But throughout history, their struggling alliances become tainted with prejudice as they’re pitted against each other.

In this setting, the Firebloods and Frostbloods used to live in harmony.

As they slowly reveal to Ruby her role in the rebellion they’re brewing, readers also delve a little deeper into the world. We gradually find out that the men are from an abbey – one is a monk who used to serve in the court, and the other is a young man who has a mysterious connection to the situation. And no one else would have to suffer because of me.” It was about getting what I wanted, a chance to kill the king. There was nothing noble about a thirst for revenge. Fast forward five months, and she’s getting rescued by two mysterious men who also want the end of the Frost king’s reign, as she does. Ruby has known of hiding all her life, and in the first chapter we see her captured by the army of the Frostblood king and sent to a prison to await execution. Told through the first person POV of Ruby, a Fireblood hiding from the world of Frostbloods, we start off with immediate action that doesn’t stop until the last page is flipped. With fairly quick pacing, a basic but nonetheless exciting fantasy world, and fun characters, Frostblood ensured that there was never a boring moment between its pages. When I did pick it up, however, I couldn’t put it down! While Frostblood was definitely reminiscent of other fantasies out there – Red Queen and Shadow and Bone are ones that immediately jump to mind – it also stands out on its own.

I’ve heard pretty decent things about this book, but for some reason it never really was on my radar. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her-and from the icy young man she has come to love. But before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to compete in the king’s tournaments that pit Fireblood prisoners against Frostblood champions. Despite her unpredictable abilities, Ruby trains with the rebels and the infuriating-yet irresistible-Arcus, who seems to think of her as nothing more than a weapon.

Frostblood series