If romantasy is your genre of choice, there probably isn't anything new here, but you'll likely enjoy this Beauty and the Beast inspired story. As other reviewers have pointed out, there are lots and lots of similarities with ACOTAR - so if that's your thing, then give this one a try too.

Prickly heroine (this time with an addiction problem) meets cold, bored superior immortal (who of course is hiding a soft sentimental side)- throw in the only one bed and slow burn captive/captor tropes and you have a satisfying and slightly spicy romance with plenty of intrigue and action alongside. The character development arc and world building is a little bit patchy at times, but overall the pacing is solid enough to keep things moving along.

Apparently this story was also influenced by Hades/Persephone (and one of the main reasons I wanted to read). However I found the random and not very subtle nods to Greek mythology a bit clumsy. It would have worked as well without this element and although the North Wind is Hades-like, Wren doesn't really have anything in common with Persephone.

Is it the best book I've ever read - no. Is it an easy entertaining read - for sure. As I said, if this is your genre of choice, it's a worthy addition to your TBR pile.

This book was so captivating that I found I didn't want to put the book down. The book has a nice fast pace about it, and I just love the characters. I really enjoyed this book.

I will be completely honest, I really thought this was going to be a DNF for me and for the most unusual reason - someone needed to take the thesaurus away from the author or editor or whoever went ham with the synonyms in the first chapter or so. It was painful to read, and one of the worst pages for it is the first page... If that had been throughout the whole book I would not have continued but the worst offenses were located at the start of the book and then whoever calmed down/had their thesaurus taken away from them and suddenly I was left with a much more readable book.

Now for the story itself - I enjoyed it, it was a nice read and there are similarities in the storyline to authors like Sarah J. Maas (as it claims in the book bio, just so you know it's not lying) without it being a copycat. I liked Wren, her strength of character and things she has endured. She has quite a few blind spots and is stubborn/unwilling to trust her instincts at times but she is a strong and likeable character. My only pet hate is how she describes herself compared to her sister - they are identical bar one scar on her face and yet her sister is the most beautiful, most lovely, most coveted, while she's obviously an undesirable hag in comparison... As for the North Wind, he remains fairly aloof and mysterious throughout (let me be clear, there are some clues to his character but Wren either can't or doesn't want to connect the dots until the information is truly shoved in her face). I find the North Wind's character very petty in a lot of ways and it's only at the end that he truly shines, otherwise he's kind of lackluster bar the amusing dialogue between him and Wren.

There is a part of the storyline that don't quite align with the overall story but it's not so jarring that it causes a problem or reads as incomplete, just doesn't feel fully fleshed out. The one thing I find stupid about the whole book is (and this isn't spoiler) is the whole wedlock to the North Wind that's announced in the blurb but in the book itself the villagers believe whichever girl gets picked will be sacrificed, and yet they still choose to present their most 'beautiful' and 'best' when it's clear that the North Wind literally just needs a young, human female and looks don't matter. It's kind of explained but it's so thrust in that it seems more like an after thought to justify the series of events.

Thanks to the author, publisher and netgally for the honour of reading the ARC.
This book was engaging, tricky to stop reading.
Had a hint of beauty and the beast however it stood it's own ground as a story which I liked.
Loved the fantasy elements.
Trigger warning to those who don't venture to spicey reads.
When reading the epilogue, it gave me smiles and laughs.
Well written and the descriptive language was done in a good way, so it didn't take away from the story and understanding it.
I recommend to other readers.
Thanks again to the author, netgally and publisher it was an honour to read the ARC.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley (thank you Simon & Schuster Australia). All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book in which we meet Wren (FMC) - a provider and protector for her sister. We are immediately immersed into the cold landscape they call home and the hardship that they face. Then we meet the Frost King - a formidable god who controls winter and whom Wren blames for all the heartache over her life.
Choices are made and Wren switches places with her sister as the Frost King's sacrificial lamb. And there the story unfolds.
This story has Beauty and the Beast elements which were very nicely done.
I loved that Wren was the imperfect heroine - snarky, a bit mean and fighting addiction.
On the other side of the coin we have the Frost King - cold hearted, selfish and above us mere mortals.
The interactions between the two had me giggling as they are so snarky with each other.
It was slow burn hate to love trope with dollops of banter and I was here for it.
Each character has past trauma that has shaped them into what they are today.

If you enjoy snark, imperfect main characters and found family then this book is for you.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

I’m not normally into this genre of books but I didn’t mind it at all. I found myself trying to find moments to read it.
I didn’t really see the theme of beauty and the beast.. unless you count the books theme. But it’s not very big anyways.

Not too much fighting which was great. I hate the fantasy books when all they do is have fighting scenes.

They need to leave Wren and Boreas’ story alone though- I see this is number 1 in the series. If they make a sequel and ruin the story I’ll be mad.

Did you read ACOTAR and wish that everything had ended after the first book because you’re a Tamlin stan? Did you want Feyre to have a bit more personality? Are you an absolute fiend for a well done one bed trope, and are looking for an actual enemies to lovers romantasy?

If so, The North Wind should be your next read. I LIVED, LAUGHED, LOVED this book and you bet I’m excited for the second (and the rest of the series, but book two is already out so). The North Wind is mysterious, dark, has hidden battles and our FMC is actually a badass if you ignore the people pleasing problems.

One thing done really well in this book was character evolution; how we can harden over time and judge people by a sliver of their actions without looking at the whole picture; how alcoholism feels and can save us (we think) yet it becomes a worry and a shame to those we love; how oblivious those sheltered can be to the woes of those who protect them.

I honestly loved this book, it felt more like a Hades x Persephone influenced retelling than Beauty and the Beast but it was a very fun read with beautiful prose. It felt that it dragged at times but I was never bored as the writing style kept me invested - but this book did take me a lot longer to read than usual.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an eARC of this book - I’m now running to snap up special editions of the first two - my wallet is screaming.

The Beauty and the beast romance really came through very strong with this one. I absolutely loved it and will be picking it up in physical form as a trophy for my bookshelf I had the best time with this book.

This is what a Court of Thorn and Roses should have been.
Based on Eros and Psyche, mixed with Hades and Persephone, this is a Beauty and the Beast (Disney version) love story of the North Wind and poor little Wren.

Perfect for the Young Adult audience, this has a middle school reading level but very adult themes.

Sexy as hell, gory, tense and sweet - I didn't know what to expect from the opening chapter but I was quickly hooked. I can't wait for the rest of the series and would love to explore more of the immortals and how they've survived outliving everyone they've ever known and loved, over and over.

Areas for improvement - tightening up the editing for the opener, otherwise a solid 5 star read, I loved.it.

‘The North Wind’s arrival occurs every few decades. One woman, taken captive across the Shade for reasons unknown. One woman killed so that others may live.’

From the blurb:
‘A lush and enchanting fantasy romance, inspired by Beauty and the Beast and the myth of Hades and Persephone. Beloved by readers on TikTok. ‘

When I was offered an opportunity to read this book, ‘Beloved by readers on TikTok.’ almost had me deleting the offer. I suspected that I was entirely the wrong demographic, but I was looking for a lighter read and accepted the offer. And, overall, I am glad I did.

‘The North Wind’ is the first book in a series, and introduces us to Boreas, the North Wind. Wren and her twin sister Elora live in Edgewood. They are orphans, and Wren has taken responsibility for looking after Elora. Wren earns money however she can, and drinks to dull the pain. Elora is privileged but does not seem to notice Wren’s sacrifices for her. Life in Edgewood has been difficult for at least three hundred years. The land surrounding Edgewood is encased in ice. The Shade, which provides a barrier between the village and the Deadlands beyond, is weakening. The only thing that prevents the Shade from failing is the blood of a mortal women married to the North Wind. As the novel opens, the North Wind is about to return to Edgewood to choose a bride. Elora is one of several women selected by the villagers from whom the North Wind will choose.

And yes, Elora is chosen. Wren decides to sacrifice herself instead.

What follows is over four hundred pages of romantasy, of tension and tragedy, filial jealousy and (of course) a fight between good and evil with supernatural elements. Both Wren and Boreas have much to learn, and both will make sacrifices along the way.

I was drawn into this novel and was keen to see how (and where) it would end. Fantasy (with or without romance) does not always work for me, but it did this time. I’d like to read the second book, ‘The West Wind’ to see where Ms Warwick takes us next.

‘Let me remind you, mortal. I am a god. I cannot die.’

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

So good! A delightful Hades and Persephone meets Beauty and the Beast reimagining with a delicious slow burn.

This story is so dramatic; Boreas first appearance, the wedding, Wren breaking every rule possible and Boreas losing his mind over cake of all things. Wren and Boreas a pair of idiots and I love them so much. Watching them change and come together was absolutely divine. The pacing of the slow burn was perfection and created just enough tension to keep you hooked but not so far as to drive you insane.

Exploring Boreas' history and Wren's own experiences after the loss of her parents broke my heart the more we learned. The confrontations between the two, and with Elora were rough. All of that breaks down these bristly characters and allows us to completely understand them. I don't like Wren but I understand her character and I appreciate when an author can provide that experience.

I CANNOT wait for the rest of the series. I'll be surely rereading The North Wind again soon.

The North Wind was promoted as being inspired by Beauty and the Beast, and Hades and Persephone, and for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Scarlett St. Clair – I think this was mostly accurate.

This was overall a good, enjoyable read for me, hence the 4 stars! It was certainly slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers-esque (which I think is expected for the main characters!). Whilst this was slower romance wise, the general storyline and the events that were unfolding drew me in quickly. But it I did find it had more focus on the romance than the fantasy.

Wren had moments that I didn’t particularly care for, but otherwise she was a good FMC. I finished the read still having some questions I thought would be answered, but I’m hoping this will explored in future editions to the series. Looking forward to more and it was overall a very enjoyable read from Alexandria Warwick.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.

a beauty and the beast reimagining??? enemies to lovers??? i was SOLD. the speed at which i requested this ARC was insane. the premise of this book was so intriguing to me. beauty and the beast is probably my favourite fairytale and this book did not disappoint for me. the tension was so good. definitely great for fans of ACOTAR and the general romantasy genre.

wren is the kind of protagonist you can't help but root for. she has this chaotic energy that's as endearing as it is relatable, and her journey from captive to romance lead kept me hooked. watching her grow and wrestle with her desire to save everyone—even if it means risking it all—was like witnessing character development on steroids.

the romance in this book is definitely a slow burn. the amount of times i wanted to scream at the characters, “just kiss already!" was endless. but trust me, the wait is worth it. wren and the north wind god go from “i can't stand you" to “i can't live without you" in the best kind of way. the spicy scenes in this book …. whilst there wasn’t an overwhelming amount of spicy scenes… the ones that were there were INTENSE.

beyond the romance, this book serves up a pretty intense sister relationship arc that'll make you want to hug your own siblings tight. the complicated relationship between wren and her sister had me really emotional, and reminded me a lot of the ACOTAR sister dynamic.

read if you love
- beauty & the beast
- enemies to lovers
- one bed
- arranged marriage
- slow burn
- “my wife”
- some very intense spicy scenes (quality over quantity)

trigger warnings: alcoholism and sexual assault

thank you simon & schuster and net galley for the early copy!

I loved this book, slow burn, enemies to lovers, ACOTAR / Beauty & the Beast / Hades & Persephone vibes wth a HEA. I can’t wait to read the next book.

I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion & review

If you’ve read ACOTAR or FBAA you’ve technically read North Wind - usually I don’t mind similar tropes especially in Fantasy/Romantasy reads but North Wind was just to close without really building anything on its own.

The beginning of the story starts exactly like ACOTAR & the FMC & MMC seem to try to have an enemies to lovers banter about them like FBAA but it just doesn’t land.

The FMC just isn’t a likeable character, she came off bratty and just mean - somehow the ‘maid’ and ‘brother’ suddenly were her best friends but she continued to just be rude to them

I’m grateful for the opportunity to read in advance but I’d like the author to find their own voice & world

I absolutely LOVED The North Wind!!! A fantastic twist on a Hades and Persephone love story. In a whole new league of its own with the twists and turns in this story. I love the back story between both the FMC and the MMC, and the ' Altar ' scene had me giggling out loud! I loved how witty and strong Wren ( FMC ) is and the lengths she goes for, for family.

A beautiful romantasy twist on an old classic story - definitely one to cosy up with on a rainy night! I highly recommend The North Wind if you are looking to start your Romatasy journey, or if you love age old Gods and Goddesses!
.
Thankyou Alexandra Warwick for giving us the story, I didn't know I needed to read!

3.5 stars for this standalone

This fantasy story was promoted as Beaty and the Beast + Hades and Persephone inspired and this was accurate.

The book is the slowest of slow burns and the enemies to lovers vibes are very strong. There’s some good plot twists and the spice level are lower than I’m used to but made sense for their story.

I enjoyed the banter between Wren and Borea but really couldn’t stand her sister Elora - spoiled brat comes to mind…

I look forward to seeing which story comes next in the series.

Beauty and the Beast retelling - with a twist.
When Wrens twin sister is chosen to be the Frost Kings prisoner, Wren will do anything to protect her.
Wren must find a way to slay the Frost King (with the help of his brother) or forever be trapped.

“Unhand me,” I say, the words clear despite the fog gathering in the corners of my vision, “or I will castrate you, immortal or not.” The tip of my dagger, which was hidden in my arm sheath, slides out to rest against his groin. The Frost King goes still.

What to expect:
❄️Enemies to Lovers
❄️Take Me Instead
❄️Don’t Go To The North Wing
❄️You Must Stay Here
❄️HEA

With a 300 year backstory filled with betrayal, our MMC and FMC play the ‘I hate you’ game for a good 70% of the book.
The wards surrounding the Citadel are failing - The Frost King and Wren must work together to restore and maintain them while she’s secretly undermined it all.
Steeped in longing and angst, this isn’t a book you want to miss.
Finishing out the book the way the author did, left it open for another 2-3 books to follow.
I cannot wait to get my hands on those and love them just as much as I did reading Wrens and Boreas story.

Thanks you Simon & Schuster Australia, and author Alexandria Warwick for an ARC. This ARC was given in exchange for an honest review. #TheNorthWind

I enjoyed The North Wind. The characters are pretty fun, Wren being the snarky one while Boreas is the direct opposite of her. For enemies to lovers, you could call this a slow burn, but they burn hot!
However, the ending was slightly unsatisfying because ... it was kinda abrupt and anticlimactic for me? Sure it's good flow and stuff but I feel like more could have been done.

Overall a good read! It was a very slow burn and took me a little to get into the storyline and I felt like there were a few plot holes but in the end it was an enjoyable read.

I loved this authors spin on the hades&persephone and beauty&beast retelling!!