Frostblood by Elly Blake (review)

Firebloods have been rooted out and killed by the Frostbloods for decades, and as far as Ruby knows she is now the last remaining person who can wield fire. Though she lacks necessary control over her power, when a group of rebel Frostbloods needs a Fireblood to fulfill a prophecy and overthrow the Frost King, she’s their only option. She’s swept away to an abbey where the monks can train her, but Arcus, the apparent leader of the rebels and resident brooding handsome guy, is sure she’ll fail. Before she even gets the chance to prove herself, though, she’s kidnapped by the king’s soldiers and forced to fight gladiator-style against merciless Frostbloods until the rebels ride in for the rescue. There’s not a whole lot new here plotwise for a fantasy romance, but feisty girl versus icy dude in a ring of flirtation and lust is always fun to watch, and Ruby and Arcus don’t disappoint. Arcus’ secret vulnerabilities are of course needled out by Ruby’s persistence, and the two predictably go from staunch dislike to side-eyed appreciative glances to full-on makeout sessions. A few clunky moments of exposition stall the pace, but an interesting twist in the tale provides a little spice. With Arcus and Ruby happy at the end and a kingdom possibly restored, readers will heave a contented if not surprised sigh.