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Dominion of Ash #1
The Tainted
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
I never should've taken the dare.
In a destroyed world plagued with pestilence, assassins, thieves, and the Tainted--mutated fae-like humans with a penchant for abduction--nothing is easy. It's brutal, deadly, and most often, short.
My father has three rules to survive the apocalypse; keep your head down, work hard, and never leave the safety of Harbor. Following his rules isn't as easy as it seems--especially when tricked into breaking them.
Blackmailed into attending at party outside of the walls didn't seem so bad--until all hell broke loose and I was left in the clutches of a dragon lord. I thought I knew who my enemies were: starvation, infection, and the Tainted.
I was wrong. That's why I never saw it coming.
The death. The lies. The complete betrayal.
No one said love wouldn't destroy you.
I never should've taken the dare.
In a destroyed world plagued with pestilence, assassins, thieves, and the Tainted--mutated fae-like humans with a penchant for abduction--nothing is easy. It's brutal, deadly, and most often, short.
My father has three rules to survive the apocalypse; keep your head down, work hard, and never leave the safety of Harbor. Following his rules isn't as easy as it seems--especially when tricked into breaking them.
Blackmailed into attending at party outside of the walls didn't seem so bad--until all hell broke loose and I was left in the clutches of a dragon lord. I thought I knew who my enemies were: starvation, infection, and the Tainted.
I was wrong. That's why I never saw it coming.
The death. The lies. The complete betrayal.
No one said love wouldn't destroy you.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
1004 people are currently reading
2793 people want to read
About the author
Frost Kay
36 books1,398 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Frost Kay is a certified book dragon with an excessive TBR, and a shoe obsession. If you love bewitching fantasy and sci-fi, epic adventures, dark promises, thrilling action, swoon worthy anti heroes, and slow burning romance; her books are for you!
She claims ownership to the bestselling young adult series The Aermian Feuds packed with adventure, secrets, and betrayal.
Fans of Frost Kay love her epic and science fiction teen titles for their "witty banter and exquisitely crafted sentences (that) never leave you bored or wanting," and "find the writing on par with Queen (Sarah J.) Maas and Elise Kova."
You can find her at www.frostkay.net
You can also sign up for a free story here:goo.gl/Z2PkyC
She claims ownership to the bestselling young adult series The Aermian Feuds packed with adventure, secrets, and betrayal.
Fans of Frost Kay love her epic and science fiction teen titles for their "witty banter and exquisitely crafted sentences (that) never leave you bored or wanting," and "find the writing on par with Queen (Sarah J.) Maas and Elise Kova."
You can find her at www.frostkay.net
You can also sign up for a free story here:goo.gl/Z2PkyC
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
February 20, 2020
3.5-4 confused stars...
I'd like to condense my review of this book, because I don't like writing overly long reviews. But there is so much to think about when considering what I liked and didn't like about The Tainted.
My stars are confused because there was a lot I really liked, but a lot that left me frustrated.
The Tainted was as riveting and enjoyable as a pack of puppies. I curled up with the book and looked forward to feeling good about my time spent invested in it.
But then I found myself shaking my head at the details in the story that frustrated me, and I kept reading even though I tried to ignore those niggling details.
I started off liking Hazel. But, as the story progressed, I wanted to shake some sense into her. And maybe that was Frost Kay's intent in writing her character - for me (the reader) to become so invested in the story that I'll go all 'big sister' on the MC and want to keep her bratty behavior in check?
The Tainted became a head spin for me at the point where Hazel is put in a cell by the Tainted when she enters their community/compound.
And that's where I'll try to end the spoilers. I don't want to give too many details away. You've got to experience this one for yourself to get your own impression of Hazel's gritty post-apocalyptic world.
Don't get me wrong. It was a LOT of fun to read.
I was interested at the start, but truly invested at the point where Hazel is brutally dropped into, and stranded, from the familiar safety of her home.
Yes brutally. Frost Kay has a way of pushing her characters to a point where their physical pain is something only fictional characters can endure.
And Hazel seems to endure a LOT of unnecessary pain. But that's just my take on it.
What I really liked?
That Frost Kay introduces us to a VERY different take on a post-apocalyptic story. She has a way of changing my perception of the story, and world she has created, about 1/4 of the way into the tale.
That's a huge part of why the story get's close to 4 stars. I don't expect where she takes Hazel, and the characters within the world the Tainted inhabit.
Their community really fascinates me. Although I wish we could have seen more of the Tainted's physical environment in this first book.
What I didn't like?
...aaaand then there's Noah. I loved the description of his character. Alpha alien males fascinate me. But when is the chemistry supposed to start between him and Hazel? Is it a slow burn?
And the book seemed to end too soon. It felt like this was mostly all about Hazel. Besides the obvious that it's mostly told from her POV, I just wanted more of Noah. Consequently - no chemistry, and no character development for him.
Frost Kay - damn you for being a tease with dangling Noah before me like an organic carrot from my garden! It's too quickly devoured.
Or was that your intention....?
The Tainted felt more like the first installment in a serial, as opposed to a first in a series of novels. The ending isn't really a riveting cliffhanger, either.
After all that...
I am enjoying Frost Kay's Dominion of Ash series. And I'm moving on to the next book as if I'm going to be spending quality time with those puppies:
Positive expectations that it will be an enjoyable experience.
I'd like to condense my review of this book, because I don't like writing overly long reviews. But there is so much to think about when considering what I liked and didn't like about The Tainted.
My stars are confused because there was a lot I really liked, but a lot that left me frustrated.
The Tainted was as riveting and enjoyable as a pack of puppies. I curled up with the book and looked forward to feeling good about my time spent invested in it.
But then I found myself shaking my head at the details in the story that frustrated me, and I kept reading even though I tried to ignore those niggling details.
I started off liking Hazel. But, as the story progressed, I wanted to shake some sense into her. And maybe that was Frost Kay's intent in writing her character - for me (the reader) to become so invested in the story that I'll go all 'big sister' on the MC and want to keep her bratty behavior in check?
The Tainted became a head spin for me at the point where Hazel is put in a cell by the Tainted when she enters their community/compound.
And that's where I'll try to end the spoilers. I don't want to give too many details away. You've got to experience this one for yourself to get your own impression of Hazel's gritty post-apocalyptic world.
Don't get me wrong. It was a LOT of fun to read.
I was interested at the start, but truly invested at the point where Hazel is brutally dropped into, and stranded, from the familiar safety of her home.
Yes brutally. Frost Kay has a way of pushing her characters to a point where their physical pain is something only fictional characters can endure.
And Hazel seems to endure a LOT of unnecessary pain. But that's just my take on it.
What I really liked?
That Frost Kay introduces us to a VERY different take on a post-apocalyptic story. She has a way of changing my perception of the story, and world she has created, about 1/4 of the way into the tale.
That's a huge part of why the story get's close to 4 stars. I don't expect where she takes Hazel, and the characters within the world the Tainted inhabit.
Their community really fascinates me. Although I wish we could have seen more of the Tainted's physical environment in this first book.
What I didn't like?
...aaaand then there's Noah. I loved the description of his character. Alpha alien males fascinate me. But when is the chemistry supposed to start between him and Hazel? Is it a slow burn?
And the book seemed to end too soon. It felt like this was mostly all about Hazel. Besides the obvious that it's mostly told from her POV, I just wanted more of Noah. Consequently - no chemistry, and no character development for him.
Frost Kay - damn you for being a tease with dangling Noah before me like an organic carrot from my garden! It's too quickly devoured.
Or was that your intention....?
The Tainted felt more like the first installment in a serial, as opposed to a first in a series of novels. The ending isn't really a riveting cliffhanger, either.
After all that...
I am enjoying Frost Kay's Dominion of Ash series. And I'm moving on to the next book as if I'm going to be spending quality time with those puppies:
Positive expectations that it will be an enjoyable experience.
October 28, 2019
I got this book because on Amazon there's a big banner saying ENEMIES TO LOVERS. I beg to differ. They don't act like enemies. Hazel's people consider Noah's people tainted. Hazel herself has never met a tainted so she's bought into the propaganda her community has been spewing. When she meets the tainted she is rightly scared and tries to escape several time.
The tainted on the other hand don't hate her. They are almost throwing a party with how welcoming they are of her. Noah whom I presume is going to be the romantic interest does the gruff alpha thing where he pretends not to care but actually does.
So, if you are looking for an enemies to lovers book this is not it, if you want a regular book with a semi intriguing plot then this is what you need.
The tainted on the other hand don't hate her. They are almost throwing a party with how welcoming they are of her. Noah whom I presume is going to be the romantic interest does the gruff alpha thing where he pretends not to care but actually does.
So, if you are looking for an enemies to lovers book this is not it, if you want a regular book with a semi intriguing plot then this is what you need.
May 25, 2023
HOLD UP, HOLD UP- HE HAS WINGS?!? MA'AM.
*proceeds to choke on cereal*
*proceeds to choke on cereal*
Read
February 13, 2019This concept is so cool!!!
May 23, 2021
2.5 Stars
The concept of this book is so so interesting. The first half was really intriguing but the last half dragged and fell short.
The concept of this book is so so interesting. The first half was really intriguing but the last half dragged and fell short.
January 15, 2019
First, a thank you to Frost Kay for giving me an e-arc for review. I always feel honored, every time you trust me to read and review one of your precious works of art.
I'm having trouble rating this book as a reader of the authors' previous works.
If I had not read the Aermian chronicles, I think This book would have been a 4, but knowing what I do about that series and now reading this one, I can't in good faith give it 4 stars, despite it being enjoyable, it is 3 stars but I would strongly encourage you to hear me out before you decide whether or not to read The Tainted. Let me explain.
The Tainted is a good book. Hazel is a headstrong character who keeps faith to what she believes is right. She always chooses to sacrifice herself for the sake of others. She is strong despite, being assaulted, threatened with rape, and being betrayed by some she knows. She is surrounded by a pack of man that think she's balls to the wall awesome, fierce, brave, best, great, super best.
...If you have read Frost's other series,then you know exactly who this sounds like. Sage, yes. Hazel is essentially Sage, just with a different plot and setting. Replace fantasy kingdom with destroyed dysptopian world. Replace Sage's brothers, with Hazel's brothers. She speaks and acts exactly the same way sage does. To a point where I can't tell their voices apart despite the two books being different. The writing is the exact same, the personalities haven't changed...for ANY of the characters. Replace Tehl and his family with Matt, Noah and the rest. They are all the same in personality, save for having different dilemmas.
In some ways, the book even has the same plot, Sage Hazel is held against her will and threatened. She is a captive. I read threw this book in a couple hours because I felt like I was re-reading an altered version of Aermian feuds.
Now, now now- let's look at this book from a new perspective. Suppose I had not read the Aermian Feuds. Let us assume this is the first book, I had read of Frost Kay's series. In that case,
The Tainted is great! You've got a dystopian setting, that is- like many, but also refreshing in so many ways. Frost always gives villains a perspective. We always get to understand both sides "good" and "bad", so to speak. She is an excellent and giving the depiction of no single person or creature being black and white.
Hazel is a character any young girl can look up to. She's always looking to do good, but also feels like she can't give up everything about herself. She picks and chooses her battles. She doesn't ever give up on herself even when the cards are all stacked against her. This is a great for mature 14+
Content warning: there is mention of rape and assault. Kay does not shy away from the topics like so many do, and for that I applaud her. It is a very real part of warfare and the inherent evil in humans be it reality of fiction.
To summarize, I would rate it 4 stars , by itself, but because I know the other works of the author, my true rating is 3 stars . However, I'd like to think i'm not an asshole, and for the sake of getting the word of this book out there, I'm rating it a 4 star on Goodread, because at it's core, it is a fun, entertaining, and fast read that I feel strongly that a lot of people would enjoy! As a side note, I have been told multiple times, I am a pretty harsh reviewer, so take my reviews with a grain of salt.
I'm having trouble rating this book as a reader of the authors' previous works.
If I had not read the Aermian chronicles, I think This book would have been a 4, but knowing what I do about that series and now reading this one, I can't in good faith give it 4 stars, despite it being enjoyable, it is 3 stars but I would strongly encourage you to hear me out before you decide whether or not to read The Tainted. Let me explain.
The Tainted is a good book. Hazel is a headstrong character who keeps faith to what she believes is right. She always chooses to sacrifice herself for the sake of others. She is strong despite, being assaulted, threatened with rape, and being betrayed by some she knows. She is surrounded by a pack of man that think she's balls to the wall awesome, fierce, brave, best, great, super best.
...If you have read Frost's other series,then you know exactly who this sounds like. Sage, yes. Hazel is essentially Sage, just with a different plot and setting. Replace fantasy kingdom with destroyed dysptopian world. Replace Sage's brothers, with Hazel's brothers. She speaks and acts exactly the same way sage does. To a point where I can't tell their voices apart despite the two books being different. The writing is the exact same, the personalities haven't changed...for ANY of the characters. Replace Tehl and his family with Matt, Noah and the rest. They are all the same in personality, save for having different dilemmas.
In some ways, the book even has the same plot,
Now, now now- let's look at this book from a new perspective. Suppose I had not read the Aermian Feuds. Let us assume this is the first book, I had read of Frost Kay's series. In that case,
The Tainted is great! You've got a dystopian setting, that is- like many, but also refreshing in so many ways. Frost always gives villains a perspective. We always get to understand both sides "good" and "bad", so to speak. She is an excellent and giving the depiction of no single person or creature being black and white.
Hazel is a character any young girl can look up to. She's always looking to do good, but also feels like she can't give up everything about herself. She picks and chooses her battles. She doesn't ever give up on herself even when the cards are all stacked against her. This is a great for mature 14+
Content warning: there is mention of rape and assault. Kay does not shy away from the topics like so many do, and for that I applaud her. It is a very real part of warfare and the inherent evil in humans be it reality of fiction.
To summarize, I would rate it 4 stars , by itself, but because I know the other works of the author, my true rating is 3 stars . However, I'd like to think i'm not an asshole, and for the sake of getting the word of this book out there, I'm rating it a 4 star on Goodread, because at it's core, it is a fun, entertaining, and fast read that I feel strongly that a lot of people would enjoy! As a side note, I have been told multiple times, I am a pretty harsh reviewer, so take my reviews with a grain of salt.
January 24, 2021
cry cry cry cry cry cry cry cry
not even sure why I'm crying.
I love this book, it's been a while since I read any dystopian and this post apocalypse, dystopian romance full of emotions and family is amazing!!!!!! Brought back so much Divergent and Marie Lu vibes but it was in no way like those books, it was something unique.
even though sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into Hazel, but I think perfect MCs were a thing of the past tbh.
On to the second one! (Also I think I may have fallen in love with a monstrous man with wings)
→ 4 stars
not even sure why I'm crying.
I love this book, it's been a while since I read any dystopian and this post apocalypse, dystopian romance full of emotions and family is amazing!!!!!! Brought back so much Divergent and Marie Lu vibes but it was in no way like those books, it was something unique.
even though sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into Hazel, but I think perfect MCs were a thing of the past tbh.
On to the second one! (Also I think I may have fallen in love with a monstrous man with wings)
→ 4 stars
June 26, 2019
To be honest, I’m not a big fan of dystopian books, but this sounded interesting so I gave it a try. This book turned out to be really absorbing and interesting and it was a well-written story. I do admit that Hazel, the MC, sometimes irritated me, especially towards the middle of the book when it got really good. She was so sheltered, but she is smart enough to know some of things she thought she knew might be wrong (vague because no spoilers). I love the hints of things that are coming, and I can’t wait to see if I’m right. If you like dystopian with a NA feel, give this one a try! I had never read this author before, but I will definitely pick up more books by her. I highly recommend this book!
July 14, 2020
Omg too good...i need to know what happens next.
All of those boys are jerks...so evil...
All of those boys are jerks...so evil...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
December 16, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/16/2019)! 🎁
December 17, 2019
RATING: 4.5 STARS!
This was my first Frost Kay read and I really enjoyed it.
I like she brings something a little different to the table.
I'm eager to read more.
I picked it up when it was FREE at the start of December and I believe it is still FREE so one click it and have a read.
I just realized The Strain (prequel 27 pages) is FREE. I just nabbed it.
https://amzn.to/2qZwJx3
This was my first Frost Kay read and I really enjoyed it.
I like she brings something a little different to the table.
I'm eager to read more.
I picked it up when it was FREE at the start of December and I believe it is still FREE so one click it and have a read.
I just realized The Strain (prequel 27 pages) is FREE. I just nabbed it.
https://amzn.to/2qZwJx3
January 18, 2019
This book was a fun, dystopian read. I enjoyed the plot line. It was quite entertaining.
Want to read
March 17, 2020Did anyone say zombies?♥
*kisses kindle unlimited app*
*kisses kindle unlimited app*
January 11, 2019
Hazel is a kind and fairly happy girl living in a haven run by her father in a mutated, post apocalyptic world. She has lost her Mum and best friend to the nightmares roaming outside her protected village.
One mistake takes her outside away from safety, leaving her hurt and vulnerable. Time to meet the nightmares!
Through guts and gumption Hazel has pushed herself into one of my now favourite dystopian novels. The author has given us a real being and the very real fear and pain she goes through, trying to get back home. The landscape of this scorched Earth is put in vivid detail, as are the others who share the space. Hazel is an honest, though naïve, protagonist thanks to her sheltered upbringing. When she laughed, I laughed and when she hurt so did I. This novel sucks you in body and soul.
The characters are fun and yet layered. The world is not what it seems, but then again, is it ever really? The story is perfectly crafted so that you’re rooting for Hazel AND the “Tainted”.
Fans of The Hunger Games, The Dust Lands, and Shatter Me will devour this novel and beg for seconds.
I got my first taste of this inventive and exciting world from a novella in a dystopian anthology. From those eight chapters The Tainted was born.
I’m so happy to get this early copy to read and honestly review. I hope you’ll grab a copy and join me in bugging Ms. Kay for the next installment. My stars!!
One mistake takes her outside away from safety, leaving her hurt and vulnerable. Time to meet the nightmares!
Through guts and gumption Hazel has pushed herself into one of my now favourite dystopian novels. The author has given us a real being and the very real fear and pain she goes through, trying to get back home. The landscape of this scorched Earth is put in vivid detail, as are the others who share the space. Hazel is an honest, though naïve, protagonist thanks to her sheltered upbringing. When she laughed, I laughed and when she hurt so did I. This novel sucks you in body and soul.
The characters are fun and yet layered. The world is not what it seems, but then again, is it ever really? The story is perfectly crafted so that you’re rooting for Hazel AND the “Tainted”.
Fans of The Hunger Games, The Dust Lands, and Shatter Me will devour this novel and beg for seconds.
I got my first taste of this inventive and exciting world from a novella in a dystopian anthology. From those eight chapters The Tainted was born.
I’m so happy to get this early copy to read and honestly review. I hope you’ll grab a copy and join me in bugging Ms. Kay for the next installment. My stars!!
November 4, 2020
I finished this book in four hours, during slow moments at work. It wasn’t that the good was exciting and I just HAD to keep going, it was that not a lot was happening. For being under 300 pages, the book dragged a lot.
It did have some good things going for it, and there were times I laughed and I loved the idea of people with scales, wings, fur, and talons. I loved the message of “you are your actions, not appearances”. Doc was by far my favorite character and I would love a focus on him.
One of my issues was the names and technology. This book was at least 100 years in the future. But names like “Noah” and “Matt” and “Hazel” and “Aaron” are still used, with other pretty common names. My problem with this is because names are constantly changing with popularity, in the seventies names like “lavender” or “rain” or “Heather” we’re popular, but ten years later those names aren’t used much. Heck, twenty years ago “Samantha” was one of the most popular names, but now it’s barely alive. I cannot believe that I’m at least 100 years new names have not been created and people have carried on these names for decades. As for the technology, medical advances are happening more and more recently. Five years ago we didn’t have the technology we do today. But Doc is still using every basic technology that we use today.
My problems are mainly with the main character is that she’s too into herself. While I get being captured and kidnapped (which we NEVER got explained why), they give her soup that she describes as “smells delicious” and throws it away. They give her so much opportunity and kindness, but when she acts hostile towards them and they (as normal people) take away these privileges, she complains more. If she had just SHUT HER MOUTH or acted calmly, things would have been better. Or when several people told her she would put on trial, she still acted shocked when she was put on trial.
It did have some good things going for it, and there were times I laughed and I loved the idea of people with scales, wings, fur, and talons. I loved the message of “you are your actions, not appearances”. Doc was by far my favorite character and I would love a focus on him.
One of my issues was the names and technology. This book was at least 100 years in the future. But names like “Noah” and “Matt” and “Hazel” and “Aaron” are still used, with other pretty common names. My problem with this is because names are constantly changing with popularity, in the seventies names like “lavender” or “rain” or “Heather” we’re popular, but ten years later those names aren’t used much. Heck, twenty years ago “Samantha” was one of the most popular names, but now it’s barely alive. I cannot believe that I’m at least 100 years new names have not been created and people have carried on these names for decades. As for the technology, medical advances are happening more and more recently. Five years ago we didn’t have the technology we do today. But Doc is still using every basic technology that we use today.
My problems are mainly with the main character is that she’s too into herself. While I get being captured and kidnapped (which we NEVER got explained why), they give her soup that she describes as “smells delicious” and throws it away. They give her so much opportunity and kindness, but when she acts hostile towards them and they (as normal people) take away these privileges, she complains more. If she had just SHUT HER MOUTH or acted calmly, things would have been better. Or when several people told her she would put on trial, she still acted shocked when she was put on trial.
January 23, 2019
First a disclaimer: I love the dystopian genre and I love books written by Frost Kay! That being said, this was a great book!
Hazel is a typical teenaged girl, taunted/teased/bullied by the other kids. However, one thing different about Hazel is that she is the future leader of their world.
The story starts off with the usual: "Alliances crumbled, governments fractured, countries lost communication, and entire cities crumbled from riots and rebellions." As the time for the Blending approaches, Hazel knows that she has to chose a husband who can help her lead, but which of the boys can she trust with this great responsibility? Since she will be the leader, can she really believe that anyone wants her for anything other than the power she will give them?
There is plenty of action, including some violence against women (be warned!) and a hint of romance. Ms. Kay does a wonderful job of world building and character development. Like some other reviewers have said, I did have a hard time liking/relating to Hazel. But, a lot of her personality is due to the severe isolation that her father forced on her. She never really had a chance to be a "Normal" girl.
The ending left me reeling and I can't wait to see what happens next (but, as a longtime reader of Ms. Kay's, I shouldn't be surprised at that!).
I was given the privilege of reading an early version of this book and chose to review it.
Hazel is a typical teenaged girl, taunted/teased/bullied by the other kids. However, one thing different about Hazel is that she is the future leader of their world.
The story starts off with the usual: "Alliances crumbled, governments fractured, countries lost communication, and entire cities crumbled from riots and rebellions." As the time for the Blending approaches, Hazel knows that she has to chose a husband who can help her lead, but which of the boys can she trust with this great responsibility? Since she will be the leader, can she really believe that anyone wants her for anything other than the power she will give them?
There is plenty of action, including some violence against women (be warned!) and a hint of romance. Ms. Kay does a wonderful job of world building and character development. Like some other reviewers have said, I did have a hard time liking/relating to Hazel. But, a lot of her personality is due to the severe isolation that her father forced on her. She never really had a chance to be a "Normal" girl.
The ending left me reeling and I can't wait to see what happens next (but, as a longtime reader of Ms. Kay's, I shouldn't be surprised at that!).
I was given the privilege of reading an early version of this book and chose to review it.
January 23, 2019
I was pulled in from the very first page! Rich with detail and a multi layer plot, I was hooked and did not want to leave this amazing yet terrifying world.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a good dystopian, as there are many tropes and clichés that follow this genre in particular, I was glad to see that this story didn’t follow those norms, and actually twist some of those tropes and clichéson their heads.
I liked the flow of the story but I will say that there is a little bit of info dumping at the start, but not enough to deterred me. The MC was a little immature but I do understand that she was shelter most of her life, that in it’s self made her growth all the more exponential, I can’t wait to see where this character goes.
Overall I truly enjoyed the story, there’s so much going on, it’s dark, gritty and just grips you in a way that you can’t helped but get hooked. I see great things to come with this series and I am excited to see what happens in the future. To end, if you haven’t guessed, this book is my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
Happy Reading
-E. Walsh
It’s been a while since I’ve read a good dystopian, as there are many tropes and clichés that follow this genre in particular, I was glad to see that this story didn’t follow those norms, and actually twist some of those tropes and clichéson their heads.
I liked the flow of the story but I will say that there is a little bit of info dumping at the start, but not enough to deterred me. The MC was a little immature but I do understand that she was shelter most of her life, that in it’s self made her growth all the more exponential, I can’t wait to see where this character goes.
Overall I truly enjoyed the story, there’s so much going on, it’s dark, gritty and just grips you in a way that you can’t helped but get hooked. I see great things to come with this series and I am excited to see what happens in the future. To end, if you haven’t guessed, this book is my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval.
Happy Reading
-E. Walsh
January 4, 2020
A gripping tale of a mutated virus, safe harbor, and the meaning of humanity.
Hazel grew up in Harbor as the leader's daughter, sheltered by her dad and shunned by her peers. Always a bit of outcast, she is now forced to the blending - accept a marriage offer she does not want. The night before, she attends the party with her peers, only with a completely different outcome than expected. Forced to fight for her life, she survives the wilds only to be taken by the Tainted to their compound, kept as prisoner. However, not all is as it seems, even though Hazel never gives up the idea of escape.
This YA dystopia is truly addictive, I devoured the first book in mere hours and i am already halfway through the next one. Intense emotions create a true drama in the fast paced story, set in a futuristic world destroyed by mutated virus. The real danger, though, the human behavior, remains unchanged. Hazel must learn the hard way, first to lose her naivety and innocence, and then to figure out who and what is worth her trust.. and what to give credit for. Despite what stares her in the face, there is a long way ahead for her.
Hazel grew up in Harbor as the leader's daughter, sheltered by her dad and shunned by her peers. Always a bit of outcast, she is now forced to the blending - accept a marriage offer she does not want. The night before, she attends the party with her peers, only with a completely different outcome than expected. Forced to fight for her life, she survives the wilds only to be taken by the Tainted to their compound, kept as prisoner. However, not all is as it seems, even though Hazel never gives up the idea of escape.
This YA dystopia is truly addictive, I devoured the first book in mere hours and i am already halfway through the next one. Intense emotions create a true drama in the fast paced story, set in a futuristic world destroyed by mutated virus. The real danger, though, the human behavior, remains unchanged. Hazel must learn the hard way, first to lose her naivety and innocence, and then to figure out who and what is worth her trust.. and what to give credit for. Despite what stares her in the face, there is a long way ahead for her.
February 16, 2019
This was brilliant! Epic world building, interesting characters, and plenty of angst and action. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend.
February 8, 2021
So I unexpectedly loved this? Maybe not so unexpectedly considering there are winged men in this post-apocalyptic world, but I still didn't expect to be sucked in. Also ENEMIES TO LOVERS.
I first heard about this series on Instagram when an artist I like created fanart of Hazel and Noah and I. Fell. In. Love. The art was gorgeous and it was a preorder campaign for book three in the series. Needless to say I immediately ordered even though I had no idea what the series was about, or that the preorder was for book three and not book one. It was an impulse buy, okay? ANYWAY. Cue to months later when I received a signed and personalized book three, the beautiful art print, and some bookmarks. I immediately ordered book one and proceeded to devour the whole thing in one sitting.
I am always skeptical about buying books from a self published author because of some past experiences with some truly awful self published books. The Tainted does not contain the most ground breaking literary writing or the most flawlessly edited text (some words were missing in places and at one point a character mentioned his own name in a sentence which was clearly an oversight), but the story really hooked me! I think this would have been a five star read if it didn't end so awkwardly though. It was a very abrupt ending, but not a cliffhanger?
I haven't read a dystopian novel in a long time and I devoured this one. Book two is officially on the way and I have already exhausted the free sample online.
I first heard about this series on Instagram when an artist I like created fanart of Hazel and Noah and I. Fell. In. Love. The art was gorgeous and it was a preorder campaign for book three in the series. Needless to say I immediately ordered even though I had no idea what the series was about, or that the preorder was for book three and not book one. It was an impulse buy, okay? ANYWAY. Cue to months later when I received a signed and personalized book three, the beautiful art print, and some bookmarks. I immediately ordered book one and proceeded to devour the whole thing in one sitting.
I am always skeptical about buying books from a self published author because of some past experiences with some truly awful self published books. The Tainted does not contain the most ground breaking literary writing or the most flawlessly edited text (some words were missing in places and at one point a character mentioned his own name in a sentence which was clearly an oversight), but the story really hooked me! I think this would have been a five star read if it didn't end so awkwardly though. It was a very abrupt ending, but not a cliffhanger?
I haven't read a dystopian novel in a long time and I devoured this one. Book two is officially on the way and I have already exhausted the free sample online.
January 22, 2021
I don't even know where to begin with this book. I am seriously at a loss for words because I don't even know what I just read...
For starters it was the most confusing book I've ever read. Everything contradicted itself and it made little to no sense for the entirety of it. Secondly, it took me a while to read because it just dragged on and on. For it only being a small book, it was very slow and dragged and made it difficult for me to continue reading it.
The blurb was misleading and really didn't describe the book at all. And the cover... It didn't match the book either. It was very misleading. It isn't until you get like 70% through the book that you realise the blurb makes no sense compared to the book.
And as for the content... I was disgusted at some of the themes present in the book. When Aaron turned on Hazel in the beginning, and tried to force her into sex I was so shocked and apalled because it wasn't in his character at all. And then again later when Noah threatened Hazel with rape to get her to talk... I just cannot condone something like that. I do not get Stockholm Syndrome and I do not like reading about it. If someone personally threatened rape on me I would not, under any circumstances, be able to fall for them. And how he later told her to commit suicide... The themes in this book were disgusting. Both rape and suicide are not just little words you can throw around absently. They aren't just some light-hearted plot device. They are both serious issues and I hate how they were just thrust in there and made to seem as if they weren't important. As someone who has dealt with these things on some level or has known people who have dealt with these issues, it just disgusted me that they were made to seem inconsequential and used as plot devices.
I also found it super weird how Noah seemed to be in love with Hazel even though he hated her two seconds before. His characterisation was all over the place and made no sense at all. And I hated how Hazel was such a stupid dumbass. Like usually if its in the characterisation I can deal with characters being a little dumb and in denial, but Hazel just took it to another level. Reaidng through her perspective made me want to rage quit because she was so stupid and it sounded like she was a twelve year old. She was so whiny and racist. She claimed the Tainted were monsters simply by their appearance, and she had no room to change or see them as human. They didn't treat her too badly, and she was so biased. It would have been fine if throughout the book she changed and started to see them as human. But she literally kept her mindset the whole way through even though they didn't do much (after the terrible threats from early on) to harm her. This just strikes me as her being extremely biased and racist.
I hated how she had no character arc at all. She stayed the same throughout the entire book. Whiny. Incompetent. Racist. It made reading her perspective so annoying because she literally made me want to punch her. She was just so naive and whiny and made everything all about her, and she wasn't open to different possibilities or open to change. Usually characters have arcs, but Hazel had nothing going for her.
Most of the plot didn't make sense either. I don't get why Aaron shoved her out of the jeep at the start. It wouldn't have benefited him at all to do that. It would have benefited him way more if he'd married her to control her that way. I'm in no way condoning that behaviour at all (and domestive violence is yet another theme just thrown in here and made to seem inconsequential), but it would have made more sense to the story to have him do that rather than disposing of her. Because the only way he gets power is if he marries her.
I also do not get why there has to always be a mean girl. It is so cliche and it just made me want to roll my eyes. And how everyone in the town hated Hazel for no apparant reason... It makes no sense to me. Also the fact that her friends left the party without her... If they were really her friends they wouldn't have left. And I also do not get why the others in the jeep just went along with Aaron drugging her and tossing her out for the Tainted to get. It made no sense.
There is just so much about this book that did not make sense. I did not enjoy reading it. I only finished it because I was hoping it would get better and because it was so short.
Even the ending made no sense. It was very abrupt and felt rushed. It made no sense. I just... I am at a loss for words when it comes to this book.
Suffice to say, I will not be continuing this series. I don't even know what I read. It was not very good, made little sense, and the characters had no 'character' or character arcs at all. I seriously cannot find a single thing I liked about this book. Other than the concept, which was solid, this wasn't very appealing to read. It had so much potential but it fell flat for me.
Maybe you would enjoy it more than me, but when you're at my age and you read something like this it just sounds like something a twelve year old wrote. It was like reading something off Wattpad. It wasn't well thought out. It had potential, but all of that was swept under the rug by the blatant disregard for such heavy themes. It disgusted me. I just... I'm sorry but I did not like this book at all, and I cannot consciously recommend it.
I feel bad for leaving a bad review, but I want to be honest with you guys. I'm sure Frost Kay has many great books, but it was just this one that did not sit well with me.
For starters it was the most confusing book I've ever read. Everything contradicted itself and it made little to no sense for the entirety of it. Secondly, it took me a while to read because it just dragged on and on. For it only being a small book, it was very slow and dragged and made it difficult for me to continue reading it.
The blurb was misleading and really didn't describe the book at all. And the cover... It didn't match the book either. It was very misleading. It isn't until you get like 70% through the book that you realise the blurb makes no sense compared to the book.
And as for the content... I was disgusted at some of the themes present in the book. When Aaron turned on Hazel in the beginning, and tried to force her into sex I was so shocked and apalled because it wasn't in his character at all. And then again later when Noah threatened Hazel with rape to get her to talk... I just cannot condone something like that. I do not get Stockholm Syndrome and I do not like reading about it. If someone personally threatened rape on me I would not, under any circumstances, be able to fall for them. And how he later told her to commit suicide... The themes in this book were disgusting. Both rape and suicide are not just little words you can throw around absently. They aren't just some light-hearted plot device. They are both serious issues and I hate how they were just thrust in there and made to seem as if they weren't important. As someone who has dealt with these things on some level or has known people who have dealt with these issues, it just disgusted me that they were made to seem inconsequential and used as plot devices.
I also found it super weird how Noah seemed to be in love with Hazel even though he hated her two seconds before. His characterisation was all over the place and made no sense at all. And I hated how Hazel was such a stupid dumbass. Like usually if its in the characterisation I can deal with characters being a little dumb and in denial, but Hazel just took it to another level. Reaidng through her perspective made me want to rage quit because she was so stupid and it sounded like she was a twelve year old. She was so whiny and racist. She claimed the Tainted were monsters simply by their appearance, and she had no room to change or see them as human. They didn't treat her too badly, and she was so biased. It would have been fine if throughout the book she changed and started to see them as human. But she literally kept her mindset the whole way through even though they didn't do much (after the terrible threats from early on) to harm her. This just strikes me as her being extremely biased and racist.
I hated how she had no character arc at all. She stayed the same throughout the entire book. Whiny. Incompetent. Racist. It made reading her perspective so annoying because she literally made me want to punch her. She was just so naive and whiny and made everything all about her, and she wasn't open to different possibilities or open to change. Usually characters have arcs, but Hazel had nothing going for her.
Most of the plot didn't make sense either. I don't get why Aaron shoved her out of the jeep at the start. It wouldn't have benefited him at all to do that. It would have benefited him way more if he'd married her to control her that way. I'm in no way condoning that behaviour at all (and domestive violence is yet another theme just thrown in here and made to seem inconsequential), but it would have made more sense to the story to have him do that rather than disposing of her. Because the only way he gets power is if he marries her.
I also do not get why there has to always be a mean girl. It is so cliche and it just made me want to roll my eyes. And how everyone in the town hated Hazel for no apparant reason... It makes no sense to me. Also the fact that her friends left the party without her... If they were really her friends they wouldn't have left. And I also do not get why the others in the jeep just went along with Aaron drugging her and tossing her out for the Tainted to get. It made no sense.
There is just so much about this book that did not make sense. I did not enjoy reading it. I only finished it because I was hoping it would get better and because it was so short.
Even the ending made no sense. It was very abrupt and felt rushed. It made no sense. I just... I am at a loss for words when it comes to this book.
Suffice to say, I will not be continuing this series. I don't even know what I read. It was not very good, made little sense, and the characters had no 'character' or character arcs at all. I seriously cannot find a single thing I liked about this book. Other than the concept, which was solid, this wasn't very appealing to read. It had so much potential but it fell flat for me.
Maybe you would enjoy it more than me, but when you're at my age and you read something like this it just sounds like something a twelve year old wrote. It was like reading something off Wattpad. It wasn't well thought out. It had potential, but all of that was swept under the rug by the blatant disregard for such heavy themes. It disgusted me. I just... I'm sorry but I did not like this book at all, and I cannot consciously recommend it.
I feel bad for leaving a bad review, but I want to be honest with you guys. I'm sure Frost Kay has many great books, but it was just this one that did not sit well with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2019
Maaaan. What a book! I love stories that hook me from the beginning right until the end.
Frost Kay has a real talent for crafting complex characters and world building. This is so different from her usual stories and I loved every second of it.
I struggled to put this book down and by the time I reached the end... talk about a sinking feeling that it was over!!! I want, need, and require the next book STAT.
Frost Kay has a real talent for crafting complex characters and world building. This is so different from her usual stories and I loved every second of it.
I struggled to put this book down and by the time I reached the end... talk about a sinking feeling that it was over!!! I want, need, and require the next book STAT.
March 20, 2019
Great start to a series that oozes potential. I can't wait to see where it goes next. This is definitely a series that I will be adding to my following shelf.
June 2, 2020
Hated the main character
I liked Hazel until I realized she was prejudiced and really idiotic.
The story is good but I can't stand when a woman blindly runs away from a fairly good situation when she knows certain death waits for her outside. I see it a lot in stories and it just seems stupid.
I'm going to read the next book but may stop reading if she continues being so stupid.
I liked Hazel until I realized she was prejudiced and really idiotic.
The story is good but I can't stand when a woman blindly runs away from a fairly good situation when she knows certain death waits for her outside. I see it a lot in stories and it just seems stupid.
I'm going to read the next book but may stop reading if she continues being so stupid.
February 28, 2021
So it took me a while to finish this book but OMG I loved it. It is different to books that I normally read but this was everything 😍😍
March 12, 2021
Kindle Unlimited.
This was good! My only complaint as that is ended too soon.
This was good! My only complaint as that is ended too soon.
March 29, 2020
The story is well thought out, and has gripping, relatable characters. If you like a kick ass heroine, angst, and drama then this book is for you.
February 25, 2020
Intriguing story
Intriguing premise, well written and interesting characters. I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series, hoping the bad guys get theirs!
Intriguing premise, well written and interesting characters. I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series, hoping the bad guys get theirs!
January 22, 2019
The Tainted is a dystopian science fiction novel by Frost Kay. In this book, the author introduces the reader to a world that has been altered and nothing is the same anymore. There are the humans and then…there are the “Tainted.” Those who were altered and changed by a virus that swept through the land. One scratch, one bite by one and you become changed yourself. There are groups of humans spread out collected into groups for survival. Hazel is the leader’s daughter at their village, but after the loss of her mother, her father chose to hide her away. Those around her resent her for it and scorn her, but Hazel does her best. The time of the “blending” is coming and Hazel will need to make a choice. Right when she thinks that she has made the “best” decision for herself and the village…the truth rocks her world and sends her spiraling into another more dangerous reality.
The Tainted is an engaging story and I find Hazel to be an interesting character. She’s strong and resilient in the face of the things that she must face. It’s heartbreaking to learn of how she is treated at home. The author gives the reader just a hint of what lies out in the outskirts and outside the village. When the reader is introduced to the creatures who are altered the story becomes truly fascinating and hard to put down. I’m fascinated by the unique characters that the author introduces us to. I’m eager to learn more about them as each one is introduced to us. I appreciate that the author shows us that danger lies not just with those that we are taught to fear.
There isn’t much that I don’t like about this book but there are a couple of things. I found myself having a bit of a love-hate relationship towards Hazel. I applaud her for her resilience and determination, but then I found myself getting annoyed with her dogged prejudice. I keep waiting on her to at least relent towards a couple characters, but she stays determined to view them as vile and evil. It causes me to be disappointed in her. The second thing is that I was hoping for a transition back to Harbor to learn what had happened back there when she doesn’t come back.
All in all, I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. The story kept me engaged and I can easily say that the author did a fantastic job with the story. The story is well edited and has few to zero errors in it to detract from the overall storyline. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in this series as I am eager to learn what happens next with Hazel. This book is a good start to a new series.
The Tainted is an engaging story and I find Hazel to be an interesting character. She’s strong and resilient in the face of the things that she must face. It’s heartbreaking to learn of how she is treated at home. The author gives the reader just a hint of what lies out in the outskirts and outside the village. When the reader is introduced to the creatures who are altered the story becomes truly fascinating and hard to put down. I’m fascinated by the unique characters that the author introduces us to. I’m eager to learn more about them as each one is introduced to us. I appreciate that the author shows us that danger lies not just with those that we are taught to fear.
There isn’t much that I don’t like about this book but there are a couple of things. I found myself having a bit of a love-hate relationship towards Hazel. I applaud her for her resilience and determination, but then I found myself getting annoyed with her dogged prejudice. I keep waiting on her to at least relent towards a couple characters, but she stays determined to view them as vile and evil. It causes me to be disappointed in her. The second thing is that I was hoping for a transition back to Harbor to learn what had happened back there when she doesn’t come back.
All in all, I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. The story kept me engaged and I can easily say that the author did a fantastic job with the story. The story is well edited and has few to zero errors in it to detract from the overall storyline. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in this series as I am eager to learn what happens next with Hazel. This book is a good start to a new series.
January 17, 2019
**Trigger warnings**
This book contains violence against women (multiple types done or threatened), captivity and other things.
Frost does an excellent job of depicting a post apocalyptic world where devastation rained down on the world and people and animals have been tainted. Those left have taken approaches have been taken to survive in this world in the 100 years that passed. Hazel was raised in a compound of those who haven't been "tainted" by the virus that changed the world. She has been kept sheltered by an overprotective father since her mother's death. While she wants to contribute, she has very little experience and understanding of the realities of the world even though the leadership of the community runs through her bloodline. Her father always compares her negatively to her dead mother.
As you can expect, sheltered but holding the key to power is not in a good position to be. Hazel decides to have a bit of rebellion and pays the cost. She gets some of her wishes but in ways she never would have wanted. She begins to learn that the world may or not be what she was taught and she finds she does have an inner strength that her mother was known. It seems to me that Frost has a certain ways of causing growth in her heroines as I can map some things that happen to Hazel to similar experiences the female leads in her other series.
Apart from Hazel, we are introduced to some interesting secondary characters I am excited to learn more about. I don't want to say more because of spoilers. The world building is intriguing and it feels like there are many things still to learn. I'm very much looking forward to the sequel.
This book contains violence against women (multiple types done or threatened), captivity and other things.
Frost does an excellent job of depicting a post apocalyptic world where devastation rained down on the world and people and animals have been tainted. Those left have taken approaches have been taken to survive in this world in the 100 years that passed. Hazel was raised in a compound of those who haven't been "tainted" by the virus that changed the world. She has been kept sheltered by an overprotective father since her mother's death. While she wants to contribute, she has very little experience and understanding of the realities of the world even though the leadership of the community runs through her bloodline. Her father always compares her negatively to her dead mother.
As you can expect, sheltered but holding the key to power is not in a good position to be. Hazel decides to have a bit of rebellion and pays the cost. She gets some of her wishes but in ways she never would have wanted. She begins to learn that the world may or not be what she was taught and she finds she does have an inner strength that her mother was known. It seems to me that Frost has a certain ways of causing growth in her heroines as I can map some things that happen to Hazel to similar experiences the female leads in her other series.
Apart from Hazel, we are introduced to some interesting secondary characters I am excited to learn more about. I don't want to say more because of spoilers. The world building is intriguing and it feels like there are many things still to learn. I'm very much looking forward to the sequel.
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