Kiss of Frost

Mythos Academy #2

by Jennifer Estep, Tara Sands (Narrator)

'm Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I'm going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I'm getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart--the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I'm afraid if I don't learn how to live by the sword--with Logan's help--I just might die by the sword. . .

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Magic

Audible Audio

First published November 29, 2011

About the author

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author who prowls the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.

For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.JenniferEstep.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-....

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Happy reading, everyone! 😎

Reviews

[Navdha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the second time I’ve started writing a review while reading the book. I guess I’m going through the bad-books syndrome lately which according to me is a syndrome where you intentionally read a book which you know you will want to bang against the wall or which will make you bang your head against the wall. Either way I am suffering from that. I just found out that the second book to Mythos academy was out and I just couldn’t resist. I had to make myself suffer reading this book.
Okay, Gwendolyn Frost. How should I make it clear to you without sounding like a total psychopath murderer that your inner monologue wants me to turn into, that you should seriously go into a state of coma and stop thinking for a while? Seriously, I am done reading about what happened in the last book. I’m done having to bear up with her insanely absurd longing for Logan. I don’t want to know how hot he looks in that black leather jacket that he wears on top of every other clothing. I am done knowing about how rich everyone is in Mythos and how shallow every other student is according to our darling Gwen who in fact herself is the shallowest female lead I have come across. Oh and I’m not even done with the seventh chapter yet. She has just met another cute looking guy who she thinks is downright gorgeous and a Greek God coming to life which really shouldn’t be a surprise in this book, because even this book suffers with the problem where the female lead is surrounded by oh so beautifully breath-taking-sexy-as-hell, I-wanna-jump-right-on-top-of-you kinda irresistible guys. And man he notices her! How hard her life must be?! From being ignored by the douche-bag Logan to being noticed by a new guy whose name I haven’t even read yet. Well, if she really was into Logan that much then why the hell did she chicken out when he was planning to kiss her in the first book? The girl is so bloody confused and lost in her own thoughts and so egotistical that she can’t see anything other than her own point of view. She just feels like being mean to Oliver because Logan’s official girlfriend is having fun with her boyfriend. She is offended by the girl’s giggle who is another slut according to our Gwendolyn doing favors to the man whore Logan. Oh and yeah, she thinks Logan is a man whore and still she has a pathetic crush on him. Yes, such an inspiring character. Also, she thinks that a guy can only talk to a girl or try to start a conversation if he has a crush on her. *applauds*
Hm. What is with the writer repeating the same things over and over again? I know about her powers dammit! And the readers aren’t dumb! They get what you are trying to say at once and don’t need you to point out all the obvious things. *throws up hands in utter frustration*
Also, the use of the world “slut” for every other girl in this book annoys me to no extent. Daphne, our Gwen’s dear friend is such a mean bitch that she thinks it’s okay to mess up with some other girl’s grades only cause she was giving her boyfriend the “do-me” look. Seriously? SERIOUSLY!! Other than that, Gwen acts as if she can’t really trust anyone. She doesn’t tell Professor Metis about the attacks. She doesn’t discuss it with her best friend; yet she is so damn willing to make out with Preston (the gorgeous guy from New York she met) that she totally trusts him; never bother that his name isn’t on the New York list of students or that no one else has seen him other than Logan or the mention that he had a Valkyire sister (If I were her, only him having a sister would have left bells tolling in my head, but here we are talking about the one and only Gwendolyn Frost) . And then she says other things are weird. I wish that wolf ate her up. Or she was buried under the avalanche. Speaking of which, she doesn’t even show her gratitude to Prof Metis after she came to know that she had been healed, by her. Ugh. I could just go there and slap her.
“I think you’re one of the smartest, bravest people I know,” Logan said.
Right. If I could, I would have stabbed him for saying that.
Oh and the villain Preston (which was quite clear by the way that he was the villain; I don’t why the author thought that it was hard for the readers to guess but whatever, coming back to the point) was out there waiting to kill anyone who would be on his way, but our Gwendolyn and her “crush” Logan who is a guy who likes to put his tongue down the throats of other girls right infront of the girl that he cared about a lot, were not worried about that. No, not at all. They were making out! Can you believe that? And talking about Logan’s ability to use his body parts, nonetheless. Astounding!
Okay. Getting back to the story I think I was hugely disappointed to see that Gwen was only bruised after the whole event. I really really wish that she was stabbed at least or had a fractured arm or something. Oh well. I wasn’t very much surprised finding out that Gwen’s mom Grace was murdered, although her being murdered because of the dagger was interesting. I now know what the next book is going to revolve about. I still can’t believe that Gwendolyn is so foolish. Doesn’t she have anything of her mom’s which she could dig around to find out about that particular dagger? Plain stupid, but what else can we expect from the brave and mighty Gwen.
One thing that actually made me cry in this book was, Logan always wearing a faded jeans, a blue sweater and a black leather jacket. It just wanted me to tear off the pages of this book. It really did. You might have experienced the same pain that I did noticing his lack of wardrobe.
Anyways, that almost brings me to the end of the review. The only interesting thing about this book was Loki’s champion being the one murdering Grace Frost and the theory with the dagger. Also, the only character that I truly like is Vic, the sword. It’s just awful that you can only like an object in the entire book. *shakes head*

[Mizuki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: a 'This book pisses me off way too much' zero star.


(Link: http://vampirekiki.deviantart.com/art...)

It's just another shitty YA book, another author who doesn't have the heart to write a decent story but got paid for writing craps anyway, Jennifer Estep, I'm blacklisting you.

As if the lack of originality isn't bad enough, as if ripping off Harry Potter and Vampire Academy isn't bad enough, as if all the cliches and the stupid main character aren't bad enough; Jennifer Estep just has to go out of her way to insult her readers' intelligence with her "plot twists". How charming.

Warning: F-words flying from all directions, don't like don't read

I had had enough. The more I read this book, the more I hate it. Here're a few reasons:

(1)Does anyone find it annoying that Gwen keeps calling her magic 'my Gypsy gifts'?

The first two books haven't said anything about Gwen's family being Romani/Gypsy, and if the family really have Romani's ancestry and they care about their Romani's ancestry, they would have known Romani rarely refer themselves as 'Gypsy', because the term has been associated too much with discrimination and stereotypes.

So it seems like Gwen simply use the word just for the 'Gypsy=magical' stereotype. ARGH, that kind of stereotype is VERY ANNOYING. Why can't she just call her magic 'her gift' or something?

And why on earth serving Goddess Nike would make you a freaking 'Gypsy' at the first place? Nike is a Greek goddess, right? Why would she have anything to do with Romani/Gypsy anyway?

(2) The series is a Harry Potter rip-off, and this book in itself is a Vampire Academy book 2: Frostbite rip-off

Magical boarding school, and an orphaned kid who didn't know anything about magic and her own importance and power going to said magical school; am I the only one to think Harry Potter here?

Okay, before someone butts in to lecture me about how Harry Potter is not the only series with a magical boarding school setting. Let me tell you one thing: Jennifer Estep wrote her magical boarding school with little care and the details about this school is either missing or choppily thrown in together, I sense that Estep only set her story in a magical boarding school just because everyone else is writing YA novels setting in magical boarding schools. That's it.

And in Kiss of Frost, the characters all went to a luxurious resort on a snowing hill for the holiday, Vampire Academy book 2: Frostbit, anyone?

(3) By the time I read to page. 183, I've realized I fucking hate Gwendolyn Frost, the main character.

Why? Here're my reasons:

(i) Gwen is a complainer: She constantly complained about the other students being spoiled brats, even after she made friends with two of those students, even after Logan bothered himself to save her life from a monster in book 1, even after two Spartan boys bothered to stick around to help her practicing weaponry. But no, Gwen just had to complain about everything and everyone.

I also have no sympathy on Gwen not making many friends among students. It isn't the other students' fault that Gwen was sent to Mythos Academy without knowing anything about the nature of the Academy at the first place, it isn't their fault that Gwen hated studying about the gods and goddesses and history of the Chaos War; it's not their fault that Gwen wasn't trained to be a warrior since she was a kid (her loving mother and grandmother made the decision, right?), it isn't their fault that Gwen barely tried to work hard on weaponry and stuff. Oh yes, she didn't even bother to just try. All she did was complained about how everyone in the Academy was born rich, how unfair it's for her mother to wind up dead--losing your mother is tragic and unfair, but hadn't many students in school also lost their loved ones to the evil Reapers? But I didn't see them whining about their lost love ones; and how much she didn't believe in the existence of gods and goddesses and mythical creatures even when she was surrounded by students who could work magic at will.

I don't know about you, but I have no desire to befriend such a loser.

(ii)She also suffers with Special Innocent Snowflake Symptom: I had heard enough about how mean-spirited and spoiled the other students are, so stop beating me repeatedly over the head with it. Gwen, I know what a special innocent snowflake you are comparing with those snobby rich students.

(iii)She's also Too Stupid To Live: Bad guy trying to kill you and there's a creepy monster-wolf staring at you in the woods, Gwen? Don't tell any of these things to your friends and the professors! These things are not important! The important thing is to go meeting up with this super hot cute guy--whom you know barely a thing about, but he's all over you for no good reason!

(iv)She has the maturity of a seven years old, but she's 17 already: Gwen complained about the food they served in the Academy and the resort for at least three times in the first 180 pages of Kiss of Frost, she even did it with immature remarks such as 'Yucko' tagging behind. And guess what? My 12 years old cousin is actually mature enough to avoid doing these kind of things...

(4) Adults/warriors not acting their parts:

Remember Gwen's dead mother and her grandmother? From Gwen's POV, these two women are nothing less than a pair of saints. But the more I think about their actions and their treatment to Gwen, the more I doubt sensible parents/guardians would act the same like they did:

So the Frost family lived in a world with badass villains and scary monsters out for their blood? The Frost women decided they DID NOT WANT Gwen to know anything about it. Didn't even bother to teach her anything useful about the art of self-defend.

So Grandma Frost lost a beloved daughter to the evil Reapers? You would think it's about time for the old lady to finally come clean with her granddaughter Gwen and warned her about the danger of the wicked Reapers and their evil god. But you're wrong! Grandma Frost just sent Gwen to Mytho Academy without even bothered to explain to the latter why she must be sent there at the first place. No explanation whatsoever.

As to the young warriors in Mytho Academy, they continue to act like a bunch of rich teenagers, they are too careless and they let too many things slip pass their attention, I simply can't take them seriously.

And guess what? The gods, the professors and the warrior parents of those Mytho students are none the wiser. I mean, if the gods want young warriors to fight the war and if those warrior parents want their own kids to be well trained in order to survive, they should have freaking built a military camp to train those kids up instead of building a snotty boarding school and showering the kids with gifts and money! That's so stupid!

(5)The entirely predicable ending:

I feel my intelligence is being thoroughly insulted and mocked by the all too easily predicable "plot twists". Who's the bad guy? I'd figured it out when I was only halfway through the book. What's Oliver's big dark secret? I'd figured it out the moment said secret was mentioned. I was shocked that Jennifer Estep actually thinks her readers are as hopelessly stupid as Gwen, who is unable to put two and two together even when the hints are smirking at her the whole time.

Conclusion: I had read through reviews for the sequels, and I had decided I would not stick around and suffer through at least 2 more bad books for the series to finally get better. I wouldn't drag myself through the mud like this.

[Stacia (the 2010 club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am I allowed to be happy? I feel like it's been a while since I've had the warm fuzzies about darn near anything. It was starting to make me feel like I'd broken something in my brain...until I picked up book 1 of this series, then went immediately into book 2. Skeptical Stacia has temporarily left the building in favor of Swoony Stacia. I promise that I'll be back to my regularly-scheduled, jaded-self tomorrow.

It's as if I've been on this merry-go-round of "same story, same ahole guy, same everything" for a while, no matter how hard I tried to seek out different things. And I can't say that I haven't been rewarded with some interesting characters and stories for trying (everything from a gamer nerd to an African safari-turned kidnapping), but nothing was giving me those darn warm fuzzies.

So what got it back for me? Wanna take a guess? Believe it or not, it was the want what you can't have story. Man, I forgot how much I missed the tension of having the person of your dreams right there in your face, so close to touch, yet fate seems determined to keep you apart. Sometimes, easy hookups aren't the most satisfying. Sometimes, I need something to root for, dare I even say...something to long for?

The accidental touches, the wistful looks the girl gives when she thinks no one can see her, the tortured and sad look that the off-limits male character gives to the girl when they are forced to have to come in contact - OH MY LORD, THIS IS GOOD STUFF!

And then...and then...we add in the fact that the guy is this stealthy warrior type who can kill just about anything that would try to attack a person - and he's always there to protect and defend! You know I'm a supporter of strong female characters who can kick ass for themselves (and don't worry, Gwen is slowly learning how to do this), but sometimes, the fairy tale hero who rushes in to save the day is so darn adorable.

Please excuse me while I take a moment of silence to reflect on my ridiculous imaginary crush on Logan. *pause*

Did I just go backwards in age a few years? Did I just embarrass myself? Probably? Okay, well, it's almost the end of the year and I haven't really done much swooning over the past few months. I had an extra few credits left of girly self-expression that were going to go to waste, so I figured that I might as well burn them up before I have to reset the count for next year and start conserving again.

Yes, the repetitive details were still present. Yes, Gwen's self-loathing was driving me a little crazy until she finally got over herself. Yes, there are some silly/fluffy moments. But I don't care for once because I have Logan.

Oh, and I thought the Fenris wolf was awesome.
Plus, there is a talking sword named Vic. You read that right. The sword talks. In a British accent. And he's funny (in a mean and sarcastic way) as hell. The scene where Gwen put a Santa cap on Vic was downright priceless.

[Bookish Pengu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soo und zum zweiten Mal hab ich es gelesen 😍 Natürlich sind mir jetzt die Fehler schon eher aufgefallen aber das hat den Unterhaltungsfaktor für mich nicht wirklich geschmälert! :)

[Savannah (Books With Bite) · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYONE! CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. IF YOU DON'T, I WILL SEND VIC AFTER YOU!

OMG! I. LOVED.THIS.BOOK. I mean really loved. Loved it so much that I want to bathe in the literature if I could. (You know I would too! LOL)

This book is the bomb diggity. Right from the very first page, I felt the anxiety and excitement of reading every goodness of the page. The plot was dynamic. Filled with action, fighting, major flirting, and forbidden love, I fell in love with this book. I loved that Ms. Estep really guided the reader into the story not leaving them confuse or shut out. I was able to step right back into Mythos Academy as if I have never left.

The favorite part of the story is Vic, the talking sword. Yes, he is my fave man in the book. He part is small, but I adore his advice, sarcastic comments, and just the way he bugs the living daylights out of Gwen. You don't know how many times I snickered every time I read,"Shut up Vic." I love it!!!

The love interest in this book really blew up in the readers face. Ms Estep brought a love that passionate and real to life. I adore the tension between the characters. The masochist feeling I get out reading about Gwen and Logan really made my heart swell. I like that they fought and bickered but most importantly, I love their loyalty to each other.

As I said before, read this book. You will fall in love with Mytho's Academy, action, and non-stop flirting. This book will have you turning pages faster and faster. The love in it will have you yearning for more and more. Trust me with I say Ms. Estep write one heck of a book. Read it!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Und ein weiteres Mal zieht Jennifer estep mich mit in ihren Bann, ich konnte einfach nicht aufhören zu lesen, und sitze schon mit Band 3 in den startlöchern hier!!! Wie schön es mal wieder war Gwen in ihrem Alltag auf der Academy zu begleiten, bei all den Dingen, die so normal sind und doch oft in Büchern nicht angesprochen werden, und bei all den nicht so normalen Abenteuern. Wow wow wow. Ich hab einfach alles an der Geschichte geliebt und war so sehr im Lesefluss, dass es sich komisch angefühlt hat am Ende fertig zu sein, weil es war, als hätte ich die letzten Stunden mit Gwen zusammen verbracht. Ich kann nichts anderes sagen, als das diese Fantasy Reihe mein Herz im Sturm erobert hat und ich jetzt einfach direkt weiterlesen muss!!!

[iamreadingdreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️

So ein geniales Buch! Damals große Liebe, heute große Liebe!🤍

[Colleen Houck]

I think I liked this one even more than the first. Favorite scene was the avalanche and the wolf. The heroine has such a cool power. It reminds me of old school Heroes. Loved that they all have different abilities. Adding the next one to my tbr list right now.

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Endlich habe ich, Vee, Freunde gefunden. Endlich, hat der Freak der Mythos Academy Freunde. Doch ICH, mit meinen violetten Augen, bin immer noch nicht beliebt. Immer noch bin ich das seltsame Gypsymädchen, dass SO EIN FREAK ist. Aber oh weh, da ist ein süßer Boy, der NUR MIT MIR flirtet. Auch, wenn ich ihn gerade einmal seit fünf Minuten kenne, weiß ich, dass er MICH WILL. Oder doch nicht? Denn ich bin doch SO EIN GROSSER Freak. Er kann mich nicht wollen, auch, wenn ich ihn will. OH WEH, was mache ich nur? Ich hänge doch noch an dem sexy Logan mit seinem sexy Lächeln und diesen Baustrahler-Augen mit diesem eisblauen Schein. Vielleicht wiederhole ich die ersten 150 Seiten für den Leser das, was im ersten Band passiert ist, damit er nicht merkt WAS FÜR EIN FREAK ich doch bin! Oh ja, das mache ich! Aber besser wäre es doch, wenn ich diesem süßen Boy MIT DEN BLAUEN AUGEN meine Aufmerksamkeit schenke! Der sexy Logan hat doch eh seine Freundin, aber hat nur Augen für mich, oh weh. Doch bald, bald werde ich ein Teil oder vielleicht sogar sein ganzes(?) Geheimnis kennen! Es ihm aber nicht sagen, weil ich das ja so toll finde, etwas zu verheimlichen! Hauptsache ICH, DER FREAK, kann knutschen in einer komplett dummen Situation! Oh ja, das macht mir, DEM FREAK, total Spaß!

Ja, also eigentlich ... ist schon alles gesagt :D Ich war ganz verwundert, dass die Autorin diesmal ihre Lieblingsfarben kaum erwähnt hat: Purpur-grau. Oder sie hat gemerkt, das der Begriff "Purpur" für diese Saison out ist und jetzt ein "violett" gemischt mit "Freak" hermusste. Sie hat aber zumindest eine neue Farbe gelernt, nämlich: Blau. Ach ja, und noch: Rot. Aber das war meist mit dem blau etwas vermischt ... also kommen wir eigentlich auch wieder bei violett raus. Mensch, ganz schön gewitzt, diese Autorin! Ist mir beim Lesen gar nicht aufgefallen ...

Und warum gebe ich dem ganzen jetzt doch drei Sterne, wenn es für mich Trash ist? Ganz einfach: Der zweite Band war um einiges besser als der erste und die Seiten ließen sich super schnell weglesen. (Außer die letzten hundert, vom Gefühl her, denn die zogen sich etwas und wirkten wie schlecht drangehängt.)

Ich freue mich schon auf den dritten Band! :)

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the concept, and I enjoyed the story; however, my enjoyment was marred by the writing. I felt as though the author copied and pasted entire sentences, if not paragraphs, from the first book in the series. I understand the author wanting to provide backstory for individuals who accidentally read this book first, but to provide the explanation verbatim felt like lazy writing and detracted from my overall enjoyment of the story.

I also find it hard to like the heroine. Harry Potter had four books to win me over by the time he became (temporarily) a sullen, self-absorbed brat in The Order of the Phoenix. Gwen has flashes of likability, but throughout most of the first two books, I want to give her a swift kick in the pants and tell her to get over herself. I understand she is dealing with a great tragedy, but for me it still doesn't excuse, or make me like, her rudeness and obnoxious attitude. By the end of the second book, it appears as though she moved beyond her "woe is me" demeanor, but only the third book will tell. Now, I just have to decide if it's worth reading the third book when it does come out.

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/

I enjoyed this book! This was another re-read for me but I remember so little of the book that it felt like I was reading it for the first time. I was curious what danger Gwen and her friends might have to deal with in this installment. I found this to be a very entertaining listen.

Gwen recently started going to the Mythos Academy and is learning how to take care of herself. Early in this story, she faces two possible threats before she goes with the school on a ski trip where things get even more dangerous. I am really enjoying watching Gwen learn how to fully use her powers and I liked seeing what she could do when she really needed to make things happen. I feel like some progress was made between her and Logan by the end of the book and I look forward to seeing where things go with them. It was great seeing Gwen start to make even more friends since I have a feeling that she is going to need help again in future books.

Tara Sands did a great job with the narration of this book. I really like the voices that she uses for the various characters, including a talking sword! I found her voice to be very pleasant and wanted to listen to this book for hours at a time. I do believe that her narration added to my overall enjoyment.

I would recommend this series to others. I think that this is a series that is best when read in order if at all possible so I would start with the first book instead of this one. I will say that the story does feel very young but since teens are the intended audience, that makes sense. I had a great time with this book and look forward to continuing with this series very soon.

Initial Thoughts
This was a re-read for me but it has been so long since I first read this book that it was basically like reading it for the first time since I remember next to nothing. Gwen is learning to use her powers fully and I liked seeing what she could do when she really needed to make things happen. I feel like some progress was made between her and Logan by the end of the book and I look forward to seeing where things go with them. I did also enjoy seeing Gwen making new friends and becoming more of a part of things.

Book source: Purchased

[Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies · Rating 2 out of 5]

Angry-at-the-world girl Gwen is at it again. She hates everyone at her school because they're so good and she's not (she admits it herself). She hates that they were so good at this fighting stuff and she's a novice, never mind that they've been doing this since they started walking and she's been only at this for a year. Oh, and they SUCK because they're rich and flaunt it, never mind that her family is well-off too but her mother and grandmother decided to raise her as a normal girl. Totally not the beloved late mother and grandmother's fault. Let's hate on the fellow students instead. Yet more slut shaming and irrational anger/bitchiness in this book. The latest installment is entertaining but only at the very lightest level.

[Lina Lovegood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wieder sehr gut, Acer etwas schwächer als der letzte Teil, weil viel wiederholt wurde und mir es sehr vorhersehbar war.

[Μαρία Γεωργοπούλου · Rating 5 out of 5]

Η σειρά συνεχίζει το ίδιο υπέροχα!! Έχω ενθουσιαστεί!!!

[Madeleine Knutsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Första gången läst 2013
Andra gången läst 2021
Inte lika bra som första gången jag läste den, men fortfarande *chefs kiss*

[Annie Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!!

Loved this sequel! What a great continuation of Gwen's journey at Mythos Academy. This was as action packed as the first. Lots of shit happening and sword fighting and magic and all the great stuff we've experienced in Touch of Frost. It was a lot of fun. Ienjoyed it

I loved the characters. Loved them all. First of all, Daphne. Let me say, I didn't care for her in ToF. She was such a bitch. I was sure I'd hate her. But. I was wrong, so wrong. She changed a lot, she grew a lot. She was such an awesome best friend to Gwen. Every scene with her I smiled or laughed at her snarky comebacks. She's an incredible character and Valkyrie. I'd love her as a bff. I can't wait to see more of her in the next books. I also love Carson. He's a great friend, and a sweet boyfriend to Daphne. They make a terrific pair.

Oliver was great. I was skeptical about him. He was a jerk to Gwen and it was uncalled for but when we learn of his secret, I could see why. I felt bad for him. And then towards the end, he totally won me over. He turned out to be an alright guy. I dig him. And Kenzie too, though he's kinda mean too. But I think in the coming books, he'll change my mind.

All the supporting characters were great: Grandma Frost, Nickemedes, Metis, Ajax...they were all great. How could I forget Vic-the talking sword? He's just...I love him. He brings such comic relief to the story. His sarcasm, snide comments and yet his encouragement towards Gwen is just a wonderful addition to the story. Yeah, I'd love to have Vic as my talking sword. Where can I get one?

Gwen Frost. This book showed me such amazing changes in her from the first book. Sure, she's not the baddest heroine around, but overtime I think she'll be a kick-ass, bad-ass bitch. She's still getting used to her Gypsy magic, but I think she's come along way since the beginning. I see her determination and drive to find a way in stopping the Chaos War from happening again and I think she'll succeed with help from all of her friends at the Academy. I have faith she'll stop the reapers from getting what they need to free Loki. That bastard will rot in the prison he's kept in...I hope. I was so sad what she saw though, from Preston. That bastard played me a fool, I almost liked him. Ugh. But how bad would it suck to have the ability to see a person's memories, thoughts, emotions just by touching them or an object of theirs? I would loathe that power! I don't envy Gwen in that respect. What I do envy, though is the Spartan boy I've been crushing on, I mean that she's been crushing on...who also likes her but has a secret that is keeping them apart.

Logan freaking Quinn. The Spartan of my dreams. Damn, with his black hair and icy blue eyes, boy do I crush on him. I loved him since he first ran into his "Gypsy girl" in Touch of Frost and I haven't stopped since. He's the Academy's manwhore and Gwen's object of desires. And mine too. He was still amazing in this book. Though he can't be with Gwen for reasons that she learns toward the end, which made me so sad for him, he's still protecting her when she runs into trouble. He's always saving her, because even though he seems cold on the outside, he's battling his own demons and feelings for his gypsy. I was happy we got some semblance of romance between them, it wasn't enough but it had to do. For now. But at the end, he made me all weepy and swoon right before they parted ways for the Winter break. He was so sweet! Ah! I love the sexy Spartan! And it made me excited for Dark Frost. Maybe they'll get together in that one since he ended it with that Amazon bitch?! God, I can only hope! I NEED them to finally be together for the love of all things magic. It's killing me!

So to wrap up this review; I loved this book. I'm glad things at Mythos is getting intense. I love the action and fight scenes. I love the character development. I love the gods/goddesses and magic. I love the mythology. I love Gwen. I love Logan freaking Quinn. I love this series. They're very fast paced and quick reads. Can't wait to start Dark Frost. I recommend to lovers of mythology and romance...well more the magic than anything since I'm waiting for more romance between my two fave characters.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book in the Mythos Academy series features what I thought was a skillful distribution of recaps of all the main elements of the first book, Touch of Frost, so that, as Cee notes in her review, if it's been years since you read that one, you won't be confused by references to things you've forgotten. Kudos to the author for that, from the editor in me.

I did enjoy this book too. Although it's told in first person past tense by seventeen-year-old Gwen Frost, each event as the story unfolds is narrated as Gwen sees it at that moment--none of the retrospective effect of telling us after it's all over--with the result that as I went along I became quite impressed with Gwen the narrator's character development. By the final chapters this isolated teenager with issues has become a much more mature (and powerful) individual--and has gained not only several new friends but a few social skills too!

Gwen makes mistakes along the way, including a big one that was obvious to me from the get-go, and I'd say it should have been obvious to her even with her romantic obsessions. So her big surprise, the one that launches the death-defying climactic scenes, won't be a surprise to most readers...I think.

The book summary at the top of this page sets up the story reasonably well. I'd add that there were two threats on her life in rapid succession--an attempted hit-and-run plus that arrow in the library--and she quickly puts those events and other warnings together to not only be on guard but to start trying to identify a Reaper who's infiltrated the Mythos Academy and wants her dead.

And she's not just being paranoid. After all, she's the new Champion of the goddess Nike, who defeated the evil god Loki to end the War of Chaos, and the Reapers are humans who want to release Loki from imprisonment so he can launch a second War of Chaos. What better target for a Reaper?

If the death threats and the exciting action scenes weren't enough, what makes this novel even more suspenseful is wondering whether Gwen can overcome her insecurities and rise to seemingly impossible challenges in mortal combat with magic-wielding adversaries, taking her place among superb warriors--Spartans and Amazons and more--when she's just a Gypsy girl with one psychic ability and a bare beginner at wielding her rather cheeky talking sword.

Yet Gwen is now determined to become a warrior, and her psychic gift will surprise her by coming in handy. Recommended, if you can be patient with this teenager's long and lumpy maturation process.

[Damaris (GoodChoiceReading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss of Frost is the second book in Jennifer Estep's Mythos Academy series and it pretty much takes place only a couple weeks later from where Touch of Frost ended. I really liked Touch of Frost, but I enjoyed Kiss of Frost a lot more. I think what I like the most about this series is the relationship between Logan and Gwen. The way it plays out and how at first I want to hate Logan so much, but just can't. I love it! I also really like Gwen's powers. I know there is a down side to it, but who wouldn't want to be able to see the history of everything you touch?

Kiss of Frost has just as much ass-kicking as the first book in the series. Someone is out to kill Gwen and she has no idea who. After going through so much already with one reaper, now she has to deal with a new reaper. Of course, Gwen being who she is, decides that she wants to take things into her own hands. She starts to investigate and tries to figure out who her enemy is. By doing this she discovers a lot, not only about herself, but about Logan and some of her friends around her. It was nice this time around to finally learn a bit about Logan and his past.

My only issue was that the story was a bit predictable. It didn't take me very long to figure out who was after Gwen and wanted her dead. Not sure if it was supposed to be that easy to figure out, but I would have loved a nice shock. I will say though, what I did not see coming was the whole reason WHY this person wanted her dead and who this person really was, and just how evil they truly were. With her gift, Gwen finds out a lot about this person and all that they've done. I was very happy with the ending and cannot wait for the next book, Dark Frost.

4 out of 5 Stars!

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover: Nice
Rating: PG-13
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: I’m really liking where this is going
Characters: Well Written
Plot: The Winter Carnival isn’t fun and games least not for Gwen
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Oliver

SUMMARY (50 words or less)

This second book really heats things up. Again, I’d figured everything out long before Gwen, but I wonder if that’s not by design of the story. But also, I’m not the target market so maybe it’s just that. Still I really liked this one .

For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:

http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...

Audio Review
Tara Sands continues to do an incredible job.

[Rain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Das Ende ist ja süß. ♥ Trotzdem waren es eigentlich nur Gwens Fähigkeiten, die ich mochte, den Rest... eher nicht.

[Monica Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. It is predictable but addicting. I am enjoying the characters and the mythology vibe. In this novel, Gwen is still hung up on Logan but she is trying to make the most of it by attending the school's winter getaway. The problem is it looks like her life may be in danger based on what happened in the last novel. This book was filled with lots of action and a little romance. We also learn more about Gwen's magic and more about her background. I can't wait to read more.

[Melanchallina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Хорошая серия. Ни великолепная, ни шикарная, ни плохая, ни ужасная, а именно хорошая. Этакий твердый середнячок, который понравится фанатам «Перси Джексона» и «Академии Вампиров». Серия представляет собой смесь мифов и типичный приключенческий YA, читается буквально взахлеб (благодаря легкости и простоте), но и желания перечитывать определенно не возникает.



Вторая книга серии также значительно уступает первой. Здесь больше шаблонов, уровень предсказуемости – Бог, а героиня на протяжении книги проявляла черты характера, которые я безумно не люблю в книжных героинях. Однако, если вам просто нужно расслабиться и прочитать, что-то незамысловатое, то эта серия создана для этого.

Итак. Кто-то пытается убить Гвен Фрост. И она ожидала этого, потому что… ну знаете она чемпион Ники – главного врага, противника норвежского Бога Зла – Локи. Ни того Локи в которого все влюблены после фильмов Марвел, а того, который хочет утопить весь мир в крови и хаосе.



Именно Ника много лет назад привела Пантеон Богов к Победе и склонила Локи к поражению. Сейчас Плохой Парень заточен в мифической тюрьме и как никогда близок к освобождению. И ради этого Жнецы Хаоса – верные слуги Локи сделают все: будут убивать, приводить жертвоприношения…. Но самое главное, им нужно убить Чемпиона Ники. Что снова нас приводит к Гвен Фрост.



С таким сюжетом, в принципе понятно ху из Злодей и кто его слуги. Даже до физического появления самих героев. Так, что когда этот самый Плохой Мальчик появляется, а автор в довесок еще и, практически напрямую говорит, «ЭЙ, если вы еще не догадались, то этот парень *фейерверк и указание пальцами на героя* ЖНЕЦ ХАОСА!!!! Нежданчик да? Мухааххахахах». Просто РУКАЛИЦО. Авторы, солнышки мои, если вы вплетаете в свои книги детективную линию, постарайтесь ее хоть немного сделать непредсказуемой. Ну, хоть немного! Нехорошо это, когда читатель сидит и буквально кричит героине «Ну ты дура! Слепая! Разуй глаза!».

Также в этой книге, немного раздражала Гвен. Она все еще мне нравится, как героиня, и хорошо, что она под конец книги отрастила, наконец яйца (фигурально естественно, физические она все еще девочка и все еще любит мальчиков), но до того, как это произошло ей стоило порой включать мозг. Все эти ее размышления:
1. «Я справлюсь сама. Я могу быть сильной и никомууууууу не расскажу, что меня дважды пытались убить».
И
2. «Я просто цыганская девочка, которая ни на что не способна, НО все равно никому ничего не расскажу».
3. «Я такая одинокая. Мне так одиноко в этой Академии. Я здесь чужая».
4. «Я – Чемпион Ники! Ну, непросто так же она меня выбрала!»

Довольно-таки подбешивали. Во-первых, я не люблю когда героини не могут адекватно оценить свои возможности и думают, что могут справиться со всем сами. Во-вторых, мне не нравится, когда герои книги с детства обладая способностями, только в 17-18 лет решают, что «ой, а на что еще я способна? Прикольно то как, пора изучать свои силы». Блин. Можно ли мне хоть раз героиню, которая к этому возрасту уже более-менее владеет свой силой или, по крайней мере, разумно оценивает ее потенциал?

С другой стороны, хорошо, что под конец Гвен начала проявлять твердость характера и решительность. Мне понравилось, что она решила убить при встрече Чемпиона Локи, ни смотря на то, что убийство… ну это плохо. Никакой жалости и сомнения.

Я не знала как, не знала когда, но я найду чемпиона Локи - эту девчонку-жнеца. И тогда я воткну в её грудь меч.

Вперед Гвен! Главное не проявляй потом ненужной жалости и нытья «я не моуг уподобиться Жнецам, я не убийца!».

Что насчет любовной линии. Ну конечно герои все ходят вокруг да около. Это было бы слишком просто для YA, если б Гвен и Логан просто кинулись бы в объятия друг друга и стали страстно целоваться. NO. У них должны быть проблемы с сближением с другими людьми, тяжкий груз печали и девиз по жизни «я не могу никого к себе подпускать, но я люблю тебя… ах нет пойди прочь, я причиню тебе лишь боль» и т.д. В общем вы поняли. Радует, что под конец книги герои все таки решили, что стоит хотя бы попытаться.

И да. Отдельное фи богам. Их позиция просто убивает меня. А позиция их такова. Мы – заключили Локи в тюрьму. Локи опасен и скоро вырвется на свободу, и начнется кровопролитие и жесть. Вы, все должны остановить его последователей ну и... самого Бога. А мы тут посидим в сторонке, потому что договорились не вмешиваться в дела людей. Наше вмешательство может уничтожить мир людей! Локи конечно его тоже может уничтожить, но это уже ваша проблема. Обращайтесь за советами, подсказками. НО помните, что напрямую мы не можем ничего говорить. Сами ищите последнюю печать и сами берегите ее от разрушения. И помните, это важно! Иначе Локи освободится! Но вы сами с этим справляйтесь.

Ну ваще блин. Логика просто нереальная. Послала бы я таких Богов далеко и подальше.




Оценка: 5/10

[Bibbidi_babbidi_booklove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tolle Fortsetzung, zeitweise etwas viele Wiederholungen aus Teil 1, trotzdem total spannend und interessant. Ich liebe die Protagonisten schon jetzt!

[Bailey (IB Book Blogging) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of TOUCH OF FROST, I couldn't stop myself from doing the happy dance when KISS OF FROST arrived on my doorstep. TOUCH OF FROST ended at such a point where I went insane from the dire need to find out what happens next! I am so, so, so, so happy with where Estep went with this one. The characters are further developed, the action is still there, and there is still mucho chemistry between Logan and Gwen. KISS OF FROST kicks it up a notch, so much so that I am expecting a lot from the next novel, DARK FROST.


Gwen is the perfect blend of sarcasm, wit, and determination. She is one of my favorite heroines! Her skills as a gypsy are so impressive and I love how she doesn't want to use them to further things that she really wants. She wants them to happen of their own accord, and I appreciate her for that, even though as a reader I go crazy from the need of wanting things to be more explored! She blossoms so much in KISS OF FROST and I am glad that I got to experience her growth right with her.


Besides her growth as a person, there were some definite sparks flying in between the monster/Reaper scares and show downs. You know who I'm talking about: Logan. WOW. Words cannot explain his total and complete hotness. I just want to gobble him up! Gwen is a very lucky girl and I've been rooting for her since the beginning to get her man! If anyone stands a chance at breaking Logan's barriers, its Gwen. A LOT happens between them in this one so I am so excited to see what occurs in DARK FROST!


The stakes are even higher in this one for Gwen. More comes out about the Reapers and she discovers quite a few things that had my jaw dropping. I am craving to know more about all of these discoveries and I don't know how much longer I'll be able to stand the wait. Kudos to Estep for her mad storytelling skills. She knows how to get my emotions stirring and my adrenaline running!


KISS OF FROST does end on a good note, but that sneak peak chapter in to DARK FROST killed me. June, you are too far away! But really, if you haven't yet delved into this series, you are sure missing out on some good stuff.

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life

I have recently been on a Paranormal Y.A. binge and after being so turned off by the genre for a while, I am so happy to be back on the horse.

Even though the Paranormal YA genre is still hit and miss for me, there are some incredible series that can’t help but fascinate and enthrall me. Jennifer Estep’s Mythos Academy is definitely one of those, even though it’s one of the newest in my TBR.

I loved Touch of Frost back in July and I could not wait to read more on Gwen and co. After reading Kiss of Frost, I am so NOT disappointed! Jennifer delivered such an amazing adventure and story with Kiss of Frost, that I can positively say that this is fast becoming one my favorite series ever.

Kiss of Frost brings it all back, out dear heroine, Gwen, is far from perfect but has definitely grown a lot and is extremely lovable. We get more action this time around and, great world building, though I could do with a little less repetitiveness when it comes to backstory. The myths, legends are all there once more in my favorite Para normal Y.A. setting, the private school A.K.A. Hell!

Gwen is finally coming to terms with her place in the Mythos world and Logan has been trying to train her to be more of a warrior. Her day to day has changed a lot, but Gwen still doesn’t understand Logan’s stand-offish attitude and a school ski trip was not in plans, let alone meeting a boy that charms her and makes Logan jealous all at once.

Kiss of Frost is a fabulous sequel to Touch of Frost and right on par with what Jennifer has been doing with the series. I sure hope the Mythos Academy series is here to stay, cause I surely want so much more books out of it!

If you enjoyed Touch of Frost, Kiss of Frost is a MUST READ! If you have yet to check out the series, this is the perfect time to do so!

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zum Ende hin hat es mich etwas genervt, dass der Fokus so stark auf Gwens Mutter lag. Der eigentliche Höhepunkt war bereits 40 Seiten davor, wo Band 2 prima hätte enden könnten.
Trotzdem, die Geschichte hat mir sehr gut gefallen und dieser Teil war sogar noch etwas besser als sein Vorgänger. :)

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. I really like the world building and myths setting to this series although it’s a little ‘young’ overall (too much attention to outfits for example). Entertaining enough series as an occasional filler.

[linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of Gwen Frost being Nike's new champion continues. Doing so she stumbles into a lot of trouble. A lot of trouble. // 2.5 stars

[Kiona (Books & Cafes) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally posted on www.yareads.com

Gwen Frost is back and she's finally settling into a rhythm at Mythos. She's training every morning before classes with Logan and two of his Spartan friends, and her free time is divided between gossiping with new BFF Daphne, visiting her grandma, and working at the library. Things seem all right, until her life is threatened once again. She knew a Reaper of Chaos would come for her eventually, but she didn't realize she'd be in such danger on campus. Which is why Daphne is able to convince Gwen to join the school as they drive up to a luxury ski resort for the annual winter carnival. But instead of relaxing, Gwen finds herself in even more trouble than before.

The first book in Estep's series really didn't hold my attention, but I was willing to give Kiss of Frost a chance to hit its stride. If possible, Kiss of Frost is even more repetitive and riddled with clichés. First, it begins by rehashing all the events of the first book. This is nothing new -- a lot of authors use this device when writing series. But the rehashing continues throughout the entirety of the novel so that it seems like filler, a way for Estep to increase her page count. Second, the entire setting of Kiss of Frost seems like a ripoff of Richelle Mead's Frostbite. A poorly executed ripoff, at that. And since I was so reminded of Frostbite, I couldn't help thinking how much I'd rather be reading that book that Kiss of Frost. Third, the plot is absolutely predictable and unoriginal. The only unpredictable part is the romance between Gwen and Logan. If you think all the flirting, taunting, and sexual tension between the two will pay off in the second novel of the series, prepare for disappointment. Their relationship goes nowhere, once again.

I want to like the Mythos Academy series. I typically love series about boarding schools for vampires/warriors/magically gifted students. But Estep really doesn't bring anything new to the genre with Mythos. The mythology surrounding the students of Mythos is convoluted and unbelievable. Too many ancient myths and histories are mixed to make sense. And the way everyone flings titles at each other in every conversation -- "Hello, Valkyrie," "What do you want, Spartan?" -- is absurd. Actually, most of the dialogue is absurd, especially when it comes to the villains. In the first and second books, both villains speak almost singularly in unrealistic clichés. Their words make me visibly cringe while reading.

But I'd be able to overlook a lot of these things if Gwen was likable. But there isn't anything terribly special about her character, except that she's the lone Gypsy at a school of ancient warriors. None of her personality traits really set her apart from any other student at Mythos. Yes, she's supposed to be the snarky, mysterious, tough-as-nails loner. Except she's not really all that snarky, mysterious, or tough. She's really only a loner because she doesn't try to talk to anyone unless they speak to her first. She's already decided she hates all the students at Mythos, yet she's surprised when they don't welcome her with open arms. But the worst part is, Gwen's dumb. She never thinks things through and almost always makes the worst decisions. It takes her forever to realize things that are immediately obvious to the reader, like how to use her powers, who's really trying to kill her, and what Logan really feels. The longer it takes Gwen to figure everything out, the more respect I lose for her.

As far as secondary characters, Estep doesn't give us much. Daphne and Gwen are suddenly best friends forever, incapable of living without each other. But they don't really spend much time together or have much in common. Any time they're together, Daphne either has to run out to meet up with her boyfriend or they fill their time, in Estep's words, by "gossiping." Then there are the professors: Metis, the wise and kind mentor, and Nickamedes, the antagonizing and crotchety Librarian who seems to have it out for Gwen, except he really just wants to protect her. Last, there's Logan, the bad boy who won't let Gwen get too close lest she discover his big bad secret. She gets a peek at this secret in Kiss of Frost and, as expected, it doesn't seem like a deal-breaker to me. All of these characters lack depth, which leaves Kiss of Frost feeling like kind of an empty read.

With all that said, the Mythos Academy series isn't awful. There's just plenty I dislike about it and nothing I really like. But for those who like supernatural boarding school series, Mythos might appeal to you. If anything, it's a quick read, so if you're interested, it couldn't hurt to give the books a try. It won't take long for you to decide if it's a hit or a miss.

[Danielle. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Touch of Frost; even though this should have been rated 1 star, I’m generously giving this three. I know I said I wasn’t going to read the rest of the series, but the book has so much potential. It does. I have to admit, I kind of… you know… enjoyed it. But I thought the author left some of her old habits behind on the Touch of Frost, unfortunately she didn’t….

I really can’t stand how the author is writing unnecessary comments. Jennifer Estep, adding ‘smack-smack-smack’, ‘clang-clang-clang’, and ‘thrust-thrust-thrust’ doesn’t make those fighting ‘effects’ any more imaginative. Adding ‘Yum. So Good.’ doesn’t make the food you’re describing any more delicious. Adding ‘Yucko.’ doesn’t make things any more gross. And adding ‘the thump-thump-thumping of my heart’ is just stupid. I know what a thumping heart sounds like; and I know how punches and swords sound like. It doesn’t help when you add those. It gets frowned upon. By me, at least.

I hate how Estep wrote British accent and then a few pages after she said English accent. It’s called an English dialect.

Spoiler alert…

Ridiculous passages/sayings:

'Doing the nasty.'

- Doing the nasty… just say sex.

'Go to the party, get drunk, and totally make out with Carson.'

- Yeah, and while you’re at it, be sure to tell your best friend to do heroin!

'Whatever, we weren't talking to you, Gypsy, so why don't you run along and shelves some more books before Nickamedes comes out of his office and yells at you? No, wait. On the other hand, don't. I'd love to watch him scream at you again. Working in the library. That's so pathetic, just like your cheap clothes.'

- Can we say, elementary?

'Preston laughed at me. “Sorry, Gypsy. I'm going to kill your boyfriend, and then I'm going to kill you - and there's nothing you can do to stop me.” “Shut up, Reaper,” I snarled.'

- *Face Palm*

‘“Do it,” he hissed. “Kill me!” I wanted to - I really, really wanted to. For everything he’d done to me, for how he’d hurt Logan, Oliver, and even the Fenrir wolf. But Preston was injured and unarmed now. He wasn’t a threat any more, and killing him now would make me no better than he was.’

- You are the biggest idiot I’ve ever read. If the tables were turned, he would have killed you. You let this murderer walk free. You, ma’am, are an arse.

After writing this review, maybe I should give it 1 star…