FEBRUARY 2021 - AudioFile
The first of two audiobooks in the Warrior Witch duology introduces Askia, heir to the Frozen Crown of Seravesh, who tells her own story. Narrator Imani Powers instills her with an air of imperiousness, which is seen as the young woman pushes norms of protocol. Powers conveys the sense of impatience and urgency that Askia feels as she seeks allies. In exile and seeking aid from the kingdom to the south, she makes a meager attempt to conform to its ways—but not for long. As Askia learns about the power of her magic as a Death Witch, Powers reveals Askia’s self-control and patience. Overall, Powers uses pace and timing to good effect. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
★ 09/28/2020
Set in a land where magic is a rarity, Kelly’s riveting debut and duology launch follows a princess with a dangerous secret who must save her country from invaders. Princess Askia, rightful heir to the Frozen Crown of Seravesh, has spent months with her men in battle against the invading soldiers of the Rovan Empire. Unable to defend her realm from the advancing Rovans, Askia sails south to Vishir to seek aid from its leader, Emperor Armaan. But life among soldiers leaves Askia unprepared for the decorum and political games of the Vishiri court. With enemies both inside and outside the castle walls and her actions under constant scrutiny, Askia becomes enmeshed in court life. She fears that one wrong move will expose the unique magical ability she’s kept hidden her entire life—and which could spell danger for both her people and herself. Filled with magic, war, and intrigue, this thrilling high fantasy questions how much a ruler should be willing to sacrifice for the sake of duty. Vivid worldbuilding, high stakes, and just a hint of romance propel the twisty plot to a cliffhanger finale. Readers will be on the edges of their seats as they await the next installment. Agent: Jennifer Udden, New Leaf Literary. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
"Filled with magic, war, and intrigue, this thrilling high fantasy questions how much a ruler should be willing to sacrifice for the sake of duty. Vivid worldbuilding, high stakes, and just a hint of romance propel the twisty plot to a cliffhanger finale. Readers will be on the edges of their seats as they await the next installment." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Kelly’s debut is a vivid epic fantasy of high political and personal stakes. Fans of Jennifer Estep’s “Crown of Shards” series will find much to love in the first of a duology." (Debut of the Month, Jan 2021) — Library Journal (starred review)
"Packed with deadly intrigue, fierce and powerful women, and high stakes, Greta Kelly's fantasy-adventure debut, The Frozen Crown, is an exciting and intricate series opener … Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Mary E. Pearson should make sure to snap it up." — Shelf Awareness
“A gripping, intricate tale of court intrigue with no shortage of thought-provoking questions about power, morality, and identity. Askia is a strong-willed yet vulnerable and utterly human character that will linger in readers’ hearts and minds long after they turn the final page.” — Ava Reid, author of The Wolf and the Woodsman
"Fans of Jeffe Kennedy’s Forgotten Empires series, and fantasy readers looking for elements of intrigue and romance, will find The Frozen Crown a fast-paced, exciting read." — Booklist
“Queen, warrior, and witch – THE FROZEN CROWN delivers the kind of fantasy heroine I’ve longed for, the kind who is truly heroic. Askia’s story held me rapt from beginning to end, and I can’t wait for part two!” — Jeffe Kennedy, Award-winning author of the Forgotten Empires trilogy
“The Frozen Crown is fantasy at is best—bold, original and fiercely compelling." — Ausma Zehanat Khan, author of The Bloodprint
Booklist
"Fans of Jeffe Kennedy’s Forgotten Empires series, and fantasy readers looking for elements of intrigue and romance, will find The Frozen Crown a fast-paced, exciting read."
Ausma Zehanat Khan
The Frozen Crown is fantasy at is best—bold, original and fiercely compelling."
Ava Reid
A gripping, intricate tale of court intrigue with no shortage of thought-provoking questions about power, morality, and identity. Askia is a strong-willed yet vulnerable and utterly human character that will linger in readers’ hearts and minds long after they turn the final page.
Shelf Awareness
"Packed with deadly intrigue, fierce and powerful women, and high stakes, Greta Kelly's fantasy-adventure debut, The Frozen Crown, is an exciting and intricate series opener … Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Mary E. Pearson should make sure to snap it up."
Jeffe Kennedy
Queen, warrior, and witch – THE FROZEN CROWN delivers the kind of fantasy heroine I’ve longed for, the kind who is truly heroic. Askia’s story held me rapt from beginning to end, and I can’t wait for part two!
Booklist
"Fans of Jeffe Kennedy’s Forgotten Empires series, and fantasy readers looking for elements of intrigue and romance, will find The Frozen Crown a fast-paced, exciting read."
Emily Duncan
"Propulsive and intricate, Kelly has constructed a world of twisting politics and thrilling magic following a heroine who is both clever and uncompromising, but ultimately, has heart. A stellar read that I thoroughly enjoyed."
Library Journal
★ 12/01/2020
As heir to the Frozen Crown of Seravesh, Askia loves her people. Yet her country is being overrun by the Roven Empire, spearheaded by her cousin's dishonest claim to the crown and Emperor Radovan'sdestructive army. While her faithful Black Wolves have continued to disrupt the battles, Askia needs support before Seravesh is taken over completely. Looking for help from southern neighbor Vishir and its emperor, Amaan, means walking into another empire filled with secrets of its own. Yet the biggest secret is kept by Askia, for she holds magic that could mean the worst for her and her people—but this magic may be the only thing between her and the fall of Seravesh. Kelly creates a princess who knows more about battle formations than court dances, forced to decide how much responsibilitymust balance between the person and the ruler. VERDICT Kelly's debut is a vivid epic fantasy of high political and personal stakes. Fans of Jennifer Estep's "Crown of Shards" series will find much to love in the first of a duology.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
FEBRUARY 2021 - AudioFile
The first of two audiobooks in the Warrior Witch duology introduces Askia, heir to the Frozen Crown of Seravesh, who tells her own story. Narrator Imani Powers instills her with an air of imperiousness, which is seen as the young woman pushes norms of protocol. Powers conveys the sense of impatience and urgency that Askia feels as she seeks allies. In exile and seeking aid from the kingdom to the south, she makes a meager attempt to conform to its ways—but not for long. As Askia learns about the power of her magic as a Death Witch, Powers reveals Askia’s self-control and patience. Overall, Powers uses pace and timing to good effect. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
