Crystal Frost: The Complete Series

Crystal Frost #1-4

by Alicia Rades

At age fifteen, Crystal Frost discovers she can see into the future, witness the past, and speak with the dead. Secrets begin to uncover themselves wherever she goes, but secrets can be dangerous. The lives of a classmate, a child, a stranger, and Crystal herself hang in the balance. If she doesn't embrace her psychic abilities and follow to her instinct, she's not the only one who will get hurt.

This box set includes all four books in the Crystal Frost series by Alicia Rades—plus a Crystal Frost bonus short story!

Genres: Audiobook, Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Ebooks

542 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2017

About the author

Alicia Rades is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over forty young adult and new adult paranormal novels. Her stories follow characters in equal-dynamic romantic relationships and feature themes of discovering and claiming one's inner power. When she's not dreaming up magical stories, she's either binge-watching paranormal TV shows, meditating, or making crafts and cooking with her family. Her favorite tropes are small-town mysteries, witches, and magical academies set in the modern world. She has an unhealthy obsession with psychic characters and writes with a deck of tarot cards next to her computer.

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Reviews

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this series as a collection is a fantastic idea. You get to see how much the characters grow with each story. To be honest I wasn't a huge fan of Crystal in the first book but over the 4 books she grew and I ended up loving her character......along with Emma and Derek and pretty much the whole character base. Alicia Rades has done a fantastic job with this series

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 1:
The protagonist is a 15 year old girl and the books starts very much like being written by a 15 year old... or rather a 8 year old. The sentences are very short and there is no good flow. “I made a sandwich. I ate the sandwich. Then I went to bed.” That's how it goes... Also, there are a lot of hints that as a reader you know what they mean, it is so obvious but Crystal, the psychist, doesn't have a clue. Example “I heard it is something about a local abduction... but I didn't listen in because it was not relevant to me” … and this after she dreamt of a girl being taken from her bedroom. There are several such incidents. The author probably wanted the reader to get excited but I just wanted to shake the girl from her stupidity. And the last straw was when in the end, Crystal gets asked to help with the abduction of a little girl who she learns is the one she saw in her visions and that the first 48hrs are cucial but over, and she goes to the Halloween festival and enjoys the fun there because “there is nothing I can do for her now”. How about starting with her abilities?
So, all this makes it impossible to give more than 2,5 stars and these are only earned because somehow I don't want to crush someones work completely.
Unfortunately, I bought the whole box set but I am reluctant to carry on reading this ghost stories... they make me shiver for the wrong reasons.

Book 2:
Against better judgement I carried on reading and was instantly smacking my head for being so stupid. Myself, because I started reading book 2 and the author because she sends Nate, the bad guy from book 1, to live with his dad (who we learned in book 1 is not a role model and probably responsible for his abusive behaviour). What about a therapy? I know this has nothing to do with the story in book 2 but I really will stop reading further. STOP READING, DON'T HURT YOURSELF!

[L.J. Bus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely series about a girl who discovers she’s a medium and in each book, has a mission to help a ghost. An average of 3,5 stars for this debut series!

I listened to the audiobook so I’ll review both the audio/narator and the storyline.

Audio: The narator at first sounded too young for me to listen to (seemed being the keyword here, I asked around and I was the only one to think so, the others found it a neutral voice and even pleasant). But my odd first experiences distracted me too much to get into the story. So I needed a couple of tries to get started but once I got used to it, I never had a problem with it. Even with my impaired hearing I could follow along very well, everything is spoken clearly. Also nice that the whole series is just one voice.

Story: okay, so first this disclaimer: this is a debut from someone who has really great books and had gotten multiple 5 star rating from me so as a debut; it’s splendid! It’s nice to actually see how an author grows in her career. Even if this one didn’t get the 5star rating from me.
Now, on to the detailed review:
The first book started out... hesitant, I’d say. Not in the writing but in the events described. Okay, yes, the story developes slowly with a sighting here and there in the beginning, it had to build up somehow. I mean it’s almost like it’s a crime or at least very controversial to have psychic powers like seeing the dead so it’s all “hush hush don’t let them find out”. I can understand that some would think you’re nuts but this book... in this day and age (well, 2015 when book 1 came out at least)... I had multiple times that I felt that the shame and fear of being discovered as a psychic, medium or even other things, sort of made me think of the whole witch-burning-at-the-stake era. It really made the impression that it’s situated somewhere in a secluded and very conservative town. I do wonder if that was intentional or just what my mind made of it. But that aspect made for a mental bouncing game between “like it” and “do I like this?”
I have to clarify that the fear and all is somehow quite natural after her mother being bullied out of one town years ago but still, that’s how I took it in.
The other bit that was not exactly negative but just a bit of a waisted opportunity is that I was faster to pick up the hints than Crystal Frost herself (even when there was too little to known what would happen next, it was something that passed by Crystal and was a missed opportunity for Crystal to hear out certain things if she were to comment on those hints like when two friends have a certain conversation -the hint- beside her) so that was a bit less convenient at times because I kept wondering what could’ve happened and it does not make for a very smart character, but throughout all the books, she grows in confidence and all so it’s kind of a coming of age story. So with the first book, I needed a lot of time to get used to the story and it’s characters. Luckely, book 2 and 3 did feel more natural and I listened to them with the pleasure and engagement that I lacked in the beginning of the first book. I don’t know why but the start of book 4 sort of gave me the feeling it was redundant and that the series should’ve been rounded up after book 3 rather than having a whole book again with seemingly no plot. But it turned out to be a great story, it just developed at a slower pace than the stories these days or the previous stories in this series. But all in all, this is a fun series that took my mind off my every day worries!

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIRE IN FROST
Wow, this story was amazingly refreshing to read and one I have never read before. I loved Crystal. She was an awesome character and I felt as if I was actually part of the story with her trying to solve the investigation into Olivia Owens death or is it after-death? This book pulled me from the beginning and kept me so involved that I kept turning page after page until the end of the book. There are so many shocking and amazing surprises throughout this story and I just couldn't put the book down. This is the first time I have read anything from this author and I must say that she has me craving for more of Crystal and her adventures. This is a talented author who knows how to capture her audience.

DESIRE IN FROST
After diving in nose first into the first book and loving it, I decided that I couldn't live with myself if I didn't get my hands on the second book.

I am in awe and amazement by this authors style of writing. It's refreshing and fun to read this story, and quite adventurous I might add. The author swoops us in right where book one left off and then we are off in the mind of Crystal Frost and I was so hooked that I kept turning page after page to find out more of the mystery and magic of the story and where Crystal's adventure was going to take me, and in the end, leave me.

Crystal
This is an amazing character and I love her abilities and the compassion she puts forth to help people and how she is able to solve the crime and bring the ghosts to peace and happily ever after. I also love the way Crystal's mom supports her in everything she does.

Robin
Cute, compassionate, and Crystal's cousin?......Read the story to find out more.

I highly recommend this story for all ages to enjoy. I know you will be hooked just as much as I am and I can't wait to see what is in store for Crystal next.

INSPIRED BY FROST
How do you save a girl from a deadly fate when you don't know how she's going to die?....

Wow, I think this story is by far my favorite one yet! Crystal was yet again, an amazing character. She is getting better with her abilities as the stories progress. I love how the author added some new twists to this story that I sure not expecting when I started reading. The author added a special twist to Sage and her mental problems. I really never saw this coming and I love to be surprised by an author's style of writing. I highly recommend this story, though I will admit to be ready for the feelers in this story.

FADING FROST
This book is by far my favorite out of all of the Crystal Frost series. The author took this story into a whole new Paranormal level and kept me entertained, but also on the edge of my seat throughout the entire time I was turning pages. The characters were phenomenal and the story-line was incredible, unique, and awesome. It made me into a true believer of the Paranormal world. I highly recommend this awesome read to all to enjoy!!

The author provided me with a digital copy of the books for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.

[Aubrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this a few days ago, and I’m still mad about it. I basically hate-listened to the audiobook. The MC is so, so clueless and immature. I realize this girl is 15/16, but Crystal has no deductive reasoning or critical thinking skills. The author also doesn’t seem to know how normal humans speak to each other because the dialogue was painful and repetitive, and this was all made worse in the audiobook because the narrator has also never heard normal humans speak to each other. The narrator’s voices for each character weren’t great, but Emma’s lines were the worst. The narrator’s inflections and pauses were just odd, and often inappropriate to mood/context of the scenes. Bad editing is partially to blame for awkward long pauses throughout.

The plot for each book isn’t terrible, and there were some genuinely interesting moments, but I was angry at Crystal 90% of the time for missing very obvious clues, constantly asking herself and others repetitive questions, and being shocked when she does the exact wrong thing to make a situation worse. Such a strange way to write a psychic character. I’m still annoyed that I listened to all of it, but it was a trainwreck situation.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time finishing this series. I have had this series on my tbr for forever. The first book was great.

The second book:
Crystal is 15! The situation she is put in, in my minds eye is so unrealistic it kills this story. She is so back and forth on who she is, what she can do, who can trust her. A little repetitive in some thought processes. I don't know, it was just really hard for me to get through this one.

I am now on book 3 . I will finish this series by Friday and will let you know my final thoughts.

Book 3 was definitely better, much clearer on the writing and direction it was going.

Still have a hard time with the back and forth of self worth with Crystal, but she is 15.

Book 4 was by far my favorite in terms of the writing. Overall not a terrible series but not one of my top series either. recommended for younger teen in my opinion. I think they would definitely be able to relate to these stories.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished these books a while ago so I am posting highlights of my individual reviews here as well my overall thoughts on the series.

Fire in Frost
Alicia Rades has done an amazing job bringing the town of Peyton Springs to life with a wonderful cast of characters.

Desire in Frost
Crystal continues her journey to uncover more information about the missing child from her dreams.

Inspired by Frost
Crystal has time against her as she races to save someone from a future she has already been warned about.

Fading Frost
Starting with the car accident that affects her psychic abilities, she is forced to tackle a ghostly problem without much information.

Overall
Alicia has a very "easy to read" style of writing that gives this series its edge. I would definitely recommend this to people who like YA paranormal mysteries.

[Nisareen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Crystal sees the ghost of a dead classmate in school, she’s shocked and appalled to learn that she has inherited her mother’s psychic tendencies. Realising that her imaginary childhood friend was not so imaginary after all and that she has the ability to see into the future, witness the past and talk to the dead, Crystal struggles to adapt to her newly realised gifts with the help of her mother and best friend, Emma.

Throughout the course of the series. I’ve learned to appreciate the way the author has sensitively dealt with many of the social issues faced by some of the characters helped by Crystal. Themes included domestic abuse and child abduction, sexual abuse, depression/self harming and attempted suicide. Due to the target audience, the author avoided graphic detail and treated each of the themes with gravitas. There’s been an underlying message of love, hope, courage and the value of friendship.

Crystal is a protagonist who many young readers will identify with and hopefully aspire to. This series is ideal for young fans of paranormal abilities, ghosts, psychics and mysteries.

[Natcole Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure when I first started this series if I would like it. the narrator's voice threw me it was a little annoying at first and the lead just sounded so young. but she is 15 years old.
but the more I listened the more I got into it. the narrator's voice just started to fit the character.
I loved the story line. each book pretty much had it's own plot within the bigger plot of her learned and becoming comfortable with her powers.
I loved the fact that it didn't start off as a romance but lead to it. I loved the relationships she built I. the series.
I honestly would love for the series to keep going until she graduated high school. but it still ended in a great place.
I can't wait to read/ listen too more of this authors books.

[MartyAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Frost can see ghosts. No, really! Paranormal talents are in her bloodline, even if the particular gifts she manifests aren't t he same as her mother's or her mom's two friends with gifts. What they have taught her, is that once the universe sends her a mystery to solve, it usually means she's the one that has to see it though, with support from those around her. This series of books is packed with adventures and misadventures...and I was so glad I had them all so I can could just keep going!

[Guylaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this series all together and it was good to see how Crystal grow into her psychic. From discovering she is a medium to astral project. In each 4 books she has a new mission to help someone. All mission are intriguing with up and down and different twist and turn. I like to see how she interact with her family, friends and boyfriend. It was a good series and it left me satisfied at the end and all my questions been answered.

[Connie Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started this and thought it was really written for young readers (like under 12) not YA readers. The sentence structure was just so simple. The books about 15 year old that figures out she is psychic. But then there’s the F bomb so nope not for kids… second book was written the same way and the pattern really kicks in where she sobs and cry’s a lot. I started skimming. Skimmed the third book then I just had to quit. Really poorly written.

[Books & Margaritas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series but was sad to see it end when I read the last book. You will fall in love with this series also when you buy it for yourself.. It has Romance, Suspense, Paranormal and Friendship.. What more can you want in a book series? Alicia Rades is a Phenomenal writer so if you're thinking of getting this series.. DO IT!!

[Sarah Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series, it made me think of the tv series the ghost whisperer as well as a couple of series of meg cabot books (1800-where-r-u/missing and the mediator series)
All books were well written and well thought out although the end of the last book felt a little rushed.
Highly recommend and I will be getting some of her other books to read

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this series. I originally just read the first book in the series but wanted to read all the books. Crystal at times seemed very unsure of herself but she always believed in her abilities. This is a cute story and loved her friends Emma and Derek and of course Robin. Crystal made friends throughout the series and was nice to hear updates about them throughout the series.

[Kirstie Ader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this series by Alicia! I could not stop reading and the story draws you in from the very beginning. Crystal is an amazing character and I'm sad the series is over but so happy that Alicia shared these characters with us all! Worth the read!

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series

Definitely meant for a younger audience. But I enjoyed reading it. I liked the message about loving and accepting who you are and embracing all of it and living as the real you, whatever that you is.

[Dee Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love conquers all

Loved reading this book/series. An incredible journey of a young girl adjusting and accepting what life gives and the gifts she was blessed with. To sacrifice all for the love of her loved ones made me want to cry! A must read.

[Pat Raab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series about a teenage girl struggling to find her way when she realizes she has the power to see and speak to ghosts, and help people. Not that it always works out the way she thinks it should, and sometimes things go haywire ...

[Vickie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very good storyline. It could not put it down

The cover caught my eye and as I read, the main character crystal became more more mature. I recommend that you continue on with more crystal frost series.

[Valory Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story

I enjoyed getting to know the characters in the book. There were times throughout, especially the last book, that it felt like she was wasting time to get the pages to get to enough to qualify for a whole novel.
But it was still enjoyable.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal discovers she can see the future at fifteen years old. Soon however, things take a turn. Secrets become revealed and lives now hang in the balance. Each book flowed into the next perfectly as Crystal discoverers throughout her journey to trust her instincts and believe in herself.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the series. Overall it was a good series. It had some detective work that Crystal did. At times I wanted to strangle her for trying to do things on her own but other than that I did enjoy the series.

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free for a honest review.  I loved the characters and storyline.  it flowed very well and held together. Crystal and Emma were the most amazing. written so well . page turner !The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.  reccomend

[Patricia Grigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good series of books that filled a void needing some entertainment inside me. The big plus was that each book in the series kept me going to the next page and then to the next book. Many thanks to the author.

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed reading this series it was a fabulous read. A young girl finds her phychic powers and helps to save the lives of many new friends. Highly recommended.

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, quick read

[Teresa Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is a great book. It was very interesting didn't want to stop reading it.

[Kira Moericke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alicia Rades's Crystal Frost series is a perfect blend of mystery, friendship, and love that will keep a reader reading to the very end.

[Crystal Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! I am happy to see them in a box set! I recommend these for anyone 13 and up, this is a good series at all ages.