Book Review: A Curse of Shadows and Ice
My Honest Review
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Spice Level: 3/5
Addictive, magical, and utterly unputdownable.
Release Date: October 28, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an e-book advance reader copy of A Curse of Shadows and Ice from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. Thank you to NetGalley, Bloom Books, and Catharina Maura for the ARC!
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Why You’ll Love This Book
Looking for your next addictive romantasy read? A Curse of Shadows and Ice by Catharina Maura is a spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling with everything we crave in fantasy romance: a cursed emperor, a heroine with forbidden magic, an enemies-to-lovers forced marriage, and a world teetering between ruin and redemption.
Book Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Princess Arabella of Althea never had much choice in her destiny, but when Felix Osiris — the feared Shadow Emperor — threatens her homeland, her path becomes terrifyingly clear: marry him or lose everything.
But the Shadow Emperor is cursed, and his empire is slowly crumbling under the weight of that magic. Arabella discovers her own volatile, forbidden powers may be the key to saving his people. Together, they strike a bargain: she’ll help him control the curse, and in return, he’ll set her free.
As Felix and Arabella work together, the thin line between hate and passion blurs. Soon, Arabella must decide whether to break the curse — and risk her heart — or lose Felix forever.
Arabella – She’s a heroine who’s been overlooked and mistreated all her life, but she refuses to be broken. Watching her grow into her magic — and her own strength — was one of my favorite parts of the story.
Felix (the Shadow Emperor) – A broody, cursed antihero with layers. He’s commanding and intimidating, but the more you learn, the more you realize his shadows don’t define him. His dynamic with Arabella is intense, electric, and impossible to look away from.
The Romance – If you love slow-burn tension, forced marriage, and hate-to-passion heat, this book will scratch every itch. It’s spicy, but it’s also tender and layered in the way only a Beauty and the Beast retelling can be.
The Worldbuilding – Maura weaves an enchanting, cursed landscape that feels alive. The cursed empire is more than just a backdrop — it reflects the characters’ struggles and hope for renewal.
My Thoughts
This was an addictively magical read! A Curse of Shadows and Ice is a spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling with a cursed emperor, a princess with forbidden magic, and a marriage that starts as duty but sparks into passion. This book grabbed me from page one and did not let go.
Arabella is a strong heroine who grows into her power beautifully, and Felix is the perfect broody, cursed hero. Their chemistry is off the charts, and I loved how their relationship developed against the backdrop of a crumbling, cursed empire. The pacing was sharp, the worldbuilding immersive, and the romance utterly unputdownable.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Scarlett St. Clair. I highly recommend if you love enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage, and fairy-tale retellings with spice.
This was an easy 5-star read for me. I stayed up way too late turning the pages, completely addicted. If you’re looking for a romantasy that mixes familiar fairy-tale magic with fresh intensity, this is it.
Favorite Tropes You’ll Find
Fairytale Retelling
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Marriage / Marriage of Convenience
Hidden Magic
Cursed Hero
Shadow daddy
Underestimate heroine
About the Author
Catharina Maura (or “Cat” to her readers) is a USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author, best known for her angsty, emotional romances that keep you hooked from the first page. Born in The Netherlands and of Caribbean-Indian descent, she now lives in Hong Kong. Maura has become a beloved name in the romance world, particularly among fans who adore high-angst, emotional journeys packed with heart, heat, and unforgettable characters.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of romantasy, fairytale retellings, or enemies-to-lovers tension that leaves you breathless, A Curse of Shadows and Ice belongs on your shelf. The deluxe hardcover edition with sprayed and stenciled edges is only available in the first print run — and it’s one you’ll definitely want in your collection.
Preorder your copy of A Curse of Shadows and Ice by Catharina Maura — available October 28, 2025, in a stunning collector’s edition hardcover.