Cold Magic by Kate Elliott

Cold Magic (Spiritwalker, #1)

by Kate Elliott

As they approach adulthood, Cat Barahal and her cousin Bee think they understand the society they live in and their place within it. At a select academy they study new airship technologies and the dawning Industrial Revolution, but magical forces still rule. And the cousins are about to discover the full ruthlessness of this rule. Drawn into a labyrinth of politics involving blood and old feuds, Cat is betrayed by her family and forced to marry a powerful Cold Mage. As she is carried away to live a new life, fresh dangers threaten her every move and secrets form a language she cannot read. At least, not yet. But both cousins carry their own hidden gifts and these will shape great changes to come. For in the depths of this treacherous world, the Wild Hunt stirs in darkness and dragons are waking from their sleep.

Reviewed by wyvernfriend on

3 of 5 stars

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Probably closer to 3.5 stars, this is all worldbuilding, creating the story and the background for what sounds like an interesting adventure, it's a world a lot like our own, but with some subtle differences. Rome didn't really fall, much of the north of Europe is under Ice and there's a land-bridge between England and Europe. Switzerland is under ice as well and there are cold-mages. Cat Barahal and her cousin Bee think they understand their world but things are turned on their head when family politics force Cat into a marriage that will complicate her life.

It's an interesting beginning to a story if a bit convoluted.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 21 March, 2016: Finished reading
  • 21 March, 2016: Reviewed