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Frequency
Nine years ago, Fiona was just a kid. But everything changed the night the Pit Viper came to town. Sure, he rid the quiet, idyllic suburb of Hamm of its darkest problems. But Fiona witnessed something much, much worse from Hamm’s adults when they drove him away.
And now, the Pit Viper is back.
Fiona’s not just a kid anymore. She can handle the darkness she sees in the Pit Viper, a DJ whose wicked tattoos, quiet anger, and hypnotic music seem to speak to every teen in town…except her. She can handle watching as each of her friends seems to be overcome, nearly possessed by the music. She can even handle her unnerving suspicion that the DJ is hell-bent on revenge.
But she’s not sure she can handle falling in love with him.
And now, the Pit Viper is back.
Fiona’s not just a kid anymore. She can handle the darkness she sees in the Pit Viper, a DJ whose wicked tattoos, quiet anger, and hypnotic music seem to speak to every teen in town…except her. She can handle watching as each of her friends seems to be overcome, nearly possessed by the music. She can even handle her unnerving suspicion that the DJ is hell-bent on revenge.
But she’s not sure she can handle falling in love with him.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Krovatin
22 books157 followersI'm Chris Krovatin, author of DARKNESS, RED ROVER, FREQUENCY, VENOMOUS, HEAVY METAL & YOU, the GRAVEDIGGERS trilogy, and HELLRAISERS).
I'm also a journalist for multiple heavy metal press outfits, specifically The Pit, Kerrang!, Noisey, Invisible Oranges, and MetalSucks.
I'm a horror enthusiast, Halloween worshipper, husband and dad living out in New Jersey. My favorite musicians are Slayer, Rob Zombie and Frank Sinatra, and my favorite food is gnocchi (it's made of potatoes!).
I'm also a journalist for multiple heavy metal press outfits, specifically The Pit, Kerrang!, Noisey, Invisible Oranges, and MetalSucks.
I'm a horror enthusiast, Halloween worshipper, husband and dad living out in New Jersey. My favorite musicians are Slayer, Rob Zombie and Frank Sinatra, and my favorite food is gnocchi (it's made of potatoes!).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 24, 2018
Frequency by Christopher Krovatin is a young adult/new adult fantasy read that seems to be a modernized, dark and twisted retelling of the Pied Piper. With mentions of sex and drug use this one would probably be best for the older teens.
When Fiona was nine her small suburb of Hamm was being overrun with teens partying so the town council which included Fiona’s father came up with a plan. Contacting a teen known as the Pit Viper they were told or 100k he could run off the group so they would not return. Spying on her father Fiona witnessed the agreement and the aftermath of that night with the Pit Viper.
Now at eighteen Fiona has grown into her own love for music and shares the passion with her boyfriend who always brings her his new musical finds. When a recording of the Pit Viper shows up Fiona can’t help but wonder if it’s the same guy from all those years ago and when she gets the chance to see him she can’t help but take it.
Ok, being a fan of retellings, fantasy and music this one was sure to be interesting to me on some level and when finished I can say it definitely was. The one thing I questioned though was why bother with starting the book with the main character just having sex and her friends teasing her with it’s about time… what kind of message does that start off with when it’s not necessary for the story? I would have preferred it being cleaned up a bit more so to speak and just concentrating on the mystery of the music and without those little things added but otherwise I’d recommend this more to the new adult crowd.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
When Fiona was nine her small suburb of Hamm was being overrun with teens partying so the town council which included Fiona’s father came up with a plan. Contacting a teen known as the Pit Viper they were told or 100k he could run off the group so they would not return. Spying on her father Fiona witnessed the agreement and the aftermath of that night with the Pit Viper.
Now at eighteen Fiona has grown into her own love for music and shares the passion with her boyfriend who always brings her his new musical finds. When a recording of the Pit Viper shows up Fiona can’t help but wonder if it’s the same guy from all those years ago and when she gets the chance to see him she can’t help but take it.
Ok, being a fan of retellings, fantasy and music this one was sure to be interesting to me on some level and when finished I can say it definitely was. The one thing I questioned though was why bother with starting the book with the main character just having sex and her friends teasing her with it’s about time… what kind of message does that start off with when it’s not necessary for the story? I would have preferred it being cleaned up a bit more so to speak and just concentrating on the mystery of the music and without those little things added but otherwise I’d recommend this more to the new adult crowd.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 15, 2018
A modern-day tale of the pied piper.
Music is everything. Sex, drugs and rock and roll. Fiona and her friends are into the hottest new sounds. Her boyfriend, Horace craves to be a DJ but there is a new guy on the sound system. The Pit Viper's music is hypnotic. Everyone seems to live it. Everyone except Fiona. She knows there is something about the Pit Viper that isn't normal. She's drawn to him but not like the others. Fiona wants to know the guy behind the music.
A small town with secrets. A corrupt system which has already dealt a dodgy hand. This is the tale of revenge and dark magic.
Frequency is aimed at the older teen (college/university). Fiona's music taste is rock and metal (Frequency even contains an Iron Maiden quote). The story has themes of drugs, sex, violence and bad language. Frequency is a unique and creative read. It has a tainted edge and is touching on the horror genre.
Ok, so I'm finding it hard to rate this book. It's really well written and the story is interesting. Frequency has a badass rock style life form to it. The idea behind the book is really good but it's just not my style. I'm all about romance and this book isn't. Don't get me wrong, it is a girl meets boy story but the circumstances are dark. Frequency has so much to offer outside the romance genre. I would say this book is aimed at college students looking for something different.
For me, this is a 3-star read. It's okay but for the right audience, it will be loved. This is not the typical Entangled Teen read.
Recommend for 18 + audience.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I've joined the YA bound blog tour my date 12 October 2018.
Music is everything. Sex, drugs and rock and roll. Fiona and her friends are into the hottest new sounds. Her boyfriend, Horace craves to be a DJ but there is a new guy on the sound system. The Pit Viper's music is hypnotic. Everyone seems to live it. Everyone except Fiona. She knows there is something about the Pit Viper that isn't normal. She's drawn to him but not like the others. Fiona wants to know the guy behind the music.
A small town with secrets. A corrupt system which has already dealt a dodgy hand. This is the tale of revenge and dark magic.
Frequency is aimed at the older teen (college/university). Fiona's music taste is rock and metal (Frequency even contains an Iron Maiden quote). The story has themes of drugs, sex, violence and bad language. Frequency is a unique and creative read. It has a tainted edge and is touching on the horror genre.
Ok, so I'm finding it hard to rate this book. It's really well written and the story is interesting. Frequency has a badass rock style life form to it. The idea behind the book is really good but it's just not my style. I'm all about romance and this book isn't. Don't get me wrong, it is a girl meets boy story but the circumstances are dark. Frequency has so much to offer outside the romance genre. I would say this book is aimed at college students looking for something different.
For me, this is a 3-star read. It's okay but for the right audience, it will be loved. This is not the typical Entangled Teen read.
Recommend for 18 + audience.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I've joined the YA bound blog tour my date 12 October 2018.
October 15, 2018
4.5 Stars
I decided to read this book completely based on it's cover - I love unique covers and the blurb just added to it's uniqueness. And well, I was definitely not let down in any way of creativity and distinct story telling.
Frequency is a new take on the Pied Piper legend. And I do mean take and no retelling because there is a difference; Frequency takes the idea of the Pied Piper and Christopher turns into a whole new enlightening story.
This one blurb that gives you just enough to be intrigued, but gives none of it's best parts away. I was thrown off guard by the amount of suspense and fascination that surrounded this story - I had not expected to be so drawn into and held captive the entire time.
Christopher does a great job of building up the suspense, the world of music that this story is based around and keeping you right at the edge of your seat. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book.
I know that I am being extremely vague in my review but I truly believe because I had no idea of what to expect, it made this book that much more enjoyable.
Frequency is one book I highly recommend to anyone (Yes it is YA but it's definitely geared to older teens with the drug use and certain situations). And it's the perfect read for this time of year.
I decided to read this book completely based on it's cover - I love unique covers and the blurb just added to it's uniqueness. And well, I was definitely not let down in any way of creativity and distinct story telling.
Frequency is a new take on the Pied Piper legend. And I do mean take and no retelling because there is a difference; Frequency takes the idea of the Pied Piper and Christopher turns into a whole new enlightening story.
This one blurb that gives you just enough to be intrigued, but gives none of it's best parts away. I was thrown off guard by the amount of suspense and fascination that surrounded this story - I had not expected to be so drawn into and held captive the entire time.
Christopher does a great job of building up the suspense, the world of music that this story is based around and keeping you right at the edge of your seat. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book.
I know that I am being extremely vague in my review but I truly believe because I had no idea of what to expect, it made this book that much more enjoyable.
Frequency is one book I highly recommend to anyone (Yes it is YA but it's definitely geared to older teens with the drug use and certain situations). And it's the perfect read for this time of year.
September 17, 2018
"Follow the music if you want to live"
The first thing that caught my attention in this book was the cover and with this premise inscribed in it, I thought it would be a kind of dystopian world but it was not like that.
Fiona is a 18 year old girl that loves music, rock and roll, she has a guitar named "Betty", and it's her best friend, when she feels stressed she goes to Betty and calm herself down.
She saw when her father and his friends were hitting a teenager after he did something with his music to end with the crime in their little town, but the never got his payment. She approached and gave him an apple and a bottle of water.
"The Pit Viper", the kid came back 9 years later looking for vengeance and he pretends to be a DJ but he remembers Fiona; they begin to hang out together and falling in love each other. He told her about a book with some kind of magic that allows him to control peoples mind, except hers and that is because maybe she has her own rythm. A relationship began to grow between them until se realized something he was going to do to her friends was not good. She will try to stop him with her own power after he taught her to develop her potential. This is not gonna be easy, he is powerful.
At first it was hard for me to get attached to the characters and when I did, a little, I think it was to the wrong ones haha. It is a fast paced story with deep situations and the last chapters had me eating my nails.
In my opinion it is more focused for adults, not because of explicit scenes but it has many references to sex, drugs and violence, but it is probably attached to reality, yes, this book is real and shows us how youth let themselves be influenced too easy.
So if you like music, (that I must admit that I do not know much about music references in this book), with a fresh and ingenious story, a book that I think is very different from others, you should read it.
I'm still waiting for a second book (I think there will not) because I wish that two characters could had another end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC to let me read this book in exchange of an honest review
The first thing that caught my attention in this book was the cover and with this premise inscribed in it, I thought it would be a kind of dystopian world but it was not like that.
Fiona is a 18 year old girl that loves music, rock and roll, she has a guitar named "Betty", and it's her best friend, when she feels stressed she goes to Betty and calm herself down.
She saw when her father and his friends were hitting a teenager after he did something with his music to end with the crime in their little town, but the never got his payment. She approached and gave him an apple and a bottle of water.
"The Pit Viper", the kid came back 9 years later looking for vengeance and he pretends to be a DJ but he remembers Fiona; they begin to hang out together and falling in love each other. He told her about a book with some kind of magic that allows him to control peoples mind, except hers and that is because maybe she has her own rythm. A relationship began to grow between them until se realized something he was going to do to her friends was not good. She will try to stop him with her own power after he taught her to develop her potential. This is not gonna be easy, he is powerful.
At first it was hard for me to get attached to the characters and when I did, a little, I think it was to the wrong ones haha. It is a fast paced story with deep situations and the last chapters had me eating my nails.
In my opinion it is more focused for adults, not because of explicit scenes but it has many references to sex, drugs and violence, but it is probably attached to reality, yes, this book is real and shows us how youth let themselves be influenced too easy.
So if you like music, (that I must admit that I do not know much about music references in this book), with a fresh and ingenious story, a book that I think is very different from others, you should read it.
I'm still waiting for a second book (I think there will not) because I wish that two characters could had another end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC to let me read this book in exchange of an honest review
October 7, 2018
Sex, drugs, and music pound through every page, luring into a dark tale which grabs, twists and brings exciting chords.
Fiona was a kid when her cousin over-dosed and died, but that was the most shocking moment for her. She witnessed something much worse, and it has everything to do with a DJ named Pit Viper.
Now, years later, Pit Viper is back and all of her friends are crazy about his music. A musician herself, Fiona doesn't completely understand the obsession, but as secrets unfold and past's pieces slowly fall into place, she realizes the danger they are all in. Not only is her heart at stake, but the lives of every teenager in town.
This is such a hard book to rate. On one hand, it is good. Very good. The writing flows and draws in making it hard to put the book down. Fiona is a bit hard to grasp in the beginning. She's a bit of a loner in some respects, but still has an awkwardness about her. As the book goes on, she grows and it's easier to connect with her. But her attitude stays raw and spiky the whole way through.
I wouldn't hand this over to readers under sixteen as the topics and attitudes tend to steer toward a slightly older age group. Drugs and sex are not shied away from...although these themes don't control the plot either. This is a raw read with very dark moments, but it's powerful too. The music aspects thread in seamlessly and give this a very original and refreshing twist. That alone deserves bonus points. There is passion, hatred, manipulation and very dark desires. It's an addicting combination.
The twist around the Pied Piper is very obvious and well done. While parallels are easy to see, other aspects are completely original and give this a deliciously dark side. It slides into modern reality well while maintaining a wonderfully, slightly magical taste.
The romance on this one is not sweet or cozy or satisfying. In many ways, to classify it as a romance is slightly off. There are moments of desire and tingling feelings and hopes of love, but it's woven around secrets and deceits, throwing the entire thing out of the area of a pure romance read.
I enjoyed many parts of this, while others were a little illogical or didn't flow quite right. But it was a very grabbing read and surprised in so many ways. It's definitely worth a read.
I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and enjoyed reading this one quite a bit. So, I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
Fiona was a kid when her cousin over-dosed and died, but that was the most shocking moment for her. She witnessed something much worse, and it has everything to do with a DJ named Pit Viper.
Now, years later, Pit Viper is back and all of her friends are crazy about his music. A musician herself, Fiona doesn't completely understand the obsession, but as secrets unfold and past's pieces slowly fall into place, she realizes the danger they are all in. Not only is her heart at stake, but the lives of every teenager in town.
This is such a hard book to rate. On one hand, it is good. Very good. The writing flows and draws in making it hard to put the book down. Fiona is a bit hard to grasp in the beginning. She's a bit of a loner in some respects, but still has an awkwardness about her. As the book goes on, she grows and it's easier to connect with her. But her attitude stays raw and spiky the whole way through.
I wouldn't hand this over to readers under sixteen as the topics and attitudes tend to steer toward a slightly older age group. Drugs and sex are not shied away from...although these themes don't control the plot either. This is a raw read with very dark moments, but it's powerful too. The music aspects thread in seamlessly and give this a very original and refreshing twist. That alone deserves bonus points. There is passion, hatred, manipulation and very dark desires. It's an addicting combination.
The twist around the Pied Piper is very obvious and well done. While parallels are easy to see, other aspects are completely original and give this a deliciously dark side. It slides into modern reality well while maintaining a wonderfully, slightly magical taste.
The romance on this one is not sweet or cozy or satisfying. In many ways, to classify it as a romance is slightly off. There are moments of desire and tingling feelings and hopes of love, but it's woven around secrets and deceits, throwing the entire thing out of the area of a pure romance read.
I enjoyed many parts of this, while others were a little illogical or didn't flow quite right. But it was a very grabbing read and surprised in so many ways. It's definitely worth a read.
I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and enjoyed reading this one quite a bit. So, I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
September 7, 2018
"Frequency" was an interesting New Adult fantasy/thriller. I label it as New Adult because it had more of that feel than YA to me (due to sexual content, age of characters/although some in high school, they were 18+, excessive drug use/references, and violence). Anyway, I overall enjoyed it, but it was not what I was expecting! I think I would just label it differently.
Hamm is a quiet, rural town. Predominantly white with middle class problems, everything changed for the town- and for Fiona- nine years earlier. The town became a party spot with drugs and crime pouring in as young people came to party at the old Mill. After a couple local teens died from overdose, the town council decided that something must be done.
They turned to the Pit Viper, who said for a hundred grand he would DJ at the mill and clear it out. Not understanding his methods, and perhaps not wanting to understand, they agreed to hire him. He did his job- everyone at the Mill that night disappeared and no one returned. However, Fiona witnessed her dad and other town council members take Pit Viper and beat him up, threatening him if he ever returned and sending him away without the funds promised. The town has tried to forget collectively what happened. Now, nine years later, Pit Viper's CDs are showing up around Hamm, and the quiet town has its past to fear.
Fiona is 18 years old and in her last year of high school. She has a guitar, Betty, which she loves dearly and a boyfriend of six months, Horace, who she has just slept with. She felt a connection to Pit Viper when she was 9 years old and saw his presentation at the council and then witnessed her father's actions following. When the CDs start showing up, Fiona is anxious/excited, and when she sees Pit Viper, she feels that instant connection again. As their relationship grows, Fiona learns more about music than she could have imagined and gives her heart to the DJ she remembers from her childhood.
In part, the book feels like a thriller- we don't know what happened 9 years ago, and we don't know what is planned for Hamm now (although we know something is coming). The flow is very fast and the writing is gripping- the mystery really pulls you in to the story. We slowly get information about what happened nine years ago and why, but it is parceled out piecemeal over time as Fiona slowly/casually investigates. The idea of music having the potential to be somewhat magical was pretty interesting, and I would have loved to have more history/backstory on this. I also wanted to know more about the characters with Pit Viper- we get some but not all the answers by the end of the book (is it meant to be a series?). I would have liked more answers/information about all of the happenings and why, and I feel like we got pretty minimal details on this.
I would give it between 3-4 stars and I am bumping it up because I found it really hard to put down- it was a fast-paced and engaging story, but I would like a sequel to find out more! Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Hamm is a quiet, rural town. Predominantly white with middle class problems, everything changed for the town- and for Fiona- nine years earlier. The town became a party spot with drugs and crime pouring in as young people came to party at the old Mill. After a couple local teens died from overdose, the town council decided that something must be done.
They turned to the Pit Viper, who said for a hundred grand he would DJ at the mill and clear it out. Not understanding his methods, and perhaps not wanting to understand, they agreed to hire him. He did his job- everyone at the Mill that night disappeared and no one returned. However, Fiona witnessed her dad and other town council members take Pit Viper and beat him up, threatening him if he ever returned and sending him away without the funds promised. The town has tried to forget collectively what happened. Now, nine years later, Pit Viper's CDs are showing up around Hamm, and the quiet town has its past to fear.
Fiona is 18 years old and in her last year of high school. She has a guitar, Betty, which she loves dearly and a boyfriend of six months, Horace, who she has just slept with. She felt a connection to Pit Viper when she was 9 years old and saw his presentation at the council and then witnessed her father's actions following. When the CDs start showing up, Fiona is anxious/excited, and when she sees Pit Viper, she feels that instant connection again. As their relationship grows, Fiona learns more about music than she could have imagined and gives her heart to the DJ she remembers from her childhood.
In part, the book feels like a thriller- we don't know what happened 9 years ago, and we don't know what is planned for Hamm now (although we know something is coming). The flow is very fast and the writing is gripping- the mystery really pulls you in to the story. We slowly get information about what happened nine years ago and why, but it is parceled out piecemeal over time as Fiona slowly/casually investigates. The idea of music having the potential to be somewhat magical was pretty interesting, and I would have loved to have more history/backstory on this. I also wanted to know more about the characters with Pit Viper- we get some but not all the answers by the end of the book (is it meant to be a series?). I would have liked more answers/information about all of the happenings and why, and I feel like we got pretty minimal details on this.
I would give it between 3-4 stars and I am bumping it up because I found it really hard to put down- it was a fast-paced and engaging story, but I would like a sequel to find out more! Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
August 11, 2025
3.47 This was so different. Loved that part. Gotta appreciate a new idea when it comes to books.
September 28, 2018
An intriguing and dark retelling of the Pied Piper, full of teenagers using bad language, detailed rock music references, and a hint of magic. There is some new adult romance to be had, though that is not the focus of this story, and I’m happy to say that the plot kept me guessing.
‘Frequency’ will be available on October 2, 2018.
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com
‘Frequency’ will be available on October 2, 2018.
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com
October 2, 2018
the pied piper of hammelin is kind of a dark fairy tale, and it's retelling is no less dark. as frequency opens, fiona jones witnesses something horrific 9 years ago. something that connects her to the darkness that lies beneath the surface of her hometown of hamm. she sees her father and two councilmen beat up a guy for fulfilling their request.
the town of hamm had been overrun with teens who were into drugs and other undesirable things. so the pit viper took them away. and got beat up for his troubles. except he promises to return and fiona gave him an apple.
that moment of connection shouldn't mean anything, but when fiona's boyfriend gifts her a pit viper record the name is too distinctive to belong to anyone else. and just when she'd started to believe that small town life wasn't so bad, everything starts to change for the worse.
all her friends are obsessed, only fiona finds the pit viper's music off-putting. it turns out she has some extraordinary abilities too. except she'd rather use it for good. not evil.
this was one very compelling read, dark and twisty. fitting since the story it's based on is all kinds of creepy.
**frequency will publish on october 2, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (entangled teen) in exchange for my honest review.
the town of hamm had been overrun with teens who were into drugs and other undesirable things. so the pit viper took them away. and got beat up for his troubles. except he promises to return and fiona gave him an apple.
that moment of connection shouldn't mean anything, but when fiona's boyfriend gifts her a pit viper record the name is too distinctive to belong to anyone else. and just when she'd started to believe that small town life wasn't so bad, everything starts to change for the worse.
all her friends are obsessed, only fiona finds the pit viper's music off-putting. it turns out she has some extraordinary abilities too. except she'd rather use it for good. not evil.
this was one very compelling read, dark and twisty. fitting since the story it's based on is all kinds of creepy.
**frequency will publish on october 2, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (entangled teen) in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this book. The characters were great, the small-town with secrets vibe was fun, and the story kept me interested the whole time.
I think one of the things that I liked about this book was the music. I was huge into music for a long time in my life, and this whole book sings with it. Fiona, the main character in the book, is into a different style of music than I was, but I could completely relate to her and her love for music. That may be one of the things I found so compelling about this book.
Fiona knows a secret. A long time ago, something bad happened in her small little town. When the past comes back nine years later, it draws her in. Maybe the past is going to repeat itself. When she finds herself in the middle, she needs to figure things out... and maybe become the hero. Sorry, I don't really want to give away any spoilers.
This book is labeled young adult, but I wouldn't recommend it for the younger range of the YA spectrum. Maybe for ages 15/16+. There's quite a bit of drug use in this book and references to sex (nothing graphic though) that might be inappropriate for younger YA readers.
I'm thankful to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think one of the things that I liked about this book was the music. I was huge into music for a long time in my life, and this whole book sings with it. Fiona, the main character in the book, is into a different style of music than I was, but I could completely relate to her and her love for music. That may be one of the things I found so compelling about this book.
Fiona knows a secret. A long time ago, something bad happened in her small little town. When the past comes back nine years later, it draws her in. Maybe the past is going to repeat itself. When she finds herself in the middle, she needs to figure things out... and maybe become the hero. Sorry, I don't really want to give away any spoilers.
This book is labeled young adult, but I wouldn't recommend it for the younger range of the YA spectrum. Maybe for ages 15/16+. There's quite a bit of drug use in this book and references to sex (nothing graphic though) that might be inappropriate for younger YA readers.
I'm thankful to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2018
First up I'm going to point out that this is definitely a more mature YA story. The content from the start is not really suitable for younger YA readers.
On to the story: A simple act of kindness can go a long way! Think Pied Piper meets superstar DJ. Pit Viper is back in town (or is he?) and everyone is drawn to the bad boy DJ's music, even Fiona's boyfriend Horace. Fiona is confused. Is it the same guy from years ago? What does he wants? How does he seem to be able to hypnotise everybody? So many questions.
The plot actually reminded me of an episode of Grimm where a DJ uses a pied piper rat trance-ish vibe (it makes more sense when you watch it).
Fiona decides to uncover the truth and find out what Pit Viper is up to, but finds herself being drawn in by him instead of just his music.
I loved the revenge style plot and the fairy tale nods - I do like a retelling done well! There's music, magic, corruption and mystery - what's not to like? I'm a rock gal at heart hello musical references.
I enjoyed the romance and the twists even if it was a little darker than I expected, but in a good way...
4 Stars in my Sky!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
On to the story: A simple act of kindness can go a long way! Think Pied Piper meets superstar DJ. Pit Viper is back in town (or is he?) and everyone is drawn to the bad boy DJ's music, even Fiona's boyfriend Horace. Fiona is confused. Is it the same guy from years ago? What does he wants? How does he seem to be able to hypnotise everybody? So many questions.
The plot actually reminded me of an episode of Grimm where a DJ uses a pied piper rat trance-ish vibe (it makes more sense when you watch it).
Fiona decides to uncover the truth and find out what Pit Viper is up to, but finds herself being drawn in by him instead of just his music.
I loved the revenge style plot and the fairy tale nods - I do like a retelling done well! There's music, magic, corruption and mystery - what's not to like? I'm a rock gal at heart hello musical references.
I enjoyed the romance and the twists even if it was a little darker than I expected, but in a good way...
4 Stars in my Sky!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 4, 2018
This is not really a young adult story the content would be for older teens. The book blurb didn't really make it clear so it's hard for me to really give it a fair review because I didn't like how the story went but if you enjoy a horror with your paranormal it would be a good fit the characters and story were done very well.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
February 22, 2023
Frequency is a modern retelling of the Pied Piper.
It follows 18 year old Fiona in her boring small town where the arrival of the Pit Viper stirs up drama, trouble and excitement.
Themes of sex, violence, drugs and even death.
I don't see the relevance of starting the story with the 18 year old being teased by her friends for "finally" having sex with her wannabe DJ boyfriend after she made him wait several months to make sure he was a decent guy. She dumps him shortly after that anyway for being insensitive, and immediately begins a relationship with the Pit Viper, the older man she had a very brief interaction with when she was 9 years old and he was a teen, and hadn't seen since. Something about that just didn't sit right with me.
They begin their relationship while he teaches her about this dark magic found in his music, which he uses to control people. Those familiar with the original tale of the Pied Piper will know that the Pit Viper will become the antagonist, and Fiona will have to save her small town from the man she's inexplicably in love with. Which brings me to my point of how she made her ex-boyfriend wait 6 months, but she rushed into a physical relationship with this older man purely because he's attractive and mysterious. At one point in the story she meets up with him, then hesitates to follow him inside a warehouse in the middle of nowhere, where she states that no one knows where she is or who she's with, and that she risks being raped/murdered, because she suddenly remembers she doesn't actually know him, clearly doesn't trust him, and at times questions not only if he's telling the truth, but his sanity too. She only bothers to investigate the truth of their encounter 9 years ago - which she believes was traumatic and life changing - AFTER she sleeps with him, further questioning who he is and what he is really capable of doing with his dark magic that can control people, and why he came back after all these years.
Fiona is not a likeable character, not written to be believable or even relatable. She sometimes comes across as immature and pompous, looking down her nose at others because, unlike them, she wants more from life than what her small town can offer, then is surprised her friends are upset with her after she drastically changes her behaviour and snubs them for a superficial romance. A romance that has her one minute being madly in love and wanting to run away with him, then the next minute she realises she doesn't know/trust him, then back to fantasizing about running away with him again. It's ridiculous.
Fiona's bratty, flippant behaviour and sleeping away most of the day of the Pit Viper's revenge almost made me add this to the DNF list.
I am a fan of both music and retellings, and I really wanted to enjoy this, but I felt this one could have been done so much better.
Not enough time was spent on the magic, which seemed to take a back seat to the uninteresting romance.
I found it oversaturated with real world references such as bands ranging far back to the 80's, some of which I wasn't familiar with. I actually found it all to be a little pretentious.
It had so much potential, but I simply found it irritating and illogical the more I read.
It follows 18 year old Fiona in her boring small town where the arrival of the Pit Viper stirs up drama, trouble and excitement.
Themes of sex, violence, drugs and even death.
I don't see the relevance of starting the story with the 18 year old being teased by her friends for "finally" having sex with her wannabe DJ boyfriend after she made him wait several months to make sure he was a decent guy. She dumps him shortly after that anyway for being insensitive, and immediately begins a relationship with the Pit Viper, the older man she had a very brief interaction with when she was 9 years old and he was a teen, and hadn't seen since. Something about that just didn't sit right with me.
They begin their relationship while he teaches her about this dark magic found in his music, which he uses to control people. Those familiar with the original tale of the Pied Piper will know that the Pit Viper will become the antagonist, and Fiona will have to save her small town from the man she's inexplicably in love with. Which brings me to my point of how she made her ex-boyfriend wait 6 months, but she rushed into a physical relationship with this older man purely because he's attractive and mysterious. At one point in the story she meets up with him, then hesitates to follow him inside a warehouse in the middle of nowhere, where she states that no one knows where she is or who she's with, and that she risks being raped/murdered, because she suddenly remembers she doesn't actually know him, clearly doesn't trust him, and at times questions not only if he's telling the truth, but his sanity too. She only bothers to investigate the truth of their encounter 9 years ago - which she believes was traumatic and life changing - AFTER she sleeps with him, further questioning who he is and what he is really capable of doing with his dark magic that can control people, and why he came back after all these years.
Fiona is not a likeable character, not written to be believable or even relatable. She sometimes comes across as immature and pompous, looking down her nose at others because, unlike them, she wants more from life than what her small town can offer, then is surprised her friends are upset with her after she drastically changes her behaviour and snubs them for a superficial romance. A romance that has her one minute being madly in love and wanting to run away with him, then the next minute she realises she doesn't know/trust him, then back to fantasizing about running away with him again. It's ridiculous.
Fiona's bratty, flippant behaviour and sleeping away most of the day of the Pit Viper's revenge almost made me add this to the DNF list.
I am a fan of both music and retellings, and I really wanted to enjoy this, but I felt this one could have been done so much better.
Not enough time was spent on the magic, which seemed to take a back seat to the uninteresting romance.
I found it oversaturated with real world references such as bands ranging far back to the 80's, some of which I wasn't familiar with. I actually found it all to be a little pretentious.
It had so much potential, but I simply found it irritating and illogical the more I read.
October 25, 2018
Frequency was great and weird all at the same time.
I cannot even begin to explain it. When I started reading, it brought to mind that old Pied Piper legend, but darker and more twisted, not that the old legend was sunshine and rainbows.
So here we meet Fiona as a young girl as she witnesses an interaction that has a huge impact on her. Go a few years later and we see Fiona meeting Pit Viper.
Just so you know Pit Viper is a DJ (our modern Pied Piper) and Fiona is very much into music, but their styles differ.
Things are not as they seem.
Luckily, Fiona is smart…
We have some interesting twists and surprises that is for sure.
As much I really liked Fiona, I really did not like Pit Viper. There was something about him that was so off, I cannot even put my finger on it, but usually, I can always find something I can “relate” to in a character and this time my friends I am drawing a blank.
Maybe this is what made Frequency feel weird to me, but I can tell you for sure that it was very different from what I expected.
I like to be surprised from time to time and Frequency did that.
If you are keen on books that are a little different than what you would normally expect then Frequency is the one for you. What I appreciated most about it is that my reaction to it was different and that makes it a standout.
I am certainly not likely to forget it anytime soon.
I am going to be recommending Frequency to you all, and I hope you love it as much as I did.
I cannot even begin to explain it. When I started reading, it brought to mind that old Pied Piper legend, but darker and more twisted, not that the old legend was sunshine and rainbows.
So here we meet Fiona as a young girl as she witnesses an interaction that has a huge impact on her. Go a few years later and we see Fiona meeting Pit Viper.
Just so you know Pit Viper is a DJ (our modern Pied Piper) and Fiona is very much into music, but their styles differ.
Things are not as they seem.
Luckily, Fiona is smart…
We have some interesting twists and surprises that is for sure.
As much I really liked Fiona, I really did not like Pit Viper. There was something about him that was so off, I cannot even put my finger on it, but usually, I can always find something I can “relate” to in a character and this time my friends I am drawing a blank.
Maybe this is what made Frequency feel weird to me, but I can tell you for sure that it was very different from what I expected.
I like to be surprised from time to time and Frequency did that.
If you are keen on books that are a little different than what you would normally expect then Frequency is the one for you. What I appreciated most about it is that my reaction to it was different and that makes it a standout.
I am certainly not likely to forget it anytime soon.
I am going to be recommending Frequency to you all, and I hope you love it as much as I did.
May 31, 2025
I had no intentions of picking this up, but I dreamt about it, so I decided to read it. which is weird considering that it has been on my shelf for months with a lot of other books that are still unread.
no joke, this book had me in a death grip to the point I had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep. just like the kids in the book were captivated by the Pit Vipers sounds, I was captivated by the book. it was well written and quite in-depth, fast paced.
I didn't fully understand all the musical symphony and frequency references, but I do have a little knowledge from having done music and band in school and listening to music on the daily. So, I did connect with this in a way.
the last 80 pages had me so tense in anticipation. the twist, turns, secrets, lies, deceit add to the cacophony of sounds and frequency at the end. and to be left of with that ending... I'm mad.
there is so much more I want to deep dive and review on like the characters and their action, the romance etc., but that would be excruciatingly long and painful and I don't want to.
this is not a book I would market to YA readers, but to NA readers or in other words 18+
no joke, this book had me in a death grip to the point I had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep. just like the kids in the book were captivated by the Pit Vipers sounds, I was captivated by the book. it was well written and quite in-depth, fast paced.
I didn't fully understand all the musical symphony and frequency references, but I do have a little knowledge from having done music and band in school and listening to music on the daily. So, I did connect with this in a way.
the last 80 pages had me so tense in anticipation. the twist, turns, secrets, lies, deceit add to the cacophony of sounds and frequency at the end. and to be left of with that ending... I'm mad.
there is so much more I want to deep dive and review on like the characters and their action, the romance etc., but that would be excruciatingly long and painful and I don't want to.
this is not a book I would market to YA readers, but to NA readers or in other words 18+
October 9, 2018
This one was a good read. I was looking for a different type of read then I normally read and this one fit the bill. This one was not the normal genre I read, so it took me a little bit to get a feel for the story and to get totally hooked to it. Once I settled in and got a feel for the characters, I was hooked.
When Fiona was nine, the teen named Pit Viper came to town to take care of a group of bed influences. Now Fiona is older. She loves to listen to music and play music. She has a guitar named Betty. I really liked her. She's a down earth teen character that is pretty likable. Pit Viper comes back to town. She is drawn to him. Pit Viper had me fooled. I kind of thought he was a nice guy but he has a reason he came back to town.
The story flowed perfectly. It has a different story line that had me hooked. I ended has me wanting more and I'm hoping that there's a second book.
When Fiona was nine, the teen named Pit Viper came to town to take care of a group of bed influences. Now Fiona is older. She loves to listen to music and play music. She has a guitar named Betty. I really liked her. She's a down earth teen character that is pretty likable. Pit Viper comes back to town. She is drawn to him. Pit Viper had me fooled. I kind of thought he was a nice guy but he has a reason he came back to town.
The story flowed perfectly. It has a different story line that had me hooked. I ended has me wanting more and I'm hoping that there's a second book.
December 12, 2018
Being a dj-electronic music fan and a soft spot for the fairy-tales of old...I was very much intrigued by this read and at the same time (knowing EDM related stuff tends to fail) was "OH PLEASE DON"T BE BAD AND CLICHE!!!!" However this narrative turned to very good in a dark fantasy way as if its musical themed fantasy for the music lover plus felt like the author knew his musical stuff/feels not just name dropping a bunch of musicians! I did like it was darker and modern retelling of the Pied Piper with the "rats" being unruly teens and piper + the flute music being a tall "handsome" mysterious dj + his music. I like the concept of Pit Viper controlling the crowds through his sweetly-dark musical music...it's almost akin to real djs performing for the crowds this way, and I can vouch for this, having watched my friends perform behind the decks for a crowds.
October 8, 2018
Engaging read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled for the opportunity to read and review Frequency by Christopher Krovatin!
Fiona sees her father and his companions threaten and beat up a young man when she’s a young girl. The story jumps to an eighteen year old Fiona and her boyfriend Horace. She’s content with her life until Horace and their mutual friends get caught up in the party life, drugs and mind altering music of Pit Viper, the DJ that was beaten up by Fiona’s father all those years ago. The mystery surrounding Pit Viper is confusing to Fiona and she’s not sure whether it’s ominous or misunderstood. Fiona enters a world that she might regret and a relationship she might not be ready for. Part science fiction, part fantasy and all engaging, 5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled for the opportunity to read and review Frequency by Christopher Krovatin!
Fiona sees her father and his companions threaten and beat up a young man when she’s a young girl. The story jumps to an eighteen year old Fiona and her boyfriend Horace. She’s content with her life until Horace and their mutual friends get caught up in the party life, drugs and mind altering music of Pit Viper, the DJ that was beaten up by Fiona’s father all those years ago. The mystery surrounding Pit Viper is confusing to Fiona and she’s not sure whether it’s ominous or misunderstood. Fiona enters a world that she might regret and a relationship she might not be ready for. Part science fiction, part fantasy and all engaging, 5 stars!
January 25, 2019
This book was a pleasant surprise. I did not know this book was a Pied Piper retelling at first but, it only made me like the story more. I love retold fairy tales, but in this time of a million different Cinderella stories, it is refreshing to find a lesser known fairy tale.
The story was told very well. It was different from my normal read and proved that I need to branch out more. I loved how into music Fiona was. I am definitely going to have to update my music with all of the references from this book. I also appreciated how realistic it was about relationships. It took me by surprise how the book opens with Fiona in a exciting relationship with a boy from the neighborhood but, it provides a lot of comparison for her relationship with the Pit Viper later on. I appreciated how relateable and down to earth Fiona was. She didn't always make the best decisions but I definitely understood why she made them. it was exciting to see that no matter what she stuck to her deal breakers and made sure she stayed true to herself throughout the book.
I always appreciate how there are different sides to every story and this book definitely delivered in this regard. All of the problems start due to a town secret and as Fiona starts questioning what she knows the situation is revealed to be way more complicated than originally thought. I appreciated how multifaceted the problem was and that there was no "right" side.
My only point of contention is the ending since I don't think there is going to be another but I really want one.
The story was told very well. It was different from my normal read and proved that I need to branch out more. I loved how into music Fiona was. I am definitely going to have to update my music with all of the references from this book. I also appreciated how realistic it was about relationships. It took me by surprise how the book opens with Fiona in a exciting relationship with a boy from the neighborhood but, it provides a lot of comparison for her relationship with the Pit Viper later on. I appreciated how relateable and down to earth Fiona was. She didn't always make the best decisions but I definitely understood why she made them. it was exciting to see that no matter what she stuck to her deal breakers and made sure she stayed true to herself throughout the book.
I always appreciate how there are different sides to every story and this book definitely delivered in this regard. All of the problems start due to a town secret and as Fiona starts questioning what she knows the situation is revealed to be way more complicated than originally thought. I appreciated how multifaceted the problem was and that there was no "right" side.
My only point of contention is the ending since I don't think there is going to be another but I really want one.
January 31, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I got the impression that this was a modern retelling of the Pied Piper. I could be completely wrong about that. Fiona had her first dealing with the Pit Viper when she was a child when the City Council hired him to get rid some partying teenager. She witness the deal being made. Now at 18 years old she believe he is back or things are happening to the other teens in town. She does not seem to be effected by the music of the Pit Viper. She can with a lot of what is happen, but one thing she can't deal with in getting to close to him and having feelings for him.
August 9, 2018
3.5/3.75 stars. I received an e-ARC from Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I had been more invested in the characters from the beginning but it didn't really happen till about halfway through, that being said I did read about 70% straight through to the end and it absolutely held my attention and had me wondering how it was going to end. The magic element to the music was a different and intriguing concept I don't think I've seen/read before. I would pick up a second book if there was one.
I wish I had been more invested in the characters from the beginning but it didn't really happen till about halfway through, that being said I did read about 70% straight through to the end and it absolutely held my attention and had me wondering how it was going to end. The magic element to the music was a different and intriguing concept I don't think I've seen/read before. I would pick up a second book if there was one.
August 25, 2021
Pied piper retelling but with a DJ and a rock n roll girl. Writing was really smooth and I liked the descriptions. Plot was intriguing, liked the otherworldly vibe and the gritty atmosphere and I LOVED the music aspects and all the references, after a while I began to enjoy the romance aspects. Enjoyed seeing Fiona's love for music and her guitar named Betty. Liked how dark it actually was it was unexpected. Liked the ending but no plans for sequel
November 27, 2023
This was my first time reading a YA Fantasy book ( not usually a genre that I read). I saw this book at the store and couldn't resist buying it based on the title and cover. I'm so happy I bought this book. It has a nice steady pace and relatable characters that you love as well as an interesting plot that I had not come across previously in any other book. I read this book cover to cover in one day, Yes! It really is that good. I highly recommend this book.
May 12, 2022
What a fascinating and completely unique concept. It was certainly anything I’ve ever read before. I don’t usually care for any sort of fantasy, but the way this tale was spun was insanely enjoyable. So modern, too. I loved the nod to EDM & the overall passion for music that was displayed throughout the novel. A sequel would be awesome. Finding Udo/The Destruction Of Udo?
July 15, 2019
A bit unrealistic
I had hoped this book would be like " heavy metal and you" or "venemous" , it sort of is, but also a bit unrealistic. I still love the shapes of his characters, and I still love the attention to music detail. Overall an excellent Krovatin book! Please make more for my heavy metal heart!
I had hoped this book would be like " heavy metal and you" or "venemous" , it sort of is, but also a bit unrealistic. I still love the shapes of his characters, and I still love the attention to music detail. Overall an excellent Krovatin book! Please make more for my heavy metal heart!
July 28, 2018
I liked that this was different from the usual YA book thats out there these days. While it had many elements similar to stories written before, its focus on the mystical magic of music made it something unique and special. I liked the characters, their interactions and the pacing of the writing kept me engaged beginning to end. Readers looking for something different from the YA norm may enjoy taking a chance on this book.
September 24, 2018
Wow! This was an intense read. This book starts off with a nine year old Fiona witnessing her father beating a teenager, a DJ named Pit Viper and running him out of town. Fiona is kind to him before running away from him and this starts the beginning of their relationship. Flash-forward nine years, and Fiona meets up with Pit Viper when he comes back into town. They start up a secret romance that Fiona tries to hide from her friends and family. I really wanted to like them together, and I did to some extent, but there were some aspects of their relationship I didn't care for especially the way Fiona drops her friends when she starts seeing Pit Viper.
A major aspect of this book revolves around music and has plenty of band references. Many I had heard of before, but there were plenty that I hadn't. There is also some magic regarding an ancient music book and this becomes a more critical part of the book towards the end. When Pit Viper plays the music from the book he can influence others. I could kind of predict what was going to happen in the end so it wasn't a huge surprise. With all that said, I has mixed feelings about this book. I really wanted to love it, but in the end I felt a little disappointed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A major aspect of this book revolves around music and has plenty of band references. Many I had heard of before, but there were plenty that I hadn't. There is also some magic regarding an ancient music book and this becomes a more critical part of the book towards the end. When Pit Viper plays the music from the book he can influence others. I could kind of predict what was going to happen in the end so it wasn't a huge surprise. With all that said, I has mixed feelings about this book. I really wanted to love it, but in the end I felt a little disappointed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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