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The Fall of Linda Waters
How far would you go to uncover the truth? Would you risk everything to save time itself? What if Jack Frost were your lab partner?A year after Kelsie Robertson’s tragic death—and Jane Clari’s unexplained disappearance. Linda Waters is consumed by grief. Isolated and numb, she clings to her quiet routines until her enigmatic new science partner shatters her world with a he’s Jack Frost – yes, that Jack Frost.
When Linda discovers the transcript of a sacred text of Father Time, she stumbles upon a clue to a powerful missing relic that secures the timelines of the universe. Suddenly, her small Maine town—and the fabric of existence itself—face apocalyptic collapse.
Navigating supernatural riddles and high school drama, Linda and Jack find unlikely Lavender Johnson-Pierre, a closeted classmate with secrets of her own, and Mr. London, their embittered science teacher haunted by his past. But as the mysteries deepen, their allies begin to question Linda, Jack, and the truth they may be hiding.
As their bond grows, so do the stakes. Torn between aiding ambiguous nature spirits like Mother Nature and evading the fury of those less forgiving, Linda and Jack uncover startling revelations that plunge them into unimaginable peril.
The Fall of Linda Waters is a breathtaking tale of folklore, mystery, and resilience—a story of courage, discovery, and the fight for what truly matters.
When Linda discovers the transcript of a sacred text of Father Time, she stumbles upon a clue to a powerful missing relic that secures the timelines of the universe. Suddenly, her small Maine town—and the fabric of existence itself—face apocalyptic collapse.
Navigating supernatural riddles and high school drama, Linda and Jack find unlikely Lavender Johnson-Pierre, a closeted classmate with secrets of her own, and Mr. London, their embittered science teacher haunted by his past. But as the mysteries deepen, their allies begin to question Linda, Jack, and the truth they may be hiding.
As their bond grows, so do the stakes. Torn between aiding ambiguous nature spirits like Mother Nature and evading the fury of those less forgiving, Linda and Jack uncover startling revelations that plunge them into unimaginable peril.
The Fall of Linda Waters is a breathtaking tale of folklore, mystery, and resilience—a story of courage, discovery, and the fight for what truly matters.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 4, 2025
3.75⭐️ This was a quick read that I ended up doing as an immersion read. I received the audiobook and after listening for a bit I looked it up on NetGalley and it was a “read now” so I took advantage.
Usually I try to ascertain which format worked better for the book but this one is a toss up with positive and challenges for each.
The narrator Devon Sorvari did a decent job overall however it required me to speed up the playback rate as she spoke very slow making it hard to focus on the book. But she did various different voices which were fairly consistent. One issue I had is randomly different characters would morph into a hard NY accent for certain words. It was jarring especially when the book takes place in Maine. So I would rate her performance at a 3⭐️ for its inconsistencies as it takes you out of the world the author created.
The book is a “retelling” or “reimagining” of Jack Frost. I honestly don’t feel it was either but if I had to choose I guess reimagining would be the closest. It’s more like the author took the character and some very basic characteristics of the connection to the cold, plus his name, and that’s it. I personally didn’t find any connection to the lore of Jack Frost beyond that. But it was still a fun story using magical realism to explore different themes that can plague a teenager.
This is a YA book with the FMC which is a teen going through high school while trying to help Jack save the world from the apocalypse. A challenge is the chapters seem very disjointed at times. They don’t flow and connect with each other. I’ll mention that it is written in 3rd person which is fine with me but I do know that for some strange reason some readers won’t read material in that POV 🙄. That’s being said, I do think the book as a whole should go through another edit for the print version as there are sentence construction issues as well as other grammatical issues.
I did like the exploration of the Queer characters and what they may go through in certain areas of the US (since that’s where the book takes place). Overall this was a different and ultimately enjoyable read that is due to come out on September 1, 2025.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC and eARC from High Gravity Productions and Soncata Press through High Gravities influencer program and NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as so don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again.
Usually I try to ascertain which format worked better for the book but this one is a toss up with positive and challenges for each.
The narrator Devon Sorvari did a decent job overall however it required me to speed up the playback rate as she spoke very slow making it hard to focus on the book. But she did various different voices which were fairly consistent. One issue I had is randomly different characters would morph into a hard NY accent for certain words. It was jarring especially when the book takes place in Maine. So I would rate her performance at a 3⭐️ for its inconsistencies as it takes you out of the world the author created.
The book is a “retelling” or “reimagining” of Jack Frost. I honestly don’t feel it was either but if I had to choose I guess reimagining would be the closest. It’s more like the author took the character and some very basic characteristics of the connection to the cold, plus his name, and that’s it. I personally didn’t find any connection to the lore of Jack Frost beyond that. But it was still a fun story using magical realism to explore different themes that can plague a teenager.
This is a YA book with the FMC which is a teen going through high school while trying to help Jack save the world from the apocalypse. A challenge is the chapters seem very disjointed at times. They don’t flow and connect with each other. I’ll mention that it is written in 3rd person which is fine with me but I do know that for some strange reason some readers won’t read material in that POV 🙄. That’s being said, I do think the book as a whole should go through another edit for the print version as there are sentence construction issues as well as other grammatical issues.
I did like the exploration of the Queer characters and what they may go through in certain areas of the US (since that’s where the book takes place). Overall this was a different and ultimately enjoyable read that is due to come out on September 1, 2025.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC and eARC from High Gravity Productions and Soncata Press through High Gravities influencer program and NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as so don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again.
July 8, 2025
3.75 🌟
This book follows Linda Waters, a high school student who recently lost her best friend. As she navigates this grief, she meets a new student at her school who turns out to be Jack Frost. Together, they are looking for a book that has the potential to end everything about existence, and we follow along as the mysteries unravel.
I enjoyed this book! It was very unique and unlike anything I have read before, which is always something that I appreciate and that intrigues me. You could see that this story was crafted with care, in particular the description of grief, loss, and being different from the ‘norm’ was written about incredibly.
I loved our main character, Linda, and enjoyed seeing her growth; her grief felt very real, and was present throughout the entire book, but seeing her try to open up to Jack and Lavender was great! Lavender’s story was one I enjoyed too, but I wish we got to see a bit more of her!
If you enjoy a book that weaves together folklore, mystery, and emotions beautifully, with a unique writing style and nice queer representation; I recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Soncata Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book follows Linda Waters, a high school student who recently lost her best friend. As she navigates this grief, she meets a new student at her school who turns out to be Jack Frost. Together, they are looking for a book that has the potential to end everything about existence, and we follow along as the mysteries unravel.
I enjoyed this book! It was very unique and unlike anything I have read before, which is always something that I appreciate and that intrigues me. You could see that this story was crafted with care, in particular the description of grief, loss, and being different from the ‘norm’ was written about incredibly.
I loved our main character, Linda, and enjoyed seeing her growth; her grief felt very real, and was present throughout the entire book, but seeing her try to open up to Jack and Lavender was great! Lavender’s story was one I enjoyed too, but I wish we got to see a bit more of her!
If you enjoy a book that weaves together folklore, mystery, and emotions beautifully, with a unique writing style and nice queer representation; I recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Soncata Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
June 13, 2025
Single Narration-Devon Sorvari
The narrator did a great job.
This was well written and very interesting. It is very different but enjoyable.
The narrator did a great job.
This was well written and very interesting. It is very different but enjoyable.
June 7, 2025
So the writing style is very different than what i'm used to. And it's definitely a different style of reimagining of Jack frost, not your average, Jack frost story. I could see why somebody would think that this would be a YA book, but I'm thinking more new adult because of the content. Or at the very least, older YA. Good story, very well written, just very different. I like the differences, but it's not your average story or writing style. Some people may not like it, but I do. I am also very thankful for the fact then I grew up in a town that did not care what your sexual orientation was. As long as you didn't push it on them, they didn't care. The weirdest part as I grew up in the 90's. So I do feel sorry for these teenagers because i', they had to deal with that bologna. And nobody in my town even cared, if the same sex kissed in public, they would just tell them to get a room just like regular. Nobody in my town was very big on pda.
June 30, 2025
My thanks to Netgalley, Soncata Press and R.E. Kurz for the eARC of this book in exchange for a review.
I've never read a story about Jack Frost before. I know the general idea but I can honestly say that I do not seek out any book, show or movie that has had Jack Frost as a character. I don't know why, you'd think it'd be right up there with things that interest me and yet no, I've never sought out Jack Frost. So this book caught my attention because it sounded intriguing enough that I thought, first time for everything, why not?
This book follows the Linda Waters from the title, a high school student in Maine who is mourning the loss of her best friend. She meets a new student at school who turns out to be Jack Frost. Frost is in this particular small town and attending high school because he's trying to find a book that could be used to destroy everything about existence. Linda and Jack have to work together to find the book and the one who wants to use it for revenge.
First off, I liked this book. I didn't love it BUT I certainly liked it. I'll admit, I almost decided not to finish this story but I liked Linda so I stuck it out. Also, I learned things I've never heard of before, in the sense that I didn't know the correct names to things, like how the pigments in leaves are anthocyanin and carotenoid, or the term "blue field entoptic phenomenon" (look it up; I had to, and now I've learned something new). Little things like this made Kurz intriguing to me as a writer. I didn't think a high school student would necessarily know these things though, and I wished it was weaved into the story more about how Linda knew these things so easily. It would have rounded the character out more.
As is, I liked Linda because she tried. Every day was a day where she had to try. She had to try to get through school with horrible classmates, she had to try to help teachers she liked, she had to try to get through the days while grieving her best friend who died in a horrible accident. It was that attitude of getting through the worst that made me want to stick with Linda. Jack Frost was interesting in the sense that he was able to be the friend Linda needed when she needed something to help her. He was a stable presence and a constant for her to depend on while also becoming a bit of a defender for other students in need. I liked Lavender and Mr. London but I feel like the book didn't spend as much time with them as it could have to make their struggles feel more important to the reader.
I hated how Lavender was treated but at the same time, because Lavender wasn't necessarily the main character, her struggles felt like they were just there. The book doesn't have enough resolution to her issues at school so I feel like I don't get to see her end up in a good place. Same thing with Mr. London, there were things set in place to suggest happier times to come but again, the book moves on so readers are left wondering about their outcomes. I wanted more for them and I didn't get to see it.
The book is written as 3rd person omniscient, so readers see things from several character viewpoints as the story needs it to go. However, my main issue was with the PACING. Every chapter seems to stand as its own little story, almost as if they don't tie together as a whole. Things would happen in a chapter and then just continue on to something else in the next, without flowing together. As a result, the plot didn't feel like it was important enough as a driving point for the book. It felt like every chapter was Jack and Linda at school, dealing with obnoxious classmates and homework, helping Jack understand the nuances to human existence and whatnot, and it took a while for the search for the missing book to even become relevant. I wasn't sure how much time was passing and because of that, it felt like the characters relationships weren't developing as they should. When Lavender was added to the story, it felt a little jarring to see her demand answers from Jack and Linda when she felt excluded because she wasn't on the page enough with them. The same thing happened with Mr. London, where it felt like for the relationship to be what it seemed on the page, we needed to see more of it. Almost as if passages had been left out that needed to be seen to help the flow of the story stay on track and to show how the characters all interact with each other.
Also, it just ENDS. That's it, there's nothing else. I kept flipping pages thinking where's the rest of the book? It finished up in a few pages and for the length it took to get there, it felt like not enough of an ending. I always say that I wanted more at the end of the books I read but in this case, it NEEDED more. I still have questions about plot points that were never answered. I don't know if the plan is to write more in this world but for me, a lot is left unresolved so I'm left sitting here a little bereft, if I'm being honest. Not the best way to leave a book, when all is said and done.
Rating on my scale: 6 Stars. I wanted more. The book kind of feels unfinished in a way. It'll probably sit in the back of my mind where in the future I might wonder what happened to Linda and her best friend, Jack Frost. I hope they get their happy ending, eventually. That's the feeling I have about the everything of this book.
I've never read a story about Jack Frost before. I know the general idea but I can honestly say that I do not seek out any book, show or movie that has had Jack Frost as a character. I don't know why, you'd think it'd be right up there with things that interest me and yet no, I've never sought out Jack Frost. So this book caught my attention because it sounded intriguing enough that I thought, first time for everything, why not?
This book follows the Linda Waters from the title, a high school student in Maine who is mourning the loss of her best friend. She meets a new student at school who turns out to be Jack Frost. Frost is in this particular small town and attending high school because he's trying to find a book that could be used to destroy everything about existence. Linda and Jack have to work together to find the book and the one who wants to use it for revenge.
First off, I liked this book. I didn't love it BUT I certainly liked it. I'll admit, I almost decided not to finish this story but I liked Linda so I stuck it out. Also, I learned things I've never heard of before, in the sense that I didn't know the correct names to things, like how the pigments in leaves are anthocyanin and carotenoid, or the term "blue field entoptic phenomenon" (look it up; I had to, and now I've learned something new). Little things like this made Kurz intriguing to me as a writer. I didn't think a high school student would necessarily know these things though, and I wished it was weaved into the story more about how Linda knew these things so easily. It would have rounded the character out more.
As is, I liked Linda because she tried. Every day was a day where she had to try. She had to try to get through school with horrible classmates, she had to try to help teachers she liked, she had to try to get through the days while grieving her best friend who died in a horrible accident. It was that attitude of getting through the worst that made me want to stick with Linda. Jack Frost was interesting in the sense that he was able to be the friend Linda needed when she needed something to help her. He was a stable presence and a constant for her to depend on while also becoming a bit of a defender for other students in need. I liked Lavender and Mr. London but I feel like the book didn't spend as much time with them as it could have to make their struggles feel more important to the reader.
I hated how Lavender was treated but at the same time, because Lavender wasn't necessarily the main character, her struggles felt like they were just there. The book doesn't have enough resolution to her issues at school so I feel like I don't get to see her end up in a good place. Same thing with Mr. London, there were things set in place to suggest happier times to come but again, the book moves on so readers are left wondering about their outcomes. I wanted more for them and I didn't get to see it.
The book is written as 3rd person omniscient, so readers see things from several character viewpoints as the story needs it to go. However, my main issue was with the PACING. Every chapter seems to stand as its own little story, almost as if they don't tie together as a whole. Things would happen in a chapter and then just continue on to something else in the next, without flowing together. As a result, the plot didn't feel like it was important enough as a driving point for the book. It felt like every chapter was Jack and Linda at school, dealing with obnoxious classmates and homework, helping Jack understand the nuances to human existence and whatnot, and it took a while for the search for the missing book to even become relevant. I wasn't sure how much time was passing and because of that, it felt like the characters relationships weren't developing as they should. When Lavender was added to the story, it felt a little jarring to see her demand answers from Jack and Linda when she felt excluded because she wasn't on the page enough with them. The same thing happened with Mr. London, where it felt like for the relationship to be what it seemed on the page, we needed to see more of it. Almost as if passages had been left out that needed to be seen to help the flow of the story stay on track and to show how the characters all interact with each other.
Also, it just ENDS. That's it, there's nothing else. I kept flipping pages thinking where's the rest of the book? It finished up in a few pages and for the length it took to get there, it felt like not enough of an ending. I always say that I wanted more at the end of the books I read but in this case, it NEEDED more. I still have questions about plot points that were never answered. I don't know if the plan is to write more in this world but for me, a lot is left unresolved so I'm left sitting here a little bereft, if I'm being honest. Not the best way to leave a book, when all is said and done.
Rating on my scale: 6 Stars. I wanted more. The book kind of feels unfinished in a way. It'll probably sit in the back of my mind where in the future I might wonder what happened to Linda and her best friend, Jack Frost. I hope they get their happy ending, eventually. That's the feeling I have about the everything of this book.
September 12, 2025
Actual rating 3.5
First of all I want to say I enjoyed this book. I found the writing style flowed well and it didn't take me long to read it as I quite liked the characters. The idea of Jack Frost being in your class and what do you do when you become his friend and you find out about the other worlds was interesting, especially with the absolute fails when he tries to pretend he's a normal mortal.
I wanted to rate this higher but for me it just didn't quite hit where I wanted it to. There was talk of Linda's grief after the loss of her best friend which did get some resolution but there was the grief of Lavender which was more thrown in there and I would have liked to see that bond the characters together more. The inclusion of the teacher and his sister was an interesting choice, for some bits it made sense but for others I wasn't so sure.
My main thing though was that the story of Jack Frost being in your class and trying to balance that with his immortal duties would have been such a fun story on its own. The part where he has to hunt down a lost book that could potentially end the world felt like a very different story and almost like it got lost. It would also have been nice for Jack and Linda to just be friends and just leave it as that because they worked really well in that dynamic.
These are all my personal opinions and I did very much enjoy the read. If you're after something with fun characters and some great world building (the Immortal realm and beings are fantastic) then I definitely recommend giving it a try.
First of all I want to say I enjoyed this book. I found the writing style flowed well and it didn't take me long to read it as I quite liked the characters. The idea of Jack Frost being in your class and what do you do when you become his friend and you find out about the other worlds was interesting, especially with the absolute fails when he tries to pretend he's a normal mortal.
I wanted to rate this higher but for me it just didn't quite hit where I wanted it to. There was talk of Linda's grief after the loss of her best friend which did get some resolution but there was the grief of Lavender which was more thrown in there and I would have liked to see that bond the characters together more. The inclusion of the teacher and his sister was an interesting choice, for some bits it made sense but for others I wasn't so sure.
My main thing though was that the story of Jack Frost being in your class and trying to balance that with his immortal duties would have been such a fun story on its own. The part where he has to hunt down a lost book that could potentially end the world felt like a very different story and almost like it got lost. It would also have been nice for Jack and Linda to just be friends and just leave it as that because they worked really well in that dynamic.
These are all my personal opinions and I did very much enjoy the read. If you're after something with fun characters and some great world building (the Immortal realm and beings are fantastic) then I definitely recommend giving it a try.
June 22, 2025
This New Adult, supernatural mystery will keep readers reflective and entertained with a creative, thoughtful reimaging of Jack Frost. Frost (MMC) attends a local high school in search of clues to a stolen relic that controls time and history. After Frost is assigned as a science lab partner to Linda Waters (FMC), the two become friends. Linda has her own worries: she is mourning the death of her best friend Kelcie while also worrying about Jane Clari, an indigenous female who has disappeared. Linda has retreated into herself; grief has overtaken her life while she also tries to manage typical high school drama.
This narrative explores bullying, gender identity, Indigenous disappearances, concepts of "Otherness," family dynamics, and community. These reflective topics are balanced with humorous instances of magic and holiday family gatherings and customs.
How long can Jack and Linda will keep his identity secret while they search for clues regarding the stolen relic? When should they ask for help from their mutual friend Lavendar, who is a closeted Indigenous Christian female or from their beloved science teacher Mr. London who is a divorced bisexual? Will Jack and Linda save humanity from an impending apocalyptic event?
I cannot speak highly enough of the story! R. E. Kurz beautifully intertwines folklore, magic, and current social issues into a reflective narrative. I listened to the audiobook, and Devon Sorvari is a phenomenal voice performer. The characters were engaging and believable. This book is expected for September 1, 2025. I encourage you to preorder your copy.
I would like to thank #REKurz, #HighGravityAudioBooks, #SoncataPress, and #DevonSorvari for my ALC. This review is my honest opinion.
This narrative explores bullying, gender identity, Indigenous disappearances, concepts of "Otherness," family dynamics, and community. These reflective topics are balanced with humorous instances of magic and holiday family gatherings and customs.
How long can Jack and Linda will keep his identity secret while they search for clues regarding the stolen relic? When should they ask for help from their mutual friend Lavendar, who is a closeted Indigenous Christian female or from their beloved science teacher Mr. London who is a divorced bisexual? Will Jack and Linda save humanity from an impending apocalyptic event?
I cannot speak highly enough of the story! R. E. Kurz beautifully intertwines folklore, magic, and current social issues into a reflective narrative. I listened to the audiobook, and Devon Sorvari is a phenomenal voice performer. The characters were engaging and believable. This book is expected for September 1, 2025. I encourage you to preorder your copy.
I would like to thank #REKurz, #HighGravityAudioBooks, #SoncataPress, and #DevonSorvari for my ALC. This review is my honest opinion.
December 3, 2025
This book is for you if...
...you like YA fantasy with a winter school feel-good setting
...you enjoy science partners becoming friends and maybe a bit more ;)
...you love small towns drenched with mystery, elves, tree spirits and more
We follow Linda after a terrible accident where her best friend, Kelsie, lost her life because of a drunk driver.
Linda has to go back to school, where another girl is still missing and she is constantly reminded of her loss. She feels lonely; no one talks to her normally, and she just wants to stop feeling her feelings.
But we get thrown right in and meet Jack Frost, the new kid in school. All of a sudden Linda makes a new friend, someone who doesn't look at her with pity. The novel widens, and we get glimpses of other characters too: Mr London, Lavender, Linda's parents, etc.
The emotions of all the characters felt real and multidimensional. All in all, this was the first YA I've read in years that managed to handle the complexity of grief, loss and mental health struggles while remaining cosy and comforting.
I adored the big focus on friendship in a high school setting and teenage struggles paired with the mystery surrounding Jack Frost. It warmed my heart all the way through and is the perfect winter book!
...you like YA fantasy with a winter school feel-good setting
...you enjoy science partners becoming friends and maybe a bit more ;)
...you love small towns drenched with mystery, elves, tree spirits and more
We follow Linda after a terrible accident where her best friend, Kelsie, lost her life because of a drunk driver.
Linda has to go back to school, where another girl is still missing and she is constantly reminded of her loss. She feels lonely; no one talks to her normally, and she just wants to stop feeling her feelings.
But we get thrown right in and meet Jack Frost, the new kid in school. All of a sudden Linda makes a new friend, someone who doesn't look at her with pity. The novel widens, and we get glimpses of other characters too: Mr London, Lavender, Linda's parents, etc.
The emotions of all the characters felt real and multidimensional. All in all, this was the first YA I've read in years that managed to handle the complexity of grief, loss and mental health struggles while remaining cosy and comforting.
I adored the big focus on friendship in a high school setting and teenage struggles paired with the mystery surrounding Jack Frost. It warmed my heart all the way through and is the perfect winter book!
July 22, 2025
The Fall of Linda Waters was very emotional for me, but also very good. The plot is interesting, the characters have great development, the magic side of this universe is really fascinating and I want more. Mr. London has to be my favorite character, but I relate to Lavender's experiences in school the most. Overall, I think its a great book.
Linda lost her best friend a year ago and is still dealing with her grief. When she's partnered with John in science, a unexpected friendship blossoms and John eventually confides in her his name isn't really John, it's Jack Frost. With strange happenings, a disappearance and one of Father Time's books missing leaving the potential for the world to be destroyed, they end up working together to support each other and figure out where to find the book.
(I received this as a arc)
Linda lost her best friend a year ago and is still dealing with her grief. When she's partnered with John in science, a unexpected friendship blossoms and John eventually confides in her his name isn't really John, it's Jack Frost. With strange happenings, a disappearance and one of Father Time's books missing leaving the potential for the world to be destroyed, they end up working together to support each other and figure out where to find the book.
(I received this as a arc)
August 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The concept had potential with the inclusion of Jack Frost. I'm always attracted to that sort of mythology. I really enjoyed the fun chapter titles. And the amount of representation in this was nice! Unfortunately, it didn't feel as fleshed out as I would've wanted it to be. I didn't feel connected to the characters at all as I was reading it. The conflict was there, but the stakes weren't heightened so I wasn't concerned at all, a little lackluster. I also thought the dialogue was weak. Points for some jokes that did make me chuckle every once in a while. The mutiple POV shifts and time jumps were jarring. That realization does coincide with my lack of connection with the characters. I disoriented at several moments when I suddenly started following another character or when we were going from one point to the next. Points for the setting being in Maine and me having started reading the book in Maine as well as some Canada mentions while I was actively traveling to Canada.
The concept had potential with the inclusion of Jack Frost. I'm always attracted to that sort of mythology. I really enjoyed the fun chapter titles. And the amount of representation in this was nice! Unfortunately, it didn't feel as fleshed out as I would've wanted it to be. I didn't feel connected to the characters at all as I was reading it. The conflict was there, but the stakes weren't heightened so I wasn't concerned at all, a little lackluster. I also thought the dialogue was weak. Points for some jokes that did make me chuckle every once in a while. The mutiple POV shifts and time jumps were jarring. That realization does coincide with my lack of connection with the characters. I disoriented at several moments when I suddenly started following another character or when we were going from one point to the next. Points for the setting being in Maine and me having started reading the book in Maine as well as some Canada mentions while I was actively traveling to Canada.
September 4, 2025
I listened to this story on audio, and it was a unique, emotional YA fantasy. The story follows Linda, who is grieving the loss of her best friend, as she discovers that her new lab partner is actually Jack Frost. Together, they search for a missing relic tied to Father Time that could unravel the very existence of the universe. I really appreciated the themes of grief, resilience, and identity, as well as the queer representation woven through the characters. The narrator, Devon Sorvari, did well with distinct voices, though her pacing was slow, and some odd accent shifts pulled me out of the story. The plot felt somewhat disjointed at times, but overall, this was a heartfelt and creative listen worth checking out.
August 21, 2025
This was a great YA book. One I think my 12 year old would probably be comfortable reading. It does explore death and loss and helps you come to terms with it alongside the characters, all in a magical setting. This was a reimagining of the story of Jack Frost, 🥶 with Father Time And Mother Earth and Elves.
It was like watching the old Tim Allan Santa Clause movies, with that level of nostalgia that makes you want to read more. Not my usual type of book, but one I really liked all the same.
I received and ARC from the Author, Soncata Press and NetGalley, and this is my honest review
It was like watching the old Tim Allan Santa Clause movies, with that level of nostalgia that makes you want to read more. Not my usual type of book, but one I really liked all the same.
I received and ARC from the Author, Soncata Press and NetGalley, and this is my honest review
January 15, 2026
4.5
A well written story for young adults. There are some difficult topics that teens face today including grief, gender identity , friendship and love. Kurz has brought things into the light with such care and kindness. I feel comfortable recommending this book to teens and tweens.
A well written story for young adults. There are some difficult topics that teens face today including grief, gender identity , friendship and love. Kurz has brought things into the light with such care and kindness. I feel comfortable recommending this book to teens and tweens.
August 9, 2025
This was a cute read! I've definitely never read a book where Jack Frost is going to high school. I loved the relationship between Jack and Linda!
September 12, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author R.E Kurz for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for a fantasy that’s more introspective than action-packed—more about connection than combat—The Fall of Linda Waters is a deeply touching read. Jack Frost, as reimagined here, is a standout: gentle, damaged, and quietly powerful. He’ll stay with you, long after the snow has melted.
The Fall of Linda Waters is a story about grief, healing, and the way magic sometimes appears in the moments we least expect it. Set in a small, snow-covered town still echoing with loss, R.E. Kurz offers a quiet, emotional fantasy that grounds folklore in very human pain—and very human hope.
At the heart of this story is Linda—a teen still reeling from the death of her best friend, moving through her life on autopilot. But everything shifts when her new science partner walks into the room. He calls himself John at first, but soon, his real name surfaces: Jack Frost.
And he’s nothing like the mischievous winter sprite you might expect.
This version of Jack Frost is layered, sensitive, and quietly aching in his own way. There’s a beautiful stillness to him—like snowfall just before dawn. He’s not just there to bring magic into Linda’s life; he’s there to learn, to care, to feel alongside her. Their bond is slow, a friendship that feels earned, and there's a tenderness to it that lingers long after the last page.
The story weaves in a mythic mystery—Father Time, timelines on the verge of collapse, and a sacred relic that could unravel everything. These elements raise the stakes, but it’s the emotional core—the bond between two broken people—that keeps the story grounded.
The supporting cast—especially Lavender and Mr. London—brings thoughtful LGBTQ+ representation and more emotional complexity. There’s a quiet strength in how this book explores identity, secrets, and the deep ache of wanting to be understood.
Thank you to the author R.E Kurz for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for a fantasy that’s more introspective than action-packed—more about connection than combat—The Fall of Linda Waters is a deeply touching read. Jack Frost, as reimagined here, is a standout: gentle, damaged, and quietly powerful. He’ll stay with you, long after the snow has melted.
The Fall of Linda Waters is a story about grief, healing, and the way magic sometimes appears in the moments we least expect it. Set in a small, snow-covered town still echoing with loss, R.E. Kurz offers a quiet, emotional fantasy that grounds folklore in very human pain—and very human hope.
At the heart of this story is Linda—a teen still reeling from the death of her best friend, moving through her life on autopilot. But everything shifts when her new science partner walks into the room. He calls himself John at first, but soon, his real name surfaces: Jack Frost.
And he’s nothing like the mischievous winter sprite you might expect.
This version of Jack Frost is layered, sensitive, and quietly aching in his own way. There’s a beautiful stillness to him—like snowfall just before dawn. He’s not just there to bring magic into Linda’s life; he’s there to learn, to care, to feel alongside her. Their bond is slow, a friendship that feels earned, and there's a tenderness to it that lingers long after the last page.
The story weaves in a mythic mystery—Father Time, timelines on the verge of collapse, and a sacred relic that could unravel everything. These elements raise the stakes, but it’s the emotional core—the bond between two broken people—that keeps the story grounded.
The supporting cast—especially Lavender and Mr. London—brings thoughtful LGBTQ+ representation and more emotional complexity. There’s a quiet strength in how this book explores identity, secrets, and the deep ache of wanting to be understood.
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