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First Frost (First Frost #1)

by Liz DeJesus (Goodreads Author)

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 79 ratings · 51 reviews

Fairytales aren’t real…yeah…that’s exactly what Bianca thought. She was wrong.

For generations, the Frost family has run the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, handing down guardianship from mother to daughter, always keeping their secrets to “family only.”

Gathered within museum’s walls is a collection dedicated to the Grimm fairy tales and to the rare items the family h...more

ebook, 274 pages

Published June 22nd 2012 by Musa Publishing

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Sep 11, 2012 Margaret Lesh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

As the victim of an unfortunate vacuum cleaner accident just the day before, I had to laugh at the opening of First Frost as 17-year-old Bianca struggles with her own beast of a vacuum. She works hard helping her mother Rose run the family fairy tale museum, responsible for cleaning it and running the gift shop -- a little like Cinderella except without the wicked stepmother.

I liked the fresh take on the fairy tale genre, setting it in a modern-day museum, and enjoyed the descriptions of the mu...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 25, 2012 Johanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: challenge2012, books-reviewed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The adventure could´ve began a bit earlier, that would´ve gotten me excited earlier as well. Other than that I really liked the way the author has mixed a fairy tale kind of characters with the regular kind. I loved the idea of the fairy tales being true and the artifacts from tales being magical items. I think I would´ve enjoyed the story even more if there had been a bit more romance to it than there was, but I get that it was the adventure it was for and I really liked the adventure this stor...more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 16, 2012 ~Kate~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, own, ya, ebooks, funny-in-parts, ghosts, magic, mythical-creatures, paranormal-romance, recommend, romance

When I first started this book I wasn't actually sure that I was going to enjoy it as nothing was happening and everything was very much mundane. When Bicanca found out her and her families history it did start to pick up and it built up to a brilliant story that I very much enjoyed. When things did get better I found that there was a lot happening and enjoyed everything that was happening and kept me entertained. There was a bit of romance that was done in a way that had me gripped from the mom...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Brandi rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: teens and young adults

Shelves: so-amazing, arc, care-of-magical-creatures, defense-against-the-dark-arts, history-of-magic, underrated

4.5 Stars

I'm just going to come right out with the obvious: If you're looking for a killer fairytale for teens, this is it.

Meet Bianca Frost, an average teenager who spends her summers working at her mother's children's museum. She's about to find out that she's anything but normal. In fact, she is a descendant of Snow White. And an evil witch wants to take revenge on her family.

Just when she starts coming to terms with this, the witch kidnaps her mother and takes her to the Everafter. Lost but...more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 17, 2012 Ayanami Faerudo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. First Frost is about Bianca Frost who was working for the family-run museum, the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, and dreamed of a life more than inheriting the ownership of said museum. But one day, she discovered that there was more to the artifacts being displayed in the museum and that her family has got every right to be custodians of Cinderella’s glass slipper, Snow White’s poisoned apple, the evil queen’s magic mirror, Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted spinning wheel…

It kind of surprised m...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Jeannie rated it 5 of 5 stars

17 year old finds out she's a descendant of Snow White, and has to travel to Ever After to rescue her mother from the evil witch. Loved the way objects we all know from fairy tales had magical qualities, and were used to help her in her quest.

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Kristal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Fairytale stories, shows and movies are really growing in popularity again and I understand why. There is something about the classic tales that we all know - the magic, the wickedness, the happily-ever-afters - that draw people in and allow them to believe in the impossible and love stories. I really enjoy the twists that authors and script-writers have been putting on our fairy-tales and truly making them their own.

Bianca Frost has always thought that the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts t...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Dusty Crabtree rated it 4 of 5 stars

First Frost is a clever, witty, fun, surprising adventure. It's a modern day fairytale with a modern teenage heroine, so it appeals to teenage girls, allowing them to be that little girl again who dreamed of being a princess in her own fairytale. In First Frost, girls get to live out that dream through the main character Bianca.

In truth, the beginning of the book was a little slower than I would've liked, but it quickly picks up. Once Bianca begins her journey or "quest," meets the handsome prin...more First Frost is a clever, witty, fun, surprising adventure. It's a modern day fairytale with a modern teenage heroine, so it appeals to teenage girls, allowing them to be that little girl again who dreamed of being a princess in her own fairytale. In First Frost, girls get to live out that dream through the main character Bianca.

In truth, the beginning of the book was a little slower than I would've liked, but it quickly picks up. Once Bianca begins her journey or "quest," meets the handsome prince who is hilariously stereotypical (see quote below) and his charming and likable friend, and she starts using her magic more and falling into trouble, the story wins you over and you become lost in such a fun fairytale world. I laughed, I cringed, I cheered, I empathized with the characters, and I even got the heebie jeebies.

Naturally, as in most books, the climax was my favorite part. Throughout the book, Bianca struggles with having confidence in her magic and in herself. When she finally does "own" her magic, it's kind of a Matrix type of moment - which is really cool! She has so much power that magically (no pun intended) and effortlessly appears! More than she or the reader expected. It was awesome and even empowering to read.

Thanks, Liz DeJesus for letting me read and review First Frost! I'm excited to read the sequel and find out what happens to Bianca and her love interest!

Lastly, let me leave you with a few of my favorite quotes below. The first two because they're funny; the second two because they were very well written and powerful.

from First Frost:

“A spell perhaps?” The prince wrinkled his face as though it physically hurt him to think and ask questions.

Oh, good, a dungeon...that’s classy. It’s usually how these things work. At least now I know she’s a villain who goes by the bad guy rule book.

She opened her mouth to speak but all that escaped her lips was a series of sobs that threatened to shake the earth to its core.

The ghost-like door stood a few inches above the ground, waiting patiently to be opened. As if it was a living entity. Magic that was tangible and defied everything Bianca knew about time and space. It made her feel small and slightly insignificant. Almost as though there was still so much for her to learn and even if she reached old age she would never know as much as that door standing before her did.(less)

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Aug 31, 2012 Erleen (Books For YA!) rated it 5 of 5 stars

My fairytale belief has been reborn!

Bianca Frost is your typical teenage girl who has a weak social life and was blessed with only one friend. She spend her summer helping her mother run their Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, cleaning items that belonged to fairy tale characters (i.e. magic mirror of Mirabel, the spindle of Sleeping Beauty, the poisoned apple of Snow White and many more), which Bianca thought were all fakes.

But when an evil witch named Lenore attacked her mother in their ba...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Sarika Patkotwar rated it 4 of 5 stars

*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of First Frost from author Liz DeJesus @ Musa Publishing in exchange for an honest review. We thank Liz and the publishing house for the book!

First Frost was like walking straight into Disneyland. I absolutely love the idea of a fairy tale coming into a contemporary setup.
For Bianca, accompanying her mom to and helping her run her family's traditional museum, Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts is just that- tradition. She grew up looking at all the w...more *NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of First Frost from author Liz DeJesus @ Musa Publishing in exchange for an honest review. We thank Liz and the publishing house for the book!

First Frost was like walking straight into Disneyland. I absolutely love the idea of a fairy tale coming into a contemporary setup.
For Bianca, accompanying her mom to and helping her run her family's traditional museum, Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts is just that- tradition. She grew up looking at all the wonderful pieces kept in the museum for display. From Cinderella's slipper to Snow White's poisoned apple to a single brick from the ones The Three Little Pigs used to build their home, the museum hosts all the magical items from our evergreen and legendary fairy tales written by the Grimm Brothers. For Bianca, these items of art and grandeur are just that - items. She never even thought that this family-run business will ultimately change her life and land her in a beautiful yet slightly dangerous time and world. She finds herself in her very own fairy tale.
Bianca was an awesome protagonist. She has a girl next door appeal and shares a wonderful relationship with her parents, a rarity in YA novels. Most of the book is explained from Bainca's POV and her thoughts are clear and practical. She likes helping her mother in running the museum, but that's not what she wants to do for the rest of her life. Little does she know that her destiny has already been fixed.
I loved the relationship between Bianca and her mother, Rose. It was so normal and wonderful to read. Rose reads fairy tales to kids at the museum and there's almost a magical tint to her voice, what with children and parents both being completely engrossed in her lecture; while Bianca cleans the museum and manages the gift shop counter.
In the beginning of the book, there was a scene where a little girl purchases a wand and asks Bianca if it will perform magic. A little confused, Bianca turns to her mother for a response when Rose says that magic is inside us all, we just have to have faith in it. It was an adorable moment. Bianca's father and her also share a wonderful relationship. The love between her father and mother is evident and a love story in itself.
Bianca also shares a great relationship with her best friend, Ming. Ming is a supportive friend and a strong shoulder. I loved how she was always there for Bianca and even accompanied her in her other-worldly adventure. The two friends did things any normal friends would do in spite of the twist in the tale. They are always there for each other, no matter what. Both them are so understanding and simple. Ming is in perfect balance to Bianca. She is emotional and fun to have around while the Bianca is practical and hard-working.
When the Frost family find themselves in another time and world altogether, Bianca comes across two handsome and amazing gentlemen, Prince Ferdinand and Terrance. The two of them are the knights in shining armour or princes on horses. I loved them both! They brought a light-hearted and warm feel to the story.
First Frost is truly a wonderful read. A different fairy tale, it manages to remain both practical and imaginative simultaneously. Author Liz DeJesus writes in a simple and systematic way which makes you want to read more and more. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of First Frost and I would highly recommend it. What better than reading a lovely and pretty fairy tale! I loved how the story explains that 'happily ever after' is actually a typo of 'happily IN Everafter'!
(less)

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Jul 22, 2012 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love anything to do with Fairytales and I'm so happy that they are making a mass come back at the moment. Anyone else obsessed with the TV show 'Once Upon A Time' and their lives in Storybrook. I know I am, can't get enough of it. So when I was asked to read this book and be part of the blog tour I couldn't say no.
I have been falling behind on my books to review so I ended up reading this one later than planned, but luckily it was the sort of book you can get lost in and carried away with tha...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 02, 2012 Jude rated it 4 of 5 stars

I feel a bit pathetic saying that this is the first time I notice there's a girl in the cover o.o Hehe, I thought it was just a blue-ish ice-ish cover. Now I like it more. Anyways, I Love fairytales and re-tellings and First Frost was a mixture of both. Had the 'real' version of some of them and yet, made a story of it's own.

First Frost was really original in many aspects, I loved the idea of the museum, the story behind Bianca's name and the journey she has to go through to save her mother. All...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Reeses rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: recieved-for-review, ebooks

Bianca Frosts story starts like any other. She's working at the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts owned which has been past down from generation to generation through her family. Bianca works with her mother in the museum cleaning while her mother tells the grand stories of Snow White, Cinderella and the like. While the museum is supposed to feel magical and amazing all Bianca feels is the need to escape this life that has been thrust upon her. She wants to be anything other than the future o...more Bianca Frosts story starts like any other. She's working at the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts owned which has been past down from generation to generation through her family. Bianca works with her mother in the museum cleaning while her mother tells the grand stories of Snow White, Cinderella and the like. While the museum is supposed to feel magical and amazing all Bianca feels is the need to escape this life that has been thrust upon her. She wants to be anything other than the future owner of the Museum Bianca and her mother have worked so very hard to keep open and preserve.

One night while Bianca is over at her best and only friends Ming's house. After watching movies, together Bianca comes home to the surprise of her life. Her mother is a battle against an ugly witch in her back yard. After that incident Bianca's mother hurries to teach Bianca everything she knows about witchcraft so she can defend herself so when the evil witch Lenore finally comes back they'll both be ready. Bianca also finds about more and more about herself, her family and how they all tie back to the museum and well Snow White. Finding out about her lineage and her powers Bianca begins to realize that her father didn't just disappear.

Everything in Bianca's life seems to be going great. That is until Lenore comes back with a vengence and a warning. Bring her a magical spell book she wants or Bianca's mother dies, and with that Bianca's mother disappears. After that it is a race against time to find the book, and figure out a way to find Bianca's mother before it's too late. With Ming and a few unlikely friends Bianca makes her way to a magical world to find her mother...or die trying.

Overall great book. Not too cliche with the whole Snow White story. I love how she put a spin on the tale with everything that happened. So amazing. The world that Liz DeJesus created was amazing, as was the tale. First Frost does contain romance, fight scenes, hot guys, magical powers and even an appearance or two from The Big Bad Wolf! Hope you pick up a copy!

Favorite Quote: I cut a tad out so I wouldn't give too much away but I seriously loved this scene.
""And..." Bianca shook her head as she tried to find the right words to describe Terrance. "He's kind, smart, handsome and sweet. He's an amazing kisser and I wouldn't mind it one bit if I spent the rest of my like making out with him."
"Really?"
"Now I wish I would have kept that last part to myself," Bianca muttered as she covered her face in shame.
In the distance, she heard Terrence chuckle."(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 19, 2012 Jill Swanson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-and-giveaway, young-adult, favorites, blog-review, musa-publishing

Wow! Let me start by saying I ADORED this book. It was the perfect before bed young adult fairytale!
Liz has done an amazing job with this book! The idea behind First Frost was so imaginative and unique. I loved learning about the museum and all the artifacts it held. A fairytale museum is such a great idea!
I was sucked into this story from the first chapter, and it only got better as it went on.
Mystery, adventure, romance... This book really had it all and was so well rounded. Liz took an othe...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Lana rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-author-for-review, kindle

I think it's obvious I will follow Mel's opinion of a book off a cliff, so when she came to me asking if I wanted to be apart of this book tour, I jumped at the chance.

Bianca's story intrigued me - I've never been big on fairy-tale stories (save for the classics, though, come on), so this was a first for me. I wasn't disappointed, per se, but I did find the story to be somewhat predictable at times. I thought it was very light, and the characters seemed a little younger than they were supposed...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Shirley Frances rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, read-2-review, paranormal-fantasy, new-adult, kindle-app

Bianca doesn't understand why she has to spend her time working at her family's museum and it isn't until she witnesses her mother fighting off an evil witch that she discovers her family's history and her legacy.

Author Liz DeJesus draws you into Bianca's journey from the beginning and holds your attention all throughout the story. I enjoyed reading about Bianca's family, their history and the legacy that has been left for her. I liked that the author not only mentioned different fairy tales and...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 07, 2013 Misty rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, review-copy-accepted, folklore-myth-fable-fairy-tall-tale, retelling, read-in-2013, contemporary, supernatural-paranormal, sci_fi-fantasy

Okay.
I think, before I begin, that I need to warn you of just how nit-picky I can be. And that a good chunk of this review is going to be me nitpicking. Which is probably not fair, because I enjoyed First Frostwell enough, but the nit-picky things are the things that stay with me, so there you go. But I'm going to start with the positives, because therewerepositives - this is not a hated-it, why-did-I-read-this? review at all, so I don't want you guys to leave with that impression.
So first, the...more

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Feb 23, 2013 Ruth Hill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, e-books

First of all, I am not a lover of the fantasy genre, but I have read several over the past year. I have learned to looked at the quality of the writing, the characterization, and the sequence of the story. If I happen to enjoy the book, that is always a bonus. In addition to this, I have discovered that the majority of fantasy books are geared towards young adults.

There were some very clever portions to this story. I have to admit that I do enjoy stories that combine fairy tales and enforce the...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, blog-tour, review-on-blog

I think it's fairy tale week at Book Briefs, because here is another fairy tale book. But this isn't a retelling, it is more of an alternate universe to fairy tale land, kind of book. I loved how the worlds were set up. Fairy tales are real and Bianca's family has possibily the coolest museum in the whole world. They have a fairy tale artifacts museum. I would love to go there!

So one day Bianca finds out that the stuff at the museum is real and that her family are actually witches that come fro...more I think it's fairy tale week at Book Briefs, because here is another fairy tale book. But this isn't a retelling, it is more of an alternate universe to fairy tale land, kind of book. I loved how the worlds were set up. Fairy tales are real and Bianca's family has possibily the coolest museum in the whole world. They have a fairy tale artifacts museum. I would love to go there!

So one day Bianca finds out that the stuff at the museum is real and that her family are actually witches that come from a direct line of Snow White. First Frost is a fast paced action adventure with a big time magical twist. I loved seeing all of the various items from the fairy tales and seeing how Bianca used them on her quest. What was her quest? She had to get her mother back from the evil witch. First Frost kind of reminded me of the tv mini series, The Tenth Kingdom or the ABC show Once Upon a Time. I just love the idea of all the fairy tales together and having a modern take on how all of it really went down.

Bianca took the news that her family is magical all in stride. At first I thought it was a little unrealistic how easily she was taking in all of the information, but then I stopped to think about it for a minute. She saw actual magic. I guess once you see magic in action, the cat is out of the bag. Plus her friend, jumped on board as soon as she found out as well, BUT she was justifiably nervous in the new land. I thought that she initial reaction was a little unrealistic, but as soon as Ming had time to think things over she reacted how I would have in her shoes. It made me like her a little more.

Bianca crosses over to Everafter with a spell. There she meets a prince and Terrance. I liked both of them. I really liked how the prince was kind of cocky and thought he was the best thing since sliced bread, because lets be honest- a prince probably would be spoiled and a little arrogant. I thought that was a nice touch, rather than having the super charming prince that everyone loves.

First Frost mixes a bunch of different classic fairy tales together. I thought it was well written, and I loved seeing all of the characters work together and interact. My favorite part was seeing how Bianca would use the artifacts from the museum on her quest. There is even a small, but adorable, romance brewing in the story. Fans of fairy tales should check out First Frost. There is a bit of a cliffhanger to segway into book 2, but I thought overall book 1 was a complete story on its own. I wasn't left completely hanging. This is a great fairy tale adventure.(less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Christina (Ensconced in YA) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: publisher-sent

I was sent this book by a publisher in exchange for an honest review.

First Frost by Liz DeJesus is a book about Bianca, a girl that discovers that her life is more magical than she could ever imagine. She grows up taking care of a Fairy Tale museum with her mother, and then realizes that her mother has actual powers. When her mother is kidnapped by an evil witch, she and her best friend journey to Everafter to get her back.

The synopsis was so compelling, I had to start reading it. However, I got...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Heather Boustead rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: clean-romance, ebook, fantasy, romance, young-adult

First Frost
By Liz DeJesus

Seventeen year old Bianca Frost spends her summers and weekends continuing on a family tradition working in their Fairy Tale Museum. She has grown up around all these items and has become cynical towards them knowing that they are all just pretend. One day though she is proven wrong when she returns home from a friend’s house to find her mother fighting with Lenore, but they are not physically fighting they are throwing magic at each other, and Bianca is thrown head fir...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

First Frost is a fun and clever book. This is the first book that I've read by Liz DeJesus, and I was not disappointed. The book is fast paced and the characters likable and engaging. I want to again say how much fun I had reading this story. I was intrigued in the synopsis by the idea of a Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, which is why I signed up for the tour. I was not disappointed.

I really liked Bianca Frost, and I can understand how she felt about not wanting to go into the family busin...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Mae rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, from-author

I have always been a big fan of fairy tales and retelling so by the time I read the synopsis I was like “Another retelling? o.O Better get a copy soon!". Thank God I got the chance to read this book. Thank you Elizabeth DeJesus for providing a copy!

Bianca Frost never believed in fairy tales despite the fact that she works in their Museum of Magical and Artifacts which displays a collection of rare artifacts from fairy tales, like Snow white's poison apple and the brick used by the third pig in b...more I have always been a big fan of fairy tales and retelling so by the time I read the synopsis I was like “Another retelling? o.O Better get a copy soon!". Thank God I got the chance to read this book. Thank you Elizabeth DeJesus for providing a copy!

Bianca Frost never believed in fairy tales despite the fact that she works in their Museum of Magical and Artifacts which displays a collection of rare artifacts from fairy tales, like Snow white's poison apple and the brick used by the third pig in building his house. But her belief was changed by the time Bianca Frost found out about her power and the secrets that lies in the museum. Her ability as being a witch was tested when her mother, Rose Frost, was abducted by Lenore, an evil witch who fought Rose Frost in years. In exchange for the life of Bianca's mother she needs to find the spell book and hand it to Lenore.

Bianca Frost is one typical bibliophile teenager who happens to be a descendant of Snow White, who is a witch just like her. Her bravery of saving her mother without proper training was careless yet admirable. First thing that I have observed from Bianca’s character is the similarities I share with her. She's into arts and reading books instead of going out with her friends which is practically just like me. She prefer dark colors and suffered from foot-in-mouth-itis means "always said the wrong thing at the wrong time". All in all, she is a fictional embodiment of me. I like her character in a way that I can relate to her.

I'm a fan of retelling IF they are properly written and First Frost wasn't a disappointment though I wasn't entirely enchanted by its charms it was still worth my time. The concepts presented were refreshing and entertaining but it was a little bit childish for me. This book reminds me of Enchanted movie by Disney Production. The premise in the movie and the book are alike. If you loved that movie then you'll definitely like this one.

The plot started a little bit draggy but it eventually moved extremely fast. There were a lot of things going on and hardly any dull moments. One thing that really intrigued me is the combination of fairy tales. It was unique and creative.

The romance in the book was my main issue. The love interest was obvious as to where it is leading and for me it was like Instalove which is kind of annoying yet I find the romance sweet and innocent.

First Frost took me a ride back to my childhood years and transformed me into a child who eagerly wants to explore the world of Ever after and meet all the princesses! Reading this book brings back good memories that was long kept in my heart. Overall, First Frost is something you don't want to miss if you're a certified fairy tale lover.

3.5 /5 starts(less)

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Jul 22, 2012 Kari rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Fairytale retellings, well retellings in genral, are pretty huge right now. I usually pride myself in not reading 'trend' genres or whatnot. I find that I enjoy the books better when they aren't so hyped up and huge when I am reading them. I guess I am a little strange in that aspect. But nonetheless, with retellings, I simply can't get enough! I am thrilled that they are so big right now, and hope that they stay that way! And now on to the review.

First Frost is, you guessed it, a fairytale rete...more Fairytale retellings, well retellings in genral, are pretty huge right now. I usually pride myself in not reading 'trend' genres or whatnot. I find that I enjoy the books better when they aren't so hyped up and huge when I am reading them. I guess I am a little strange in that aspect. But nonetheless, with retellings, I simply can't get enough! I am thrilled that they are so big right now, and hope that they stay that way! And now on to the review.

First Frost is, you guessed it, a fairytale retelling. More specifically, it is a modern retelling. We follow Bianca, the main character, on her journey to discovering things about herself and her family. I don't think it is a spoiler to reveal that she is indeed a witch. It was revealed rather early on in the book, and truthfully it wasn't 'revealed'. I knew that something magical had to be going on, and Bianca seemed the best fit..being the main character and all. And sidenote, withces are one of my favorite supernatural beings, so to have a retelling and witches...well, let's just say I was one happy reader! But anyway, we were talking about Bianca. As a main character, she was great. I liked the amount of realness I felt while reading the book. She was just the right amount of scared normal teenager and kick-ass witch. Also, I loved the dymamic between both Bianca and her mother and Bianca and Ming, her best friend. First mother daugher. I don't read too many YA, or adult books for that matter, that show a loving relationship between parent and kid. I don't know why authors think that it is so needy to have a parent and their child always at odds with one another. So reading the love that they had for each other, well it was just great to read about. I mean what Bianca is willing to do for her mother, that says it all right there. This leads nicely into the relationship between Bianca and Ming. I loved it. Again, there are alot of 'best friends' in books, but Ming takes the prize. She was willing to risk her life for Bianca, not something most friens would do. It was just an added something in this book that I liked.

I loved the humor in this book. I don't read many books that have a comical appeal to them, I've been told I lack a sense of humor. So I tend to avoid books that have that aspect in them. I don't want to be the one who doesn't get the joke. But with First Frost, the humor in it, I didn't expect. I mean I knew it was a fairytale retelling, so I just assumed all serious, no laughs. This is ot what I got. And it wasn't the funny where the author was trying. It was just the way things came together, how the characters acted. I like that in books, where the characters kind of take the show (or story) and lead it, not the author.

The beginning was a bit slow, and I felt like some parts could have been sped up a bit. But once things started happening, the meat of the story if you will, the book definately picked up. I found myself not wanting to put it down, which is hard seeing as I read this book on my breaks at work, so I had no choice. I definately suggest picking up this book. It was a very enjoyable read, and I can't wait to find out what happens with Bianca next. (less)

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Dec 08, 2012 Magen Corrie rated it 2 of 5 stars

*I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Yes, I gave this book a 2 star rating, as much as I wanted to love it, I just couldn't. That doesn't mean it was a bad book, no, but First Frost just didn't have that factor that allows me to be consumed in the story.

Now, the idea or concept of First Frost sounded amazing, it was what first pulled me in and why I wanted to review it. So, when I got to it, I was excited, but that excitement was short-lived. Liz did have a great...more

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Oct 04, 2012 Witchmag rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, read-2012, young-adult, zzz-reviewed

Read the full review at Witchmag's Boekenplank

*Squeal* Fairy Tales! I absolutely love reading them! I don’t know how many times I’ve read Snow White or Rapunzel. Although it comes a bit boring after some time, since the story is always the same and you know what’s coming. But even then it won’t lose its magic. I still love reading them ^^ Therefore I love to read retellings of my favorite ones. A retelling usually focuses on details you’ve forgotten or gives the story a different twist. It makes...more Read the full review at Witchmag's Boekenplank

*Squeal* Fairy Tales! I absolutely love reading them! I don’t know how many times I’ve read Snow White or Rapunzel. Although it comes a bit boring after some time, since the story is always the same and you know what’s coming. But even then it won’t lose its magic. I still love reading them ^^ Therefore I love to read retellings of my favorite ones. A retelling usually focuses on details you’ve forgotten or gives the story a different twist. It makes well-known fairy-tales ”fresh” and enjoyable. It gives you a whole new story to enjoy, with the same magic of the old one.

That’s also the case with First Frost. To be more specifically: this book is kind of a retelling of one of my favorites: Snow White. Although I had to refresh my memory, since the story doesn’t use the Disney version, but the much darker, original story of the brothers Grimm. Apparently I’ve forgotten some little details (like the fact that she was almost killed 3 times… how could I forget that?). It was fun to read it again and see how Liz DeJesus twisted this story around. In her book everything that happened in the story is real. Except for the little fact that the prince didn’t kiss her awake, he jut found a wizard who could undo the spell ^^ Ha! Had to laugh out loud when reading that one ^^ And Bianca is apparently a descendant of Snow White! With magical powers! How cool is that?

What’s even more awesome is the museum, full with stuff from fairy tales. It becomes even better when said stuff turns out to be magical! Each object in the museum can do something different. Some are bad, while others are good. Like Rapunzel’s hair, that becomes longer when you say the spell and is unbreakable! Or Little Red Riding Hood‘s cape, which shows you the quickest way to get somewhere? Amazing! Why isn’t something like that available in the real world? Even though all of it would be fake, it would be cool to visit ^^

Furthermore there are a lot of little details which made the fairy-tale fanatic in me laugh a lot. Like the cliché of the prince on the white horse. Who turns out to be very differently than the ideal he stands for. And what would a story be without witty sidekicks? Bianca’s friend is one of the best wittiest sidekicks I’ve ever read about. She says her wily remarks at just the right moment. I’ve spent most of my time giggling while reading this book ^^

So we’ve got a good story, lots of fairy-tales and great characters which will make you laugh. Then why only 3 hearts? That’s because I missed something while reading this story: emotions. Not the emotions Bianca has to go through but mine. I didn’t feel angst during fights. Would someone get injured or die? I just couldn’t care. I didn’t swoon during romance time, I just didn’t feel anything except a vague feeling of amusement and the desire to giggle. It was therefore a bit hard to really bind myself to the story and softened the impact this story could have on me. It became more of a rainy afternoon book than a book I want everyone to read. Such a shame, cause it has all the right ingredients!

Conclusion: 3 hearts. There’s terrific story: a retelling of Snow White. What happened afterwards and what is real and what is made up? There’s also a very cool museum with a lot of stuff from fairy-tales, who have magical properties. We’ve got lot of fun little details for fairy-tale lovers and very witty remarks made by funny sidekicks. Only set back was the lack of emotions I felt while reading this book, no angst or swooning. The story didn’t really came to life. Which was a bit of a letdown.(less)

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Nov 19, 2012 Marilyn Phillips rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit, this book was not one of my normal reads. Although a young adult fantasy based on fairy tales, there was not a whole lot of romance. However, having said that, it was still very entertaining and I found it to be quite an enjoyable read. Liz has a nice writing style and is very good at describing both characters and places.

So, to the story - as mentioned in the blurb, it is the tale of a young girl, Bianca, who lives with her mother Rose and helps in maintaining the family fairy...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Captivated rated it 4 of 5 stars

So, I initially received this book FROM Ms. DeJesus, herself, to review on my blog. But then I signed up to be a part of the blog tour and figured I'd wait until now.

I've never so badly wanted to post a review in my life!

This book was hilarious! There were a few times when I found myself actually laughing out loud at the "Prince Charming" of the story. Seriously, take all of the stereotypes about a prince-charming-needs-to-save-a-lady-in-distress, and there you have the prince!

I had a really ha...more

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Oct 04, 2012 Tricia Drammeh rated it 5 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

As reviewed on my site http://www.authorstowatch.triciadramm...: Bianca Frost seems like a typical teenager, but it soon becomes apparent there is more to her than meets the eye. I don't want to summarize the plot because I don't want to give anything away, so I'll try to break this book down into specific elements.

The Characters: I'd give the characters a solid 5 out of 5 stars. The author peppers the entire nove...more

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Jul 21, 2012 Sarah (Head Stuck In A Book) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, e-book, review-copy, young-adult, owned-and-read

I am a big fan of fairytale retellings, and this one did not let me down.
First Frost is a story full of adventure, humour, magic and love.
Set in the modern day, Bianca and her Mum run a museum filled with artifacts from famous fairytales, unknown to Bianca the artifacts are real and the museum has been run by the Frost family for generations, what Bianca doesn't know that as well as fairytales being real she is also descended from Snow White, and oh she's also a witch!
After her Mum is kidnapped...more I am a big fan of fairytale retellings, and this one did not let me down.
First Frost is a story full of adventure, humour, magic and love.
Set in the modern day, Bianca and her Mum run a museum filled with artifacts from famous fairytales, unknown to Bianca the artifacts are real and the museum has been run by the Frost family for generations, what Bianca doesn't know that as well as fairytales being real she is also descended from Snow White, and oh she's also a witch!
After her Mum is kidnapped by an evil witch, Bianca sets out with her best friend Ming to go and save her, which means stepping into a portal into another world called Everafter where all the fairytales took place.
And of course they run into the obligatory Prince Charming who's aim in life is to save a Princess or a damsel in distress.
What about you? Change your mind about Prince Ferdinand yet?" "Prince I-Love-Myself-More-Than-Anyone? Blah, blah, blah, I'm a Prince. Blah, blah, blah, I have a castle. Yeah, right. I'd rather deal with the Neanderthals in school than the Prince...even if he is royalty."
I love how he's exactly how you'd imagine a Prince from a fairytale to be, he is also traveling with a childhood friend Terrance, whom Bianca becomes quite interested in.
So with their group they set off for the evil witch's castle to rescue Bianca's Mum with some help from some of the museum's artifacts.
Along the way Bianca get's to use her witch powers to aid them and practice's for when she meets up with the evil witch.
"I think I'm gonna throw up!' she shouted as she looked down to where her friends were. "Don't blow chinks down here, B. I didn't bring any shampoo so if I smell like vomit I'm gonna have to stop being friends with you for a while. I mean it," Ming shouted back. "I'll try." "Don't...blow...chunks!" Ming shouted.
There are some famous fairytale characters that appear in Everafter, and it was really exciting the way that they were written into the storyline , and I think it added more to the general story the way that they interacted with Bianca and her friends.
I really loved the romance that developed between Rose and Terrance and I can't wait to see where their relationship will go in the next book especially after the ending, which had me wishing that I had the second book waiting and ready to be read!
I can't wait to read more from this author her writing is fresh and exciting.
I give this 4/5.(less)

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Young Adult

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Fantasy

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Fantasy > Fairy Tales

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Romance

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Retellings

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Fantasy > Magic

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Young Adult > Young Adult Fantasy

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Fairy Tales > Fairy Tale Retellings

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Romance > Clean Romance

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About Liz DeJesus

Liz DeJesus was born on the tiny island of Puerto Rico. She is a novelist and a poet. She has been writing for as long as she was capable of holding a pen. She is the author of the novel Nina (Blu Phi'er Publishing, October 2007), The Jackets (Arte Publico Press, March 31st 2011) First Frost (Musa Publishing, June 22nd 2012) and Glass Frost (Musa Publishing, COMING SOON).

She is also a member of T...more

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“A spell perhaps?” The prince wrinkled his face as though it physically hurt him to think and ask questions.” — 3 people liked it

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