Atmospheric and magical with that perfect edge of danger. I felt completely transported into this icy, spellbinding world. Absolutely loved getting lost in it.

August 14, 2025
Witches are made not born and that is certainly a very different concept from so many other books I've read so yes I eagerly jumped on this book. It even begins with Koryn dying and uses flashbacks in such a helpful and totally appropriate way. She's been cast out of her Coven but gets the chance to regain her place but only if she faces seven challenges set by the Gods.
This is quite bleak at times but it's a journey in more ways than one. Witches are vile, heartless creatures and yet Koryn has held on to her humanity although she doesn't seem to realise it. Yes there's a hunk for a little love interest but he's funny and in her opinion smug. The trials were imaginative but it's the surprises at the end that will totally shock you. All in all a book I read very quickly as I was enjoying it so much and I already want the next instalment.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts are honest and I believe fair

From the very first page, The Frost Witch announces itself as a story that breaks away from the usual fantasy fare. Having felt burned out by many books that recycle familiar tropes and predictable plots, I found Emberly Ash’s novel to be a breath of fresh, icy air. It’s original, emotionally intense, and unafraid to lean into the bleakness of its world and characters.

What sets this book apart is its unapologetic tone and emotional depth. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities the characters face — pain, loss, and sacrifice are central themes that are explored with raw honesty. The story stays heavy where it needs to, making the moments of hope and connection all the more powerful.

The world-building is immersive and chilling, perfectly matching the tone of the story. The frostbitten landscape is not just a backdrop but almost a living, breathing part of the story that shapes the characters and their struggles. Emberly Ash’s descriptions are vivid and haunting, drawing you into a realm that is as beautiful as it is brutal.

The characters are complex and flawed, and their journeys are anything but straightforward. They wrestle with darkness inside and out, making them deeply human and relatable despite the fantastical setting. The protagonist’s growth felt earned and compelling, and the emotional stakes kept me invested throughout.

This book is not for those looking for light escapism or a neatly tied-up happy ending. Instead, it challenges readers to confront pain and darkness alongside its characters, rewarding those willing to stay the course with a story that lingers long after the last page.

In sum, The Frost Witch is a bold, haunting, and emotionally rich fantasy that stands apart from the crowd. If you want a story that is unflinchingly real, beautifully written, and utterly unforgettable, this is the book to pick up. Five stars without hesitation.

Seven Gates. Seven Gods. Seven Deadly Trials

The Frost Witch by @emberlyashauthor

This dark fantasy is both poetic and packed with adventure. An exhilarating journey that gives you chills—not only due to the frost magic but also because of its captivating storyline. The unexpected twists, especially towards the conclusion, truly hooked me, solidifying my love for the new series. I already find myself wishing I could experience this book for the first time all over again. I need book 2 asap!

The Frost Witch
Dark, raw, and unforgettable. Koryn’s journey through the gods’ deadly Seven Gates is as brutal as it is beautiful. The world is cold, the trials are relentless, and the emotional depth is stunning. This is a must-add to your TBR.

Arc review
**
Single POV from FMC
Woman empowerment
Plus size FMC
Slow burn - 1.5 🌶️
**
3.75 rounding to 4 stars. There was a lot to like here and I am definitely looking forward to the future books! If you can’t handle a cliffhanger then I’d recommend waiting to jump in because there are a lot of unanswered questions that hopefully will be addressed in future installments.
It’s rare I come across a FmC who has a relatable body and it was refreshing. There was literally not one moment of self conscious dialogue and I loved that. The MMC worships the curves too 😍
I was also fascinated in the way the witches acquired their power.
I found the pacing challenging. It was a bit slow for me. The story kept moving but there were long periods of detail and it became somewhat repetitive. I also found the gate challenges to seem too easy considering no one in hundreds of years have gotten past gate 5. The ending confused me too in a way where I feel like I shouldn’t be as confused…
I also spent the whole book wondering why it was marketed as a “why choose” but you find out why right at the end and it really amps up the anticipation for the next book!
Overall I think the story had some unpredictable twists and turns and I’m still really looking forward to the next book!

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Frost Witch by Emberly Ash
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romantasy
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: August 5, 2025

🥀 Centuries Old Curse
🖤 Deadly Trials
🔥 Super Slow Burn
✨️ Witches + Fae
💙 Plus Sized FMC
❤️‍🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🗡 Devastating Betrayals

I'm obsessed! Our plus-sized frost witch FMC, Koryn, must compete in a set of deadly trials against six others in order to break the centuries-old curse on the land and regain her place in her coven. Our MMC, Garrick, is a gorgeous, platinum-haired, dagger-wielding bounty hunter. They reluctantly work together and the super slow-burn, the tension, and the banter is GLORIOUS🔥

I loved every minute of their trek through the gates. Garrick is your classic "touch her and 💀" type of MMC, and he's a bit of a softy when it comes to Koryn *swoon*. Getting to watch their dynamics shift from enemies to lovers was beautiful, and I'm so thankful we got that super slow burn because it made the climax that much better! The cliffhanger is LETHAL, so I'm begging you to prepare yourself! I need book 2 ASAP!!!😭

Thank you so much to the incredible author and NetGalley for the digital review copy!

This story had me hooked from the very first page and refused to let go until the very end. The pacing was never dragging, never rushed, and every chapter felt like it revealed just enough to keep me desperate for more.

The time jumps back to Koryn’s human life were wonderful and necessary. They helped give us clues to who Koryn really is. The characters had depth and mystery ,while the world-building was both rich and vividly detailed.

I loved the little secrets tucked throughout the plot, each one adding another layer of intrigue. The author’s writing style made it all flow seamlessly, having balance, emotion, and just the right amount of mystery.

And that ending? Excuse me, what was that?! The next book in this series cannot come fast enough, because I am absolutely not done with this world.”

A fantasy romance for those of us who love to theorize!

5 ⭐

First of all, thank you so much to NetGalley and Emberly Ash for giving me the opportunity to ARC-read this book. It was a true joy!

This book blew me away. The story flows beautifully and every plot-related info dropped feels intentional. The world-building was well thought out, and the magic system intriguing.

I’ll admit that witches are a weakness of mine, and this story did not disappoint. The prospect of how your death determines what your main power will be feels refreshing and unique.

Koryn is a complex character who has never found her safe haven. Her sensory input issues give you an insight into her character, and why she struggles in life. Her misanthropic tendencies have meaning, and mixing that with her fire and internal anger made for the perfect quiet banter. She’s relatable, and you can see her growth on page.

Our (first) MMC is a mystery, but one you will want to figure out. Just enough info is dropped to make you turn the page for more. He’s broody and sarcastic, but with a smirk. Their banter was not the loud talkative one, but instead quiet but expressive. It fit their dynamic perfectly, and the slow-burn was balanced and well-made.

The story shifts between past and present, and easter eggs are sprinkled out just enough to make you question everything, but still be lulled into a false sense of security. The opportunities to theorize are endless, and that is something I really enjoy in a fantasy book.

The writing was beautiful and even though I, as a non-native English speaker, had to get out the dictionary from time to time, I didn't mind since the writing flows easily and draws you in.

All in all, a great romantasy book that really pulled me in. That ending? Stress. Pure stress, with reveal after reveal, and I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to read book two!

Wishing I didn’t have to wait for book 2!

A 4.5 star read, but only because I didn’t instantly get drawn into this book, the early chapters felt a little slow and vague for me but by the end I really wished the next book was available straight away even though it was 2am!

Emberley Ash’s, The Frost Witch is the first book in The Covenants of Velora series and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next, “Witches are not born. They are made” the story starts by explaining how the FMC Koryn became a Witch, (right of the bat that was interesting and different), years later as an outcast she’s offered a bargain, if she succeeds in passing tests at the Seven Gates, she could return to her coven and save the continent of Velora that has been cursed by the gods, but attempting it would mean betraying her last living member of family.

This book has a great spin on the trials theme, all mixed in with the curses, bargains, betrayals, some big plot twists nearer the end I didn’t see coming, a that cliffhanger!? …. is why I wish I didn’t have to wait for the next book to come out. There are fae, witches, gods and dragons, a unique magic system, sloooooow burn, enemies to allies to lovers romance, little bit of spice, found family a protective MMC,

Once I got past it feeling like a slow start everything about this book was amazing, the characters felt more mature which is always nice for those of us that are a bit more mature ourselves, Koryn is such a refreshing FMC and I felt for her throughout the book, I loved how the the relationship developed between Koryn and Garrick but still desperately want to know more about Garrick too, I feel we’ve only just scratched the surface with Isanara’s character who gave me baby Andarna vibes, I hope it isn’t a long wait until the next book is released as I will be jumping right back in to the story.

I also love a book that hits that perfect “Goldilocks” balance with world building verses story and is written in a way that lets me vividly imagine the world, scenes, characters and just get lost in it all, I absolutely could and did with this book, it felt beautifully and poetically written, and quite similar to When The Moon Hatched for me in terms of writing style which I thoroughly enjoyed, it’s a few days after finishing the book and it’s still living rent free in my head which I think is a testament to how good this is.

Thank you to Emberley Ash, NetGalley and Cara Maxwell Romance for an ARC in exchange for an honest review,

This book has an excellent first chapter. It sets up the story with a unique take on magic and witches. The idea that witches are made after they die a human death, and their magic reflects their manner of death, was well executed and clearly explained.

The story follows Koryn, a centuries-old witch with power over frost, as she tries to lessen her guilt over her past actions by protecting the descendants of her family line. She has to make tough choices as she tries to protect those she loves, as well as those who become bonded to her during her journey, and battles her way through multiple tests set by vengeful gods.

There are regular switches in timelines in the story, as we go back to the past to learn more about her history before returning to the present, and this is done well. The reveals are shared slowly as we find out exactly why she feels so guilty.

I must admit to not enjoying her insta-lust for Garrick - for a witch who has been around for nearly 400 years, her comments were those of a schoolgirl most of the time. However, beyond this, their growing bond was done well, and makes me think there’s something like fated mates in here, in a future book.

To gain the full 5 stars this book would’ve needed less recaps/repetition - for example the number of times we are told that the Fae left, that Koryn has been a witch for 377 years, or that Koryn has a larger frame and soft stomach. This level of repetition isn’t a requirement for me. It’s highly possible that other readers didn’t even notice!
In addition I would’ve liked more tension and time in the actual trials, and less on the journey to get to each one.

Overall, though, I did enjoy the book, and the twists at the end were interesting. I would definitely read the next one to find out what happens next.

3 stars

The Frost Witch doesn’t just pull you in—it grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. I found myself sneaking in chapters whenever I could: during lunch, in the laundry room, even sitting in the car. It’s that kind of story—the one that follows you around, whispering, “just one more page.”

Koryn is not your typical fantasy heroine. She’s jagged, grieving, and determined to claw her way back from literal death. Tasked with surviving seven deadly trials to restore magic to her dying land, she’s caught between her duty to her coven and her duty to her family. The trials themselves are more than physical challenges—they’re laced with elemental danger, ancient mythology, and moments that cut as sharply as the frost-laced air.

Then there’s Garrick the Red. Their dynamic is all restrained heat and reluctant alliance, the kind of slow-burn tension that keeps you turning pages just to see the next charged interaction. Add in a rebellious adolescent dragon with plenty of personality, and the cast feels both vivid and unpredictable.

What sets this book apart is its tone—it’s moody without being overdone, romantic without losing its edge, and brutal in a way that makes its beauty hit harder. Koryn is refreshingly real in her body confidence, and while the pacing is a slow build, the last hundred pages burst into high stakes, shocking twists, and emotional punches that land. I did wish we saw deeper personal connections earlier in the story to make her inner conflict more gripping, but once the bonds with Garrick and her familiar began to form, the emotional core solidified.

By the end, I felt like I’d walked barefoot through snow—aching, raw, and strangely exhilarated. The Frost Witch feels like the start of a legend told in frost and blood, not gold. And with that ending? I’m absolutely coming back for book two.

Loved:
Super relatable FMC (“The only reserves I had when I got hungry were temper and sass.”)
Unique magic system
Two huge plot twists I didn’t see coming

Didn’t Love:
I don’t know how to describe it, but the tension wasn’t tension-y to me. This is described as “slow burn” but it’s never really clear why the FMC is drawn to the MMC.
Single POV makes it difficult to understand the attraction between the FMC/MMC.

Overall, I’d say I feel like too many details were held back in Book 1. As a reader, I didn’t feel like I knew enough about how the magic worked, why Koryn wasn’t losing her magic as expected, why she was kicked out of her coven, or why she was interested in Garrick. I think the plot twists would still be surprising even if more details were provided in the book. I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Not sure if I’ll continue with the series.

While I'm not a huge fantasy fan, I loved this book! The FMC is a very complex character who I could see myself being friends with because she is a badass. The magic and danger in this story were absolutely captivating!

Oh bloody hellfire! I tried to savour this one, stretching out every incredible moment because I knew I’d be bereft when it ended – and I was right. *The Frost Witch* was everything I wanted and more. Emberly Ash delivers rich, complex characters in a world that feels vast and real, with no simple heroes – even the leads are layered, flawed, and utterly compelling.

Not many books open with the main character dying, but Koryn’s story is one of survival, grit, and heart – even if her own has long stopped beating. A witch on a dying continent, she’s fierce and determined, and watching her navigate impossible choices had me hooked. Garrick the Red is a brilliant MMC – steadfast, supportive, and her loudest champion, even when the odds are stacked against them. And then there’s the stroppy teenage dragon, who injects moments of light and snark into an otherwise dark, gritty, and often bleak narrative.

The plot twists towards the end hit hard – brutal blows that left me reeling – and then that cliffhanger… honestly, it felt like a punch to the solar plexus. It took me days to recover enough to put my thoughts into words. This is the kind of dark romantasy that doesn’t shy away from the messy, the morally grey, and the emotionally devastating, and I loved every single minute of it.

Book two cannot come soon enough – I’ll be elbowing my way to the front of the queue the moment it’s released.

4.25 ⭐️

The Frost Witch is a really great start to a new romantasy series! We follow Koryn as she competes in the trials of the Seven Gates, working to break the curse that has riddled the land her entire (very long) life.

I thought the world building in The Frost Witch was fantastic. The gods, the witches, the fae…all of it was incredibly interesting and well done. It’s left me really excited for the next book, where I’m hoping we’ll get some answers about the past and see some more glimpses into the way their world functions.

Garrick made for a great MMC. I enjoyed his banter with Koryn and his devotion to her. I also really liked the brief snippet into Garrick’s POV we got at the very end of the book. I’m absolutely dying to know more!

Overall, The Frost Witch is a really solid first book in this series, and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for book two! That cliffhanger nearly killed me 😂

Thank you Emberly Ash for the early review copy! All opinions are my own!

I love that Emberly writes her FMC as a curvy neurospicy bada**. Curvy representation is so slim, especially in fantasy books, we need to remember that curves are beautiful and strong! Emberly does a fantastic job of expressing the curves of the main character as a strength and reminds the reader to not body shame. Now this book ends on a MAJOR cliff hanger, so be prepared. I love a book that I can’t predict and Emberly is really good at giving me that. I forgot the best part.. if you love sassy dragons, you’ll love this book.

The Frost Witch by Emberly Ash is an enchanting and thrilling fantasy filled with magic, danger, and emotional depth. Koryn’s journey through betrayal, trials, and unexpected bonds is captivating from start to finish, with rich worldbuilding and unforgettable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this immersive and beautifully told story and rated it five stars for its creativity and intensity.

Koryn is a witch and despite how many years she has been one, she is still very human in the sense that her humanity is the one thing that keeps her from being a stronger(?) witch. Through the years she has become estranged from her coven because of her nature. At the same time, there is a curse plaguing the land of Velora and supposedly, there is a way to break the curse. To do so, requires individuals, also known as supplicants, to undergo a series of trials. Though Koryn is unwilling, she finds herself among the supplicants in an attempt to save Velora. One of the supplicants is a dangerous individual known as Garrick the Red. What happens as they undergo the trials and Koryn finds herself not only drawn to him but bound to him as well? Also, what’s this about dragons?

The Frost Witch is one hell of an adventure and journey. Nothing could have ever prepared me for all the tasks and swirls of emotions I would go through in this novel. Emberly Ash builds a world that is both harsh and bleak but also hopeful. The worldbuilding feels heavy handed at times but it’s so intriguing because it’s set up to help drive the plot. Koryn’s character is complicated but relatable because despite all the changes she is up against, there is still a part of her that remains hopeful. Garrick is the mysterious MMC, who despite being a dangerous unknown, is still very captivating. I’m not at all disappointed by the story, in fact, the end of book 1 just makes me all the more ravenous for book 2!

Thank you to Emberly Ash and Netgalley for the gifted ARC! All opinions are my own.

There’s something wild in the way Emberly Ash tells a story. The Frost Witch doesn’t ask for your attention—it demands it. I’ve been caught sneaking in chapters during lunch breaks, folding laundry, even waiting in the car. That irresistible kind of story that follows you around, whispering, “just one more page.”

This book feels like walking barefoot through snow—aching, raw, and unforgettable. Koryn isn’t your usual fantasy heroine. She’s jagged, grieving, and set on clawing her way back from death—literally. And as she’s flung headfirst into a deadly gauntlet to reclaim what was stolen from her, you can feel every cut and compromise she endures. Her journey through the Seven Gates isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual, elemental, and laced with just enough mythology to feel ancient and dangerous.

And then there’s Garrick the Red. Their tension is wildfire on ice: restrained, reluctant, and impossible to ignore. Add a rebellious adolescent dragon to the mix, and what you get is a dark, unflinching fantasy that refuses to let go.

What sets this book apart?
❄️ It’s moody without being melodramatic.
🐉 It’s romantic without losing its edge.
🔥 It’s brutal, beautiful, and honest in a way that makes you ache.
🗝 It feels like the start of a legend—but told in blood and frost, not gold.

This is Emberly Ash at her sharpest. The Frost Witch cuts deep, lingers long, and left me flipping back through scenes the second I hit the final page. Bring on book two—I’m all in.