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The Frost Chronicles #2
Thorns
Sequel to "Frost".
Lia Weaver went against everything she’d ever known when she risked her life to help a Farther fugitive named Gabe escape from the Aeralian soldiers, and her life changed forever. And the Frost changed, too—the Farthers have taken over her village, a new group of vigilantes calling themselves the Blackcoats are making plans to overthrow the Farther occupiers, and the Thorns are seeking for her to join them.
Lia seeks to fight back against the evil and injustice that has swallowed up her home, but danger lurks at every turn. The monsters that dwell in the deepest regions of the Frost are growing bolder and more dangerous every day, a Farther noble takes up residence in the village on a mysterious mission, and Lia discovers that her parents were harboring even more secrets.
As the frozen world of the Frost grows even more perilous, can Lia survive
Lia Weaver went against everything she’d ever known when she risked her life to help a Farther fugitive named Gabe escape from the Aeralian soldiers, and her life changed forever. And the Frost changed, too—the Farthers have taken over her village, a new group of vigilantes calling themselves the Blackcoats are making plans to overthrow the Farther occupiers, and the Thorns are seeking for her to join them.
Lia seeks to fight back against the evil and injustice that has swallowed up her home, but danger lurks at every turn. The monsters that dwell in the deepest regions of the Frost are growing bolder and more dangerous every day, a Farther noble takes up residence in the village on a mysterious mission, and Lia discovers that her parents were harboring even more secrets.
As the frozen world of the Frost grows even more perilous, can Lia survive
266 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2012
96 people are currently reading
1202 people want to read
About the author
Kate Avery Ellison
82 books896 followersI've been making up stories since I was five years old, and now I'm thrilled to be able to do it as a full-time job. I have an obsession with dark fantasy, dystopian futures, and Pride and Prejudice-style love stories full of witty banter and sizzling, unspoken feelings. When I'm not writing, I'm creating digital art, reading funny blogs, or watching my favorite shows (which include TVD and BSG). I live with my geeky husband and our two bad cats in Atlanta, GA.
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!
Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!
Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)
If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
September 11, 2012
I remember only a few months ago I was raving about this book Frost. Distinctly memorable setting, tough yet conflicted heroine, excellent pacing all around, I said. After such a promising start, I had high hopes for the sequel, but although Thorns does everything a sequel is supposed to do, it unfortunately still comes up short.
I just didn’t feel the connection to Lia like I did last time. Then, I saw a tough character who put her family first, always, but also wanted to do the right thing. I liked her internal conflict as she struggled to balance the hardships in her life, her lame brother, the demands of the village, and now this fugtive who changes everything. She's a different character now, she admits as much, but even if she's a better character, more confident, more sure of herself, more emotional, I'm not sure if she's more interesting. Lia's longest internal monologue in Thorns is about Gabe, and more time's spent building up her chemistry with Adam Brewer, setting up a triangle, than on how being a Thorns operative will affect her brother and sister. And for such a tough and independent heroine, always living on the edge of a knife, her quick decisions this time around kind of bother me. Conviction's not a bad thing, but it's a pretty stark change for her.
Maybe Lia's character is just a symptom of the bigger problem, the pacing feels off, some of the events could've been reordered. The occupation of the village is a natural extension of the events in Frost, but the way it's introduced, two chapters of exposition recapping everything that happened in the last book, for such a short read I felt like a tenth of the book went by without anything really happening. Maybe the Blackcoats, the group formed to resist the Farthers at all costs, could've been introduced in the first chapter. Other things, like the arrival of the refugee children or Jonn's confession about Everiss, really felt rather abrupt. Lia's never even seen refugees before, and the way she handles it, mechanically, like she's already an old pro, that didn't sit right with me. And Korr, the Farther noble, what a great bombshell, but he's introduced so late in the story and then really very little goes on until the end despite all the potential for his character. He could've come much earlier and added many more cat and mouse moments, but instead his character I feel is almost wasted until a few lines at the end.
Thorns does deliver much more about the history of the Frost, but as a science fiction reader who knows his lost civilization tropes, I pretty much predicted the secrets of the Gate by the end of Frost. So while the history is interesting, it doesn't make or break the book for me. The village is fleshed out more too, although that leaves me with more questions than answers. I thought the Elders were a group of old people who made the decisions, should've known better when even the blacksmith's last name is Blacksmith, but what I though was a simple, rustic town with only the mayor being a bit better off now turns out to have basically noble families too. Seems a bit strange. And the bomb felt out of place with my impression of the level of technology available to the villagers.
What Thorns has going for it is, yes, this sequel is a game changer. Lots of things happen, eventually, that shake up the story in interesting ways. But the changes come at a cost, to Lia's character, to the pacing, that I feel this sequel, while really good, just doesn't stand up to its predecessor.
I just didn’t feel the connection to Lia like I did last time. Then, I saw a tough character who put her family first, always, but also wanted to do the right thing. I liked her internal conflict as she struggled to balance the hardships in her life, her lame brother, the demands of the village, and now this fugtive who changes everything. She's a different character now, she admits as much, but even if she's a better character, more confident, more sure of herself, more emotional, I'm not sure if she's more interesting. Lia's longest internal monologue in Thorns is about Gabe, and more time's spent building up her chemistry with Adam Brewer, setting up a triangle, than on how being a Thorns operative will affect her brother and sister. And for such a tough and independent heroine, always living on the edge of a knife, her quick decisions this time around kind of bother me. Conviction's not a bad thing, but it's a pretty stark change for her.
Maybe Lia's character is just a symptom of the bigger problem, the pacing feels off, some of the events could've been reordered. The occupation of the village is a natural extension of the events in Frost, but the way it's introduced, two chapters of exposition recapping everything that happened in the last book, for such a short read I felt like a tenth of the book went by without anything really happening. Maybe the Blackcoats, the group formed to resist the Farthers at all costs, could've been introduced in the first chapter. Other things, like the arrival of the refugee children or Jonn's confession about Everiss, really felt rather abrupt. Lia's never even seen refugees before, and the way she handles it, mechanically, like she's already an old pro, that didn't sit right with me. And Korr, the Farther noble, what a great bombshell, but he's introduced so late in the story and then really very little goes on until the end despite all the potential for his character. He could've come much earlier and added many more cat and mouse moments, but instead his character I feel is almost wasted until a few lines at the end.
Thorns does deliver much more about the history of the Frost, but as a science fiction reader who knows his lost civilization tropes, I pretty much predicted the secrets of the Gate by the end of Frost. So while the history is interesting, it doesn't make or break the book for me. The village is fleshed out more too, although that leaves me with more questions than answers. I thought the Elders were a group of old people who made the decisions, should've known better when even the blacksmith's last name is Blacksmith, but what I though was a simple, rustic town with only the mayor being a bit better off now turns out to have basically noble families too. Seems a bit strange. And the bomb felt out of place with my impression of the level of technology available to the villagers.
What Thorns has going for it is, yes, this sequel is a game changer. Lots of things happen, eventually, that shake up the story in interesting ways. But the changes come at a cost, to Lia's character, to the pacing, that I feel this sequel, while really good, just doesn't stand up to its predecessor.
September 9, 2012
3.5 stars - I liked this book, but I kind of feel like Ellison kind of went off track with it.
Don't get me wrong. I still enjoyed the story, and I liked that the book answered some of my questions about who the Thorns were and where they came from. But I felt Ellison spent so much time creating a storyline for the Blackcoats instead of focusing on developing the one about the Thorns. And I don't learn any more about the Watchers, the Forgotten Ones or Echo except for chasing around the mysterious PLD.
This book felt more like a typical dystopian more than the first book, but I did find Ellison's world interesting enough with Frost being overrun by Farther oppressors, and the Thorns helping with the underground network and the Blackcoats causing the revolts. Ellison introduced a new antagonist, and I found out what his role in this was at the end, and how the puzzles fit together to link this book and the first. And there were a few twists thrown in there to keep readers on their toes.
I liked that I got to see more of Adam in this book because I felt he had potential to be a great character in Book 1. But he's still a mystery to me, and I wish I got to know him a little better, though I know Ellison did that intentionally.
I will say I didn't like Lia too much in this book. Whereas her determination and strength really made me admire her in book 1, she was kind of flat in this one. In the beginning, she was kind of mopey over Gabe, though understandable, but I had expected more from her. And I know she was a bit wishy washy about what to do because she was concerned for her family's safety, but she just lacked that spark to her from the first book.
But I did get a better glimpse of Jonn, Ivy, Ann and especially Everiss, and I'm interested to see what roles they play in future books, especially since they have all shown determination to make an impact.
Like the first book, I felt this one really kept me interested for its length - it was a fairly quick read. I think with a little more development with certain aspects, this book has potential to be really great.
Don't get me wrong. I still enjoyed the story, and I liked that the book answered some of my questions about who the Thorns were and where they came from. But I felt Ellison spent so much time creating a storyline for the Blackcoats instead of focusing on developing the one about the Thorns. And I don't learn any more about the Watchers, the Forgotten Ones or Echo except for chasing around the mysterious PLD.
This book felt more like a typical dystopian more than the first book, but I did find Ellison's world interesting enough with Frost being overrun by Farther oppressors, and the Thorns helping with the underground network and the Blackcoats causing the revolts. Ellison introduced a new antagonist, and I found out what his role in this was at the end, and how the puzzles fit together to link this book and the first. And there were a few twists thrown in there to keep readers on their toes.
I liked that I got to see more of Adam in this book because I felt he had potential to be a great character in Book 1. But he's still a mystery to me, and I wish I got to know him a little better, though I know Ellison did that intentionally.
I will say I didn't like Lia too much in this book. Whereas her determination and strength really made me admire her in book 1, she was kind of flat in this one. In the beginning, she was kind of mopey over Gabe, though understandable, but I had expected more from her. And I know she was a bit wishy washy about what to do because she was concerned for her family's safety, but she just lacked that spark to her from the first book.
But I did get a better glimpse of Jonn, Ivy, Ann and especially Everiss, and I'm interested to see what roles they play in future books, especially since they have all shown determination to make an impact.
Like the first book, I felt this one really kept me interested for its length - it was a fairly quick read. I think with a little more development with certain aspects, this book has potential to be really great.
October 6, 2019
4.25 Adam Stars
This second book in the series was a bit slower but still kept me entertained and my interest is still piqued about what happens next with Lia, Adam, and Gabe (maybe?)
This second book in the series was a bit slower but still kept me entertained and my interest is still piqued about what happens next with Lia, Adam, and Gabe (maybe?)
August 31, 2023
This was better than the first. 3.5 stars.
- Very very short, like the first. (4.5 hrs or so)
- Setting, world building and writing is still good.
- Plot is coming together well. Tons and tons of unanswered questions but I don’t really mind.
-My only complaint is that it is difficult for me to really relate to the FMC because she is so harsh and ill-tempered, most especially to her siblings. It’s constant and rather exhausting. Me: “Just be nice for once! You love them more than anyone, so why do you treat them like crap?!” She’s frequently incensed about some injustice and taking it out on her family with her sour attitude and waspish responses. Luckily she’s not ALWAYS around her family, so the reader does get occasional breaks from those interactions.
-Continuing from the above complaint, the FMC is particularly unfair and unkind to her crippled brother and acts like he’s not capable of helping her lead the family. It’s demeaning and cruel. Thankfully she changes her position but it was a struggle to get there and it was really annoying to read about. I’m just glad that character growth is behind us now. Yikes.
-The romance is better in this one. Unfortunately, her quick-to-anger personality gets in the way of the chemistry at times, but I would still say the chemistry is pretty good. Yay!
Overall, very enjoyable if you can get over the redundancy of the FMC’s snippy attitude.
Content- clean
- Very very short, like the first. (4.5 hrs or so)
- Setting, world building and writing is still good.
- Plot is coming together well. Tons and tons of unanswered questions but I don’t really mind.
-My only complaint is that it is difficult for me to really relate to the FMC because she is so harsh and ill-tempered, most especially to her siblings. It’s constant and rather exhausting. Me: “Just be nice for once! You love them more than anyone, so why do you treat them like crap?!” She’s frequently incensed about some injustice and taking it out on her family with her sour attitude and waspish responses. Luckily she’s not ALWAYS around her family, so the reader does get occasional breaks from those interactions.
-Continuing from the above complaint, the FMC is particularly unfair and unkind to her crippled brother and acts like he’s not capable of helping her lead the family. It’s demeaning and cruel. Thankfully she changes her position but it was a struggle to get there and it was really annoying to read about. I’m just glad that character growth is behind us now. Yikes.
-The romance is better in this one. Unfortunately, her quick-to-anger personality gets in the way of the chemistry at times, but I would still say the chemistry is pretty good. Yay!
Overall, very enjoyable if you can get over the redundancy of the FMC’s snippy attitude.
Content- clean
April 8, 2013
A beautifully written and engaging story
It's three o'clock in the morning, and i've just finished this amazing book ....and i'm speechless, because everything that i wanted Frost to be, this one was!
The writing...once again i have to mention it : _It was freaking perfect, the descriptions were spot on, like what had happened with the first book!
I'm not only reading the words, i'm there, feeling the snow crunching beneath my feet. I'm there running amongst the forest....and i'm there watching the despair of all those persons losing the little liberty they had left, and having to fight against all and everything. Against long forgotten monsters and tirants who have invaded their lands. And i'm there seeing two people fall in love...
Those who want power will never stop, until all they wish to conquer is under their rule. But when everything is taken, heros will rise...some will risk their lifes, others may only offer a helping hand, but in the end, changes will become unstopable, and nothing will be the same.
The interactions between the characters were flawless. Between family members, friends, neighbours, and then there's others that aren't yet named...but which i hope will be...they were all beautifully crafted, and believable.
I admit, what i didn't feel towards Gabe, i felt it towards Adam....honestly, i wouldn't even mind if Gabe wouldn't appear anymore...this may sound harsh, but honestly i didn't miss him. The story was interesting enough to keep me engaged, and just that growing awareness that develops between Lia and Adam, made me a happy reader.
After all this, all i can say, is that i'm ansiously looking forward in reading the third one!! Yes, i am!!
What a great book to finish the year!
It's three o'clock in the morning, and i've just finished this amazing book ....and i'm speechless, because everything that i wanted Frost to be, this one was!
The writing...once again i have to mention it : _It was freaking perfect, the descriptions were spot on, like what had happened with the first book!
I'm not only reading the words, i'm there, feeling the snow crunching beneath my feet. I'm there running amongst the forest....and i'm there watching the despair of all those persons losing the little liberty they had left, and having to fight against all and everything. Against long forgotten monsters and tirants who have invaded their lands. And i'm there seeing two people fall in love...
Those who want power will never stop, until all they wish to conquer is under their rule. But when everything is taken, heros will rise...some will risk their lifes, others may only offer a helping hand, but in the end, changes will become unstopable, and nothing will be the same.
The interactions between the characters were flawless. Between family members, friends, neighbours, and then there's others that aren't yet named...but which i hope will be...they were all beautifully crafted, and believable.
I admit, what i didn't feel towards Gabe, i felt it towards Adam....honestly, i wouldn't even mind if Gabe wouldn't appear anymore...this may sound harsh, but honestly i didn't miss him. The story was interesting enough to keep me engaged, and just that growing awareness that develops between Lia and Adam, made me a happy reader.
After all this, all i can say, is that i'm ansiously looking forward in reading the third one!! Yes, i am!!
What a great book to finish the year!
January 7, 2013
What did I think?
I LOVED IT!
When I was finished with the first book, Frost.. I was like.. well.. i need the second book NOW!
I started to read Thorns and thought that it couldn't possibly be as good as the first one.. no way..
Well guess what?
It's even better!! And if you really really hate cliff-hangers.. DON'T read this book until the third book has come out and you have it beside you.. because well.. it's gonna be hard to think about ANYTHING until you have the third book in your arms!
It's a good story, a wonderful world. I almost wan't to have pictures in the book to see the wonderful landscape that she describes. And of course you love all the characters!
And the best part about the book even (if cliff-hangers is the most evil thing in the world).. I have NO IDEA what will happen in the next book.. I can't even guess.. I hate it.. and well I love it!
I LOVED IT!
When I was finished with the first book, Frost.. I was like.. well.. i need the second book NOW!
I started to read Thorns and thought that it couldn't possibly be as good as the first one.. no way..
Well guess what?
It's even better!! And if you really really hate cliff-hangers.. DON'T read this book until the third book has come out and you have it beside you.. because well.. it's gonna be hard to think about ANYTHING until you have the third book in your arms!
It's a good story, a wonderful world. I almost wan't to have pictures in the book to see the wonderful landscape that she describes. And of course you love all the characters!
And the best part about the book even (if cliff-hangers is the most evil thing in the world).. I have NO IDEA what will happen in the next book.. I can't even guess.. I hate it.. and well I love it!
February 15, 2024
Our frozen world was always perilous enough with its population of bears, snow panthers, and mothkats. But after dark the most dangerous monsters in the Frost roamed.
I just happened upon the first book in the Frost series last winter. And I am so glad that I did! The world building is top tier. The descriptions of the Frost and surrounding locations are so well described, it is as if the reader is right there, in the elements. I’ve never read a book that made me feel the COLD as this book does.
The air throbbed with silence except for the hiss of my breath escaping from my teeth and the wet squish of my boots against the icy roots beneath my feet.
It doesn’t take long to bond with the Weaver family. Ivy Weaver is the youngest sibling and sometimes naive and stubborn. John is Lia’s twin. But after a childhood accident leaves him crippled, Lia carries the responsibility of caretaker at home. She is mature beyond her young age. But her life and the safety of her family hangs in the balance as she is faced with very difficult and complicated decisions. Lia struggles. She is beautifully flawed….and sometimes conflicted. She feels fear and uncertainty.
“I’d become someone else, someone adrift in a sea of secrets and conspiracies, and he was an island of answers and knowledge and strength.”
What I loved about these characters is that they didn’t wake up one morning suddenly knowing Kung fu or how to read minds. They were simply human with human reactions and emotions. And that made them relatable.
I stepped on a branch, and the rotted wood snapped like a shot beneath my boot. I paused and scanned the trees around me out of habit, and the feeling of being watched that hovered at the edge of my awareness in the Frost slipped across my skin. I exhaled. My heart beat faster. And I realized I was looking at— hoping — to see a flutter of a blue cloak, a head of dark hair.
But he wasn’t there.
There isn’t a lot of romance in this book. But after reading Frost, you’ll understand why. It is obvious there is longing in Lia’s heart. And maybe there is a bloom of something else in there too. But the author saved this unanswered potential plot twist for the next book.
We also learn more about a secret society called the Thorns. They work under top secrecy and have a sole duty to eradicate the enemy. Who is the enemy, you ask? The Farthers come from a southern wasteland where people are treated cruelly. And now they aim to take over the Frost.
Bruises made purple patterns across ribcages, chests. Cuts told a story of unimaginable cruelty.
There is violence and some descriptions of physical abuse. The control and brutality the Farthers have on society is what drives the Thorns to risk their lives to help the inhabitants of the Frost.
My skin prickled all over as something scraped against the side of the house and dragged around it like a screech of a thousand fingernails. It went along the side and toward the door. The point of entry. The weak spot.
I hope you’re not afraid of monsters. They live in the shadows and during the day and roam the frozen lands of the Frost at night. The fear of what they do to humans keeps most Frost dwellers locked inside their homes after dark. But not all heed the warnings.
The hinges on the door squealed as something pressed against it. My pulse pounded. My mind was screaming at me. All the air left my lungs in one giant, terrified exhale. Sweat slipped into my eyes, and my hands were shaking so hard I could barely hold the gun. Pleasedon’tpleasedin’tpleasedont’s was the only thing in my head.
Did I mention there are elements of magic in the Frost series? It’s still a mystery. I haven’t quite figured out the workings of this magic yet. But the cards are starting to fall into place and I’m excited to see this element play out.
“It’s beautiful.” Beautiful and strange. The smooth dome and arches hugged the ground and blended with the curves of the hills, almost as if their ancient makers had sought to hide them completely in the landscape.
Overall, Thorns was an excellent sequel to Frost. Maybe a bit slower than the first book. But still a great continuation of the storyline. This is quickly becoming a favorite series and I am looking forward to continuing with the third book, Weavers.
This I could understand—the wild, irrational, intense need to protect and cherish. Love. It made us do the stupidest, most dangerous things.
And without it, we would wither.
I just happened upon the first book in the Frost series last winter. And I am so glad that I did! The world building is top tier. The descriptions of the Frost and surrounding locations are so well described, it is as if the reader is right there, in the elements. I’ve never read a book that made me feel the COLD as this book does.
The air throbbed with silence except for the hiss of my breath escaping from my teeth and the wet squish of my boots against the icy roots beneath my feet.
It doesn’t take long to bond with the Weaver family. Ivy Weaver is the youngest sibling and sometimes naive and stubborn. John is Lia’s twin. But after a childhood accident leaves him crippled, Lia carries the responsibility of caretaker at home. She is mature beyond her young age. But her life and the safety of her family hangs in the balance as she is faced with very difficult and complicated decisions. Lia struggles. She is beautifully flawed….and sometimes conflicted. She feels fear and uncertainty.
“I’d become someone else, someone adrift in a sea of secrets and conspiracies, and he was an island of answers and knowledge and strength.”
What I loved about these characters is that they didn’t wake up one morning suddenly knowing Kung fu or how to read minds. They were simply human with human reactions and emotions. And that made them relatable.
I stepped on a branch, and the rotted wood snapped like a shot beneath my boot. I paused and scanned the trees around me out of habit, and the feeling of being watched that hovered at the edge of my awareness in the Frost slipped across my skin. I exhaled. My heart beat faster. And I realized I was looking at— hoping — to see a flutter of a blue cloak, a head of dark hair.
But he wasn’t there.
There isn’t a lot of romance in this book. But after reading Frost, you’ll understand why. It is obvious there is longing in Lia’s heart. And maybe there is a bloom of something else in there too. But the author saved this unanswered potential plot twist for the next book.
We also learn more about a secret society called the Thorns. They work under top secrecy and have a sole duty to eradicate the enemy. Who is the enemy, you ask? The Farthers come from a southern wasteland where people are treated cruelly. And now they aim to take over the Frost.
Bruises made purple patterns across ribcages, chests. Cuts told a story of unimaginable cruelty.
There is violence and some descriptions of physical abuse. The control and brutality the Farthers have on society is what drives the Thorns to risk their lives to help the inhabitants of the Frost.
My skin prickled all over as something scraped against the side of the house and dragged around it like a screech of a thousand fingernails. It went along the side and toward the door. The point of entry. The weak spot.
I hope you’re not afraid of monsters. They live in the shadows and during the day and roam the frozen lands of the Frost at night. The fear of what they do to humans keeps most Frost dwellers locked inside their homes after dark. But not all heed the warnings.
The hinges on the door squealed as something pressed against it. My pulse pounded. My mind was screaming at me. All the air left my lungs in one giant, terrified exhale. Sweat slipped into my eyes, and my hands were shaking so hard I could barely hold the gun. Pleasedon’tpleasedin’tpleasedont’s was the only thing in my head.
Did I mention there are elements of magic in the Frost series? It’s still a mystery. I haven’t quite figured out the workings of this magic yet. But the cards are starting to fall into place and I’m excited to see this element play out.
“It’s beautiful.” Beautiful and strange. The smooth dome and arches hugged the ground and blended with the curves of the hills, almost as if their ancient makers had sought to hide them completely in the landscape.
Overall, Thorns was an excellent sequel to Frost. Maybe a bit slower than the first book. But still a great continuation of the storyline. This is quickly becoming a favorite series and I am looking forward to continuing with the third book, Weavers.
This I could understand—the wild, irrational, intense need to protect and cherish. Love. It made us do the stupidest, most dangerous things.
And without it, we would wither.
August 30, 2021
These books are so engaging, but I hate how authors are using Kindle to divide two books into six and charge you for each of them. It feels like a scam.
November 24, 2012
Genre: YA Dystopian/Fantasy
Publisher Type: Indie
My Review:
It's so very wonderful when the next book in a series is even better than the first! Thorns has all that makes Frost (book 1) great but with more suspense, more danger and more unexpected twists at every turn; Ellison's characters will surprise you, delight (or maybe terrify) you and leave you hungry for more!!!
As the consequences from events of book 1 progress, Thorns develops fully into the dystopian genre; giving us readers that breath-holding, kindle-gripping suspense for which we love dystopian literature. This is the type of book that leaves you thinking about it for weeks after you finish it, especially with a so very FAN-TAB-BUL-OUS, crazy-makes-you-yell, super cliff hanger ending! **Chill bumps** I really am shocked with all that happens in Thorns and I am crazy in need of book 3 which I'm hoping will be out in the next few months.
Cover Art:
This cover is perfect in it's simplicity. The monochromatic color scheme, the uncluttered photograph, the beautiful typeface ... all just perfect! I did like book 1's cover a bit better, but this is simply another fabulous cover! Makes me cold just looking at it ... brrrrr!
Favorite Quotes:
"The Frost was cold. Ice wrapped the tree branches in soft silver, and a mist of shadow and snow enveloped the woods like a veil. The path was long and twisting, and I ran.
My cloak streamed behind me, a ribbon of blue in a world of white. All around me, the snow fell in slow spirals like fairy dust. It might be beautiful in some other place. Here it was ominous, because here we had no fairy tale endings... only horror stories."
"Honestly, trying to get Adam to talk at length about anything was like dragging meat from the jaws of a starving dog. Especially if it had anything to do with the Thorns. But like any true-born Frost dweller, I was nothing if not stubbornly persistent."
Publisher Type: Indie
My Review:
It's so very wonderful when the next book in a series is even better than the first! Thorns has all that makes Frost (book 1) great but with more suspense, more danger and more unexpected twists at every turn; Ellison's characters will surprise you, delight (or maybe terrify) you and leave you hungry for more!!!
As the consequences from events of book 1 progress, Thorns develops fully into the dystopian genre; giving us readers that breath-holding, kindle-gripping suspense for which we love dystopian literature. This is the type of book that leaves you thinking about it for weeks after you finish it, especially with a so very FAN-TAB-BUL-OUS, crazy-makes-you-yell, super cliff hanger ending! **Chill bumps** I really am shocked with all that happens in Thorns and I am crazy in need of book 3 which I'm hoping will be out in the next few months.
Cover Art:
This cover is perfect in it's simplicity. The monochromatic color scheme, the uncluttered photograph, the beautiful typeface ... all just perfect! I did like book 1's cover a bit better, but this is simply another fabulous cover! Makes me cold just looking at it ... brrrrr!
Favorite Quotes:
"The Frost was cold. Ice wrapped the tree branches in soft silver, and a mist of shadow and snow enveloped the woods like a veil. The path was long and twisting, and I ran.
My cloak streamed behind me, a ribbon of blue in a world of white. All around me, the snow fell in slow spirals like fairy dust. It might be beautiful in some other place. Here it was ominous, because here we had no fairy tale endings... only horror stories."
"Honestly, trying to get Adam to talk at length about anything was like dragging meat from the jaws of a starving dog. Especially if it had anything to do with the Thorns. But like any true-born Frost dweller, I was nothing if not stubbornly persistent."
January 12, 2013
Oh my goodness! I am just loving this series. The story is becoming even more intriguing and you learn more about the characters and the world around them. When I first began this series I was picturing a world where the Frost virtually separated the Frost people from the outside world. There is so much more involved and the world is becoming bigger and bigger. As the main character Lia learns mroe about the world she was born in the more we as readers learn. With the ever growing presence of the Farthers in the village the tension in this books seems to mount more and more.
Imagine your hometown gradually beign over run with soldiers from a foreign country claiming they're there to "help." Then suddenly they need to build a consulate "just to help centralize the operations" so they don't have to constantly be running back and forth between your town and their ginormous city. Add to that the increased threat they bring because the Watchers are attracted to their technology. Now you are threatened during the day by the ever growing presence of the foreign soldiers and leaders and you are threatened at night by the Watchers who are more attracted by all Farther technology. Then, add ot that the fact that you are sort of helping the secret group the Thorns in helping people escape from the oppressive and abusive Farther society.
I am really enjoying this series. Both books (Frost and Thorns) have had me up late at night just because I want to see what happens. Just one more chapter and then I'm going to bed!!! Now, I have to wait for the third book in the series to come out the end of this month. I'm not sure how many more books are going to be in this series but if they all continue to be like the first two I'm definitely going to be reading them!
Imagine your hometown gradually beign over run with soldiers from a foreign country claiming they're there to "help." Then suddenly they need to build a consulate "just to help centralize the operations" so they don't have to constantly be running back and forth between your town and their ginormous city. Add to that the increased threat they bring because the Watchers are attracted to their technology. Now you are threatened during the day by the ever growing presence of the foreign soldiers and leaders and you are threatened at night by the Watchers who are more attracted by all Farther technology. Then, add ot that the fact that you are sort of helping the secret group the Thorns in helping people escape from the oppressive and abusive Farther society.
I am really enjoying this series. Both books (Frost and Thorns) have had me up late at night just because I want to see what happens. Just one more chapter and then I'm going to bed!!! Now, I have to wait for the third book in the series to come out the end of this month. I'm not sure how many more books are going to be in this series but if they all continue to be like the first two I'm definitely going to be reading them!
April 26, 2013
Primero que nada, la portada no es tán bonita como la del primer libro, me parece un poco más relacionada a la serie, pero siento que no es un estilo de imagen similar a la primera.
Ahora Adman y Lia tienen algo. Ann es una Thorn. Encontraron el PLD el cual traería a Gabe y a los otros de vuelta. Korr, el hermano de Gabe estaba en la ciudad. Los lejanos estaban en la Helada haciendo injusticias a diestra y siniestra. La traición estúpida de Ivy. El amor de John por Everiss. Everiss, quien se supone que está muerta para las personas del pueblo, viviendo en la casa de los Weaver.
En este libro, no respondieron dudas con respecto a los Observadores, lo cual era algo que deseaba muchísimo saber...
Muchas otras preguntas aparecieron:
En que ayudará traer a las personas de vuelta con el PLD?
Quiénes otros de la Helada son parte de Thorns?
Cúales otras familias provienen de los Olvidados?
Quién es el líder de los Thorns? Está siquiera en La Helada?
Por qué si los Lejanos tienen su tecnología encima, ningún Observador lo atacó?
Cómo pudo Adam huir de un Observador tan solo corriendo y los demás no habían podido? Fue mera suerte?
Hacía donde va el portal de Echo?
Cómo hará Lia con sus nuevos vs antiguos sentimientos? Porque claramente exra;a a Gabe, pero ahora siente algo por Adam.
Por qué si Gabe dijo que su familia era perseguida, su hermano no? E incluso tiene poder sobre los demás?
Cómo sabía Korr de que Lia salvó a Gabe? Supo que era de los Thorns al ver la pulsera? o siempre lo supo?
Ahora Adman y Lia tienen algo. Ann es una Thorn. Encontraron el PLD el cual traería a Gabe y a los otros de vuelta. Korr, el hermano de Gabe estaba en la ciudad. Los lejanos estaban en la Helada haciendo injusticias a diestra y siniestra. La traición estúpida de Ivy. El amor de John por Everiss. Everiss, quien se supone que está muerta para las personas del pueblo, viviendo en la casa de los Weaver.
En este libro, no respondieron dudas con respecto a los Observadores, lo cual era algo que deseaba muchísimo saber...
Muchas otras preguntas aparecieron:
En que ayudará traer a las personas de vuelta con el PLD?
Quiénes otros de la Helada son parte de Thorns?
Cúales otras familias provienen de los Olvidados?
Quién es el líder de los Thorns? Está siquiera en La Helada?
Por qué si los Lejanos tienen su tecnología encima, ningún Observador lo atacó?
Cómo pudo Adam huir de un Observador tan solo corriendo y los demás no habían podido? Fue mera suerte?
Hacía donde va el portal de Echo?
Cómo hará Lia con sus nuevos vs antiguos sentimientos? Porque claramente exra;a a Gabe, pero ahora siente algo por Adam.
Por qué si Gabe dijo que su familia era perseguida, su hermano no? E incluso tiene poder sobre los demás?
Cómo sabía Korr de que Lia salvó a Gabe? Supo que era de los Thorns al ver la pulsera? o siempre lo supo?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2012
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't so sure anymore. These days, things seemed just as dangerous no matter which side of the village walls you lived on.
This was a great follow up to Frost. Kate has a wonderful elegant writing style that continues to impress me. This is the third book of hers that I have read and she doesn't disappoint.
I don't want to get into the plot to much for fear of spoilers but this one had more action than the first. She already has her characters established and you already feel for them so this one is pure excitement.
If you like young adult dystopian-like fantasy then I highly recommend this one. The writing is flawless, the characters are real and the plot keeps you guessing. What's not to like?
Wondering why I raved about it but only gave it 4 stars? I don't want to spoil the plot so I'll just say I was missing a certain someone... you'll just have to read it to find out...
I wasn't so sure anymore. These days, things seemed just as dangerous no matter which side of the village walls you lived on.
This was a great follow up to Frost. Kate has a wonderful elegant writing style that continues to impress me. This is the third book of hers that I have read and she doesn't disappoint.
I don't want to get into the plot to much for fear of spoilers but this one had more action than the first. She already has her characters established and you already feel for them so this one is pure excitement.
If you like young adult dystopian-like fantasy then I highly recommend this one. The writing is flawless, the characters are real and the plot keeps you guessing. What's not to like?
Wondering why I raved about it but only gave it 4 stars? I don't want to spoil the plot so I'll just say I was missing a certain someone... you'll just have to read it to find out...
December 23, 2012
The Frost Chronicles are such an indie gem! Stories like these are the reason I love indie books!
I love the world of The Frost. The hardy inhabitants who stubbornly survive in the face of constant hardship. And things have only gotten harder for the Frost dwellers, with the Farther occupation of their town.
I fell in love with Lia in Frost and I still loved her in Thorns. She is so strong and puts her family above all else, which is something I admire a lot. But Lia isn't perfect. She is fiercely independent and stubbornly refuses to lean on those willing to help her.
I also loved the growth on the secondary characters, especially Ivy. She grows from a scatter-brained kid to a young woman, something Lia doesn't always see. I also loved the new aspects of Jonn and Ann that are exposed in this sequel.
Oh, and [slight spoiler] a love triangle I liked! This hardly even happens. I usually hate love triangles, but this one is very natural and genuine and I loved it!
And what a majorly cliff-hanger-y ending. I can't wait for the third book!
I love the world of The Frost. The hardy inhabitants who stubbornly survive in the face of constant hardship. And things have only gotten harder for the Frost dwellers, with the Farther occupation of their town.
I fell in love with Lia in Frost and I still loved her in Thorns. She is so strong and puts her family above all else, which is something I admire a lot. But Lia isn't perfect. She is fiercely independent and stubbornly refuses to lean on those willing to help her.
I also loved the growth on the secondary characters, especially Ivy. She grows from a scatter-brained kid to a young woman, something Lia doesn't always see. I also loved the new aspects of Jonn and Ann that are exposed in this sequel.
Oh, and [slight spoiler] a love triangle I liked! This hardly even happens. I usually hate love triangles, but this one is very natural and genuine and I loved it!
And what a majorly cliff-hanger-y ending. I can't wait for the third book!
March 27, 2013
Very quick read. Not as good as book 1 mainly because there are too many things happening in my eyes. Perhaps the books should have been bigger.
After reading this book I picked up book 3 and soon realized by the pacing, that this could never be the last book of the series.
So I checked and bingo, book 4 is coming out spring 2013. That was when I decided to pick something else to read
I don't mind series but no more than 3 books. This is just to earn more money. Such small books so although there is much to like I am not going to finish book 3 and all the books yet to come.
Never the less, if you do not mind long series I can recommend this cause I did enjoy the story a lot.
After reading this book I picked up book 3 and soon realized by the pacing, that this could never be the last book of the series.
So I checked and bingo, book 4 is coming out spring 2013. That was when I decided to pick something else to read
I don't mind series but no more than 3 books. This is just to earn more money. Such small books so although there is much to like I am not going to finish book 3 and all the books yet to come.
Never the less, if you do not mind long series I can recommend this cause I did enjoy the story a lot.
February 9, 2014
With the love of her life gone Lia strives to carry on with her parent's legacy of the Thorns. She still has her doubts about the organization but with the growing oppression of the Farthers and her growing bond with Adam it is the best way for her and her family to survive.
I really liked Lia in this one. She seemed to grow as a person and I really liked her relationship with Adam. I also really liked how the story is progressing. The unraveling of the secrets is interesting and the storyline is really unique. All I kept thinking was that I wanted to give Ivy a Gibb's NCIS slap over the back of her head.
I really liked Lia in this one. She seemed to grow as a person and I really liked her relationship with Adam. I also really liked how the story is progressing. The unraveling of the secrets is interesting and the storyline is really unique. All I kept thinking was that I wanted to give Ivy a Gibb's NCIS slap over the back of her head.
February 6, 2015
Recently I was reading a comment by a fantasy writer where they said that fantasy readers generally expect their heroes/heroines to be smart. I hadn't thought about it before but I think she may be right because what annoyed me the most in this book was the girl's stupidity. She wasn't brave and bold she was just foolish and rude.
Want to read
August 10, 2012bella portada
March 26, 2014
See review of series on booksbeyondtheend.com
September 13, 2012
4.5 I think I might be Team Adam :)
September 14, 2012
Meh....it wasn't as good as the first one but good enough.
November 12, 2018
This second of the Frost Chronicles is even more filled with adventure and intrigue than the first. Introducing more new characters and expanding on the old, living in the Frost is getting more treacherous each day.
Lia has changed with her adventures and exposure to Gabe, a Farther. Now with Gabe gone things could go back to normal, but Lia is drawn to the Thorns, a radical group her parents were involved in. Will she take up her parents cause?
In the village much is different now. The Farther soldiers have taken over. The search for Gabe continues and until he is found the Farthers intend to stay, occupying the village and ruling over the elders.
Not everyone is happy about the occupation. A group is forming to take back the village and drive out the Farthers. They want Lia to join them. Where will her allegiance finally fall? Can the village really rise up and evict their occupiers?
The Farthers and their technology bring more danger to the Frost. The monsters that roam are attracted to all things modern. How will the soldiers defend themselves from this threat? Will they bring the monsters down on the village?
Get Thorns and continue the adventure.
Lia has changed with her adventures and exposure to Gabe, a Farther. Now with Gabe gone things could go back to normal, but Lia is drawn to the Thorns, a radical group her parents were involved in. Will she take up her parents cause?
In the village much is different now. The Farther soldiers have taken over. The search for Gabe continues and until he is found the Farthers intend to stay, occupying the village and ruling over the elders.
Not everyone is happy about the occupation. A group is forming to take back the village and drive out the Farthers. They want Lia to join them. Where will her allegiance finally fall? Can the village really rise up and evict their occupiers?
The Farthers and their technology bring more danger to the Frost. The monsters that roam are attracted to all things modern. How will the soldiers defend themselves from this threat? Will they bring the monsters down on the village?
Get Thorns and continue the adventure.
March 13, 2023
"We’ll stick together," he said. "Help each other. Lean on each other. Bonds of love and loyalty are stronger than fear."
Like the first book, it was a quick but really interesting read.
I really enjoyed that we started to learn more about the world, the characters and specially about Lia and her way of thinking.
I was really not expecting some plot twits (no spoilers, I swear), and it helped me understand so many things already.
Now that the bad guys are here to stay, but Lia's strong personality and courage are bigger than the fear, I can't way to see what more comes next.
I need to see more of that world and that character development in the next book!
April 16, 2018
I’m between a 3 and a 4. I liked this as far as continuing the story, but I also wasn’t completely immersed in it, either. I think my main problem is that I have a hard time connecting with Lia Weaver. She’s just a little cold or harsh at times...and she says she loves her siblings but isn’t very nice to them.
Also, I guess I’m wondering where their yarn comes from. They are always working on making yarn but where does the wool come from?
Anyway, none of that matters much but I just kept coming up with random questions that would have helped me picture the Frost world better.
Also, I guess I’m wondering where their yarn comes from. They are always working on making yarn but where does the wool come from?
Anyway, none of that matters much but I just kept coming up with random questions that would have helped me picture the Frost world better.
March 6, 2019
Frost chronicles
The strength of the main character is so amazing. What she had to do to keep her family safe and fight for what is right is truly remarkable. She is a hero for her friends, family and her village
The strength of the main character is so amazing. What she had to do to keep her family safe and fight for what is right is truly remarkable. She is a hero for her friends, family and her village
July 29, 2022
The second book in the Frost Chronicles, Thorns, was as good as the first book Frost! Continuing adventures for character Lia Weaver in a very cold climate with mystery and intrigue abound. Finished this book rather quick as well and onto the third in the series!
October 18, 2022
From cold to freezing
How did this happen. One minute our village is our own and then the next it's not. We are loosing control and we have no idea how to get it back. A good 2nd book in this series.
How did this happen. One minute our village is our own and then the next it's not. We are loosing control and we have no idea how to get it back. A good 2nd book in this series.
March 8, 2023
I have really enjoyed this series so far and cannot wait to see what happens next. I have been listening to this and the first book on audible but no more are available so I’m going to read the kindle edition if my health will allow it.
May 13, 2023
This picked up exactly where book1 left off. Lia Weaver's life has become a whirlwind of adventure and threats. New book, new love interest, but the ending of book 2 throws a wrench in that. Once again, kept me interested from page 1.
July 31, 2023
Super histoire je la recomende beaucoup d'aventurevet de suspence
Je vien de finire ce tome en 3jours jai adoré jai hate de lire la suite et de decouvrire la suite de l'aventure je recommende cette histoire sans hésitation
Je vien de finire ce tome en 3jours jai adoré jai hate de lire la suite et de decouvrire la suite de l'aventure je recommende cette histoire sans hésitation
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