White

Freya Snow #2

by L.C. Mawson

Demons were simple. Freya could handle Demons. Fae? Not so much.
Finishing her GCSEs should have been a cause for celebration for Freya Snow, the now renowned Demon hunter. Especially with her guardian promising to show her the rest of the city's magical community.

But when a girl runs from prom at midnight, losing her shoe, and another pricks her finger and falls into a coma, it becomes clear that they're acting out fairy tales.

When her foster mother sends an assassin to kill her and retrieve her heart, Freya realises that she's under the curse too.

And she's playing Snow White.

Some day her prince may come, but Freya's not big on waiting.

WHITE is the second book in the Freya Snow YA fantasy series.

Genres: Fantasy, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, LGBT, Young Adult, Paranormal

Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2016

About the author

Some say she's an ancient creature of nightmare that was unleashed from beneath the ocean, come to devour the souls of men. Others say that she's a cosmic being from the beyond the stars that has taken corporeal form to learn our ways for some unknown end...

In truth, L.C. Mawson lives in a tower in the middle of a haunted forest, far from civilisation and is definitely not a witch who curses those who trespass upon her land. And she definitely cannot turn into a dragon that flies over cities in the dead of night and whose cries are often mistaken for an approaching storm. Where did you hear that? That's absurd...

The only contact she has with humanity is publishing books every so often, which is definitely just for fun and not part of an ancient contract with a trickster god.

Reviews

[Rosemary Standeven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freya Snow has grown into her magic – which is quite convenient, as she now seems to be needing to defend herself continually against demon attacks. Her days are spent at school, and in the normal world, while her nights are dedicated to ridding the city of rogue demons. There are many parallels to “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” (one of my all-time favourite TV series) – a strong central female character who can hold her own against supernatural fiends, some friends to help out with research and combat training, oblivious (foster) parents and general population. However, Freya doesn’t have a centuries old love interest. She and Damon are just friends, of the same age. And the vampyres are neutral and don’t tend to kill humans.
There is a new player in town, who appears to have cast a fairy tale curse. That is, people start to act out parts of fairy tales. There is Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood – and especially for Freya – Snow White. You think you know the plots – but as Freya points out, there are many versions of each tale – and they are not all pleasant, sanitised stories. You don’t know how each will turn out, and even when you know what to look out for, you may not be able to avoid disaster. Freya must discover who cast the curse, and why, and stop the caster before anyone (apart from rogue demons) is killed or abducted.
Emotions run high in this episode. Damon, Freya, Alice and Amber are all still keeping their secrets close. The rule forbidding magic wielders from informing humans of their existence, may be causing some unintended harm. Wouldn’t you love sometimes to have an Aferbulum incantation to hand, so you could say/do what you wanted, and then wipe someone’s memory, as though it never happened.
This series continues to go from strength to strength. I love it, and can barely wait for my next fix.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Khai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I loved the development of Freya's character and story, as well as the development of other characters and the world-building. I can't wait to read the next one!

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit to liking the first book more. I think because we are just seeing Freya learn about who she is and see her begin to find herself. In this book, she is more comfortable with her powers but also more demanding on learning more and learning more about the community of magic. that’s not a bad thing but it kind of has the book feel less genuine for me because before her curiosity fueled her desire and now it seemed it wasn’t curiosity but something else and I can’t quite put my finger on what.

In this book Freya and those around her are now caught in fairy tales and playing them out. The reason for this is really odd and I felt for everyone involved. Especially the little girl. For Freya she became Snow White and for me that was entertaining to see her try to agree to staying hidden but also allowing dwarves to help her was a hoot. It seems Freya’s past and the part of who she is that she doesn’t know about is starting to slowly unravel and this book shows that that is a big part of what is going on around her and why her powers are what they are. We get some clues but nothing concrete on her heritage and it has you wanting to know more. We also have Fae introduced in this book and to me that added a new wrinkle into the picture for they are pretty tricky little buggers.

All in all the book was good and didn’t hit that second book snag. It had action, danger and mystery. We had some fun moments and moments that had you question things. Watching Freya become friends with someone I never thought would be anything but an enemy was interesting. Seeing her figure out how to break the fairy tale spell was fun and full of snark and witty comebacks as well. We see Freya grow more into herself and her powers but still be far from the answers of why she is so powerful and wanted by so many it seems.

[Alex (Bri's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freya Snow thought that things were going to start calming down and that her biggest issue would be her one-sided crush on Damon. However, soon people in the town have things happen to them that seem to be straight out of fairy tales. For example, a girl runs from her prom at midnight, losing her shoe, and a girl pricks her finger and ends up in a coma. Even Freya herself is dealing with changes in her life, as her formerly kind foster mother turns abusive towards her. Now it is up to Freya to discover who is making the lives of the people of her town into fairytales, and how to stop them before someone dies.

This story reminded me a lot of Once Upon a Time, which is good because I loved Once Upon A Time. I love hearing about fairy tales and how they could be implemented or how they apply to the current world, and this story definitely delved into this. The series is definitely not losing its shine as the books go on, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well done story that brings classic fantasy stories into play in real life as a result of some particularly powerful magic, and a string-willed heroine who (as the kindle blurb notes) isn't willing to simply accept her Snow White "casting" and wait for some prince to come rescue her. LC Mawson does a wonderful job in telling her tale, and it's one with a powerful and exciting plot and truly excellent lead and supporting characters. And, of yes, the lead happens to be bisexual and have Aspergers, but so what? It certainly adds some "color" making this character more distinctive, but otherwise is not relevant or important, which in itself is an important message.

Highly recommended.

[Helgaleena Healingline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to circumstances beyond the world's control, someone has started making fairytales come to life around Freya. Before she knows it, she's running away from home and setting up house with seven 'little people' borrowed from another dimension!

At the same time as she's rescuing Riding Hood from a wolf and helping a classmate get through a hedge of thorns around the hospital where his girlfriend is in a coma, Freya needs to realize that there is indeed a Prince Charming in her life, if only she'll accept it.

[Elpis G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Freya has grown up a bit and has become more knowledgeable about the world of magic. While there is a lot that she and the reader still doesn’t know, we got introduced to the shadow realm and more knowledge about magic and the complex timelines that weave the world. If you are looking for an interesting and complicated storyline with some retellings of fairy tales, this is the book for you.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if your life was really a fairy tale. Well Freya's world is becoming one. A mystery girl loses her shoe when running from the prom. A girl falls under a sleeping spell and is surrounded by thorns and Freya is Snow White...
What a fun story. Only a true survivor can escape the curse. More fun with Freya and Damon.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

' Freya groaned. "Okay, enough timeline talk. It gives me a headache." '

This book has a bit too much of everything, and some problems are too easily solved. The storyline is good but confusing at times, however the characters are really interesting. Also, thumbs up for representation and diversity!

[Jennifer Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling YA supernatural book series! I really enjoy reading as Freya comes into her powers and her confidence grows. Her relationship with Damon also grows! Good laughs, imaginative scenery, and enticing characters! Well done!!

[Jen Garren-Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! I had so much fun reading this. Fairy tales are supposed to be fun, but when a city is becoming trapped by the Fae in them it can be deadly. Damon is there with Freya trying to work on saving the city, but when Freya becomes a victim, what's he going to do? You'll just have to find out!

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is absolutely amazing I can’t put them down. The best part I was able to get all of them free on my Kobo I’m obsessed and can’t wait to see what happens next especially with Freya and Damon!!!

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my honest and unbias opinion of the story. I loved reading this story which is book #2 in this series and it so wonderfully written I loved reading this book.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

More changes, and more back-story coming out ...

Recommended.

[Trish Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this.Yet another series by L.C. Mawson that is thoroughly enjoyable.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped: A Snowverse Novella (Freya Snow Book 0) Hunt (Freya Snow Book 1) White (Freya Snow Book 2) Wings (Freya Snow Book 3)
The Freya Snow Pup Trilogy: Books 1-3 {Hunt, White, Wings}
Oracle (Freya Snow Book 4) Witch (Freya Snow Book 5) Freya Snow Short Story Collection

No idea why any of her other books are not listed on goodreads, they are on amazon and even bookbub. No idea how to add them in myself on goodreads either.

Not available KU couple or so were free *Note: Did receive the trilogy as free gift, along with all the Freya Snow books as well. Beyond grateful for the wonderful stories.

Trapped: A Snowverse Novella (Freya Snow Book 0) Hunt (Freya Snow Book 1) White (Freya Snow Book 2) Wings (Freya Snow Book 3)
The Freya Snow Pup Trilogy: Books 1-3 {Hunt, White, Wings}
Oracle (Freya Snow Book 4) Witch (Freya Snow Book 5) Freya Snow Short Story Collection

For the other books not Freya Snow I wrote:

Foreword in book...The condition we now refer to as 'autism' was first recognised by the medical communities of Europe in the first half of the 20th century. ... Many were simply seen as 'eccentric' and certain euphemisms arose to describe them. One such euphemism arose during the Industrial Revolution, within the upper class of London. Many of the great minds behind the revolution were referred to as having 'an inventor's disposition'.

One of my free books, this one is 'science-y' and 'mystery-ious', and was a nice walk through someone else's mind for me. Shame not available on kindle unlimited but appreciated the free book. *Note: Did receive the trilogy as free gift, along with all the Freya Snow books as well. Beyond grateful for the wonderful stories.

Lady Ruth Constance Chapelstone and the Clockwork Suitor (The Lady Ruth Constance Chapelstone Chronicles)
Lady Ruth Constance Chapelstone and the Parisian Thief (The Lady Ruth Constance Chapelstone Chronicles)
Lady Ruth Constance Chapelstone and the American Escapade (The Lady Ruth Constance Chapelstone Chronicles)
The Complete Lady Ruth Constance Chapelstone Chronicles: Books 1-3

[Robby Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface, she's a teenager with Aspergers, a wiz at maths and science, an orphan, and living in a foster home. When her foster mother is unaware, she goes off, hunting hybrid vampires and demons, using a combination of martial arts and magic. Another thing, Freya isn't exactly human. She looks human, but she and her mother and her aunt Tilly are related to the fairies. She also has a ghost named Amber as a mentor and trainer.

Freya's friends are all normal humans who don't know much about magic, witches, vampires or fairies. When strange events start happening that resemble elements of well known fairy tales, they do begin to wonder. One girl dashes away from the Prom, leaving a silver slipper behind, and a love-struck young man makes inquiries on Facebook. Another goes into a coma on pricking herself with a needle. Then, Freya finds herself in the story of Snow White. This is obviously a deeper and more powerful type of magic than the local magical community knows about, and soon Freya is in over her head. In fact, she finds she's the focal point of the activity, and that the whole world as she knows it, is at risk.

L.C. writes a great story, hard to put down, and a challenge to the imagination. A browse through her bio reveals that she concentrates a lot of her writing and research on autism, and how to portray characters in the autism spectrum. This aspect was also of special interest to me, as we have Aspergers in our family as well. It looks like something that could grow into a sub-genre.

Another sub-genre this YA fantasy novel would fit is GLBT, as the main character is bisexual. Though this might not be to the taste of some, including myself, it doesn't take away from the magic and enjoyment of a good story.

I was given a copy of this by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Marian Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my review of Hunt, the first book of the Freya Snow series, I wrote “I’ll be interested to see how Lucy Mawson develops as a writer over the next few years; I think she’s worth watching.” In Snow, the second volume of Freya Snow’s adventures, I am pleased to see that both the author’s writing and the world-building have developed considerably.

In White, which I would describe as Buffy: Vampire Slayer meets Into the Woods, much more of the backstory of Freya’s magical heritage is revealed. Previous characters are more fully realized and new ones introduced, and there is even an undercurrent of romance. There is a stronger element of urban fantasy – at one point Freya visits a magical marketplace hidden in an old building in her town – which reminded me of scenes from early work by Charles de Lint.

There were still a few twists and turns in the plot I either found difficult to follow or thought needed a more thorough explanation. But overall I read White with enjoyment and appreciation, especially liking the way Mawson brought characters and themes from both classic and more modern fairy-tales into Freya’s world. A mermaid with ‘Christian-Anderson syndrome’ had me laughing out loud.

The production quality of the ARC I read was excellent: I noticed neither typos nor formatting errors.

Four stars for White, and I hope the next book in the series is as good.

Review by Goodreads author Marian Thorpe Empire's Daughter
The author provided me with a pre-publication copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Devon H · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how sometimes sequels feel the same as the first book except worse? They have the same plot line, same character development, etc? This is not the case for White. Mawson once again crafted a beautiful story in which Freya goes deeper into her roots. A coming of age story, I loved how it was twisted to resemble several fairytales rolled into the fantasy world that is Freya's Earth. That is certainly a different plot line than the first part in the series, although Mawson does a nice job of wrapping up loose ends from the last book in moving forward.

My heart is beginning to hurt a little over the star-crossed lovers, but readers are introduced to new details around Freya and Damon's relationship as well as a little treat from the Shadow Realm. It's enough to get me through until the next book, maybe.

And of course Jamie's role in all of this is fascinating. Is she a lover or a fighter? I would've loved to see her character develop a little more in the book. I can't help but feel that Freya was actually kind of a jerk to Jamie the entire story. In the end, Jamie's experience was wrapped up nicely and she was sent on her way. I hope there is more to come from her, however.

All in all, I kind of wish I was discovering these books a few years later so I could binge read the whole series in one weekend. I'm really enjoying these books.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

You can read more of my reviews at https://showthisbooksomelovewordpress...

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book blows the previous Freya Snow book out of the water.

Without revealing too much I'll just say that we learn a lot of interesting things about the magical community and that the fairy tale plot makes for a lot of fun. The story gets rolling fast and the momentum doesn't stop from that point on.

The concise, easy-to-process writing from the first book remains, while there's a lot of added clarity. Minor characters now get more solid introductions and flashbacks are easy to make sense of. Those were my main areas of complaint with the first book, Hunt, but this time around there was nothing to mar my enjoyment.

It's one of the most fun reads I've had in a long time, period. 5 stars, no doubt about it.

[Bethany Sheldahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ebook of this book from the author in exchange for doing this review. The Freya Snow series just gets better and better! In this sequel to Hunt, the fifteen-year-old, probably autistic magical orphan Freya Snow is fighting demons and learning to use magic. Things get complicated when Freya realizes someone is casting a spell that makes fairy tales come to life - especially when she winds up trapped in the role of Snow White and discovers the Fae want her. The magical world is creatively told, and the autistic (also bisexual!) character is portrayed brilliantly. I can't wait for the third book!

[TE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a trip down the rabbit hole and into the shadow realm and back. Fun read.