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Frost Light
"How do we cope with this present darkness?
A child of sunlight and color, Oaneka Orien was not prepared for the early winter in the land she finds herself banished to. Here, harvest is gone. Here, dark comes early. And here, there it no one, not for the endless miles surrounding them.
No one but the brother and sister that came with her. And they have stories and secrets of their own, haunting each breath they take.
With cold closing in, and the days all bluring into one, there is either finding light, or settling into the darkness. Finding beauty, or giving up to the paths that have closed in around them.
Is there hope in this present darkness?
Is there beauty in the death and gray of winter?"
A child of sunlight and color, Oaneka Orien was not prepared for the early winter in the land she finds herself banished to. Here, harvest is gone. Here, dark comes early. And here, there it no one, not for the endless miles surrounding them.
No one but the brother and sister that came with her. And they have stories and secrets of their own, haunting each breath they take.
With cold closing in, and the days all bluring into one, there is either finding light, or settling into the darkness. Finding beauty, or giving up to the paths that have closed in around them.
Is there hope in this present darkness?
Is there beauty in the death and gray of winter?"
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2023
83 people are currently reading
1009 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Bullen
3 books216 followersDanielle is the author of high fantasy books about life in the darkness of a broken world and the Light therein. If you have ever thought to yourself, 'I want a fantasy books that feels like historical fiction' you might be in the right place.
If you have ever thought to yourself, 'I want low magic fantasy, with true to life characters, lyrical writing and prose with a hint of home,' then you probably are in the right place.
She writes to the glory of the Only God and has one book published to date, with many more on their way, Lord willing.
If you have ever thought to yourself, 'I want low magic fantasy, with true to life characters, lyrical writing and prose with a hint of home,' then you probably are in the right place.
She writes to the glory of the Only God and has one book published to date, with many more on their way, Lord willing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
October 16, 2024
This book, was a joy to write.
Focus on the small things, is often overlooked in my everyday life, but is a lesson that God has been teaching me through many years, and many lessons, and this book is--I hope--an outworking of that.
Winter is a cruel time. It is also a beautiful, beautiful time, and I think the beauty mixing with the hardship and death is a good, honest reminder of life in this world that has been broken by sin. It is my prayer, that all those who read this are reminded of that, and reminded to look for that beauty in the hardships, and to remember the God Who ordains and watches over them both.
Focus on the small things, is often overlooked in my everyday life, but is a lesson that God has been teaching me through many years, and many lessons, and this book is--I hope--an outworking of that.
Winter is a cruel time. It is also a beautiful, beautiful time, and I think the beauty mixing with the hardship and death is a good, honest reminder of life in this world that has been broken by sin. It is my prayer, that all those who read this are reminded of that, and reminded to look for that beauty in the hardships, and to remember the God Who ordains and watches over them both.
February 23, 2024
※Initial Thoughts※
This book took me 8 days to read. I never take that long to read a book of this length, so it is clear I really did not want to pick it up.
I think this book is for a select group of readers. Readers who enjoy introspective and aesthetic stories and do not require much action or an exciting plotline would do well with this story.
I may come back to this review later when I have a little more time and I am on my laptop, so FRTC—maybe.
※Further Thoughts※
I think this story definitely had potential. Three adult siblings, not well respected in their village, are sent to live as settlers in an arctic world to pay their absent father's debts. There are problems in their relationships that are exasperated in the intensely harsh yet dull world they now find themselves in. Despite supposedly being out there alone, they eventually meet 2 other people who add to the small cast of characters. There is a lot of potential here, and perhaps, if I were a different type reader, this story would have resonated with me.
The themes in Frost Light were (1) finding beauty no matter where you are and (2) honest communication and letting go of guilt brings healing to relationships.
However, for me there were too many detractors. The first is that this is written in first person present tense, which is not my favorite pov. (I think that were it written with a different pov, I would have been able to connect with the author's writing style. She seems to have real talent with putting words together beautifully, but it was hard for me to tell due to the pov.) With such a small number of characters, the first person present tense made it seem too laser focused on our protagonist's circling thoughts and feelings. Which leads me to....
...the second issue I had: it is extremely introspective. I understand the purpose of it being so--it highlighted the loneliness and dullness of the world to which they had come, but it became quite repetitive. Not only does the protagonist repeatedly think the same types of thoughts over and over, but the author was repetitive in how she presented it. I can't begin to tell you how many times the protagonist thought, "I didn't even see… him get up or her move to the window” or some other type of action the protagonist missed. (And the number of times she forgot her gloves? Yeesh, she deserved frostbite.) This introspective pov also had me wondering at first if unimportant things the protagonist would see or do were actually important, because so many mundane non-events in this character's daily life were described.
Also, I think this story would have been better without the fantasy elements of mythical creatures. Those elements had nothing to do with the story, and it seemed tacked on instead of a genuine part of the world.
Furthermore, (I’m sorry🫣) there were many distracting grammatical errors and typos.
This book has good ratings, so don't go by my review alone. Read the others--perhaps another review will enlighten you to a side of Frost Light I did not see or appreciate. Maybe you'll find you best read of 2024.
※※"Be blessed in your endeavors." ※※
(Megan Whalen Turner)
This book took me 8 days to read. I never take that long to read a book of this length, so it is clear I really did not want to pick it up.
I think this book is for a select group of readers. Readers who enjoy introspective and aesthetic stories and do not require much action or an exciting plotline would do well with this story.
I may come back to this review later when I have a little more time and I am on my laptop, so FRTC—maybe.
※Further Thoughts※
I think this story definitely had potential. Three adult siblings, not well respected in their village, are sent to live as settlers in an arctic world to pay their absent father's debts. There are problems in their relationships that are exasperated in the intensely harsh yet dull world they now find themselves in. Despite supposedly being out there alone, they eventually meet 2 other people who add to the small cast of characters. There is a lot of potential here, and perhaps, if I were a different type reader, this story would have resonated with me.
The themes in Frost Light were (1) finding beauty no matter where you are and (2) honest communication and letting go of guilt brings healing to relationships.
However, for me there were too many detractors. The first is that this is written in first person present tense, which is not my favorite pov. (I think that were it written with a different pov, I would have been able to connect with the author's writing style. She seems to have real talent with putting words together beautifully, but it was hard for me to tell due to the pov.) With such a small number of characters, the first person present tense made it seem too laser focused on our protagonist's circling thoughts and feelings. Which leads me to....
...the second issue I had: it is extremely introspective. I understand the purpose of it being so--it highlighted the loneliness and dullness of the world to which they had come, but it became quite repetitive. Not only does the protagonist repeatedly think the same types of thoughts over and over, but the author was repetitive in how she presented it. I can't begin to tell you how many times the protagonist thought, "I didn't even see… him get up or her move to the window” or some other type of action the protagonist missed. (And the number of times she forgot her gloves? Yeesh, she deserved frostbite.) This introspective pov also had me wondering at first if unimportant things the protagonist would see or do were actually important, because so many mundane non-events in this character's daily life were described.
Also, I think this story would have been better without the fantasy elements of mythical creatures. Those elements had nothing to do with the story, and it seemed tacked on instead of a genuine part of the world.
Furthermore, (I’m sorry🫣) there were many distracting grammatical errors and typos.
This book has good ratings, so don't go by my review alone. Read the others--perhaps another review will enlighten you to a side of Frost Light I did not see or appreciate. Maybe you'll find you best read of 2024.
※※"Be blessed in your endeavors." ※※
(Megan Whalen Turner)
February 27, 2025
**Update**
This story and its cover has long been a favorite of mine, and with the second edition, it’s now bumped up to a full 5 stars! Danielle fixed some of the typos and added so many cool aspects to this edition :) You won’t want to miss out!
**Old**
4.5⭐️
Wow, what a beautiful story! It took me a little bit to get into it and gather the feel for what was going on, but once I did, it settled upon me like a warm blanket, and I was in it for the long-haul.
Frost Light is both harsh and tender, slow-moving and turbulent like a snow storm in winter. The writing and pacing fit the setting of this novel so well, and I couldn’t help thinking of Little Women and all the cozy scenes Alcott wrote with her characters at home by the fireplace when reading Bullen’s tale.
The characters were heartwarming too, and though I would have liked to see where Pevi ended up, not to mention Goran, the open-ended ending made sense. The focus of this novel was seeing beauty amidst the death and destruction of winter, and Bullen achieved that in spades.
Overall, such a delightful tale that I’m so thrilled to have on my shelf. Also, this cover is one of my all time favorites ever 😍
This story and its cover has long been a favorite of mine, and with the second edition, it’s now bumped up to a full 5 stars! Danielle fixed some of the typos and added so many cool aspects to this edition :) You won’t want to miss out!
**Old**
4.5⭐️
Wow, what a beautiful story! It took me a little bit to get into it and gather the feel for what was going on, but once I did, it settled upon me like a warm blanket, and I was in it for the long-haul.
Frost Light is both harsh and tender, slow-moving and turbulent like a snow storm in winter. The writing and pacing fit the setting of this novel so well, and I couldn’t help thinking of Little Women and all the cozy scenes Alcott wrote with her characters at home by the fireplace when reading Bullen’s tale.
The characters were heartwarming too, and though I would have liked to see where Pevi ended up, not to mention Goran, the open-ended ending made sense. The focus of this novel was seeing beauty amidst the death and destruction of winter, and Bullen achieved that in spades.
Overall, such a delightful tale that I’m so thrilled to have on my shelf. Also, this cover is one of my all time favorites ever 😍
December 28, 2022
I stumbled upon this book in Goodreads and bought it on Kindle. I was sad to have finished it. Danielle did such a beautiful job weaving such a beautiful story in its simplicity especially for it being her first book! The cold frozen world she created was a delight to read. Walking alongside her characters was like being with real people with real problems. No drama no over the top situations. Beautiful, raw and real but all in a fantasy with centaurs! I very much look forward to reading this again and more stories Danielle writes!
April 6, 2024
A cozy fantasy perfect for winter reading!
This story was not what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed it. The slower, cozy pace was just what I needed after months of highstake fantasies.😂
Characters:
Oaneka was a dear! I loved her! Such a sweet thing, and the way she looked for beauty in everything made her so endearing!
Alvea was a character I wasn't sure I would like, but by the halfway mark, she won me over!
Yore was such a protective older brother, and I understood why he blamed himself and just wanted to give him a big hug!
Goran! He's my favorite! He has Hounds okay, and he is just my favorite because he's cool! And nice, but gruff and yeah... favorite!
Pevi was funny and I like him a lot too!
Themes:
Finding the beauty hidden in all of life. In the mundane and the drab. Everything holds its own kind of beauty.
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Nope...though I'm totally shipping some people.😂
Overall:
This story was sweet and cozy. It would be a great read in the dead of winter. I read it as spring was marching in and have to say it was hard to feel the vibe, but then weather took a cold snap about 2 days ago and I blew through the last half of the book...lol...
I just needed the right vibe going for me.
Overall, this is a beautifully charming story!
This story was not what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed it. The slower, cozy pace was just what I needed after months of highstake fantasies.😂
Characters:
Oaneka was a dear! I loved her! Such a sweet thing, and the way she looked for beauty in everything made her so endearing!
Alvea was a character I wasn't sure I would like, but by the halfway mark, she won me over!
Yore was such a protective older brother, and I understood why he blamed himself and just wanted to give him a big hug!
Goran! He's my favorite! He has Hounds okay, and he is just my favorite because he's cool! And nice, but gruff and yeah... favorite!
Pevi was funny and I like him a lot too!
Themes:
Finding the beauty hidden in all of life. In the mundane and the drab. Everything holds its own kind of beauty.
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Nope...though I'm totally shipping some people.😂
Overall:
This story was sweet and cozy. It would be a great read in the dead of winter. I read it as spring was marching in and have to say it was hard to feel the vibe, but then weather took a cold snap about 2 days ago and I blew through the last half of the book...lol...
I just needed the right vibe going for me.
Overall, this is a beautifully charming story!
December 20, 2022
Hey, I illustrated this book, and I love it so much!
This review is based on the early draft I read before working on the book; so I may update after a much-anticipated re-read. ;)
Frost Light is not a swords-and-sorcery fantasy novel. It gets down to the specifics of three siblings living one winter in a world that just happens to have some magic in it elsewhere. It makes you care about things like whether someone is wearing the proper boots, the baking of bread, and the survival of fantasy sheep, and how all of those things have life-or-death stakes for a family with a painful past.
Danielle has a gift to create vivid pictures with words. Prepare to be swept into her world of dark forests, frozen flowers, stinging blizzards, crackling fireplaces, vast sunsets, and the unforgiving danger of the cold.
This review is based on the early draft I read before working on the book; so I may update after a much-anticipated re-read. ;)
Frost Light is not a swords-and-sorcery fantasy novel. It gets down to the specifics of three siblings living one winter in a world that just happens to have some magic in it elsewhere. It makes you care about things like whether someone is wearing the proper boots, the baking of bread, and the survival of fantasy sheep, and how all of those things have life-or-death stakes for a family with a painful past.
Danielle has a gift to create vivid pictures with words. Prepare to be swept into her world of dark forests, frozen flowers, stinging blizzards, crackling fireplaces, vast sunsets, and the unforgiving danger of the cold.
January 31, 2024
Frost Light is a wonderfully written story. The writing style is not something I usually choose to read, but I am glad I have read it. The moment I started reading I was sucked in, and every time I had to step away, I was longing to get back to reading. Danielle did a wonderful job of putting us in Oanéka’s shoes and really making us feel everything she was going through. All of the characters were charming and fit very well in the story. While I think there were some possible hint of romance in the future, Danielle chose to focus on the friendships between these people who have found each other in this frozen wilderness and particularly the relationship between Oanéka and her siblings as they work through their past to make a future for themselves in the Settling Lands.
January 31, 2023
I think a lot about this book several weeks after reading it. While it's labeled as fantasy, I wouldn't say that it's in that category and in fact perhaps would be better without it. There's only one real mention of magic with a conversation with centaurs. The story itself has the magic it needs.
I deeply appreciated the way the author weaves hope in the face of such trying situations and points out beauty. I felt that she often repeated her descriptions, at times word for word. I don't know if this was meant to be a literary device or simply redundancy, but I think the descriptions might have grown richer if different words were used. I hope Bullen ends up writing a sequel as her character development is fantastic, and I think of these characters often.
I deeply appreciated the way the author weaves hope in the face of such trying situations and points out beauty. I felt that she often repeated her descriptions, at times word for word. I don't know if this was meant to be a literary device or simply redundancy, but I think the descriptions might have grown richer if different words were used. I hope Bullen ends up writing a sequel as her character development is fantastic, and I think of these characters often.
February 1, 2025
I LOVED this book. Danielle Bullen's writing is so soothing, while being so real. Her characters and their interactions are so relatable- honestly more so than most of the works of fiction I have ever read.
It is clear from her descriptions that she pays attention to the world around her. That is huge as the reader, because her entire message in this book is for people to look at the little things- the things we take for granted or don't think are worth looking at are sometimes the most special. There is beauty in it all, because our beautiful God created the world we live in.
What an invaluable gift Frost Light is for me in this season of my life! I'm a senior in high school with big dreams of seeing the world and changing it for the better- but l live on a farm and haven't ever traveled farther than two states away. Not to mention, I am not a fan of winter. These last few months have had me in a constant fight to find contentment.
Praise the Lord for this book and the woman who wrote it! Experiencing this story through the eyes of the main character, Oaneka, has taught me that this irritation of spirit doesn't have to exist. God is the Lord of Light. He is forever, so His Light is forever. That means of course we can see it when it's easy- like in the flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, but we can also see it when it's harder- when the world is barren and cold. As long as we have our eyes and our hearts open- we will see it.
We will see it in the sun, the rain, the frost, the snow- even the storms. We will see it in the most extraordinary events and the simplest daily tasks.
Most of all we will see the light and beauty in loving those around us. Danielle knows that life isn't worth living alone.
Something else Frost Light has taught me is this: if we search for the beauty and light when it's not so easy, it will be even more precious to us when we find it. Nothing is insignificant, and everything happens for a reason.
These are such important lessons, and I cannot express how grateful l am that the Lord used Frost Light to make them clear to me.
It is clear from her descriptions that she pays attention to the world around her. That is huge as the reader, because her entire message in this book is for people to look at the little things- the things we take for granted or don't think are worth looking at are sometimes the most special. There is beauty in it all, because our beautiful God created the world we live in.
What an invaluable gift Frost Light is for me in this season of my life! I'm a senior in high school with big dreams of seeing the world and changing it for the better- but l live on a farm and haven't ever traveled farther than two states away. Not to mention, I am not a fan of winter. These last few months have had me in a constant fight to find contentment.
Praise the Lord for this book and the woman who wrote it! Experiencing this story through the eyes of the main character, Oaneka, has taught me that this irritation of spirit doesn't have to exist. God is the Lord of Light. He is forever, so His Light is forever. That means of course we can see it when it's easy- like in the flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, but we can also see it when it's harder- when the world is barren and cold. As long as we have our eyes and our hearts open- we will see it.
We will see it in the sun, the rain, the frost, the snow- even the storms. We will see it in the most extraordinary events and the simplest daily tasks.
Most of all we will see the light and beauty in loving those around us. Danielle knows that life isn't worth living alone.
Something else Frost Light has taught me is this: if we search for the beauty and light when it's not so easy, it will be even more precious to us when we find it. Nothing is insignificant, and everything happens for a reason.
These are such important lessons, and I cannot express how grateful l am that the Lord used Frost Light to make them clear to me.
January 23, 2024
I found Bullen’s characters and descriptive writing to be cohesive and unique. She has some potential for some great future writing. I also appreciated the allegory for difficult seasons in life and finding the beauty amidst “winter storms”. However, this novel was lacking. I pushed through to finish because the reviews said the beginning was slow. I found it all to be quite uneventful.
I would hardly categorize it a fantasy, as the one encounter with a centaur was unnecessary to the story. There was no plot and although there were some opportunities for rising action, none reached a climax. For this, this book fell flat for me.
I would hardly categorize it a fantasy, as the one encounter with a centaur was unnecessary to the story. There was no plot and although there were some opportunities for rising action, none reached a climax. For this, this book fell flat for me.
December 18, 2022
Word shapers. It's what everyone wishes they were, but God only gifts to some. Danielle is one of those.
This is a beautifully slow, wonderfully shaped, thought-provoking, story to bring even the hardest heart hope and joy.
Makes you want to rejoice in whatever situation the Maker puts you in. Truly enjoy it... and look for the beauty. Seek it out, for it is all around.
This is a beautifully slow, wonderfully shaped, thought-provoking, story to bring even the hardest heart hope and joy.
Makes you want to rejoice in whatever situation the Maker puts you in. Truly enjoy it... and look for the beauty. Seek it out, for it is all around.
January 7, 2025
I wish I could have more better things to say about this, but the quality of writing threw me off so much. There was a lot of repetitive writing, such as “head shaking”, “lip pursing” and “grimacing”. I love some detailed writing, but details are to draw your attention to something, signaling that it is important. There were too many details in this that don’t contribute to the plot, character development, or imagery. I don’t need to know every detail of how the stew is too thick or how the main character’s feet are numb from cold when neither are the focus or contributing to it.
There was too much inner dialogue, similar to above. It needs editing, there problems with italics, misprints, and mistakes with writing.
Despite all that, there was a lot of heart behind the book. I loved the theme of not only looking for beauty where you are, but finding it in what already exists. The faithfulness of the characters was nice. I think the writer has the makings of a very good author, the book just needs to be proofread a little more and more attention to what moves the story along.
There was too much inner dialogue, similar to above. It needs editing, there problems with italics, misprints, and mistakes with writing.
Despite all that, there was a lot of heart behind the book. I loved the theme of not only looking for beauty where you are, but finding it in what already exists. The faithfulness of the characters was nice. I think the writer has the makings of a very good author, the book just needs to be proofread a little more and more attention to what moves the story along.
November 10, 2024
Oh, goodness, I adore these characters! I am eagerly awaiting a sequel. The theme of finding beauty in unexpected, even unwanted, places was one that resonated deep in my soul.
This story is gentle and feels like a quiet walk on a wintry day. The narrative did feel a bit unpolished to me, like it could have shone even more beautifully with another round of edits.
But.
These characters are some of the best I’ve met! The distinct habits and gestures they have draws you in and makes you think, “Oh, that really is such an Alvea thing to do!” It makes the gentle character developments even more beautiful, too.
(Also, the pronunciation/culture guide!!! It was a lifesaver for the girl who doesn’t read much fantasy because of pronunciation struggles.🙈)
This story is gentle and feels like a quiet walk on a wintry day. The narrative did feel a bit unpolished to me, like it could have shone even more beautifully with another round of edits.
But.
These characters are some of the best I’ve met! The distinct habits and gestures they have draws you in and makes you think, “Oh, that really is such an Alvea thing to do!” It makes the gentle character developments even more beautiful, too.
(Also, the pronunciation/culture guide!!! It was a lifesaver for the girl who doesn’t read much fantasy because of pronunciation struggles.🙈)
December 28, 2023
This was my first ever “cozy fantasy”. So I kept an open mind about the direction of the book and I’m glad I did! I couldn’t put it down those last 100 pages.
Ultimately this was a really great debut. I found myself very invested in the characters and their lives in the ice. There were a few scenes that got my heart pounding because it was so intense!
If I hadn’t been so captured by the storyline this book would’ve been a 3 for me but I bumped it to a 3.5. My biggest issues were repeated phrasing— I found my eyes skipping whole paragraphs because I kept reading the same things over and over again—and editing and proofreading errors. But as a writer myself I get how annoying those little things can be!
I was excited when a certain mythological creature showed up and I thought we were getting a subplot but then nothing happened with it. I think I was expecting more fantasy? Also the first half of this book was very terse. I felt almost unwelcome as a reader as the characters irked each other lol but they came around (:
Regardless, I will read the next book! I see so much potential in Bullen and cannot wait!
Ultimately this was a really great debut. I found myself very invested in the characters and their lives in the ice. There were a few scenes that got my heart pounding because it was so intense!
If I hadn’t been so captured by the storyline this book would’ve been a 3 for me but I bumped it to a 3.5. My biggest issues were repeated phrasing— I found my eyes skipping whole paragraphs because I kept reading the same things over and over again—and editing and proofreading errors. But as a writer myself I get how annoying those little things can be!
I was excited when a certain mythological creature showed up and I thought we were getting a subplot but then nothing happened with it. I think I was expecting more fantasy? Also the first half of this book was very terse. I felt almost unwelcome as a reader as the characters irked each other lol but they came around (:
Regardless, I will read the next book! I see so much potential in Bullen and cannot wait!
January 16, 2023
Simply put; I didn't want it to end.
January 21, 2024
Cozy and crisp, like new fallen snow. I enjoyed the ending of this book extremely; it left you with a hope for more, and the furtherance of these characters story. Especially Oneka and Goren!
I'm glad to see certain characters changed, and issues were resolved.
I'm glad to see certain characters changed, and issues were resolved.
February 9, 2024
YA fantasy
The writing is gorgeous, but it took forever to figure out why these people were exiled to the frozen woods. The mc was basically a ball of anxiety about EVERYTHING. She drove me crazy.
The writing is gorgeous, but it took forever to figure out why these people were exiled to the frozen woods. The mc was basically a ball of anxiety about EVERYTHING. She drove me crazy.
February 22, 2024
"Maybe growth can come in the darkest of places.
Maybe there is hope in this present darkness."
What a lovely winter tale Author Danielle Bullen has written within the pages of Frost Light!
Danielle's storytelling is so vivid and it just draws you into the story right from the start.
Frostlight contains themes of finding beauty in the waiting, trusting God's plan above our own, and being content no matter the circumstances.
The story had some action, but also quiet and thought-provoking moments.
If you are looking for a clean, cozy, and faith-centered fantasy read, then check out Frost Light!
Maybe there is hope in this present darkness."
What a lovely winter tale Author Danielle Bullen has written within the pages of Frost Light!
Danielle's storytelling is so vivid and it just draws you into the story right from the start.
Frostlight contains themes of finding beauty in the waiting, trusting God's plan above our own, and being content no matter the circumstances.
The story had some action, but also quiet and thought-provoking moments.
If you are looking for a clean, cozy, and faith-centered fantasy read, then check out Frost Light!
October 24, 2024
Ironically, I started this the night we got our first frost!
It’s slow and introspective. There’s not a ton of action, more a gentle meandering through the slices of life of three adult siblings forced to live in a barren wasteland. It’s an adjustment if you’re used to high action adventure, but it works beautifully in this tale.
Bullen pens a blustery winter tome about finding light in the dark, beauty in the bleakness, and hope amid despair. Seriously the perfect winter companion story! The ending leaves the door open for the story to continue, and while there is no romance, ships were set up and I dearly hope they set sail. 😍
It’s slow and introspective. There’s not a ton of action, more a gentle meandering through the slices of life of three adult siblings forced to live in a barren wasteland. It’s an adjustment if you’re used to high action adventure, but it works beautifully in this tale.
Bullen pens a blustery winter tome about finding light in the dark, beauty in the bleakness, and hope amid despair. Seriously the perfect winter companion story! The ending leaves the door open for the story to continue, and while there is no romance, ships were set up and I dearly hope they set sail. 😍
January 3, 2023
This is a beautifully written book and well worth the read.
But be aware, if you are looking for an action packed, fast paced story, keep looking -- this is a slow-burning, poignant story that is deep and meaningful in its quietness.
Personally, I have wrestled with this theme many times, and it spoke to me deeply. I very much enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading it again.
But be aware, if you are looking for an action packed, fast paced story, keep looking -- this is a slow-burning, poignant story that is deep and meaningful in its quietness.
Personally, I have wrestled with this theme many times, and it spoke to me deeply. I very much enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading it again.
January 4, 2023
This was an exciting book even though it took place on a small scale. Resolving relationships and coming to terms with dramatic pasts never felt so needed and comfortable to read. I enjoyed how frustrated the siblings got with each other. I didn't know how it could end well, but it somehow stopped at the exact perfect place. I feel like I am now best friends with all the characters
February 11, 2024
"Frost Light" is a novel brimming with exquisite language that vividly portrays the wintry landscape. The theme of relationships—siblings, friends, and the connection with the God—resonates deeply throughout the simple yet captivating storyline.
The phrase "Winter is better with company" from the last chapter of the book encapsulates the essence of this narrative perfectly.
The phrase "Winter is better with company" from the last chapter of the book encapsulates the essence of this narrative perfectly.
July 15, 2025
10/10
What a perfect read this was when we’re in the thick of July heat & I’m missing my winter strolls! Oanéka could take them for me. Haha
But in all honesty, while reading this, I took a much closer look at the summer beauty around me (a pink sunset rainbow, sandhill cranes strutting about my neighborhood, crabapples growing, etc).
I absolutely loved the world building of Frost Light. While the premise might be too simple or the fantasy too light for others, I enjoyed the slower change of pace. At least the chapters weren’t too long.
Stuck in a barren “wasteland” that’s mostly unsettled, we get pretty cozy with 5 characters & their animals as they work together & their hearts thaw toward their circumstances & each other.
I have a soft spot for stubborn, hardened characters & this small cast is filled with them. They all have their own burdens & blame to carry but they were such a delight to get to know.
This was a hard one for me to put down. While content with it as a standalone, I’m even more glad to see it’s part of a duology.
What a perfect read this was when we’re in the thick of July heat & I’m missing my winter strolls! Oanéka could take them for me. Haha
But in all honesty, while reading this, I took a much closer look at the summer beauty around me (a pink sunset rainbow, sandhill cranes strutting about my neighborhood, crabapples growing, etc).
I absolutely loved the world building of Frost Light. While the premise might be too simple or the fantasy too light for others, I enjoyed the slower change of pace. At least the chapters weren’t too long.
Stuck in a barren “wasteland” that’s mostly unsettled, we get pretty cozy with 5 characters & their animals as they work together & their hearts thaw toward their circumstances & each other.
I have a soft spot for stubborn, hardened characters & this small cast is filled with them. They all have their own burdens & blame to carry but they were such a delight to get to know.
This was a hard one for me to put down. While content with it as a standalone, I’m even more glad to see it’s part of a duology.
February 27, 2025
A thoughtful and slow moving book. It is a bit tough to read with the many desciptions of cold and winter. I am reading this in Feb. in a fairly cold winter for Pennslyvania, but nothing like in this book. But reading it did make me feel colder sometimes.
I think this author has much potential and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
I think this author has much potential and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
December 11, 2025
BEAUTIFUL
A slow read, who rhythm takes a moment to find at the beginning, but once it's found, it's difficult to put down. Deep messages and meaning, so many beautiful quotes, and places that make you pause and think and contemplate. Wow! I will miss the characters and being in the world of Frost Light. I will never see winter and struggles the same. I highly recommend this book to everyone
A slow read, who rhythm takes a moment to find at the beginning, but once it's found, it's difficult to put down. Deep messages and meaning, so many beautiful quotes, and places that make you pause and think and contemplate. Wow! I will miss the characters and being in the world of Frost Light. I will never see winter and struggles the same. I highly recommend this book to everyone
December 5, 2025
⭐️4.5
I had put a pause on reading this for a while but picked it up again when I was in a winter mood. It was exactly the kind of book I didn’t know I needed.
It’s written more in the style of the classics, which is more uncommon in modern books but works really well for this story. The slower pace is really worth it for the beautiful story.
I loved the themes of finding the beauty in what seems at first glance to be dull. Looking beyond everything you don’t have and finding that you are still so blessed.
There is a touching storyline of healing within siblings relationships, that was probably my favorite part 🥰.
Frost Light is a great wintertime read for taking time to slow down and appreciate what’s around you.
I had put a pause on reading this for a while but picked it up again when I was in a winter mood. It was exactly the kind of book I didn’t know I needed.
It’s written more in the style of the classics, which is more uncommon in modern books but works really well for this story. The slower pace is really worth it for the beautiful story.
I loved the themes of finding the beauty in what seems at first glance to be dull. Looking beyond everything you don’t have and finding that you are still so blessed.
There is a touching storyline of healing within siblings relationships, that was probably my favorite part 🥰.
Frost Light is a great wintertime read for taking time to slow down and appreciate what’s around you.
January 26, 2024
4.5 stars! What a privilege to read a book written by my dear friend, Danielle. 🤍
This book was outside of my normal genre and pace which made it all the more fun to read. If you enjoy a slow, wintery read with a very small cast, this book is for you. I loved that it only had a few characters so you could really focus on the character development, which I think Danielle did well while also leaving a lot to reveal in (hopefully!) a sequel.
Goran is my favorite. Who doesn’t love a quiet, gruff but secretly tenderhearted woodsman? ;) I also loved how his demeanor balances Oaneka’s so perfectly.
Well done, Danielle! Love you. 🤍
This book was outside of my normal genre and pace which made it all the more fun to read. If you enjoy a slow, wintery read with a very small cast, this book is for you. I loved that it only had a few characters so you could really focus on the character development, which I think Danielle did well while also leaving a lot to reveal in (hopefully!) a sequel.
Goran is my favorite. Who doesn’t love a quiet, gruff but secretly tenderhearted woodsman? ;) I also loved how his demeanor balances Oaneka’s so perfectly.
Well done, Danielle! Love you. 🤍
January 15, 2024
The setting was beautiful and well described! The characters were well written and you really got a feel for what they were feeling and going through during the story! I loved getting to know the characters and watching them grow throughout the story! The story started off a little slow and had a lot of repetitive descriptions, but overall I enjoyed it! Thank you, Danielle Bullen for writing this story!
January 21, 2023
Read this one if you like
- strong description / good atmosphere
- character-driven stories with deep relationships
- coming-of-age stories that feel genuine
- soup, sweaters, or dogs
- stories about magic in everyday, unexpected places
- strong description / good atmosphere
- character-driven stories with deep relationships
- coming-of-age stories that feel genuine
- soup, sweaters, or dogs
- stories about magic in everyday, unexpected places
March 27, 2024
❄️Book Review for Frost Light🪵
I picked this up because of the cover. It is really pretty. I got a chance to grab a copy and started reading it. A month later, I finally finished it. I have mixed feelings. While it is interesting how they survive in the woods during the winter, I had bit difficult time getting into the story. It was long and it didn’t feel like fantasy. From what I remember they live in a world their brother were force to either fight in war or pay tax and live in an isolated location. There is lot to learn from when comes to survival and stay hopeful, but it could be shorter since there were things I feel like it was dragging and repetitive and unnecessary details. But overall I am glad I got to read it.
I picked this up because of the cover. It is really pretty. I got a chance to grab a copy and started reading it. A month later, I finally finished it. I have mixed feelings. While it is interesting how they survive in the woods during the winter, I had bit difficult time getting into the story. It was long and it didn’t feel like fantasy. From what I remember they live in a world their brother were force to either fight in war or pay tax and live in an isolated location. There is lot to learn from when comes to survival and stay hopeful, but it could be shorter since there were things I feel like it was dragging and repetitive and unnecessary details. But overall I am glad I got to read it.
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