A Curse of Shadows and Ice

by Catharina Maura

Review

I’m honestly hard-pressed to think of a fairytale retelling I don’t love, and A Curse of Shadows and Ice just kept that streak going. This story takes the familiar bones of Beauty and the Beast and gives them a deliciously magical makeover. Princess Arabella is shipped off to marry the Shadow Emperor, Felix, as the price her father must pay to avoid war, and of course she’s “the chosen one”—because destiny loves dramatic timing. Her whole life, she’s been taught to fear her own magic, thinking it's a curse, only for Felix to drop the truth on her: she’s not cursed at all. Her magic has simply been clawing to get out, and she was always fated to help save his people. Watching him guide her through understanding her powers while she grows into her role felt so satisfying and emotional in the best way.

And because it wouldn’t be a fairytale retelling without that nostalgic sparkle, this book goes all in—there’s a forbidden wing of the castle, shredded paintings, a beautifully enchanted fortress, and roses that aren’t quite the roses we grew up with but still feel like a loving nod to the original. That blend of classic references and fresh twists hit every single one of my fairytale-loving buttons. It gave me the warm comfort of childhood nostalgia with the rich fantasy elements I crave as an adult. Honestly, this retelling isn’t just good—it’s the kind of story that reminds me why I adore revisiting old tales in new ways.