The Raven & the Lake
ARC Team
ARC applications for Hoarfrost are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied and joined me in sending the first book of The Raven & the Lake into the world.
Welcome to the Lake!
Hoarfrost, Book One of The Raven & the Lake, releases September 15, 2026. The advance reader team for Hoarfrost is now full, and ARC applications are closed.
Thank you to every reader who applied, read, reviewed, shared, and helped send Hoarfrost out into the world.
About the book
Hoarfrost is the first book in a planned six-book epic fantasy romance series, with the first five books already completed in draft form. Inspired by Arthurian legend and Celtic mythology, it blends lyrical prose, immersive worldbuilding, emotionally driven romance, and ancient magic into a story designed for readers who love sinking deeply into a world rather than rushing through one. Expect fiercely devoted heroes, emotionally intense relationships, and romance that grows through loyalty, sacrifice, and fate.
Readers should know
This series contains:
- Written in third-person POV
- Faery and the ley lines carrying its magic are sentient
- Violence
- Mature language
- Romantic and sexual content
- Grief and loss
- Emotional trauma
- Mythological horror
- Dark themes
- Multiple interconnected romantic relationships
Is Hoarfrost a good fit for you?
Hoarfrost is:
- Character-driven
- Epic romantasy
- Celtic mythology
- Ancient gods
- Arthurian legend
- Second-chance fated mates
- Slow-burn romance
- Lyrical, immersive prose
- Found family and interconnected romances
- Morally gray characters
- High emotional intensity
- Political intrigue
- Dual-world fantasy (modern Britain & Faery)
It is not:
- Cozy fantasy
- Rom-com fantasy
- Fast-paced action from page one
- Contemporary romantasy with modern dialogue
- YA fantasy
Hoarfrost rewards patient readers. While danger begins immediately, the story prioritizes atmosphere, relationships, mystery, and worldbuilding alongside its action. Readers who enjoy books by Rachel Gillig, Katherine Arden, Rebecca Ross, Ava Reid, or Juliet Marillier will likely feel at home here.
If you’re looking for cozy fantasy, witty banter, or nonstop action, this may not be the right fit—and that’s okay.
If you love stories that linger long after you’ve closed the book, I’d love to have you along for the journey. This is a story written for readers who enjoy becoming part of a world for the long haul.
The Raven & the Lake has been years in the making, and every reader who chose to step into this world has become part of its story. To everyone who joined the Hoarfrost ARC team, read, reviewed, shared, posted, messaged me at unreasonable hours, or simply told another reader about the Lake—thank you.
May the ravens guide you.
— Rowan Ravenheart
