I can't express enough how much I loved this book. I am a sucker for Romantasy and sexual tension sprinkled in with real stakes, and this has it all! All the tensions, all the high-stakes drama, with a swoon worthy enemies-to-lovers-to ??? I loved the subtle viking vibes and a masked MMC gave me all the Kylo Ren vibes. I did not see the twists. I was screaming, crying, throwing my Kindle across the room at it! And now I cannot wait for book two to come out!!!

This one is about Revna, a magicless princess in a family of people with godlike powers. Her abusive parents are religious zealots who consider their powers to come from the gods, call themselves “godtouched”, and they treat their daughter, and all magicless “godforsaken” people, like trash. Revna resigns herself to her fate: being tied to someone she doesn’t know in a political marriage. But after her magicless friends are threatened, Revna decides to fight back and manoeuvre her way into being able to compete in The Trials, a fight to the death with her four brothers for the crown. Except those brothers all have godlike powers. Help arrives in an unexpected form; she is kidnapped by the mysterious enemy general of a neighbouring nation who begins intensively training her to survive in combat. The Hellbringer, identity unknown, wears a carved mask at all times and is generally grumpy af. But he is Revna’s only hope.

I really liked the interesting world that was built up here and the interactions between the FMC and the characters around her. She had a complex relationship with her captor, one that evolved over the course of the book, although it was a bit insta-love-y. I mostly enjoyed her personal journey as she went from being powerless in multiple ways at the very beginning to realizing her own worth and abilities. The last third of the book really picked up and had a few twists that I didn’t see coming.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC!

“I would trade the rest of my life for a single day with you. If you disappeared tomorrow, I’d still see your face every time I made a decision for the rest of my life.”

This was a really strong new romantasy entry! The world was interesting, the stakes were high, and the banter and eventual pining was top notch.

I found both main characters really compelling, with their flaws and complexities a big part of their story. Their growing trust was done well and I need more of them!

I can’t wait to see where this story goes.

Thanks to the publisher for the copy.

I was so intrigued with the premise of the book and I got into it really quickly. Unfortunately, the story slowed down a lot around the 35-40% part and dragged on until 90% then everything seemed rushed. I really liked the main characters and some of Revna`s brothers. I thought some side characters did bring a bit to the story. For me the storyline was missing balance. We spend a lot of time in a specific area which was essential for character growth and building but that section could`ve been cut in half. Also, the whole book gears towards the games which ends up being barely a chapter and seemed really rushed. Things more important did not get enough development while others did that should`ve been cut short. I would`ve liked to feel more of a build up to the ending/big reveal but unfortunately it fell short to me. Overall the story is still good but the story dragged and had a hard time keeping my interest and commitment all the way through.

I’m here for any books with magic and this one delivered. I loved the political intrigue, romance, only one bed. Just a solid Romantasy!

If you’re looking for a new romantasy, this is a fantastic beginning to the Blood & Souls duology! There’s so much intrigue, tension, and heartbreak. I loved the character and world building, and the plot twists and jaw dropping moments. I don’t want to say anything else and give anything away, but I can’t wait for the next one to come out to find out what happens.

Read/Listen if you like ⇣
•Romantasy
•First in a Duology
•Deadly Competition for the Throne
•Enemies to Lovers
•Only One Bed
•Masked Villain
•Political Intrigue
•Forced Proximity
•First Person Single POV
•Spice

Thank you Ace Books and Berkley Romance for the ARC!

In a kingdom where the heirs must battle to the death for the crown, Revna is the only member of the royal family without magic. The kingdom is at war and her father arranges her marriage to a Prince in a neighbouring kingdom in exchange for necessary supplies. Revna does not want that life and has always dreamed of a better world for those without magic, so she decides to enter the Bloodshed Trials to become the first non-magical ruler. But before the trials, Revna is kidnapped by the Hellbringer, the mysterious and powerful general of their enemy’s army.

This was such a fun romantasy debut! I loved the political intrigue and magic system in this book. Revna was such a strong FMC and I was so invested in her story. The premise was so interesting and the masked MMC was such a unique aspect to the story. There was so much build-up and then the last quarter of the book was so intense. I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to get the last book in the duology.

What to expect:
♥️ Romantasy
♥️ Princess FMC
♥️ Masked Villain
♥️ Captive Romance
♥️ Deadly Trials
♥️ He Trains Her
♥️ Only One Bed
♥️ Slow Burn

Thank you to Alexandra Kennington, Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of my most anticipated releases and it did not disappoint!

A true enemies to lovers with forced proximity, personally I wouldn’t even label this romantasy I think much like folk of the air with Jude and carden this is a masterfully crafted fantasy with a romantic plot as well. However book 2 may change my mind on that.

This is not a casual stroll through a fantastical magical wielding land. If you love a fate inked in blood, and the fierceness of feminine rage, you’ll enjoy this one. I really enjoyed the contrast of a religious but corrupt society/kingdom, that persecuted those without magic but held no qualms to a persons identity and orientation with another kingdom that was equal in regards to magical and non magical abilities however were prejudiced against anything outside of the cis hetero norm. Two imperfect nations for very different reasons.

I was pulled in from page one and would have read this in one sitting given the opportunity. I love seeing a FMC who is already trained in fighting arts, having skills honed in a way that brings them closer to their enemy. No insta love/lust in sight!

This is not a cozy read, there is definite heartache, a lot of blood shed, and rage.

I am excited to continue this duology when book 2 comes out, I have so many questions I need answered later out!

* Norse-inspired worldbuilding
* Elemental magic
* Enemies-to-lovers
* Forced proximity
* There is only one bed
* Queer characters

Blood Beneath the Snow is a captivating first book in a new romantic fantasy duology with fascinating worldbuilding, morally grey characters, and a compelling enemies-to-lovers romance. I enjoyed the story for the most part, but I had some problems with the pacing. The first part of the book was a little slow and repetitive. The second part was more action-packed and entertaining. The romance was satisfying but left me wanting more, so I hope we get more of it in the second book. The book ended on a cliffhanger, keeping me intrigued for the next installment. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book.

Thank you to Berkley publishing and the author for an advanced reader copy of this book.

3.75

This was an interesting read because I feel like it was almost a formulaic romantasy book, but also I enjoyed it. It was almost comforting how predictable it was. Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, trials, underdog, he trains her. All the things you might find in a modern romantasy now a days. And I was still swooning a bit.

I think this has a lot of promise. I really liked that the FMC was "godforesaken" like a lot of her kingdom's people. Also, that she didn't let herself stop from entering the trails even though she has no magic. I liked the political and religious intrigue too.

I only gave it 3 stars because it just felt like it dragged on a bit. Like not a lot really going on until the end. I also wanted more of the side characters. I do think theres potential and that the second book could be redeeming.

Thank you @berkley and ace publishing for the gifted ebook.

Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington is a striking debut that plunges readers into a frostbitten world of Bhorglid where there's political intrigue, brutal competition, and a slow-burning romance. This first installment introduces readers to Revna, a powerless princess in a kingdom where magical ability defines worth. As the only royal without elemental gifts, she believes that all of the 7 deities in this world hate her; Revna is an outcast in her own family, dismissed as a disgrace by her parents and overshadowed by her four magically adept brothers.

Yet, what she lacks in arcane power, she makes up for in resilience, defiance, and unyielding loyalty to the marginalized "Gods forsaken" she’s come to call her true family. The story kicks off with a gripping premise: when Revna’s closest friends fall into peril due to her rebellious actions against the kingdom’s oppressive caste system, she rejects an arranged marriage and throws herself into the Bloodshed Trials—a deadly, sibling-against-sibling contest for the throne. What follows is a whirlwind of twists, including her abduction by the enigmatic Hellbringer, a masked general from an enemy nation who claims he wants to train her to win.

This sets the stage for a classic enemies-to-lovers arc, steeped in tension and laced with questions about trust, power, and hidden agendas. Kennington crafts a vivid, wintry atmosphere that mirrors the harshness of Revna’s world. The stark divide between the god-touched elite and the powerless Godforsaken is palpable, and the political undercurrents—complete with shadowy motives from rival queens and scheming factions—keep the stakes high. Revna herself is a standout protagonist: scrappy, resourceful, and refreshingly human. Her lack of magic doesn’t render her weak; instead, it fuels her determination to carve out her own strength, making her a heroine worth rooting for.

Where the story truly hooks you is its relentless momentum. The Trials, the betrayals, and the looming threat of a kingdom on the brink of collapse keep the pages turning. Her only failure is thinking that she needs to add every single trope when it comes to diverse cast members. Kennington’s prose is sharp and immersive, balancing visceral action with moments of quiet rebellion. However, the worldbuilding occasionally leaves you wanting more—details about the gods, the magic system, and the enemy nation feel teased rather than fully explored, perhaps saved for the sequel. The romance, while a slow burn, is where the book both shines and stumbles.

Hellbringer’s brooding, lethal presence—complete with a mask and a soul-rending reputation—checks all the boxes for a swoon-worthy antihero. The forced proximity and simmering chemistry between him and Revna are undeniable, but the pacing feels uneven. His reticence early on makes it hard to fully invest in their dynamic until later, when his character opens up and their banter ignites. Fans of tropes like “only one bed” and “romantic kidnapping” will find plenty to enjoy, though the romantasy label might oversell the love story’s prominence—it’s more a thread woven into a broader tapestry of action and intrigue.

This isn’t a flawless debut. The romantic subplot could use more depth to match the richness of the fantasy plot, and some supporting characters feel underutilized. But these are minor quibbles in a book that delivers on its promise of a “heart-pounding romantasy.” It’s a dark, addictive ride with an ending that leaves you desperate for the next chapter. If you’re a fan of Shadow and Bone’s gritty rebellion or From Blood and Ash’s forbidden tension, Blood Beneath the Snow deserves a spot on your shelf.

2.75/5 ⭐️

Im so sorry but just no. This was so incredibly boring & I felt zero connection to any of the characters. I predicted a lot of the plot twists so this book just didn't do it for me.

Entering into a deadly trial to escape an arranged marriage only to be kidnapped by the enemy country's general... who wants to help her get on the throne herself? Talk about a complicated situation. Revna is the only member of the royal family without any magical abilities... and when her friends' lives are put at stake and the only way to save them and escape the arranged marriage her parents want to force her into is to enter into the Bloodshed Trials, a deadly competition amongst the siblings of the royal family in which the last one standing gets the throne. Revna enters as a way to buy time but then finds herself kidnapped by the Hellbringer, the general of her country's greatest enemy. The Hellbringer takes her and she discovers that he was sent by his queen to train her to win the trials and to get her on the throne... believing that Revna has some kind of secret ability. Revna finds herself falling for the complicated ma underneath the armor and despite the fact that they can't be toether and he is hiding secrets of his own... her heart cant help it. With a deadly trial to win, with betrayals at every corner, Revna will soon find herself putting everything on the line for the throne. This was a not so great book for me, the story just never captured my attention, the romance felt so forced and there was zero chemistry at all. All the big "shock" and"wow" moments just felt "meh" at best. This book felt way too long and honestly, I will not be continuing the series. I just didn't care for the characters or the romance, and nothing really kept me going. Sadly, this is a miss for me, and I guess if you want a enemies to lovers with a trial starter in a series, give this one a go.

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Blood Beneath the Snow is the start of a new fantasy series brimming with action, mystery, suspense, and romance.

In a kingdom where people blessed with magic are held in higher regard than those without, a princess born with no magical abilities must go against all odds and compete in a bloody battle to determine the next ruler. But with a looming opposing threat and simmering rebellion on the horizon, she finds herself facing a bigger adversary than she ever imagined—her kingdom’s greatest enemy—the powerful and infamous general, the Hellbringer.

Overall, I was immediately swept away into this snowy romantasy. Straight away, we are immersed in the action and thrilling plot. I loved the themes of love versus duty and sacrifice, and they played a part in all aspects of the book, from the friendships to the romance.

The enigma of the Hellbringer and his contradictory character were very intriguing to me. The suspense and tension surrounding him lured me into the story even more. But once the second act of the novel hit, the pacing threw me a bit off, and the story tended to tell readers what happened instead of showing us.

If you’re looking for a fantasy read with high stakes, angsty romance, and drama, keep this new book in mind!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I was so looking forward to reading this. I love a good “deadly trials” concept. However, this book did not deliver on what the synopsis promises. The first 20% of the book was engaging and I had high hopes. I was rooting for Revna and her friends. However, the story quickly lost its momentum. For at least 75% of this book NOTHING happens. There is no plot to be seen. All we get are training montages and repetitive internal monologues. It was hard for me to buy the romance, too. That a hardened killer the author spends so much time telling us has murdered thousands would instantly fall for a girl he kidnapped wasn’t very believable. I also couldn’t get with the fact that Revna would fall for a man who has murdered her people that she supposedly cares so much for.

The synopsis promises us deathly trials, but we get maybe two chapters of the trials at the very end of the book, which was a disappointment. The “twist” at the end was also not at all surprising. Many of the events that take place at the end of the book were predictable and just felt very rushed. All of the important plot points happened within the last 15%. Several events were way too convenient and there were multiple uses of modern terms that took me out of the fantasy setting. The ending was brutal yet not entirely shocking. I have some predictions about what will happen in the next book, but I am not sure yet if I’m interested enough to read the sequel when it comes out.

revna is a godforsaken princess—she’s powerless in a warring nation and the only hope she has is defeating her ruthless brothers in a fight to the death for the crown. she’s at a great disadvantage because her brother magical powers and she does not.

as the fight approaches, she’s kidnapped by the enemy’s assassin, only known as the Hellbringer. he takes her to train her because his queen wants revna on the throne. and then the enemies-to-training allies-to-lovers slow burn kicks in. this felt like a delicious captive x captor romance and I had a great time.

🎧 ellie gossage narrated this and she did a great job! she added a lot to the story and brought emotions and nuance while reading and I super enjoyed reading it with my ears!

what to expect
⟢ enemies to lovers
⟢ fight to the 💀 for the crown
⟢ captive x captor

(4.25/5 stars)

Blood Beneath the Snow is a fun and twisty debut romantasy by Alexandra Kennington.

Revna's parents consider her to be their biggest disappointment, as she is the only royal family member without a magical ability. To save the lives of her closest friends, who are also non-magical, she is determined to enter The Bloodshed Trials, a battle royale between all of the royal siblings to determine who will ascend the throne. But once she turns down her arranged marriage and commits to fighting, she is kidnapped by the entity known as the Hellbringer, the general of her country's biggest enemy.

First things first, This cover is phenomenal. The artists did a phenomenal job putting it together!

I really appreciate an author who lists CWs in a note at the beginning of the book. IMO more authors should do this. I also really appreciate how queer this book is! Our main characters Revna and the Hellbringer are both bisexual, and there are a few other queer, transgender, and asexual side characters.

This book has so many twists and turns, and I was legitimately at the edge of my seat most of the time while I was reading. There's also a good amount of betrayal. There are some parts where the pacing slowed down, but there was still tension. I liked Revna's character growth across the book, though she still has a long way to go in the final book in the duology.

I caught the vibe throughout, but the author confirms in her acknowledgements that this is Reylo, so if that's your thing you should definitely read this. It also feels very Norse. I really had fun reading this and I absolutely inhaled it. I'm very excited for the second book in the duology and I look forward to what this author may write in the future!

DNF @50%

Let me start by saying that I am a trials, mentor/mentee fangirl to the depths of my core. Like I could die and come back to life 3,940 times whenever another book of any genre of fantasy comes out with trials/tests or has that “he trains her” trope. * See y’all in rehab because I am hooked on this addiction! *
However, I didn’t even get one measly hit to scratch that addiction from this book.

I’m the type that when a book promises a reader things with certain tropes, storylines, events, twining book vibes with other beloved books, etc, and then doesn’t forking deliver… You’re doomed babes!

I came for the trials and like…

Bitch where?

I mean I guess when it comes to this book… yeah it has the mentor/mentee trope so ✔️ I guess. But the characters needed to be fleshed out more, esp the MMC. He needed a little oomph to make him somewhat more interesting. And that says something considering he is a masked man!! Like give me some internal or external pining… something! Not insta-lust from the FMC and nothing from the MMC until… BAM! I love you! What?!

And having most of the story be in its own world between the two MCs with NO world building, magic system elaboration, or side characters to help pull the forward forward, really confused me. I said the characters needed to be fleshed out more, but so does all the other things that make a story interesting.

I gave it to 50%, I really tried, it’s just unfortunately this one wasn’t for me girly pop.

Ps sorry if this is all over the place but so was my raging mind after reading this book with BARELY any trials that was promised. :( (I know they came later but again I thought this would’ve been the main event… not a few chapters).

Thank you so much to the author and the publishers via NetGalley for this approved digital arc. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Kennington for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

The setting seemed to be inspired by an alternate historical Nordic setting, with fjordlands and a cold region split into thirds. The names seem Nordic as well. Religion plays a big role, with the priests of a pantheon of gods having declared that the magically gifted (godtouched, or Lurae) are the elite and the ungifted (godforsaken, or Nilurae) are scum. Revna is her kingdom's princess and, scandalously, ungifted in a family full of godtouched. She resists being married off for political advantage and instead bargains to enter the Bloodshed trials, in which her brothers will fight to the death for the right to be the next monarch. Instead, Revna is kidnapped by the neighboring (enemy) kingdom's general, the Hellbringer.

The book starts off with a BANG, with Revna and some of her fellow godforsaken disrupting a New Year religious rite which traditionally requires the ritual sacrifice of a godforsaken baby. The first quarter of the book or so is really exciting, as Revna tries: tries to evade capture, tries to fight the punishment of her co-conspirators, tries to maneuver out of her arranged marriage, tries to get into the Bloodshed trials. She's thrashing around in her confines like a fish in a net and it's so easy to feel sympathy for her. Then comes her kidnapping. This portion of the book really dragged for me. I found myself casually wondering why the general of an army engaged in active war had so much time to lavish upon training Revna. I also didn't really feel the romance. Suddenly, it just sort of... happened, with very little push and pull (or even interaction) between the characters. I will say I was glad that the Hellbringer had an actual name as I didn't really enjoy thinking of him as "the Hellbringer"; I kept picturing Hellboy (look it up. NOT sexy).

The last quarter picked back up but it was a real struggle to get to it. I wish there was more of the trials in this book, but I guess we're saving that for book #2. Overall I did enjoy the book and would like to read the sequel. ⭐⭐⭐