snow? I highly suggest you find out.
I’ve loved every book Julia Blake has seen fit to give this world. I started by reading Erinsmore three years ago and instantly fell in love. Now reading her most recent book and I’m right back where I started. Amazing.
The Contractulum plan to intimidate and control Princess Snow through magic and deceit when she is set to be crowned Queen a fortnight later. However, her jealous Aunt, Princess Jay, acting Queen, has her sent away to be murdered and abused by her personal guards. Here, Her Highness meets Ronin, Captain of the remain dwarves.
Ronin and Snow’s romance dances from scene to scene with the perfect balance of foreshadowing, longing, and outright heat. Snow must travel with Ronin and his merry band of surviving Dwarves to ensure the throne is returned to Princess Snow without any resistance.
Can they defeat Mirage, evil warlock set on manipulating Snow’s mind? Will Pontifex Slie, leader of the Contractulum, create the perfect puppet replica of Snow? I highly suggest you find out.
I’ve loved every book Julia Blake has seen fit to give this world. I started by reading Erinsmore three years ago and instantly fell in love. Now reading her most recent book and I’m right back where I started. Amazing.
December 21, 2020
BLACK ICE is a wonderful retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale in a new unique style of steampunk. I have always loved fairy tales but found it hard to absorb myself in retellings that just tell the same story. Black Ice was not what I expected. It blew me away.
The characters were so loveable and unique but still somehow showed the familiar character traits we all know and love from childhood. The Dwarvians stole my heart, especially Ronin, Eli, and Fae. I just loved the family dynamic between the seven remaining of the Dwarvian race. I wanted to be one of them.
Snow White was not just a weak and innocent maiden, which I really enjoyed. She was a very strong female lead. Though she holds the status of heir to House White, she is still humble, kind, good, and brave. But the evil force of the Power over her kingdom is unbearable, and she will need help to attain peace amoung her people if she is to accomplish becoming Queen.
This high paced steam punk story captured me at every turn of the page. So much action, magic, plot twists, and fun flying contraptions. I highly recommend this story to any fans of steampunk or the classic Snow White tale. Its a must read.
The characters were so loveable and unique but still somehow showed the familiar character traits we all know and love from childhood. The Dwarvians stole my heart, especially Ronin, Eli, and Fae. I just loved the family dynamic between the seven remaining of the Dwarvian race. I wanted to be one of them.
Snow White was not just a weak and innocent maiden, which I really enjoyed. She was a very strong female lead. Though she holds the status of heir to House White, she is still humble, kind, good, and brave. But the evil force of the Power over her kingdom is unbearable, and she will need help to attain peace amoung her people if she is to accomplish becoming Queen.
This high paced steam punk story captured me at every turn of the page. So much action, magic, plot twists, and fun flying contraptions. I highly recommend this story to any fans of steampunk or the classic Snow White tale. Its a must read.
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