Kiss Of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep
YA Urban Fantasy
November 29, 2011
Kensington

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “Kiss me or let me go. I don’t care anymore.”

Kiss Of Frost is the second book in Jennifer Esteps’s funny, action packed, addicting YA Urban Fantasy series-Mythos Academy. Gwen Frost, a student at Mythos Academy, is a gypsy with the power of Psychometry. With a simple touch she can see and feel things about people they may not want her to know. She’s still harboring a huge crush on the very hot Logan Quinn, a fellow student who broke her heart. Recently she discovered that she is Nike’s champion; as was her mother and her grandmother. She still has questions about her family, her gifts, and exactly why she is at Mythos but agrees that she needs the training it can provide her. Especially weapons training. When Gwen is the victim of seemingly random attacks, she and her bff Daphne feel that the Reapers are once again zeroing in on her. The annual Winter Carnival seems like the perfect way for Gwen to get away from the danger and other problems at Mythos -aka Logan- but trouble has a way of following Gwen and when she is almost killed, Gwen learns that the past never stays buried and things are never what they seem at Mythos Academy.

I love this series. Ms Estep’s voice is resplendent through here as she balances the normal everyday life of teenagers with splendid mythological world building. A wonderful steady pace keeps you grounded as witty dialogue keeps you entertained. I like that this series is fun. We aren’t overwhelmed with intricate plots or angsty teenager emotions. Multiple subplots intertwine thorough out but never confuse or isolate you from the main storyline. Mainly character driven, I found myself able to sink right back into Gwen’s world without a single misstep. We see an emotional and physical growth in Gwen, though Ms. Estep stays true to Gwen’s characterization and allows her to grow slowly. No sudden super powers here. Gwen is human and she stays that way. She is making friends and slowly learning what her place may be in the mythological war against Loki and his followers-the Reapers.

The secondary characters are just as delightful as our protagonists. Daphne is a treat with her snarky comments and love for her band geek. We meet more characters who Ms. Estep hints will play a large part in Gwen’s life. Ms. Estep captures her characters perfectly in here. It is a realistic blend of child/adult. They speak and react as any real life teenager might and it only adds to the overall enjoyment. I look forward to seeing more of Oliver and where his eventual storyline will go. Everything and everyone has their place and Ms. Estep knows exactly when and where to put them. Gwen’s romantic interest is bittersweet as we watch her love her Spartan from afar. He has his reasons for staying away from his Gypsy girl though and those reasons are illuminated for us. I enjoy watching them side step and tangle with one another through out the story. While you experience the some heart pinching moments with Gwen, your proud to see she doesn’t allow herself to spiral into the emotional “Twilight” pit of despair.

The main conflict is quite a twisting journey of misdirection and deviousness as we follow Gwen and the clues to the end. I was shocked by some directions the storyline took and found myself quite pleased with the ending. Ms. Estep leaves a lot open for us to think about as we wait impatiently for the third installment of this series-Dark Frost-which is set to release in June 2012. Kiss Of Frost is a fantastic follow up to Touch Of Frost and a must have for all YA fans who enjoy a rich blending of snark and serious. I do hope Ms. Estep keeps the stories coming for I don’t want to leave Mythos Academy anytime soon.

Overall Rating: B+

Recent Reviews:
Hanging With Bells – 3.75/5
All Things Urban Fantasy – 3/5
Confessions of a Bookaholic – 4/5
Fiction Vixen – B+
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