Beneath the Scarlet Frost

Fallen Reign, Book 1

De: Marissa Miller

Narrado por: Cheryl-Annette Parker

Shadows scream, whispers torment, and wishes curse.

The empire of Eisa once stood as a symbol of hope for purging the wicked magic that had plagued its lands. But when Wielders are spotted within those borders, the sanctity that once acted as an unshakable foundation crumbles beneath Sorrel Zdraevit's feet.

With the resurgence of Wielders on Eisan soil, protests are increasing in the streets, citizens are suffering, and everywhere she turns tragedy fractures the facade of peace that had sheltered her.

As the second eldest princess in Eisa's imperial family, when war is brought to the kingdom's door, Sorrel is forced to step into a new role, leading her deeper and deeper into the world she fears most. Desperate to protect her country against dark and twisted magic, and heal those around her, she must decide what it is she stands for when the world as she knows is rendered senseless.

Unsure of whom to condemn, and whom to put her faith in, Sorrel is faced with tainted realities that threaten to destroy everything she's ever held dear. All that matters is keeping her kingdom and family safe against the monsters infiltrating her country. Secrets and lies drag her into the depths of her worst nightmare, where fighting through the calamities is the only way she will have any hope of making it out alive—if she can hold on to her own will to live.

©2023 Marissa Miller (P)2024 Marissa Miller,

A fantasy for history lovers

If you like history and fantasy books this is great for you. Interesting magic system and plot. Leaves the door open for a series. I listened to the audiobook and really appreciated how the narrator conveyed the rollercoaster of emotions this book brings out. Have a tissue ready.

Can't wait for the next one

The story of a young princess discovering a family secret that will change her life forever. From a peaceful routine to a mad chaos all around her. Can she outsmart the powerful men standing to eradicate her species and bring a long standing peace to everyone? * I honestly loved this book, fast pacing, interesting, shocking and gripping. I enjoyed every minute of it and I can't wait for the next one to come out! * Great narration!

I did for the most part enjoy the overall story.

3.5 Stars

I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

When I was first approached by the author to listens to this book I’m sure I read the synopsis but I forgot what it was about when I was actually reading it and I was like hmm this sounds familiar, something I l remarked about in social studies class about the Czar (or that what I think it was). When I was finished a mind reading reviews it was somewhat based on the Romanov’s in Russia so that’s why it seemed familiar.
I did enjoy listening to this read, I liked the beginning of the story and the ending but I did feel like the middle was a bit drawn out and could have been a few hundred pages shorter but that’s just me. I enjoyed the narrators voice, it was a bit on the slower end so I was listening to the book at 2.5 speed.
I overall enjoyed the storyline, I liked that we learned this secret being kept from most of the royal family, and the betrayal aspect. I was heartbroken of what actually happened and I can’t believe that people you grew up with and counted as family would betray you after all this time. But I guess some people don’t care or have such a grudge they would do anything for revenge even if it was years in the making. I’m actually quite curious what will happen in book two with the secret of a certain people being banished vs. killed and if we will search for them. Also how will Sorrel carry on and what will happen between her and her love?
I would recommend this to fantasy lovers but also those interested in history “retellings”.

Fantastic listening experience

This is my all time favorite book so it was so fun to get to listen to it. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story to life!

NEEDS TO BE A MOVIE!!

Absolutely loved this book! Listening to it after reading my physical copy months ago took my emotions to a whole other level! The world building is astounding & I love the storytelling throughout! Was enthralled the entire time!!

THIS NEEDS TO BECOME A MOVIE!!!!!!

This story is INCREDIBLE

I just finished listening to this audiobook and I am shook. It was incredible. Poignant and thought provoking, and absolutely devastating at times. Marissa Miller doesn’t shy away from harsh realities or the darkness of human hearts. I was captivated by the story from the very beginning and fell in love with each and every character. The characters you were meant to hate were complex and well rounded, not just evil for the sake of being evil. Everyone truly felt like the hero in their own tale, even if that tale was wicked.

The narrator did a fantastic job conveying emotion and bringing this tale to life. Her character voices were distinct and her male voices were pleasant to listen to.

If you’re ready to experience every possible human emotion, then give this book a listen!!

great fantasy novel with an incredible narrator

I thought this was an excellent fantasy novel. Sorrel, one of the princesses in the royal family, begins to realize there is much unrest in her kingdom after a man runs through the palace yelling that they are "dancing on the bodies of their people." Sorrel is a kind, empathetic woman who strives to care for others and help the helpless. As she learns more about the kingdom's magic, she discovers it may not be as dangerous as she once thought. This novel is a compelling tale of strength, self-discovery, and betrayal that will keep you reading.

I was given the chance to review the audiobook, and I must highlight Cheryl-Annette Parker's narration. She infused passion into every word she read. Her clarity and excellent pacing enhanced the listening experience. Parker skillfully included emotion in her delivery, using teasing and sad voices to convey character nuances. With a large cast, her ability to differentiate characters in conversation was impressive.

During slower moments, she brought lightness and fun, keeping me engaged. In contrast, during more serious scenes, the tone of her voice effectively evoked the gravity of the situation. Without giving too much away, trust me—you’ll know exactly what I mean when you experience it for yourself.

Well Done!

I enjoyed this immersive tale so much!
Marissa does a wonderful job with prose and descriptive storytelling. This is a big epic novel, maybe a touch too long but it does totally engage the reader.
Sorrell's story of magic, family, healing and betrayal captures the essence of the Romanov family time period.
I'm very interested to see where the next book takes Sorrell and her family.
The audiobook was simply SO WELL DONE by Cheryl-Annette Parker. Loved all the voices created for the characters and the pacing was spot on.

Drawn in from the beginning

Love, love, love! Well spoken with a definite difference between characters. Emotions were used to draw you into what the characters were feeling and keep you on the edge of your seat. The story was a roller coaster of emotions and thought provoking of how we treat those different than us until we find our similarities.

Intense!

It’s interesting to note (at least, interesting to me) that I can very often predict a plot as I read. That was not the case with this book. I could readily picture alternate events and it was a bit of a nail-biter to see how the story progressed. No spoilers, but the story was very engaging with twists that fit the narrative and kept me guessing. Character development was believable with good world-building and the plot moved fast once it started going. Like a boulder rolling downhill.