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breezy610's review against another edition
5.0
Another great book in the series that I adored. I love that Gwe's doesn't have an easy live as a champion because it makes her grow stronger and bright.
rebecca176's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yona260's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kathydavie's review against another edition
3.0
Fourth in the Mythos Academy urban fantasy series for young adults involving Gwen Frost, Nike's Champion.
Be sure to read Gwen's letter to Logan at the back of the book...
My Take
I like this series. Yes, it's a bit clichéd with its underdog protagonist, but I do like the twist Estep puts on Gwen as both unacknowledged champion and underdog. It shocked me to realize this is only the fourth in the series as I feel so much a part of Gwen and her friends. As though I've been reading about them forever. And I mean that in a good way. It's a tribute to how well the author has pulled me in to the storyline.
That said, I am disappointed with this installment. It feels as though Estep let logic out the window in favor of illogical melodramatic tension. What??? They can't figure out a way to prove who is whose champion? Give. Me. A. Break. And I just cannot get over the fact that the Protectorate is completely ignoring signed witness statements. No. No. No. It's no wonder they're all afraid of the Reapers if the good guys are this stupid.
There was no sense of justice being sought. What was with Raven and her attitude? Vivian's claims should have been easy enough to disprove. Why were the other Protectorate agents going along with how Linus handled things? The way in which he exposed Gwen so early while "claiming" that investigations were ongoing? I can only assume "innocent before being proved guilty" is not a part of Pantheon law.
All of Linus' actions---heck, all his words, no matter how he words them---indicate that he's already tried and sentenced his victim. Without ever speaking to her. Or, obviously, anyone else. God forbid he should believe his own son.
The quote that starts there are none so blind...certainly applies to the Protectorate. A caution to not allow one's prejudice to influence what one sees. For great loss would not have occurred, if not for this blindness.
I just don't get it. It makes no sense. The entire process is just so wrong. Arghhh!!!
On the plus side...Logan is so sweet on their first date. And I do love how Logan jumps right in there, as do Gwen's friends.
The Story
Blind prejudice sets a series of catastrophic events in motion.
As Gwen says: "I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we'd gotten into a swordfight or been ambushed by Reapers, I'd have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn't see that one coming. I've been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison---and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan's dad. the worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I'm guilty. If I'm going to get out of this mess alive, I'll have to do it myself…"
The Characters
Gwen Frost is Nike's Champion with the power of psychometry, the magic of touch; she carries a magic sword named Vic, and is a student at Mythos Academy. And she's Logan's Gypsy girl. Nyx is Nott's newborn cub which Gwen is caring for in her dorm at school. Grandma Frost is a former Nike champion and can see into the future.
Logan Quinn is a Spartan and fellow student, who finally came clean with his deep, dark secret. Oliver Hector and Kenzie Tanaka are fellow Spartans and Logan's best friends. The one difference is that Oliver is gay, and while secretly in love with Kenzie, has found a new romance. Kenzie is dating Talia Pizarro, an Amazon.
Daphne Cruz is a Valkyrie with newly discovered healing power, Gwen's best friend, and carries Sigyn's onyx bow and single arrow. She and Carson Callahan, a Celtic band geek who uses the Horn of Roland, are still together. Morgan McDougall, a Valkyrie, appears to be on Gwen's side as well along with Talia.
The teachers at Mythos Academy
Nickamedes, the head librarian at the Library of Antiquities at the school, is Logan's uncle, Gwen's tough and touchy boss, and Gwen's mother's best friend until they fought. He, along with Professor Aurora Metes (wisdom), who was her mom's best friend, Coach Ajax, and Raven, who sells coffee at the library, make up Mythos Academy's security council.
Helena Paxton is a bitchy Amazon student---the new mean-girl---who will stop at nothing to hurt Gwen.
The Protectorate
The Protectorate is the police force for the mythological world.
Linus Quinn is the head of the Protectorate and Logan's dad. Never satisfied with his son. Agrona is Logan's stepmother and Linus' right hand in the Protectorate and on the academy board. Sergei Sokolov, a Bogatyr, and Inari Sato, a ninja, are fellow agents. Alexei Sokolov is Sergei's son, and a Bogatyr as well, and has been pulled in to play Gwen's guard while they investigate her.
Reapers of Chaos are the followers of Loki, the Norse god of mischief and chaos. Gwen was compelled to free him in Dark Frost.
Vivian Holler was the student in Dark Frost, who turned out to be Loki's Champion and forced Gwen to free him. Lucretia is Vivian's sword and an old enemy of Vic's.
Mythos Academy is a boarding school for the children of the Pantheon. Vikings, Valkyrie, Amazons, Romans, ninjas, Bogatyrs, all the mythological warriors of the world send their children to Mythos and other similar schools to learn about their world and how to protect it and themselves against their enemies. Nike is the Greek goddess of victory.
The Cover
The cover has a softness to it. All browns and pinks with a softly determined, violet-eyed Gwen staring out at us wearing the snowflake necklace given her by Logan, and one of the gryphon statues that helped her, standing a fearsome guard behind her left shoulder.
The title is the blood drawn, physically and metaphysically from young Gwen, the Crimson Frost that will see her life change dramatically.
Be sure to read Gwen's letter to Logan at the back of the book...
My Take
I like this series. Yes, it's a bit clichéd with its underdog protagonist, but I do like the twist Estep puts on Gwen as both unacknowledged champion and underdog. It shocked me to realize this is only the fourth in the series as I feel so much a part of Gwen and her friends. As though I've been reading about them forever. And I mean that in a good way. It's a tribute to how well the author has pulled me in to the storyline.
That said, I am disappointed with this installment. It feels as though Estep let logic out the window in favor of illogical melodramatic tension. What??? They can't figure out a way to prove who is whose champion? Give. Me. A. Break. And I just cannot get over the fact that the Protectorate is completely ignoring signed witness statements. No. No. No. It's no wonder they're all afraid of the Reapers if the good guys are this stupid.
There was no sense of justice being sought. What was with Raven and her attitude? Vivian's claims should have been easy enough to disprove. Why were the other Protectorate agents going along with how Linus handled things? The way in which he exposed Gwen so early while "claiming" that investigations were ongoing? I can only assume "innocent before being proved guilty" is not a part of Pantheon law.
All of Linus' actions---heck, all his words, no matter how he words them---indicate that he's already tried and sentenced his victim. Without ever speaking to her. Or, obviously, anyone else. God forbid he should believe his own son.
The quote that starts there are none so blind...certainly applies to the Protectorate. A caution to not allow one's prejudice to influence what one sees. For great loss would not have occurred, if not for this blindness.
I just don't get it. It makes no sense. The entire process is just so wrong. Arghhh!!!
On the plus side...Logan is so sweet on their first date. And I do love how Logan jumps right in there, as do Gwen's friends.
The Story
Blind prejudice sets a series of catastrophic events in motion.
As Gwen says: "I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we'd gotten into a swordfight or been ambushed by Reapers, I'd have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn't see that one coming. I've been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison---and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan's dad. the worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I'm guilty. If I'm going to get out of this mess alive, I'll have to do it myself…"
The Characters
Gwen Frost is Nike's Champion with the power of psychometry, the magic of touch; she carries a magic sword named Vic, and is a student at Mythos Academy. And she's Logan's Gypsy girl. Nyx is Nott's newborn cub which Gwen is caring for in her dorm at school. Grandma Frost is a former Nike champion and can see into the future.
Logan Quinn is a Spartan and fellow student, who finally came clean with his deep, dark secret. Oliver Hector and Kenzie Tanaka are fellow Spartans and Logan's best friends. The one difference is that Oliver is gay, and while secretly in love with Kenzie, has found a new romance. Kenzie is dating Talia Pizarro, an Amazon.
Daphne Cruz is a Valkyrie with newly discovered healing power, Gwen's best friend, and carries Sigyn's onyx bow and single arrow. She and Carson Callahan, a Celtic band geek who uses the Horn of Roland, are still together. Morgan McDougall, a Valkyrie, appears to be on Gwen's side as well along with Talia.
The teachers at Mythos Academy
Nickamedes, the head librarian at the Library of Antiquities at the school, is Logan's uncle, Gwen's tough and touchy boss, and Gwen's mother's best friend until they fought. He, along with Professor Aurora Metes (wisdom), who was her mom's best friend, Coach Ajax, and Raven, who sells coffee at the library, make up Mythos Academy's security council.
Helena Paxton is a bitchy Amazon student---the new mean-girl---who will stop at nothing to hurt Gwen.
The Protectorate
The Protectorate is the police force for the mythological world.
Linus Quinn is the head of the Protectorate and Logan's dad. Never satisfied with his son. Agrona is Logan's stepmother and Linus' right hand in the Protectorate and on the academy board. Sergei Sokolov, a Bogatyr, and Inari Sato, a ninja, are fellow agents. Alexei Sokolov is Sergei's son, and a Bogatyr as well, and has been pulled in to play Gwen's guard while they investigate her.
Reapers of Chaos are the followers of Loki, the Norse god of mischief and chaos. Gwen was compelled to free him in Dark Frost.
Vivian Holler was the student in Dark Frost, who turned out to be Loki's Champion and forced Gwen to free him. Lucretia is Vivian's sword and an old enemy of Vic's.
Mythos Academy is a boarding school for the children of the Pantheon. Vikings, Valkyrie, Amazons, Romans, ninjas, Bogatyrs, all the mythological warriors of the world send their children to Mythos and other similar schools to learn about their world and how to protect it and themselves against their enemies. Nike is the Greek goddess of victory.
The Cover
The cover has a softness to it. All browns and pinks with a softly determined, violet-eyed Gwen staring out at us wearing the snowflake necklace given her by Logan, and one of the gryphon statues that helped her, standing a fearsome guard behind her left shoulder.
The title is the blood drawn, physically and metaphysically from young Gwen, the Crimson Frost that will see her life change dramatically.
ingo_lembcke's review against another edition
5.0
Interesting turn with the romance in the end, just my kind of book.
Also not too much romance, good fight scenes, as with the other books.
The developing character of Gwen, the MC, is believable, not too whiney and not too unsure, at least not the whole time, although she tends to struggle with her decisions - making her more humane in my eyes. She does not kill easily and is not easily killed, but if need be she does not shy away from self-sacrifice.
Highly recommended and for me the best yet in the series, which I will certainly read till it ends.
Also not too much romance, good fight scenes, as with the other books.
The developing character of Gwen, the MC, is believable, not too whiney and not too unsure, at least not the whole time, although she tends to struggle with her decisions - making her more humane in my eyes. She does not kill easily and is not easily killed, but if need be she does not shy away from self-sacrifice.
Highly recommended and for me the best yet in the series, which I will certainly read till it ends.
yukarin's review against another edition
4.0
The story was taking directions I was suspecting it would go. Gwen got quite on my nerves sometimes but her development through the books helped her to be more realistic and less annoying than in the previous books.
sarahs_booklove's review against another edition
5.0
Okay okay okay, ich muss zugeben, den Plottwist am Anfang habe ich wirklich nicht kommen sehen, aber ich fand alles was damit einherging unglaublich spannend! Die ganze Dynamik, die sich dadurch in dem Buch ergeben hat und einfach die Spannung und das Mitfiebern haben mir unglaublich gut gefallen, ich hätte echt nicht damit gerechnet, dass mich die Reihe noch so sehr überraschen kann! Ich liebe alles an der Reihe und habe die Charaktere sehr in mein Herz geschlossen. Und ratet was ich als nächstes lese? Es gibt nur eine richtige Antwort!
renuked's review against another edition
4.0
I started this series because I didn't really have much else to read. I continued because of the characters, not really the plot. But now it's because I want to know what happens next! Gwen has progressed so far and I am thrilled by the mythology and fantasy.
Gwen is still suffering under crippling self-doubt after the disastrous events of book three. And to make things worse, she has now been arrested to "answer for her crimes." Some of how the investigation was held was definitely unrealistic - but oh well. Gwen is now trying to battle through her trial and manage to defeat Loki's reapers at the same time. Plus, now her entire school hates her. That was pretty frustrating as she wants to save them. Ah Gwen.
A lot of it was a little stagnant, I mean, not much was happening during her trial. But the end was quite the epic showdown. I was hooked throughout the last 25% of the book. Poor Logan, of course there had to be more drama there. It's not like they can have an easy relationship. But I'm a little happy too, because otherwise it's just boring.
I'm really liking how the world is shaping up, with all the different brazen characters being added to Gwen's team and all the new artifacts. I love seeing the new abilities emerging, and seeing where the author is taking each of them individually and as a team. I wish they could leave the school campus a bit more, it's almost as if the whole thing is in this little self-contained world, but we know that Loki plans to cause chaos all over the world right? And how do you stop a god from within a school setting? But other than the unchanging setting, I am really glad I picked this series up - it's exciting!
PS. Yeah the covers and titles are bad. Don't judge them.
Gwen is still suffering under crippling self-doubt after the disastrous events of book three. And to make things worse, she has now been arrested to "answer for her crimes." Some of how the investigation was held was definitely unrealistic - but oh well. Gwen is now trying to battle through her trial and manage to defeat Loki's reapers at the same time. Plus, now her entire school hates her. That was pretty frustrating as she wants to save them. Ah Gwen.
A lot of it was a little stagnant, I mean, not much was happening during her trial. But the end was quite the epic showdown. I was hooked throughout the last 25% of the book. Poor Logan, of course there had to be more drama there. It's not like they can have an easy relationship. But I'm a little happy too, because otherwise it's just boring.
I'm really liking how the world is shaping up, with all the different brazen characters being added to Gwen's team and all the new artifacts. I love seeing the new abilities emerging, and seeing where the author is taking each of them individually and as a team. I wish they could leave the school campus a bit more, it's almost as if the whole thing is in this little self-contained world, but we know that Loki plans to cause chaos all over the world right? And how do you stop a god from within a school setting? But other than the unchanging setting, I am really glad I picked this series up - it's exciting!
PS. Yeah the covers and titles are bad. Don't judge them.
squirrelsohno's review against another edition
5.0
Just a warning, but this is going to be spoiler-rific for the previous three books in the Mythos Academy series – TOUCH OF FROST, KISS OF FROST, and DARK FROST. I tried to not be spoiler-y with my review of book three and that totally did not work, so instead, I wanted to be able to give fans of the series a great reason why they should be reading this book right now.
So you’ve read books 1 through 3?
Are you sure?
Okay, we can continue on with this review. Just be warned, I will spoil the synopsis if the synopsis hasn’t done that for you.
Ready? Good.
Oh. My. Sweet. Butter cream.
The previous books have given us a great deal of set up for this strange world of Gods, Goddesses, and warriors chosen to protect the world from the return of the evil God Loki, who was up until the end of DARK FROST locked up – until Vivian Holler, Loki’s champion, tricked our heroine Gwen into releasing Loki. Gwen’s life has returned to some semblance of normality, up until she’s pegged for being the one responsible for letting Loki go and condemning the world to a very unfortunate fate.
This book is admittedly a guilty pleasure for me. It is not the most complex story I’ve ever read, nor the best written, nor the most original. At times it is rather predictable and mundane, and Gwen can be insufferable. But do you know what? CRIMSON FROST proved to me that this is one of my favorite series. It overcomes all the difficulties hanging over its head and turns out to be an epic tale combining kick butt action and swoony romance.
CRIMSON FROST picks up a short time after DARK FROST ends, and within pages we are thrust into the story. The entire series takes place over the space of a few months, meaning we watch relationships grow and fade at a natural pace, including Gwen’s romance with Logan. Finally, we get our lovebirds together. And that’s not a spoiler for the book considering it’s in the synopsis.
The tension only ratchets up from there. We have mystery, intrigue, a whodunit, and as I said, a lot of action and swoony moments. Estep is a very effective writer of action, and in CRIMSON FROST, we have a lot of it. In fact, this is one of the most action-packed books I’ve read all year. A lot of stuff hits the fan, and Gwen’s own emotions are thrown through a loop over and over again as she’s forced to piece together the clues and get herself out of a VERY tight spot.
Gwen remains a very admirable character, complete with flaws (she’s very naïve sometimes – and oblivious… well, she has a FEW flaws) and hardships. And I love my heroines snarky and bold. And Logan? He’s one of the very few bad boys I can stand. That’s a big compliment coming from me.
This series is not a life changer. It’s one of the few cases where I will let a number of instances slide just because I personally have so much fun reading it. There are stereotypes galore, from mean girls to Russians to rich kids. The double cross was pretty obvious from early on. The ridiculousness of this series is as present as ever. But you know what? I love every single moment of it, ridiculous moments and all. And I will keep reading these series, tearing through the pages, savoring every moment, because it is my guilty pleasure.
VERDICT: CRIMSON FROST holds a spot in my heart as a guilty pleasure read – a guilty pleasure that I LOVE when I know that I probably shouldn’t love it as much as I do. It’s action-packed and a thrill-ride full of swoony moments and snark. The Mythos Academy series is a must read for light hearted paranormal action.
So you’ve read books 1 through 3?
Are you sure?
Okay, we can continue on with this review. Just be warned, I will spoil the synopsis if the synopsis hasn’t done that for you.
Ready? Good.
Oh. My. Sweet. Butter cream.
The previous books have given us a great deal of set up for this strange world of Gods, Goddesses, and warriors chosen to protect the world from the return of the evil God Loki, who was up until the end of DARK FROST locked up – until Vivian Holler, Loki’s champion, tricked our heroine Gwen into releasing Loki. Gwen’s life has returned to some semblance of normality, up until she’s pegged for being the one responsible for letting Loki go and condemning the world to a very unfortunate fate.
This book is admittedly a guilty pleasure for me. It is not the most complex story I’ve ever read, nor the best written, nor the most original. At times it is rather predictable and mundane, and Gwen can be insufferable. But do you know what? CRIMSON FROST proved to me that this is one of my favorite series. It overcomes all the difficulties hanging over its head and turns out to be an epic tale combining kick butt action and swoony romance.
CRIMSON FROST picks up a short time after DARK FROST ends, and within pages we are thrust into the story. The entire series takes place over the space of a few months, meaning we watch relationships grow and fade at a natural pace, including Gwen’s romance with Logan. Finally, we get our lovebirds together. And that’s not a spoiler for the book considering it’s in the synopsis.
The tension only ratchets up from there. We have mystery, intrigue, a whodunit, and as I said, a lot of action and swoony moments. Estep is a very effective writer of action, and in CRIMSON FROST, we have a lot of it. In fact, this is one of the most action-packed books I’ve read all year. A lot of stuff hits the fan, and Gwen’s own emotions are thrown through a loop over and over again as she’s forced to piece together the clues and get herself out of a VERY tight spot.
Gwen remains a very admirable character, complete with flaws (she’s very naïve sometimes – and oblivious… well, she has a FEW flaws) and hardships. And I love my heroines snarky and bold. And Logan? He’s one of the very few bad boys I can stand. That’s a big compliment coming from me.
This series is not a life changer. It’s one of the few cases where I will let a number of instances slide just because I personally have so much fun reading it. There are stereotypes galore, from mean girls to Russians to rich kids. The double cross was pretty obvious from early on. The ridiculousness of this series is as present as ever. But you know what? I love every single moment of it, ridiculous moments and all. And I will keep reading these series, tearing through the pages, savoring every moment, because it is my guilty pleasure.
VERDICT: CRIMSON FROST holds a spot in my heart as a guilty pleasure read – a guilty pleasure that I LOVE when I know that I probably shouldn’t love it as much as I do. It’s action-packed and a thrill-ride full of swoony moments and snark. The Mythos Academy series is a must read for light hearted paranormal action.
lisa_sutto's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I'm on book 4 and although I still struggle with the repetition (yup, four books in and the style hasn't changed) I have to admit at this point I'm pretty hooked on the story. Like it is getting reasonably gritty. I NEED to know what happens to these people. Where is Logan? What is Loki and his cronies up to after their failed mission? Will Gwen stop being a child? Can Vivian be stopped?!
No, I'm sorry for the Gwen comment. I have to admit her character has grown immensely in such a short period of time but I still find myself questioning her thought processes.
All in all, I have to continue the series... I just have to.
I'm on book 4 and although I still struggle with the repetition (yup, four books in and the style hasn't changed) I have to admit at this point I'm pretty hooked on the story. Like it is getting reasonably gritty. I NEED to know what happens to these people. Where is Logan? What is Loki and his cronies up to after their failed mission? Will Gwen stop being a child? Can Vivian be stopped?!
No, I'm sorry for the Gwen comment. I have to admit her character has grown immensely in such a short period of time but I still find myself questioning her thought processes.
All in all, I have to continue the series... I just have to.