Title: Cold Steel
Author: Kate Elliott
First published January 1, 2013
614 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.98
Overview
Cat Barahal can’t catch a break. Her husband Andevai has been stolen by the Master of the Wild Hunt, and the ruler of the Taino kingdom is blaming her for his mother’s murder.
To make matters worse, the cold mages ruling Europa must be defeated, and General Camjiata insists she join his army. Meanwhile, an enraged fire mage is out for blood.
As if that weren’t enough, revolution is brewing in Europa, and Cat, her cousin Bee, and her half-brother Rory must navigate their way through it all. With plots to scheme, enemies to conquer, and dashing men to rescue, Cat and Bee have their work cut out for them.
About the Author
When she was growing up in rural Oregon, Kate Elliott was a storyteller at heart. She created her own tales because she yearned to flee to an exotic land full of daring exploits and dramatic narratives.
Today, Kate is a successful author who specializes in crafting fantastical, steampunk, and sci-fi stories that often feature a touch of romance. She currently resides in Hawaii, where she enjoys the thrill of paddling outrigger canoes and showering her beloved schnauzer with affection.
Editoral Review
Cold Steel by Kate Elliott is an epic fantasy novel that was first published on January 1, 2013. Elliott, a prolific author of science fiction and fantasy, has crafted a sweeping and engaging tale that will captivate readers of the genre.
Set in the fantastical world of the Spiritwalker Trilogy, Cold Steel follows the story of Cat Barahal, a young woman who is caught in the midst of a struggle for power between two factions. On one side is the powerful and oppressive Empire, which seeks to control all of the known world.
On the other side is the Free States, a loose confederation of regions that have banded together to resist the tyranny of the Empire. Cat finds herself caught in the middle of this conflict, as she tries to navigate the treacherous political landscape and protect those she loves.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a cast of memorable characters, each of whom brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the table. Elliott’s writing is polished and evocative, drawing readers into the world she has created with skill and precision.
Her attention to detail is impressive, and she manages to create a vivid and compelling setting that feels both familiar and exotic. One of the strengths of Cold Steel is its complex and nuanced characterization.
Elliott is adept at crafting believable and three-dimensional characters, each with their own motivations and desires. Cat, in particular, is a well-drawn and sympathetic protagonist, who readers will root for from beginning to end.
Another strength of the book is its exploration of important themes, such as power, privilege, and identity. Throughout the novel, Elliott raises thought-provoking questions about these issues and challenges readers to think deeply about them.
Of course, no book is perfect, and Cold Steel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing to be a bit slow at times, and there are moments where the narrative meanders or gets bogged down in details.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters could have been given more development and depth. Overall, however, these criticisms are minor when weighed against the book’s many strengths.
Cold Steel is a masterfully crafted work of fiction that will appeal to anyone who loves epic fantasy, strong characters, and thought-provoking themes. In conclusion, if you enjoy fantasy novels with intricate world-building and well-drawn characters, I highly recommend checking out Cold Steel.
It is a rich and rewarding reading experience that will transport you to another world and leave you thinking deeply about the issues it raises. Based on my overall evaluation, I would give Cold Steel a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, with the caveat that this rating is based on my subjective assessment of the book’s merits.
