There is no light and fluffy in this book, not even at the end when the bad guys are defeated and in theory everything should work out.

Unaware this was the third book in a series and very quickly DNF'ed as i was missing alot of back story.

Middle ground rating as a result

The Frozen Sun saga goes out with a bang! Souls of Fire and Steel was an absolute rollercoaster full of heartbreaking and terrible choices both Lira and Reyker were forced to make in the hopes that they could overthrow Draki.

The mythology was handled really well and overall, I enjoyed the plot of Souls of Fire and Steel more than Kingdom of Ice and Bone as it was far less political. For being a debut series, I thought this was excellent and can't wait to see what Jill Criswell does next.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc!

Book 3 in a series, best read in order. Worldbuilding was lacking due to the excellent worldbuilding in previous novels. The character growth was wonderful to witness and the writing prose was easy to follow. I definitely enjoyed and will be recommending people check this series out.

“𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.”—Jill Criswell

In the final installment of the Beasts of the Frozen Sun Saga, we see Lira and her lover Reyker on opposite sides, facing off as enemies. Lira is a vessel of the gods and a soul reader. Reyker is a seasoned warrior with battle madness. Dreki is destroying the world around them and choices must be made. If Lira cannot gain control of her mind, if Reyker cannot rescue his crumbling memories, their war will destroy the world.

This series is everything I want out of a Viking inspired story. It’s raw, brutal even. Lira and Reyker’s lives are filled with difficulty and repeated challenges, but what I love most about them is they always fight for each other. Even when they find themselves as enemies. This book was an excellent conclusion to what has been a twisty-turny journey. I appreciated how things played out and even the way the ending was handled. Especially, ESPECIALLY the cost that Lira must pay at the end.

“𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧.”—Jill Criswell

SoFaS is told from dual POV with Lira in first person and Reyker in third. I thought I was going to be annoyed with the switching but I found myself equally eager to read both of them. They both face their own struggles and are forced to confront their deepest flaws and shortcomings. It was really satisfying to see some of the things they confronted. All of it was riding on the overarching theme of “a choice that is not a choice.”

Once again, the romance in these books always gets me. I adore Lira and Reyker’s relationship. I even liked the new dynamic between them in this book, almost as if they had to fall in love all over again. I’m HERE for it. I think in doing so, they grow even stronger, but must also make some really important realizations.

“𝐑𝐞𝐲𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.”—Jill Criswell

I love the world building in these books. Seriously. Vikings, hello. Warring factions, yep. Strong women, absolutely! There are so many great details. The gods for each land—like Iseneld and Glasnith—are fleshed out, the afterlife feels like its own world, and the maps are awesome. What really intrigued me, was that the battle between mortals was just a reflection of the battle taking place between the gods. The poor mortals were simply sucked in, collateral damage. There are so few series out there like this one with the genuine Viking feel. I’m sad that it’s over, but glad that it played out the way it did.

If you enjoy Viking fantasy, brutal storytelling, strong female MCs, enemies to lovers, mythology around gods and deities, fascinating villains, and maps, you’re going to love this one. 𝐌𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝟒.𝟓/𝟓⭐️

At the conclusion of Kingdom of Ice and Bone, Lira and Reyker made tough choices to protect each other, which pushed them apart again as they headed to different parts of Iseneld to fulfill their destinies. Souls of Fire and Steel picks up shortly after these events and sees Lira and Reyker seeking to heal themselves and destroy Draki’s rule before he becomes immortal.

It’s taken me a few days to formulate my thoughts about the conclusion of this series. Jill Criswell, rip my heart out (several times and also pun intended) why don’t you. As the final leg of their story is told, Lira and Reyker are put through a number of hurdles to save the known world and those they care about from Draki. The obstacles that Criswell tosses in front of Lira and Reyker are not minor. The physical, emotional, and mental anguish is echoed only by the number of scars and long-term injuries they sustain. At times, I cringed from the beating they took, but given the world Criswell has built over the three books, it never felt excessive.

After expanding the world and cast of characters in Kingdom of Ice and Bone, the final act was all about pushing the characters to play out the remainder of the tale and lead the novel to a satisfactory conclusion. The characters already introduced are utilized in various ways and only two new Iseneld locations are included: the Haunted Isles and the Dragon’s Domain. And as a reader, the conclusion of Souls of Fire and Steel was inevitable and satisfying. Though I was somewhat disappointed with the lackluster conclusion to the love story that fueled all three novels, I also understood why the ending made sense, particularly after Criswell took a relatively fluffy first book and shifted more toward a grimdark tone in the final installment. The stakes are high, and unlike other YA novels, Criswell kills off characters you have come to care about as a reader, which frankly in a final showdown makes this feel very real.

Overall, I loved this series and it’s one I will recommend to others when they are seeking out a new YA fantasy.

Yeah I got this book and didn't realise it was the third book in a series. So had to go buy the rest of them to understand it.

The series is amazing and I love it

This ARC was requested by mistake, as I have not read the previous books of the series.
The rating was given so as not to hurt the overall rating of the book.

This months sees the release of the final instalment in Jill Criswell’s Frozen Sun Saga and Souls of Fire and Steel marks the end of yet another amazing YA fantasy series. I’ve read each of these books and I can say with certainty that I am sad to see it end but also excited to see what’s next from Criswell. She is an amazing writer with incredible vision that brought to a life a ruthless, Icelandic inspired tale that will have fantasy readers craving more.

Although I loved this series, I do think that Souls of Fire and Steel missed the mark only slightly in comparison to its predecessors, which is solely based on the readability as it approached the climax when everything was coming together. There were many moving parts and with the complicated lore and addition of a side quest, although it made sense, it still felt rushed and pieced in. The romance was a little lacking from our two leading characters, but the story’s direction made it impossible for Criswell to add anymore than she already did. If this story ran slightly longer to allow for a more slow, even pace near the end, I think it would have increased the flow and readability and have the reader understand all scenes as they unfolded.

Be warned, just like in most fantasy novels, some characters die and Criswell does not pull her punches. She makes the death of a character quick but meaningful and she does not spare anyone from the axe that would compromise the strength in her story. If it makes sense to kill a beloved character off, she does it and she makes it hurt for both the reader and character themselves. I love this quality to her writing, but I also hate it because you never see some of these deaths coming and they were devastating to read when they hit. But this is a respect I have for her as a reader because when authors make us feel for the characters, you know that they did their job right. Her writing is brilliant and cunning.

It was great to see the inclusion of more flashbacks showing Draki’s other side, as Reyker’s brother, Aldrik. It captured a vulnerability to this villain that could have the potential of a redemption arc. It also mixed up the writing style a bit by including dedicated chapters for his character which only increased Criswell’s dynamic storytelling.

This book opened with a banger as Lira is now thrust into Draki’s grip and she cannot escape it. She is his ultimate weapon. Similar to Lia and the Komizar in The Remnant Chronicles, she is forced to go against her beliefs and her friends. She is tasked to kill the very man she loves and to add even more stakes, this is the villain’s brother. Like I mean, come on, the drama there was palpable.

“How could beauty be so disturbing? His golden-green eyes were sharp, calculating. Silken silver hair fell over his broad shoulders. Draki was clad in a sleeveless fur vest that he’d left unbuttoned, revealing taut muscles and inked skin. The pier and everything around it wore a wispy gown of white, but the cold never affected Draki.”

And look at this, the way Criswell even describes Draki could have people choosing the bad boy villain over the loyal, soldier, Reyker. She made him irresistible, kind of like the Darkling in Shadow and Bone.

You can see her fighting him immediately which I loved but then you start to respect her even more after you read this, “My body was covered in scars. Behind both ears, where Draki had carved his dragon stars, though I couldn’t see them. I could, however, see the matching marks he’d carved on my calf. My hip. My wrist, where Reyker’s skoldar once was. And another, between my breasts, over my heart—as if the mark might sink through my skin into the pulsing muscle and persuade it to pound faster at the sight of him, to beat for no one but Draki.”

My jaw was on the floor when I read this description . First of all, he’s abusive and controlling and he’s put so many wounds and markings on her just to keep her under his influence, but that’s not even the zinger. Although very disturbing and graphic, Criswell included a scene where they become more than slave and master. It gets hot and heavy. She introduced a teaser of Lira and Draki romance and I didn’t know what I was reading. But if you like bad boys going with the main character, then this might be a book for you. I still can’t believe this happened. It’s surreal.

“Garreth’s fist slammed against the table. ‘Speak ill of my sister again and I will hang your from a rope as I did your brethren!” I loved the side characters in these books. Here we have Garreth, Lira’s brother, and I loved this line. He has very strong family values, love for the main character, and he has the balls to call out anyone for speaking against her. He’s protective and I love it.

Then we have Solvei and Sursha, two badass female warriors who become leaders in their own right based off of merit and skill. They are everything you want in a fantasy series that’s hellbent against women having power and leadership, they simply don’t care and they take what they deserve and I loved their scenes so much!

And then of course we have Brokk, I could never forget about him. He cares so much for both Reyker and Lira and he is hilarious to a fault. This sweet moment of bonding was an amazing scene between the main character and him that showcased his humour while still keeping the moment serious.

“This was the most cursed place in Iseneld, where covens had performed rituals and sacrifices inside a circle of god-touched stones. It was where many volvur died when Draki came to capture them, running straight into the blades of the Dragonmen, taking their own lives to keep their powerful spells out of the Dragon’s grasp. The Magiska Massacre many called it, whispering how the spirits of the volvur remained where they had fallen. Witches’ blood had soaked the soil and turned it fallow.”

This was my most anticipated part of the whole novel. Seeing the Haunted Isles come to life in this final book was everything. It was scary and it gave the story this rough and dark atmospheric immersion that only helped raise the stakes for the final battle, of both mind and soul.

And last but not least, a little bit of character development for our boy, Reyker. This little scene between them was great because it showed Reyker being able to receive forgiveness for his past, horrible actions. Showing he’s earned it for what he’s done since. It felt like his character was coming full circle and I loved that for his character.

All in all, the characters were still incredibly fleshed out, the plot was there, the villain was still ruthless (especially with his treatment of the main character, Lira—both physically and mentally), and overall this was a typical, well-written fantasy read. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves Mary E. Pearson’s The Remnant Chronicles and Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone series since they both deal with similar themes, like magic, prophecies and lore. Definitely pick up this series if you’re looking for a new fantasy series because this one will not disappoint and they’re all out now, so go ahead and binge them!

This was a rollercoaster full of ups and downs. I enjoyed it the most when Lira was interacting with Reyker or Draki.. Satisfying conclusion.

“She had helped him let go of his hate, enough to learn how to love.”


We have a way in Italy to describe a book like this that is

“MAI UNA GIOIA”.

It means that the characters never have a moment of joy and of happiness. It’s been really hard for me to read this, not because of the story which was really beautiful and involving, but because I was hurting with the characters so damn much.

Seeing Lira and Reyker not recognizing each other and not remembering their true feelings was so painful, knowing their past and how much they have grown up together. Their story has never been easy but the beauty of it is that, against all odds, they always find a way to come back home, in each other’s arms.

The real thing here is that in each war sacrifices are made and then you need to live with the choices you took and it’s inevitable that you lose something and this is so true for Lira that I would only like to be her real friend to be able to hug and console her. Can you really be blamed when you take a decision if you had no choice? If your mind was controlled? How can you cope with your terrible mistakes? It’s something that is not easy neither in real life nor here and that makes this story so personal!

Honestly I would just like to reread it from the beginning to appreciate the characters development even more.. maybe I’ll really do it!

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing a copy. I have reviewed honestly.

What an astounding conclusion to an epic YA Fantasy series!

The worldbuilding was as strong as ever,the intrigue was unbearable and the writing was top notch, which we don't always see during a final instalment.

The Frozen Sun Saga was probably one of my favourite straight ya-fantasy-romance serieses I read in a bit. I know that sounds weirdly specific, but it is what it is.
Souls of Fire and Steel is the third and final installment set in the world of Glasnith and Iseneld. After what happened in the previous book, Lira is now the Dragon's consort, and Reyker works to overthrow his brother.

While I had my problems with the previous book, Kingdom of Ice and Bone (mostly because it was too heavy on the political intrigue part), Souls of Fire and Steel went right back to its roots of "Gods being assholes and trying to murder everyone and each other". There's action, there's murder, there's betrayal and there's magic. After two books, I'm even used to the writing style, even though the change between Lira's first person pov and everyone elses third person threw me off a couple of times.

I can't talk about most of the books plot due to spoilers, but I had a great time. Lira is probably one of my favourite female lead characters in my recently read YA novels, and I even was on board with her and Reyker. I was really rooting for them. They develop as individuals and as a couple and it's just really cool seeing them be their own individual people, both when separated and when together.
Also, Draki was a dope ass villain. There, I said it. Hated his guts, don't get me wrong, but he was really well written. His motivations don't shine through outside of his pov, but he isn't evil just because, and it worked really well. Especially in tandem to his younger brother Reyker.

This is a debut series, and Criswell did a great job of bringing it to an end (a thing even seasoned writers struggle with regularly), and I'm definitely keeping an eye out for her future projects.



@NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing: Thank you guys so much for this ARC!

What an EPIC conclusion to my favorite Viking series ever. Jill Criswell really outdid herself with this book. The plot was fast-moving and tense, and I was on the edge of my seat cheering for Lira and Reyker all the way through. I was surprised at how some things resolved quickly, and then more problems would arise. The whole plot was quite intricate and well-though-out.

Lira and Reyker's development was also stellar in this book. They've been through so much in this series, both individually and as a couple. And honestly, their reactions to everything in this book felt so realistic. And the ending was exactly perfect for them and what they went through.

Also, can we talk about Draki, the villain? So well written, and we find out so much more about him in this book. And I almost started to feel bad for him, even though I felt horrified with myself for feeling that way. That's how you know Jill Criswell has written a perfect villain.

I'm sad to leave this series, but I'm very happy with this book and how it ended. I absolutely can't wait for more fantasy books from Jill Criswell. Do yourself a favor and read this series!!!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Jill Criswell, for the ARC!

I am sitting here with pinpricks of tears in my eyes thanks to the ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley. I came across this series when my library cataloged book 2, so of course I needed book 1. I was hooked, and flew through them, and lo and behold book 3 was on NG so I just read it in one day and I am not even sorry.

To me, this is a rare trilogy that gets better with each book. The stakes are higher, the emotions are more intense, consequences are more lasting, and no one is safe. I could go on but then we will be in spoiler territory, which I don't want to enter. I will say that Jill Criswell did a fantastic job of making me loathe and desire and pity Draki all on the same damn page. UGH! But I absolutely loved it!

The ending does leave room for more stories within the world, with other characters, with other Daughters, and I won't lie I am so down for that!

"For all else is dust."

Wow.... This wrecked me.

I spent this whole series falling in love with these characters, and watching them endure the hardships of war was.... hard to say the least. It is a testament to Jill Crisswell's writing that I had such a hard time stomaching some of this final installment.

Crisswell didn't pull any punches as she pushed these characters towards their fates.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.

"The only pain I can’t survive is yours."

I can't remember the last time I felt so strongly over a book/series. I've honestly never been this distressed in my entire life! This book was heartbreaking and painful and wonderful and exciting and daring and brilliant in its entirety. Definitely my favorite read of the year!

Souls of Fire and Steel had me on the edge of my seat. I finished it in one sitting and I could not think of any one reason why I shouldn't read it again. (This is me saying that just a few minutes after finishing the book.) It was fast-paced, action-packed, and wonderfully, epically brilliant! Jill Criswell will take readers on a wild and an unforgettable ride as Ryker and Lira fight their way to each other and save their world. (And my gods, the things they both went through! I can't. *that's the sound of my heart breaking*) I can't think of what else to say?! I just know I have SO MUCH LOVE for this trilogy! And for the complex, flawed and lovable characters the author created! (Eathalin, Brokk, Solvei and Vengeance are definite favorites of mine!)

A perfect and fitting end to the trilogy!

Must-read!

PS. I honestly would want more Lira and Reyker but I'm also fine imagining them both happy and living their best lives! <3

PPS. That one scene near the end made me hold out hope for future books in the same world.

"There are no thrills in being invincible, no passion for life when it lasts forever. No reason to live when you have no one to share it with."

"But the quiet grew, stretching out, filling the space, until the lack of sound was a sound, until nothing seemed to be something. Until no answer was an answer unto itself."

I received an ARC to read and review. Quoted excerpt/s may change in the final print.

Book three of the Frozen Sun Saga, Jill Criswell brings a truly beautiful and heartbreaking ending to a series. Souls of Fire and Steel leaves you wishing Lira and Reyker's story would never end as they both face their own demons, trying to come back to each other. A perfect ending to a really amazing series.

A bittersweet ending to one of my favorite series. After the end of book 2, I was dying to see where Lira, Reyker and Draki's stories were going to go in this final book, and I wasn't disappointed. I loved the darkness in both Lira and Reyker's storylines as they start out: Lira-enslaved and controlled by Draki as his deathbringer and Reyker-tormented by desires of revenge without his memories of his love for Lira. Both characters are very broken and make some horrible decisions and do terrible things before they are able to come back around to themselves and make things right. This corruption arc leads back towards one where, while it may not be complete redemption, allows our characters to work towards it. Draki is one of my favorite characters because he's just so bad but he has such human reasons for doing what he does. I loved getting more of his perspective in this book and the ending just about had me in tears. I think he's a well-formed villain, and Lira and Reyker are both good foils for him. The romance in this book is so multilayered and well formed that it both warmed and broke my heart in equal measure. There's so much action, intrigue and danger in these books and the world-building in this trilogy is one of the very best I've seen in the fantasy genre. With morally grey characters, high stakes and romance that defies the odds, SOULS OF FIRE AND STEEL is a story of coming back to yourself when the best parts of you have been stolen, and in finding absolution in the aftermath of a mistake.

A very Epic conclusion to a high stakes Viking world fantasy trilogy!
Lira and Reyker face off as enemies, confront their worst nightmares, and make their last stand against the Dragon.