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book_worm_04's review against another edition
4.0
I’m really enjoying fairy tale retellings right now and this was just what I was looking for! Great start to a series! Loved the way the author brought in the fairy tale aspects!
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
Jade won me over in a first chapter when she introduced herself:
"And I wish I could say I was the hero of the story. A resister. A rebel. Someone who lived to bring an end to the queen who stole my childhood – my mother, my life, my very world.
But I’m not.
I’m not the good guy.
I’m the one who puts the good guys in their graves."
You immediately know that Jade is going to be an unconventional heroine. So, prepare yourself for some great and emotional scenes while Jade ponders what makes us human…
"Am I human? Am I something else? A puppet that the queen controls with strings. A zombie. A brainless, emotionless weapon. Can something like that ever be free?"
When she is not having philosophical thoughts or exploring libraries, Jade, as a member of the royal guard called Black Hearts, is fighting and proving that girls can excel in the professions that are dominated by man. In fact, Jade is the only female soldier in the guard.
"And I was not sure if even the commander could convince the guard to accept me, despite my training or maybe because of it. I was better. I was a woman. Those two facts were enough to ostracize me from the pack."
Jade is living in a city that is a mix of old fantasy medieval village and post apocalyptic New York. It’s interesting to see how modern people are getting by, since a lot of electric devices do not work.
"Magic. It’s the reason the electricity turned off. It’s the reason it won’t come back on. They say magic has an electric charge of its own, different. One that interferes with the old electricity of Earth. I say who cares. I’m no scientist."
This clash of fantasy landscape and Earth creates a fascinating setting. Lately there are more and more novels that do this and I am glad, because it is always fun when genres collide.
As for the romance – it’s simply delightful. No love triangle in sight. With slow buildup that will cause many cute and swoony moments. Kaitlyn Davis can make a simple touch of hands more exciting than some sex scenes I read in novels by other authors.
"I realize how close I’ve allowed him to walk. The prince is within a few feet of my body, close enough that our swords could dance, maybe even close enough that our fingers could touch."
In the summary, they promised us a book similar to the Once Upon A Time and La Femme Nikita. Honestly, I don’t see a resemblance to either. Jade is separated from her family and made into a tough warrior, but I do not think that this is enough to compare her to Nikita. And there is no mix of fairy tale characters like in the tv show Once Upon A Time.
Gathering Frost is also promoted as a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, but, again, there is not enough resemblance to label it as such. Kaitlyn Davis combined evil sorceres and true love’s kiss into a completely new story.
But, Gathering Frost does have that fairy tale vibe. There is an underlined sense that good will prevail. And sometimes, things are just too convenient (like first aid kit in an abandoned cabin when you need it). Or some situations play out just right.
IN THE END…
Gathering Frost is oriented more for young adults, but if you don’t mind fairy tale atmosphere, like me, then you are probably going to enjoy it. There is a kick-ass heroine who will win you over, interesting setting, nice romance and a lot of action.
I am looking forward to the Withering Rose, next book in Once Upon A Curse series, which should be based on the Beauty & The Beast. And in the meanwhile I might check out other books by Kaitlyn Davis, because I really liked her writing style. I think the bunch of quotes I used in review shows that.
Looking for something similar? Try [b:The Host|1656001|The Host (The Host, #1)|Stephenie Meyer|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1318009171s/1656001.jpg|3328799], [b:Red Queen|17878931|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411472322s/17878931.jpg|25037051], [b:Throne of Glass|7896527|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760s/7896527.jpg|11138426], …
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from Ya Bound Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
"And I wish I could say I was the hero of the story. A resister. A rebel. Someone who lived to bring an end to the queen who stole my childhood – my mother, my life, my very world.
But I’m not.
I’m not the good guy.
I’m the one who puts the good guys in their graves."
You immediately know that Jade is going to be an unconventional heroine. So, prepare yourself for some great and emotional scenes while Jade ponders what makes us human…
"Am I human? Am I something else? A puppet that the queen controls with strings. A zombie. A brainless, emotionless weapon. Can something like that ever be free?"
When she is not having philosophical thoughts or exploring libraries, Jade, as a member of the royal guard called Black Hearts, is fighting and proving that girls can excel in the professions that are dominated by man. In fact, Jade is the only female soldier in the guard.
"And I was not sure if even the commander could convince the guard to accept me, despite my training or maybe because of it. I was better. I was a woman. Those two facts were enough to ostracize me from the pack."
Jade is living in a city that is a mix of old fantasy medieval village and post apocalyptic New York. It’s interesting to see how modern people are getting by, since a lot of electric devices do not work.
"Magic. It’s the reason the electricity turned off. It’s the reason it won’t come back on. They say magic has an electric charge of its own, different. One that interferes with the old electricity of Earth. I say who cares. I’m no scientist."
This clash of fantasy landscape and Earth creates a fascinating setting. Lately there are more and more novels that do this and I am glad, because it is always fun when genres collide.
As for the romance – it’s simply delightful. No love triangle in sight. With slow buildup that will cause many cute and swoony moments. Kaitlyn Davis can make a simple touch of hands more exciting than some sex scenes I read in novels by other authors.
"I realize how close I’ve allowed him to walk. The prince is within a few feet of my body, close enough that our swords could dance, maybe even close enough that our fingers could touch."
In the summary, they promised us a book similar to the Once Upon A Time and La Femme Nikita. Honestly, I don’t see a resemblance to either. Jade is separated from her family and made into a tough warrior, but I do not think that this is enough to compare her to Nikita. And there is no mix of fairy tale characters like in the tv show Once Upon A Time.
Gathering Frost is also promoted as a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, but, again, there is not enough resemblance to label it as such. Kaitlyn Davis combined evil sorceres and true love’s kiss into a completely new story.
But, Gathering Frost does have that fairy tale vibe. There is an underlined sense that good will prevail. And sometimes, things are just too convenient (like first aid kit in an abandoned cabin when you need it). Or some situations play out just right.
IN THE END…
Gathering Frost is oriented more for young adults, but if you don’t mind fairy tale atmosphere, like me, then you are probably going to enjoy it. There is a kick-ass heroine who will win you over, interesting setting, nice romance and a lot of action.
I am looking forward to the Withering Rose, next book in Once Upon A Curse series, which should be based on the Beauty & The Beast. And in the meanwhile I might check out other books by Kaitlyn Davis, because I really liked her writing style. I think the bunch of quotes I used in review shows that.
Looking for something similar? Try [b:The Host|1656001|The Host (The Host, #1)|Stephenie Meyer|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1318009171s/1656001.jpg|3328799], [b:Red Queen|17878931|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411472322s/17878931.jpg|25037051], [b:Throne of Glass|7896527|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760s/7896527.jpg|11138426], …
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from Ya Bound Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
stitchsaddiction's review against another edition
4.0
"I wish I could say I was the hero of the story. A resister. A rebel. Someone who lived to bring an end to the queen who stole my childhood--my mother, my life, my very world. But I'm not. I'm not the good guy. I'm the one who puts the good guys in their graves.”
Gathering Frost is a perfect blend of fantasy and a dystopian adventure, which is based somewhat on the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty.
The idea of a modern-day city being reverted back to an almost Medieval style village with no technology and characters you may find in a classic storybook alongside enchanted forests. The world-building is excellent, and I loved how everything comes to life from the page. Kaitlyn Davis has created not only a wonderful world with characters whose entire world has become unrecognisable unless you recall being afraid of the troll who frightened Billy Goat Gruff, or houses that look like something you'd read about in Hansel and Gretel. I thought that the way the origin story of Sleeping Beauty was woven into the book was done in a unique and subtle manner so that it isn't a retelling but is instead its own story that holds the attention of the reader from the first page.
The main character is far from the stereotypical helpless girl but rather a fighter who clings to the memories of life before. Whilst Jade isn't initially one to connect with, you witness her growth as the story unfolds you see the mask crack, and her true self unfolds. She's not defined by who she loves or how she should be, and I couldn't help a low chuckle at how she hates the stereotypical gowns, etcetera.
She, along with characters both good and evil, are excellently written, and every single one we encounter contributes to the story and brings it to life.
It's a brilliant introduction to a series, and I hope with each book? More and more of the world comes to light because I'm really curious to see how everything will inevitably come together or fall apart.
Only time will tell.
Gathering Frost is a perfect blend of fantasy and a dystopian adventure, which is based somewhat on the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty.
The idea of a modern-day city being reverted back to an almost Medieval style village with no technology and characters you may find in a classic storybook alongside enchanted forests. The world-building is excellent, and I loved how everything comes to life from the page. Kaitlyn Davis has created not only a wonderful world with characters whose entire world has become unrecognisable unless you recall being afraid of the troll who frightened Billy Goat Gruff, or houses that look like something you'd read about in Hansel and Gretel. I thought that the way the origin story of Sleeping Beauty was woven into the book was done in a unique and subtle manner so that it isn't a retelling but is instead its own story that holds the attention of the reader from the first page.
The main character is far from the stereotypical helpless girl but rather a fighter who clings to the memories of life before. Whilst Jade isn't initially one to connect with, you witness her growth as the story unfolds you see the mask crack, and her true self unfolds. She's not defined by who she loves or how she should be, and I couldn't help a low chuckle at how she hates the stereotypical gowns, etcetera.
She, along with characters both good and evil, are excellently written, and every single one we encounter contributes to the story and brings it to life.
It's a brilliant introduction to a series, and I hope with each book? More and more of the world comes to light because I'm really curious to see how everything will inevitably come together or fall apart.
Only time will tell.
foreverbeautifulbooks's review against another edition
4.0
** listened to this on audio, but the librarians apparently haven't added an audible copy to this.**
sjj169's review
3.0
An earthquake hits New York.
Young Jade is yanked away from her mother and ensnared into the evil Ice Queen's clutches. The Queen Deirdre reign begins as her castle rises from the rubble of New York's shattered remains. She ensnares the people under her realm with magic that puts them in thrall. Meaning they have cold hearts and swear allegiance to her and her only.
(EVIL QUEEN BOOK FOR THE WIN!!!)
Jade grows up under the queen's thrall and is one of her finest guards. She doesn't listen to the commander over her one day and meets the queen's runaway son. Asher.
Asher has joined up with the rebel army hoping to destroy the queen and release her minions from under her thrall.
Jade is taken as his prisoner to their underground compound where she is released from the Queen's coldness.
I'm not going to give away the rest of the story. It's not a bad little book, it's a quick read and I think that took from the story some. You don't really have a chance to get involved with the characters since the storyline moves so fast.
There is of course some romancy fancy in the story but it didn't make me want to kill it with fire.
For a fairy tale based story this is one of the better ones I've read. I think the fangirls will like it. The old haters like me will tolerate it.
Young Jade is yanked away from her mother and ensnared into the evil Ice Queen's clutches. The Queen Deirdre reign begins as her castle rises from the rubble of New York's shattered remains. She ensnares the people under her realm with magic that puts them in thrall. Meaning they have cold hearts and swear allegiance to her and her only.
(EVIL QUEEN BOOK FOR THE WIN!!!)
Jade grows up under the queen's thrall and is one of her finest guards. She doesn't listen to the commander over her one day and meets the queen's runaway son. Asher.
Asher has joined up with the rebel army hoping to destroy the queen and release her minions from under her thrall.
Jade is taken as his prisoner to their underground compound where she is released from the Queen's coldness.
I'm not going to give away the rest of the story. It's not a bad little book, it's a quick read and I think that took from the story some. You don't really have a chance to get involved with the characters since the storyline moves so fast.
There is of course some romancy fancy in the story but it didn't make me want to kill it with fire.
For a fairy tale based story this is one of the better ones I've read. I think the fangirls will like it. The old haters like me will tolerate it.
madisonmila's review
3.0
This was a super quick read/listen. The plot was definitely interesting, but the plot felt very underdeveloped. A lot of things happened too quickly and it felt like there were some things that didn't really add up in the end. It was also looser adaptation of Sleeping Beauty than I initially would have thought. All in all, it was a cute and intriguing, but not a favorite of mine. Thank you to NetGalley for the giveaway!
courtofsmutandstuff's review
3.0
This felt solidly like a dystopian YA that I would have read in the Hunger Games/Lunar Chronicles/Uglies era. I liked the premise (a fairy tale-esc world collides with ours and the magic dominates the areas in their control) and the book moves at a solid pace. Jade is very typical in terms of YA dystopian FMCs (the best at fighting and emotionally cold for survival/because of magic) and the insta-love between her and Asher also was very typical of that type of book, so it's very familiar, but also doesn't stand out. Because of the curse, Jade doesn't have emotions (except fear) and as she is removed from the Queen's thrall, she then starts to experience feelings for the first time in a decade. It's nice, but (and this could be because I blew through the audiobook quickly) it doesn't have the same depth as some of the other books in its genre; Jade's interactions with others is limited to essentially the Queen and the Commander, and with the rebels it's essentially just Asher and one rebel friend she had maybe 3 interactions with. Nothing is bad - it's just not as developed as other series. It's very bingeable and readable, and I am intrigued to keep reading in the series and see where it goes.
The audiobook narrator was great though!
Thank you to NetGalley for an audiobook.
The audiobook narrator was great though!
Thank you to NetGalley for an audiobook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Abandonment and Suicide attempt
kaceyjoy's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this audio in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy the story and listened through in a single sitting (at 2x) but it was missing something. Not sure what exactly. I just didn't care about the characters as much as I wanted to? Or the change felt too quick? Or it just felt a little clunky? The twist at the end felt forced for sure, but I still plan to check out the next one!
I did enjoy the story and listened through in a single sitting (at 2x) but it was missing something. Not sure what exactly. I just didn't care about the characters as much as I wanted to? Or the change felt too quick? Or it just felt a little clunky? The twist at the end felt forced for sure, but I still plan to check out the next one!
quiet_chaos's review
4.0
I'm rounding up to give this one a 4, with a hopeful solid 4 for the sequel. I needed another retelling, and this didn't disappoint on that front. The idea was very original, if there's something else similar to this, I haven't read it. There were some times that got pretty repetitive and there was a fair amount of teenage angst. I do love YA that leaves out the angst. For its audience, however, this is a solid story and the characters were lovable enough that I cared about the next page. Really looking forward to Withing Rose since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite anyway.
cassieopea's review
3.0
This story is a cute, very lose, twist on the fairy tale. Following Jade as she grows and discovers feelings that she forgot she could have. It held my interest and was entertaining for a young adult book.