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The Frost Files #4

A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers

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Teagan Frost has enough sh*t to deal with, between her job as a telekinetic government operative and a certain pair of siblings who have returned from the dead to wreak havoc with their powers. But little does she know, things are about to get even more crazy . . .

Teagan might have survived the flash flood of the century, but now she's trapped in a hotel by a bunch of gun-toting maniacs. And to make matters worse, her powers have mysteriously disappeared. Faced with certain death at every turn, Teagan will need to use every resource she has to stop a plot that could destroy Los Angeles - maybe even the entire world.

Full of imagination, wit and random sh*t flying though the air, this insane new Frost Files adventure will blow your tiny mind.

496 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2022

57 people are currently reading
1856 people want to read

About the author

Jackson Ford

11 books439 followers
Jackson Ford is the author of The Frost Files series, including The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t with Her Mind and Random Sh*t Flying Through the Air). He may or may not be the alter ego of author Rob Boffard, but he is definitely 100% a jackass.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Bradley.
Author 9 books4,842 followers
April 27, 2022
A great return to the Teagan's snark and a wonderfully wild ride in the China Shop.

Honestly, so much happens in these books, it's not worth it to simply say that she has TK and works in a heavily black-ops organization or that as she continues to level up her mind-moving powers, it sometimes feels like ten steps backward.

Indeed, now that we're 4 books in, I'm frankly amazed at how much has happened. It has a slightly faster feel to it than normal UFs and the plot is so snappy and varied that I feel like I'm living one hell of an interesting life.

Full of abject failures, questionable decisions, long-suffering friends, and crazily unreliable powers.

Though, after the main backslide in this story, I was VERY happy to see the crazy, followed by more crazy, and then when I think it's all reached its zenith, we get a shitload of even more crazy powers. :)

The final climax was fantastic. :) Better than book 3 and that damn flood.
This was well worth the wait. I can't WAIT for the next.
Profile Image for Lexi Kruse.
771 reviews25 followers
June 13, 2022
I’ve been shouting at the top of my lungs for two years now about how much I love the Frost Files series and I was lucky enough to get to read the fourth installment early. Did I think this would ever happen? Nope! 😅🤩 First off, huge thanks go to NetGalley and Orbit for the advanced copy. Secondly, thank you to Jackson Ford for not only writing this amazing series but being an absolute baller of a guy. And thirdly, thank you to my eyeballs for allowing me to read the majority of this 500+ page book in one day. 😂

Now the review! I’m not going to get to deep in the details, especially since this book isn’t out yet, but let me tell you - it packs a punch! We pick up right where book 3 left off and the wildness ensues immediately. Teagan is, as usual, mixed up in a giant mess but it’s even worse because her powers are just 💨gone💨 (the stress I had while she was PK-less was absolutely bonkers.) And what could possibly make the issue of having no PK worse? Utter. Freaking. Chaos. 🤯 I mean, what was to be expected when Teagan’s siblings are back from the dead?? 💀

I seriously cannot wait for you all to read this book. A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers drops May 10 and it BETTER be on your tbr. If it’s not - add it. And if you haven’t read this series GET ON IT!
Profile Image for The Captain.
1,432 reviews516 followers
May 10, 2022
Ahoy there me mateys!  I received an eArc of this sci-fi novel through NetGalley in exchange for me honest musings.  This be book 4 of a series.  Though I try to post no spoilers, read at yer own peril . . .

This series be just plain over-the-top and silly fun.  I continue to love Teagan and the other members of the China Shop.  This installment was a little odd in that it didn't really further the plot set up in previous books.  Ye could toss out this book plot-wise.  However, character-wise it is extremely enjoyable to watch the relationships between the members of the China Shop evolve.  Many of the chapters are from Annie's point of view.  Given what happened to her in the previous book, watching her struggle and learning more about her past was excellent.  Also excellent was watching Teagan lose her powers and yet continue to be her snarky self who cares about others.  I look forward to the China Shops adventures in the next book.  Arrr!
Profile Image for Kate Brown.
360 reviews24 followers
March 22, 2022
There aren’t any spoilers for this book in my review, just a comment referencing a character death in another book in the series. Figured I would tag it just in case.

There was no scenario where I wasn’t going to love this book. Teagan and China Shop are always a good time.
I had a few emotional moments, wanted to hug Annie when she was dealing with Adam’s mindfuck powers, because I am also still not over Paul dying. Everybody was just going through it. This book takes place over like 2 days and it was a rough time for all involved.
Teagan at the end also had me in my feels a bit. Her moment immediately post helicopter scene specifically. I’m super excited to see how the series continues. I feel like this book was a turning point for the story, shit is just going to get more
wild from here on out.
Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for the advance copy of this book. You know I preordered the paperback immediately when this was announced but I’m stoked that I got to read it early! A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers is out on 5/10! Definitely would recommend the series it’s a good time.
-Formal request for book 5 to be purple, thank you 🟣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,063 reviews177 followers
May 2, 2022
The nitty-gritty: Heartstopping action, hysterically funny dialog and unforgettable characters make A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers a fantastic entry into Jackson Ford’s addictive series. 

Teagan Frost and her friends are back with another laugh-out-loud funny, high octane crazy adventure, with terrorists, scary siblings, car chases, sexy German billionaires, helicopter action and a whole sh*tload of crazy powers. This series just keeps getting better and better, and if you haven’t started it yet, I urge you to pick up the first book so you don’t miss any of Teagan’s shenanigans. This series is not only fun, but it’s full of wonderful friendships and emotional moments too.

Also, please be aware of minor spoilers for previous books in the series.

The story picks up soon after the end of Eye of the Sh*tstorm, after Teagan has pulled off an impressive rescue mission at the LA River. The bad part, though, is that she had to use her powers in public in order to save lives. Teagan, you see, is able to move objects with her mind. She can sense anything made of metal or steel, like guns (for example), and manipulate them when necessary. Over time, her abilities have developed and now she can move organic matter as well. Unfortunately, she’s made a deal with a government agency to work for them in exchange for her freedom, and part of the deal is that their operation is secret, and no one is supposed to know what Teagan can do.

But now that the China Shop has been compromised, Director Moira Tanner has come to Los Angeles to run the day-to-day operations and keep a close eye on Teagan. When she announces that their crew has been hired to protect a visiting Senator at an arms defense conference, Teagan reluctantly agrees to the gig—even though a run in with her presumed dead siblings, Chloe and Adam, has resulted in the loss of her powers. But it turns out Teagan has way bigger things to worry about when the conference goes sideways in a spectacular way, and she and her crew are forced to run for their lives.

The story alternates between Teagan’s and Annie’s points of view, and I absolutely loved this format. Teagan’s story takes place almost entirely at the Del Rio Hotel, where the conference is being held, while Annie, who just woke up from a coma after being struck by lightning in the last book, is desperately trying to find Teagan after she witnesses Chloe and Adam dragging her out of Annie’s hospital room. I loved these two points of view, especially because neither Teagan nor Annie have any idea what’s happening to the other. Annie is joined by Teagan’s “sort of” boyfriend Nic and they have a wild adventure together. Poor Annie still isn’t recovered from her injury, but she’s so worried about Teagan that she will do anything to find her. And let’s just say Annie makes a few rash decisions that put her in even more hot water, but that’s just the kind of person she is.

Meanwhile, Teagan, Africa and Tanner find themselves trapped in the Del Rio, along with the German billionaire Jonas Schmidt (from Random Sh*t Flying Through the Air) and a journalist named Michiko Kanehara who is doing a piece on Jonas for the New Yorker. Not only is Teagan surprised to see Jonas again, but she thinks he’s sleeping with Kanehara, and boy is that awkward, since she and Jonas almost had a thing at one point. I have to admit I was happy to see Jonas again—he was such a fun character—and even better, the dynamic between him and Teagan was ridiculously entertaining. I loved Teagan, Africa, Jonas and Kanehara together, all four forced into close quarters several times during their adventure at the Del Rio. Jackson Ford is so good at creating well-rounded characters and relationships, and with each new book in the series we get to know the core characters even more.

In this book, we dive deeper into Annie’s past, and these revelations made me love her even more. Annie’s had a rough time of it, growing up in an abusive household and spending time in prison. Many of her friends are drug dealers and gang members, but no matter what she’s done in the past, she’ll do anything to help Teagan. Their friendship is tested in this book, but I love the way Ford resolves things in the end. You know those rare moments when a book can make you laugh and cry at the same time? Well, this is one of those books. I also want to give a shout-out to one of my favorite scenes, which involves Annie and baseball and a rock. In my opinion, it’s a couple of pages of perfectly written fiction.

Once again, Jackson Ford does a great job of immersing the reader in his setting. The story takes place in Los Angeles, and I loved all the details and references to specific streets and city landmarks. As a native Californian, I appreciate these details, especially when the author takes time to do his research. It’s fun when the characters drive down roads that you’ve driven yourself, like the famous Laurel Canyon Boulevard that winds through the hills of L.A.

The only small disappointment for me was that we don't get much page time with Reggie, who only has a few scenes in A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers. But based on the way the story wraps up, I think we’re going to see a lot more of her in the next book.

Speaking of, I was thrilled to read the last chapter, which clearly indicates that there is at least one more Frost Files story on the way. Ford wraps up almost all his subplots by the end, but he leaves some mysteries unsolved, like what Chloe and Adam were really up to. Oh, and you must read the author’s Acknowledgements, written by Teagan on behalf of the author. OMG, so funny! Grab this book as soon as you can, it’s one of my favorite books of 2022 so far.

Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
Profile Image for Tad.
417 reviews51 followers
May 31, 2022
Teagan Frost is a telekinetic operative for the government. Fresh off surviving a raging flash flood she finds herself right back in the middle of things. Her next shock is that her brother and sister are back from the dead. Before she can even wrap her head around that she finds herself trapped in a hotel full of gun-toting maniacs. And, oh yeah, her powers have disappeared.
A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers by Jackson Ford is the fourth book in the Teagan Frost series and starts right in the middle of the action. Teagan is on the run from the cops after a car crash, being chased on foot and by helicopter. After a brief interlude to fill in some backstory, Teagan finds herself being released from jail into the hands of a pissed off boss. She's only been released because she's been requested to be part of a protection detail by a Senator who happens to be on the oversight committee for the clandestine agency for which she works. That lands her in the aforementioned hotel trying to figure out what's going on, why is it happening and how to stop it.

Teagan's friend Annie wakes up in the hospital and tries to find out where Teagan is. Unable to contact her or anyone else at the China Shop, the cover agency for which they work, Annie sets off on her own. Relying on her mom and Reggie, recently dismissed manager of the agency, she attempts to track down Teagan's brother and sister. Soon, all of them are hip deep in danger. Annie on her own path and Teagan trying to uncover a conspiracy and stop it, all without her powers.

Ford begins the action with a bang and keeps up a breakneck pace throughout. Teagan is sarcastic and fun to be on this ride with. The story is filled with other great characters, especially Teagan and Annie. The mystery is intriguing and the plot is relentless. Uncovering what is going on is half the fun with plenty of twists and turns along the way. There is a lot of backstory with events that happened in previous books, but A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers is a self-contained story that is satisfying on its own. You'll know a lot more about the characters if you've read previous entries, but if you're not worried about spoilers you can jump right in with this book.

This book is nonstop fun and a great entry in the series. I look forward to more.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.
Profile Image for finn.
20 reviews
February 24, 2023
The book was a little different than the others: more serious and a lot more focused on the characters and their personal growth. nonetheless, the book was (again) filled with humour, exciting fights/battles & mysteries. every time you finish a chapter you’re left with a “what the fuck” and a “how?????” which makes you want to continue reading. the plot of the book was original and unpredictable which is also very rare these days 😅 This is by far the best series i’ve ever read and I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Amanda.
26 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2022
Once again, Jackson Ford does not disappoint. I love the progression of powers and can't wait for more! It's amazing how bonkers but simultaneously wholesome a book about crazy shit can be.

"Is it possible to be both disgusted with yourself and ridiculously satisfied? Fuck it."
Profile Image for Lata.
4,876 reviews255 followers
August 3, 2022
Teagan’s back!

The book opens with Teagan sitting in the hospital with a still comatose Annie, after their harrowing experiences at the end of book three.

Then, a shocking arrival. Teagan’s long thought dead sister turns up with deeply deranged brother Adam. The two attempt to kidnap Teagan, and when that fails, a furious Teagan charges through LA streets after the escaping pair, attracting police attention. Just what she should not do, but Teagan is beyond angry and hurt that her sister would have kept herself hidden for years.

The cops catch Teagan, her siblings escape, and Teagan is imprisoned for a couple of days, deeply disturbed by: her siblings’ appearance, the attempted kidnapping, silence from her team, and most shocking, her absent PK after her PK efforts against her siblings. Though she has desperately dreamed of a normal, non-PK life, to suddenly be without her powers throws her for a loop, when Tanner comes to get her out of jail.

With barely a moment to catch her breath, Tanner has what’s left of the team, including Teagan, guarding a US Senator against attack. Which does occur, with several terrorists killing people and holding others hostage, and Teagan is without a drop of PK ability, and forced to rely on her other attribute: a relentlessness desire to protect others.

Like previous installments, this was nonstop action, shocking situations and violence, and Teagan's funny, nonstop smartass commentary. This series isn't deep, and doesn't pretend to be anything but entertaining, and I'm glad that Teagan is beginning to be able to sympathize and even slightly empathize with those in power who have to make very difficult decisions. That doesn't mean she's all "Tanner, let's go out for coffee and chat," especially in light of some of the counterproductive decisions Tanner makes affecting the team.

I gotta also say that I loved the alternating chapters between Teagan and Annie, who goes on her own rage-fueled, self-imposed assignment to help out Teagan. The two young women both learn things over the course of the book, and I think it made them both stronger individually, and in their friendship.

I cannot wait for the next book in the China Shop antics.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Josefin.
66 reviews
June 12, 2022
Alright this might be it. This might be when I give up.
This book series is stupid, really goddamn stupid, but sometimes what you need to just shut off your brain when life gets hectic. But this book might have been the last straw for me. I originally thought this was a trilogy, turned out there were more books to come, and as of now 'no end in sight'. And I'm sorry, it really isn't good enough for me to invest more time and energy into. The book itself is fine. A bit drawn out for no real reason. But not the best or worst read ever. What does annoy me however, is the amount of typos in a published work. At least 20 times (probably more) I got annoyed at typos or missing words or sentences with words in the wrong order. The whole book also feels like a massive filler. Like Ford didn't want the story to actually progress, so instead we got this book of just random filler stuff that does not progress the overall arc whatsoever. So this is it, it's been fun while it lasted, but I am never ever finishing this series. Damn my curiosity. And all unanswered questions. Because I just really cannot bring myself to stick around any longer. This book was already pushing it, more to come is just not where it's at.
Profile Image for David Harris.
1,024 reviews36 followers
May 14, 2022
With book 4 in a series, there can be a risk of things becoming stale. Still readable, yes, still what you came to it to get, but - flat. After all, why change anything and risk putting people off?

It's a trap that Jackson Ford avoids here with aplomb. Crazy Powers - while I don't want to say too much about its outcome - upends the safe little world (well, for rather exotic values of "safe") that Teagan Frost, possessor of awesome psychokinetic (PK) abilities and would-be chef (if she can ever scrape together the money to train) has inhabited so far.

A recap. Teagan ('She has zero strategic skills, no filter, a constant ability to screw up even the best-laid plans. She can be ungrateful and whiny, and she takes sarcasm to an Olympic level') was gifted her abilities by mad-scientist parents who endowed her brother and sister with equally awesome, but different, powers (seeing infrared and never having to sleep, respectively). Teagan's brother then killed her parents and sister, and she herself was snapped up by the US Government which uses her for black ops in the Los Angeles area. Over the previous three books we've seen this situation gently come apart, culminating, at the end of Book 3, Eye of the Sh*t Storm, in Teagan sitting in hospital with her friend Annie, who's in a coma, and blaming herself for that.

This story picks up exactly where that previous one ended. Teagan is still battered, drained and haunted by the earlier events, and may have fatally exposed the secret of her powers by saving hundreds of people from a horrifying death, but she gets no rest, oh no. Ford plunges her into the midst of a kidnap attempt which leads up to one of those fabled LA police chases, all broadcast live on ghoulish news networks. From that point it only gets worse and worse. China Shop, the outfit for which Teagan works, is tasked with providing security for a convention of arms dealers (in an LA hotel? Something seems a bit off here) - and she's not even started to recover from recent events...

I loved this book. Totally loved it. Ford blends together a pack of irritable, exhausted operatives, living on shreds of their nerves; a new group of antagonists in the form of a weird, religious cult; and a bizarre location - the hotel itself, a gothic pile with rumoured hidden tunnels, a helipad and secret rooms. And a mystery, whose unpicking will show the whole sequence of books so far in a new light. He's also very sharp on the setting - we meet 'people who are able to take a red pen to black budgets' (watch out, China Shop!) in a milieu where 'Like most crowds of rich people, it's a mostly white, mostly male demographic.')

At the same time, old antagonists also return, affording Annie, who's a likeable and interesting character, a whole adventure of her own in parallel to that of Teagan and the rest. Annie is also battered and bruised, and her escapade - accompanied by Teagan's boyfriend Nic (is there a bit of a spark there? Ouch...) - gives an opportunity for her to reflect on her own early life, sharing details with the reader that we didn't know before. It also illuminates the relationship between her and Teagan, revealing a much more human side to both that Teagan's endless banter and Annie's chilliness has so far concealed. (Teagan's friendship with ex-gangster and drug dealer Annie is touching - 'Teagan is one of the most exasperating, irritating and confusing people that Annie has ever met... but she is also her friend. Maybe her only real friend.')

Both women, basically, get put through the mill here - one can almost taste their weariness and pain - and it's made plain that both care about much more than their own survival. There's a bond there, but there's also a sense of wider ethics and involvement in society, and perhaps also a sense of growing up, maturing (a bit. A little bit.) A reminder that they're not just action heroes. As you'd expect, it makes this a compelling and must-read instalment of this series and one which sets things up for another which I'll eagerly await. Truly, Teagan (and Ford) throw lots of sh*t up in the air and who knows where it will ever come down?
Profile Image for John Loyd.
1,375 reviews30 followers
May 19, 2022
Teagan Frost is The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t with Her Mind because of her parents genetic tinkering. She had a relatively normal life until her brother went crazy burned down their ranch. Everyone but Teagan died (or at least presumed so), she ending up in a government facility for four years until allowed to work black ops. The China Shop was doing well and then the incidents of books 1-3 show others with talents.

Stop right now and read the first three books.

OK. Eye of the Sh*t Storm ends with Teagan visiting Annie, who's in a coma in the hospital when her dead brother and sister walk into the room. Chloe wants Teagan to join her. Fortunately Teagan values her integrity over family bonding. I was worried.

Two plot lines. Teagan and the China Shop, now headed by Tanner, need to do bodyguard work at a swanky hotel. Teagan after the encounter with her siblings is struggling with her PK. Annie wakes up remembering some of the conversation that happened in her room and uses Annie's Army to track down the car that Teagan was chasing.

Familiar characters in another fun fast action packed adventure. Easy to read, good flow, clever plot. 4.9+ stars. If you've read the first three you'll love this one, too. Probably more fun if you read them in order.
Profile Image for Don Jimmy.
781 reviews30 followers
May 27, 2022
Teagan Frost is back with a bang.

This book picks up from where book 3 left off, and is chock full of references to the previous works. If you haven't started this series, I advise you go back to the beginning. Also, don't read any more of this review.

Teagan is reeling from the discovery that her brother and sister are not only alive, but are essentially the masterminds behind the events of the last two books. Her brother and sister's powers have changed exponentially - and one thing is very clear from the off - her brother is a psycho! Her sister on the other hand appears to be the leader here.

What can I say about this book that I haven't said about the others? Not a lot. I adore Teagan and the other crew. This book is told entirely from the viewpoints of Annie and Teagan - as they are separated at the start. With both taking part in their own stories.

I don't want to give anything away here, so I'll close with saying that I thought this was a great story once again from Jackson. The Frost Files goes from strength to strength - it has everything you need from a book of this genre. Loved it.
Profile Image for Reid Edwards.
184 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2022
As a new entrant into the Teagan Frost series, I wasn't really sure what to expect of Jackson Ford's A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers (other than intrigued by the title/cover). I certainly wasn't expecting a book that seems to fit equally well as part of a series or a stand alone novel, nor a high-adrenaline action story that manages to delve deep into the humanity of its characters. Ford writes action as well as anyone; the story's combat feels weighty and visceral (which can be tricky when involving firearms). I was very impressed by his ability to blend in backstory and exposition into his characters without leaving the reader feeling assaulted by walls of text. I'm putting the rest of the Teagan Frost novels onto my TBR and look forward to getting caught up.
Profile Image for Barb.
928 reviews54 followers
July 22, 2022
This was better than the last book as far as things that annoyed me. Although I did dock a star for the author using the term “Latinx.” It’s not just me that finds that term annoying.

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion...

Anyway, I liked that some of the characters seemed to mature in this story. The ending definitely left room for sequels which is fine with me.
Profile Image for Alura Rose.
83 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2024
The most amazing book series ever omg please please write more
Profile Image for Elle.
1,295 reviews107 followers
May 19, 2025
4.5 stars
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,599 reviews54 followers
October 26, 2022
Well, that was a fast-paced ride. Beginning just after (like hours?) the end of #3, this one doesn't let up for a minute and doesn't let its poor characters get a rest. Or eat. Or heal. I'm exhausted and all I did was read it. Clearly I enjoy this, however, as I am completely addicted and hoping for more.
Profile Image for Shelly Cole.
17 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2024
We start exactly where the last book ended with Teagan in a whole world of trouble and realising her brother and sister are still alive.
I loved that this book also has Annie's story as we get to learn more about her back story and why she has so many walls up when it comes to friendship.
Another triumph from Jackson Ford and I cannot wait for the next instalment
Profile Image for Lori.
617 reviews13 followers
July 17, 2023
I am really loving everything about this latest book in this series. Like all of the prior books, it's funny, the stakes are high, the author isn't afraid to write things with actual consequences, and the characters are diverse, flawed, and trying to do their best. I love that no one is perfect in this book, and that while the story can be a little complicated, it's also easy to follow. I also really love the ending of this one.

It's just good.

Note: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for DevinelyBookish.
90 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2023
This is a fun series. If you like laid back, sarcastic, witty characters then I think this is a book for you. The series is a perfect filler if you're not sure what to read. It's a light-hearted book that doesn't take itself too seriously. That being said, there are moments where darker subjects and themes are touched upon giving more depth to the read.

It has an easy readability and a great narrative voice. The book is a contemporary sci-fi, I'd say. So we get a sci-fi book that's not too heavy to read and based in our world and in our own time-line.

I can't wait for the next installment of this series.
Profile Image for Sammie.
474 reviews42 followers
July 26, 2022
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.

Overall

I’m actually late in reading this book. For those who don’t know, The Frost Files is one of my all-time favorite series. No surprise, given the sarcastic narrator, tongue-in-cheek humor, lots of fast-paced action, and superpowers. Obviously, it’s a good combination. I absolutely loved the first three books in this series, and I couldn’t wait for A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers (especially with the sort of promise the title alone makes!). It took me longer than I’d hoped to get to read this book, but as always, Jackson Ford is worth the wait.

A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers is book 4 in the Frost Files, where Teagan & co. are back with more powers, more action, more sarcasm … but also higher stakes, explosions, craziness, poor life choices, and just all-around chaos.

Going in, I was sure I’d love this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. Every Frost Files book has something a little different, so I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect (other than sarcasm, explosions, and questionable life choices, obviously), but I was pleased with the characters in this installment . . . both the recurring ones and the new ones. I am absolutely stoked for the next book already. So stoked that I don’t even care that no one says ‘stoked’ anymore. We’ve got bigger things to worry about, people! *flails*

This review may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series.

My Thoughts

- Welcome back to the Frost Files, baby. Be prepared to crank the danger dial up to 16.39, and strap yourself in, because the action is about to get hardcore! If you’re reading this review, I assume (or rather hope) that you’ve read some of the previous books in the series, so you likely think you have some idea of what to expect from this book. That’s okay. I thought the same thing. I mean, it’s hard to compete against a massive earthquake that destroys large parts of LA, right? And yet . . . I’m pretty sure Jackson Ford still manages to up the stakes somehow? On a smaller scale than an earthquake, true, but nevertheless.

For this installment, Ford riffs off the classic movie Die Hard with an action-packed hostage situation. One extra caveat, though: Teagan seems to have lost her powers. Talk about timing, right? Teagan and her band of not-entirely-qualified misfits are the only ones who can save the day. Probably. I mean, let’s be real, her odds aren’t exactly great, okay?

While this book felt slower than the others, in some ways—because this crew has been through a lot and needs to take some time to deal with their emotions and process everything they’ve been through—it’s still just as fast-paced as one might expect from a Frost Files novel. In fact, I accidentally sat down and read it in all day. I say accidentally because I actually had things I was supposed to be doing (like getting ready for a vacation), but once I started, I just couldn’t stop. Not even to shop. (And I apologize to all the people Hubby had to diligently guide me around in Walmart because, no, I couldn’t take my nose out of my Kindle, thank you very much.)

- GUESS WHO’S BACK. BACK AGAIN. That’s right, it’s Jonaaaas. Teagan isn’t sure how to handle it, but I sure am. What can I say? I have a thing for intelligent assholes. Especially when they tend to be highly charming German geniuses who saved a bunch of people in the previous book. I was crossing my fingers and hoping he’d make another appearance (even though, really, what are the odds? I mean, turns out, really good, but still . . . even Teagan is asking herself that question!).

Jonas complicates things, as only sexy billionaires can. Mostly because, in case you’ve forgotten, Nick played a pretty big part in book three. I’m not going to say this is a love triangle, because it’s really not, but it’s complicated, in a way that only love and attraction can be, and I appreciate that.

For the record, though . . . if Teagan doesn’t want Jonas, I’d like to call dibs, please and thank you. Just saying. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

- The other characters have had a chance for some backstory, but this time it’s Anna’s turn, as readers get to peel back the curtain a little into her life and history. I’ve had a very love-hate relationship with Anna’s character in this series, because she’s so frustrating and confusing. I have to agree with Teagan on that one. Because of that, I’m really glad that she had such a big role in this book, since she was really an underappreciated member of the squad. I can confidently say that at this point.

Anna’s story is complicated, as one might expect from a member of the China Shop. I do ultimately feel like I know her so much better now. Not saying she’s going to be my favorite character anytime soon, but okay, fine, I care what happens to her. Happy now? I also might be rooting for her just a little bit, but if you mention it later, I’ll probably deny it.

Best of all, along with Anna comes her mother, Sandra-May, who is every bit as fierce as you might expect. I mean, Anna has to get it from someone, right? Sandra-May is the real treasure here.

- The plot just keeps getting bigger and badder, and for once in her life, Teagan might well and truly be getting in over her head. She just doesn’t know yet exactly what she’s getting into. Which, now that I think of it, is actually pretty darn on-brand for Teagan.

Her siblings are now back in the picture. After being, you know, dead as far as she knew. Teagan has no idea what they want or even how they’re alive, but somehow (unsurprisingly), she’s dragged into whatever mess they’re involved in.

Perhaps worse of all, China Shop is walking on eggshells, and the future of the squad is questionable at best. It’s definitely not a high point for the team, especially when Agent Burr (you know, whose finger Teagan may have previously broken for being the dickbiscuit that he is) and Tanner join the team to pick up some of the slack. But you know what? I’m just a tiny bit resentful that Ford made me actually like Burr when I’m obviously trying very hard to dislike him. What kind of nonsense is that?!

In the midst of all the action and explosions and page-turning goodness, I was pleased to have the chance to get to know and fall in love with characters I had no intention of ever doing so.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
256 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2022
I really wanted to love this book, but it just took forever. This story is told between two different points of view, which honestly makes this seem like the book takes place over at least a week. But no this book takes place over the course of a little more than a day.

Also for a book called a shitload of crazy powers you'd think there would be more powered people. But there's only three. Idk I felt like this story should have covered a lot more background, I just wasn't impressed.
Profile Image for Ziggy Nixon.
1,126 reviews35 followers
May 14, 2022
"This book is a chaotic, confused mess travelling at well upwards of FIVE HUNDRED miles an hour..."

Sorry Mr. Ford, sir, but I updated the comments in your epilogue (it had said "fifty"). I just wanted to go with a more accurate descriptive of my reading experience...

Wowzers, that was fun! I have spent just an amazing few days immersed in this universe, first re-reading "Frost Files #3" (don't call me out on the title, but there was definitely some Sh*t in there!) - a tradition I have enjoyed with this entire series and one that will be repeated with ALL the books once and if this comes to an end some day. From there I sprang (sprung? did doth springeth?) directly into this book and man oh man it just never slows down at all! The first page is full tilt and the last page is full tilt. And in the middle we just redefine all of that! Give Ford credit: he writes great and thrilling books!! But gerddamn he does put his amazing characters through the damn ringer! Hit 'em, kick 'em, slap 'em, shoot 'em! Nothing's too good for these folks, bet on it!

I have a special talent for fucking things up. It’s my real superpower. Usually, I manage to pull it back at the last second. But this time, I may well and truly have gone all the way.

I mean, in a lot of ways, this latest chapter could be called "Frost Files 3.5" or "3b" if you prefer, because since those moments where we were staking out and duking it out with gun-running, meth-selling but somehow still kind of good gangbangers in Book 3 or saving hundreds upon hundreds of folks from a giant flash flood - only a FEW DAYS have passed! And that's only because there's a couple of times when folks get knocked out longer than they thought! There is just absolutely no slowing down or tapping the brakes, even when the Batmobile is tumbling down Tiger Woods Hill!

Ford's latest triumph - and yes, I will fight you on this! - not only further enhances the all-too-real characters we've been following for literally hundreds of pages but gets so much deeper into the why's and wherefore's of not only what the hell is going down but why and what it may possibly be leading to in terms of either our next big battle(s) or even the big REASON for it all! There's some sh*t (no, not a pun, just being honest) that happens in here, particularly with the powers of BOTH Annie and Teagan... and Reggie and Nic and... (amazing characters all!) that will leave you gasping, a little teary-eyed (yes, I'm like that) and pumping your fist like you'd just seen "Avengers: Endgame" again for the first time! There are some reveals in here that I'm not even going to hint at, because each and every reader needs to feel these gut punches without being steeled to them in any way!

This one definitely has it all. Well, they've ALL had it all but in different contexts, execution and with a bigger and bigger cast of characters. And we just know - whether its finding Leo again or catching up with who knows who will next rise from the grave to surprise us - that somehow all of this is going to coalesce into a final triumph that will just blow us all away in a maelstrom of awesomeness. Of this I'm sure! So grab a six-pack, put on some tunes that get your blood flowing and just enjoy the absolute sh*t out of this series, kids!
Profile Image for Miguel Aguila.
157 reviews9 followers
May 26, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for the complementary ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Ok, so truth time. I requested an ARC for this book without knowing that it was the FOURTH in a series. Oops. The title caught my eye and sounded too cool to pass up. So what did I do? Well, I binged the first three books! Let me tell you, binging The Frost Files series was an absolute blast! These have been some of the most fun books that I have ever read. From book 1 to book 4 I was HOOKED. There is not a boring or dull moment anywhere in The Frost Files series.

With every book I finished I thought to myself "It can't get better than this", and with each book I was proven wrong. I loved every book in this series, and each was better than the last. Each book is like riding a brand new rollercoaster that just blows your mind with how thrilling, fast, intense, and fun it is. Also, my favorite trope of all is in this series: Found Family.

Enough of the gushing fanaticism, lets get serious. Here is my serious review of book 4, A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers... Aaaand just like our main character Teagan Frost, I can't actually be serious. And that's what I loved so much about book 4 (and the series). Jackson Ford continues to make each character more relatable as he develops them further. I really felt like I could relate to and see myself in the core team (family) of China shop.

Jackson Ford realistically shows that family is not all sunshine and rainbows, and happy get along moments all the time. Especially with found family. finding and developing your Found Family isn't easy. Everybody has some sort of defense up at all times because of their personal background, and slowly throughout the series we get to see these characters chip at each others walls little by little. Sometimes the wall is chipped at too much and too quickly, causing a cascade of rubble and debris, resulting in accidental pain. But these characters all learn from their accidents and mistakes, and they acclimate to each others needs and boundaries.

It's rough but rewarding as hell. I loved that Jackson Ford slowly developed and fostered the love and bonds between the China Shop team (Teagan, Reggie, Annie, Paul, Africa, and Nic) throughout the series, making the realization and solidification of this found family that much more touching and impactful in book 4.

In terms of story and plot, Jackson Ford doesn't disappoint at all! He really took an unexpected turn with the events of this book, and at no point could I predict what would happen next. That was fine with me though. Having read the previous books I already knew that I just needed to buckle in, keep my arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times, and enjoy the ride. With book 4 I did just that. And what an amazing ride it was!

Fast paced, thrilling, mysterious, action packed, emotional, and absolutely gripping. A Sh*tload of Crazy Powers kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn't ask for a more fun book, and I am so glad that there is more to come in this series, and that there is no end in site for The Frost Files!
Jackson Ford, if you're reading this please message me so that you can send me book 5, because I need it now!
Profile Image for Effie Hossen.
52 reviews
June 21, 2022
I never do reviews of books, but this was a must.
I really love this series. It’s probably one of my favourite book series that I have read in a long time and was so excited to read the fourth instalment, but specially with how the previous one ended.I thought this was going to be the fourth and final book of the series and was expecting it to go out with a huge bang. But this one just didn’t do it for me. I love Teagan Frost as a character. Her strength and wit is amazing. Not to mention her humour! But even she was getting annoying. She just seemed like a whiny brat that ranted every time she didn’t get what she wanted. Biting off the heads of everyone who didn’t reach her standards.

The Annie chapters, I thought could have been cut in half, they just felt like fillers with useless content most of the time (and I don’t know how she managed to throw a perfect pitch to kill Adam when she was incapable in speaking or even standing properly).

Nic’s character should have been taken out of this book all together. Ever since his development in the second book I immediately hated his character even though the story patched him up and rebuilt him in the third book. But I honestly don’t see the point in him now. I understand that he wants to help his friend but getting into everyone’s face seems stupid and just plain annoying. In my eyes there is no need for him to be around anymore apart from ‘being the love interest’.

After reading the first couple of chapters of this book I was excited to finally have Teagan’s conflict with her siblings, but that’s just it; for the majority of the book there isn’t any! They are completely separate and I got very bored with the plot. I was however, excited to see Jonas make another appearance, but all the book did was weigh if he was attractive or not to Teagan which I got bored with very quickly. Teagan’s self reasoning for not spending more time with him was completely unrealistic. She got mad at someone who had just been involved in a hostage situation, their friend/bodyguard had been murdered and a journalist was filming the whole thing. He had every right to act the way he did. If nothing was going to happen I don’t see why he had to be involved in the first place. Maybe because he didn’t make an appearance in the third book, but I though it was pretty pointless. I think the author wanted a ‘love triangle’ but didn’t know how to execute it.

From the way it ended there will most definitely be another instalment, but I just pray that it isn’t like this one. I want the same fast paced, action that got me to read the first three books in 2 days each time. For this one, I was dragging it as long as I could because every chapter or so had me rolling my eyes or sighing and I couldn’t wait to get it over and done with.

I hope other readers liked this one more than I did. Guess my expectations were too high and I ended up being disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yvonne (It's All About Books).
2,670 reviews314 followers
February 24, 2025

Finished reading: February 23rd 2025


“After a few moments, Tanner and I are alone in the corridor. Unless you count my desperation, which is so strong it's like a third person standing with us.”


REVIEW

262 reviews
April 28, 2022
When starting this book I didn’t realise it was part of a series. But I quickly figured I was missing out on part of a story - a good part! However, it was still a fantastic read, entertaining, hilarious, quirky, almost slapstick at times. It introduced me to Teagan and the China Shop, and the rest of the crew. I feel like this, the fourth in the series, likely is really showing a development in the story and characters. For me, reading it as a stand alone piece I was still greatly entertained. Teagen is a hot mess with the ability to control objects with her mind - PK. She is even more of a hot mess when her dead brother and sister make an appearance. Then, just when you think she can’t get any more messed up…you get it. She becomes even more of a mess and loses her PK. Chaos ensues. Messy, entertaining, quip filled chaos. Tegan is a disaster, but she pulls through when people need her most. She has a very entertaining manner which as a reader, makes you enjoy every interaction with her.

I really enjoyed this book, and the first three in the series are on my ‘to read’ list now, and I would recommend that all four go on your list. This is a series that has teeth, full of action, a mix of different characters and fantastic writing. I hope it continues for a while, I am excited to read more from Jackson Ford!

*This book was provided by NetGalley for review, but all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shaun Stuart.
28 reviews
April 28, 2024
Finally! This is the Teagan Frost book I've been waiting for! After a book 2 that was mediocre and a book 3 that was quite poor, book 4 gets it right! Honestly, at the end of book 3, I had zero interest in continuing the story of Teagan. She behaved like such an idiot throughout the previous 2 books I had no desire to follow her exploits any more. In fact, I only read this book because I had already purchased it before I started book 2. I am glad I did!

This book could have been called A Sh*thead Matures. We finally get to see some substantial character growth, not just with Teagan, but with all the China Shop crew We also get some backstory for her brother and sister. Not a lot, but enough to make me want to know more.

I also feel like we are seeing real growth in Jackson Ford as an author. We get a plot that is not boringly linear. We've got plot twists and reveals that I did not see coming (most definitely unlike book 3). Kudos, Mr. Ford!

I am actually excited for and looking forward to book 5. I am a tiny bit concerned that Teagan's newfound power night make her a bit too invincible, but that is a problem with every superhero character. It's been avoided so far by keeping her exhausted - I think the first 3 books took place over the span of 1 or 2 weeks, which gives an excuse for her to not be able to PK her way out of every mess. But that gets old pretty fast. I'm hoping Jackson Ford's growth as an author will save the day again.
Profile Image for Faith Danneil.
6 reviews
May 3, 2025
I love this series, and I really hope they find a publisher for #5. I listened to the first two books on Audible. The third wasn't available as an audio book, so I checked out the one copy available in our extensive county library system. Then, the fourth wasn't available there either, so I purchased a copy from thriftbooks.com, which I will now donate to the library.

I don't remember if I noticed errors in the third book, but in A Sh*tload of crazy powers, there were enough to be distracting. There were missing words or typos throughout. Also, though the series takes place in LA and almost all of the characters are from the US, author Jackson Ford is apparently from South Africa and lives in Vancouver. His spellings and grammar (tyre, for example) were not Americanized in the editing process, which was only weird because, again, the book takes place in LA with characters from LA. Nonetheless, the story and the characters were interesting and exciting and I'm excited to see what happens next.
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