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psyckers's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
An easy read story about a teenager finding out that they have psychic powers manifesting deep inside them. A few good twists to plot are scattered throughout the book, especially as we learn some of the family secrets and what is expected from a person with growing psychic powers.
The plot is generally a bit too obvious for me and there could have been more to develop the character backgrounds and motives better.
Still it is a good read, and I would imagine younger readers would get a thrill from it.
The plot is generally a bit too obvious for me and there could have been more to develop the character backgrounds and motives better.
Still it is a good read, and I would imagine younger readers would get a thrill from it.
ktorr009's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rusar97's review against another edition
4.0
Are you into YA paranormal and psychics? Well then your found the right book. And honestly don’t you guys want to buy the book simply based on the fucking gorgeous cover?
tgiles2016's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book is a cute young adult mystery. It was a perfect easy read after some emotionally intense books.
iffer's review against another edition
3.0
From the perspective that this is an urban fantasy geared towards middle-grade readers (though the characters are in high school), this is an entertaining with positive messages about friendship, family, being yourself, and using your talents to help others. I probably wouldn't recommend it for older readers looking for an urban fantasy series about more mature themes.
ingo_lembcke's review
3.0
Got an email on a day when it was available for free, so I snatched it up. When it was updated (as Amazon does that) on March 15, 2017 I just finished the Trilogy "Penryn and the End of Days" (Susan Ee)[book:End of Days|18500665] and felt like reading something lighter so I started this on the day it was updated.
Strange combination, parts of the story (no sex, very little romance), seem for a younger audience, but the main problem is very real and mature: abuse of a spouse, physically but not too many details. The MC is well written, younger, and just grows into her powers, fumbles with the problem and how to help. Very well written how she feels along till the solution, also with working together with people she knows and trusts, even if she is not sure if all believe in her power - which she just learned of herself and does not know to the full extend what she is capable of.
Recommended, but only 3 stars as I think parts could have been more mature, maybe the next books will grow into it (just bought the next 3 books, as they where not too expensive).
Though I must admit I might have given 4 stars (rounded up from 3.5), just as easily.
Strange combination, parts of the story (no sex, very little romance), seem for a younger audience, but the main problem is very real and mature: abuse of a spouse, physically but not too many details. The MC is well written, younger, and just grows into her powers, fumbles with the problem and how to help. Very well written how she feels along till the solution, also with working together with people she knows and trusts, even if she is not sure if all believe in her power - which she just learned of herself and does not know to the full extend what she is capable of.
Recommended, but only 3 stars as I think parts could have been more mature, maybe the next books will grow into it (just bought the next 3 books, as they where not too expensive).
Though I must admit I might have given 4 stars (rounded up from 3.5), just as easily.
veganheathen's review
3.0
This book is a fast read and while not terrible, not great, either. It’s definitely a YA novel, which I do enjoy from time to time, but this one seemed to have been written with exclusively a younger audience in mind. Teenage paranormal fantasy lovers will love this.
book_lizard42's review
3.0
I got this book for free, and sometimes you get what you pay for. The premise is really intriguing - a teenager begins to experience psychic powers. It started out okay. It's definitely a Buffy the Vampire Slayer kind of dynamic - three friends, one with powers, one kind of a skeptic, one wanting to develop powers of her own. That didn't bother me. The writing bothered me.
This book reads like a second draft, like maybe a few beta readers could have polished it up a bit. Also, the plot of the book turned out to be kind of a dud, and as the book progresses, Crystal becomes a Mary Sue.
The book is written to be paranormal YA, and it tries WAY too hard to be YA. The word "giggle" needs to be abolished. Middle schoolers giggle. High schoolers laugh. The author tells more than shows, and she doesn't trust the reader to make fairly obvious connections on their own. TRUST THE READER. They're young, not stupid. So it comes across as talking down to the audience.
I gave it three stars because I was rounding up. It probably won't be a favorite of savvy teens, but it maybe won't cause them to poke their eyeballs out in reader-rage?
This book reads like a second draft, like maybe a few beta readers could have polished it up a bit. Also, the plot of the book turned out to be kind of a dud, and as the book progresses, Crystal becomes a Mary Sue.
The book is written to be paranormal YA, and it tries WAY too hard to be YA. The word "giggle" needs to be abolished. Middle schoolers giggle. High schoolers laugh. The author tells more than shows, and she doesn't trust the reader to make fairly obvious connections on their own. TRUST THE READER. They're young, not stupid. So it comes across as talking down to the audience.
I gave it three stars because I was rounding up. It probably won't be a favorite of savvy teens, but it maybe won't cause them to poke their eyeballs out in reader-rage?
elizalicart's review
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Fire in Frost takes readers into the world of Crystal Frost, a teenage girl grappling with her newfound psychic abilities amidst the challenges of her everyday adolescent life. Supported by her mother and friends, she navigates the possibilities that her unique powers have thrown her way. The book tackles both mature and juvenile topics, mimicking the chaotic time of life for teens Crystal's age. On top of that, Rades succeeds in creating a consistently creepy atmosphere throughout, almost to the extent that I had to keep my lights on while reading!
Although, one of the book's standout aspects was its sensitive exploration of an abusive relationship. Rades navigates Kelli's conflicting emotions towards Nate with authenticity, portraying the complexities of love, fear, and protection in such a situation. The gradual escalation of the abuse, how it affects others, and Nate's gaslighting tactics are depicted in a realistic and impactful manner, adding depth to the character dynamics.
However, most characters lacked individual depth. Kelli received the most characterisation, while Crystal (the protagonist), Emma, and even Derek could have quite easily switched places (exchanging the psychic power, of course), and the story would not have changed. Perhaps this makes Crystal relatable—any reader could picture themself in her shoes—but I feel it made her bland. The pacing of the plot is also somewhat slow, lacking in tension and urgency in such a way that I was battling between intrigue and boredom most of the way through. The stakes surrounding Kelli's situation and the danger posed by Nate could have been more clearly defined to create a sense of impending danger to drive the plot and its characters forward.
Looking ahead, the book does set the stage for development of Crystal's psychic abilities through aiding in police investigations, which could add a compelling layer to future instalments. Overall, Fire in Frost is a solid start to a series. While it may benefit from tighter pacing, heightened stakes, and deeper characterisation, its exploration of the supernatural makes it a worthwhile read for fans of paranormal fiction and coming-of-age stories alike.
Although, one of the book's standout aspects was its sensitive exploration of an abusive relationship. Rades navigates Kelli's conflicting emotions towards Nate with authenticity, portraying the complexities of love, fear, and protection in such a situation. The gradual escalation of the abuse, how it affects others, and Nate's gaslighting tactics are depicted in a realistic and impactful manner, adding depth to the character dynamics.
However, most characters lacked individual depth. Kelli received the most characterisation, while Crystal (the protagonist), Emma, and even Derek could have quite easily switched places (exchanging the psychic power, of course), and the story would not have changed. Perhaps this makes Crystal relatable—any reader could picture themself in her shoes—but I feel it made her bland. The pacing of the plot is also somewhat slow, lacking in tension and urgency in such a way that I was battling between intrigue and boredom most of the way through. The stakes surrounding Kelli's situation and the danger posed by Nate could have been more clearly defined to create a sense of impending danger to drive the plot and its characters forward.
Looking ahead, the book does set the stage for development of Crystal's psychic abilities through aiding in police investigations, which could add a compelling layer to future instalments. Overall, Fire in Frost is a solid start to a series. While it may benefit from tighter pacing, heightened stakes, and deeper characterisation, its exploration of the supernatural makes it a worthwhile read for fans of paranormal fiction and coming-of-age stories alike.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
The primary investigation concerns domestic abuse, so this is consistently explored throughout the book.