Land of Snow and Secrets Book Review

Review

Book 1 of the Seasons of Fae series, Land of Snow and Secrets by Sonya Lawson is a gem of a book that let me escape to a frost-kissed realm where duty clashes with desire and love blooms amidst the icy winds of rebellion for a few hours. A familiar genre, Land of Snow and Secrets quietly stands apart from other beloved fantasy romances due to its seamless blend of treasured tropes with just enough fresh twists. With a rising rebellion threatening the peace, Prince Ghel Borau, a formidable warrior, respected General, and heir to the throne, is set to marry a stranger – the gentle, petite, Lady Strella Hollythorn – as part of an arranged marriage to strengthen alliances. Despite initial reservations on both parts, the undeniable chemistry between the two sparks a whirlwind romance neither one expected. Happily, readers are immediately brought to focus on their budding feelings, secrets kept, and how they each navigate the arrangement, while also being able to revel in the intricate world-building and richly drawn characters.

Set in Fae, which is ruled by the expected seasonal courts, the story centers on the chilly Winterlands. Providing just enough details about the land of snow in particular, and the courts beyond, I enjoyed reading about a wintry world that isn’t too often the setting of choice in similar fantasy novels. The commingling of aristocracy and warrior clans was also wonderfully well done. Indeed, readers will find themselves immersed in a world brimming with fae intrigue, political machinations, romantic settings à la Bridgerton, and tensions of all sorts.

The characters, while possessing fae traits readers have come to love, are an equally original and strong cast. Ghel, a self-deprecating beast of a warrior prince with a cinnamon roll center, captivates with his unwavering commitment and will leave you absolutely smitten. Meanwhile, Strella’s journey from a sheltered noblewoman to a formidable force in her own right is both empowering and inspiring. The others – the loving and just King Frit and stoic Queen Alene (who I can only ever hope to be like); the roguish, yet dedicated, Prince Jarok and fierce and loyal friend Lady Piris; and more – are just as authentic and realized as one could want.

While the book excels in many aspects, there are some minor quibbles. One character’s initial reaction to a certain (not entirely unexpected) revelation was unlike them and a bit melodramatic, and felt as though it was only added as a way to create an (unnecessary) pinch point. However, another character’s riposte served as a poignant counterbalance that further endeared them to me. Additionally, the motives and portrayal of yet another individual seemed fragmented and muddled, as if the author couldn’t quite figure out how to characterize this person. Regardless, these issues were generally overshadowed by the book’s strengths and Lawson’s ability to keep multiple storylines going, even when concentrating on one.

Land of Snow and Secrets kept me hooked from the start and had me racing through the pages. Left with some questions and wanting to know what happens next, I’m looking forward to the second installment, Land of Ice and Intrigue. The main characters in book 2 are ones I’ve already come to love and based on what we know about them thus far, that story promises to be just as exciting, and likely even steamier, than this one!

Content warnings include anxiety, attempted murder, blood, chronic illness, rebellion, violence, war, military battle, and some on-the-page spiciness.

Expected publication is 1 March 2024.