Review: The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling
Author: Isabel Sterling
Edition: eARC/audiobook
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (December 9, 2021)
Genre: YA, Supernatural Fantasy
Synopsis
Elise Beaumont is cursed. With every touch, she experiences exactly how her loved ones will die. And after her brother’s death—a death she predicted but was unable to prevent—Elise is desperate to get rid of her terrible gift, no matter the cost.
Claire Montgomery also has a unique relationship with death, mostly because she’s already dead. Technically, anyway. Claire is a vampire, and she’s been assigned by the Veil to help Elise master her rare Death Oracle powers.
At first, Elise is reluctant to work with a vampire, but when she predicts a teacher’s imminent murder, she’s determined to stop the violent death, even if it means sacrificing her own future to secure Claire’s help.
The trouble is, Claire and Elise aren’t the only paranormals in town—a killer is stalking the streets, and Claire can’t seem to shake the pull she feels toward Elise, a romance that could upend the Veil’s mission. But as Elise and Claire grow closer, Elise begins to wonder—can she really trust someone tasked with securing her loyalty? Someone who could so easily kill her? Someone who might hold the key to unraveling her brother’s mysterious death?
My review of The Coldest Touch
The Coldest Touch is a thrilling YA story about family, choices and what we’re willing to do for the life we want, perfect for fans of queer supernatural romances with high stakes.
I received a free ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Vampires With Style (Instead of Sparkles)
This book was delightful! To me, it had the perfect balance of action, magic and character exploration. It’s fun and tense, packed with action and real stakes (not a vampire pun)! Truly, it was a joy to read and I really wish all my reading experiences could be like this.
I love the world-building and the bits of magic and supernatural elements we get. They slot right into the existing vampire and general supernatural canon (at least the parts I’m familiar with) while adding something new. All of these characters and their powers are just so cool! Everyone is very hot and stylish and nobody has ever made me want to be a vampire than Wyn. They are absolutely the kind of person I aspire to be one day. A non-binary vampire with killer fashion sense? Come on, that’s a vibe!
Admittedly, I kind of hope there’s a sequel or more books in this world because there are so many questions I have and corners of this world left to explore!
Be Gay, Do Magic
I am a big fan of books with multiple POVs and The Coldest Touch utilizes them brilliantly! Alternating between Elise and Claire, we get to know both of them incredibly well. We see their fears and worries and the love that ultimately drives their decision. They are so different and that just makes them more interesting. Nobody is going to be surprised, but I’m obsessed with Claire! She is a fantastic character and counterpoint to Elise. And all her edges and wounds made her even more compelling.
Elise, poor Elise. I really felt for her and her grief and all the terrible things that happen to her broke my heart. But seeing her grow into her power and fight for the life she wants? Unbelievably cool. I loved watching her learn to use her powers as the death oracle and grapple with the implications of them. After all, she’s just a teenage girl who suddenly has control over people’s fates!
Additionally, I love that this is a sapphic romance with a questioning lead! Personally, it’s not something I’ve encountered to the extent of this but it was very fun to read and little old questioning me would have been so happy to feel seen! The book allows Elise room to explore her sexuality and arrive at a point of comfort in her own time.
Overall…
…The Coldest Touch was an incredibly fun read full of action that didn’t compromise on character development. It also made me hungry for more supernatural fantasy!
This book is for you if…
…you like supernatural romances, especially if they’re gay
…you are looking for a book with magic, action and fun world-building
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