15 Fantasy Books Set In Arctic Worlds
There’s something hypnotically beautiful about the Arctic—a place of glittering ice, endless snow, and fierce wilderness where survival is both a triumph and a challenge. It’s the perfect backdrop for stories filled with high-stakes magic, forbidden romance, and brave quests into the unknown. From icy palaces and frost-covered forests to ancient myths born in the cold, these books capture the allure of the frozen north.
Ready to get chills in the best possible way? Bundle up and dive into these 15 fantasy books that transport you to enchanting, frost-bitten worlds.
1. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
🌲 A spellbinding tale of folklore and magic in the Russian wilderness.
Vasya lives on the edge of the wilderness, where winter stretches long and legends come alive. When dark forces threaten her village, she must embrace ancient magic to protect her family.
💭 Why it’s captivating: Arden’s lush prose paints a mesmerizing portrait of icy forests and mystical beings. The tension between folklore and faith adds an irresistible layer to the story.
2. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
❄️ A glittering retelling of “Rumpelstiltskin” with a frosty twist.
Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, turns silver into gold—but her success catches the attention of the icy Staryk king. What follows is a tale of courage, bargains, and unexpected love.
💭 Why it mesmerizes: Novik weaves a wintry wonderland filled with enchanting magic and fierce heroines. The icy tension between Miryem and the Staryk king? Absolute perfection.
3. Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
🎻 A haunting love story set in an icy underground labyrinth.
Liesl has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful sister. But when her sister is taken by the mysterious Goblin King, Liesl must journey into a frozen underworld to win her back—and face her own desires.
💭 Why it enthralls: The sensual tension between Liesl and the Goblin King sizzles against the icy backdrop. A dark, swoon-worthy fairy tale you won’t forget.
4. Northern Wrath by Thilde Kold Holdt
⚔️ Norse mythology meets epic fantasy in a snow-covered land.
The gods are fading, and a brutal war looms. In the cold north, warriors, seers, and shieldmaidens must rise to protect their world and revive the ancient magic of the gods.
💭 Why it grips: The fierce, frostbitten landscapes and powerful characters make this a thrilling read for fans of Norse mythology and epic battles.
5. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
🌋 An icy world on the brink of destruction.
In a world plagued by cataclysmic events, Essun must navigate a fractured society and a brutal winter as she searches for her daughter.
💭 Why it stands out: Jemisin’s world-building is breathtaking, and the harsh, wintry landscape adds a layer of tension to an already gripping story.
6. Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
❄️ A rebellion in a kingdom frozen by magic.
Meira, an orphan and warrior, dreams of freeing her people from the clutches of a tyrannical ruler who has cast their land into eternal winter.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The fierce heroine and vivid descriptions of a frostbitten kingdom make this a thrilling adventure filled with hope and resilience.
7. Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
⚔️ A tale of love and betrayal in a cold, Viking-inspired world.
Eelyn is a fierce warrior who lives by the sword. But when she discovers her brother fighting for the enemy, everything she knows is turned upside down.
💭 Why it resonates: The icy landscape and intense battles mirror Eelyn’s inner turmoil. The slow-burn romance is the perfect touch of warmth in a cold world.
8. The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
🎼 A chilling tale of music, ambition, and a magical parallel world.
Nannerl Mozart dreams of being remembered as a composer, but in a world that only celebrates her brother, she makes a dangerous deal with a mysterious boy from a magical, frost-covered kingdom.
💭 Why it’s magical: The blend of historical fiction and icy fantasy creates a beautifully haunting story of ambition and sacrifice.
9. Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
🪐 A wild, otherworldly romance on a frozen alien planet.
Georgie never expected to be stranded on an icy planet filled with blue-skinned aliens. But when a fierce warrior named Vektal claims her as his mate, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways.
💭 Why it heats up: The sizzling romance and the harsh, icy setting make this a page-turner that’s equal parts steamy and adventurous.
10. White Fox by Sara Faring
🦊 A chilling mystery set on a wintry, enigmatic island.
Two sisters return to a remote island to uncover the truth about their mother’s disappearance. What they find is a world of secrets, snow, and a legendary manuscript.
💭 Why it intrigues: The atmospheric setting and haunting plot twists make this a gripping read perfect for winter nights.
11. Frostblood by Elly Blake
🔥 A fierce battle between fire and ice.
Ruby is a Fireblood, hunted for her power in a world ruled by Frostbloods. When she joins a rebellion, she must harness her powers and face a dangerous, icy enemy.
💭 Why it captivates: The elemental magic and forbidden romance create a thrilling, frost-covered adventure.
12. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
🌌 A groundbreaking classic set on an icy alien world.
Genly Ai is sent to a planet covered in ice, where the inhabitants defy traditional gender roles. As he navigates a treacherous political landscape, he forms a deep bond with a local guide.
💭 Why it’s iconic: Le Guin’s exploration of gender and humanity set against a frozen backdrop makes this a timeless masterpiece.
13. Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw
🌲 A magical, snow-covered forest filled with secrets.
Nora Walker comes from a long line of witches who are connected to the haunted woods surrounding their town. When a boy is found in the snow, their fates become intertwined.
💭 Why it’s enchanting: The eerie, frostbitten atmosphere and slow-burning romance create a spellbinding read.
14. Dark Matter by Michelle Paver
🌌 A chilling ghost story set in the Arctic.
A group of explorers embarks on an Arctic expedition, but as the darkness closes in, they realize they are not alone.
💭 Why it haunts: The icy landscape and eerie tension make this a spine-tingling tale that will stay with you long after the last page.
15. His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik
🐉 Dragons, war, and an icy frontier.
Captain Will Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire, face battles not only in the skies but also in freezing, dangerous terrains.
💭 Why it thrills: The bond between Laurence and Temeraire combined with the wintry setting creates a story of loyalty and adventure.
Embrace the Chill of Adventure ❄️📚
Whether it’s a kingdom locked in eternal winter or a daring journey through icy wilderness, these fantasy books offer unforgettable stories that will transport you to breathtaking Arctic worlds.
Have you read any frost-covered fantasies that chilled and thrilled you? Share your favorites below—I’m always eager to discover more enchanting reads!
