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diaryofabookahloic's review against another edition
4.0
This book at first didn’t seem like I was going to like it. A little slow, not making full sense to me then as the book went on and the two stories became one I really started to enjoy the book and I didn’t see that ending coming that for sure. Over all I really like it and will probably pick up the next book up in the future
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
2.0
There was just way too much going on in this book. It feels like the author had 50 different ideas of things she wanted to write about, and threw it all in one book. Some of the ideas were even interesting and would have made a good story, but all together it felt more like a hodge podge, and the story was sloppy because of it.
kasiej's review against another edition
2.0
Asinine, convoluted, outlandish, and trite (big word goal reached!). Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston, the first in The Heart of Dread series, was nothing I had hoped it would be. Simply put, it was dumb.
Sure, it had it's more enjoyable sections, but the story as a whole was quite disheartening. Both the synopsis and the cover built up my expectations for this. I was sad when the book didn't deliver since I was really looking forward to this one.
The post-apocalyptic world that Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston was built upon an unknown premise. The temperature around the world had dropped drastically generations before but it was never explained how. I'm sorry but I can't just roll with that. Nuclear war block out the sun somehow? The background for the novel wasn't detailed enough for me. I was constantly questioning things like, "How did Polar Bears end up in Nevada?" Someone mind giving me a hint at least? Ugh, it drove me crazy. The idea was there and it started out so intriguing.
The opening scene was great. Trapped and cornered with nothing but a voice in your head telling you to jump out a window. Yeah, I was definitely geared up for the rest of the story. Sadly it went pretty downhill after that.
Now here's a familiar location, New Vegas. Familiar? How? Fallout of course!
Somehow Vegas was one of the very few locations to survive the floods (as described by our lead Natasha Kestal). Not very original IMO but at least it gave me a good image of the backdrop for the first third of the book, but what about people who don't play video games?
Well it wasn't described very well, so, good luck.
I need to point out that I listened to this book. It was actually my first audio book. The narrators consisted of 2 people, one for each viewpoint in the story (Natasha Kestal & Ryan Wesson). I think the fact that I was listening to it made it a little more interesting for me.
A vast majority of the "action" was short and futile. The race scene was over before I even recognized what was happening, the polar bear felt pointless, and don't even get me started on the ending sequence. I understand a fast-moving act, Frozen didn't have that. Frozen had rushed incidents that felt insignificant when they shouldn't have.
The romance is quite cheesy and by "quite" I mean horribly. Forcing the population to fill out forms just to kiss someone? You really think that would stop people? How do you even have a romantic relationship with someone without physical interaction? Old enough to man an RPG but not old enough to get some apparently. Sounds like the easy way out to make the attraction between Wes and Nat more significant. Well, hate to break it to you, but it didn't work.
Speaking of Nat and Wes, our lead characters are two sixteen year old kids who meet in one of the New Vegas Casinos. Wes is an ex-military mercenary and Nat is marked trying to get out. Yes, marked, meaning has a birthmark that gives her special powers... yep.
They're not the only teens around either. The entire country is basically under the age of 25. It's hard to picture a bunch of sixteen year olds running the military. Supposedly people tend to die of cancer quite early in life (mid-twenties) so... who is in charge of the casinos? Who runs the hospital? Who runs the government? I just can't. Even language has changed! Shorthand text has taken over as the standard for the written word. I guess that's what happens when teenagers run the country.
I'll admit there are a few concepts that Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston portrayed in an intriguing light. The "Thrillers", even though I dislike the idea of them in general, the name made me laugh. Although, I probably shouldn't be laughing at it... seeing as that they're disfigured and dying. The explanation behind them is even worse, but I won't spoil that.
I liked Shakes and Farouk as supporting characters. I think I'd read a story involving Shakes and Lianna. Avo the pirate was interesting as well. They each had more personality than Nat to me. Why not tap into those resources?
Apparently they're going to New Crete, which I can only assume is Crete with a new name like Vegas, you know, because it's never explained. Now here's the confusing part, they're leaving from LA. Did Mexico sink and they're cutting across? Or are they seriously setting sail from California to cross the Pacific? Can someone give these kids a map?!
I can't discuss the end without major spoilers but overall, I was not a fan. Here, I'll sum it up in two words, "Bacon fruit".
Sure, it had it's more enjoyable sections, but the story as a whole was quite disheartening. Both the synopsis and the cover built up my expectations for this. I was sad when the book didn't deliver since I was really looking forward to this one.
The post-apocalyptic world that Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston was built upon an unknown premise. The temperature around the world had dropped drastically generations before but it was never explained how. I'm sorry but I can't just roll with that. Nuclear war block out the sun somehow? The background for the novel wasn't detailed enough for me. I was constantly questioning things like, "How did Polar Bears end up in Nevada?" Someone mind giving me a hint at least? Ugh, it drove me crazy. The idea was there and it started out so intriguing.
The opening scene was great. Trapped and cornered with nothing but a voice in your head telling you to jump out a window. Yeah, I was definitely geared up for the rest of the story. Sadly it went pretty downhill after that.
Now here's a familiar location, New Vegas. Familiar? How? Fallout of course!
Somehow Vegas was one of the very few locations to survive the floods (as described by our lead Natasha Kestal). Not very original IMO but at least it gave me a good image of the backdrop for the first third of the book, but what about people who don't play video games?
Well it wasn't described very well, so, good luck.
I need to point out that I listened to this book. It was actually my first audio book. The narrators consisted of 2 people, one for each viewpoint in the story (Natasha Kestal & Ryan Wesson). I think the fact that I was listening to it made it a little more interesting for me.
A vast majority of the "action" was short and futile. The race scene was over before I even recognized what was happening, the polar bear felt pointless, and don't even get me started on the ending sequence. I understand a fast-moving act, Frozen didn't have that. Frozen had rushed incidents that felt insignificant when they shouldn't have.
The romance is quite cheesy and by "quite" I mean horribly. Forcing the population to fill out forms just to kiss someone? You really think that would stop people? How do you even have a romantic relationship with someone without physical interaction? Old enough to man an RPG but not old enough to get some apparently. Sounds like the easy way out to make the attraction between Wes and Nat more significant. Well, hate to break it to you, but it didn't work.
...and they were kissing, and kissing, and kissing, and his mouth was on hers...
Speaking of Nat and Wes, our lead characters are two sixteen year old kids who meet in one of the New Vegas Casinos. Wes is an ex-military mercenary and Nat is marked trying to get out. Yes, marked, meaning has a birthmark that gives her special powers... yep.
They're not the only teens around either. The entire country is basically under the age of 25. It's hard to picture a bunch of sixteen year olds running the military. Supposedly people tend to die of cancer quite early in life (mid-twenties) so... who is in charge of the casinos? Who runs the hospital? Who runs the government? I just can't. Even language has changed! Shorthand text has taken over as the standard for the written word. I guess that's what happens when teenagers run the country.
I'll admit there are a few concepts that Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston portrayed in an intriguing light. The "Thrillers", even though I dislike the idea of them in general, the name made me laugh. Although, I probably shouldn't be laughing at it... seeing as that they're disfigured and dying. The explanation behind them is even worse, but I won't spoil that.
I liked Shakes and Farouk as supporting characters. I think I'd read a story involving Shakes and Lianna. Avo the pirate was interesting as well. They each had more personality than Nat to me. Why not tap into those resources?
Apparently they're going to New Crete, which I can only assume is Crete with a new name like Vegas, you know, because it's never explained. Now here's the confusing part, they're leaving from LA. Did Mexico sink and they're cutting across? Or are they seriously setting sail from California to cross the Pacific? Can someone give these kids a map?!
I can't discuss the end without major spoilers but overall, I was not a fan. Here, I'll sum it up in two words, "Bacon fruit".
"It's Bacon Fruit. Tastes like fruit, looks like bacon."
- Wes
desertlover's review against another edition
3.0
After reading the synopsis, I had such high expectations for this book. Sadly, it fell a little short for me. I never truly identified with the heroine. She was strong heroine, and I am really perplexed as to why I didn't love her. I adored the hero in the early stages, he was charming and funny. Sadly, the middle and end just fizzled. I am unsure if I'll continue with the series.
It's certainly not a bad read and I wouldn't discouraged any YA/DYST reader from trying it.
It's certainly not a bad read and I wouldn't discouraged any YA/DYST reader from trying it.
alexvb's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is perfect for people who love series such as Shatter Me and Divergent, who also want to read about some dragon magic.
It's got the classic young adult tropes such as a group of colourful characters, lots of sarcasm (classed as flirting between the love interests), a distrust of the government right from the start (which was actually refreshing to read! Usually it takes time for main charatcers in young adult novels to figure out the government is lying), and of course insta-romance (the one trope I cannot stand, but because this book is a product of it's time, and I am SUPER late to reading this arc, I let it slide this one time)!
This book is fast paced, action packed and doesn't slow down; something is always happening. I really liked plot and where it went, although I do think we could've spent more time and more pages throughout. I feel like the book rushed just a bit too fast, especially the final chunk of the book (the final 5-6 chapters); I thinkafter they get captured by the smugglers we could've spent more time building up to the final reveals and finale.
I also wish there had been more foreshadowing and plotting for the final revealwhile it's obvious by the book cover Nat is going to get a dragon, I wish there had been way more foreshadowing and lore building towards Nat and her powers. .
I really enjoyed the world and the world building in this. It felt somewhat unique because this is a world during a big freeze which I think adds a lot more character to your standard dystopian. But I wish there had been more information about the world and even about our character's powers and backstories. I feel enough wasn't given to us in this book, but hey(!) that might've just been the plan so it's all revealed in book two instead?!
BUT I have beef with the part of the book they start sailing; the ocean is supposed to poisoness and full of (I assume) deadly chemicals and maybe even radiation, but multiple times, people fall INTO the water and they're all okay?! They also eat the fish and they're all okay?! I really could not get on board with the "logic" at this part. It made zero sense and had zero consequences.
My one gripe with the writing is that many times the book will so say "so Nat explained what happened./Wes explained about his sister" rather than making it more interesting to read or through a dialogue with emotions.
I'm not sure if I'll continue this series as I personally feel the book does give enough of an ending if you just want to read it as a standalone, however I can totally see some people feeling like this ending is a bit too open-ended for their liking and will go on to read the second book.
Pst. there is one tiny LGBT moment in this towards the end.
This is perfect for people who love series such as Shatter Me and Divergent, who also want to read about some dragon magic.
It's got the classic young adult tropes such as a group of colourful characters, lots of sarcasm (classed as flirting between the love interests), a distrust of the government right from the start (which was actually refreshing to read! Usually it takes time for main charatcers in young adult novels to figure out the government is lying), and of course insta-romance (the one trope I cannot stand, but because this book is a product of it's time, and I am SUPER late to reading this arc, I let it slide this one time)!
This book is fast paced, action packed and doesn't slow down; something is always happening. I really liked plot and where it went, although I do think we could've spent more time and more pages throughout. I feel like the book rushed just a bit too fast, especially the final chunk of the book (the final 5-6 chapters); I think
I also wish there had been more foreshadowing and plotting for the final reveal
I really enjoyed the world and the world building in this. It felt somewhat unique because this is a world during a big freeze which I think adds a lot more character to your standard dystopian. But I wish there had been more information about the world and even about our character's powers and backstories. I feel enough wasn't given to us in this book, but hey(!) that might've just been the plan so it's all revealed in book two instead?!
BUT I have beef with the part of the book they start sailing;
My one gripe with the writing is that many times the book will so say "so Nat explained what happened./Wes explained about his sister" rather than making it more interesting to read or through a dialogue with emotions.
I'm not sure if I'll continue this series as I personally feel the book does give enough of an ending if you just want to read it as a standalone, however I can totally see some people feeling like this ending is a bit too open-ended for their liking and will go on to read the second book.
Pst. there is one tiny LGBT moment in this towards the end.
inaraexplains's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
breezy610's review against another edition
3.0
it was okay. it wasn't great or fanstantic(sp) but okay. i felt myself getting lost at some points( like when i can heard a convo around on around me) but i was able to pick up on go on, so it wasn't too bad. i will check out the rest of the series thought.
zapkode's review against another edition
4.0
{My thoughts} – Nat is an interesting character. She breaks out of some prison she was being held in against her will in the beginning of the book and then she ends up working as a black jack dealer in a place called New Vegas. She had gotten this far by following a voice in her head. A voice that rarely was quiet and a voice that new what it wanted.
Wes is cocky but kinda on the cute side guy. He knows what he wants and he has moral. He won’t do something that will cause harm to another unless he can’t prevent it, but if he has no choice harm will occur. He also doesn’t like to leave any of his pals behind in danger which makes him a great traveling companion.
{Part One} – Nat figures out that she needs to get to a place called New Crete. When she gets there she should be able to use a map, which she had acquired from her ex-boss Joe to lead her to The Blue. The Blue is rumored to be the perfect place where none of the bad stuff has effected nature and all. She finds a runner to take her and that runner is Wes. While they are attempting to leave the Strip in order to get over the fence into what is known as the Garbage Pile they are caught outside after curfew by patrol. They have two choices: Surrender or fight. They chose to fight and ended this part with a nice bang.
{Part Two} – I didn’t enjoy reading this part as much as the first. I felt cheated. The first part ended with so much action. I assumed it would carry into the second, but no, that’s not what happened. Instead we were given lots of flirting parts between Wes and Nat. Yes, they kept the story and adventure going but it wasn’t holding onto my interest well. Instead I had to push forward hoping for it to get better.
{Part Three} – Sadly, this portion only slightly reached my expectations. We had more flirting and Nat finally showed her true colors. Their ship got some what ruined, but it wasn’t action packed enough to pull me back in. We also learned more about Nat’s back story and that Wes has a twin sister. It would also lead one to assume that all the flirting is eventually going to lead to some romance. Still, however, I am still not impressed with the book at this point.
{Part Four} – This part was a bit more entertaining. We got to learn more about the night that Wes’s sister went missing. We learned more about Nat and who she was before she landed in New Vegas. We also were introduced to some miner excitement.
{Part Five} – I am happy to say that this portion for the most part redeemed the book for me. It brought back the action and the adventure and sucked me right back into it’s pages. The only thing I think is that some of this action should have happened much early and been strewn throughout the book and not just in the first and last part. The action to me is what was making the book readable and pulling me into it’s story line.
Wes is cocky but kinda on the cute side guy. He knows what he wants and he has moral. He won’t do something that will cause harm to another unless he can’t prevent it, but if he has no choice harm will occur. He also doesn’t like to leave any of his pals behind in danger which makes him a great traveling companion.
{Part One} – Nat figures out that she needs to get to a place called New Crete. When she gets there she should be able to use a map, which she had acquired from her ex-boss Joe to lead her to The Blue. The Blue is rumored to be the perfect place where none of the bad stuff has effected nature and all. She finds a runner to take her and that runner is Wes. While they are attempting to leave the Strip in order to get over the fence into what is known as the Garbage Pile they are caught outside after curfew by patrol. They have two choices: Surrender or fight. They chose to fight and ended this part with a nice bang.
{Part Two} – I didn’t enjoy reading this part as much as the first. I felt cheated. The first part ended with so much action. I assumed it would carry into the second, but no, that’s not what happened. Instead we were given lots of flirting parts between Wes and Nat. Yes, they kept the story and adventure going but it wasn’t holding onto my interest well. Instead I had to push forward hoping for it to get better.
{Part Three} – Sadly, this portion only slightly reached my expectations. We had more flirting and Nat finally showed her true colors. Their ship got some what ruined, but it wasn’t action packed enough to pull me back in. We also learned more about Nat’s back story and that Wes has a twin sister. It would also lead one to assume that all the flirting is eventually going to lead to some romance. Still, however, I am still not impressed with the book at this point.
{Part Four} – This part was a bit more entertaining. We got to learn more about the night that Wes’s sister went missing. We learned more about Nat and who she was before she landed in New Vegas. We also were introduced to some miner excitement.
{Part Five} – I am happy to say that this portion for the most part redeemed the book for me. It brought back the action and the adventure and sucked me right back into it’s pages. The only thing I think is that some of this action should have happened much early and been strewn throughout the book and not just in the first and last part. The action to me is what was making the book readable and pulling me into it’s story line.
mb_lovestoread's review against another edition
3.0
So I actually liked this book, but it wasn’t a game changer. It’s another dystopian story with a twist. Frozen is set on earth, it was flooded and a new ice age is upon us. There are marked ones and are they a threat or are they brilliant? Who knows. The characters are well-rounded and show some growth. This is a series and I do not have the other books, which is a pity but I can’t order them anywhere or find them anywhere so I can’t finish it and that bums me out!