I found this book to be an enjoyable read but I had a few issues with it. I really liked the premise of this story, the setting was immersive and I did want Dira to succeed in her mission. However, the pacing was off at times, sometimes it was very slow going and it felt like not much happened, and then I found the ending to be quite rushed, I would have preferred it to be developed more. I also found Dira a very irritating main character, although I was rooting for her at times, she spent most of the book convinced she never did anything wrong and everyone just treated her unfairly. While at times she was right, she was also a very flawed character who refused to accept advice from anyone else, which I found frustrating to read. I preferred the side characters to the two main characters in this book, I feel like I would have liked them more if they had communicated with each other properly instead of being cryptic and keeping their thoughts to themselves. Overall, I found this book interesting to read, it had a unique storyline, well developed locations and a twist I didn't see coming. Despite the issues, I still enjoyed the book.
3.5 stars rounded down.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book....

I really couldn't get into this book at all. I don't like the characters. And it was very boring... it took me all most two weeks to read it. A very disappointing book.

"Sometimes, the hardest step is the one most needed."

I really liked this fantasy romance book. A journey through ice and bears and snow. A journey through self discovery, curses, love, loss, friendship and complicated family dynamics. The fantasy aspect of it all was more than intriguing and the FMC, despite her moments of frustration, was a good lead for this story. I really liked the MMC, even though he had his own irritating traits, but overall he was someone I could easily fall for (as in fact I did). The pain, suffering and emotional journey Dira goes through was one I really liked and enjoyed getting through!!! The family relationship and the mystery behind the bears and their connection with the story and the people was fascinating. I have to admit that it took me a while to get into the book but I can’t complain because overall I had a good time.

"Fear always brings out the worst in us all."

I loved this book, polar bears are my favourite animal and I love a good fantasy book so I was excited to read this. Dira the main character shows amazing development throughout the story and o felt like I watched her grow. I enjoyed the slow burn romance with Valemon and the build up to the curse reveal. I think there needed to be a bit more detail on the curse itself as it wasn’t too clear what the curse was and I felt the breaking of it was a bit quick compared to the rest of the novel. However I loved the idea of this book, I enjoyed learning about the characters and the world and I think I would recommend this to lots of friends.

The book offers a delightful and heartwarming romance with elements of a coming-of-age story.
While the last 200 pages of the book were more enjoyable, the ending and the final conflict felt rushed and could have been developed a little further.

Our FMC, Dira, is compelling and portrayed as sensitive and emotionally expressive. Her love interest, Valemon, is well fleshed out and avoids problematic behavior, although educating Dira on the dangers of being alone would have been beneficial. The development of the romance between Dira and Valemon is very well written and heartwarming.

However, the world-building aspects and supporting characters could have been better developed. The setting beyond Willioughby doesn't feel fully realized, and the supporting characters lack detail. Despite these flaws, witnessing Dira's personal growth while staying true to her beliefs is enjoyable.

This was a cute story with an environmentalist message to it. I loved the usage of polar bears, since I feel like they aren't very common in stories. My one complaint was that Dira came across pretty dumb at some points, but that may have just been her impulsivity. Elements of Beauty and the Beast, Brave, and even a bit of Moana (because I must compare everything to Disney movies at all times, I know).

This was an okay read. Polar bears are most certainly and interesting take I’ve not ever seen. The character development was minimal, and the romance was the speed of a snail. It’s beyond slow burn. The FMC got on my nerves. While I didn’t enjoy it completely I’m sure this is great for someone else.

In some ways, this was a story familiar to me, perhaps an old Norse myth, revised from a dystopian perspective, in which the men fighting over territory with white bears are those who have survived pandemics and famines. I did not like the characters all that much, however, and somehow the ending seemed rather rushed.

Per qualche verso, questa era una storia a me nota, forse un vecchio mito nordico, rivisto in un'ottica distopica, in cui gli uomini che si combattono il territorio con gli orsi bianchi, sono quelli che sono sopravvissuti a pandemie e carestie. I personaggi non mi sono peró piaciuti tantissimo e in qualche modo il finale mi é sembrato piuttosto affrettato.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

Loved this story so much!!! I give it 4 stars because I was expecting more about it. Don't get me wrong, it's such a nice story and good plot.

"A Burden of Ice and Bone" transports readers to a chilly, Scandinavian-inspired world where polar bears are both feared and hunted. Dira, our fearless protagonist, challenges her village's beliefs by forming a connection with these majestic creatures, leading her on an unexpected adventure.

The boo sets a captivating backdrop, drawing readers into its desolate landscapes with vivid imagery and immersive writing. Dira's unapologetic authenticity shines through, though her impulsiveness may test readers' patience at times. The family dynamics add depth to the story, portraying the complexities of love amidst conflicting beliefs.

However, the rushed ending leaves something to be desired, wrapping up conflicts too quickly and lacking the depth needed for a truly satisfying conclusion. Despite this, "A Burden of Ice and Bone" remains an intriguing read with its unique setting and gentle romance. While it may have its flaws, it's still worth considering for fans of fairy tale retellings looking for something a bit different.

A Burden of Ice and Bone is a lovely standalone fantasy novel with a unique Beauty & the Beast retelling. The story starts off with the main character, Dira Cloon, who is fascinated by polar bears even though everyone else around her is determined to kill them to protect themselves. There is one particular polar bear that she finds herself drawn to, so she decides to follow the polar bear in an attempt to get information to show the townspeople that they might be wrong in their assumptions.

This was a really enjoyable story with a refreshing take on a well used plot and a unique world setting. I really enjoyed watching the romance bloom and you really find yourself liking Dira. She is not one to shy away from situations and I really enjoyed that it wasn't just another damsel in distress. The story is well developed and the last 50 pages really leaves you gobbling up the words because you want to know what happens and things move quickly.

I really enjoyed this book and will be recommending it. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

A Burden of Ice and Bone is a standalone fantasy novel set in an icy, harsh world. Dira Cloon has always been fascinated by the polar bears, even when everyone around her is determined to kill them to protect the town. There is one polar bear in particular that she's drawn to, and one day she decides to follow him and to try and change the minds of the townsfolk.

I really liked the setting of this book - it was original and harsh, and not what it first appeared to be. So that was a refreshing change for a fairytale reimagining. It also had a gentle, closed door romance in it. I found the book really easy to read, and liked the protagonist, Dira. She did tend to throw herself into situations without thinking but I liked that she had a backbone and stood up for herself, and she had agency rather than letting the story just happen to her.

I wish that the ending of the book had been a little longer, and more detailed. Without giving away any spoilers, I thought that everything happened very quickly in the last 35 pages and I would have liked a bit more time in that section to understand what Dira was feeling. I lost track of the time periods a bit, and didn't get a sense for how much time had passed and how Dira spent both her days and nights.

I enjoyed the book, particularly the different setting, and thought it was a very easy read, but I would have liked to spend a bit more time in that final section of the book before everything was wrapped up so neatly. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fairytale retellings with a clean and gentle romance.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.

A good book to start your reading journey with, did it keep my spellbound and wanting to come back for more, unfortunately not. Would I still recommend it, yes, just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean other people won’t love it

Thank you NetGalley and author Kyra Whitton for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

"In the village of ice and darkness, Dira Cloon's entire existence relies on her ability to pull the trigger. But when she faces a majestic white bear, her resolve falters. The bear's presence stirs something deep within her - a force stronger than her love for her family, who believe that the only safe polar bear is a dead one.

It goes beyond the village legends of a lost world and a vanished civilization, the whispered tales of magic, and the ursine king's enchantment. This force resonates with Dira's heart, shattered and lonely. If she shoots the bear, her life will continue as it always has, with a piece of her soul and dreams forever lost. But if she lays down her weapon and follows the bear into the vast, frozen realm of snow, she may transform her people and their bloodlust.

Embark on a breathtaking journey with Dira as she uncovers a cursed life more beautiful than the one she leaves behind. In Kyra Whitton's mesmerizing novel, "A Burden of Ice and Bone," readers will find a gripping tale of self-discovery, courage, and love in the heart of a magical, frozen world."

Though this have unique fantasy theme. I enjoy reading this book.

This book was very slow and character development just didn't exist. Parts of the book were good and well written while most of it just fell short for me. I probably would recommend this book to younger just starting out their reading journey.

A very lovely and unique Beauty and the Beast retelling! The world that Kyra Whitton has weaved together is captivating. While there are some slower parts to this book, I really enjoyed it. Dira Cloon is a curious, lovable, risk taker who has always questioned everyone’s distrust of the polar bears in the area. When she meets a secretive man who lingers in the shadows, her whole world turns upside down. The storytelling is charming, and the character development was something that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

A Burden of Ice and Bone by Kyra Whitton
Published by Sword and Silk Books
4/5 Stars!!

This is such a unique and enjoyable storyline, this book is an emotional and interesting romance! If you want a easy-read fantasy with Beauty and the Beast then this is for you! Dira is such a loveable, headstrong and emotional character, whereas Valemon is very reserved and hides an important secret! He has been lonely for a long time until he meets Dira who seems to change his whole character!

Thank you to Kyra, the Publisher and NetGalley for this arc!

Thank you to Sword and Silk Books for this Arc :)

This was a delightful and sweet romance book, with a touch of a coming of age story.

I will say that I found the opening 1/3 of the book weaker than the second 2/3. I also thought that the final conflict wrapped up a bit too quickly and could have been expanded upon further to strengthen the book.

However I did really like Dira as a main character and I appreciate the representation of cry babies in literature. Thank you Kyra Whitton for making me feel seen lol. I loved seeing Dira grow as a person without sacrificing the core of who she was and what she believed in.

Our love interest Valemon was also great and not problematic (for the most part). Could she have educated Dira on the risks of wandering out alone, yes but he didn't become violent or abusive so hey!

The building of the romance was well done and again, sweet.

I also do think that the world building fell a bit flat at times, the world didn't feel lived in beyond Willioughby. I would say the same of the side characters as well weren't well expanded upon. Considering that Dira struggled so much with the longing for her family and Beren, it would have been nice to see more of them including more interactions with Dira.

Overall, it was a fun and decent read but nothing ground breaking.

For the record, Spinning Silver is an awful comp title. These books have very little in common besides cold.

The polar bears are a unique fantasy premise I haven't read before, and I always enjoy a Beauty & the Beast situation.

There weren't really any special plot lines that set it apart and everything moved along a bit slowly. But if you want a quick and easy fairytale to read this fits the bill.

Kyra Whitton's A Burden of Ice and Bone invites readers on a mesmerizing journey through a frozen kingdom where courage, love, and self-discovery collide in a tale that is as enchanting as it is poignant.

At the heart of the story is Dira Cloon, a young woman whose life in the village of ice and darkness is defined by her ability to wield a gun. Yet, when confronted with a majestic white bear, Dira's convictions waver, igniting a spark within her that challenges everything she has ever known. As she grapples with the choice between tradition and transformation, Dira embarks on a breathtaking adventure that will lead her to uncover the secrets of a lost world and confront the darkness within herself.

Whitton's prose is evocative and immersive, painting a vivid portrait of a world blanketed in snow and shrouded in mystery. From the chilling atmosphere of the frozen landscape to the intricacies of Dira's internal struggles, every detail is rendered with exquisite care, drawing readers deeper into the narrative with each turn of the page.

What shines brightest in A Burden of Ice and Bone is its exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of love and loyalty. Dira's relationship with her family is portrayed with depth and nuance, capturing the tangled web of emotions that bind them together even as they are torn apart by conflicting desires and beliefs.

While the novel's atmosphere and character dynamics are undeniably captivating, there are some aspects that fall short. The rushed ending and occasional simplicity of the writing may leave readers craving more depth and complexity in certain areas. However, these flaws are overshadowed by the novel's strengths, which lie in its ability to transport readers to a world where magic and reality intertwine in unexpected ways.

In conclusion, A Burden of Ice and Bone is a unique and captivating read that offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre. Despite its flaws, Kyra Whitton's debut novel showcases her talent for crafting immersive worlds and compelling characters, leaving readers eager to embark on future adventures with her.