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In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, compassion might get a person killed, and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After the monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides, she can’t afford to let her emotions lead her astray. But when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest, a young man from beyond the Frost named Gabe, Lia does the unthinkable. She saves his life. Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the “Farthers,” as ruthless and cruel. Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent—and handsome. And she might even be falling for him. But time is running out. The monsters in the forest are growing bold and restless. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Is compassion—and love—worth the risk? Finally, when a startling discovery challenges everything she thought was true about her life, Lia realizes exactly what she must do.
194 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2012
About the author
Kate Avery Ellison
60 books887 followersI've been making up stories since I was five years old, and now I'm thrilled to be able to do it as a full-time job. I have an obsession with dark fantasy, dystopian futures, and Pride and Prejudice-style love stories full of witty banter and sizzling, unspoken feelings. When I'm not writing, I'm creating digital art, reading funny blogs, or watching my favorite shows (which include TVD and BSG). I live with my geeky husband and our two bad cats in Atlanta, GA.
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 427 reviews
July 23, 2012
Original and… cold! This book is cold! Snow, ice, frost - it's a very chilly, dreary setting that, coming from Canada, I can easily relate to. I know how it feels to be snowed in after a storm. To be constantly cold during a storm (even though my house is sweltering). So although the characters could have been fleshed out, and the plot intensified, the setting is very vividly depicted, and it's clearly an incredibly unique premise that has a lot of potential. I think the book may have simply been too short.
This first book in The Frost Chronicles feels like one big long introduction. We're placed in a notably eerie, well built world in which we're portrayed an isolated village surrounded by deep forests where deadly creatures come out at night. It's not safe to go out once the sun has set - ever. This gloomy setting is made worse by the fact that they unable to leave their town, because beyond the forest are the Farthers - vicious humans living in a cruel advanced society. The brilliant detailing skillfully describes the colourless, depressing state of their world, as well as how their community is managed with quotas and rations. It's fascinating and well thought-out, getting me to feel the cold, the hopelessness, the uneasiness. Though well built, the book is missing electricity. I easily felt the hardships, but I can't say I was very perturbed by the events that occurred in the story. I kept waiting for the big moment when I would feel emotionally invested, the moment when things go from story building, to suspenseful and thrilling - neither came in full force. I wouldn't call the suspense nonexistent, it just wasn't to the depth I was hoping for. This isn't helped by the slow pacing; three quarters of the book in, I was still wondering of the plot's intention.
The characters, while not unlikeable, are not all-together remarkable. In exception to our main character Lia who is a strong, solid female lead, determinedly taking charge of her family's well being after her parent's death, I felt the characters lacked a bit of charm; their personalities hazy, failing to come to life completely. I felt the same in respect to the romance. It lacks the necessary chemistry to believe in the deep attraction they apparently feel for each other. Fortunately for me, the romance makes sparse appearances.
With intriguing developments towards the end, I'm certainly curious about the story's procession from this point on. The plot may not be mind-blowing, but the telling is very effective to give the setting an expressive feel. With a few more pages it could have been less of a "beginning only" novel. However, with a large potential, Frost is perfect for those who love their books dark and ominous.
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For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
This first book in The Frost Chronicles feels like one big long introduction. We're placed in a notably eerie, well built world in which we're portrayed an isolated village surrounded by deep forests where deadly creatures come out at night. It's not safe to go out once the sun has set - ever. This gloomy setting is made worse by the fact that they unable to leave their town, because beyond the forest are the Farthers - vicious humans living in a cruel advanced society. The brilliant detailing skillfully describes the colourless, depressing state of their world, as well as how their community is managed with quotas and rations. It's fascinating and well thought-out, getting me to feel the cold, the hopelessness, the uneasiness. Though well built, the book is missing electricity. I easily felt the hardships, but I can't say I was very perturbed by the events that occurred in the story. I kept waiting for the big moment when I would feel emotionally invested, the moment when things go from story building, to suspenseful and thrilling - neither came in full force. I wouldn't call the suspense nonexistent, it just wasn't to the depth I was hoping for. This isn't helped by the slow pacing; three quarters of the book in, I was still wondering of the plot's intention.
The characters, while not unlikeable, are not all-together remarkable. In exception to our main character Lia who is a strong, solid female lead, determinedly taking charge of her family's well being after her parent's death, I felt the characters lacked a bit of charm; their personalities hazy, failing to come to life completely. I felt the same in respect to the romance. It lacks the necessary chemistry to believe in the deep attraction they apparently feel for each other. Fortunately for me, the romance makes sparse appearances.
With intriguing developments towards the end, I'm certainly curious about the story's procession from this point on. The plot may not be mind-blowing, but the telling is very effective to give the setting an expressive feel. With a few more pages it could have been less of a "beginning only" novel. However, with a large potential, Frost is perfect for those who love their books dark and ominous.
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
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January 27, 2023The author's descriptions for the setting in this book were absolutely jaw dropping. I wasn't too fond of the love interest or some of the plot, but maybe that's just because it felt too predictable? That said, I still can't get over how PERFECT the setting was. Wow. I don't know if I'll read the sequel, but this is the kind of book I'll never forget because Kate just wrote the most amazing setting I've ever read, and I'm not the kind of person who fangirls over settings, the descriptions were so beautiful and on point for making me freeze :)
May 27, 2012
Lia Weaver has just recently lost her parents to The Watchers in the surrounding woods around their home and village of the Frost. The Watchers are ferocious monsters that come out when it's dark or in deep shade in the woods. Everyone fears them. Now she has to serve as head of the family/homestead. Every family has their own field of trade and must bring in their weekly quota in exchange for staples, such as sugar, grain and what not.
On her way to quota she sees Farthers across the river. The village fears them. The Farthers are from cities at the edge of the Frost and are an oppressed society that has technology and factories. At least in the Frost they don't have to be affected by the Farther politics. Making quota she heads home after visiting a bit in the village. And discovers her sister missing and it is sundown. She quickly searches for her sister and when she finds her she is sitting by a wounded Farther.
Not wanting to take him home, because it could cause problems for the family. Harboring a Farther is frowned upon and against the rules of the village society. Her sister talks her into taking him home and not leaving him for The Watchers, against her better judgement. The Farther, Gabe, slowly begins to heal and asks for help escaping. Lia is torn between following the village rules or her heart.
I liked the book it kept my interest and the plot didn't lag. There wasn't much "romance" per-say so it would be a good clean YA novel.
On her way to quota she sees Farthers across the river. The village fears them. The Farthers are from cities at the edge of the Frost and are an oppressed society that has technology and factories. At least in the Frost they don't have to be affected by the Farther politics. Making quota she heads home after visiting a bit in the village. And discovers her sister missing and it is sundown. She quickly searches for her sister and when she finds her she is sitting by a wounded Farther.
Not wanting to take him home, because it could cause problems for the family. Harboring a Farther is frowned upon and against the rules of the village society. Her sister talks her into taking him home and not leaving him for The Watchers, against her better judgement. The Farther, Gabe, slowly begins to heal and asks for help escaping. Lia is torn between following the village rules or her heart.
I liked the book it kept my interest and the plot didn't lag. There wasn't much "romance" per-say so it would be a good clean YA novel.
August 15, 2012
I am a HUGE dystopian reader, and I will say this one did not stand out among all of the others I have read. HOWEVER, I love monster-killing, post apocalyptic books, and this one sure did not disappoint (as some have, so don't worry, I'm still pretty picky).
I think Ellison did a fantastic job setting up her world - the barely surviving community of Frost that's both threatened and protected by these monstrous Watchers. And I love how she alluded to the analogy of the bluewing and how they settle in these poisonous thorny bushes called stinkweed.
I totally admired Lia and her determination to take care of siblings after her parents death no matter what the sacrifice is. She has a strength and braveness that is beyond words as she stands up for what she believes in and tries to do what she thinks is right. And I thought her siblings were great supporting characters too.
However, I wasn't swept away for any of the other characters - Gabe, Adam, Cole or even Ann. They were just meh personalities that played their various roles, but nothing about their personalities stood out like the Weavers. I think Adam started showing a lot of potential, but I'm sure we'll be seeing more of that in the sequel.
In a way, I felt that this book was a little TOO short - not necessarily in its length, but because of its brevity, I felt a lot of the story could have used more depth.
As with these types of novels, there is also that "nothing of this world is what it seems" type or revelation that makes characters reevaluate their whole being in the system in which they live. As was the case in this book. But I felt the explanation at the end happened too quickly and was rushed through.
I'm sure a lot of my questions will be answered in Book 2, but I felt a lot of them could have been answered in this one. So I think, in a lot of ways, the book's length kind of hurt the its concept.
Still, I think it was a great book that had me sucked in from beginning to end, and I cannot wait until the sequel comes out, hopefully later this month.
I think Ellison did a fantastic job setting up her world - the barely surviving community of Frost that's both threatened and protected by these monstrous Watchers. And I love how she alluded to the analogy of the bluewing and how they settle in these poisonous thorny bushes called stinkweed.
I totally admired Lia and her determination to take care of siblings after her parents death no matter what the sacrifice is. She has a strength and braveness that is beyond words as she stands up for what she believes in and tries to do what she thinks is right. And I thought her siblings were great supporting characters too.
However, I wasn't swept away for any of the other characters - Gabe, Adam, Cole or even Ann. They were just meh personalities that played their various roles, but nothing about their personalities stood out like the Weavers. I think Adam started showing a lot of potential, but I'm sure we'll be seeing more of that in the sequel.
In a way, I felt that this book was a little TOO short - not necessarily in its length, but because of its brevity, I felt a lot of the story could have used more depth.
As with these types of novels, there is also that "nothing of this world is what it seems" type or revelation that makes characters reevaluate their whole being in the system in which they live. As was the case in this book. But I felt the explanation at the end happened too quickly and was rushed through.
I'm sure a lot of my questions will be answered in Book 2, but I felt a lot of them could have been answered in this one. So I think, in a lot of ways, the book's length kind of hurt the its concept.
Still, I think it was a great book that had me sucked in from beginning to end, and I cannot wait until the sequel comes out, hopefully later this month.
December 5, 2017
"Love is a perilous dance too, you see. And if we stop dancing, we'll die.
Don't ever stop dancing."
Don't ever stop dancing."
May 22, 2012
I was lucky enough to be given a free copy of this book to review as part of the Shut Up & Read group's Read It & Reap program. I had read and reviewed The Curse Girl, by Kate Ellison, and I was really excited to be given the opportunity to read this one as well. I was not disappointed! Though this book was brief compared to what I usually read, the world was very well built and the characters were nicely fleshed out. I really liked Lia a lot. It was great to have a strong young female protagonist and I really felt for her. I liked Gabe, Ivy, and Jonn as well. I was expecting the twist at the end, but I wasn't expecting the *who*. I feel like I should have, but I thought it was going to be someone else. It was fun. At first I thought the person I suspected was good, then thought thatnerson was going to be the ultimate evil one of this installment. It was fun to be a bit surprised! :)
I did have two issues. The first is that there were so many questions left unanswered for me--it wasn't so much the questions that I can see being answered in later books, like, "Who is Gabe, really?" but things that I felt may have been obvious to Kate Ellison when she was writing that didn't quite make it into the story. Things like the relationship between Lia and Ann--though it's mentioned a few times that they are close friends, I never really got that feeling. Maybe it's because they were both tormented by their own issues so were deliberately being distant toward each other, maybe it's a function of the story being told from the first person perspective. The second is that Lia and Gabe's relationship felt a little rushed to me. However, I will readily admit that may be due to my sadness that the story was over so quickly--I didn't want it to end!
I am VERY happy I read this book. I really loved it and can't wait to read the next in the series and see where things go. I've only read two books by Kate Ellison and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
I did have two issues. The first is that there were so many questions left unanswered for me--it wasn't so much the questions that I can see being answered in later books, like, "Who is Gabe, really?" but things that I felt may have been obvious to Kate Ellison when she was writing that didn't quite make it into the story. Things like the relationship between Lia and Ann--though it's mentioned a few times that they are close friends, I never really got that feeling. Maybe it's because they were both tormented by their own issues so were deliberately being distant toward each other, maybe it's a function of the story being told from the first person perspective. The second is that Lia and Gabe's relationship felt a little rushed to me. However, I will readily admit that may be due to my sadness that the story was over so quickly--I didn't want it to end!
I am VERY happy I read this book. I really loved it and can't wait to read the next in the series and see where things go. I've only read two books by Kate Ellison and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
June 15, 2012
Ok, first of all, thank you Kate for letting me Review your book! ;)
COULDN’T STOP READING IT!
So, my “Professional Review”: I honestly loved the book. The story development went in the right track for the whole book and the characters were captivating in the right way. I also enjoyed the twists and the choice of the “Frost” to be the main natural element in the story, which I appreciate a lot and it’s not used very often.
*SPOILERS ALERT*
Now, the Fangirl mode Review:
* LOOK.AT.THAT.COVER. ^^
* I loved John. He’s such an interesting character from my view. You can see he suffers but he’s strong minded enough to always look like everything is ok and he’s the one who maintain the “peace” in that house with his humor.
* About Lia: strong characters that put their family first are my thing. That’s why I liked Lia. Also the “I had allowed myself to feel love (…) in a way I’d once sworn to myself I never would” question is something that I personally relate and find charming to see. The transformation of Lia as a character was also amazing.
* Gabe: I know Gabe was a fugitive but by some motive i felt annoyed by seeing him letting Lia put her family and herself in danger so many times for him. Lia was like his “Prince Charming”, and I would like to have saw him being a little more harsh in some moments.
* Cole, Cole, Cole. I knew for the very beginning that he was going to give problems. Once again the ambition proves his point of no return and the “end” of the character was perfect for me. ;)
* The topic of the corruption on the Mayor was another aspect that, even if it was kind of expected, I found necessary and intelligent, especially putting the character of Ann in the middle of the situation, divided between her besty and her father.
* I’m expecting to see more from Adam in the future. My opinion about him is not quite formed yet. ;)
* And it occupied two entire pages of my notebook to write all the quotes and little things that caught my heart in this book.
Reasons for the Rating (****):
This book was almost a 5. I’m expecting to finally give it to Thorns (Frost #2) when it comes out, cause hopefully most of the motives why I didn’t gave that extra star, will have response in the sequel.
That said:
* The end. Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely loved the final letter from Gabe but I was not expecting it to end so soon, without the Farthers coming to her house again in the morning. I think I’m kinda desperate to have the second book right now :P
* The “Lia -“ constant interruptions. I was like “JUST TELL HER THAT YOU LIKE HER” or “JUST KISS HER” or even “SHARE YOUR FEELINGS BOTH OF YOU OR I’M GOING TO TAKE YOUR FOOD FOR A MONTH!”. But yeah, I’d to take a deep breath when Ivy interrupted them for the Third time. I just wanted I beautiful kiss sooner….snif snif
* I was a little worried when I first saw the “good friendship with the Mayors daughter” that reminded me too much at first of HG. I was very pleased to quickly recognize that I was completely wrong and that I actually enjoyed Ann’s character.
* The Gabe’s “princess-in-trouble” kinda attitude for part of the book
Little Things and Quotes:
* The Breath-taking Cover
* Snow Blossoms
* The Blue Dress Ann’s borrowed Lia
* Gabe asking her to go with him
* John’s effort to walk in order to uncover Gabe’s tracks in the snow. My fav moment in the book.
* Family first
* Ma and Da
* I support the Thorns
* The Snow Parables
* “Was it Worth it?”
* “Don’t ever Stop Dancing.”
* “(about Ivy) She was good at rescuing things and wretched at doing anything about it afterward.”
* “Have you ever felt that it’s just too dangerous to love people?”/ He was quiet. Something glistened in his eyes./”My parents, and now you.”
* “Gabe struggled up to his feet, he and Adam offered me a hand up at the same time, and I accepted Gabe’s help.”
* “How did you know?”(Lia do Cole)/ He laughed. “I have my ways. People barely notice me, you know, but I’m clever. I know how to watch people, how to learn their secrets after months of careful observation.”
* “I’d allowed myself to feel love –yes, love– for another person in a way I’d once sworn to myself I never would. I’d become completely vulnerable, and now I’d been torn apart with hurt and catapulted onto a path I might never have taken otherwise. I’d risked my life for an outsider. For a stranger. Worse, I had a feeling I was going to do it again.”
And of course:
* “In answer to a question you asked me not a long ago, a question I didn’t answer at the time…it is worth it. Love is a perilous dance too, you see. And if we stop dancing, we’ll die.
Don’t ever stop dancing.”
COULDN’T STOP READING IT!
So, my “Professional Review”: I honestly loved the book. The story development went in the right track for the whole book and the characters were captivating in the right way. I also enjoyed the twists and the choice of the “Frost” to be the main natural element in the story, which I appreciate a lot and it’s not used very often.
*SPOILERS ALERT*
Now, the Fangirl mode Review:
* LOOK.AT.THAT.COVER. ^^
* I loved John. He’s such an interesting character from my view. You can see he suffers but he’s strong minded enough to always look like everything is ok and he’s the one who maintain the “peace” in that house with his humor.
* About Lia: strong characters that put their family first are my thing. That’s why I liked Lia. Also the “I had allowed myself to feel love (…) in a way I’d once sworn to myself I never would” question is something that I personally relate and find charming to see. The transformation of Lia as a character was also amazing.
* Gabe: I know Gabe was a fugitive but by some motive i felt annoyed by seeing him letting Lia put her family and herself in danger so many times for him. Lia was like his “Prince Charming”, and I would like to have saw him being a little more harsh in some moments.
* Cole, Cole, Cole. I knew for the very beginning that he was going to give problems. Once again the ambition proves his point of no return and the “end” of the character was perfect for me. ;)
* The topic of the corruption on the Mayor was another aspect that, even if it was kind of expected, I found necessary and intelligent, especially putting the character of Ann in the middle of the situation, divided between her besty and her father.
* I’m expecting to see more from Adam in the future. My opinion about him is not quite formed yet. ;)
* And it occupied two entire pages of my notebook to write all the quotes and little things that caught my heart in this book.
Reasons for the Rating (****):
This book was almost a 5. I’m expecting to finally give it to Thorns (Frost #2) when it comes out, cause hopefully most of the motives why I didn’t gave that extra star, will have response in the sequel.
That said:
* The end. Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely loved the final letter from Gabe but I was not expecting it to end so soon, without the Farthers coming to her house again in the morning. I think I’m kinda desperate to have the second book right now :P
* The “Lia -“ constant interruptions. I was like “JUST TELL HER THAT YOU LIKE HER” or “JUST KISS HER” or even “SHARE YOUR FEELINGS BOTH OF YOU OR I’M GOING TO TAKE YOUR FOOD FOR A MONTH!”. But yeah, I’d to take a deep breath when Ivy interrupted them for the Third time. I just wanted I beautiful kiss sooner….snif snif
* I was a little worried when I first saw the “good friendship with the Mayors daughter” that reminded me too much at first of HG. I was very pleased to quickly recognize that I was completely wrong and that I actually enjoyed Ann’s character.
* The Gabe’s “princess-in-trouble” kinda attitude for part of the book
Little Things and Quotes:
* The Breath-taking Cover
* Snow Blossoms
* The Blue Dress Ann’s borrowed Lia
* Gabe asking her to go with him
* John’s effort to walk in order to uncover Gabe’s tracks in the snow. My fav moment in the book.
* Family first
* Ma and Da
* I support the Thorns
* The Snow Parables
* “Was it Worth it?”
* “Don’t ever Stop Dancing.”
* “(about Ivy) She was good at rescuing things and wretched at doing anything about it afterward.”
* “Have you ever felt that it’s just too dangerous to love people?”/ He was quiet. Something glistened in his eyes./”My parents, and now you.”
* “Gabe struggled up to his feet, he and Adam offered me a hand up at the same time, and I accepted Gabe’s help.”
* “How did you know?”(Lia do Cole)/ He laughed. “I have my ways. People barely notice me, you know, but I’m clever. I know how to watch people, how to learn their secrets after months of careful observation.”
* “I’d allowed myself to feel love –yes, love– for another person in a way I’d once sworn to myself I never would. I’d become completely vulnerable, and now I’d been torn apart with hurt and catapulted onto a path I might never have taken otherwise. I’d risked my life for an outsider. For a stranger. Worse, I had a feeling I was going to do it again.”
And of course:
* “In answer to a question you asked me not a long ago, a question I didn’t answer at the time…it is worth it. Love is a perilous dance too, you see. And if we stop dancing, we’ll die.
Don’t ever stop dancing.”
September 5, 2013
3,5 stars
IT WAS COLD, the kind of cold that made bones feel brittle and hands ache. My breath streamed from my lips like smoke, and my feet made wet, crunching sounds in the snow as I slipped through the forest. As I ran, my lungs ached and my sack of yarn thumped against my back. My cloak tangled around my ankles, but I yanked it free without stopping.
This is how this story begins, and for me, this first paragraph was perfect in grabing my attention and interest.
When it comes to descriptions of the settings, i think that the author made an amazing job. The descriptions are as vivid as one could possibly wish. Five stars in this.
So why the three and half stars?
The concept of the story was intriguing, and interesting: The story takes place in a dystopian setting (we have no time frame, but i'm going to go with a distant future..) but unlike the majority of the dystopias, this one has a very medievel tone...in certain things...in the Frost, there's no money, products are exchanged by other products. Like the name indicates, it appears that its habitants live on a perpetual winter. Live is hard and bleak.
The lives of these persons could be peaceful if not for two threats: The watchers monsters of ancient times that are attracted by pieces of tecnology (YES!)...that can be found on the Farthers territory. In theory, Farthers and the people who live on Frost shouldn't interact with one another. The Farther concept is the opposite of the Frost. There's tecnology, there's money, big mass production, big tall black buildings, fog, and apparently no liberty...
So from time to time in the Frost, people are able to see Farthers prisioners that are being transported in carts..
Then there's this sense of impending doom, with which the author was able to permeate the descriptions of the woods of Frost
“It’s still light,” I whispered aloud, trying to reassure myself. In the light, I was safe. Even the smallest child knew that much. The monsters didn’t come out until after dark.
Perfect, for me!
So my biggest problem was with the characters. They pale somewhat in comparison with the setting...I wish that they were more...more "fleshed as characters."
Then there's some pet peeves (almost insignificant ones, but..) like for instance, that moment where Lia and Gabe first lay eyes on one another:
I stepped to his side, crouching down to touch his face. His eyes opened a crack, and then...
He looked at me.
I felt hollowed out and filled up again as our gazes collided—mine and this Farther from beyond the edge of my world.
WHOA! It seems suspiciously like insta love/atraction....on Lia's part. And she's a very down to earth kind of character, so, it feels a little forced....maybe if this comment had appeard a little further along the line, i wouldn't have a problem with it.
Their attraction is visible, but i guess i needed more pages, more development for it to feel more palpable, more real...less ya, it happens because it has to happen!
Then there's a character, of which i'm really curious about: _Adam Brewster...
Maybe i'm seeing this all wrong, and Gabe was to have a completely different role in this story. Maybe he just served to wake Lia emotions...
Then we get to the final pages, and there's a lot of questions that i would have liked to see answered:
_ Why are the Watchers so determined in destroying tecnology?
_ Who are they really?
_ What is they time period?
_ What's with the flowers?
Then i wouldn't mind having a little more explanation on the portals...
Hopefully i will get some answers to these questions on the next book, which i'm going to start reading next!
So Yes, i enjoyed this story, and it's writing. I just can't help feeling that it could have been better, if the characters had been a little more worked out...but maybe, the problem is with the short lenght of the story that didn't allow for that. Hopefully, this next one, will compensate that problem.
August 17, 2015
Frost: Fantastic YA Paranormal With A Hint of Dystopian Looming Sadly, this book was stuck on my to-read shelf until I won a giveaway through LibraryThing's Member Giveaway Program,in order to give an honest review. This is one of those books.One of those, "Why didn't I read this sooner?!?"
Pros:✔ pacing✔ mystery✔ tension✔ the romance wasn't all consuming,✔world building,✔character development,✔atmosphere (I felt frosty and heard the snow crunch)✔ beautifully written,✔ loved the internally strong, and externally brave heroine with her varied support characters,Cons:✖ the dystopian/post apocalyptic feeling wasn't there (felt more medieval/paranormal though I’m hoping/thinking in the next books this won’t be an issue)✖ could see some things coming ahead of time✖ tight focus on these events without depth into the bigger picture (yet..and this was done on purpose due to the naive and sheltered first person narrative but it can be a drawback for some)
✖ cliff hanger (but not a major rage inducing one)✖ wish it was longer✖unanswered questions that I better get the answers to in the next book
Okay, so those last twoaren't really cons. :) There’s a lot in this compact book but it’s not light on plot or development or world building. It’s setting up for bigger and better things and I can’t wait to see where it goes. I loved the character progression and development. I’m really curious to find out more about this world and how our characters fare.Sure, I could see certain things happening from a mile away but I wasn't itching with irritation because the pace was great and I was enjoying the ride.
On Writing & the Quotes to Prove It:
I loved the writing and style. Seriously, it’s keep tight yet descriptive as needed.This is the opening,
It was cold, the kind of cold that made bones feel brittle and hands ache. My breath streamed from my lips like smoke and my feet made wet, crunching sounds in the snow as I slipped through the forest.
Then there’s this on page 20 about fear,
Most of the time fear was just like a rat in my belly, gnawing and gnawing a hole in the same place day after day whenever I let it. But now the rat had turned into a lion, and it was tearing me apart from the inside out.
And I love the paragraph about the blue wing on page 75, that starts with “Why does it live in a place that could kill it?”
As for the Romance Aspect:
For those of us dismayed, queasy and downright bored at the prevalence and focus on YA romance in books not in the romance genre (sometimes to the detriment of other great elements of a book) I say this, don't worry. The romance is relevant but not dominating. Nothing is sacrificed to make it work and doesn’t obliterate everything in it’s wake. Lia has reasons other than just quickly growing love for the things she does.
Okay, the love is quick but NOT the insta-ramen-noodle love where she sacrifices everything because he’s sooooo hot and she drools over him like an idiot. It’s more of naturally occurring event when two people from different places are thrown into a dangerous situation. It's not all consuming and they don't make a huge stupid mistake over it. I would have been SO pissed if the ending was changed to accommodate a fairy tale romance ending.
Thankfully, that didn't happen. The romance was one of those things I knew was coming and am happy with the way it was handled. I mean finding a hot stranger and saving his life, when all you've know is your own small village is a situation where I could see falling in love with said stranger. Sure, it went to love quick but really there's no room for crushes and dating. It's official courting and marriage in their world, in their situation, in their fight for survival. It’s really all or nothing.
That One Thing:
I wouldn’t necessarily call this a flaw for me, since I loved the book as is. However, for those looking for dystopian/post apocalyptic/end of the world as we know it feeling or atmosphere, you aren’t going to find it here. As it is in this book, our main setting country is medieval, maybe colonial, like with looming threat of an industrialized country and the paranormal monsters fluttering in between.
We don't really get even a hint of fallen city/country/time or big disastrous past until the very, very end. And even then, it’s just a hint. It could go a different way. So I’m going with paranormal with a sci-fi twist for now.
However, as we delve more into this world and learn more how this world works and how it came to be I have a feeling this aspect is going to get stronger. I’m hoping it gets stronger. My guesses as to the continuing story arc from the ending certainly leads me down that direction but I can’t be sure until I read the next book, Thorns.
Recommend for: YA and Fantasy Lovers
Pros:✔ pacing✔ mystery✔ tension✔ the romance wasn't all consuming,✔world building,✔character development,✔atmosphere (I felt frosty and heard the snow crunch)✔ beautifully written,✔ loved the internally strong, and externally brave heroine with her varied support characters,Cons:✖ the dystopian/post apocalyptic feeling wasn't there (felt more medieval/paranormal though I’m hoping/thinking in the next books this won’t be an issue)✖ could see some things coming ahead of time✖ tight focus on these events without depth into the bigger picture (yet..and this was done on purpose due to the naive and sheltered first person narrative but it can be a drawback for some)
✖ cliff hanger (but not a major rage inducing one)✖ wish it was longer✖unanswered questions that I better get the answers to in the next book
Okay, so those last twoaren't really cons. :) There’s a lot in this compact book but it’s not light on plot or development or world building. It’s setting up for bigger and better things and I can’t wait to see where it goes. I loved the character progression and development. I’m really curious to find out more about this world and how our characters fare.Sure, I could see certain things happening from a mile away but I wasn't itching with irritation because the pace was great and I was enjoying the ride.
On Writing & the Quotes to Prove It:
I loved the writing and style. Seriously, it’s keep tight yet descriptive as needed.This is the opening,
It was cold, the kind of cold that made bones feel brittle and hands ache. My breath streamed from my lips like smoke and my feet made wet, crunching sounds in the snow as I slipped through the forest.
Then there’s this on page 20 about fear,
Most of the time fear was just like a rat in my belly, gnawing and gnawing a hole in the same place day after day whenever I let it. But now the rat had turned into a lion, and it was tearing me apart from the inside out.
And I love the paragraph about the blue wing on page 75, that starts with “Why does it live in a place that could kill it?”
As for the Romance Aspect:
For those of us dismayed, queasy and downright bored at the prevalence and focus on YA romance in books not in the romance genre (sometimes to the detriment of other great elements of a book) I say this, don't worry. The romance is relevant but not dominating. Nothing is sacrificed to make it work and doesn’t obliterate everything in it’s wake. Lia has reasons other than just quickly growing love for the things she does.
Okay, the love is quick but NOT the insta-ramen-noodle love where she sacrifices everything because he’s sooooo hot and she drools over him like an idiot. It’s more of naturally occurring event when two people from different places are thrown into a dangerous situation. It's not all consuming and they don't make a huge stupid mistake over it. I would have been SO pissed if the ending was changed to accommodate a fairy tale romance ending.
Thankfully, that didn't happen. The romance was one of those things I knew was coming and am happy with the way it was handled. I mean finding a hot stranger and saving his life, when all you've know is your own small village is a situation where I could see falling in love with said stranger. Sure, it went to love quick but really there's no room for crushes and dating. It's official courting and marriage in their world, in their situation, in their fight for survival. It’s really all or nothing.
That One Thing:
I wouldn’t necessarily call this a flaw for me, since I loved the book as is. However, for those looking for dystopian/post apocalyptic/end of the world as we know it feeling or atmosphere, you aren’t going to find it here. As it is in this book, our main setting country is medieval, maybe colonial, like with looming threat of an industrialized country and the paranormal monsters fluttering in between.
We don't really get even a hint of fallen city/country/time or big disastrous past until the very, very end. And even then, it’s just a hint. It could go a different way. So I’m going with paranormal with a sci-fi twist for now.
However, as we delve more into this world and learn more how this world works and how it came to be I have a feeling this aspect is going to get stronger. I’m hoping it gets stronger. My guesses as to the continuing story arc from the ending certainly leads me down that direction but I can’t be sure until I read the next book, Thorns.
Recommend for: YA and Fantasy Lovers
April 24, 2012
Wow. For a book less than two hundred pages long, this one really packed a punch. Excellent pacing, awesome depth, fantastic characters. My first reaction when I finished? It's over? And the preview chapter's not for the sequel? Dammit! Lia's narration of her vividly bleak wintry world hooked me almost right away, really liked her character too, and now just have to patiently wait for the sequel to see what happens next.
That, and maybe explain a bit more of why this book's so awesome. Lia's one tough girl - she doesn't fight, doesn't kick ass, but she takes charge of her orphaned brother and sister on their farm on the edge of their village, surrounded by that bleak wintry wasteland infested by monsters, which is way more impressive. She's got a different kind of courage, she's not fearless, but has so much she's fearful of, stuff that scares even the toughest villagers, but she takes charge in the face of her fears. Sitting in her little house at night, facing the door with her shotgun in her lap, afraid to fall asleep because of the monsters howling in the yard, you gotta admire that. Add her brother John and her sister Ivy and her situation just had me. And the stuff with Gabe? Completely believable, how Lia's fearful and conflicted at first but something still keeps her from abandoning him, glad it wasn't one of those love at first sight deals.
Not only the characters, but the environment just blew me away. I don't think a word was wasted creating the harsh, stark world Lia lives in, from the snow falling everywhere to the monstrous Watchers lurking in the woods that'd rip anyone caught out at night apart. Add in Lia's village, clinging to survival, apart from but threatened by the Farthers from the south, and all of it's awesome setup for a fast-paced, unputdownable story about helping an outsider escape from oppression to freedom and the price that must be paid. And the ending, well not exactly a cliffhanger, but it is just the right bittersweet cap that would've made this book a powerful standalone (if more than a few readers angry).
So yeah, I liked Lia's character, the complex, hardscrabble world around her, and the political themes in the backdrop. Definitely a well deserved five stars.
That, and maybe explain a bit more of why this book's so awesome. Lia's one tough girl - she doesn't fight, doesn't kick ass, but she takes charge of her orphaned brother and sister on their farm on the edge of their village, surrounded by that bleak wintry wasteland infested by monsters, which is way more impressive. She's got a different kind of courage, she's not fearless, but has so much she's fearful of, stuff that scares even the toughest villagers, but she takes charge in the face of her fears. Sitting in her little house at night, facing the door with her shotgun in her lap, afraid to fall asleep because of the monsters howling in the yard, you gotta admire that. Add her brother John and her sister Ivy and her situation just had me. And the stuff with Gabe? Completely believable, how Lia's fearful and conflicted at first but something still keeps her from abandoning him, glad it wasn't one of those love at first sight deals.
Not only the characters, but the environment just blew me away. I don't think a word was wasted creating the harsh, stark world Lia lives in, from the snow falling everywhere to the monstrous Watchers lurking in the woods that'd rip anyone caught out at night apart. Add in Lia's village, clinging to survival, apart from but threatened by the Farthers from the south, and all of it's awesome setup for a fast-paced, unputdownable story about helping an outsider escape from oppression to freedom and the price that must be paid. And the ending, well not exactly a cliffhanger, but it is just the right bittersweet cap that would've made this book a powerful standalone (if more than a few readers angry).
So yeah, I liked Lia's character, the complex, hardscrabble world around her, and the political themes in the backdrop. Definitely a well deserved five stars.
May 15, 2012
We all have a fear of the unknown, what one does with that fear will make all the difference in the world" (Lillian Russell quote). Thought this quote was fitting for the book since so much of it is fear of the unknown.
Lia lives just outside the gates of the Village on a small farm her parents had bought way before the Watchers killed them. No one else wanted it because it was too far from the safety of the Village gates. But now that they are gone, Lia is left to care for her crippled brother and scatterbrained younger sister...all while trying to make quota each week for the Village. And sometimes it proves to be too much for the young girl. So when her sister demands they care for a dying Farther, one of the very people the Elders have warned them against, Lia believes this could be the final straw that could finally tear her family apart.
Lia is breaking all the rules and possibly putting her family’s lives at risk to care for this young man. But there is something about him that pulls her in and soon feelings start to grow. Lia thinks she is crazy for falling for a Farther of all people. But this is just the beginning of the story...more and more secrets unravel and now Lia must help him escape her people and his own to get to safety. Lia will sacrifice everything she has ever known for him, but in the end is it worth it or will it cost her her life and the lives of those she loves?
This book to me was like some crazy mix up of The Village (M. Knight Shyamalan) and The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Carrie Ryan) all jumbled together...in a very good way. I was creeped out through a majority of it wondering what the Watchers really were. I only know of a handful of books that have brought on such intense feelings of fear and this one did it. That shows the author knows what she is doing and doing it well.
Loved the intensity and emotion that Frost had flowing through it…you will have a hard time finding a stopping place. The author throws a few twists out at you, having you remember things from the beginning you thought meant nothing. I thought the whole storyline was great and loved how it all played out in the end. Would definitely love to read more about these amazing characters and hope the author plans to continue on with it.
September 11, 2012
I received this from the Kate Avery Ellison to read and review. The story is set in the winter in a small community that lives in the Frost as the area is called. Lia is the main character, she's had to take over raising her little sister and caring for her crippled brother after her parents are murdered. Most of the community lives in a safe little town while a few live outside the town those are farmers. It's a unique world, where during the daylight the people in the town are free to move about but during the night these creatures called "Watcher" come out and kill anyone who they find they are drawn to people with electronics. That's why it's a simple farmingish community, each family has a quota of goods they are required to provide for the better of the town. When a stranger shows up hurt who happens to be the community's enemy Lia saves his life and changed her life forever.
I couldn't put it down there is so much in such a short time in the book it keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's a very descriptive story, I felt like I could see the snow. I was nervous because this is a new genera for me but I was pleasantly surprised how drawn in I was. I spent most of the book trying to figure out who was the bad guy and I had a hunch but I was also blind sided. I love a good blind side when I'm reading a book with a little suspense in it. I liked the tiny twist of romance too. I'm looking forward to a future books in the series.
I couldn't put it down there is so much in such a short time in the book it keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's a very descriptive story, I felt like I could see the snow. I was nervous because this is a new genera for me but I was pleasantly surprised how drawn in I was. I spent most of the book trying to figure out who was the bad guy and I had a hunch but I was also blind sided. I love a good blind side when I'm reading a book with a little suspense in it. I liked the tiny twist of romance too. I'm looking forward to a future books in the series.
May 14, 2012
Wow! What a fantastic book, and under 200 pages? Are you kidding me?! The story line was original and fresh with a fast-moving plot. It had romance, mystery, fantasy, and a surprisingly developed world considering the length of this book. I believed in the world where Lia existed and liked how we learn more about the world through the main character's experience. I found Lia's character to be realistic given her world; she was easily likable and a fun voice to read. In addition, I liked how her personality was in line with her role in the book. It was clear she had been through a lot, (assuming the role of head of the family, and having to protect the people she loves...etc) and her tendencies reflected that. That being said, she was able to change, and readers are able to experience that transformation with her. I enjoyed how all of the characters were three dimensional, and you learned about their back story organically throughout the book. Nothing felt forced, and the story was very fluid from the beginning right to the end. A part of me wishes it was longer so that I could spend more time with this book. At the same time, part of the beauty of Frost was there was no lagging in plot, and in the simplicity of the storytelling. I can't wait until the next one comes out!!
September 16, 2013
The blurb to "Frost" sounded pretty interesting, but unfortunately, that's the only thing that was.
The pacing was really slow. The only thing that happened in the first 50% was when she found Gabe, and that wasn't particularly interesting.
It didn't really improve until about 90%, when Lia gets betrayed.
I liked the characters, though.
Lia was really sweet, and really protective over her siblings.
Gabe's story was really sad, and i really felt for him.
I did feel that Lia's sister and brother needed a bit more development, but i still liked them.
Overall, It had likable characters, but unfortunately, had a slightly misleading blurb.
The pacing was really slow. The only thing that happened in the first 50% was when she found Gabe, and that wasn't particularly interesting.
It didn't really improve until about 90%, when Lia gets betrayed.
I liked the characters, though.
Lia was really sweet, and really protective over her siblings.
Gabe's story was really sad, and i really felt for him.
I did feel that Lia's sister and brother needed a bit more development, but i still liked them.
Overall, It had likable characters, but unfortunately, had a slightly misleading blurb.
May 13, 2012
A quick enjoyable read. Atmospheric with a unique story-line full of intrigue and blossoming romance. Lia is a likable heroine and Gabe an interesting male lead. This is a great start to a new series. (I am assuming it is a series from how it ended). I am curious to know what happens next. My only complaint was that it wasn't longer. I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author.
If you enjoy stories with a dark fairy tale feel and pages packed with atmosphere and tension, then this is the perfect read for you.
If you enjoy stories with a dark fairy tale feel and pages packed with atmosphere and tension, then this is the perfect read for you.
July 17, 2016
Short but absolutely powerful!
What an ending though... I want to read the sequel NOW!
What an ending though... I want to read the sequel NOW!
August 30, 2023
This was a solidly GOOD read. Short but packed a great punch as far as setting, world building, tone, and laying the foundation for a bigger plot. The writing is well done.
There is a romance that seemed kinda insta-love. The chemistry between them was meh. The excellent atmosphere of the book and the anxious tension and constant fear/danger made up for it, though.
Looking forward to starting book 2.
Content- no swearing or sex whatsoever.
There is a romance that seemed kinda insta-love. The chemistry between them was meh. The excellent atmosphere of the book and the anxious tension and constant fear/danger made up for it, though.
Looking forward to starting book 2.
Content- no swearing or sex whatsoever.
October 6, 2019
4.5 Watcher Stars
I really enjoyed this book and fell in love with Lia and Gabe...but Adam? Hmmmm? I wonder what's going to be in store for him in the next book.
I finished this quickly and can't wait to start Frost!
I really enjoyed this book and fell in love with Lia and Gabe...but Adam? Hmmmm? I wonder what's going to be in store for him in the next book.
I finished this quickly and can't wait to start Frost!
April 25, 2022
The characters where very bare and the main love interest was incredibly boring. The main character was basic and it was very 2012. This is a nice mindless book to read when you do not want to think hard and that was it’s purpose.
May 26, 2012
*Received a copy for a honest review.
I have got to say Frost is not your typical read. It is in the shadows and the darkness.
Lia Weaver lives with her siblings, her sister, Ivy and her brother, Jonn. Her parents were killed by watchers. In Frost there are secrets that could kill you and if you roam around you won't live for long. The Watchers watch your every step. They are monsters. The Fathers are from another land. It all starts when Ivy finds him lying on the snow bleeding. By Lia looking after him it means betraying the villages trust. But when they find out that he (Gabe) is a Father and a rouge, Lia's world turns upside down. She finds secrets that have been hidden from her and also finds love. But some time's it can be too late.
Hold on, i need to breathe! I just can't stop boasting about this! Everything was perfect except *one little thing*, and i repeat: "one little thing." Anyway, moving on. First things first: i love Kate Avery Ellision! Her writing is so beautiful and the way she puts twists in her story! The plot of this story is set in a fantasy world, where people live in Frost and the Fathers live in a world of dull days. There are also Watchers (god are they creepy!) Every time, the pop up into the story it sends you shivers down your spine (and let me tell you, it's not in a good way.) These people do not mix together! And oh how i loved it! I just loved each and every single thing about the plot, the Fathers and the Watchers.
The only thing that annoyed me was that Lia, our main character, was brave but she couldn't make her mind up! Seriously! Make your mind up, girl!! Gabe, i thought, was a interesting character but he was more of a normal guy to me. The story didn't really look into him in more detail of his feelings and i would have loved it if there was. The only things we know are little detail was his story of how he got here. Other than these things i loved every single thing about it!
The mystery in this story is just mesmerising. You can't help but wait in anticipation (and maybe skip a few words or paragraphs.) The different characters in this book are all for a purpose and oh was i shocked when i found out some things. Some of these characters don't even look like they could kill people!
So, in the end, i have to say i loved reading Frost! It's one of my favourite book for a creep-you-out read. And i would highly recommend to read Frost or one of Ellison's work.
I have got to say Frost is not your typical read. It is in the shadows and the darkness.
Lia Weaver lives with her siblings, her sister, Ivy and her brother, Jonn. Her parents were killed by watchers. In Frost there are secrets that could kill you and if you roam around you won't live for long. The Watchers watch your every step. They are monsters. The Fathers are from another land. It all starts when Ivy finds him lying on the snow bleeding. By Lia looking after him it means betraying the villages trust. But when they find out that he (Gabe) is a Father and a rouge, Lia's world turns upside down. She finds secrets that have been hidden from her and also finds love. But some time's it can be too late.
Hold on, i need to breathe! I just can't stop boasting about this! Everything was perfect except *one little thing*, and i repeat: "one little thing." Anyway, moving on. First things first: i love Kate Avery Ellision! Her writing is so beautiful and the way she puts twists in her story! The plot of this story is set in a fantasy world, where people live in Frost and the Fathers live in a world of dull days. There are also Watchers (god are they creepy!) Every time, the pop up into the story it sends you shivers down your spine (and let me tell you, it's not in a good way.) These people do not mix together! And oh how i loved it! I just loved each and every single thing about the plot, the Fathers and the Watchers.
The only thing that annoyed me was that Lia, our main character, was brave but she couldn't make her mind up! Seriously! Make your mind up, girl!! Gabe, i thought, was a interesting character but he was more of a normal guy to me. The story didn't really look into him in more detail of his feelings and i would have loved it if there was. The only things we know are little detail was his story of how he got here. Other than these things i loved every single thing about it!
The mystery in this story is just mesmerising. You can't help but wait in anticipation (and maybe skip a few words or paragraphs.) The different characters in this book are all for a purpose and oh was i shocked when i found out some things. Some of these characters don't even look like they could kill people!
So, in the end, i have to say i loved reading Frost! It's one of my favourite book for a creep-you-out read. And i would highly recommend to read Frost or one of Ellison's work.
November 28, 2014
Sometimes, everything is in the details....And the details are very telling in this book.
The story is a quick, easy read and the characters seem nice enough. What brings this review down to a single star is, unfortunately, the details. The premise for the dystopian society is somewhat plausible, but not flushed out. The plot, especially the end, is obvious and superficial, although this may be in part because it is intended for young audiences. Which I am not. But even when I was part of the young adult crowd, I am fairly certain I would have had the same opinion.
So....Since several other reviews talk about character flaws, plot strengths and weaknesses, I will talk about a couple of details. There is some genuine potential for this world and maybe even the characters, but I could not get past the main character's life at the farm.
The main character and her siblings are weavers, or literally they are given the task of weaving. Work in the village is organized by family, so that the village as a whole can sustain itself better. Except, these characters never weave.
They SPIN.
Yes, they spin yarn, and badly at that. Spinning is not twiddling unnamed and undescribed stuff between your fingers. They do not, not a single time, ever actually weave. The only loom they have is apparently used for turning yarn into thread. (That's not how it works, but I'm assuming everyone else in the world besides the author knows that.)
I will not say any more on the subject, except that half a day's research on the internet would have given the author enough material to make her weaver characters capable of weaving, including using correct and accurate terminology for the actions and tools. They could still spin, if they really wanted to spin, too. Not to mention all the rich metaphors, symbols and feelings (tactile and emotional) that the author could have evoked using the world of fibers and cloth making.
The above criticism is nit-picky, I'll admit, but very symbolic of the superficial quality of the writing in this book. If the author can't be bothered to look up the word 'weave' in the dictionary before using it for the name of her later book and as an integral part of her characters lives, then I can't be bothered to give more than one star.
The story is a quick, easy read and the characters seem nice enough. What brings this review down to a single star is, unfortunately, the details. The premise for the dystopian society is somewhat plausible, but not flushed out. The plot, especially the end, is obvious and superficial, although this may be in part because it is intended for young audiences. Which I am not. But even when I was part of the young adult crowd, I am fairly certain I would have had the same opinion.
So....Since several other reviews talk about character flaws, plot strengths and weaknesses, I will talk about a couple of details. There is some genuine potential for this world and maybe even the characters, but I could not get past the main character's life at the farm.
The main character and her siblings are weavers, or literally they are given the task of weaving. Work in the village is organized by family, so that the village as a whole can sustain itself better. Except, these characters never weave.
They SPIN.
Yes, they spin yarn, and badly at that. Spinning is not twiddling unnamed and undescribed stuff between your fingers. They do not, not a single time, ever actually weave. The only loom they have is apparently used for turning yarn into thread. (That's not how it works, but I'm assuming everyone else in the world besides the author knows that.)
I will not say any more on the subject, except that half a day's research on the internet would have given the author enough material to make her weaver characters capable of weaving, including using correct and accurate terminology for the actions and tools. They could still spin, if they really wanted to spin, too. Not to mention all the rich metaphors, symbols and feelings (tactile and emotional) that the author could have evoked using the world of fibers and cloth making.
The above criticism is nit-picky, I'll admit, but very symbolic of the superficial quality of the writing in this book. If the author can't be bothered to look up the word 'weave' in the dictionary before using it for the name of her later book and as an integral part of her characters lives, then I can't be bothered to give more than one star.
June 14, 2012
WOW. This is the second book I've had the opportunity to review by Kate Ellison and her writing keeps getting better and better. Absolutely LOVED this story and found that I couldn't put it down once I started. My one complaint is that it was too short. It introduced some interesting characters that I would have loved to know more about but overall I found it to be an excellent intro to what I hope will be a great series.
Ellison weaves a beautiful story of a girl named Lia who is forced into the adult responsibilities of taking charge of her two siblings and their farm after her parents are killed. The weight of keeping her family together and alive weighs heavily on her shoulders. She realizes that her own dreams aren’t important anymore, only survival. The imagery the author creates of the frosty woodland where she lives was vivid. Life in the community where she lives is rough. Money doesn’t exist, only the trade of goods and everyone works to meet a weekly quota that keeps the village thriving. South of the village beyond the frost is the sophisticate and advanced city of Aeralis where people they refer to as Farthers live. In Aeralis there is no bitter winter, electronics & machines exist, the military rules and most importantly there are no Watchers. Watchers are creatures of the frost that come out at night and hunt. Lia’s world is turned further upside down after she saves the life a dangerous Farther named Gabe and the world as she knows it changes forever.
I liked Lia a lot. She’s a survivor who is trying to make sense of the world around her. The romance in the story was subtle, sweet and heartbreaking. As she asks "Is this struggle to feel worth it?"
Again, my only complaint is that it was over too soon. I wanted to learn more about Adam, his family and Lia's brother Jonn - who broke my heart. I can't wait for book 2 and seriously, stop reading reviews and just go read it!!!
Ellison weaves a beautiful story of a girl named Lia who is forced into the adult responsibilities of taking charge of her two siblings and their farm after her parents are killed. The weight of keeping her family together and alive weighs heavily on her shoulders. She realizes that her own dreams aren’t important anymore, only survival. The imagery the author creates of the frosty woodland where she lives was vivid. Life in the community where she lives is rough. Money doesn’t exist, only the trade of goods and everyone works to meet a weekly quota that keeps the village thriving. South of the village beyond the frost is the sophisticate and advanced city of Aeralis where people they refer to as Farthers live. In Aeralis there is no bitter winter, electronics & machines exist, the military rules and most importantly there are no Watchers. Watchers are creatures of the frost that come out at night and hunt. Lia’s world is turned further upside down after she saves the life a dangerous Farther named Gabe and the world as she knows it changes forever.
I liked Lia a lot. She’s a survivor who is trying to make sense of the world around her. The romance in the story was subtle, sweet and heartbreaking. As she asks "Is this struggle to feel worth it?"
Again, my only complaint is that it was over too soon. I wanted to learn more about Adam, his family and Lia's brother Jonn - who broke my heart. I can't wait for book 2 and seriously, stop reading reviews and just go read it!!!
July 23, 2012
I had the privileged of being a part of the cover reveal from AToMR Tours for Frost. So when I knew Frost was going on tour I jumped at the chance to be on it. When I read the blurb I was excited to be introduced to a new world.Sometimes we bloggers tend to stay with the same genre but I said hey this good. I have to say I am so glad I read Frost because it left me breathless and wanting book two like yesterday!
Lia lives on a farm outside the safe walls of the village. Her parents bought the farm and raised the kids on it so when they were murdered Lia decided they would remain on the farm just like their parents wanted. Her parents always warned her and her siblings of the danger that lied in Frost the forest where the monsters are at night. So when her parents died Lia took over the responsibility of raising her brother and sister.
One day her sister is outside when she finds a Father. A Father is a person from across the river and they are taught from an early age not to talk to them or trust them because they are dangerous. But when her sister comes home with an injured one Lia's mother mode kicks in and she nurses him back to health. She helps him heal and along the way she falls in love with him and decodes she will bring him to safety.
The only thing that Lia is worried about is the the elders finding out she helped a Father. She does not want to hurt her brother or sister so at first she is worried about helping him but she just can't let him die. So what will Lia do? Will she sacrifice everything for this stranger and love or will she turn him in and move on? With so much on the line what will she do...... This is a must read book! It will grip you right from the start and you will not be disappointed!
Lia lives on a farm outside the safe walls of the village. Her parents bought the farm and raised the kids on it so when they were murdered Lia decided they would remain on the farm just like their parents wanted. Her parents always warned her and her siblings of the danger that lied in Frost the forest where the monsters are at night. So when her parents died Lia took over the responsibility of raising her brother and sister.
One day her sister is outside when she finds a Father. A Father is a person from across the river and they are taught from an early age not to talk to them or trust them because they are dangerous. But when her sister comes home with an injured one Lia's mother mode kicks in and she nurses him back to health. She helps him heal and along the way she falls in love with him and decodes she will bring him to safety.
The only thing that Lia is worried about is the the elders finding out she helped a Father. She does not want to hurt her brother or sister so at first she is worried about helping him but she just can't let him die. So what will Lia do? Will she sacrifice everything for this stranger and love or will she turn him in and move on? With so much on the line what will she do...... This is a must read book! It will grip you right from the start and you will not be disappointed!
June 23, 2012
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
"We were just two people, and I was astonished at how easy it was to forget that there were any other barriers between us."
This is the second book I have read by Kate Avery Ellison. I read and loved her retelling of Beauty and the Beast called The Curse Girl.
Frost was no different. Kate is excellent at world building and her writing is detailed and descriptive without being tedious. I loved her descriptions of the forests of the Frost and the village it surrounded. Every time Lia went into the Frost my heart was in my chest fearing she would encounter a watcher. Kate is great at keeping you in suspense from page one through to the end.
Her characters are realistic and stick with you after the story has ended. I fell in love with Lia. She is determined and loyal and puts her family ahead of herself.
Gabe is such a sweetie. I really hope we get to see more of him in book two.
The only minor critique that I have is that it was a little on the short side. While being descriptive, I felt it could of had a little more action.
All in all, a great read that I highly recommend if you like young adult fantasy. I am eagerly waiting for Thorns.
"Don't ever stop dancing." <3
"We were just two people, and I was astonished at how easy it was to forget that there were any other barriers between us."
This is the second book I have read by Kate Avery Ellison. I read and loved her retelling of Beauty and the Beast called The Curse Girl.
Frost was no different. Kate is excellent at world building and her writing is detailed and descriptive without being tedious. I loved her descriptions of the forests of the Frost and the village it surrounded. Every time Lia went into the Frost my heart was in my chest fearing she would encounter a watcher. Kate is great at keeping you in suspense from page one through to the end.
Her characters are realistic and stick with you after the story has ended. I fell in love with Lia. She is determined and loyal and puts her family ahead of herself.
Gabe is such a sweetie. I really hope we get to see more of him in book two.
The only minor critique that I have is that it was a little on the short side. While being descriptive, I felt it could of had a little more action.
All in all, a great read that I highly recommend if you like young adult fantasy. I am eagerly waiting for Thorns.
"Don't ever stop dancing." <3
June 11, 2016
Well, I loved the setting of this book. I found the story of three orphans living at a farm set in the frozen woods, with some type of monsters about at night, to be extremely spooky and I was drawn right into the story. I did find a few editorial issues, which wasn't surprising to me given that this is self published. However, and this the reason for the 3 stars, I could not get past an incredibly huge gaffe in the book. Early in the book we learn that each family in the community is in particular trade, and their family surname matches that trade. Our main character's family are the Weavers. Now, even my young friend who is 8 told me, when I asked, that weavers use a loom to weave threads to make cloth or rugs. But, not this family. They have a loom, but somehow (though they never appear to use the loom) they produce yarn, which they spend all their time rolling into balls, which they later take to the village to turn in for Quota. I can't understand how the author (or editor) could not know that weaving does not produce yarn, that these folks should have been called Spinners or Spinsters (yes, that is the origin of that term), and that they should have had a spinning wheel, not a loom, to do it. Since this was often referred to in the story, I just couldn't get past it.
May 21, 2012
I loved this story, it was enchanting and magical. The setting was so well described I could actually almost feel the chill on my skin. The characters were awesome and believable, I only wanted to know them more and read more about them. The story itself was definitely amazing; the author spun a tale of originality with dread and suspense laced in the folklore of the world. I was on edge on the scenes with the Watchers, I really want to know what they are specifically but boy I would not want to meet one! The touch of romance was definitely a plus!
To make a world all nestled in the cold of ice, snow and frost and still maintain the vivid imagery to get the story flowing is extremely difficult but this author did it perfectly. I want to read the sequel and I want to read more about the complexity of a great cast of characters: Lia, Gabe, Ivy, Ann, Adam and Jonn. The Farthers were perfect villains and I loved to hate them but I would definitely like to see what their world is all about too.
Overall a thrilling, enchanting read that I would love to read again, which is something I rarely do. Great job!
To make a world all nestled in the cold of ice, snow and frost and still maintain the vivid imagery to get the story flowing is extremely difficult but this author did it perfectly. I want to read the sequel and I want to read more about the complexity of a great cast of characters: Lia, Gabe, Ivy, Ann, Adam and Jonn. The Farthers were perfect villains and I loved to hate them but I would definitely like to see what their world is all about too.
Overall a thrilling, enchanting read that I would love to read again, which is something I rarely do. Great job!
December 30, 2013
This book, had everything, romance, intrigue, mystery, and even some supernatural mixed into it. Short, but very well thought out. Lia was a great MC strong, and she did what had to be done no matter what. The story has barely started, Ellison only start revealing little snippets at the end, but it all weaves together perfectly. Can't wait to find out more about the story of the Forgotten Ones and Echo (which reminded me of the fortress of solituded lol)
September 19, 2014
Nelson Mandela had said: "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
In Kate Avery Ellison's Frost this was most definitely true.
Life is hard in Frost for everyone. If the cold and the lack of supplies doesn't do the villagers of Iceliss in, the Watchers sure do a good job of it. Terrifying monsters that feast on humans and come out after dark. But if things are tough for the regular folks of the Frost, they are definitely the toughest for Lia Weaver and her siblings. Living in an isolated farm, surrounded by the treacherous forest, the eldest Weaver has to fight everyday to make sure her family survives. With an air-headed sister, and a crippled brother, keeping up with the chores and her duties is a task in itself. Lia knows that she has no other choice, though. She must lower her head and tolerate that. All until her sister finds a wounded Farther in the woods. Now, the Weavers must not only fight to keep him safe, but they also have to accept their parents' legacy and secrets, all the while Farthers and traitors from the village pursue the mysterious young man they saved... Can Lia and her siblings survive against all odds and help Gabe escape? Or will they, too, fall victims to the same dangers their parents couldn't fight off?
I've been reading so many books that were not worth my time lately, I was reluctant to pick this one up. But hey, can you blame me?
So you can imagine how glad I was to find out that this story was not only worth it, it was also mind-numbing and breathtaking! A tale that brought shivers down my spine, not because it was frightening or way too emotional, but because there was so much suspense and you didn't know who to trust, who to believe, who to blame. Backstabbing at every corner, secrets so deadly that could cost the safety of an entire village - as if the dangers that the natural environment the characters lived in had to offer weren't enough. And in the middle of it all, Lia, a main heroine that is nothing like the ones we're used to!
See, Lia isn't brave or strong or even a super genius or extreme beauty or something. No, Lia was a normal girl, who was really hated by fate, it seemed, and had to care for her siblings as if she was their mother. Never mind the fact she was young and at the perfect age to get married, too, she kept all her problems in just to ensure her family stayed together. Forced to grow up before she was ready for it, forced to face the dangers of the forest to get to her village so many times a week and having to deal with villagers who did nothing to help her, one would expect her to be emotionally strong and stable. But she was anything but. In fact, the poor girl was scared out of her wits, and half of the time she was either panicking or trying to fix things up even if she knew she couldn't. The fact that Ivy, her sister, didn't seem to possess a lick of common sense in that head of hers made things worse, too. It was simply heart-breaking to see Lia try to deal with her problems, while at the same time, everyone around her tried to make her neglect her duties - and yet they acted shocked any time she would crack a smile or laugh, how ironic...
Even so, she put on her big girl panties, and faced the problems that came her way despite trembling inside. Gradually she kept being bolder and braver, and that showed how fast she was growing up into a wonderful woman - emotionally and mentally. Her connection to Gabe, the Farther, was a sweet one, and totally suited her personality and social position. It was nice to see the writer stick to the character she had created, and make her something more than just a mere farmer girl.
The story starts in a scary way, one that puts the reader right in the middle of the whole problem - the Watchers could pounce on the path any given moment while Lia was describing the situation in the first chapter, after all - and it onle escalated from there. I loved how the everyday life activities were not left out, but they were not stressed in the plot, either. Instead, the pace picked up over such moments, so that we could focus on the main storyline instead. Which was much appreciated, considering the tangled mess that was the political situation in this book.
All in all, a delight to read and experience - yes, it's impossible not to "live" the story through Lia's eyes, the narration is just that close and personal. Now that the truth is out in the open, I can't wait to see how much more the Weavers will evolve as characters, and what other dangers their actions will bring forth as consequences!
***I was given a review copy from a LibraryThing Member Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Find this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
In Kate Avery Ellison's Frost this was most definitely true.
Life is hard in Frost for everyone. If the cold and the lack of supplies doesn't do the villagers of Iceliss in, the Watchers sure do a good job of it. Terrifying monsters that feast on humans and come out after dark. But if things are tough for the regular folks of the Frost, they are definitely the toughest for Lia Weaver and her siblings. Living in an isolated farm, surrounded by the treacherous forest, the eldest Weaver has to fight everyday to make sure her family survives. With an air-headed sister, and a crippled brother, keeping up with the chores and her duties is a task in itself. Lia knows that she has no other choice, though. She must lower her head and tolerate that. All until her sister finds a wounded Farther in the woods. Now, the Weavers must not only fight to keep him safe, but they also have to accept their parents' legacy and secrets, all the while Farthers and traitors from the village pursue the mysterious young man they saved... Can Lia and her siblings survive against all odds and help Gabe escape? Or will they, too, fall victims to the same dangers their parents couldn't fight off?
I've been reading so many books that were not worth my time lately, I was reluctant to pick this one up. But hey, can you blame me?
So you can imagine how glad I was to find out that this story was not only worth it, it was also mind-numbing and breathtaking! A tale that brought shivers down my spine, not because it was frightening or way too emotional, but because there was so much suspense and you didn't know who to trust, who to believe, who to blame. Backstabbing at every corner, secrets so deadly that could cost the safety of an entire village - as if the dangers that the natural environment the characters lived in had to offer weren't enough. And in the middle of it all, Lia, a main heroine that is nothing like the ones we're used to!
See, Lia isn't brave or strong or even a super genius or extreme beauty or something. No, Lia was a normal girl, who was really hated by fate, it seemed, and had to care for her siblings as if she was their mother. Never mind the fact she was young and at the perfect age to get married, too, she kept all her problems in just to ensure her family stayed together. Forced to grow up before she was ready for it, forced to face the dangers of the forest to get to her village so many times a week and having to deal with villagers who did nothing to help her, one would expect her to be emotionally strong and stable. But she was anything but. In fact, the poor girl was scared out of her wits, and half of the time she was either panicking or trying to fix things up even if she knew she couldn't. The fact that Ivy, her sister, didn't seem to possess a lick of common sense in that head of hers made things worse, too. It was simply heart-breaking to see Lia try to deal with her problems, while at the same time, everyone around her tried to make her neglect her duties - and yet they acted shocked any time she would crack a smile or laugh, how ironic...
Even so, she put on her big girl panties, and faced the problems that came her way despite trembling inside. Gradually she kept being bolder and braver, and that showed how fast she was growing up into a wonderful woman - emotionally and mentally. Her connection to Gabe, the Farther, was a sweet one, and totally suited her personality and social position. It was nice to see the writer stick to the character she had created, and make her something more than just a mere farmer girl.
The story starts in a scary way, one that puts the reader right in the middle of the whole problem - the Watchers could pounce on the path any given moment while Lia was describing the situation in the first chapter, after all - and it onle escalated from there. I loved how the everyday life activities were not left out, but they were not stressed in the plot, either. Instead, the pace picked up over such moments, so that we could focus on the main storyline instead. Which was much appreciated, considering the tangled mess that was the political situation in this book.
All in all, a delight to read and experience - yes, it's impossible not to "live" the story through Lia's eyes, the narration is just that close and personal. Now that the truth is out in the open, I can't wait to see how much more the Weavers will evolve as characters, and what other dangers their actions will bring forth as consequences!
***I was given a review copy from a LibraryThing Member Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Find this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
Want to read
July 7, 2018Oh dang, thank you so much for this opportunity and eARC Kate Avery Ellison! What I write will be an honest review.
April 14, 2018
Not bad
I got this e-book free through a Goodreads giveaway. I wouldn’t say I’m terribly excited about this book. It wasn’t very original, and it was fairly predictable. Some of the descriptions could use polishing as well. But it was a sweet, quick read with an interesting premise and promise for a potentially good series. I liked the characters. They weren’t stiff, and there was a decent amount of development going on. I could use a little more world building and less talk about how Lia can’t appreciate the beauty around her due to unfolding events, but overall I enjoyed it.
I got this e-book free through a Goodreads giveaway. I wouldn’t say I’m terribly excited about this book. It wasn’t very original, and it was fairly predictable. Some of the descriptions could use polishing as well. But it was a sweet, quick read with an interesting premise and promise for a potentially good series. I liked the characters. They weren’t stiff, and there was a decent amount of development going on. I could use a little more world building and less talk about how Lia can’t appreciate the beauty around her due to unfolding events, but overall I enjoyed it.
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