Bitter Frost

Bitter Frost Series #1

by Kailin Gow

Now Filming!

Over 4 Million books in the Series Sold! Translated into 25 languages! The epic ALA YALSA award-winning young adult fantasy series about warring supernaturals, especially fairies, in Feyland, and the young women and men destined to rule the factions in Feyland.

Bitter Frost Series has been made into a mobile game, released in Asia, as well as an international award-winning animated short film, which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival, London Film Festival, San Diego Film Festival, New York Film Festival, and more!

All her life, Breena had always dreamed about fairies as though she lived among them...beautiful fairies living among mortals and living in Feyland.

In her dreams, he was always there the breathtakingly handsome but dangerous Winter Prince, Kian, who is her intended. When Breena turns sixteen, she begins seeing fairies and other creatures mortals don't see. Her best friend Logan suddenly acts very protective.

Then she sees Kian, who seems intent on finding her and carrying her off to Feyland. That's fine and all, but for the fact that humans rarely survive a trip to Feyland, a kiss from a fairy generally means death to the human unless that human has fairy blood in them or is very strong, and although Kian seemed to be her intended, he seems to hate her and wants her dead.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fae, Paranormal, Romance, Fairies, Magic

235 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2010

About the author

2025 News!

https://ventsmagazine.com/2025/04/10/...

Kailin Gow is an USA Today Bestselling author, publisher, screenwriter, director, producer, and speaker with hundreds of books published. She is also the owner/founder and organizer of mega-book signing events like Rockin' Hollywood, Naughty Mafia in Las Vegas, which has featured the very top authors of Romance and drawn thousands of readers, including being in a documentary film now out on Amazon Prime.

Over 14 Million copies of her books have been downloaded around the world and translated into 25 languages. 2 of her book series, FADE Series and Red Genesis Series, has been optioned by the Academy Award-winning team behind Netflix #1 most Liked and Top 10 Netflix Original Film, Wish Dragon, also the team behind the special effects magic of Star Wars and Marvel films.

She owns a traditional publishing company with an API (Asian Pacific Islander) Diversity initiative that has partnerships with production companies across the globe with distribution through Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney and more! Kailin Gow is a go to media guest on Women in Film and Television and is a voting member of the Academy Awards.

Her Worldwide Brand, Kailin Gow's Go Girl has won awards for its tv series, books, cosmetics, fashions, beauty and health products, and soon-to-be home and travel products. As of 2021, Kailin Gow's Go Girl is excited to expand into its own line of hotels, starting with a 70+ room hotel in Texas. In 2022, her books will be adapted into entertainment venues called Sparklesoup World, offered in various locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.

She has been a host on world-class stages, an invited speaker for BEA and a regular radio/TV guest for major stations. She is an official voice of AAPI, She has a TV Reality show on her as an author and personality. She is also the host and publisher of a leading author industry guide, subscription newsletter, and podcast called Authors Voices. Five of her pen names are USA Today Bestselling authors and will be traditionally published in 2022. She is also a recurring speaker/instructor of writing series and serials for professional screenwriters and producers as of 2021.

She was called an "innovating author" and an "Author as Influencer" by Goodreads executives at Book Expo America 2014 in their speech.

Kailin Gow is one of Cindy Crawford's Beauties, who is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, along with Gabrielle Union.

She was called "a successful author who knows how to balance being an author and life" by Huffington Post. USA Today recommends her steamy romances while PBS Kids have recommended her Teen Fantasy Series.

Amazon highlighted her author success story on the homepage of Amazon.com and in their book, Transformations and was invited by Amazon to be an author spokesperson for Amazon's launch of the Kindle fire in Santa Monica.

In the publishing industry, she has written and presented many articles and workshops for major publications as well as conventions. https://www.fastcompany.com/user/kail...
and is the host/founder of the podcast and newsletter Author Voices. Additionally, she owns a law firm specializing in consumer advocacy.

Kailin Gow holds a Masters degree in Management from USC and degrees in Social Ecology (Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, and Ecology/Climate), Drama, and Film making from UC Irvine where she once ran and DJ for a radio station that helped discovered OC bands like Sugar Ray and Gwen Stefani.

Reviews

[Neeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club chose Bitter Frost this month as the Book-of-the-Month for the following reasons -

1. engaging from start to finish
2. beautiful detailed setting
3. multidimensional characters
4. clever pacing that shows Bree's inner emotional, psychological and emotional state
5. twists and turns in plotting that keeps you guessing
6. unpredictable
7. short, but sweet, does not waste space or reader's time. i.e. every page count
8. includes a group discussion sheet found on publisher's site
9. appropriate for all teens and young adults
10. there is something special about this sweet suspenseful little book that made us root for it.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Gow's young adult series, especially the next book in the Frost series.

[Kailin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I notice other authors on Goodreads voting on their books. Presidents and other politicians can vote for themselves, why couldn't authors? Especially when they're an active member of Goodreads, too. Goodreads wouldn't be inviting authors to be part of their programs if they didn't want authors to get involve in discussions, groups, and on their own book sites. So, here I am. Obviously I believe and care enough about this series to put my heart, soul, and emotions into not just one book, but at least 5 books in this series and a spin-off series. I have drafted five books when I first began this series and that's how I first pictured this: the story of the Winter Fairies and how one girl became Queen of the fairies. There's a beginning (Bitter Frost), the climb (Forever Frost), middle (Silver Frost), and more (Frost Kisses), and then Midnight Frost, Frost Fire, Spring Frost, and Enchanted Frost. This series has been planned out long ago, had a delayed publishing date because of personal illness, and then finally published by the EDGE books, who took a chance on developing a multi-book series about fairies with a theme of Love Being Stronger than Magic.

The world of Feyland was first published in 2003 in my middle grade series, The Fairy Rose Chronicles, where there is a land of the fey where the Winter fey wars with the Summer fey. Prince Kian was also first introduced as the Winter Prince in The Fairy Rose Chronicles. This series won the Reader's Choice Nomination from the American Library Association YALSA organization (a very real organization lol whom I love and support both as a consumer and as a parent).

I believe in this series. I believe in the positive message behind this book, and thank goodness my publisher, producers, and thousands of readers around the world believe in it, too.

[Teen Book Reviewer (Shannon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Bitter Frost, a teen girl name Briana is plague with wonderful dreams of another world other than her ordinary life in a small Oregon town. The dreams are so real to her, she can paint the details. On her sixteenth birthday, the dream becomes reality as Bree sees a pixie on her way from school. He sees her and knows her name. Then begins a fast-paced edge-of-your seat action packed story that draws you in breathlessly. I loved this book. A little shorter than Wings and the same length as your typical Gossip Girl books, this is perfect pacing. No drawn out page fillers, but action-filled in every page. The characters are realistic, dialogue is something you can find among American teenagers, and the suspense is balanced well with a sweet romance between noble Kian and caring Logan. If you like Twilight, you will like this book. The length is perfect for a fast and satisfying read.

[Doreen Mather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Frost is one of those books that leave you wishing you can live in another world, if only just for a day. Like the film Avatar, I was transported to a world vivid with imagery of all senses. You can see, feel, smell, taste, and touch Feyland. An appropriate-sized book for the teen market (length is similar to Gossip Girl books), teenage readers, especially reluctant readers will have no problem picking up this book and finishing it quickly. The writing, the story, the action, and characters will grab your attention and keep hold of you until you finish. Riveting read and I commend Gow for creating a fairy world so beautiful you want to learn about the winter and summer fey, yet at the same time, provide a book appropriate for teens. Like its characters, Bitter Frost goes beneath the surface to make you think about issues like bullying, parents, friendship, and loyalty. Our bookclub chose Bitter Frost to read. We also discussed the questions from the discussion sheet. I give Bitter Frost a 6 out of 5 for being able to pack so much meaning, story, and emotions into a book the size of Gossip Girl and still have depth. Teenage girls need to read this series.

[Melissa Shula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and luring. I did not want to put this book down for one second. Bitter Frost follows urban fairy fantasies, but the setting of Feyland is richer, more vivid than other fairy novels I've read. The characters Kian, Logan and Breena feel real. I can taste the fairy foods and smell the dampness of the woods. The story is imaginative and full of action. As one other reviewer stated, so much emotions are packed into this book, you experience the story. Wonderful message about anti-bullying, too. I highly recommend Bitter Frost to everyone.

[Melissa Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast read, I picked up this book and couldn't put it down until I was done last night. Now all I want is to read the second book. One of the best faery books out there. Gow brings you into a world so beautiful you don't want to leave even when the book ends.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Frost is an amazing book about the Winter Fey. Breena is dreaming about a wonderful place where she's a little girl dancing with a young boy. The boy turns out to be Prince Kian, the Winter Prince whom she will marry. Breena has never fit into her life as a regular teenage girl in Oregon. Turns out it is because she once lived in Feyland, where she is half-fairy, and the Princess to the Summer Court. Since her banishment from Feyland, war between the Summer and Winter Courts had broken out. Now there is a price on Breena's head, and Prince Kian isn't what Breena had dreamed of. He has grown into a breathtakingly handsome young man, and despite the initial hostility he has shown her, they fall in love. Their love is bound by magic, despite the war.

Bitter Frost is amazingly romantic in plot, character, and the writing. I couldn't help falling in love with Kian along right with Breena. The part where he cooks up a feast for her and teaches her everything he knows about being fairy royalty just - ah is so romantic!!

Kian knows it can mean his death, even though he is a prince, to love Breena, but he can't help it. He defies his powerful mother, the Winter Queen. Ah this is like Romeo and Juliet with more politics.

Bitter Frost is aptly named for the bittersweet romance between Breena and Kian and even her best friend Logan. I also get that the cover showing Breena with blue lips is about her kiss with the Winter Prince. Mortals can't survive a kiss from a fairy, but Breena does.

5 out of 5 stars

[Kim Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Bitter Frost after reading Gow's Pulse series. From the start, the fey world is presented in lyrical beautiful writing. Gow's style is such that her writing characterize the world, the action, and the emotional state of the protagonist. She has the style of Maggie Stiefvater, Ally Condie, and even Hemingway or Steinbeck. Bitter Frost and Forever Frost demonstrates this further. Having read Forever Frost, the second book in this series, I am convinced this series gets better and better. Initially, you expect this book to be about Winter fairies at war with Summer fairies, and just a romance between a half-human half-fairy girl and the Winter Prince, but it becomes more, and there is complex plotting, politics, depth of character, and power struggle. Forever Frost is in one word: Amazing. I've yet to read a young adult paranormal novel with as rich of a relationship building between all the characters as Forever Frost. You begin to see the Frost series take on more of the Snow Queen's lore with Forever Frost. I can't wait for the third book to come out, Silver Frost, to see.

[Naya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Frost receives high marks for drawing me in and keeping me reading. I don't have a lot of time to read so I move on if a book doesn't get me from the start. Right away to the end, this book kept my attention. This book deserves at least 5 stars for weaving a captivating story with characters you care about, lots of plot twists, action, and romance. Goes beyond the young adult urban fairy books out there by dealing with serious topics like bullying and relationships in non-preachy, responsible manner. Breena, the heroine is a strong role model for girls, and the men are the kind of boys you'd want in a healthy long-term relationship. Twilight fans will devour this series up, and teachers should use this book to open up discussion about teen issues.


from Naya's Girl's Night Out Book Picks

[Tori Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical and exciting from page 1. Gow manages to build an amazing fairy land where I wouldn't want to get lost. The romance between Breena and Kian is magical.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reviewing Bitter Frost, I had to take a look at the discussion questions for teens which were provided for Bitter Frost. First of all, I appreciate Gow providing these questions, and I can see how Bitter Frost's story is used to bring up the topics. I especially liked the question on whether you see Breena as a role model. What qualities do you like about her?

Bitter Frost is about Breena who seems like any teenage girl. She seems confident, but she's also insecure, especially when it comes to boys. That's why she's oblivious to her friend Logan even liking her. Since she dreams of Kian all the time (it's a suppressed memory of her childhood while she lived in Feyland), it seems she's always been in love with him.

When she discovers she's in danger in Feyland, she has no choice but to adjust as quick as possible to her situation. I admire that of her. She is no Mary Su. She's smart and brave. She's resourceful. She learns to fight. She also uses logic and reasoning to negotiate. In that sense, she is a role model for girls. Just because there are others willing to protect her, doesn't mean she's a weak person. It means she's smart. She'll accept protection if she needs it. I know there are those who think girls shouldn't be protected by a boy at all and that is "abusive".

Having grown up with a household of brothers, being a happily-married woman of 18 years, and raising boys and girls (age 13 to 16), I think Bitter Frost illustrates a story of romantic young love. I'm not looking for a realistic love story - this is about fairies and is classified as fantasy. I'm looking for a good book that my 16 year old daughter can read, finished, and learn from. I found this here in Bitter Frost. I recommend this book highly to mother and teen daughter book clubs. The discussion questions alone helped bring up sensitive topics I would not have a chance to discuss with my daughter.

5 out of 5 Stars

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Frost is a fast-paced tale about fairies in the beautifully-depicted world of Feyland. From beginning to end, the writing draws you in like a musical score. It's pleasant and dreamy in the opening chapters because Breena's world in Oregan appears dream-like. She has just turned sixteen when she begins seeing goblins and other supernatural creatures. Then the action picks up and the writing fits the chase. As the action slows again and Breena is spending time with Kian, she is able to enjoy the beauty of Feyland once again. THIS IS PURE GENIUS. There is nothing confusing about the narration if you keep in mind everything is being written from Breena's point-of-view, and the writing reflects her circumstance. PURE GENIUS. I have not come across this style of writing very often, but it is something I can appreciate. I don't like cookie-cutter writing, which is what YA books are becoming. I like fresh and new.

Ms. Gow has delivered a book about fairies that at once appears familiar, yet is subtlely new. Her style of writing and boldness in taking on a different writing style reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver. Yes, Bitter Frost can be compared to other fairy books out there, but so did those fairy books compare to each other. I thought Wondrous Strange was part of the Wicked Lovely series since they were so similar. Tithe is very similar to Need. Point is, these modern fairy tales or urban fairy fiction will have similarities because it's still being established.

[Brooke Kang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besides friends recommending this book to me, I wanted to read it because of the author's guest post. She mentioned this book series is about the Winter fairies. She also mentioned The Frost Series is a prequel series to another series. I'm highly intrigued by that! I know there has always been conflict between Winter and Summer fairies since time began. Look at all the fairy tales, even cartoons about fairies, Winter and Summer are always in conflict with each other. It's interesting this series is focused on the Winter Fey. But Breena is from Summer. Makes me wonder how this series will play out.

As one blogger mentioned and I agree as refreshing and new is Gow's take on human and fairy hybrid in that they are stronger than pure fairies. Feyland is beautiful, but falling apart because "love" a human quality is shunned. The fairies, especially the royal fairies, can no longer bear children because of the shunning of "love".

That explains why royal fairies are attracted to humans, who can bear children, heirs. That also explains why Prince Kian is afraid to love Breena.

Bitter Frost is a refreshing take on the fairy world where fairies are losing their ability to have children, and human fairy hybrids are the strongest.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put down this book because it was well-written, captivating, and good pacing. Reminds me of the non-stop action pacing of veteran bestselling paranormal romance authors like Kenyon,Freehan,Kelsey Cole, but clean enough for young teens and up. Promising series comes with discussion questions for those needing to go deeper into the story.

Having eagerly moved on to Forever Frost, I believe this is one of the more original young adult series. Fairy storylines have been around for years, but the take on fairies, especially the family relationships and role of the monarchs in Feyland makes this more complicated than it seems. Casual readers just looking at the surface will see a fast-paced action series with twists and turns, sophisticated readers will see an intricately-woven series designed to spur thought and discussion.

[Cassie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly romantic in the sense of Romeo and Juliet. Makes me wish all men were either of the fey or Logan. I'll choose Logan over Kian, but both would make me happy, too.

[Dianek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the book in less than a day because it kept my interest. What a find. I love the story and the main characters, especially Logan and Kian. Logan is a dream come true.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine dreaming about the same place and same people every night when you go to sleep. Then, when you turn 16, you find that the dream wasn't merely a dream, but a reality - a place where you have been, and a place you have no choice but to return to. What a great start to the perfect fantasy... Or is it?

This is my first novel by Kailin Gow and I promise it won't be the last! She has a wonderful way of capturing the reader from the start and easily transports them to an interesting and fascinating world of Feyland where fairies, pixies and werewolves exist - a beautiful place where magic is normal and necessary, and a place where humans normally cannot survive.

I must admit, I adored this book. The setting of Feyland, the main characters, the storyline - it was just what I needed for a day of escapism. I was smitten with the main characters. Breena, Kian, and Logan all have qualities that I'm sure every teen will be able to identify with. Breena is a girl who struggles with being unpopular, but still is a strong person. Kian is very easy on the eyes, but somewhat lacks in personality and backbone - or does he? Then there's Logan... the ever dedicated friend that would do anything for Breena. Each character has both strengths and weaknesses that make them realistic and easily someone you can become involved with. You will find yourself rooting for some, not liking others, and even left heartbroken when choices have to be made. It was a great read. I only have one complaint - I didn't want the book to end!

"Bitter Frost" is book one of the "Bitter Frost" series and will make you need want to read the second book to see what happens next. The second in the series " Forever Frost" is due out in September 2010.

[Pamela Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I'm not a teen, I highly enjoyed Bitter Frost. I read Gow's other book series PULSE and Daughters of Dracula and loved them. I finished Forever Frost a few days ago and thought the series gets even better. Her books are fast reads and appropriate for teens and young adults who are used to Gossip Girls young adult series.

*** Note - Kagawa fans looking for another Kagawa book is not going to find it here. The book is about the Winter Fey, not the Iron Fey. Though there are Summer and Winter fairies, that's all that's similar. Read Forever Frost, and you will see how different this series is from Iron Fey.

What I love about this book and why my girl's club chose it for its book club: Breena is a strong role model for girls. This series is fun. I love Logan and Kian.

The theme is about love being stronger than magic. The girls and I adore the sweetness of the romance in this series, although Gow writes steamier YA books.

There are many who love this series for its own merits. I'm glad my book club girls and I took a chance on Bitter Frost and Forever Frost. We love it, in spite of another author's fans opinions.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairy fans...this one is for you! I'm so happy that I had the opportunity to review this book!
Kailin writes beautifully and weaves a magical tale that you won't forget. Yes, it reminded me of other fairie stories I've read, but all of them remind me of each other as I think the basic research is the same. Bitter Frost had so many elements that I did find unique; I don't want to spoil the story so I'll just say that there are way more than fairies that go to and fro.
I loved these characters; Kailin was able to pack so much feeling into these teens that you almost felt like you knew them. The setting of the story, Feyland, is just wonderfully depicted through the author's writing. The storyline itself was a first for me and I really enjoyed the spin on "lost love" and "loyalties."
I recommend this one to fans of fairy books because I thought it was just awesome! I can't wait to jump back into this world with book 2!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read book two, Forever Frost, this series top one of my favorites. Sure it is about a familiar fairy topic, Summer fairies versus Winter fairies. That's about it. If you look beyond that, it's about a teen girl like most teens growing into her own, blossoming. The romance is sweet. She's not obsessed. By magic she is drawn to her Prince, her intended.

Oh I cannot gush about Forever Frost enough. The women characters will make you proud. It's about time there is a ya fairy book where all the women characters show tremendous strength.

Get beyond comparisons from fans of Iron Fey and enjoy Frost for what it is. It's a real shame young women and teens will be put off by those fans and not give Frost a chance. Teen girls and women would benefit from reading Frost. Can't wait for the next ones!

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bitter Frost was a good read that sucked me in as I read, and I appreciated getting immersed into this world, with Breena and her secret heritage. However, I do feel that it was far too brief and seemed....unfinished, and I don't mean the cliffhanger ending. I felt a little cheated that it was so short. It was 196 pages. Long enough for me to get sucked in, and then it was over. Of course, this is a series, so I am encouraged to keep reading. I'm all for series, but I think this could have been twice as long and delivered more a satisfying read. I felt kind of annoyed that I have to buy the next book for $10 to get some closure when this book could have been twice as long and I would have probably given it a higher rating, because I would have been much more satisfied with the book.

The ideas were so good, so I did wish I could rate this one more highly, but I just needed more. I wanted to learn more about Breena, sink under her skin. I wanted more worldbuilding. I wanted to see Kian more clearly, and maybe like him or feel more compelled towards him as a person as Breena apparently felt. I am hoping that Breena's friend Logan will get more stage time in the next book, because I am loving him, big time. He's such a sweetie, but also tough as nails. He was so caring with Breena, and he clearly adores her. I feel that a relationship with Logan has a lot of potential, moreso than with Kian. Kian, I wasn't super-fond of him. He seemed a little empty to me. I didn't really feel that the conflict between his feelings for Breena and his duty to his kingdom was that compelling. To me, it seemed as though he could easily leave Breena as second fiddle to his duties. And I'm supposed to root for Breena to choose for him? Um, not so much. Now Logan, drool, swoon, sigh!

Let me just take the time to address a pet peeve I have with far too many young adult fantasy books now--the love triangle. Why do most of these books have to have a love triangle? Is this an absolute requirement for publication? How about a more deep, more developed relationship progression between the heroine and one love interest? How about more focus on the development of the character? How about more action and less "which guy should I choose?" I'm just saying. Maybe I'm the only one who has an issue with this. I mean no disrespect against Ms. Gow or any other YA writer. I just wish that this plot device would stop being so heavily relied on in YA fantasy. I'm not the target audience, since I'm in my 30s, so maybe this is a thing that the younger readers enjoy. But I think a book can be perfectly enjoyable with a heroine who has one love interest. And, as I addressed above, I didn't feel that the love triangle aspect rang true. To me it's an obvious choice who Breena should end up with. If I'm going to be pulled in two directions, I need to feel like the heroine could go with either choice, and Kian ain't ringing my bell right now.

So....It's hard for me with this book. It had a lot of potential. Some great ideas. But not enough here for me to be blown away. That's why I couldn't give it more than 3.5 stars. Honestly, I am miffed that I will have to shell out the not inconsiderable bucks for the next book, afraid I will feel the same dissatisfaction, but I will be coming back for more. That seems like a Pyrrhic victory to me.

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you used to live in Feyland as a child, but you can't remember? Bitter Frost is about a Breena, a half-fairy and half-mortal girl who was born in Fairyland or Feyland as Gow calls it here. On her 16th birthday she begins seeing through the glamour of supernatural creatures like pixies and goblins. She's also being chased by a pixie and the Winter Prince Kian, whom she was betrothed to as a child. Bitter Frost's premise is different than other contemporary fairy books in this way. I read from Ms. Gow's interviews about Bitter Frost, the fairy lore concept is based on Jack Frost and how he was a winter prince who fell in love with a human woman. In the fairy lore of Jack Frost, there is the Winter Kingdom and the Summer Kingdom. Bitter Frost is a refreshing look at Jack Frost's fairy lore in a contemporary world. Some of the reviewers here compare Bitter Frost to Iron King. Both are about fairies in the Winter and Summer Kingdom, but that's where it ends. Bitter Frost is about the Winter Kingdom. Why else would this series be called "The Frost Series?" The Iron King is about the Iron Fey, and a significant part of this series is about the threat of the Iron Fey. Comparison aside, Bitter Frost is a worthy book to read for its fine lyrical writing, complex realistic characters (especially Logan who I'm in love with), tightly woven action and scenes, positive message about family and friends, and interesting plot twists. Simply saying Bitter Frost is like another fairy book doesn't do Bitter Frost nor the other fairy book justice. Bitter Frost is entertaining and a fast read that must be read over and over again for you to appreciate the symbolism in this book.

This book is 5 out of 5.

[Glass Fairy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank heavens it is over! I mean no disrespect to the author, it is very hard to write a book...but these characters were so one dimensional I honestly felt nothing for them, everything happened so rapidly and without proper emotion...Bree seemed to be over her best friend Logan's death in a matter of hours, I'm sorry but I'd tear that fairy world apart if they killed my friend, honestly all the pixes would burn..but she just sat there saying it was honorable and pining after the little Winter Prince, she managed her powers so quickly and without explanation really and became an expert swordsman in a few days..almost besting her mentor who had trained for decades, its ridiculous, im sure I'd have loved this book if I was 10, and it's possible that was the target audience.
It just wasn't my cup of tea.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC as part of the Traveling ARCs Tours who sadly are stopping their tours. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review and sadly have to send the ARC on to the next person. And for the record, the description is hardly accurate. So don't go by what it says about the book. Kian seems to hate her for all of two minutes.




First of all, the cover is beautiful. It looks like the girl on the front has dipped her lip in dark blue iridescent glitter. Her mouth is formed perfectly, too perfectly, and the skin is so pale that if you look closely you'll see ice on it. I don't know if that's dark hair behind her or if it's just darkness and I think there are frozen flowers falling from the title. It's a beautiful cover and it goes well with the story. I don't know of another author lately that I've read that can paint a picture so beautifully like Kailin Gow. She is an artist with words. I have to write just one description so you can understand. This is on page seven of the ARC in the prologue which you must never skip in a book. I've said that before and I will say it again. Much important information is in that prologue, that's why the writer bothered to write it. Continuing on:




"The music grew louder, and I could hear its melody. It was not like human music-no, not even

the most beautiful concertos, most elaborate sonatas. This was the music that humans try to make

and fail-the language of the stars as they twinkle, they rhythm of the human heart as it beats, the

glimmering harmony of all the planets and all the moons and all the secret melodies of nature."




Can you not hear that music in your mind and picture those words floating off into the midnight sky, like she wrote them in the air. She has such a way with words. If you love descriptions you'll love the way she does them. But it's not too much. It's not full of descriptions and nothing else, just when she does them, holy cow!

This is only part of what Breena, the main character dreams of every night. She dreams of playing in a palace with the Winter Prince Kian, and his sister, Shasta in a castle of gold. She dreams every night of Kian and her, learning as children how to dance their dance for the wedding, for they are supposed to be married. But then something terrible happens that separates the two courts and makes Breena and Kian enemies simply because of which court they belonged to and their marriage contract was voided. But their contract runs deeper than paper, its an older contract, one of magic and feelings. Breena believes her dreams are just that, dreams. But, when she finds a Pixie at her door on her 16th birthday, she finds out the truth. Feyland is real, she's a Faery Princess of the Summer Court and her best friend, Logan is a werewolf. What's more, all those beautiful paintings of the faery world she's been painting is a way for her to get into Feyland and Kian takes her prisoner at her house and takes her to Feyland.

Kian's intention is to take Breena to the Winter Queen and have her swapped for his sister Shasta who the Summer Queen has been holding hostage. The courts have been at war for a long time and much damage has been done. There is no way now that Breena and Kian can marry, they best they can hope for is that his mother will not torture Breena before he takes her to the Summer Court. But Breena is only a halfling. Her mother is human, her father the Summer King. Will Breena be welcomed by the Summer Court with the Summer Queen in charge? And a drunk satyr accidentally lets it slip that halflings are stronger than fairies because they can withstand faery magic/kisses and live so they are the strongest of humans and then they have magic as well.

Breena has agreed to go with Kian because she simply has no other choice. They've already had to battle minotaurs and a Pixie at her house when Kian led her away. Logan shows up and Breena tries to go with him only to find out that she's made a bargain with Kian. (If you should find yourself with a faery, never make a bargain. They are ironclad!) Logan morphs into a werewolf and while the two of them battle, the Pixie King steels Breena away while they can only watch. Breena works on her magic in the dungeon she is kept in as she pretends to consider the Pixie King's proposal, marriage giving him rights to the Summer Court or become his concubine. In an escape attempt, Kian is captured and a guilty conscience makes Breena insist she and Logan go back. In that attempt, Logan is killed and Breena blames herself. While consoling her, Kian and Breena kiss and find that the magic of love is stronger than a contract on paper or any other kind of magic and they realize their feelings for each other.

But the Winter and Summer Courts have plans of their own. Both Breena and Kian are in constant danger even though they are in a "safe" house. They could be discovered at any time. Kian teaches Breena about Fey customs and history and how to use her magic and how to fight. Which will come in handy as the Summer Court captures Breena and arrests her because she was banished from Feyland as a baby. While the Winter Court is capturing Kian and taking him back to the Winter Queen for not bringing Breena to her. Besides they tell him, they have a much better prisoner. Who could be better than the halfling banished at birth? Who will be able to save Breena? What will happen if there is peace between Summer and Winter?

Magic and love are the two most powerful forces in Feyland in Kailin Gow's novel. The two combined , to me, would seem to me to be unstoppable. This is truly a faery tale with magic, love and politics and war. The next book is already out called Forever Frost and then the next is Silver Frost which comes out in 2011. The Sparklesoup website shows a total of five books in the series.

I read this in a few hours. Definitely a quick read. It's just a short book with a great love story and the beginning of a great faery tale. Anyone that loves faery tales should love this. Very PG rated for the word concubine and maybe some other words with the same meaning. Nothing else.

[Your Average Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest, I was skeptic about reading this book because I wasn't in to the whole fairy concept. The inside was far worse, the font was big and the book was thin, and I was thinking, what am I getting myself into? Don't judge a book by its cover. I've never known how true this phrase is until now.
I was absolutely in love with the world created: Feyland. It sounded so wonderful, magical and so pleasant to live in. The author must have known me by heart (haha) to include all other mythological creatures like mermaids and centaurs. I wish I could wake up to the multi-colored skies with two suns overlooking me. With the descriptive language, and vivid descriptions, it felt like I teleported to Feyland and through the whole journey, I was with Kian and Breena myself! I pitied Kian, since he had to make a huge decision, love over his kingdom, or his kingdom over love. And both seemed equally important to him.

It amazed me to see how heroic and courageous each of the main characters were, all willing to sacrifice themselves for the one they love. I liked the boldness of Breena, how she wasn't afraid of anything. At first, I was a little confused about Kian... In the summary, it depicted him as cold and cruel, but in the story, he was the complete opposite! But as I started to get attached to the story, I didn't really care as much. I do have to admit, the love triangle between Breena, Logan and Kian was pleasing to read about. It was Twilight all over again! Breena being Bella, Logan being Jacob and Kian being Edward except fairy version. I liked the whole idea of weaving forbidden love into this action-packed book. Because, let's face it, no novel is complete without romance in it!

I was frustrated at the abrupt ending, since nothing was resolved. I didn't expect it to be a cliffhanger ending either, but now, more then ever, I can't wait to read the second book in the Frost series.

Bitter Frost is like Percy Jackson, The Narnia Chronicles and Twilight combined. You will either love this book like I did, or hate it.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave up. I could not finish this book. Reading it was like a trip to the dentist -- I didn't enjoy a moment of it! The writing is TERRIBLE. Everything is so choppy like the author just expects you to fill in the blanks. Half the time I was wondering if I missed a paragraph. To make matters worse the punctuation was terrible. Did an editor even proof this book? I cannot believe that this book was published, let alone created into series. Maybe if I was 9 I would enjoy it.

[Nic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm... this book was okay. When I first started reading it kind of reminded me of one of my favourite fae books but not in a good way.

It is the story of Breena who is not very popular, she loves art and has always had a connection with the woods. She lives with her mother and has never known her father. She has only one friend, the gorgeous Logan. All her life she has dreamed about fairies especially a fairy prince named Kian. On her 16th birthday she start seeing fairies in the woods near her, watching her. Logan also starts acting very protective. Then she is kidnapped in her own home and suddenly her dreams are a reality.

I liked that it was action packed and had a few suprises. What I didn't like was I never really connected with the characters. The only one I really liked was Logan. There was also a couple of times when I found the dialogue between the characters a bit silly. And also sometimes things felt a bit rushed.

The ending was a big cliffhanger and despite my low rating I'm curious about the next book although a spoiler review might suffice me.

Overall, if this is your first fae book you will probably like it but if you have read some of the other amazing ones out there I think you may be a bit disappointed.

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What an incredible tale of emotional conflict between love and duty! I thoroughly enjoyed Kailin's brilliant prose as she created the marvelous world of faery. Her readers will not be disappointed as they step foot into Feyland. From the prologue, I was instantly fascinated with the author's beautiful and lyrical words. Each step of the way, you wll be holding your breath anxiously to see what will happen next!

I was taken aback at how quickly Breena manifestd her faery powers; then again, she had visited Feyland throughout her childhood so it is sensical that her gift of magic would come naturally. And her bond to her intended, Kian, was unbreakable, despite the fact that technically, he is now her ex-intended. It was refreshing to see the leading male protagonist not be so elusive as many other paranormal romances I have read.

Kian - what I can I say? Everything a girl would ask for her in her hero. :)

If you have not started this series, I definitely recommend it!

[Diana]

No rating.

“It was not like human music – no, not even the most beautiful concertos, most elaborate sonatas. This was the music that humans try to make and fail – the language of the stars as they twinkle, the rhythm of the human heart as it beats, the glimmering harmony of all the planets and all the moons and all the secret melodies of nature.”

You’re probably thinking… What in the hell? I know I was. I’m all for beautifully crafted metaphors, but this is just too much. “… the language of stars as they twinkle,” c’mon. There’s more throughout the book; random dumps of metaphors that make absolutely no sense. And quite a few grammatical errors. But that’s not what bothered me, not really.

Let’s begin with the premise. When I was reading the book’s blurb, I thought it sounded, you know, rather nice. With all the hype surrounding the Fae, from SJM to Holly Black, I thought why not? The reviews seemed fairly good, so I decided to read it. Boy, was I in for an adventure (insert sarcasm here). The book has little-to-no substance. Quite frankly, I can only remember three of the names of the characters introduced in this book. Those being: Breena, Logan and Kian (I lied, I actually had to look his name up ¯\_(ツ)_/¯). The book’s premise was all over the place. The pace was too fast *shock and horror* and the world-building was, quite frankly, non-existent. Yes, we’re told they’re in Faery and that there’s two main Courts – Summer and Winter – but besides that, we never actually get to venture into either Court. The author’s attempt at a political trope is pretty wasted, since the book mainly revolved around Breena swooning over Kian or crying over [her not-quite-dead werewolf best friend] Logan.

The characters… Bland. Forgettable. Did not connect with any of them. There are no discernible aspects of their personalities that I can recall and I’ve only finished reading the book two days ago. This conversation between Breena and Kian made me cackle, it’s that ridiculous:

Breena: “Of age for what?” […]
Kian: “Marriage. Once a fairy is of age to marry, her magic is much keener – other fairies can sense it. With royalty fairy such as yourself, the signal is even stronger…”
Breena: “That’s disgusting! […] I’m… in fairy heat?”

W.H.A.T?! I mean, I have read plenty of Wattpad books about werewolves and mating and all that good stuff, but this… This was just… What the heck? *sigh*

Not to mention, that some of the subplots in the book do not add up. [Breena knows from the beginning that the Pixie King is named Delano, because she senses it with her extra-special abilities. *rolls eyes* Yet somehow, when she is captured by Delano, she seems to have forgotten who he is, because she proceeds to demand to speak with the Pixie leader, even though she already knows who he is, having encountered Delano in previous chapters… I was reading that paragraph, thinking???]

All-in-all, Breena is a damsel in distress, Kian is her saviour and Logan is just there – most probably a sudden love interest in the next books. I can’t actually believe there are 9 books in the series. *shaking my head* There is much more I could say about this book, but I just do not have the energy. To put it simply:

Would not recommend.

[Jac · Rating 1 out of 5]

NO SPOILERS-- I wanted to make sure I could keep others from reading this book before they started!!!

Wow, where to begin. This line of fantasy has been so overused lately I feel it is becoming as cliché as vampires but some authors (like Julie Kagawa) have molded elements of such fantasies to suit their own plot lines instead of merely robbing what was spawned out of others' creativity. Winter battling Summer seems quite atypical to me but nevertheless I continue to read such novels because normally I experience some enjoyment from them. Kailin Gow's Bitter Frost was definitely an exception.

This novel—as disgusted as I am to call it that since it was no more than a glorified chapter book for children of eight or so—seemed to be riddled with holes. It was less than two-hundred pages long and on top of that the font was of massive proportions!!! I have not read a book with less than two- hundred pages since early elementary school. Kailin Gow was simply too lazy to put any effort into writing this book. Her plot could have been extended five-fold and not have suffered at all; it would actually have been better off. It was almost as if she had decided the readers would be capable of filling in the blanks so there was no reason to give an explanation for anything!

Being an avid reader, I typically think of how a plot could have been improved. Some authors sweep me into their stories with such force that I forget such notions but Gow left me behind waiting for answers. Everything about this book was so predictable that it was exhausting; I was actually inventing my own twists to make up for the nonexistent ones in this book. As lacking as her plot development was though, her skill with character development was even worse—if that were possible.

Plain girl who doesn't fit in, best friend who secretly adores her, and the dark forbidden love interest. I am glad I have come to know there are author's out there with more depth than this. It would truly be a dark world if this was all the world of literature had to offer. If an author is determined to go down this course, than they at least need to add some pizazz!! I mean seriously!! Some author's have your blood racing in tune with the protagonist's but Gow's romantic scenes caused me to develop a headache and stifle a wave of nausea. We know very little about the main characters especially the borderline-abusive love interest. What is the deal with authors today encouraging teens to fall for abusive (I mean 'overprotective') male protagonists?

It didn't think it could get any worse than her blind infatuation with him until the ending (in reference to the final chapter). AS SOON AS I read THAT I had had it; I was done with the book, series, and Kailin Gow. It was like Gow had finished a chapter and simply got bored having no intention of seeing the book to its completion. I have another tangent regarding the epilogue but I will simply say that I saw that one coming from miles away. Seeing as it was supposed to shock readers, I feel it belongs on my list of points where Gow failed to add pizazz to her plot; or twists for that matter. So sad, to see such a waste of a publishing company's resources. To my recollection, I have NEVER uncovered a more lazy author than Kailin Gow. Perhaps it is possible her other works are better but I have NO intention of waisting my time with them!! In short, I definitely DO NOT recommend this book! I regret not putting the 90 mins it took me to read the book to better use like scratching a chalkboard or pissing into the wind!!

Original Review on my Blog:
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