Review: A Frigid Hope

A Frigid Hope by Amanda Thompson is the latest book I've read from the multi-author Hope Ever After series. This book is a pleasant retelling of "The Snow Queen" that combines elements of the original story with other traditional fairy tale tropes. Like many "Snow Queen" adaptations, it is more faithful to Hans Christian Andersen's original work than Frozen was. It also features a traditional fairy tale romance by aging up the protagonists and transforming them into royalty. It was a quick and easy read that felt both nostalgic and refreshing.


Princess Bianca has no shortage of suitors, but she only has eyes for one prince, who she doesn't believe would even be willing to offer her his hand. When she learns that her parents convinced Prince Percival to be a contender, she is over the moon. Unfortunately, the very next day, he is selected to be a tribute for the wicked snow queen, Kira. Every man selected for this task must live in her ice palace until their hearts become completely devoid of emotion and return as empty shells. Determined to hang onto her hopes of a happy marriage, Bianca researches a way to end Kira's eternal winter once and for all.

Although this book is part of the Hope Ever After series, it would have made an interesting addition to the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series because it is one of the only stories I've read in which men are regularly sacrificed to a wicked entity instead of maidens. This reversal of the classic trope plays well into the "Snow Queen" fairy tale, since it is about a woman rescuing a man from captivity. The book takes it a step further by making these captures a recurring event. This increases the significance of Bianca's desire to end Kira's icy reign because it would only save the man she loves, but countless others after him.

Even though the story is set around a sad scenario, the book gives an overall cozy vibe with very little violence or danger. The author includes the portion of the fairy tale in which a well-meaning older woman tries to pull the heroine into a peaceful life as her mother, but not the more precocious bandits and robber girl, who give off harsher dispositions. Bianca has a fun animal sidekick in the form of a mythological winged wolf, which adds humor and levity to her quest to rescue Percy.

A Frigid Hope is a satisfying retelling of "The Snow Queen" that brings a fresh perspective to the classic tale. With its cozy vibe, engaging characters, and humorous moments, this book is a heartwarming addition to the Hope Ever After series, which was created to inspire hope by fighting against human trafficking. Bianca's determination to rescue Prince Percival and end Kira's reign is a compelling narrative that will leave readers rooting for her from start to finish.
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