A Curse of Shadows and Ice Read Along — Week Two Discussion & Reactions
Welcome back to Week Two of our A Curse of Shadows and Ice Read Along! If last week hooked me, this week confirmed one thing—Catharina Maura knows exactly how to keep me turning pages.
As a picky reader (fifteen years of editing and teaching English will do that to you), I notice every repeated word, looped thought, and overused action. But despite those tiny pet peeves, this romantasy story continues to be deeply engaging.
Before we jump into week two, a quick heads-up: you can still snag an A Curse of Shadows and Ice Bite Me Box! If you want the book and all the themed goodies that go with this month’s read-along, now’s your chance.
Felix & Arabella: The Tension Is Delicious
I’m still loving the back-and-forth dynamic between Felix and Arabella. This week opens in Felix’s POV, and honestly? It’s the one time I didn’t love being in his head. His initial infatuation felt a little too easy—but it does deepen as the story progresses.
Right now, they’re both fighting their feelings, which creates that sweet, slow-burn tension we all show up for in a fantasy romance. They guard themselves, they misread each other, and you can feel the misunderstandings lining up. In a good way.
Jealousy, Rivalries & Relationship Mess
I’m relieved to say I was wrong about Elaine. Thank the gods.
But Alison? We definitely got a touch of that jealousy triangle. I understand why the whole side adventure happens, but it feels more surface-level since she doesn’t reappear.
The real emotional tension is with Felix and Nathaniel. Nathaniel is the man Arabella was supposed to marry—and still would if he let her go. But we get very little depth about their relationship, even from Arabella’s thoughts. It’s all pining and longing but not much substance.
That contrast is exactly why things with Felix work. Their connection feels lived-in, not just tied to destiny or the curse. It’s genuine chemistry plus shared conflict, and that’s what keeps me hooked.
Magic, Training & That Intensely Layered Moment
I’m also enjoying the magic system and the training scenes. I’d love a bit more visceral detail, but there’s enough texture here to keep the fantasy elements strong. And listen—when Arabella’s heat spikes at his touch? The layered intensity of that moment was chef’s kiss.
We’re Entering the Juicy Middle
This section of A Curse of Shadows and Ice pushes us straight into the juicy, emotional middle of the book. The drawn-out tension is doing its job perfectly, and I’m fully expecting a few more break-ups, misunderstandings, and reconciliations before we’re done.
I’ll see you next week as we read through Chapter Forty-Four.
Until then, happy reading!
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