Dark Frost (Mythos Academy #3) by Jennifer Estep
YA Urban Fantasy
May 29, 2012
Kensington

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “We are all just chess pieces to you, aren’t we? Little dolls you can move around and play with however you like. “

Dark Frost, the third book in Jennifer Estep’s action packed Mythos Academy series, starts off with a BANG as Gwen and her fellow Mythos Academy students find themselves at the mercy of Reapers when they all meet up at a museum for a school report. With weapons flashing and blood spilling, Gwen shows off her improved swordplay while her BFF Daphne finally comes into her powers. When Gwen finds a map that one of the reapers drop, she realizes that the Reapers are looking for the last artifact they need to wake Loki, and they believe it is on school grounds. Gwen knows her mother hide the artifact and died protecting that secret so she feels it’s up to her to find it before the Reapers do.

I adore this series. Ms Estep’s voice is resplendent through here as she balances the normal everyday life of teenagers with fascinating, evolving mythological world building. Steady pacing firmly engages you into the storyline while witty, snarky dialogue keeps you entertained. This is a wicked fun series. We aren’t overwhelmed with intricate plots or long drawn out angst. Multiple subplots intertwine throughout but never confuse or isolate you from the main storyline. Heavily character driven, I found myself able to sink right back into Gwen’s world without a single misstep.

Dark Frost is the game changing book of the series. Friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness are the three key components this story is built upon. We see a huge emotional, mental, and metaphysical growth in Gwen that heightens the anticipation of where this series is headed. Gwen learns and deals with so much in here that it’s almost impossible to touch upon without spoiling. Lets just say that fans will NOT be disappointed.

The secondary characters continue to expand and develop; defining themselves into top spots with our protagonist. Daphne is the perfect bff for Gwen. Snarky yet supportive. Her love for her geek is sweet and I like the direction Ms. Estep has taken Daphne. Gwen continues to solidify her place at Mythos with new friends and deepening her relationships with others. Ms. Estep captures her characters perfectly in here. It is a realistic blend of child/adult. They speak and react as any real teenager might and it only adds to the overall enjoyment. Everything and everyone has their place and Ms. Estep knows exactly when and where to put them. Gwen’s romance with her Spartan bad boy continues to remain bittersweet though fans will be happy with some decisions that are finally made. They both continue to flirt and fight with one another throughout the story, which only adds to the enjoyment. While you experience the some heart wrenching moments with them, we really wouldn’t want it any other way.

The main conflict is a shocking mix of machiavellian proportions. Action packed with a heavy mixture of suspense and tension as we follow Gwen to the very end. I am thrilled with the direction Ms. Estep has decided to take the storyline and quite pleased with the ending. Ms. Estep leaves a lot open for us to think about as we wait impatiently for the fourth installment of this series-Crimson Frost-which is set to release in January 2013. Dark Frost is a fantastic follow up to Kiss Of Frost and a must have for all YA fans who enjoy a rich blending of fun and serious wrapped around a healthy dose of fantasy. I do not recommend starting here if you are unfamiliar with the series. Though the main conflict is resolved at the end of each book, the long reaching arc is a continuation that requires starting at the beginning.

Overall Rating: B+

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