4

Emma Holly is known for erotica, and this novel does have some steamy, explicit (generally vanilla) scenes, but for the most part, it's an endearing paranormal romance novel. It's set in an alternative universe version of Japan's forbidden city and features characters that are genetically enhanced "yama" who have a thing against everyday humans. Basic plot: childhood friends (prince and servant girl) are separated at age 8. She is trained as a "pillow girl" (i.e. concubine), then at age 20 or so, he purchases her contract. They fall deeply in love and live happily ever after. There are, of course, lots of twists and turns along the way, including mixed blood acusations and palace intrigue. The character building is excellent in this book - you are taken on a journey that feels believable, even though it's a fantasy novel. This is the second in the series (after Demon's Daughter), but I'm not certain you need to read the first book, which isn't nearly as good. The first book will help you understand the yama's abilities and culture, but it's not connected to the plot of the second book in any way I can tell.

I just wish she'd written a novella continuing with these main characters. The empress surely wouldn't let the issue of an illegitimate child from the emperor go, and Xasha mentions that the emperor might not be as ready to end ties with Xishi as he thinks. I also want to know more of their life in this other land, their family, and friends. Does Muto ever get his return of karma? Do Xishi and Cor ever get to go back to Yamish lands? There is just so much left open to supposition. The rape and mm is between secondary characters for those who want to know. Also, the main characters are only ever with each other even though Prince Pahndir is used as a teaching tool at Xishi's pillow girl school.

I read the Demon's Daughter a while ago, and this is another steamy foray into that world. On the whole I enjoyed this a lot, although there was a middle bit I felt went on too long. LIke these paranormals better than the Yprs or whatever they were.

I read this a long time ago.

Pretty good. I wish the intrigue had been more developed.

Prince of Ice has an original concept and exotic flair, and is an enjoyable, fun read. The extra "endowments" the royal men have reminded me of the Satyr book Nicholas. There's some exposition at the beginning, the back story that's necessary, but it doesn't go on too long. It's a pretty elaborate set-up - the demon world hidden amongst our own, technologically and genetically advanced - and vividly realised. Well worth your time if you're looking for something a little different.

After reading the first chapter of this book years ago, which prompted me to buy it from a used bookstore, I was intrigued and very much looking forward to seeing where the story would go from there. I even saved the book for a couple years for when I was in the perfect state of mind to enjoy reading it, but I have to say I ended up disappointed.

For the first third of the novel, it was very interesting. The two main leads (who you knew from infants were soul mates) are torn apart, the girl ending up in a pillow house to learn the fine art of seduction. This part I found quite interesting, though I almost wish it had gone into more detail of the ups and downs *snicker* of what they learned living in a brothel. But then again, later in the book, most of the techniques Xishi has supposedly learned don't really come into play anyway.

Then, Xishi and Cor meet again after being apart for years and... the story kind of falls apart. Sure, they have lots of hot (albeit mostly vanilla) sex, some of which was quite steamily written, but there was hardly any conflict to speak of. Pretty much as soon as he buys her they spend all their time together, more or less happy as can be. Have some sex, have an argument, sort it out by having makeup sex.

They find out they're soul mates (or close to it) pretty much right away, which kind of diminishes the excitement of meeting someone new for the first time (or in this case, again). There was a bit of plot regarding political intrigues (which I wish there had been more of), but it all just seemed too easy. I thought one of the biggest hurdles to overcome, especially from the title, would be Cor not being able to let his yamish mask of ice melt and be himself around her. Aside from one or two little incidents, he pretty much loses all aloof-ness right away and acts completely open around her as soon as they're alone together.

Also, as much as I liked the first chapter, I feel like the storyline could have been a lot more suspenseful if the reader didn't find out Xishi's real identity straight away. It was frustrating having to get through the majority of the book for the main character to find out the secret from her past that we knew from day one.

There could have been way more internal conflict in this story, and also stronger external. I thought the mother disapproving of Xishi would end up being a huge problem, considering she's the person who sent her away in the first place, but it was just kind of brushed over as something she's have to deal with on her own. I feel like the final action scene was written to be exciting and tense, but it just made me sigh and laugh at the silliness of it most of the time.

Overall I give this book 2/5 stars. It wasn't great, but since I'm intrigued by the world and the character of Prince Phandir, who I found way more interesting than the main characters, I'm interested enough to read the sequel, Demon's Fire. Review forthcoming!

I waited eagerly for the Prince of Ice to come out. It was well worth the wait. Ms. Holly does another wonderful job with this demon world. It takes a look at the dirty little secrets of the Yama world. More is revealed. The sex is still pretty hot and the intrigue was fun to figure out before it unfolded. I great read.

I'm not normally into fantasy romance and that's why i gave it three stars. If i had more interest in the genre than i probably would've given it a higher rating.
The plot was interesting, if sometimes confusing. This is an erotica so there's a lot of sex. I like more plot and action in my stories than sex, but i decided to try this book anyway.
The characters are likeable. I wish there was more on the hero. The first couple of chapters are from when they were children, and that made you care for them a lot.
I liked seeing all the personalities of the people in the purple crane place.

Surprisingly hot, I must say. Even if her only apparent reason for writing is to describe "demon" genitalia--well, it could be worse :) I guess romance books have to be fantasy to have any real graphic sex in them.

LOL hilarious man love scene