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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.pause_theframe's review
5.0
I hadn’t read anything by Rades, prior to reading this series, and I must say I am very impressed. Upon reading the blurb, I was pulled into the series, and really thought I would like it, but I wasn’t expecting to fall completely in love with the books.
The series has depth and personality, both in the characters the author has created and in the world in which the books take place. We are given enough to truly feel as though we are there and a part of the stories ourselves.
The pace was fantastic. I felt that it really added a lot to the reads, as I was kept on my toes and waiting to see what would happen next and where Crystal and her ghosts would take us. I liked that there was an element of both surprise and build-up, which really meant that I was hooked from start to finish.
As a series overall, I found it entirely enjoyable and would I would likely read again. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal reads that are written to really throw you into the story.
**I received this book for free and voluntarily provided my honest and unbiased review.
The series has depth and personality, both in the characters the author has created and in the world in which the books take place. We are given enough to truly feel as though we are there and a part of the stories ourselves.
The pace was fantastic. I felt that it really added a lot to the reads, as I was kept on my toes and waiting to see what would happen next and where Crystal and her ghosts would take us. I liked that there was an element of both surprise and build-up, which really meant that I was hooked from start to finish.
As a series overall, I found it entirely enjoyable and would I would likely read again. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal reads that are written to really throw you into the story.
**I received this book for free and voluntarily provided my honest and unbiased review.
readwithrobyn's review
3.0
I read the audiobook. It definitely felt rushed at some parts and couldve been way better had they wrote it just a little different. Still a good book to pass the time though.
anamustacho's review
3.0
Actual rating 3.5stars.
It took me a few chapters to really get into it.
The storyline and characters just screamed "teenager" to me. The selfdiscovery, friendship and adventures. The secrets and doubts.
Yet I liked it very much. The author had so many positive life lessons incorporated in the plot.
I think the flawless incorporation of a sequel is well played. After I finish writing my review I am already going to listen to part 2.
The familiarity of RPG/tabletop made me enjoy the story even more.There was a perfect mixture of fantasy with the psychic/witchiness. You do recognise elements from murder mysteries and crime documentaries.
Which brings me to some warnings if you plan on reading the story:
Physical abuse
Abusive teen realtionship
Death trauma
Violence
Teen pregnancy/loss
Divorce
But also some very positive parts that I appreciate:
Supportive parenthood
Supportive friendship
Overcoming trauma
Bravery and standing up for oneself
Fyi:
If you rationalise it too much, you will most likely not enjoy reasing this story.
For example: the amount of people who may or may not have special intuition is explainable because the author explains how the location is know for families who have them. Since they underatandably bundled up together.
It took me a few chapters to really get into it.
The storyline and characters just screamed "teenager" to me. The selfdiscovery, friendship and adventures. The secrets and doubts.
Yet I liked it very much. The author had so many positive life lessons incorporated in the plot.
I think the flawless incorporation of a sequel is well played. After I finish writing my review I am already going to listen to part 2.
The familiarity of RPG/tabletop made me enjoy the story even more.There was a perfect mixture of fantasy with the psychic/witchiness. You do recognise elements from murder mysteries and crime documentaries.
Which brings me to some warnings if you plan on reading the story:
Physical abuse
Abusive teen realtionship
Death trauma
Violence
Teen pregnancy/loss
Divorce
But also some very positive parts that I appreciate:
Supportive parenthood
Supportive friendship
Overcoming trauma
Bravery and standing up for oneself
Fyi:
If you rationalise it too much, you will most likely not enjoy reasing this story.
For example: the amount of people who may or may not have special intuition is explainable because the author explains how the location is know for families who have them. Since they underatandably bundled up together.
alyssaindira's review
2.0
**NO SPOILERS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS REVIEW**
So I actually grabbed this free off of Spotify. I was looking for something to listen to while doing some light studying, and was unsure of how much I would remember/be tuned in. But this book is pretty easy enough to follow along with without giving it too much attention or mental energy. Just to make it clear, this is the audiobook edition, and the narrator was fine, lovely, no complaints.
As for the author....ah well. I knew right away this was a very...cliche high school power manifesting teenage angst whiny novel. The writing was alright, A bit overdescriptive in my opinion (but maybe that is just becaus I couldnt skip over the long descriptions the narrator read and was forced to endure ranting that I would not ordinarily be subjected to. But at the same time, I do think some ofthe description was unnecesary, or could of been written better. Alot of the main characters inner musings were really superficial and immature, like when she discusses body image and her powers. in general, her thoughts do not always...connect as evenly as the author would of liked. I honestly felt like sometimes they were just so...young and twitchy. But least the main characters heart was in the right place.
The pacing was chronological and really fast paced. It did not necessarily irk me, I was glad it moved fast, so there wasnt alot of down time. if there had been alot of down time, I think my brain would of tune it out. The writing also just didnt quite feel as...solid as I am used to. Everything seemed surface level and breezy. Maybe that was because I listened to it? Idk.
I also know that what the story turned out to be what, I was not quite expecting. Granted, I was just listening for the vibes, but the actual storyline was...different. The way revelations happens, I am unsure of how 'real' it would be or just the way information was portrayed or how characters learned stuff. Maybe I am just 'reading' too much into this.
The 'story' itself, was alright. It was clear there was an end goal , and some challenges along the way. So that was fine. The characters just felt more...pliable, willing to bend to go where the story needed it. Oh? You need a ghost? Well lets conjure one up right out of the blue.
Also the way she kept getting powers just randomly and automatically mastered them actually did irk me, but whatever, I guess.
OVERALL, i did like some of the themes in this book. Like friendship, love, determination, etc. BUt, I did think there needed to be a trigger warning for domestic violence/abuse, just in case some people are not comfy with those events.
Alright, I rambled on long enough. Remember, this is all my opinion, if you want your own , feel free to listen to the book (its free on spotify, no I am not being paid to say that).
So I actually grabbed this free off of Spotify. I was looking for something to listen to while doing some light studying, and was unsure of how much I would remember/be tuned in. But this book is pretty easy enough to follow along with without giving it too much attention or mental energy. Just to make it clear, this is the audiobook edition, and the narrator was fine, lovely, no complaints.
As for the author....ah well. I knew right away this was a very...cliche high school power manifesting teenage angst whiny novel. The writing was alright, A bit overdescriptive in my opinion (but maybe that is just becaus I couldnt skip over the long descriptions the narrator read and was forced to endure ranting that I would not ordinarily be subjected to. But at the same time, I do think some ofthe description was unnecesary, or could of been written better. Alot of the main characters inner musings were really superficial and immature, like when she discusses body image and her powers. in general, her thoughts do not always...connect as evenly as the author would of liked. I honestly felt like sometimes they were just so...young and twitchy. But least the main characters heart was in the right place.
The pacing was chronological and really fast paced. It did not necessarily irk me, I was glad it moved fast, so there wasnt alot of down time. if there had been alot of down time, I think my brain would of tune it out. The writing also just didnt quite feel as...solid as I am used to. Everything seemed surface level and breezy. Maybe that was because I listened to it? Idk.
I also know that what the story turned out to be what, I was not quite expecting. Granted, I was just listening for the vibes, but the actual storyline was...different. The way revelations happens, I am unsure of how 'real' it would be or just the way information was portrayed or how characters learned stuff. Maybe I am just 'reading' too much into this.
The 'story' itself, was alright. It was clear there was an end goal , and some challenges along the way. So that was fine. The characters just felt more...pliable, willing to bend to go where the story needed it. Oh? You need a ghost? Well lets conjure one up right out of the blue.
Also the way she kept getting powers just randomly and automatically mastered them actually did irk me, but whatever, I guess.
OVERALL, i did like some of the themes in this book. Like friendship, love, determination, etc. BUt, I did think there needed to be a trigger warning for domestic violence/abuse, just in case some people are not comfy with those events.
Alright, I rambled on long enough. Remember, this is all my opinion, if you want your own , feel free to listen to the book (its free on spotify, no I am not being paid to say that).
gnidaer_ekil_i's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
shadowrealmreader's review
3.0
quick and simple read and finally a YA novel without romance! such a relief. this was really about Crystal and her psychic abilities.
bb_brekker's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25