The Mythmaker's Notebook

This review is in association with the Indie Blog Off Remnants (IBOR) Competition

The World:

Three hundred years after a catastrophic earthquake tears open a portal to another dimension, humanity has reorganized itself into distinct nations defined by the supernatural species inhabiting them. The system is internally consistent and thoughtfully detailed.

The Protagonist:

Madison is the protagonist, crown princess of Mysaulia and leader of the Royal Warriors. She is nicknamed “The Ice Queen” by a press that sees only the cold, unreadable demeanor she maintains in public. The character concept is strong. The novel is at its best when it quietly reveals the gap between Madison’s reputation and her private life. The warrior who commands fearsome respect in battle but shares food with her servant and the princess who dismisses flattery but genuinely cherishes the honor of fighting alongside her people.

The romance with Oscar, the crown prince of Naremia, is the novel’s emotional beat. When he gets her a glass of water himself rather than calling a servant, and she is surprised by it, the scene lands well. The book finds its best rhythm in these small moments.

Areas for Improvement:

The novel struggles with trusting its reader and in prose. The narrative has a habit of explaining what has just been shown. For example, a character acts, and then immediately tells us in internal monologue why they acted and what it means. This robs many scenes of their resonance. The reader doesn’t need to be told that Madison is secretly kind after watching her share her plate. The gesture speaks for itself.

The pacing also presents some challenges. Long stretches devoted to etiquette classes, wardrobe logistics, and palace procedure feel proportionally heavy against the more dramatic material, which is then resolved too quickly. The final act where Madison tracks a demon to rescue her father, only to lose him at the last moment and be cursed, is good storytelling. It deserved more room to breathe.

Who should read this?

The Ice Queen is best suited to readers who love a cross between supernatural worldbuilding and slow-burn romance. This story requires readers who are patient, as the story takes time to find its footing before it delivers its best.

Van Peborgh dedicated this book to her grandfather, who read every version. The story has real ambition, a distinctive setting, and an interesting protagonist.