A Frost of Death and Deceit

Levanthria #4.6

by A.P. Beswick

Gregor is back, and this time, he's not alone.

Two years have passed since Gregor awoke from his icy grave, and his journey against the darkness has been relentless. But fate has a twist in store on this cold winters night.

Stranded in a small town due to a broken sleigh, Gregor's path takes a sinister turn. A tavern owner's brutal murder screams of a demon's work, yet his three daughters remain eerily unharmed. Teaming up with a determined local lawman, Gregor delves into the underbelly of the town, unraveling a mystery that hits closer to home than he ever anticipated.

As they edge closer to the truth, Gregor confronts a shocking the demon he hunts is intricately linked to his own forgotten past. In a world where nothing is as it seems, can Gregor face the demons of his memories before they consume him?

"A Frost Of Death And Deceit" welcomes you once again to the brutal world of Levanthria. This story combines elements of action-packed dark fantasy with inspirations drawn from rich folklore legends. For those captivated by stories steeped in forgotten lore and the thrilling struggle against both internal and external demons, Gregor's newest journey is a must-read.

Will Gregor's past be his downfall, or will it fuel his fight against the darkness that surrounds him?

Father Christmas has never been so badass.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

Reviews

[Nicki Permanently exhausted pigeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this and I loved the ending it was amazing these stories are filled with excitement and action

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed, fast-paced – you will be hooked!

Such a fun take on Father Christmas with a new story of a favorite character in this world – Gregor!

Gregor has become stranded in a town while his sleigh is being repaired when he immediately stumbles upon a dark mystery that has taken ahold of this small town. With his abilities, Gregor is the only one that can solve the murder and also protect the people from the demon that is terrorizing them.

You will not be able to put this book down! The dark and unforgiving nature of this world is on full display in this latest installment of the Levanthria series. A Frost of Death and Deceit is equal parts fantasy and mystery with ample twists and turns that will keep you turning page after page.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Beswick, you're going to tell me that there will be another Gregor story, right? Cause there's no way this is the end. Okay, let me rephrase: It better not be the end! I'm stuck in between someone slamming down a tankard of ale on the table yelling, "now see here," and a petulant child stomping her foot on the floor, about to have a hissy fit. I'm 46. I do not stomp my feet like petulant children, but I'll have a hissy fit if I dang well please!

For a 140-page novella (received as an ARC,) it has it all. Suspense, mystery, intrigue, action, it was unputdownable! The story has a smooth flow, the plot moves right along, and the twists! Oh, lord, I did not see that coming. You made me smile, laugh, hold onto the edge of my seat, and dang it, you made me sob ugly tears. Unfair, sir, to make me feel all of this in such a short time. Your characters come to life on the page, some you want to hug, others you want to strangle. I enjoyed this immensely! So, again I ask, there will be another installment, right? Because the world needs more of this badass Father Christmas!

(P.S. I will gladly ARC read again for you anytime!)

[Gary Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

We re-join Monster Hunter Gregor two years after his resurrection, as he is drawn into a brutal murder investigation with demonic ties. Teaming up with a local lawman, he uncovers dark secrets that test both his skills and his own inner demons.
As before, we have a dark fantasy focused around Father Christmas as we continue the story of Gregor.
I really do like the development build on the character from the first book, giving us some more clues to his origins, but only enough so as to keep you hook on the mystery as he copes with his own struggles with his past while battling physical monsters.
As eerie and atmospheric as A Frost of Fear and Fortitude, the tension is held throughout with a suspenseful plot full of mystery and action.
With it been a novella, some secondary characters and plot points are underdeveloped or could have been explored further, however that's the nature with a novella I guess. I hope subsequent revisit some of these to flesh them out later.
Overall I again really enjoyed it and is a worthwhile read for fans of dark fantasy and folklore retellings, offering a unique perspective within the expansive world of Levanthria.

[David Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that this chapter of Gregor's story was a real winner. Obviously we know that the 'Frost' novellas are Father Christmas retellings, but it is in this instalment that we see the most clear and obvious links to that lore. Each time that I caught one, I smiled to myself. What I will say is that these tales appear to be gradually getting darker and more adult. I can sense we are building to a very intense climax in the series soon.

Overall this was a welcome return to the very best these stories have to offer, and I eagerly await the next instalment.

[Matt Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this magnificent continuation, the author's growth is on full display, woven into the narrative's fabric with meticulous world-building that transports readers to new realms. The plot unfolds seamlessly, revealing layers of complexity, while characters undergo profound development that resonates. Unexpected turns in the storyline keep readers on the edge, and amidst it all, heartrending moments bring about a range of emotions, ensuring an unforgettable reading experience.

The last book quoted;
“One thing is for sure Father Christmas has never been this badass”

This book accepted that challenge and blows “badass” out of the water.

Overall great read left me wanting more. Which would be my only issue as I have nothing to read today!!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gregor returns. Is the villager's death by a demon or something else? The village has secrets and possibly a deal with the devil. Does Gregor learn more about his past in this small village? Will he find his way home? Little girls that almost spark a lost memory or are related to the darkness and demons Gregor needs to vanquish.

I have read all of the Levanthria stories and highly recommend both of Gregor's stories to your December TBR. You will not be disappointed.

[T.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

This book had me gripped from beginning to end. The further into Gregor’s story we’ve gotten, the more I want to know where he’s going.

Finding out the particulars on the demon he’s hunting in this one blew my mind and this one had me tearing up. I loved meeting Trulli, and thought his character development was so great.

All in all, I honestly hope to see more of Gregor. This is such an amazing and interesting take on Santa!

[Tigereno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the character of Gregor the demon slayer. Santa, but bad*ss. We find out about more of Gregor's past, where he comes from, and how he got where he is now. We meet plenty of new characters. I love the character Trulli the gnome. I loved his arc and rise to bravery. Really enjoying reading this author. Only problem I have is that the books are more like novellas and are nowhere near long enough.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome story

I got this an a.n ARC from Adam, first off, no spoilers. This is a great 2nd Story of Greger, this story seems too short at first, After finishing the book it does not, it tells about the travels of Greger, with a twist I didn’t see coming and it all made sense in the length of the story. Dark reimagine of Santa that is a great idea who is a Demon hunter. I say each new offering by Adam gets better and better with each new book he places out in the world.

[Kristafee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a twist on the mythos of St. Nick! Action, adventure, intrigue, and a 'who done it' that will make you gasp!! More please, and not just Gregor!!

A.P. did a great job in finding Mr. Smith to narrator the audible books. He does an amazing job bringing the characters to life, making them more than words on a page could. A true silver tongue.

[Shaughnessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continues the other Frost storyline. I wouldn’t say it brings it to conclusion but if it ended there, it’s still a good stopping place. One spot had dialogue that seemed to be repetitive but it didn’t detract from the story. All in all a good, quick read that feeds the Father Christmas line and completes with a great twist.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish these three books had been one book. I loved this one. Gregor was truly not a nice man. He said as much in the first book. I can see why the entity suppressed his memory when it brought him back to life. The entire ancestrial line were useless. These novellas prove the love of money is the root of evil.

[Mr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 2 of 3 in Gregor’s story. As we continue to follow Gregor on his journey, we see more of the Santa lore unfold in Beswick’s dark fantasy world. Like I said in my last review, everything has its place and nothing feels forced. The thrills, twists, and turns in the book could be seen as predictable, but getting there and figuring out the why of it all was fun.

[Heather Faulborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want an amazing second book about a demon hunter, this is it! AP has continued to give us another amazing adventure in his land of Levanthia, and given us some clues about Gregor's past. I can only hope he continues his adventures and can reclaim more memories of his past!

[Ezara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not your typical Santa version, for sure. Is he the hero or villain of the story? I love the complexity of the MC and path the story has taken. This book has taken a few crazy twists that make this worthwhile to read.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The way the author uses the Father Christmas folklore is just awesome! I love Gregor’s character so much and Trulli, the gnome, love him! I hope the author writes more of this Father Christmas demon slayer!

[Josh Stricklen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story for the ages

While this a a shorter addition to the series, it is well worth the read. The twist at the end was mind blowing and entirely unexpected! Looking forward to more stories from Levanthria!

[Emma Stallwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gregor as a character but omg AP, you made me cry so bad with this one. Why you do me like this. As always an amazing Levanthria story and great for Christmas time.

[Lozza White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting that ending 😕😢😭

[Carrie Legros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregor has returned.

I love this series. The world A.P. Beswick has created, is genius. Gregor is back to defend Levanthria from demons.

[Ana Neagu · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! i believe in demons now 😅

[Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe the author is improving in story telling. The last battle was really pretty good.

And the backstory to the plot...nice.

[Sean Settle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most unique in the series so far. The twist at the end was definitely good. Good enough that I finished the whole book in a day.

[Miss M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely great book, loved all the twists and recent discoveries! Also love his buddy! Can't wait toreador more!

[Paul Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt this could of been stretched out a bit more giving it a bit more depth. I enjoy Gregor as a character. Found it extremely short.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even the most hardy of men require a new perspective sometimes.

[Nik Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really would love a whole series based on just the main character but absolutely LIVID what he did to my boy.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow on from frost of fear and fortitude, storyline is great again and a cool little twist at the end. Nice short book too if you need a time killer

[Tiffany Skimerhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin story

Good origin story. Make sure to read the beginning Levanthria series to see how Gregor helps in the epic battle!