A Burden of Ice and Bone

The narrative follows Dira Cloon, whose life in the village hinges on her ability to wield a trigger. However, when confronted with a majestic white bear, Dira's convictions waver, unleashing a force within her that transcends the village's tales of magic and the enigmatic ursine king's enchantment.

Whitton's storytelling is rich, creating a mesmerizing world filled with secrets and wonders. The exploration of a lost world and a vanished civilization, coupled with the haunting whispers of magic, adds depth to the narrative. The conflict between Dira's duty to her family and the newfound force resonating within her heart sets the stage for a profound journey of self-discovery.

The novel is not without its challenges, as some readers might find the plot a bit slow to unfold in the initial chapters. The story takes its time to establish the setting and characters, and it's only around the halfway point that the plot truly begins to pick up momentum.

Despite the initial pacing, "A Burden of Ice and Bone" gradually reveals itself as a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of sacrifice and transformation. Dira's decision to either adhere to tradition or follow the call of her heart leads readers on a breathtaking journey into a frozen realm of snow, where the beauty of a cursed life awaits discovery.

A Burden of Ice and Bone is a wonderful, moving love story that is impossible to put down until you reach the end and even then, you are left wanting to read more.
Dira Cloon is a girl who loves nature, especially the polar bears that visit her village and are seen by everyone as a threat that must be eliminated. Her greatest wish is to change the way of thinking of her people so that they accept and live peacefully with the bears, to the point of risking her life.
Valemon is a mysterious man who comes into Dira's life to change it in an unexpected and unusual way.
A special novel, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in the tundra and with an abandoned military base instead of a palace, which calls for respect and protection of fauna, and which will hardly leave the reader with dry eyes.
Excellent writing style, a perfect setting, well-developed characters and we must not forget the elegantly designed cover. A story that will accompany the reader long after reaching the last page.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.

When fantasy meets conservation (with a side of romance of course) you get A Burden of Ice and Bone by Kyra Whitton. This story follows Dira, a girl who dares to think differently than her people and value life over tradition, through her journey to save Polar Bears and her people. Along the way she finds love, and leads her people to a new way of life.
Thanks, #NetGalley for the great read! I'll be sharing this one with friends and family on release day.

⭐️4 amazing, heart-wrenching stars⭐️

First and foremost I want to thank Netgalley for the oppurtunity to review this Earch.

Without further ado.

This story was one that I will never forget. I have never read a book that made me feel what thks book did.

We have all the tropes that you can need; forced-proximity, curse breaking, second-chance and so much much more.

Dira will forever covet a special place in my heart. She was such a relatable character with her earnest, pain and hunger for belonging.

This book takes you on an emotional and frustrating ride from the start to the finish. It encapsulates the desperation one feels when confronted with what you've been yearning for your whole life.

And Valemon, omg !! I think i have gotten so accustomed to the "loud" and sometimes obnoxious love of MMC's that his quiet version almost felt underwhelming, but the more I read, the more I fell for this man. His pain and his yearning for longing ripped my heart to absolute shreds.

The only thing that left me unbalanced was how rushed the ending of it all felt. I was reading and then I was on the acknowledgement page? That's my only gripe about it, that we didn't spend enough time in that final arc of the book.

*chefs kiss*

I don't know where to begin, this book has so many exciting parts that I can't possibly be expected to cram them all into words. Though I shall certainly try.

This book was beautifully written, I felt like I had been targeted when I was reading it. I adore anything with bears in. I adore fantasy fiction. When those two worlds collided for me, it opened up a whole new chapter and I now require this to be made into a film for me to binge watch repeatedly, so I can swoon.
All the hearts for Val. 🤍
The rich world Whitton has developed is the very same idea of what I imagined polar bear environments to be like. I watched this show once where this village shares its border with polar bears, they just wander amongst the snow, not coming to close.
I swear I could imagine the very setting Whitton describes thanks to this prior glimpse. Frosty mornings, polar bears keeping their distance but being inquisitive due to sounds and smells, but not meaning harm. Just like the FMC thought of them. It was so vivid, I want to observe and visit their secret relaxation spots, but obviously I know better than to not get close to a wild animal. But one can dream...
The story in this tale revolves around the fear of bears, seeking power, a curse, being true to yourself, acceptance, and overcoming ones fear to find the balance in the fight against the wild.
The understanding I had for the FMC feeling out of place, outcast, always responsible for whatever goes wrong, always failing. Those who have been there, can feel that disappointed feeling coming towards you in waves. It's hard to ignore and really does build up to the point you want to escape and try to prove you were right. Whenever I read these parts my heart squeezed just a little, because I can feel it with her, I feel even for imaginary characters who suffer.

I absolutely ADORE this book, the fantastic characters through to the witty dialogue.
I will recommend this to all, it's got a slow burn romance with some lukewarm intimacy. PG 15?
But it is just such a cute book! Just remember, bears and fantasy. What else do you need??

This book has a beauty and the beast style vibe. With a strong, gripping journey with bears and a happy ending. I love those. I'm giving this a totally well deserved 5* snowy stars!
'Don't dwell in the in between' because this book deserves to be read!

"Kyra Whitton's 'A Burden of Ice and Bone' delivers a spellbinding tale of courage, love, and self-discovery set in a frozen kingdom. Dira Cloon, whose life revolves around the necessity of wielding a gun, finds herself facing a pivotal moment when she encounters a majestic white bear. The bear's presence awakens something deep within Dira, challenging her beliefs and her loyalty to her family's traditions.

As Dira embarks on a journey into the mysterious realm of snow, she discovers a world filled with legends of a lost civilization, whispered tales of magic, and the enchantment of the ursine king. The choice she faces - to either continue her life as it is or follow the bear into the unknown - holds the power to transform not just her own destiny, but that of her people.

Whitton weaves a mesmerizing narrative that captivates from the first page to the last. 'A Burden of Ice and Bone' is a breathtaking adventure of self-discovery and redemption, as Dira confronts her past and embraces the possibilities of the future. Fans of Naomi Novik's 'Spinning Silver' will find themselves drawn into this enchanting world of magic and frozen landscapes.

I like the evocative storytelling and richly imagined world of 'A Burden of Ice and Bone,' where the beauty of the frozen kingdom is matched only by the depth of Dira's journey. The themes of courage, love, and the search for one's true self resonate throughout the novel, making it a truly unforgettable read.

I have never read a book like this. It was very good. I really enjoyed how it was a beauty and the beast retelling but was very unique also.