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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Shit.
This was crazy, especially the last eighty pages or so. I can't figure out what's really going on and it makes me really want to by the next book asap.
The Queen is a bitch, though, and I highly suspect she's a part of this whole thing. And I can't help but suspect that Konstantin isn't the bad guy he's been painted as.
This was pretty good, though! I'm excited to see how everything wraps up in the last one.
This was crazy, especially the last eighty pages or so. I can't figure out what's really going on and it makes me really want to by the next book asap.
The Queen is a bitch, though, and I highly suspect she's a part of this whole thing. And I can't help but suspect that Konstantin isn't the bad guy he's been painted as.
This was pretty good, though! I'm excited to see how everything wraps up in the last one.
This book is a 3.5 rounded up.
The Kanin Chronicles tells the story of a conspiracy that is taking over the troll kingdoms and a girl that is trying her damnedest to stop it.
(Given that I have read all the books in the series recently, this review will be of the series in general, with a few additional paragraphs relating to each specific book.)
From what I gathered from the reviews of this book, most readers were attracted by the premise (tell me something I don't know, captain obvious). I was given the series by a friend, so I already had high expectations knowing that she was aware of my love for fantasy books. I managed to finish the whole series (3 books) in 6 days, so I guess that says something, but unfortunately it just didn't live up to my expectations. Admittedly, few books do, so I wasn't disappointed.
The settings were one of the parts of the series that I loved most. Hocking really created a beautiful, original alternate universe in which four troll tribes (most of whom surprisingly look just like humans) coexist on Earth alongside humans, without the humans knowing. The uniqueness of each tribes' habitats, abilities, appearances, and dynamics are intriguing, and although we meet each tribe throughout the series I felt like I wanted to know more about each of the tribes and how they lived. Additionally, the author's descriptions of each tribe's palace and kingdoms paint beautiful images in your mind that it makes you feel as if they are on a different planet entirely. I did notice some repetition of location descriptors throughout the books even though the protagonist had been there before and the place had already been described similarly.
I thought the general plot or arc of the series was also well thought out. As facts began to be revealed bit by bit, I found myself thinking back to previous events and seeing how weird behaviour or subtle foreshadowing hinted at the truth since the beginning. I was quite impressed by the scale of the conspiracy that was starting to overtake the Kanin - and later, the other troll kingdoms as well - and how the scope seemed to widen continually from the seemingly minor danger of Konstantin attempting to kidnap a changeling to the threat of complete troll extinction.
Interestingly, I was more interested in the minor characters rather than the major ones. My favourites were Ember and Tilda, Linus Berling, Ulla, and the royal families of the Trylle and Skojare. For the most part, I love Ulla and the royal families because I found their environment and backstories interesting. For this reason, I would love to read Hocking's other series surrounding these tribes. On the other hand, my interest in Ember, Tilda, and Linus mostly derive from their depth as characters. Throughout the series, they exhibit more strength, levelheadedness, and character development than Bryn and Ridley combined, which brings me to my next point.
I liked Ice Kissed more than [b:Frostfire|18105451|Frostfire (Kanin Chronicles, #1)|Amanda Hocking|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408844832s/18105451.jpg|25425024] mostly because of Konstantin. Previously a minor character, Konstantin is now Bryn's comrade as they both try to find a way to save Kanin before it is destroyed. I was pleasantly surprised by Konstantin's determination at making it up to Bryn and saving her from running blind into a conspiracy bigger than she realised, and I particularly liked the way he was portrayed. Hocking gives the reader a closer look at his backstory and character, and it made me realise just how easy it was for a kingdom (or country, in our case) to brainwash and paint such a different picture of someone to suit their goals. Despite this, I felt like Konstantin was still underappreciated as a character in Ice Kissed and [b:Crystal Kingdom|18132925|Crystal Kingdom (Kanin Chronicles, #3)|Amanda Hocking|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1414606820s/18132925.jpg|25470733] and didn't get enough exposure. Of course, this is reasonable considering that the story is narrated by Bryn and her sole focus is on saving Kanin and hooking up with Ridley, but still. Giving Konstantin some ill-placed, unexplained, and rushed romantic feelings towards Bryn was also a bit of a stretch, in my opinion, because it didn't make sense at all given the age difference and the fact that they'd just known each other, not to mention the lack of recognition from Bryn or Ridley of those feelings, meaning that there was simply no point in giving him those feelings at all.
On another note, I was really intrigued by the Skojare royal family, like I mentioned above. The dynamics between Linnea and Mikko are interesting because it's like watching the story of the girl who changes the cold, closed guy and them falling in love from the outside. Kennet is also a real mystery (although you realise why in [b:Crystal Kingdom|18132925|Crystal Kingdom (Kanin Chronicles, #3)|Amanda Hocking|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1414606820s/18132925.jpg|25470733]), and his character played off Bryn's well.
One of the things I was most annoyed by in the series was Bryn. As the narrator, it felt disconcerting as Bryn tries to explain every single step in her reasoning that led to her (and sometimes other characters') every action, thought, and behaviour. This prevented me from getting lost in the story because it was more like I was reading an essay than watching the scene play out in my head. As a character, Bryn was underwhelmingly two-dimensional and static. She undergoes almost no character development throughout the whole series that you could probably predict her actions halfway through the book. Bryn is the manifestation of the typical female YA protagonist: a beautiful outcast, unaccepted by those around her but ultimately the chosen one, the only person that can save the kingdom. She's determined and hardheaded, and falls in love with the one person she can't fall in love with. She's a stereotype. It would be more believable if the author had said she was 15 rather than 19 because of how immature she was, especially compared to her friends.
Despite my critiques, I'm glad I pushed through my irritation at Bryn, because her world is beautiful and mesmerizing and I found the series a good way to pass the time. While it may not be exactly for me, this series would be perfect for young YA lovers, especially those that lean towards fantasy and romance.
The Kanin Chronicles tells the story of a conspiracy that is taking over the troll kingdoms and a girl that is trying her damnedest to stop it.
(Given that I have read all the books in the series recently, this review will be of the series in general, with a few additional paragraphs relating to each specific book.)
From what I gathered from the reviews of this book, most readers were attracted by the premise (tell me something I don't know, captain obvious). I was given the series by a friend, so I already had high expectations knowing that she was aware of my love for fantasy books. I managed to finish the whole series (3 books) in 6 days, so I guess that says something, but unfortunately it just didn't live up to my expectations. Admittedly, few books do, so I wasn't disappointed.
The settings were one of the parts of the series that I loved most. Hocking really created a beautiful, original alternate universe in which four troll tribes (most of whom surprisingly look just like humans) coexist on Earth alongside humans, without the humans knowing. The uniqueness of each tribes' habitats, abilities, appearances, and dynamics are intriguing, and although we meet each tribe throughout the series I felt like I wanted to know more about each of the tribes and how they lived. Additionally, the author's descriptions of each tribe's palace and kingdoms paint beautiful images in your mind that it makes you feel as if they are on a different planet entirely. I did notice some repetition of location descriptors throughout the books even though the protagonist had been there before and the place had already been described similarly.
I thought the general plot or arc of the series was also well thought out. As facts began to be revealed bit by bit, I found myself thinking back to previous events and seeing how weird behaviour or subtle foreshadowing hinted at the truth since the beginning. I was quite impressed by the scale of the conspiracy that was starting to overtake the Kanin - and later, the other troll kingdoms as well - and how the scope seemed to widen continually from the seemingly minor danger of Konstantin attempting to kidnap a changeling to the threat of complete troll extinction.
Interestingly, I was more interested in the minor characters rather than the major ones. My favourites were Ember and Tilda, Linus Berling, Ulla, and the royal families of the Trylle and Skojare. For the most part, I love Ulla and the royal families because I found their environment and backstories interesting. For this reason, I would love to read Hocking's other series surrounding these tribes. On the other hand, my interest in Ember, Tilda, and Linus mostly derive from their depth as characters. Throughout the series, they exhibit more strength, levelheadedness, and character development than Bryn and Ridley combined, which brings me to my next point.
I liked Ice Kissed more than [b:Frostfire|18105451|Frostfire (Kanin Chronicles, #1)|Amanda Hocking|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408844832s/18105451.jpg|25425024] mostly because of Konstantin. Previously a minor character, Konstantin is now Bryn's comrade as they both try to find a way to save Kanin before it is destroyed. I was pleasantly surprised by Konstantin's determination at making it up to Bryn and saving her from running blind into a conspiracy bigger than she realised, and I particularly liked the way he was portrayed. Hocking gives the reader a closer look at his backstory and character, and it made me realise just how easy it was for a kingdom (or country, in our case) to brainwash and paint such a different picture of someone to suit their goals. Despite this, I felt like Konstantin was still underappreciated as a character in Ice Kissed and [b:Crystal Kingdom|18132925|Crystal Kingdom (Kanin Chronicles, #3)|Amanda Hocking|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1414606820s/18132925.jpg|25470733] and didn't get enough exposure. Of course, this is reasonable considering that the story is narrated by Bryn and her sole focus is on saving Kanin and hooking up with Ridley, but still. Giving Konstantin some ill-placed, unexplained, and rushed romantic feelings towards Bryn was also a bit of a stretch, in my opinion, because it didn't make sense at all given the age difference and the fact that they'd just known each other, not to mention the lack of recognition from Bryn or Ridley of those feelings, meaning that there was simply no point in giving him those feelings at all.
On another note, I was really intrigued by the Skojare royal family, like I mentioned above. The dynamics between Linnea and Mikko are interesting because it's like watching the story of the girl who changes the cold, closed guy and them falling in love from the outside. Kennet is also a real mystery (although you realise why in [b:Crystal Kingdom|18132925|Crystal Kingdom (Kanin Chronicles, #3)|Amanda Hocking|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1414606820s/18132925.jpg|25470733]), and his character played off Bryn's well.
One of the things I was most annoyed by in the series was Bryn. As the narrator, it felt disconcerting as Bryn tries to explain every single step in her reasoning that led to her (and sometimes other characters') every action, thought, and behaviour. This prevented me from getting lost in the story because it was more like I was reading an essay than watching the scene play out in my head. As a character, Bryn was underwhelmingly two-dimensional and static. She undergoes almost no character development throughout the whole series that you could probably predict her actions halfway through the book. Bryn is the manifestation of the typical female YA protagonist: a beautiful outcast, unaccepted by those around her but ultimately the chosen one, the only person that can save the kingdom. She's determined and hardheaded, and falls in love with the one person she can't fall in love with. She's a stereotype. It would be more believable if the author had said she was 15 rather than 19 because of how immature she was, especially compared to her friends.
Despite my critiques, I'm glad I pushed through my irritation at Bryn, because her world is beautiful and mesmerizing and I found the series a good way to pass the time. While it may not be exactly for me, this series would be perfect for young YA lovers, especially those that lean towards fantasy and romance.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Following the aftermath of events in Frostfire, Amanda Hocking didn't disappoint me with any middle book syndrome. I found Ice Kissed rather compelling and intriguing.
As I mentioned when I reviewed Frostfire, the whole premise of this strange, almost fantastical world set WITHIN our every day world is very unique. It definitely intrigues me more than say, if this was a whole new and separate world of its own. This second installment didn't go out into the human world but the land of the Skojare tribe (of trolls) was nicely explored.
With the Skojare Queen still missing, Bryn feels like she failed at her duties and mission to bring her back. Many questions were thrown about. What happened to her? If they found her, was she a part of whatever weird conspiracy that was going on with the Kanin tribe's most wanted criminals? I loved that there were always things to wonder about, never quite making the story boring even when the pacing wasn't terrible fast or anything.
I was scared that there was going to be some horrid love triangle in this series, but I'm happy to say that I may have read the implications wrong. Ridley is still his amazing self, and as their relationship gets more complicated after crossing that line past friendship in the previous novel, Bryn can't seem to hide even to herself just what he means to her. Although I like that their growing attraction is developing, I'm very pleased that it wasn't the centre of the story. Trying to figure out what is going on with the Skojare and how it may relate to the Kanin's current problems was definitely the highlight, and it made the whole story more enjoyable.
My one complaint would be that I wished the story was a little longer, or at least held some more substance. There are questions, but there are few answers given. The Kanin are preparing for war, and Bryn has no idea who she can trust anymore. Maybe the bad guy Konstantin Black isn't all that bad after all. Everyone's motives are so hard to predict. It's awesome - and frustrating at the same time. I'll be impatiently waiting to figure out the answers in Crystal Kingdom when it comes out.
Overall Recommendation:
Following Frostfire, this second installment, Ice Kissed was pleasantly enjoyable while still carrying on some of the intrigue from the previous book. Ideas of conspiracies are afloat and Bryn isn't sure who she should trust. All the while, the steady but complicated relationship with her boss Ridley is ever present. Their growing attraction has to be dealt with, and it is the only promise for something good in a future that only seems to hold bleak events. War is looming and Bryn has no idea who her allies are. With a great set up for the final conclusion, Ice Kissed was entertaining in itself as a novel, but definitely added to the greater picture.
For more of my reviews, please check out my website Down the Rabbit Hole:
As I mentioned when I reviewed Frostfire, the whole premise of this strange, almost fantastical world set WITHIN our every day world is very unique. It definitely intrigues me more than say, if this was a whole new and separate world of its own. This second installment didn't go out into the human world but the land of the Skojare tribe (of trolls) was nicely explored.
With the Skojare Queen still missing, Bryn feels like she failed at her duties and mission to bring her back. Many questions were thrown about. What happened to her? If they found her, was she a part of whatever weird conspiracy that was going on with the Kanin tribe's most wanted criminals? I loved that there were always things to wonder about, never quite making the story boring even when the pacing wasn't terrible fast or anything.
I was scared that there was going to be some horrid love triangle in this series, but I'm happy to say that I may have read the implications wrong. Ridley is still his amazing self, and as their relationship gets more complicated after crossing that line past friendship in the previous novel, Bryn can't seem to hide even to herself just what he means to her. Although I like that their growing attraction is developing, I'm very pleased that it wasn't the centre of the story. Trying to figure out what is going on with the Skojare and how it may relate to the Kanin's current problems was definitely the highlight, and it made the whole story more enjoyable.
My one complaint would be that I wished the story was a little longer, or at least held some more substance. There are questions, but there are few answers given. The Kanin are preparing for war, and Bryn has no idea who she can trust anymore. Maybe the bad guy Konstantin Black isn't all that bad after all. Everyone's motives are so hard to predict. It's awesome - and frustrating at the same time. I'll be impatiently waiting to figure out the answers in Crystal Kingdom when it comes out.
Overall Recommendation:
Following Frostfire, this second installment, Ice Kissed was pleasantly enjoyable while still carrying on some of the intrigue from the previous book. Ideas of conspiracies are afloat and Bryn isn't sure who she should trust. All the while, the steady but complicated relationship with her boss Ridley is ever present. Their growing attraction has to be dealt with, and it is the only promise for something good in a future that only seems to hold bleak events. War is looming and Bryn has no idea who her allies are. With a great set up for the final conclusion, Ice Kissed was entertaining in itself as a novel, but definitely added to the greater picture.
For more of my reviews, please check out my website Down the Rabbit Hole:
I was definitely more pleased with the second book in this series. I had hope after Frostfire, but I am definitely more intrigued by the mystery and action that has blossomed in Ice Kissed.
Thank goodness for long weekends so I can read the entire trilogy in a matter of days without too much guilt towards the fact that I should be studying for my exam this week...
There is definite character growth in Bryn-- which is great! The development of Bryn's relationships with the other characters also improved this time around which made the book a much more enjoyable read. I enjoyed Bryn and Tilda's interactions much more; they just seemed more meaningful than before.
There was more case solving and mystery, and I loved it!
The writing itself flowed MUCH better in Ice Kissed than in Frostfire. There were a few typos and grammatical errors in my copy, but I got the book for free so I can't complain
Thank goodness for long weekends so I can read the entire trilogy in a matter of days without too much guilt towards the fact that I should be studying for my exam this week...
There is definite character growth in Bryn-- which is great! The development of Bryn's relationships with the other characters also improved this time around which made the book a much more enjoyable read. I enjoyed Bryn and Tilda's interactions much more; they just seemed more meaningful than before.
There was more case solving and mystery, and I loved it!
The writing itself flowed MUCH better in Ice Kissed than in Frostfire. There were a few typos and grammatical errors in my copy, but I got the book for free so I can't complain
Are you kidding?!? THIS is how the book ends? NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
This book is so good! It's the second in the series and just as good as the first! I can't wait to get my hands on the third! :-)
This book is so good! It's the second in the series and just as good as the first! I can't wait to get my hands on the third! :-)
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
The mystery in this series is what keeps me coming back. Well, that and the sorta/kinda relationship between Bryn and Ridley. I swear to beans if she ends up with someone else at the end of this series, I'll probably stop reading Hocking's novels. It's not that it's a ship I want to go down with, it's just, the only other people that are options are ludicrous.
I love the views of the different tribes of trolls and all of the society stuff. That is part of my favorite thing about YA novels.
There is a death in this one that I cannot emotionally handle. I can't see why it was done and if we get to the end of the last book and there's not a reason I'm going to be severely disappointed.
This series is really good. I hope the things I see coming end up the way I want them too. And I want to find out who the heck the bad guys are!
I love the views of the different tribes of trolls and all of the society stuff. That is part of my favorite thing about YA novels.
There is a death in this one that I cannot emotionally handle. I can't see why it was done and if we get to the end of the last book and there's not a reason I'm going to be severely disappointed.
This series is really good. I hope the things I see coming end up the way I want them too. And I want to find out who the heck the bad guys are!
The second novel in the Kanin Chronicles. Bryn Aven loves her job, maybe a little too much; she makes her job her life and her top priority, which can lead to overseeing things. All she wants is to help make her kingdoms better, and in doing so she has gotten a few people angry, and a few people have lost their lives. Accused of treason, Bryn has to find a way to make things right. The novel ends on such a high note that the reader can’t believe it just ends there; the author leaves them wanting more. The novel starts off slowly, and a little dull, but really crescendos as the novel continues. The plot is good, it’s action packed, and filled with teen romance that can feel kinda angsty at times, but the reader can overlook it because the rest of the plot gets very engrossing. Overall, an interesting look on the magical lands of the Skojare and Kanin kingdoms and their allies with each other that the author has created.