Book Summary and Reviews of A Fate So Cold by Amanda Foody, C.L. Herman

A Fate So Cold by Amanda Foody, C.L. Herman

A Fate So Cold

A Fate So Cold #1

by Amanda Foody, C.L. Herman

  • Critics' Consensus (5):
  • Published:
  • Nov 2025, 432 pages
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About this book

Book Summary

A Fate So Cold is the first of a new blockbuster duology from the New York Times bestselling authors of All of Us Villains, Amanda Foody & C. L. Herman.

For most of the year, Summer reigns peacefully over Alderland. Then, for six brutal weeks, Winter rages, obliterating towns and wreaking casualties. Magicians bond with powerful wands of Summer to defend the nation, a duty that costs many their lives.

Domenic Barrow never wanted such responsibility―but destiny hasn't granted him a choice. The greatest Summer wand has awakened for the first time in a century, warning that an icy cataclysm looms on the horizon. And despite his reputation as the least suited of his classmates, the wand Chooses Domenic to wield it.

Ellery Caldwell spent years striving to be a perfect Summer magician―and burying her fears of her own power. But her worst suspicions are proven true when she accidentally creates the first ever Winter wand.

Now, as the unprecedented Chosen Two, Domenic and Ellery must thwart the oncoming cataclysm together. And in trying to fulfill their destinies, they wonder if they were brought together for a second fate: to fall in love.

Until they discover the unthinkable truth. The Chosen Two aren't fated allies, but eternal rivals, and the only way to save their home is for one of them to slay the other.

This is no love story. It's a tragedy.

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Reviews

Media Reviews

"[A] sizzling romantasy [in] an assiduously detailed, lived-in world and fresh, unique magic system." ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Fresh and compelling." ―Kirkus Reviews

"Prepare to be remade or destroyed. A Fate So Cold is a study of contrasts: destiny and choice; duty and desire; isolation and belonging; bitter cold and comforting warmth. With two brilliant leads, a wholly original world, and gorgeous writing, it kept me breathless all the way to the inevitable, devastating conclusion. An instant classic." ―Allison Saft, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic and A Fragile Enchantment

"With inventive magic, sprawling world-building, and a heartbreaking romance, A Fate So Cold is a feast for fantasy lovers." ―Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of The Foxglove King

This information about A Fate So Cold was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.

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More Information

Amanda Foody has always considered imagination to be our best attempt at magic. She is a New York Times, USA Today, and indie bestselling author of fantasy novels, including the All of Us Villains duology, the Wilderlore series, The Shadow Game series, and more. You can find her on Instagram or her website.

C.L. Herman is the New York Times, USA Today, and indie bestselling author of atmospheric, magical novels, including the All of Us Villains duology, The Devouring Gray duology, and The Drowning Summer. Currently, they reside in Massachusetts with their partner and cat. To learn more, follow them on Instagram or visit their website.

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Read-Alikes

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