Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
This review was originally posted on Books and Ladders
I don't even know where to start with this. This is a spin-off (I guess?) of the Trylle series and I highly recommend you read that series first if you are planning on reading it at all or else you will be spoiled for the entire Trylle series by reading this book (and probably the rest, but I wouldn't know because I have not gotten there yet).
One thing that Amanda Hocking does really well (in my opinion) is to have something bigger and broader happening than what we are seeing real time. There is always a large overarching plot that is affecting the characters' day to day life. And I think this one has been wonderfully constructed. There is enough information in the prologue to give you the understanding of why Bryn is so conflicted during the entirety of the novel.
Bryn was a great character. I loved how she stood by her convictions, even if they went against the grain of what everyone else in the story wanted. I really enjoyed that she was so adamant about some things being necessary and so great but being so conflicted about them at the same time. She doubted a lot of the traditions but at the same time wanted to uphold them. It was a really interesting internal struggle to read because it is a reflection of how people truly act.
I enjoyed Ridley. I think I will forever love any character who is named Ridley because of Ridley Duchannes (Caster Chronicles) so he had that going for him before we even really met him. But after we did, I was hooked. I always enjoy the romance more when both sides are so adamant about not falling in love or settling down and then slowly they realize that it is because they only want to do that with each other. I'm also really glad that we got another true love dancing scene in this one. *sighs*
The world building for this one expanded upon what we already saw in the Trylle series so it wasn't as much detail as we probably would have gotten if this had been something "new" in that sense. (Another reason I think you should read the other series first) But it did tell us much more about the Kanin tribe and their beliefs so that was pretty interesting -- I really liked how Bryn explained the story of the five tribes to Linel since it was a little different from how Finn explained it to Wendy. I thought that it was interesting to see the different cultures and how they all started to mix together.
Overall: 4/5 I loved this one but thought it could have used just a tad more world building. And the actual ending was a little boring compared to what had happened just pages before so it left me a little disappointed. But I am trying to find Ice Kissed right meow so you know I'm not too worried.
I don't even know where to start with this. This is a spin-off (I guess?) of the Trylle series and I highly recommend you read that series first if you are planning on reading it at all or else you will be spoiled for the entire Trylle series by reading this book (and probably the rest, but I wouldn't know because I have not gotten there yet).
One thing that Amanda Hocking does really well (in my opinion) is to have something bigger and broader happening than what we are seeing real time. There is always a large overarching plot that is affecting the characters' day to day life. And I think this one has been wonderfully constructed. There is enough information in the prologue to give you the understanding of why Bryn is so conflicted during the entirety of the novel.
Bryn was a great character. I loved how she stood by her convictions, even if they went against the grain of what everyone else in the story wanted. I really enjoyed that she was so adamant about some things being necessary and so great but being so conflicted about them at the same time. She doubted a lot of the traditions but at the same time wanted to uphold them. It was a really interesting internal struggle to read because it is a reflection of how people truly act.
I enjoyed Ridley. I think I will forever love any character who is named Ridley because of Ridley Duchannes (Caster Chronicles) so he had that going for him before we even really met him. But after we did, I was hooked. I always enjoy the romance more when both sides are so adamant about not falling in love or settling down and then slowly they realize that it is because they only want to do that with each other. I'm also really glad that we got another true love dancing scene in this one. *sighs*
The world building for this one expanded upon what we already saw in the Trylle series so it wasn't as much detail as we probably would have gotten if this had been something "new" in that sense. (Another reason I think you should read the other series first) But it did tell us much more about the Kanin tribe and their beliefs so that was pretty interesting -- I really liked how Bryn explained the story of the five tribes to Linel since it was a little different from how Finn explained it to Wendy. I thought that it was interesting to see the different cultures and how they all started to mix together.
Overall: 4/5 I loved this one but thought it could have used just a tad more world building. And the actual ending was a little boring compared to what had happened just pages before so it left me a little disappointed. But I am trying to find Ice Kissed right meow so you know I'm not too worried.
Actual rating: 3.5
This is way better than the first book of the Trylle series. Unlike Wendy, Bryn is actually a likable heroine. She's fiercely dedicated to her work as a tracker and her Kingdom even though she's treated differently because of her heritage. It was soooo great not having romance be such a huge focal point in the story. I hated that about Hocking's other book Switched. The mystery was actually interesting and kept me guessing the entire time though tbh the ending was a bit of a let down. Though the whole troll aspect of the story is interesting, and I like that there are different tribes with specialized abilities, the world building overall was meh, surface-level at best.
This is way better than the first book of the Trylle series. Unlike Wendy, Bryn is actually a likable heroine. She's fiercely dedicated to her work as a tracker and her Kingdom even though she's treated differently because of her heritage. It was soooo great not having romance be such a huge focal point in the story. I hated that about Hocking's other book Switched. The mystery was actually interesting and kept me guessing the entire time though tbh the ending was a bit of a let down. Though the whole troll aspect of the story is interesting, and I like that there are different tribes with specialized abilities, the world building overall was meh, surface-level at best.
This book (series) has quite an interesting concept and vision on trolls, but I must admit that it was quite confusing for a big part of the book as there’s so much information to soak in and yet they want you to follow along with the actual story. It got a bit much at times.
I found the character of Bryn quite realistic for her society. She’s very conflicted about her duties versus her desires, and characters like that always fascinate me because I love to see that struggle. I guess I’m messed up that way, I just want to see them be human.
This story very much centers all around her and I’ve seen too little of the other characters to make a good judgement about them, honestly. I always find it hard to analyse characters, especially since the story is told in the POV of one person and we’re following her perspective and opinions. It’s part of the fun, but it can get complicated when it’s going against your own views.
FULL REVIEW: https://melgoethals.wordpress.com/2016/02/29/frostfire/
I found the character of Bryn quite realistic for her society. She’s very conflicted about her duties versus her desires, and characters like that always fascinate me because I love to see that struggle. I guess I’m messed up that way, I just want to see them be human.
This story very much centers all around her and I’ve seen too little of the other characters to make a good judgement about them, honestly. I always find it hard to analyse characters, especially since the story is told in the POV of one person and we’re following her perspective and opinions. It’s part of the fun, but it can get complicated when it’s going against your own views.
FULL REVIEW: https://melgoethals.wordpress.com/2016/02/29/frostfire/
But even though I had problems buying the whole 'changeling' thing, I was going to rate this higher. Until I got to the 'ending'. Nothing happened in the book. the story is in the same place it started (except a few more people are dead or kidnapped). None of the problems from the beginning of the story are resolved but there's hints about some 'conspiracy'. There's no conclusion to any part of the story and there was no character growth.
And our main character constantly mentions that's she's an outcast in her hometown because she's the only one with blonde hair and blue eyes (well, except her mother). But still all these boys in the story keep flirting with her or kissing her when their girlfriend isn't around. And she's so boring. She constantly explains everything. Like 'when I get cold, I put a sweater on. So since I'm cold now I put on my sweater.' Not an exact quote but similar banalities everywhere.
I won't be recommending this one in my library. And I probably won't read the rest of the series. Oh well, on to the next book.
I was pleasantly surprised! I have read a lot of Amanda Hocking books and I've barely liked any of them. I can't even remember most of the plots! Frostfire was pleasantly surprising. I loved the main character, Bryn, loved the addicting story line, and adored the romance. God, that part was amazing. It's definitely an improvement from her Wake series (which I was not a fan of) and her Trylle series (which was okay). Needless to say, I really think that Hocking's writing has improved throughout the years.
Let's start with Bryn, the main character. I loved her. She definitely had her flaws (but let's face it, who doesn't?) but I think she makes up for it with an amazing strength. For example, she's way too obsessed with her work but she is damn good at it. She is very close minded at times but she is also really determined. See what I mean? Bryn is no Mary Sue in my opinion. She is so different from all the other Hocking protagonists I've read. It was really fun to read from her perspective.
The actual plot was so cool. It was mostly rising action to prepare for the next books but it was still pretty good. One of the people from Bryn's past comes back to haunt her and is stalking the changelings. The entire book revolves around figuring out what is happening. I liked it. It was fun and addicting. All I wanted to do was figure out what was going on with the changelings! There was a little too much building up and a lot of world building but it didn't impede the story. One thing I strongly disliked though was the climax.It lasted for, like, two seconds! Viktor comes out of nowhere and commands Konstantin to kill Bryn. In the next line, she gets knocked out and it turns to black. Then it jumps immediately to the next scene. I did not read 300 some pages to get two seconds of action.
Now for my favorite part: the romance. I'll admit, I am a complete sucker for romance stories. I can't get enough of them. There does come a point where romance becomes repetitive and overcomes the entire plot. (I'm looking at you, Ignite Me) It feels like all romances are the same at some point. This romance, though. IT WAS SO GOOD. It was a slow, angsty burn. By the end, I was mentally screaming for Ridley and Bryn to kiss. It didn't take over the plot but it had me wanting more. There were a lot of heated glances but Bryn never lets that get in the way of her work. I can totally get behind her for that. She's nineteen and it just wouldn't be right for her character to just throw all her hard work aside for a boy. The angst, though. The romance was well done. It was definitely my favorite part of the story because it had me rooting for the characters to get together. Ridley and Bryn forever!
Frostfire was definitely surprising. I did not expect such a good story from Amanda Hocking but I'm glad her writing has improved. I am so excited to read the next few books!
Let's start with Bryn, the main character. I loved her. She definitely had her flaws (but let's face it, who doesn't?) but I think she makes up for it with an amazing strength. For example, she's way too obsessed with her work but she is damn good at it. She is very close minded at times but she is also really determined. See what I mean? Bryn is no Mary Sue in my opinion. She is so different from all the other Hocking protagonists I've read. It was really fun to read from her perspective.
The actual plot was so cool. It was mostly rising action to prepare for the next books but it was still pretty good. One of the people from Bryn's past comes back to haunt her and is stalking the changelings. The entire book revolves around figuring out what is happening. I liked it. It was fun and addicting. All I wanted to do was figure out what was going on with the changelings! There was a little too much building up and a lot of world building but it didn't impede the story. One thing I strongly disliked though was the climax.
Now for my favorite part: the romance. I'll admit, I am a complete sucker for romance stories. I can't get enough of them. There does come a point where romance becomes repetitive and overcomes the entire plot. (I'm looking at you, Ignite Me) It feels like all romances are the same at some point. This romance, though. IT WAS SO GOOD. It was a slow, angsty burn. By the end, I was mentally screaming for Ridley and Bryn to kiss. It didn't take over the plot but it had me wanting more. There were a lot of heated glances but Bryn never lets that get in the way of her work. I can totally get behind her for that. She's nineteen and it just wouldn't be right for her character to just throw all her hard work aside for a boy. The angst, though. The romance was well done. It was definitely my favorite part of the story because it had me rooting for the characters to get together. Ridley and Bryn forever!
Frostfire was definitely surprising. I did not expect such a good story from Amanda Hocking but I'm glad her writing has improved. I am so excited to read the next few books!
Review:
Bryn is a tracker whose most important goal is to become a member of the Kings guard. It's not easy however as Bryn is an outcast among her people, the most powerful of the troll tribes. All her plans for the future is put on hold when Konstantin a former hero she once loved start to abduct changelings.
She also struggled to fight off the attraction she feels toward her boss Ridley Dresden.
I liked this story. It was a very interesting world, once which I've come to realize is a spin off of the 'Trylle Series'. Luckily it wasn't hard to follow the story as there weren't any references to a previous book. I've decided to try and read the other series though before continuing with this one, just to make sure I haven't missed anything.
Bryn is a tracker whose most important goal is to become a member of the Kings guard. It's not easy however as Bryn is an outcast among her people, the most powerful of the troll tribes. All her plans for the future is put on hold when Konstantin a former hero she once loved start to abduct changelings.
She also struggled to fight off the attraction she feels toward her boss Ridley Dresden.
I liked this story. It was a very interesting world, once which I've come to realize is a spin off of the 'Trylle Series'. Luckily it wasn't hard to follow the story as there weren't any references to a previous book. I've decided to try and read the other series though before continuing with this one, just to make sure I haven't missed anything.
Not as good as the original trilogy, but still really good!
I loved getting back in this world. And I loved seeing the characters from the other series.
There were signs that indicated that Frostfire could be a game-changing book. The characters were trolls, a mythological creature we never see in the YA-fantasy landscape, a determined heroine who is resolute in her goals despite being disadvantaged by her mixed heritage, a forbidden romance, and perhaps a great adventure with a dash of mystery and self-growth. Frostfire seemingly ticked all the boxes of an enjoyable, light-hearted read. As a reader, you learn that some books have these elements that will entice you to read it - 'strong female characters', romances that flourish, a fantastical world that immerses us, a compelling premise - but it does not necessarily make it a good book. A book is like a cake: a cake may appear delicious with its cream-cheese icing and chocolate flakes, but if the cake itself doesn't taste good, it is not a good cake. Unfortunately, that is the case with Frostfire.
Frostfire by Amanda Hocking is a book brimming with potential. It faces in the right direction with all its ambitious ideas but none of that is evidenced in the novel. Twenty percent into the book, there was an abundance of exposition that felt meaningless and irrelevant to the wider story. I felt lost in Hocking's world, I felt completely disconnected from it. The writing offers vague clues, but when piecing it together, smoke felt more intelligible. There comes a point when exposition begins to feel like a distraction from the wider picture, like a semblance of depth. Only when the main character provides a history lesson to a character as clueless as us do newcomers learn more about the Kanin, Trylle, and Skojare troll societies. Only then does it feel like the book is developing an iota of structure.
Though, by then many of the book's shortcomings were beginning to manifest, which snowballs into consequential flaws that are impossible to overlook.
Feeling invested in the book and its characters felt impossible. After the prologue, which showed promise and spurs the main character on a path of vengeance, the plot loses momentum. Nothing happens for most of the book; no plot development nor character development, and most of the narrative is pointless. Bryn, the main character and narrator, is a typical YA heroine whose characterization is centred on being kickass and badass but has no substance or dimension whatsoever, other than being self-righteous and nauseatingly naive (whether she is intentionally naive is unclear, which strikes me as a problem). Whilst I have no problems with flawed characters, there is nothing redeeming about Bryn that balances her out to be a well-rounded, complex character. Worse, rather than being shown these good personal qualities through storytelling, secondary characters (her mentor, friends, family) were treated as tools to convince the reader that Bryn is a cornucopia of strengths and qualities.
(Would you believe it if I told you that Ridley is the love interest?)
The different troll species were difficult to discern from one another and the construction of their societies and politics was uninspired. More so, the trolls are evidently not very troll-like. Aside from having changelings, their Scandinavian roots, being closely connected to nature, and possessing powers, what makes them trolls? They look human, even in the presence of other trolls. The Kanin trolls swindle human trust funds intended for their children (who are actually trolls; the real children are dumped in orphanages) as a means to sustain their economy, and this duplicity is not remotely explored or questioned. The only word of it is when Bryn feels anxious that the individual she is charged with may not trust her and society for it. It thus begs the question: why trolls? Contrived novelty is not a good reason.
Also, what is it, exactly, with Bryn being an 'outcast' and 'inferior' despite her being white-skinned, blonde, blue-eyed, and attractive? So the novel touches briefly on implicit prejudice, and how her mixed heritage made it difficult to succeed. But white-skinned, blonde, blue-eyed and attractive - was that supposed to be ironic? Do not tell me that the troll society perceive these traits to be lesser traits - it is poor taste and facile. Frostfire could have been an avenue to explore mixed-race heritage and identity, or being part of a society that disadvantages you for something inherent and innate. Really Hocking, you can do better.
The biggest limitation of Frostfire is the writing; it was clunky, the phrasing awkward, and the dialogue banal. Excessively descriptive paragraphs punctuated the narrative leaving little room for the reader's imagination, forcing my attention on small, intricate details on small, insignificant objects. (Yes, the thing is pretty, but do we need three sentences for it?)
The poor narrative style and its awkward pacing made Frostfire difficult to pick up again once you put it down. The ideas are present and have potential to be interesting and developed, but it is its execution that fails the story and its content.
Frostfire is regretfully a weak beginning to a series, and overall a weak book. Its flaws hindered my enjoyment of the book, to the extent that it was, at times, exasperating to read. I'm not absolutely lost with Hocking's concepts and ideas. As earlier emphasized, there is potential in her ideas, and I would be interested in reading future books if and when she improves her writing, can devise compelling plots, and include some much-needed action (not only the punchy-punchy kind, but also the development and growth kind). A disappointing read.
Rating: 1/5
-
Review can also be found on my book blog, Read, Think, Ponder!
Frostfire by Amanda Hocking is a book brimming with potential. It faces in the right direction with all its ambitious ideas but none of that is evidenced in the novel. Twenty percent into the book, there was an abundance of exposition that felt meaningless and irrelevant to the wider story. I felt lost in Hocking's world, I felt completely disconnected from it. The writing offers vague clues, but when piecing it together, smoke felt more intelligible. There comes a point when exposition begins to feel like a distraction from the wider picture, like a semblance of depth. Only when the main character provides a history lesson to a character as clueless as us do newcomers learn more about the Kanin, Trylle, and Skojare troll societies. Only then does it feel like the book is developing an iota of structure.
Though, by then many of the book's shortcomings were beginning to manifest, which snowballs into consequential flaws that are impossible to overlook.
Feeling invested in the book and its characters felt impossible. After the prologue, which showed promise and spurs the main character on a path of vengeance, the plot loses momentum. Nothing happens for most of the book; no plot development nor character development, and most of the narrative is pointless. Bryn, the main character and narrator, is a typical YA heroine whose characterization is centred on being kickass and badass but has no substance or dimension whatsoever, other than being self-righteous and nauseatingly naive (whether she is intentionally naive is unclear, which strikes me as a problem). Whilst I have no problems with flawed characters, there is nothing redeeming about Bryn that balances her out to be a well-rounded, complex character. Worse, rather than being shown these good personal qualities through storytelling, secondary characters (her mentor, friends, family) were treated as tools to convince the reader that Bryn is a cornucopia of strengths and qualities.
"What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing," Ridley assured me. "You just have strong convictions, and you want to do the right thing."
(Would you believe it if I told you that Ridley is the love interest?)
The different troll species were difficult to discern from one another and the construction of their societies and politics was uninspired. More so, the trolls are evidently not very troll-like. Aside from having changelings, their Scandinavian roots, being closely connected to nature, and possessing powers, what makes them trolls? They look human, even in the presence of other trolls. The Kanin trolls swindle human trust funds intended for their children (who are actually trolls; the real children are dumped in orphanages) as a means to sustain their economy, and this duplicity is not remotely explored or questioned. The only word of it is when Bryn feels anxious that the individual she is charged with may not trust her and society for it. It thus begs the question: why trolls? Contrived novelty is not a good reason.
Also, what is it, exactly, with Bryn being an 'outcast' and 'inferior' despite her being white-skinned, blonde, blue-eyed, and attractive? So the novel touches briefly on implicit prejudice, and how her mixed heritage made it difficult to succeed. But white-skinned, blonde, blue-eyed and attractive - was that supposed to be ironic? Do not tell me that the troll society perceive these traits to be lesser traits - it is poor taste and facile. Frostfire could have been an avenue to explore mixed-race heritage and identity, or being part of a society that disadvantages you for something inherent and innate. Really Hocking, you can do better.
The biggest limitation of Frostfire is the writing; it was clunky, the phrasing awkward, and the dialogue banal. Excessively descriptive paragraphs punctuated the narrative leaving little room for the reader's imagination, forcing my attention on small, intricate details on small, insignificant objects. (Yes, the thing is pretty, but do we need three sentences for it?)
Inside, the palace reminded me of ice. Many of the walls were made of frosted glass several feet thick. The glass appeared bluish, but it had been sandblasted to make it opaque. The other wall were covered in a silvery blue wallpaper that looked like frost.
The poor narrative style and its awkward pacing made Frostfire difficult to pick up again once you put it down. The ideas are present and have potential to be interesting and developed, but it is its execution that fails the story and its content.
Frostfire is regretfully a weak beginning to a series, and overall a weak book. Its flaws hindered my enjoyment of the book, to the extent that it was, at times, exasperating to read. I'm not absolutely lost with Hocking's concepts and ideas. As earlier emphasized, there is potential in her ideas, and I would be interested in reading future books if and when she improves her writing, can devise compelling plots, and include some much-needed action (not only the punchy-punchy kind, but also the development and growth kind). A disappointing read.
Rating: 1/5
-
Review can also be found on my book blog, Read, Think, Ponder!