I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I’m getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...
Paperback, 354 pages
Published November 29th 2011 by Kensington
Four stars: The second book in what is becoming an addictive little series.
Kiss of Frost picks up shortly after the thrilling conclusion of Touch of Frost. Gwen is still settling in at the Mythos Academy. At least she has gone from being completely ignored to a girl with a couple of friends, including Daphne the Valkyrie. She is frustrated and uncertain where things stand with the handsome Spartan, Logan. He has gone back to being distant and unavailable. Gwen is painfully aware that the Reapers are out to get her, now more than ever. When she sneaks off campus to visit Grandma Frost, she is almost run over by a speeding black SUV. Later that night while finishing up her shift at the library, an arrow is shot at her head, just narrowly missing. Gwen is certain a Reaper is hunting her. She just needs to find out who. The entire school is headed to an expensive ski resort for a Winter Carnival and a fun weekend of partying and skiing. Gwen doesn't want to go, but Daphne assures her it will be fun and safe. What could possibly wrong?
What I Liked:
- This is a surprisingly fun and addictive series. I can't say that it is original, but it has good characters, mystery and a magical setting. All of these elements combine to form an exciting story line. If you are looking for a fun series with magic and danger, pick this one up.
- I love the blending of Greek mythology into the story. It is filled with all kinds of references to Greek mythology. If you enjoy mythology, this is a good series for you.
- I am appreciating Gwen's growth. She is slowly dealing with her mother's death and finding her footing at the academy. She used to be the girl everyone ignored but now she has a couple of friends and allies and she has caught the eye of the most dashing guy in school. I love watching her come out of her shell more and more as the story progresses. She is even becoming adept at wielding her talking sword, Vic.
- Speaking of talking swords, Vic is more prominent in this book and his commentary is hilarious. He is a unique addition to the story. Who wouldn't want a talking sword with a British accent?
- I am fascinated with Gwen's magical abilities. Her Gypsy gift is psychometry, meaning that she receives the memories and imprints from all the people who have touched an item when she touches it. This type of magic is different and interesting. I am enjoying how her magic is evolving and how she is learning to use it in new and exciting ways. There are hints that it could change even further. I will be excited to follow up and see what else Gwen can do with her abilities.
- This book has a romance that is full of smoking tension. It is obvious that Gwen and Logan are into each other, but there relationship is full of drama, second guessing and electric sparks, leaving the reader in a constant state of agitation wondering if it will ignite or not.
- This is another book where the secondary characters are an excellent addition. I love Grandma Frost, she bakes such wonderful goodies. Daphne and her band geek boyfriend, Carson are so cute. I also enjoyed Oliver once I got to know him better.
- Finally, the big draw to these books is they are fun and they refrain from cliffhangers and love triangles. If you are looking for a series that omits these two dastardly aspects, get these books.
And The Not So Much:
- Overall I appreciate Gwen's growth and her ability to stand on her own two feet. There were a couple of times in this book, though that I was irritated with her stupid decisions. She put herself into danger and it left me scratching my head wondering why she would behave like an idiot. Luckily, she redeems herself later in the book.
- Unfortunately, this book introduces a villain and I just knew from the first meeting that this guy was no good. It was too easy to see the signs, so the big reveal was a fizzle.
- What is up with the statues? Each book Gwen is always getting the feeling that there is more to these statues than meets the eye, yet nothing has happened. I am dying to know if they are indeed magical.
- This book is better suited for more mature YA readers. There are scenes that involve teenage drinking and partying. If you prefer that your young reader not be exposed to that type of behavior, then you should pass.
The Mythos Academy is an entertaining, fast paced series that will keep you engaged with it's blend of mystery, magic, romance and supernatural elements. If you are looking for a series that avoids love triangles and cliffhangers, you should check out these books. While they may not be incredibly original, they are light and fun and just right when you need a quick and easy read. I am surprised at how much I am liking this series and happy that I have a copy of book three, Dark Frost waiting for me.
Favorite Quotations:
"You be careful. It's a wicked old world out there."
"It was the same way I always smiled at him---with my heart in my eyes for everyone to see."
"A soft breeze carried a sharp metallic tang with it, whispering that even more of the white stuff was on the way."
"She reached out and clasped my hand, rubbing it in her spotted, wrinkled one, and I felt the warmth of her love wash over me, driving away everything that was cold, dark and scary. At least for tonight."
"I'd done so well during the battle that Vic now had some far-fetched hope that I'd turn out to be a "right proper brawler after all."
"Every creature, mortal and god alike, has free will. It's what we choose to do with that will that defines us, that makes us who we are, good or bad."
Even though this is against my better judgement, I am going to share with you one of the very first reviews that I wrote last year before I started my blog. Even though I am tempted to alter it, I am posting it as it is to demonstrate how over time your reviews will gradually improve.
Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1) by Jennifer Estep
My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.
But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and whyespecially since I should have been the one who died. .
Paperback, 350 pages
Published August 1st 2011 by Kensington Publishing Corp. (first published July 26th 2011)
Four Stars: I highly recommend this book. This is a fun beginning to a new series.
What I liked:
- This is a book about a young girl's self discovery. The novel opens with Gwen struggling to adapt to her new life at the Mythos academy. As the book progresses she slowly makes friends and finally discovers the key to her psychometric magic and her purpose in life. Gwen transforms from the geeky loner Gypsy girl to a strong champion who is destined to fight Chaos.
- The concept of the Mythos Academy; a school where descendants of the Greek heroes, warriors and legends attend in order to learn how to use their powers to fight evil and chaos in the world. I loved the mysterious setting. Things are not what they seem in this place where myths are reality. I am still convinced there is more to the statues than meets the eye.
- Vic the snappy talking sword. I wish there had been more of him in the story. I am looking forward to hearing his quips in upcoming books.
- Logan, the sexy Spartan, who always comes to the rescue. Will he and Gwen get it right and get together?
- Daphne, the Valkyrie warrior princess. I truly appreciated her transformation. Her character growth made the mean girl theme tolerable in this book. Loved the snappy pink sparks.
And The Not So Much:
- The whole mean girl storyline. While it did work in the novel, for me a book with the unique concept of the Mythos academy; where ancient Greece comes alive, the high school mean girl story is trite.
- Some repetition. I felt I was reading certain things over and over. The book kept revisiting Gwen's guilt over her mother's death. I thought this discussion was overdone. I also got tired of reading lines about shivering from fear.
- Some of the sexual references were a little graphic for young teenagers. Due to this content I would recommend this for older teenage readers.
This book on the whole was a quick, fun, satisfying read. There were no big twists or surprises. I am truly grateful that all the story lines followed through and for the most part resolved at the end. I have a new appreciation for author's who provide an ending to their novels instead of resorting to the dreaded cliffhanger ploy. Yet, the story is compelling so I will read the next release in the series; Kiss of Frost on December 1, 2011. This a fun creative book that is a good stand alone novel. However, I am certain with this strong debut many fans will be clamoring for the next release. I will be among those avid fans.
