Published by Gollancz
Age Group: Adult
Format: Fiction
Genres and Categories: Curses, Elemental Magic, Fire Magic, Healing Magic, Various Magic, Dark Fantasy, Fairytales, Romantasy, Family Drama, Magic Users, Royalty Characters, Villain Characters, Multiracial Authors
Series: Shadowbound #1
My Rating:
Published on: 28th October 2025
Pages: 294
Disability Representation: Suicidal Ideation
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Princess Arabella of Althea is left no choice when Felix Osiris, the Shadow Emperor, threatens to overthrow her country unless she agrees to marry him.
When she learns his empire is cursed and she’s destined to set them free, they come to an agreement: help him minimize the curse’s effect on his people, and he’ll let her go.
As Felix teaches Arabella how to control her forbidden and volatile magic, her feelings for him turn from hatred to passion… and she realizes that she must break the curse, or she’ll lose him forever.
This book was provided for free by NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book!
Content Warnings:
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A Curse of Shadows and Ice Review
A Curse of Shadows and Ice by C. A. Maura is an arranged marriage romantasy with two cursed main characters. Arabella is shocked to learn her abusive father is marrying her off, and to the Shadow Emperor, no less. The Emperor has been conquering kingdoms for the last century and has a reputation for being dangerous. She’s even more surprised when she learns that the Emperor, Felix, requested her specifically.
After their dramatic wedding, she is terrified of what to expect from him and confused when he shows her kindness. Then she learns that she’s been named in a prophecy that foretells the end of the curse plaguing his kingdom. She’s certain that the prophecy is wrong because she’s cursed; bad things happen around her. When he offers to release her if she gives their marriage and breaking the curse a chance, she agrees.
Realising that Arabella isn’t cursed, Felix helps her learn how to control her volatile magic. Unfortunately, the curse on Felix and his kingdom is very real and fights them at every turn.
I can’t say I didn’t enjoy this book; however, it is not the best ever written. A Curse of Shadows and Ice is a fun and quick read, and very firmly a 3-star read for me. The writing style is very basic, and the characters could have used a bit more fleshing out, if I’m honest. Likewise, the plot and world-building aren’t anything special, and the magic system is a mess (more about this in a bit). That makes this book sound awful, and yet, there was something about A Curse of Shadows and Ice that kept me hooked. Sometimes an enjoyable read doesn’t need to be a masterpiece as long as you enjoy it, and that’s the case here.
Despite my complaints, I was compelled to finish the book, to see how things end up, and I think that is Maura’s talent. I was invested in the characters and their fates right from the start, and this kept me going even when I noticed something was a bit weak. It’s the same reason I’m interested in reading the sequel.
With regards to the magic system, I’m not quite sure what the author was aiming for. The male main character, Felix, has magic that is referred to as ‘alchemy’ and is explained as someone being able to transmute one thing into another. It’s described rather well and makes sense, until we see Felix in action. His alchemy somehow includes telekinesis and a bunch of other abilities that stretch the description of alchemy very thin. In short, it simply does not work.
A Curse of Shadows and Ice is not a work of art, but if you’re looking for a short romantasy with a redemption arc, then this is for you.
About C. A. Maura
Cat lives in Hong Kong with her husband and a dozen houseplants that all have names. When she isn't daydreaming about future characters, she's exploring the world and seeking out new adventures.
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