Bound to the Shadow Queen

Frostbound Court, Book 2

By: Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison

Narrated by: Amanda Leigh Cobb, Tim Campbell

She left to protect him. He'll tear apart the realm to bring her back.

Everly Elarion has been stolen into the heart of the Unseelie Wilds, where whispers of her true bloodline promise both power and ruin. If only they didn't come at the expense of the uncle who had her taken and tortured once before.

Draven Ashwynter knows exactly what his wife is: a liar and a traitor, yet somehow still his fate-chosen bride. As his kingdom fractures and ancient monsters rise, the Frostgrave King hunts her through the chaotic mana that is meant to repel his people. He's certain she's the key to his own ruin and Winter's salvation.

But the closer they draw, the more their bond burns hot enough to melt every oath and law. When their paths finally collide, the question is no longer who will save the realm.

It's which of them will let it burn to save the other.

The sweeping enemies-to-lovers romantasy series continues with book two of the Frostbound Court Trilogy.

©2025 Whiskey and Willow Publishing (P)2026 Podium Audio

It's a bit slooooowwwww.

I'm not sure I'll bother with the next story in the series. The writing is taught, the performances are, overall, quite good. That said, the plot progression is very slow. It really drags. For a recording that is less than 8 hours I frequently debated whether to skip ahead a few chapters or increase the playback speed. I didn't, but if I had I wouldn't have missed much. I don't say it was boring but it was tedious at times.

Not As Good As It Should Have Been

I hoped the FMC and MMC's relationship would develop throughout book two and we would see character growth to address the prejudices that are damaging their relationship. Unfortunately, the character growth is lacking and it makes the storyline feel unnatural. They villainize the FMC's behaviors and excuse the MMC's. It feels like gaslighting. A major example of this is that the FMC has a secret that if revealed would result in her death. We know this because we've seen it happen to other characters with the same secret and the MMC has a standing rule to kill anyone with this secret on site- no questions asked, just murder. However, when the MMC finds out the FMC was lying to avoid being murdered, he repeatedly throws in her face that she's a liar and doesn't have any character. He repeatedly diminishes her in really ugly ways but we have to listen to her inner monologue where she berates herself and just takes on his abusive belief system and he never takes accountability. I know these authors can do better, so it's really disappointing that this is what they came up with.

book 3 not on audio yet

A soild fae story with ups and downs. I felt it was a bit predictable and the conflict between Draven and Evie was drawn out too long. I do not like miscommunication. In the first book secrets made sense and furthered the plot and character development.

In book 2, I am left wishing for more, confused at the lack of momentum, and hoping for some epic side quest to save the people.

I hope there is a book 3 because if it ended like that I will have to take a star away in my mind for that.