Omen of ice

The druids of the Aphelian order have been sworn to protect the members of the Winter Court ever since war between the courts resulted in the diminishment of all Fae magic except for that of the Winter Court Fae. When 18-year-old druid Keltania is called to serve, her charge Valen--the violet-eyed, ice-magic-wielding nephew of the Winter Lord--would rather drink and party than be coddled by a glorified babysitter. But a magical misstep meant to offer Valen protection mystically links the Fae and Keltania; through this link, the duo share emotions and power, and they must soon leave the castle in order to break their bond as perilous circumstances and hidden secrets threaten the lives of druid and Fae alike. A focus on over-the-top character interactions and banter overshadows worldbuilding, resulting in a generic-feeling fantasy. Still, this series starter by Accardo (Transcendent), by turns adventurous and romantic, offers a plethora of romantasy scenarios carried by its leads' undeniable chemistry, an ambient setting, and amorous storytelling. Characters read as white. Ages 14--up. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Aug.)

A magical error binds human and Fae and thaws a kingdom's frozen secrets. As a member of a druid order sworn to protect the Winter Fae, 18-year-old Keltania has spent most of her life training to serve as a guard in the Winter Lands, the sole place in the kingdom where magic still thrives. The initial honor she feels about protecting Valen, the court's reluctant heir, quickly vanishes upon meeting the arrogant, wolfish, 19-year-old Fae. She performs her duty to safeguard Valen's life and clandestine magic while warding off his repeated advances. When the use of a protective sigil has unexpected consequences, Keltania and Valen are plunged into events stemming from truths about Valen's origins, the histories of their people, and their growing mutual attraction. Chapters alternate between the leads' first-person perspectives, allowing for rich internal monologues that soften Valen's persistently sexual dialogue and negging, which readers may find abrasive when combined with the unequal power dynamics. Shifting the setting beyond the Winter Lands invigorates the pacing and plot development. An entertaining side quest involving trolls enriches the narrative and serves to introduce several well-developed supporting characters like a trickster kelpie. The briskly paced ending brings initial resolution and forecasts conflict for additional installments. Keltania and Valen are described as pale-skinned; Keltania has red hair and hazel eyes, and Valen has black hair and violet eyes. A mixed start for a feisty fantasy romance series. (Fantasy romance. 16-adult) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.