Spartan Frost (Mythos Academy #4.5)
Youth Adult/Urban Fantasy
June 25, 2013
E book, 60 pages
Kensington
Reviewed By Tori
Favorite Quote: “Tell her I’m sorry. Again.”
Spartan Frost is a light novella that falls between Crimson Frost and Midnight Frost and addresses the events from the hero’s POV, Logan Quinn.
In Crimson Frost, Logan was possessed by Loki and tried to kill his girlfriend, Gwen Frost. Guilt over his behavior and fear that Loki may once again possess him has sent Logan running from the academy and Gwen.
I enjoyed seeing what happened in the last few pages of Crimson Frost through Logan’s eyes. The entire series is told from Gwen’s POV so it was interesting to get Logan’s thoughts and feelings. Logan spends most of the book thinking about Gwen, giving us answers as to why he left without even saying good bye, and texting his friend Oliver to keep tabs on Gwen and get updates. He also uses the time to repair his relationship with his father, with whom he’ been at odds with for most of his life. While I enjoyed the novella over all, it isn’t much more than a brief look into Logan’s emotional state.. Those who follow the series will enjoy this brief interlude but it’s not a necessary component in advancing the arc of this series. I was a little confused as to why Gwen was on the cover. I would have preferred seeing Logan as it was his story.
RATING: C+
Midnight Frost (Mythos Academy #5) by Jennifer Estep
Youth Adult/Urban Fantasy
July 30, 2013
Paperback, 400 pages
Kensington
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “Oh, quit feeling sorry for yourself.”
Gwen Frost is back and recovering from her near fatal wound but if she thinks the Reapers are going to wait for her to be at one hundred percent…she’ll have a long wait. When her boss, Nickamedes, is poisoned by a Reaper instead of Gwen, she finds herself travelling to the great outdoors in search of an elusive antidote for the poison. She has a limited window of opportunity to succeed. If she fails, Nickamedes will die. Gwen and her friends go in search of the antidote, well aware that this could be a trap set by the Reapers and death may be all what awaits them.
***Tiny recap from Crimson Frost***
Once again, I enter the hallowed halls of Jennifer Estep’s Mythos Academy in her latest release, Midnight Frost, and found myself submerged into the story as if I never left. By the end of book four, Crimson Frost, Gwen has made the ultimate sacrifice to defeat the Reapers but it came at a huge price. Her relationship with Logan has come to screeching halt as his actions towards the end have caused him to leave her and the academy. Gwen is heartbroken but continues to live her life the best she can. Midnight Frost starts out with BANG when Gwen is attacked by Reapers in the library where she works and almost poisoned. Her boss ingested the poison instead and now Gwen must travel to Denver in order to secure an elusive flower that will negate the poison and save Nickamedes’s life.
I love all of Estep’s works. She is one of the few authors I have read who was able to cross from adult fiction to youth adult with no missteps or awkwardness in the transition. She has a powerful appealing voice that resonates through her characters. I adore this series. It continues to balance the normal everyday life of teenagers with a continuously evolving mythological world. Esteps unique twists and turns keeps the pacing steady while witty, snarky dialogue keeps you entertained. This series is a wickedly dark blend of magic, fun, and teen romance. 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, each character is imbibed with the personalities and enthusiasm to carry their own story and not be overwhelmed by our protagonist.
Midnight Frost may not be as actioned packed or as wild a ride as the last couple installments but Estep uses this book to almost focus entirely on Gwen. By changing the settings, it forces the focus onto Gwen’s emotional, mental, and physical growth since first coming to Mythos Academy. Gwen learns more about her past and her future. Gwen’s role as Nike’s champion has been fully accepted by the students at school, but being a champion is a heavy burden to shoulder as Gwen is slowly and painfully learning. I enjoy that Gwen isn’t subjected to the same prejudices as other Mythos students who were raised in the mythology they live and breath. Gwen is always willing to give the benefit of the doubt and will accept help from anyone willing to give it. Even if rumors and legends say otherwise. Friendship continues to be a large aspect of the story with is a huge appeal for me. I loved the fact that her unusual group of friends continue to stick by her side, even at risk to themselves. She has come along way from the social loner whom we met in book one, Touch Of Frost. She has friends, a boyfriend (maybe), and a cause.
The secondary characters remain a delightful addition to the story; continuing to elevate and evolve within it. Gwen’s Valkyrie bff, Daphne, has Gwen’s back through thick or thin. She has remained a constant in Gwen’s life and I’ve enjoyed their evolving friendship. The fact she shoots pink sparkles out her fingers when made makes me giggle. Vic, Gwen’s sword, may be an inanimate object but he has some serious skills and some hilarious dialogue. I find it funny that a favorite character of mine in this book is a sword. We are introduced to some new characters who situate themselves firmly into Gwen’s life and are used to address past issues while opening a new storylines.
The main conflict is eventful though calm in its execution. As stated earlier, this is Gwen’s story and a majority of it revolves around her without much external interaction. I would have enjoyed more insight into the Reaper’s agenda. Perhaps a scene from one of their points of view. A novella would be nice. (hint-hint). Suspense, intrigue, and some much needed information executes well to push us towards the end. Ms. Estep leaves us in a much happier place this go around and I think fans will be very pleased with the ending. I’m excited to see what is on the horizon next for Gwen, Logan, and the rest of Mythos Academy as we wait impatiently for the sixth installment of this series-Killer Frost-which is set to release in 2014. Midnight Frost has shown us some of the big picture and put Mythos Academy on the offensive. Jennifer Estep’s Mythos Academy series only continues to engage its readers and is a must have for all YA fans who enjoys a rich blending of snark and serious in an incredible mythological world.
RATING: B
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