Excellent premise and plot, character setup and world building, but felt stagnant in terms of character development and voices. Wanted slightly more exciting scenes and a sense of the high stakes and twist.

A reimagining of "The Princess Bride"? Ummmm... YES PLEASE! I am the first to say that there are just some things you don't mess with (This includes, the Princess Bride, Labyrinth, tea, toast, you get the idea) but oho.. ohoho ho my crikey. Delicious! I cannot even. Jeepers, I am all a-flutter on this one

Emma Sterner-Radley brings the big guns with Snowblooded, or rather, big swords, but either way, this novel is an absolute blinder. Truly, completely and utterly gorgeous. Gorgeous narrative, gorgeous dialogue, gotrgeous characters, I am literally gorging on the gorgeousness of this book and I haven't evven got to the cover, which, yes, is gorgeous (absolutely going to be buying this as a hard cover keeper and that's a fact)

Valour and Petrichor are two assassins (segway, petrichor is my favourite word and my favourite smell so I knew this would be a stonking good character) with an unbreakable bond and a job to do and when Ingrid joins them, Tri-Force! (iykyk)

Emma Sterner-Radley is an incredible author. Snowblooded is everything I adore in a fantasy novel, not-quite heroic, but still really heroic heores, big challenges, dastardly evils, intricately woven plots and subplots and just a smidgy squidge of humour throughout

Absolutely fantastic. Stop reading this review, go preorder it, if it's out by the time you read this, go buy it. Absolutely motherflippingly wonderful!

Thank you to Netgalley, Solaris, and the outstanding, stellar author Emma Sterner-Radley for this abso-fluffing-lutely incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Mostly, I did enjoy this book. The story of two assassins who hate each other trying to work together to find a high level target in a fantasy, Scandinavian setting.

I think that the best thing about the book for me was the characters - Valour, Ingrid and Petrichor as the main cast were fun to read about and interesting characters, although there could have been a little more depth to them I think - although they have interesting stories, this isn't always explored as well as I think it could be. The world building was also done pretty effectively, Emma Sterner-Radley did a good job in creating the city of Vinterstock and all its problems with "ness tonics".

It was the plot, or perhaps the pacing of the plot, where things started to fall down a little. It's 400 pages long which isn't excessive by any means, but I think it could probably lose about 100 of them and still tell the same story with the same amount of depth. If it was trimmed down and some of the repetitive scenes where Valour and Petrichor argue were gone,

I think this was close to being a 4 or 5 star read as there's so much potential in the world and characters that Sterner-Radley has created, it just doesn't quite pull it off (also I'm not personally convinced by the comparison to either Six of Crows or The Princess Bride)

I thoroughly expected to love this book. It was described as The Princess Bride meets Six of Crows! It has assassins! It’s set in Sweden! Despite having so many good qualities this just didn’t work for me.

I absolutely loved the Swedish town setting, the twin of Vinterstok was a great location and I was a fan of the wintery, Scandinavian setting. I also loved the vibes of the assassin’s guild. This really had me reminiscing over the Dark Brotherhood from Skyrim. Loved both of these elements so we were off to a good start with setting and theme. I also really loved all the food references, there’s lots of lovely meals and baked goods and Fika and this was luscious and enjoyable.

About a third of the way into the book I started to notice things that were really grating for me. For a book about assassins, there’s very little assassinating. Most of the book is about relationships and people talking and learning to understand each other and see things from the others point of view.

I found some of the dialogue challenging. The insults between the two main characters were so repetitive and childish. I also wasn’t a fan of the lengthy back and forth during fight scenes. It felt really cheesy and unbelievable.

I was so disappointed this didn’t quick click for me as I was really looking forward to reading this. The author has some lovely ideas and does setting and details really well but I would have needed a thinning down of the dialogue for it to land for me. I’m sure there will be others who will love the lengthy trading of insults though, it just wasn’t for me.

This was not what I expected. I would not compare this to Six of Crows.

There is little action and I don't feel connected to the characters past a surface level. Valour, Ingrid and Petrichor are good characters with interesting back stories, but there wasn't any depth to them. Even their connections to each other seemed hollow.

Valour and Ingrid seemed to develop feelings for each other instantly. Also Valour and Petrichor hated each other, but one brief conversation later that didn't even cover much, they were fine with each other.

In terms of the story, they needed to assassinate someone who sounded impossible to even find, yet they only spoke to a few people and found the warehouse very quickly. There were also whole chapters that weren't leading the story along and could have been left out. Along with too much telling us everything instead of showing.

Overall this was a slow but promising start and then a very rushed middle and end that could have been better. A quick read because not much actually happens.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Valour and Petrichor are two of the highest-ranking assassins in the city, brought up together in the Order of Axsten. However, their abrasive and opposite personalities has caused a feud between them as the youngest assassins in the Order.
They are set a a job together to kill the sly, unknown cut-throat who's been leader of the 'ness smugglers for decades. ‘Ness being illegal magic tinctures: shrewdness tonics, brawniness tonics, wellness tonics, etc.
Valour is also babysitting the sociable, socialite hotel heiress, Ingrid who is too curious for her own good.

Valour lives up to her name, and is one of the only assassins to occasionally refuse jobs if she feels they are wrong. However, the punishment for that is branding. She’s queer, quiet, analytical, and lonely. Oh, and she loves food and tea.

Petrichor is methodical and disciplined and I think he definitely represents neurodivergence and perhaps a sexuality. The way his mind works is reflected in this matter-of-fact, blunt perspective and interactions.

”Maybe we're both trapped, Valour. And the only way to survive is to pretend that you relish your cage."

Interestingly, this also has a Norse backdrop with allusions to the gods. In some sense, this almost felt contemporary but set in an alternative world.

Occasionally, the writing and dialogue felt stilted and forced, and certain observations too cut and dry and telling instead of showing.

It became frustrating how many wide tangents there were that didn’t add anything to the story - conversations, entire chapters. Also, the repetition of certain jokes - Petrichor having a stick up his arse is something Valour reminds him of in nearly every interaction. And Valour thinking with her bodily lust.

Overall, this could have been about half the length and do with a lot less back-and-forth.

Thank you to Solaris for providing an arc in exchange for a review!

what i really loved in this book is the rivals are not the love interest, the love is between lesbian and all and it's so cute for sometime atleast. i loved the way the relationship between the main two rivals grows, the progress is quite realistic.

the twist was a bit predictable, but that might be cause of my overthinking ass. ( i did not read the book for two days and only thought about the story and i came to the conclusion that the thing would be the most unpredictable twist but that just shows the good writing ).

good book

"Snowblooded" is a historical fantasy novel written by Emma Sterner-Radley.

I was fascinated by the premise of this book! An icy, snowy setting? Two assassins who hate each other, but are forced to cooperate because of circumstances?! I threw myself into reading immediately with great enthusiasm! And I was not disappointed at all! "Snowblooded" is a compelling, bewitching and enthralling book full of fights, chases, escapes, intrigues, deceptions, subterfuges, betrayals and power plays. All enhanced by a gorgeous Scandinavian setting, evocative and enchanting writing, a dark and intriguing story, and two incredible morally gray and troubled characters. I loved everything about this novel and can't express anything but compliments!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

" 'People handle being broken in different ways. Some try to look for the light in the world and in themselves. Some lean into the dark.' She wiped her nose with her glove. 'Anything to keep from being hurt again.' "

After being raised in an elite order of assassins, Valour and Petrichor are tasked with tracking down —and killing— the drug lord that controls the city. To avoid being killed by mysterious attackers and locate their target, they must begrudgingly accept Ingrid's help, a hotel heiress.

This is the first time I've read a book that reminded me enough of Crooked Kingdom while masterfully mantaining its originality. It was a delightful tale of duty, identity and love (not just the romantic type) from start to finish.

Let's start of with the setting: an alternative-history-like Sweden plagued by magical tonic addicts and covered in several feet of snow. I haven't seen snow since I was a little girl, but reading this book made me feel like my toes were seconds away from getting frostbite (in the best way possible).

"If justice has to be served surreptitiously, and without set and checkable parameters, is it still justice?"
Despite the plot being on the slower end of the spectrum, it managed to keep me hooked, especially as soon as several twists went off like firecrackers. From the drug trade and Brandquist's identity to the ethical debate on social classes and duty to power, I enjoyed every word. Other topics such as queerness, feminism and bodily autonomyb are discussed as well, but they do take the backseat.

"Ingrid Rytherdahl was too quick, too much, too close, too confusing, too magnificent for Valour. But gods, she was irresistible."
Now, onto my absolute favourite part: the characters. I was thrilled to read Ingrid and Valour's relationship as it developed, but I must admit that the dynamic that captured me the most was that of Valour and Petrichor's. It was heartwarming seeing the almost-but-not-quite siblings progress through their internal and external challenges and realise they were stronger as allies than as enemies.

" 'You know that it's alright, don't you?' 'What is?' 'What you do. What you are. You're so hard on yourself and there is no need. You are trying your best and that is more than enough, Valour. "
'Snowblooded' placed a lot of significance on names and identity, and I'd say that this is the main issue in the book, beyond drug lords and political intrigue. Valour and Petrichor must find who they are further than what they've been raised as, and the psychological limits their names have placed on them.

All in all, I loved 'Snowblooded'. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy, sapphic romances and excellent character development.

This was an interesting attempt at a new take on street level, Six of Crows style low fantasy. Pitched as 'Scandi fantasy minus Vikings', it's more like 'Scandi fantasy with a few folklore references and passing mention of Viking deities', which isn't quite the same thing. I did enjoy the characters- Petrichor, especially, was an interesting jumble of neuroses and problems, who if there's any justice will be quite popular on Tumblr. However, I wasn't totally sold on the magic system ('ness potions' for elixirs that increase your 'cleverness' etc is not a great name) and the tight focus on three main characters meant that some of the Six of Crows heist-style fun it was reaching for wasn't quite realised.

Unfortunately, this book was a disappointment for me.

It didn't work for many reasons: all 3 main characters speak in an unnaturally odd way, the action scenes are severly lacking, there are weird intervals feeling like therapy sessions, the protagonists are barely competent at what they do (they are really not smart), the climax scenes feels silly with the evil character monologue...the comaprison to Six of Crows is unfortunate, it has nothing to do with it in every sense.

If you're looking for a fantasy filled with mystery and intrigue with characters whom question their society and the roles they have been forced into, THIS IS THE BOOK. The mental health rep in this is just *chefs kiss" the characters and their arches are just wonderful, the setting is cosy and norse inspired. Overall this book just has it all, and I would happily read a thousand stories in this realm.

Equal parts fun adventure and mystery, Snowblooded has topped my favourite reads this year.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

An atmospheric story set in a wintry, Scandinavian city, about a pair of assassins who can't stand each other, forced to work together to take down a drug-trafficking crime boss - Snowblooded is a brilliant fantasy adventure, equal parts fun and darkness. There was a lot to love about this novel: the setting, with its sinister crime underbelly but almost cosy winter atmosphere, with a dash of Norse myth and magic; the vividly painted group of characters, each with their own goals and well-developed personalities; the twists and turns of the plot, each more unexpected than the last.

Overall, the book delivered solidly on my expectations insofar as the pitch goes. No complaints there. And as a Scandinavian (Danish), I very much found the world, culture, and history authentically portrayed.

Things that stood out to me:
The banter and the humor was absolutely magnificent. Alongside that, the characterization was on point and is really what made the whole story sparkle to me. Heavy themes were dealt with, yes, but they were dealt with in a respectful way that still allowed humor to soften to blow of facts, so to speak. That said, there is triggering content in there, for sure, since we're dealing with assassins, but nothing was overly graphic (in my opinion). Lastly, I enjoyed the plot twists of the book and how they layered on top of each other. I guessed some of them, but I suspect I was supposed to guess them as a way of covering up the bigger ones. As a distraction, that is.

What I would've loved to see more of:
I had some trouble picturing the setting and the way that the characters moved throughout the city as the plot progressed. Scale, I suppose. I didn't always have a clear sense of scale on a purely logistical level, and considering how the characters travel a lot back and forth within town, I was a bit disappointed that I struggled envisioning that town (and how the characters moved within it) clearly in my mind's eye. But it didn't detract a lot from my overall experience of reading the book, which was decidedly good!

I absolutely loved Snowblooded by Emma Sterner-Radley!
It was really well written and was really hard to put down once I got into it.

It was a amazing Scandinavian fantasy and the world building was just excellent with the world just coming to life.
I also loved the 2 assassin main characters Valour and Petrichor.

I definitely highly recommend reading this book and you won't regret it!
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.

Assassin’s Swede

Valour and Petrichor grew up in the Order of Axsten, an assassin’s guild in the wintery city of Vinterstock. An entirely official and sanctioned guild, I should add, who “handle” difficult problems for the city’s ruling class.

They have very different, yet still very successful, approaches to their work. Valour is blunt force trauma with a heart of gold. She only kills those who she feels actually deserve it, and frequently suffers the ire of the Order for her idealistic approach. Petrichor is more of a precise surgeon - albeit one with high patient mortality, and no bedside manner whatsoever. They have a suitably antagonistic relationship, and the last thing either of them wants to do is to work together. And yet, they have one thing in common, they both want out of the Order and to have the chance of a normal life.

And so, they are given one last job, together. One that will pay well enough that they can buy their respective freedoms. All they need to do is find and kill Brandquist, the head of a shadowy criminal organisation that has flooded the city with addictive magical potions, Well, that and also not kill each other in the process.

Ah, you are thinking, this sounds like the perfect setup for an enemies to lovers romance. And you would be dead wrong. For Valour is also burdened with babysitting Ingrid, a wealthy, well-connected socialite, who has been targeted by Brandquist’s gang. Unfortunately for Valour, Ingrid is a wealthy, well-connected, and annoyingly attractive, socialite. And a pretty flirtatious one at that. So, she needs to keep her close to keep her alive, but not too close that she can’t do her job. Oh, the sapphic sexual tension!

I really enjoyed this book, and I’d love to read more set in this universe. The city itself is a pretty grim place, and obviously our two POV characters are literally assassins so it does involve quite a bit of murdering, but there is amusing banter between all of them, and the growing relationships definitely help to offset the darker tone. It’s not exactly cosy fantasy, but their hideout sure feels pretty cosy sometimes as they shelter from the falling snow. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the book feels the perfect length to deliver an entertaining and notably self-contained story. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Rebellion Publishing for the review copy.

A really enjoyable read!

Snowblooded has been on my radar for a little while so I was really grateful to be able to read this book early.

It is a really well written Scandinavian fantasy, the world building is exciting and very immersive and the characters were fun to read about.

This book has assassins, a little magic and fiery banter, all of which take you on an intricate adventure.

I would definitely recommend this book to fans of Six of Crows, it has a familiar feeling.

I will be posting a full review on my social media and other retailers closer to the release date!

Two assassins. Petrichor and Valour hate each other, but are ordered by the Guild to work together to kill Vinterstock's dealer of illegal magic tonics: the illusive one known as 'Brandquist'. A corrupt city. Much more is afoot than meets the eye and treachery waits on every corner. Valour is headstrong, with a penchant for honeyed cardamom buns, and plagued by nightmares of her childhood. Petrichor likes to be in control, cravat-wearing and meticulous, he longs to better himself but lacks the means. Forced to cooperate to unearth Brandquist's secrets, the assassins also team up with aristocratic Ingrid Rytterdahl, much to Petrichor's displeasure. With Valour distracted by Ingrid's charming allure, will the unlikely trio ever eliminate their mark? Or will someone else eliminate them first?
Filled with twists and turns, this magical fantasy set in Sweden is a page-turner that keeps you guessing. The characters have depth: it's clear they're shaped by their experiences and have natural flaws. The use of dual POV means we appreciate both assassin's perspectives as they uncover the secrets hiding in Vinterstock's foundations. With queer representation and elements of romance, this winter mystery will appeal to YA readers who enjoy an intrigue and excellent world-building.

3.5 Stars

I've greatly enjoyed Emma Sterner-Radley's Mapmaking Magicians series, so I was very excited to see another adventure book by her. I will admit that I wish I had read the limited reviews that were avaiable when I picked this up. I am a mood reader, and knowing in advanced and preparing can be essential to my enjoyment.

This book follows Valour and Petrichor, trained assassins working for the local govenment to dispatch of unrurly individuals. Valour and Petrichor are some of the best assassins and have been given a job to kill the elusive drug kingpin, Brandquist. Valour and Petrichor spends the first part of their mission not wanting to work together but then reluctantly find themselves working well. To Valours delight and Petrichors dismay, they are jooined by Ingrid, a local heiress seeking adventure.

The story was exciting, with some mystery, action, and plenty of banter between the characters. What I wish I had paid attention to in the reviews is that this world is grim. It takes place in Sweden and is in small provadence that is surviving heavily from improvish conditions. The characters, while affective at their jobs and surviving in it, still feel broken.Beacuse of this, t took me some time to get into the book. The unhappy setting and characters who who are aware of the condition of the world but not having a way to effect it, was hard to get into , in my current mood. But once the characters started working together and the mystery started to show itself, did I really get into it.

The book was well written and the charqacters had wonderful depths. I'm not certain but I am pretty sure this would be a historical fiction book, despite thinking it was a fantasy book like the Mapmaking Magicians books.

I am really glad I picked this up and would recommend this for fans of darker historical advnture stories.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Plucked from the streets as children and raised to compete for their guild’s approval, Valour uses her brawn to survive, while Petrichor strives ti be a gentleman assassin. If they can quell their rivalry enough, as this job is bigger than them both, and the reward will be enough to settle their debts to the Order. And start new lives. If this wasn’t enough, Valour is saddled with protecting the aristocrat, Ingrid Rytterdahl.

Valour finds her dangerously attractive but Petrichor couldn’t care less and would prefer to be rid of them both. He begrudgingly accepts Ingrid’s knowledge and connections as they navigate the cities criminal underbelly in pursuit of their prey. As secrets bubble to the surface, the duo must outwit the enemy on their tail, keep Ingrid alive.

And, hardest of all, work together without murdering each other. An atmospheric story set in a wintry city, filled with brilliant characters and banter, and an adventure that will keep you reading long into the night. This book is filled with a vivid group of characters, each with their own well developed personalities and back stories, filled with an incredible and intricate plot and a dash of magic, this book should be on everyone’s list.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘌𝘮𝘮𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳-𝘙𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘺