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scepter's review against another edition
4.0
Shadow Frost was a surprisingly great read after a rocky start.
At first I was rolling my eyes because our heroine, Asterin, is able to pull off the special magic of her people with ease. It seemed like she was your typical YA chosen one and I wanted more of this book.
But Asterin grows on you as the events move on and some great characters show up to bring the story to life.
Even the so-called monster gets a chance and there are some great moments and unexpected turns.
The only thing that didn't sit well with me was just how quickly Asterin and a certain someone fell very deeply for each other. At first, there is some great banter and some dislike but soon it's an I'll-die-for-you trope, at least for one of them. I would have loved for a little more teasing as it was so much fun with those two.
Therefor, the storyline of the other two characters that developed feelings for each other was handled well. But I won't give away who they are since it's beautiful to watch them working out their feelings.
Overall, I had fun reading Shadow Frost and it's stunning if one realizes how young the author was when she wrote this.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me read this ARC!
At first I was rolling my eyes because our heroine, Asterin, is able to pull off the special magic of her people with ease. It seemed like she was your typical YA chosen one and I wanted more of this book.
But Asterin grows on you as the events move on and some great characters show up to bring the story to life.
Even the so-called monster gets a chance and there are some great moments and unexpected turns.
The only thing that didn't sit well with me was just how quickly Asterin and a certain someone fell very deeply for each other. At first, there is some great banter and some dislike but soon it's an I'll-die-for-you trope, at least for one of them. I would have loved for a little more teasing as it was so much fun with those two.
Therefor, the storyline of the other two characters that developed feelings for each other was handled well. But I won't give away who they are since it's beautiful to watch them working out their feelings.
Overall, I had fun reading Shadow Frost and it's stunning if one realizes how young the author was when she wrote this.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me read this ARC!
marieintheraw's review against another edition
3.0
I keep bouncing back and forth between a three and a four for this one. I loved the elemental magic, but the world building was not my favorite and it was a little cliche at times. I, however, am interested in seeing where the story heads.
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
scriptrix's review against another edition
Wasn't getting a sense of the plot tension and hadn't really connected to the characters by 20% of the way in. Setting down for now.
atte26's review against another edition
4.0
I'd say that until the ball at the end it was quite a cozy read, with a few "awww"s and "ohhhh"s. It grew more dynamic at the end but also a bit tiring. Probably will read the second book.
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautiful book and a terrific lead into what promises to be a thrilling trilogy, and I have no doubt this author will go far in her career. I love the action, the elemental magic, and most of the relationships between the characters, who had distinct personalities. There were some truly great twists that I didn't see coming, and the ending leaves a huge cliffhanger to explore different worlds and realms, as well as develop the characters further.
I love elemental magic so it was fun to see this unique take on them, as well as the addition of less common elements. I would love to know more about the demons that live within it. Watching the magic in the action scenes added a layer of suspense and originality to the world.
There were so many characters to love and it's hard for me to pick just one. While Asterin was the primary hero, each of the other side characters got some time in the spotlight. I would definitely love to see more of Rose. I think she is a very strong character and would love to see where her story goes. While I did like many of the characters, I did think they had some flaws that kept them from completely adoring them. Asterin could be quite aggressive for no reason, Orion made a stupid decision at the end, and some of Luna's choices felt a bit forced/provided a needless drama.
I think that was one of my biggest issues with the book: There would be actions or choices that seemed to bait a little too much for the sequel when they could have been resolved. The banter was so much fun, but it also sounded a little too modern for my tastes. That kind of hindered me from seeing the characters as mature, especially when they are supposed to be powerful and mature. I felt like a few too many things needed to happen for the sake of the plot.
Not that I'm saying it's not worth your time. It absolutely is. I see so much potential for this series and author and if you are looking for someone who may be the next big voice in YA, this is an author who needs to be on your radar, especially if you're looking for a fun fantasy read.
I love elemental magic so it was fun to see this unique take on them, as well as the addition of less common elements. I would love to know more about the demons that live within it. Watching the magic in the action scenes added a layer of suspense and originality to the world.
There were so many characters to love and it's hard for me to pick just one. While Asterin was the primary hero, each of the other side characters got some time in the spotlight. I would definitely love to see more of Rose. I think she is a very strong character and would love to see where her story goes. While I did like many of the characters, I did think they had some flaws that kept them from completely adoring them. Asterin could be quite aggressive for no reason, Orion made a stupid decision at the end, and some of Luna's choices felt a bit forced/provided a needless drama.
I think that was one of my biggest issues with the book: There would be actions or choices that seemed to bait a little too much for the sequel when they could have been resolved. The banter was so much fun, but it also sounded a little too modern for my tastes. That kind of hindered me from seeing the characters as mature, especially when they are supposed to be powerful and mature. I felt like a few too many things needed to happen for the sake of the plot.
Not that I'm saying it's not worth your time. It absolutely is. I see so much potential for this series and author and if you are looking for someone who may be the next big voice in YA, this is an author who needs to be on your radar, especially if you're looking for a fun fantasy read.
repunzee's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.75
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO DIVE INTO YOU - YOU BEAUTIFUL ARC YOU.
Shadow Frost- ugh GUYS, this book was so freaking good. I didn't realize how behind I was on my damn ARC reading until last week... and boy am I behind. I decided to jump into this one first (mostly because it was at the bottom on my kindle - again sorry!) and I was not disappointed.
In it, you will meet Asterin who is kind of like Harry Potter. Someone had a vision of her kicking some evil bitches ass. I was totally down for all of that happening..but there was also some mystery shit going on in the background. That being said, this book definitely gave me some Snow White vibes. Which again, I'm totally down for some retellings even if she isn't my favorite. Yet, Asterin made me fall in love with her because she was such a bad ass. Ugh, my ship guys - I wont tell you who it is with.. but damn that gave me some Pocahontas vibes at the end. Oops is that a spoiler?
Overall, I loved the magic, fantasy, ships, characters, and everything else in between. I didn't hate or dislike a single thing - well maybe that it was too short? Or that I don't have the next book readily available? Ugh, I hate waiting!!
WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO DIVE INTO YOU - YOU BEAUTIFUL ARC YOU.
Shadow Frost- ugh GUYS, this book was so freaking good. I didn't realize how behind I was on my damn ARC reading until last week... and boy am I behind. I decided to jump into this one first (mostly because it was at the bottom on my kindle - again sorry!) and I was not disappointed.
In it, you will meet Asterin who is kind of like Harry Potter. Someone had a vision of her kicking some evil bitches ass. I was totally down for all of that happening..but there was also some mystery shit going on in the background. That being said, this book definitely gave me some Snow White vibes. Which again, I'm totally down for some retellings even if she isn't my favorite. Yet, Asterin made me fall in love with her because she was such a bad ass. Ugh, my ship guys - I wont tell you who it is with.. but damn that gave me some Pocahontas vibes at the end. Oops is that a spoiler?
Overall, I loved the magic, fantasy, ships, characters, and everything else in between. I didn't hate or dislike a single thing - well maybe that it was too short? Or that I don't have the next book readily available? Ugh, I hate waiting!!
emlove's review against another edition
2.0
Arc generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
DNF at chapter 15
I'm so disappointed that I had to DNF this one, it was one of my most anticipated for this year! And with a cover like that?? How could it be bad?!
This is how.
Honestly, I was all in for the first few chapters. A badass princess who can do magic, visitors from a mysterious kingdom (one of whom is clearly a ship), and a monster made of darkness terrorizing the land? I'm there.
But the deeper into the story I got two things bothered me more and more:
1. The dialogue. This is supposed to be a fantasy set in a different world. I always assume that fantasies of this caliber are in a medieval type setting, though nothing is explicitly stated. In any case, it is not contemporary American. But that's how the dialogue reads. They "flip each other off", the princess calls someone a "drama queen" at one point, everyone is constantly calling each other "asshole." Like....why? It just really pulled me from the experience and was more frustrating than relatable.
2. The more Asterin referenced her mother and the General.....I just didn't understand why their relationship was so strained. And I never got a good explanation. In a world where magic is prized, wouldn't her mother be more pleased that she can use more elements? Why would the General be so snarky about her powers? It just didn't make sense, and I never felt like I was getting a good enough explanation. Actually, all the relationships were very shallowly explained. Asterin's relationship with Orion was confusing (is it a ship or not??? You can't say he's like a brother, but then he's not, and now she's checking out his muscles, but now he's like a brother again). Quinlan's character was a strange mix of characteristics as well. Like is he shy? Is he awkward? Is he stoic, what is happening here?
I'm sure other people will love this one, because the basic plot does sound interesting, I just couldn't deal with how many times the dialogue ruined the setting for me.
DNF at chapter 15
I'm so disappointed that I had to DNF this one, it was one of my most anticipated for this year! And with a cover like that?? How could it be bad?!
This is how.
Honestly, I was all in for the first few chapters. A badass princess who can do magic, visitors from a mysterious kingdom (one of whom is clearly a ship), and a monster made of darkness terrorizing the land? I'm there.
But the deeper into the story I got two things bothered me more and more:
1. The dialogue. This is supposed to be a fantasy set in a different world. I always assume that fantasies of this caliber are in a medieval type setting, though nothing is explicitly stated. In any case, it is not contemporary American. But that's how the dialogue reads. They "flip each other off", the princess calls someone a "drama queen" at one point, everyone is constantly calling each other "asshole." Like....why? It just really pulled me from the experience and was more frustrating than relatable.
2. The more Asterin referenced her mother and the General.....I just didn't understand why their relationship was so strained. And I never got a good explanation. In a world where magic is prized, wouldn't her mother be more pleased that she can use more elements? Why would the General be so snarky about her powers? It just didn't make sense, and I never felt like I was getting a good enough explanation. Actually, all the relationships were very shallowly explained. Asterin's relationship with Orion was confusing (is it a ship or not??? You can't say he's like a brother, but then he's not, and now she's checking out his muscles, but now he's like a brother again). Quinlan's character was a strange mix of characteristics as well. Like is he shy? Is he awkward? Is he stoic, what is happening here?
I'm sure other people will love this one, because the basic plot does sound interesting, I just couldn't deal with how many times the dialogue ruined the setting for me.
pawspagesandpurrs's review
***ARC provided by Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review***
DNF'ed this at 25%
Everyone is praising this book and I was seriously hoping to jump on that wagon. Especially after the very strong prologue but the following chapters are just dragging and dragging and I can't seem to be able to like and connect with any of the characters at all. On Chapter 11 and basically nothing happened. I like my books to have events... any type; big or small.
I put it down, thinking I'm not in the mood for this story and will try later but then, that following time, the same thing happens. My interest isn't piqued and I find I am bored with the descriptive of day to day, basically. What seems to require a shock value falls flat for me and that's not a good sign at all.
The synopsis is very interesting and I feel that if the story went a bit faster to start on the adventure, it would have been better. The magic system in this world is very interesting... the premise is fun, in all honesty. I just... need to connect... and I don't.
DNF'ed this at 25%
Everyone is praising this book and I was seriously hoping to jump on that wagon. Especially after the very strong prologue but the following chapters are just dragging and dragging and I can't seem to be able to like and connect with any of the characters at all. On Chapter 11 and basically nothing happened. I like my books to have events... any type; big or small.
I put it down, thinking I'm not in the mood for this story and will try later but then, that following time, the same thing happens. My interest isn't piqued and I find I am bored with the descriptive of day to day, basically. What seems to require a shock value falls flat for me and that's not a good sign at all.
The synopsis is very interesting and I feel that if the story went a bit faster to start on the adventure, it would have been better. The magic system in this world is very interesting... the premise is fun, in all honesty. I just... need to connect... and I don't.