Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, 5 stars, and what a ride.

I had seen this title floating around and had been intrigued by both the synopsis & title. I don't think I thought I'd enjoy it or fly through it as much as I did. I finished this book in 3 days and that includes travel that I had.

This novel just gripped my from the start, the worldbuilding was done really nicely. There wasn't the feeling of an info dump and important points in the world were revealed at a great pace throughout the novel. Of course, much more was revealed towards the 60-65% mark towards the end but until then, the pace was held nicely. Generally, in first novels, I always feel that we are learning about the world up front, but that it doesn't open up as much. In Omen of Ice we kept uncovering small parts of the world that kept it very interesting for me.

The plot was very fun, there was so much uncovered and many twists that I didn’t see coming. I was fully immersed the entire time and the pace moved along evenly, but also to the point where I flew through the novel. I will say, the end may leave some disheartened, but there is hope! And I hope we find that in the next novels of this series!

The atmosphere of the novel was great too. It changed depending on where our characters were or what/who they were dealing with, but it was there and it was appropriate with each scene. It helped keep me immersed in the novel.

The novel was in first person, dual POV of our two MCs, and even though I’m not usually a fan of novels written in first person, I really enjoyed this writing.
I enjoyed both our characters, they were both well done/created and different from each other but you could also understand how they meshed and got along. I appreciated that each character was unique in this world, but also flawed and extreme at some times. For me, this makes them more relatable and easier to believe. Tania was strong, stubborn, reliable, wanted to play by the rules and was pretty much a great student. Whereas Valen is dealing with difficult on the inside but charming, handsome, quirky/flirtatious and generally considered a lazy party-goer, but he does have depth which comes out as the novel moves along.
Between these two characters, I enjoyed some of their banter, but at the same time some of it didn’t land for me though. They had great tension and moments of collaboration, so it was an even rollercoaster from the start - they had tough moments and really beautiful moments which lended itself well to the story and the relatability of the relationship. Through the novel, I really enjoyed our two MCs, how they uncovered the world, its secrets and each other.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Derriga with Valen & Tania and all the other characters we met along the way. I enjoyed all the twists & turns and am very intrigued to see how the story plays out in future novels of this world! I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy with romance filled with Fae, Druids, magic & secrets that are uncovered along the way!

I received a free copy for an honest review.

Omen of Ice was a good story but left me slightly disappointed. It was an original idea, which I really appreciated since I read so much fantasy (with an emphasis on fae).

Keltania was a strong female lead; however, her blind faith in the 'rightness' of her assignment to a fae was difficult to believe. Especially after she began to witness the goings on of the Winter court.

Valen as an interesting character, but his constant mental gymnastics and guilt ridden passages took me out of the story.

Luckily there is room for both characters to develop as Jus Accardo continues this series and despite the issues I had with her new novel, I am keen to continue reading about Keltania's and Valen's story.

There must be some real life magic in my fantasy reads lately because WOW, they are filling my heart UP!

Omen of Ice is young adult fantasy novel written in dual point of view- Keltania the aphelian bodyguard and Valen the arrogant heir to the Winter Court.

I loved the development of these two characters throughout the book and the energy they were both giving! From the very beginning, I felt that Omen of Ice had a sprinkle of ACOTAR vibes and sucked me into their world right away.

I loved reading all about their world, the journey, the unexpected guests, and the bond that was growing! Omen of Ice had not only one twist but at least THREE that I can recall and they were all chef's kiss! But, the one at the end takes the cake, of course! I did not expect it and yes I did binge it like it was the last slice!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Omen of Ice! This book was packed with adventure and fantasy in only the best way. I didn’t want the book to end and I can not wait for a sequel. The plot flowed seamlessly without leaving any questions. This is absolutely a young reader/teen book in my opinion that gives you all the feels but no spice. The main female character Tania is a Druid who is duty bound to protect the Fae heir, Valen of the Winter Kingdom. Valen doesn’t want protection from Tania and she wants nothing more than to do her duty. With than little drama the story only gets better.

I was gifted an eARC of this book from Entangled, and I was pleasantly surprised!

I’ve never read a book from this author, and to be honest, the cover is a bit unassuming. I was intrigued by the description though, and wow, am I glad I decided to read this one this month!

This book is fast-paced and easily digestible without compromising on world-building and character development. I do wish we had been given more of an insight into Keltania’s upbringing and training, though I suppose it wouldn’t have changed the story at all. I’m just a sucker for backstories.

This is a sloooowwwww burn romantasy with forbidden romance and heavy banter. Reading the dialogue was a lot of fun. There were also several unexpected plot twists which is refreshing. It isn’t often that I’m left genuinely surprised!

It left on a major cliffhanger, so I’m excited to see what happens next!

I was really looking forward to reading this book, because I love Jus Accardo’s Denazen series. As I started reading though I kept choosing to do other things instead of keep reading, which was a bad sign. Once I felt that I had to make myself read I knew this book unfortunately wasn’t for me. I love the premise and the magic in the story, so I think it will be enjoyed by many, it just isn’t the book for me.

Pub Date: 08/01/23
CW: (none noticeable to me)

WHAT THE HECK?!

WHAT THE FUCKING HECK?!

UGH ENTANGLED YALL! DONT! DISAPPOINT!!!!! Thank you SO FUCKING MUCH FOR THIS.

This was soooooooo good sweet baby Jesus. Bodyguard romance, reluctant allies, touch her and die, touch HIM and die, I HAVE BEEN ✨BLESSED✨!!!!!

this was such a good read and although I had a feeling I knew who the bad guy was, the other bad guys definitely caught me off guard. And that plot twist at the end—WHEW.

Didn’t see THAT coming.

But okay now I need book two.

INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS.

I truly didn’t know what to expect with this book but was pleasantly surprised by the end! I’ve only just gotten into the Fae world after reading ACOTAR, so I just wasn’t sure! But dang I was surprised!!

You follow Keltania “Tania” (Aphelian) through her duty to a Fae (Valen) and quickly learn of his magic and struggle in the Winter Court. But what you don’t expect is their world turning upside down and what they thought they knew of their history, it’s all a lie!

It took some time to let the world building happen, and I honestly struggled through the beginning, but once the story really happened, about 50% of the way through, it was so good! I didn’t expect the ending AT ALL, and the author leaves you on a HUGE cliffhanger! I wish the sequel was out already!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I can’t wait for the next!

This book is written with dual POV and Keltania (Tania) is the badass female main character. She is a Druid who has been training her entire life to become a bodyguard for a Winter Fae. Long ago, the Fae and the Druids worked together during times of war and now the Druids train to protect their Fae counterparts to honor their history of partnership together. It is the highest honor among her kind.
Valen is the sassy male main character that Tania has sworn to protect. He does not want her around and tries to get rid of her. He is the spoiled and pampered nephew of the Winter Lord, Orbik, or so we are told. Valen is also the only Fae left with any magic after a war hundreds of years ago destroyed magic and humanity.
Tania and Valen set off on a quest and we meet plenty of other interesting characters along the way.
I really did enjoy this book… Until the end.
Once it reaches its climax and all the characters come together, everyone just stands around talking. Seriously, there is so much info dump in the end, the book should have been much longer to weave the necessary info through more action. The characters are doing their best to explain every instance of betrayal and foreshadowing in this chapters long history lesson.
That being said, I couldn’t put the book down and I will read the next book whenever that comes out!

This book was good! It sucked me in from the beginning and has left me NEEDING more!! I will be looking out for the 2nd one!
Great world building, it was engaging and best of all fast paced! The author didn’t drag on with descriptions and in the fantasy that I look for, that’s great!

I didn't suspect how much I would like all the twists at the end! There were a lot of twists and reveals at the end of the book that tilted the book and your perceptions upside down. What I liked about them is you knew about half of them or knew there was something fishy, but you may not have known the exactly what was coming at you.

In addition, the voice of this book is more upper YA. It's not NA, but it definitely reads easy for an adult and you can still connect with the main characters who are 18 and 19 years old.

I liked Keltania who was raised to be an Aphelian Druid and took her duty and honor very, very seriously. In the beginning you're a little worried that her perception of the world is very skewed because of her upbringing and while she's devoted, it's not a "religious" devotion. It's more a way of life and history of honor rather than a cult or religious thing. When she's sent to become the Aphelian Guard to the King of the Winter Court's nephew (and heir), Valen, things definitely get interesting for her.

Valen has a lot of secrets and an unfortunate childhood, which explains a lot about why he tries to be cocky, charming, and glib about what happens around him. He also does NOT want an Aphelian Guard and at first tries to get Keltania to leave. After a time, though, they end up forming a bond despite their opposites attract situation.

Valen and Keltania are very good for each other as they are opposites and balance each other. There is some great banter and Valen made me smile a lot with his charming personality. Keltania I enjoyed her "can do" attitude, but also her voice that tried to get Valen to realize he is more than what he thinks of himself.

The story was well-paced and had some great action. About the middle half of the book is an adventure, which is something I was not expecting. They meet and pick-up some beings along the way, which added to the story and the adventure. This was definitely my favorite part of the book.

Once you get to the end, the reveals and twists just hit you one after another and I was gasping through a few things. The end was a little poignant with Keltania's and Valen's personal relationship, but the end doesn't leave you on a cliffhanger. It really left you at a breather before the story has a new problem (that's not just the one we already know about!). I am definitely interested to see what happens in the next book and see how Keltania and Valen navigate their duties.

Jus Accardo has gained a new reader.

The first half of this book was full of world building, laying the foundation of the Fae and Druid history. We learn of The Great Drain, The Aphelians and The Winter Court.

Keltania is the Aphelian who has trained since early childhood to spend her life sworn and devoted to protecting one chosen Fae. Valen is the nephew of the Winter Lord and has no desire to have an Aphelian assigned to guard him.

Bound together by magic, they set off on a quest seeking to correct what they assume to be a mistakenly placed sigil.

There is such great banter between Keltania and Valen. There is adventure, trials and tribulations. There are exotic species, treacherous terrain, shape shifting Fae, kelpies and bridge trolls. There is a fascinating magic system and fantastical lore. There are politics, lies, betrayal, friendship, found family, loyalty and love.

This was an easy, fast paced read. The plot was phenomenal, many twists and turns and that cliffhanger!!!

I was completely engrossed in the world building and character development and I am excited for the next installment. I have to know how Keltania and Valen forge through and change the world together while also learning more about the wonderful support characters we were introduced to.

I received and advance reader copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Omen of Ice is an engaging and fast-paced YA Fantasy. Keltania is an Aphelian Druid. Something she has spent her whole life training to become. She is one, of the quickly dwindling numbers of druids left descended from the legendary/mythical Aphelian. Known for having sacrificed herself and her magic to help save everyone by gifting her magic to the fae she loved and starting what is known as the Great Drain, the disappearance of magic from all fae. Now, as is considered their honor, Aphelian's train from childhood to serve the fae as protectors.

We enter this story at what is considered a type of graduation for Keltania. the end of her training and the start of her assignment as an Aphelian. Assigned to the nephew of the winter court, Valen. Valen is potentially the only heir to the Winter Court and must be protected, for he is hiding a very large secret that puts him in serious danger. Though Valen is determined to not have a guard and adamant about having Keltania removed. However, as the attempts on his life keep escalating, he's soon come to realize that he cannot fully protect himself and it may be more of a benefit to keep Keltania around. But, when a sigil meant to protect Valen goes awry, things start to become even more interesting, and even a bit more dangerous for the both of them if it's not fixed. It's time for them to leave, meet Keltania's trainer, and pray she can fix things before it's too late.

Told in dual POV we get a look at both Keltania and Valen through their journey within this story. While I did quite enjoy this story and find the history of the premise for this story interesting, I did feel the characters, particularly Valen, lean a little too heavily on the cocky male love interest trope a little too hard at times. The two points of view add to the questionable nature of the lore that is leading both their lives, as the products of their upbringing. The fae in this world can live for thousands of years, so there is potential for those to have been alive during Aphelian's time, and those who may only be a generation or two off. While the druids are multiple generations separated from the lore that has ruled their whole premise of being, relying on the tale being kept only by word of mouth. It gives you the idea to question everything, and while some answers are given to you fairly early on and then more revealed toward the end, I think we have yet to get the full story of what is true and what is left as fiction in their history.

This did read like an introduction, we have some world building and character development but not a deep level of it, as if we are just starting to dip our toes into what this could fully be fleshed out into in a series. My only really big argument is that the title is Omen of Ice but I am still unclear on what fully the Omen is, as it was a minor roll within this book.

Regardless of that one caveat I feel there is a good setup for the 2nd book, and am excited to see how the story progresses and grows as it continues on. A very good fast paced read that didn't leave many lulls. There was a few elements easy to guess but there are still plenty of shocking revelations.

Jus Accardo created such a unique fantasy story with this one. While some elements may not seem unique at first, when looked at as a whole, I did find the story unique.

Dual POV here with Keltania as our female MC. She’s a Druid who was raised with the sole purpose of training to become a guard for a single Fae as part of a sacrifice to honor the Druid history of partnership with the Fae. Valen is our male MC. He’s the nephew of the Winter Lord, and also the only Fae left with magic after a war hundreds of years prior destroyed magic and humanity.

This story has pretty great world/character building, although Valen’s character annoyed the heck out of me for the first half of the book and I applaud Keltania for not gutting her ward just to shut him up. He grows on you though, even though Tania is supposed to be the one like fungus. 🤣

There’s also intrigue, mystery, magic blending, betrayal and the slowest burn build up that will leave you wanting more…and I do mean leave you like that. The ending of this one is setting up for the sequel where hopefully these two leads will pull their heads out of their asses on the personal front.

I received an e-ARC from NetGalley & Entangled but all opinions are my own.

I give this book 4 1/2⭐️ wow this book I was not expecting the twist, the turns the storyline all together was gripping , attention grabbing ,and the cliffhanger, and I definitely need book 2 and reads more like upper YA

Unfortunately I could not finish this novel. The characters and the plot just did not pull me in and honestly I was a bit confused about the set-up as well. I was really excited about Keltania and Valen’s chemistry but it moved a bit slow for me.

I am not posting this to my social media or Goodreads.

This book definitely consumed me and I felt like I was always interested to see what happens next until I finished. The plot was great and overall I enjoyed it. Personally I didn’t have the attachment I normally do to the main characters but I am hoping that changes in the next book. I did particularly love the quote: “Magic is a funny thing. It can be infinitely powerful yet at the same time, as fragile as the most delicate bloom. All it takes to lose it is a single sacrifice. Or a single mistake.” This quote alone drew me in and it was only the first sentence/paragraph.

This story was set up like your usual introduction to a new fantasy story where the first half is all world-building and setting up to tell the plot while getting to know our Main Characters and the roles they will play. I feel like this did help me to care about the characters and what will potentially happen to them going forward. I did enjoy this book a lot though I think the beginning could have been a bit shorter it really didn't take away from the story at all. I am very interested in the 2nd book and seeing how this story progresses.

Jus Accardo has a way with words and characters in her books. I was pulled in from the first chapter wanting to learn more about the Fae and druids losing their power. I loved both main characters and the side characters was just as spunky. The ending leaves you wanting more !! Really excited for book 2 ! More detailed review when the book releases!

This was such a captivating and fast paced read! I enjoyed the multi POV, it flowed really well.

I absolutely loved the druid and fae aspects. The mythology and lore were really interesting and kept me entertained.

This book has adventure, romance and some great twists. I highly recommend this book to any fantasy readers!

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled for allowing me to read an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.