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Flameskin Chronicles #0
Firefrost
She’s a huntress: Sol d’Hillerod is sent on a desperate mission through a treacherous winter pass. She carries with her the only hope of her village’s survival, and she will do whatever she must to keep her world from burning.
He’s a monster: Lieutenant Kelan Birke has spent his whole life fighting for his freedom and his soul. As his control slips, and the war rages on, he knows it won’t be long before he loses himself entirely to the fire that flows through his veins.
Sol and Kelan are enemies in an age-old war, forced to depend on each other to survive a perilous journey through the mountains. As fire melts the ice in Sol’s heart, she questions everything she’s been taught to believe, and Kelan becomes more desperate to fight the flames that consume him. Together they discover that their struggle will have repercussions for both sides of this burning war.
This stunning debut is perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Sarah J. Maas.
He’s a monster: Lieutenant Kelan Birke has spent his whole life fighting for his freedom and his soul. As his control slips, and the war rages on, he knows it won’t be long before he loses himself entirely to the fire that flows through his veins.
Sol and Kelan are enemies in an age-old war, forced to depend on each other to survive a perilous journey through the mountains. As fire melts the ice in Sol’s heart, she questions everything she’s been taught to believe, and Kelan becomes more desperate to fight the flames that consume him. Together they discover that their struggle will have repercussions for both sides of this burning war.
This stunning debut is perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Sarah J. Maas.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2020
86 people are currently reading
1499 people want to read
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August 5, 2020
From enemies to lovers, Sol - Huntress/Mage and Kelan - Flameskin, must find a way to be together and end the war.
It’s hard when two people don’t want to be what they are and hate each other... at least in the beginning...
Sol and Kelan have to keep each other alive through the winter mountain pass after a dreadful accident. I’m doing so they find out about each other and ultimately find, they want the same things.
This story is character driven and not much works building, which is fine. I mean you CAN feel every bit of the cold and killings they go through but not much else. Either way, I very much loved Sol and Kelan and I look forward to their next adventures!
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
BLOG: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
It’s hard when two people don’t want to be what they are and hate each other... at least in the beginning...
"I hate you," she muttered, clenching her teeth and willing tears to stop. How had she let herself cry in front of him? She wrapped her arms around her body. Now that she wasn’t wearing the emberstone manacle, the cold bit into her, nipping her uncovered face and fingers.
"Fire isn’t evil. We use fire to cook, to light and warm our homes. Without fire, humankind wouldn’t survive."
"But it is evil to use it like this. To be tainted by it. To let it enter the blood."
"I won’t apologize for saving your life."
"It’s better to die untainted than to let the poison take you."
"Maybe we aren’t so different," Kelan said softly. " We’re both afraid of what fire can do to us."
Sol and Kelan have to keep each other alive through the winter mountain pass after a dreadful accident. I’m doing so they find out about each other and ultimately find, they want the same things.
She blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears. Then she looped one arm around Kelan’s neck and pulled him in, meeting his lips with hers. His lips were hot, and kissing him was like tasting the first scents of spring after a long winter, it was the heady exhilaration of the hunt. He held her close, wrapping his arms around her waist, and the warmth of his body enveloped her. She pressed herself against him, hating how much she wanted his warmth, how much she wanted him.
This story is character driven and not much works building, which is fine. I mean you CAN feel every bit of the cold and killings they go through but not much else. Either way, I very much loved Sol and Kelan and I look forward to their next adventures!
**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
BLOG: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
July 26, 2020
1.5 stars? 2 stars?
Well, this is awkward. I was given an ARC of this book and now I have to write a review about my opinions which aren't very positive, to be honest. When a friend said this book reminded them of Wicked Saints, I was worried. I hated that book and unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of Firefrost either. So maybe if you loved Wicked Saints, you'll love this?
I'm a bit disappointed that reading this book became such a chore since I was enjoying Firefrost for the first 15% or so but then... I started not enjoying myself. So... let's make a list, shall we?
Things I didn't like:
-The ROMANCE! I usually love romance but here, I couldn't have cared less. It was immature, juvenile and it developed way too quickly knowing that they're supposed to be mortal enemies on opposite sides. Their first kiss came out of nowhere and there was no tension whatsoever. And with an enemies-to-lovers trope, it's all about the tension and sparks flying around when they give in. Here, the characters were a bit flat.
-The plot and "twists" that felt very repetitive after a while. Oh no, soldiers are here, we have to hide then run! We go somewhere else. Oh no, soldiers/people that want us dead are here, we have to run! etc, etc, etc. You get it. It was like watching two hamsters in a wheel going nowhere.
-The simplistic settings and lack of world-building. I think this book might be targeted for younger readers than me? I'm not sure. I wanted to learn how it all began but maybe I missed that explanation? People are killing each other on both sides and children are killed if they're Flameskin even though they're not "possessed" yet.
-The ending was weird and didn't make me want to read more.
Things I liked:
-The concept of the Pyras and Flameskin.
-The first 15-20%
-Umm
-...
-Sorry!
-...
-*hides in a corner*
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
Well, this is awkward. I was given an ARC of this book and now I have to write a review about my opinions which aren't very positive, to be honest. When a friend said this book reminded them of Wicked Saints, I was worried. I hated that book and unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of Firefrost either. So maybe if you loved Wicked Saints, you'll love this?
I'm a bit disappointed that reading this book became such a chore since I was enjoying Firefrost for the first 15% or so but then... I started not enjoying myself. So... let's make a list, shall we?
Things I didn't like:
-The ROMANCE! I usually love romance but here, I couldn't have cared less. It was immature, juvenile and it developed way too quickly knowing that they're supposed to be mortal enemies on opposite sides. Their first kiss came out of nowhere and there was no tension whatsoever. And with an enemies-to-lovers trope, it's all about the tension and sparks flying around when they give in. Here, the characters were a bit flat.
-The plot and "twists" that felt very repetitive after a while. Oh no, soldiers are here, we have to hide then run! We go somewhere else. Oh no, soldiers/people that want us dead are here, we have to run! etc, etc, etc. You get it. It was like watching two hamsters in a wheel going nowhere.
-The simplistic settings and lack of world-building. I think this book might be targeted for younger readers than me? I'm not sure. I wanted to learn how it all began but maybe I missed that explanation? People are killing each other on both sides and children are killed if they're Flameskin even though they're not "possessed" yet.
-The ending was weird and didn't make me want to read more.
Things I liked:
-The concept of the Pyras and Flameskin.
-The first 15-20%
-Umm
-...
-Sorry!
-...
-*hides in a corner*
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
August 22, 2020
4.2/5 ☆ = 5
DISCLAIMER: I received an eARC from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In a world filled with war and magic, we follow Sol - a hunter/mage - and Kelan - a flameskin. Even though they're on the opposing side of the brutal war between humans and flameskins, they have to work together to travel across the Ulve Mountains. Their lives depend on cooperation. Secrets are uncovered, the hunter has become the prey and their lives will never be the same again.
The book is filled with a lot of room for the characters to grow, as well as some action scenes. At first, the book dragged for a bit during the start but got way better at the end. There was also a lot of repetition in the plot, which made it a bit boring at times. But at least the end was good. Honestly, I sometimes feel like the ending was a bit rushed. However, it also kind of wound up perfectly at the end.
Moreover, the world-building was a bit lacking. Of course, the whole war and between the humans and flamskins, and their struggles were definitely well written. However, why did the war really start? What created the stigma towards the flameskins? What are the different creatures? Obviously, this is a prequel. It's just introducing us to this new world. Yet, I would have liked to travel through the world and learn more. More about the different cultures and etc. However, I will say that the author was amazing at giving clues which would be vital by the end. A great buildup of tension!
I absolutely fell in love with both Kelan and Sol. Headstrong Sol and complex Kelan, who was practically raised to hate each other. But their character development, oh the development! I love how their relationship grew as they began to finally trust each other. What can I say, I do love a good enemies-to-lovers, and this book delivered just that! The romance was definitely swoon-worthy.
The focus was mainly on Sol and Kelan's relationship, which I understand. Yet it dragged the opportunity to have a more engaging and creative plotline. Moreover, secrets were unveiled and the characters learned more about themselves. However, after a revelation, things seemed to be just normal. It was almost no big deal. I really wished the author dug deeper into Sol's ancestry.
In conclusion, I found myself enjoying the story a lot. This prequel was a pretty good buildup for the upcoming series, and it definitely got me excited for the Flameskin Chronicles! I got my hands on the novella Flamecursed, so I'm looking forward to reading it soon!
Over and out. -Nora <3
DISCLAIMER: I received an eARC from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In a world filled with war and magic, we follow Sol - a hunter/mage - and Kelan - a flameskin. Even though they're on the opposing side of the brutal war between humans and flameskins, they have to work together to travel across the Ulve Mountains. Their lives depend on cooperation. Secrets are uncovered, the hunter has become the prey and their lives will never be the same again.
The book is filled with a lot of room for the characters to grow, as well as some action scenes. At first, the book dragged for a bit during the start but got way better at the end. There was also a lot of repetition in the plot, which made it a bit boring at times. But at least the end was good. Honestly, I sometimes feel like the ending was a bit rushed. However, it also kind of wound up perfectly at the end.
Moreover, the world-building was a bit lacking. Of course, the whole war and between the humans and flamskins, and their struggles were definitely well written. However, why did the war really start? What created the stigma towards the flameskins? What are the different creatures? Obviously, this is a prequel. It's just introducing us to this new world. Yet, I would have liked to travel through the world and learn more. More about the different cultures and etc. However, I will say that the author was amazing at giving clues which would be vital by the end. A great buildup of tension!
I absolutely fell in love with both Kelan and Sol. Headstrong Sol and complex Kelan, who was practically raised to hate each other. But their character development, oh the development! I love how their relationship grew as they began to finally trust each other. What can I say, I do love a good enemies-to-lovers, and this book delivered just that! The romance was definitely swoon-worthy.
The focus was mainly on Sol and Kelan's relationship, which I understand. Yet it dragged the opportunity to have a more engaging and creative plotline. Moreover, secrets were unveiled and the characters learned more about themselves. However, after a revelation, things seemed to be just normal. It was almost no big deal. I really wished the author dug deeper into Sol's ancestry.
In conclusion, I found myself enjoying the story a lot. This prequel was a pretty good buildup for the upcoming series, and it definitely got me excited for the Flameskin Chronicles! I got my hands on the novella Flamecursed, so I'm looking forward to reading it soon!
Over and out. -Nora <3
July 24, 2020
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Firefrost was definitely giving me vibes of other books and some movies. Not sure why I was thinking of Elsa or Pocahontas towards the end.. but I definitely was. Other than that, this was giving off some wicked king vibes as well. Either way, I enjoyed this book because I just love enemies turning into lovers. There's just something addicting about them.
In it, you will meet Sol and Kelan. She's a huntress and a mage. While he's a flameskin and technically an evil demon in her eyes. Yet, he hasn't given himself away and continues to fight his inner demon/pyra. Along the way, they meet each other. I mean, they did try to kill one another plenty of times.. and so did a possible avalanche BUT details!
This whole world and mountain were pretty cool. I wanted to know why people hated one another and why people were just killing them based off of who they were or born into. Didn't really seem fair to me but eventually Sol's hatred for Kelan floated away. She no longer saw him as the demon she was always taught to see.. but as a human being.
After the ending, I'm super excited for the next book. I want to know if my Disney vibes will continue to grow and what is going to happen next on this new island.
Firefrost was definitely giving me vibes of other books and some movies. Not sure why I was thinking of Elsa or Pocahontas towards the end.. but I definitely was. Other than that, this was giving off some wicked king vibes as well. Either way, I enjoyed this book because I just love enemies turning into lovers. There's just something addicting about them.
In it, you will meet Sol and Kelan. She's a huntress and a mage. While he's a flameskin and technically an evil demon in her eyes. Yet, he hasn't given himself away and continues to fight his inner demon/pyra. Along the way, they meet each other. I mean, they did try to kill one another plenty of times.. and so did a possible avalanche BUT details!
This whole world and mountain were pretty cool. I wanted to know why people hated one another and why people were just killing them based off of who they were or born into. Didn't really seem fair to me but eventually Sol's hatred for Kelan floated away. She no longer saw him as the demon she was always taught to see.. but as a human being.
After the ending, I'm super excited for the next book. I want to know if my Disney vibes will continue to grow and what is going to happen next on this new island.
August 11, 2020
Thank you so much to BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
Actual rating 3.5. So we have a classic enemies to lovers story, set against the snowy and magical Ulve Mountains. The Flameskins are a race of people who coexist with a demon called a pyra, and once their soul is fully consumed they essentially turn into demons. The nonmagical people and army of Tokkedal are attempting to eradicate this army of fire demons, a war which was been ongoing. With atrocities like cutting out the hearts of, and then burning flameskins being commonplace, the hatred and prejudice and fear of the nonmagical citizens runs deep.
The world building was really quite well done. We learn all about the snowy and inhospitable mountains, their legends, and the people who inhabit them. How they live, what they eat, how they feel in regards to the ongoing war. The political aspects got a bit confusing because even though a Tokken King was mentioned several times, a queen ended up being in power? Other than that I enjoyed the world quite a bit, especially the place at the end. Cough no spoilers.
The magic includes the Flameskins who have their demons, or mages that have similar skills but must use a stone to achieve them. There is so much intricate detail about the pyras and mages and their respective curses, that I was pretty impressed for the first 40% of the book. Even the history and prejudices and course of the wars were pretty interesting, as were all the ways in which the fire could be used. From firesharing to Saint Katerine and her powers, there were a very wide range.
The characters are a bit of another story. Sol is her village's huntress, and ends up on a confusing journey of survival with a Flameskin commander named Kelan. They have to rely on each other for guidance, food, warmth, and emotional support while more or less having to escape both armies and everyone else they meet. Their goals change as they go, but safety is hard to find in a world where there is no place to be together.
Can they trust each other? Should they hate each other or jump into a bedroll? Can Kelan fight off his Pyra and stay human despite the fact that Sol is a bit of a moron and forces him to use it all the time? The relationship and inner monologue between them got so repetitive during the 35-70% part of the book that I just had to skim at times. There were no new revelations and yet every few pages I had to read about their very repetitive feelings and confusion towards each other. 1.5 stars docked right there, I would have just preferred a shorter book or to spend those pages maybe hearing more stories about the mountains, the Saints for sure, or literally anything else.
Kelan was a pretty interesting and complex character, while Sol just drove me nuts until she got her sh!t together and figured out which side to be on. I get that watching your pa cut out a Flameskin's heart would have lasting effects, but it took her a very long time to come off her high horse and work cooperatively with him to survive.
I was on an easy 5⭐ course until I hit the middle of the book doldrums that some of the early reviews mentioned. There was still action going on but just so much repetition. This looks to be a prequel book to the rest of the series, taking place 100ish years before the next book occurs, so there was just no reason for it. I once again encourage YA authors to give their readers some credit and back off the repetition.
Fans of enemies to lovers, found families, adopted families, fire magic, superstition and lore, keep an eye out for this one! It releases September 21st!
Have you read this one? Want to discuss it? Leave a comment below!
Actual rating 3.5. So we have a classic enemies to lovers story, set against the snowy and magical Ulve Mountains. The Flameskins are a race of people who coexist with a demon called a pyra, and once their soul is fully consumed they essentially turn into demons. The nonmagical people and army of Tokkedal are attempting to eradicate this army of fire demons, a war which was been ongoing. With atrocities like cutting out the hearts of, and then burning flameskins being commonplace, the hatred and prejudice and fear of the nonmagical citizens runs deep.
The world building was really quite well done. We learn all about the snowy and inhospitable mountains, their legends, and the people who inhabit them. How they live, what they eat, how they feel in regards to the ongoing war. The political aspects got a bit confusing because even though a Tokken King was mentioned several times, a queen ended up being in power? Other than that I enjoyed the world quite a bit, especially the place at the end. Cough no spoilers.
The magic includes the Flameskins who have their demons, or mages that have similar skills but must use a stone to achieve them. There is so much intricate detail about the pyras and mages and their respective curses, that I was pretty impressed for the first 40% of the book. Even the history and prejudices and course of the wars were pretty interesting, as were all the ways in which the fire could be used. From firesharing to Saint Katerine and her powers, there were a very wide range.
The characters are a bit of another story. Sol is her village's huntress, and ends up on a confusing journey of survival with a Flameskin commander named Kelan. They have to rely on each other for guidance, food, warmth, and emotional support while more or less having to escape both armies and everyone else they meet. Their goals change as they go, but safety is hard to find in a world where there is no place to be together.
Can they trust each other? Should they hate each other or jump into a bedroll? Can Kelan fight off his Pyra and stay human despite the fact that Sol is a bit of a moron and forces him to use it all the time? The relationship and inner monologue between them got so repetitive during the 35-70% part of the book that I just had to skim at times. There were no new revelations and yet every few pages I had to read about their very repetitive feelings and confusion towards each other. 1.5 stars docked right there, I would have just preferred a shorter book or to spend those pages maybe hearing more stories about the mountains, the Saints for sure, or literally anything else.
Kelan was a pretty interesting and complex character, while Sol just drove me nuts until she got her sh!t together and figured out which side to be on. I get that watching your pa cut out a Flameskin's heart would have lasting effects, but it took her a very long time to come off her high horse and work cooperatively with him to survive.
I was on an easy 5⭐ course until I hit the middle of the book doldrums that some of the early reviews mentioned. There was still action going on but just so much repetition. This looks to be a prequel book to the rest of the series, taking place 100ish years before the next book occurs, so there was just no reason for it. I once again encourage YA authors to give their readers some credit and back off the repetition.
Fans of enemies to lovers, found families, adopted families, fire magic, superstition and lore, keep an eye out for this one! It releases September 21st!
Have you read this one? Want to discuss it? Leave a comment below!
September 1, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for the eArc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sol is a huntress who is doing what she can to ensure her village survives the wrath of the flameskin army.
Kelan is a Lieutenant in the flamskin army who has spent his whole life fighting what he is.
Sol and Kelan are enemies from opposite sides of a war that started years ago. Due to unforeseen circumstances they must depend on each other to survive. As Sol begins to question her beliefs, Kelan becomes desperate to fight the fire that threatens to consume him. Together they will face many hardships that will have an effect on both sides of the war.
What I Liked about this book
The concept - I loved the idea of the flameskin's and how their powers work.
Kelan - He is my favourite character in this book. he is a complex character and is completely devoted to Sol.
The world - even though this book is centered on the flameskin's there are other magical creatures at work as well. This book mainly focuses on explaining the world and setting the scene for the next book.
What I Didn't like
The pacing of the book - the story seemed to jump from place to place very quickly in the second half of the book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books such as Throne of Glass.
4.5 stars
✮✮✮✮✬
Find this review and others on my blog
Sol is a huntress who is doing what she can to ensure her village survives the wrath of the flameskin army.
Kelan is a Lieutenant in the flamskin army who has spent his whole life fighting what he is.
Sol and Kelan are enemies from opposite sides of a war that started years ago. Due to unforeseen circumstances they must depend on each other to survive. As Sol begins to question her beliefs, Kelan becomes desperate to fight the fire that threatens to consume him. Together they will face many hardships that will have an effect on both sides of the war.
What I Liked about this book
The concept - I loved the idea of the flameskin's and how their powers work.
Kelan - He is my favourite character in this book. he is a complex character and is completely devoted to Sol.
The world - even though this book is centered on the flameskin's there are other magical creatures at work as well. This book mainly focuses on explaining the world and setting the scene for the next book.
What I Didn't like
The pacing of the book - the story seemed to jump from place to place very quickly in the second half of the book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books such as Throne of Glass.
4.5 stars
✮✮✮✮✬
Find this review and others on my blog
August 12, 2020
This book gripped me from the start, and I connected to the characters almost instantly. A big bonus was that it had one of my favorite tropes, enemies-to-lovers. And I loved this trope in this book! But unfortunately from the 50% mark, it started to be a bit repetitive and slow in some chapters, and I started losing interest in the story.
We follow Sol, a huntress and a mage, sent to protect Lady Isabella on her journey to Cassia. We also follow Kellan, a lieutenant of the Flameskins army, sent to kill Lady Isabella. The only thing they have in common is that they both want to end the war. But they're on opposite sides, which makes them enemies.
When an avalanche buries everyone on this journey, leaving only Sol and Kellan, they are forced to work together in order to survive on their trip through the harsh mountains to Cassia.
I loved the dynamic between these two characters, and the whole thing about the war between Tokkens and Flameskins. We also got to learn more about a Flameskin's pyra (inner demon), and also how the war started.
What I didn't enjoy though, was that the story dragged at some points, and that some decisions made by the characters later on in the story felt like they were out of character for them. But, in the end, I did quite like reading this book.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We follow Sol, a huntress and a mage, sent to protect Lady Isabella on her journey to Cassia. We also follow Kellan, a lieutenant of the Flameskins army, sent to kill Lady Isabella. The only thing they have in common is that they both want to end the war. But they're on opposite sides, which makes them enemies.
When an avalanche buries everyone on this journey, leaving only Sol and Kellan, they are forced to work together in order to survive on their trip through the harsh mountains to Cassia.
I loved the dynamic between these two characters, and the whole thing about the war between Tokkens and Flameskins. We also got to learn more about a Flameskin's pyra (inner demon), and also how the war started.
What I didn't enjoy though, was that the story dragged at some points, and that some decisions made by the characters later on in the story felt like they were out of character for them. But, in the end, I did quite like reading this book.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
September 4, 2020That cover tho...
July 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this! I love survival stories and Sol and Kelan making it through the snow and mountains and their many enemies was definitely exciting!
I felt a bit of Wicked Saints vibes from this and I loved that book so I'm not surprised I liked this as well. Sol is a capable girl and I admired how she perservered and pushed Kelan and herself through so many obstacles to get back to her family. She does have prejudices at first, but once she gets to know Kelan she begins to shift her thinking. You have to feel bad for the Fireskins at least a bit, they can't really control giving into the pyra demon inside them and to kill children because of how they're born is really terrible.
Most of the story is Sol and Kelan trying to survive against cold, lack of food, injuries, and being hunted. It feels like they can never be safe, but the romance that comes out of it was lovely. I like them as a couple and the way they both have a soft side for helping others.
The only part I didn't quite understand was the different races (?) I guess you'd call them. The Fireskins and mages and Tokken seem very similar but for having fire abilities. I'd like some clarification there if possible.
The ending wrapped up pretty well, so I'm wondering what the next book will be about. Looking forward to finding out!
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I felt a bit of Wicked Saints vibes from this and I loved that book so I'm not surprised I liked this as well. Sol is a capable girl and I admired how she perservered and pushed Kelan and herself through so many obstacles to get back to her family. She does have prejudices at first, but once she gets to know Kelan she begins to shift her thinking. You have to feel bad for the Fireskins at least a bit, they can't really control giving into the pyra demon inside them and to kill children because of how they're born is really terrible.
Most of the story is Sol and Kelan trying to survive against cold, lack of food, injuries, and being hunted. It feels like they can never be safe, but the romance that comes out of it was lovely. I like them as a couple and the way they both have a soft side for helping others.
The only part I didn't quite understand was the different races (?) I guess you'd call them. The Fireskins and mages and Tokken seem very similar but for having fire abilities. I'd like some clarification there if possible.
The ending wrapped up pretty well, so I'm wondering what the next book will be about. Looking forward to finding out!
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 5, 2020
Kelan is a Flameskin lieutenant and Sol is a Tokken huntress.
The Flameskins are fire wielders that have something in them called pyri. The pyri take over the magic wielder eventually and they become one. And they live to destroy.
Some choose to numb their magic with an emberstone and don't allow the unity, so they don't wield their fire at all.
There is a war between the Tokken army and the Flameskins. Kelan and Sol are natural enemies, as it's all they have ever known. Can they change the course of their future and stop the war by uniting? Or will their friendship mean they will always be on the run from all sides?
This was an interesting read and not like most enemies to friends stories.
I found it to be relatable to some current events, while remaining in a fantasy world, which made it a bit lighter and an easy read.
This was beautifully written and had the perfect amount of romance for me.
The descriptions of the mountains, woods and many weeks of travelling through snow, were captivating and kept me intrigued throughout the story.
I do wish the ending was a bit longer as I felt it was a bit rushed, but it was overall a very satisfying read.
✨Thank you to the author Camille Longley, Books Go Social and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.✨
The Flameskins are fire wielders that have something in them called pyri. The pyri take over the magic wielder eventually and they become one. And they live to destroy.
Some choose to numb their magic with an emberstone and don't allow the unity, so they don't wield their fire at all.
There is a war between the Tokken army and the Flameskins. Kelan and Sol are natural enemies, as it's all they have ever known. Can they change the course of their future and stop the war by uniting? Or will their friendship mean they will always be on the run from all sides?
This was an interesting read and not like most enemies to friends stories.
I found it to be relatable to some current events, while remaining in a fantasy world, which made it a bit lighter and an easy read.
This was beautifully written and had the perfect amount of romance for me.
The descriptions of the mountains, woods and many weeks of travelling through snow, were captivating and kept me intrigued throughout the story.
I do wish the ending was a bit longer as I felt it was a bit rushed, but it was overall a very satisfying read.
✨Thank you to the author Camille Longley, Books Go Social and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.✨
December 13, 2020
3.75 stars
RTC
RTC
September 14, 2020
An enemies-to-lovers fantasy story, Firefrost is an adventure-filled prequel to the Flameskin Chronicles. Sol, a huntress, leads a group through the mountains, she knows the journey is dangerous. Flameskins an enemy race have targeted Princess Isabella, one of the people in Sol’s party. They are attacked, but that isn’t the only trouble that lurks in the mountains.
An avalanche kills all but Sol and Kelan, enemies on the opposite sides of a raging war. In order to survive, Sol and Kelan reluctantly travel across the mountains together. The pair have been taught to hate each other, but, as they travel across treacherous territory, they begin to question all they know. The enemies turn to friends, and they realize that their feelings for each other are the least of their problems. They must face the war that continues to rage, the political deception that they are unwittingly pulled into, battles for power, the dangerous land that they travel, and the prejudices that threaten to tear them apart.
The fantasy elements in the story are unique and immersive, as is the world that the author created. Flameskins, for example, have the power of fire because of the pyras that live inside of them and constantly try to take them over. Once the pyra takes over, the person is lost to the demon forever. Mages and nature that has magical components are equally dynamic, as is the setting. I could easily visualize the frigid mountain, the icy, frozen paths, the epic battles, the villages, and other elements of the setting.
Sol is a fantastic protagonist. Strong, stubborn, and hard, she grows so much throughout the story. She has strong biases against Kelan’s race. Sol idolizes her deceased dad, who told her how evil the Flameskins are, and she has no reason to doubt him. However, the more she gets to know Kalen, the more she thinks her father is wrong. Watching her slowly come to terms with her ever-growing feelings and her fear of giving in to love is fantastic!
As much as I like Sol, Kalen’s character is equally fascinating. Trained from age ten to fight and embrace his pyra, Kalen struggles between his duty and his desire to not lose himself. Kalen is a strong-willed warrior who fights to maintain control over his pyra. He is also quicker to show his feelings and fierce in his desire to protect Sol. I found his character to be complex and intriguing.
Of course, my favorite part of the story is the romance between Sol and Kelan. I’m a sucker for a good romance, and Sol and Kelan won my heart. They both have to face their life-long prejudices in order to work together and survive the mountains. You can tell how uncomfortable they are at first by their stilted and awkward conversations and Sol’s angry refusal to compromise. Kelan even tries to joke with Sol at times, but she still grapples with hate and anger. However, traveling together in extreme conditions softens both of them, and they grow to trust, rely on, and even like each other.
I love how their relationship grows. When Sol asks Kelan to wait for her, his response is so sweet. “For a thousand years he would wait, if he had to.” These are two wounded and conflicted people who have suffered loss and have insurmountable responsibilities. However, they learn that they are stronger together than they ever were apart.
There are also some great messages in this story about what it means to be a family, the long-lasting and detrimental effects of racism, facing inner demons (literally and figuratively), and embracing love. Political intrigue, found families, secrets, potential kidnappings, and more make for a richly developed and action-packed plot.
A binge-worthy romance/fantasy, Firefrost is a wonderful prequel to the Flameskin Chronicles, and I can’t wait until the first book in the series is released. Thanks so much to Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
An avalanche kills all but Sol and Kelan, enemies on the opposite sides of a raging war. In order to survive, Sol and Kelan reluctantly travel across the mountains together. The pair have been taught to hate each other, but, as they travel across treacherous territory, they begin to question all they know. The enemies turn to friends, and they realize that their feelings for each other are the least of their problems. They must face the war that continues to rage, the political deception that they are unwittingly pulled into, battles for power, the dangerous land that they travel, and the prejudices that threaten to tear them apart.
The fantasy elements in the story are unique and immersive, as is the world that the author created. Flameskins, for example, have the power of fire because of the pyras that live inside of them and constantly try to take them over. Once the pyra takes over, the person is lost to the demon forever. Mages and nature that has magical components are equally dynamic, as is the setting. I could easily visualize the frigid mountain, the icy, frozen paths, the epic battles, the villages, and other elements of the setting.
Sol is a fantastic protagonist. Strong, stubborn, and hard, she grows so much throughout the story. She has strong biases against Kelan’s race. Sol idolizes her deceased dad, who told her how evil the Flameskins are, and she has no reason to doubt him. However, the more she gets to know Kalen, the more she thinks her father is wrong. Watching her slowly come to terms with her ever-growing feelings and her fear of giving in to love is fantastic!
As much as I like Sol, Kalen’s character is equally fascinating. Trained from age ten to fight and embrace his pyra, Kalen struggles between his duty and his desire to not lose himself. Kalen is a strong-willed warrior who fights to maintain control over his pyra. He is also quicker to show his feelings and fierce in his desire to protect Sol. I found his character to be complex and intriguing.
Of course, my favorite part of the story is the romance between Sol and Kelan. I’m a sucker for a good romance, and Sol and Kelan won my heart. They both have to face their life-long prejudices in order to work together and survive the mountains. You can tell how uncomfortable they are at first by their stilted and awkward conversations and Sol’s angry refusal to compromise. Kelan even tries to joke with Sol at times, but she still grapples with hate and anger. However, traveling together in extreme conditions softens both of them, and they grow to trust, rely on, and even like each other.
I love how their relationship grows. When Sol asks Kelan to wait for her, his response is so sweet. “For a thousand years he would wait, if he had to.” These are two wounded and conflicted people who have suffered loss and have insurmountable responsibilities. However, they learn that they are stronger together than they ever were apart.
There are also some great messages in this story about what it means to be a family, the long-lasting and detrimental effects of racism, facing inner demons (literally and figuratively), and embracing love. Political intrigue, found families, secrets, potential kidnappings, and more make for a richly developed and action-packed plot.
A binge-worthy romance/fantasy, Firefrost is a wonderful prequel to the Flameskin Chronicles, and I can’t wait until the first book in the series is released. Thanks so much to Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2020
I'd give this book a strong 4.5 out of 5. It kept me thoroughly entertained, and I read it in a single sitting. It follows a hunter, Sol, and an enemy soldier, Kelan, as they struggle to survive a harsh winter in the mountains. Because most of this book was a fight for survival, it was pretty character driven, but that didn't harm it, because the arcs of the characters were done extremely well.
Sol has been raised since she was born to hate Flameskins, and kill them on sight, so she was immensely prejudiced when she met Kelan. Watching her slowly accept Kelan and challenge her beliefs was written so realistically yet simply at the same time. She had idolized her father for years, and watching her struggle with her feelings towards him and her beliefs was really part of what made the story stand out to me. The author did an amazing job of writing Sol's father to be a flawed character without villainizing him. Being there for her journey towards acceptance was really what made me love her as a character.
Kelan,on the other hand had been threatened by the Tokkens for his entire life and was logically wary of them. While he had less of a transformation of beliefs, his journey was just as well written. He was probably my favorite character, because his struggle with his inner demons also felt super realistic. I loved how he gave Sol time to accept him, he wasn't the normal cocky love interest we see in most YA books.
Speaking of love interests, lets discuss the romance! This was really the focal point of the story, I mean there was a plot line, but it was really led by the romance. I loved how this wasn't insta-love, it did happen fairly fast considering how short the timeline of the book was, but it felt like it took a long time.
I feel like Longley definitely excels at writing realistic character relationships, and if she continues this series, I'll definitely be looking to continue it. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy lovers!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
Sol has been raised since she was born to hate Flameskins, and kill them on sight, so she was immensely prejudiced when she met Kelan. Watching her slowly accept Kelan and challenge her beliefs was written so realistically yet simply at the same time. She had idolized her father for years, and watching her struggle with her feelings towards him and her beliefs was really part of what made the story stand out to me. The author did an amazing job of writing Sol's father to be a flawed character without villainizing him. Being there for her journey towards acceptance was really what made me love her as a character.
Kelan,on the other hand had been threatened by the Tokkens for his entire life and was logically wary of them. While he had less of a transformation of beliefs, his journey was just as well written. He was probably my favorite character, because his struggle with his inner demons also felt super realistic. I loved how he gave Sol time to accept him, he wasn't the normal cocky love interest we see in most YA books.
Speaking of love interests, lets discuss the romance! This was really the focal point of the story, I mean there was a plot line, but it was really led by the romance. I loved how this wasn't insta-love, it did happen fairly fast considering how short the timeline of the book was, but it felt like it took a long time.
I feel like Longley definitely excels at writing realistic character relationships, and if she continues this series, I'll definitely be looking to continue it. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy lovers!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
November 28, 2020
E-ARC Provided by NetGalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review.
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Uhg I always feel bad giving books a less-than-stellar rating, but I just can’t help it.
I feel like this had the potential to be really good, but the circular plot, uneven character development, boring romance and lack of any real tension made it seem more like a first draft than a real finished story.
It was intriguing at first.
The potential of an enemies-to-lovers romance was there, along with an interesting source of potential conflict; but nothing was ever really done with it.
The romance - rather than a slow build - happened quickly and did not align with the character goals, and plot wise the story felt very circular and dragging with little real tension.
I would’ve liked more world and character building as well, but it just didn’t happen.
I thought the author did a good job at making the characters feel realistic, with individual personalities and I do commend her for her ability to create a setting for an individual scene, but overall this one just didn’t do it for me.
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Uhg I always feel bad giving books a less-than-stellar rating, but I just can’t help it.
I feel like this had the potential to be really good, but the circular plot, uneven character development, boring romance and lack of any real tension made it seem more like a first draft than a real finished story.
It was intriguing at first.
The potential of an enemies-to-lovers romance was there, along with an interesting source of potential conflict; but nothing was ever really done with it.
The romance - rather than a slow build - happened quickly and did not align with the character goals, and plot wise the story felt very circular and dragging with little real tension.
I would’ve liked more world and character building as well, but it just didn’t happen.
I thought the author did a good job at making the characters feel realistic, with individual personalities and I do commend her for her ability to create a setting for an individual scene, but overall this one just didn’t do it for me.
September 6, 2020
This story is told from Sol, a hunter/mage and Liutenant Kelan, a Flameskin army. Sol hated Kelan since the first time they met. She hated flameskin because her father and everyone around her hate flameskin 🙄 They are as bad as the bad flameskin duh. They killed innocent kids just because they are a flameskin!!!
Sol called him Demon and wanted to kill him. Something happened and they are forced to work together to survive. I hate Sol. When they start trusting each other and something triggered her she called him Demon again and again like wth? She hurt him! Goshhhh he can't choose his parents and he tried hard to fight his pyra/demon duh!
My favorite character is Kelan!!! I don't know how to describe him but he is a perfect guy. I like him so much. Another fictional boyfriend lol
I finished this book in a few hours. Can you see how much it hooked me from the start? It was an interesting story. I keep thinking bout Zuko, a fire bender from Avatar lol It's not the same but still... Okay don't mind me hahaa
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Firefrost ARC!
Sol called him Demon and wanted to kill him. Something happened and they are forced to work together to survive. I hate Sol. When they start trusting each other and something triggered her she called him Demon again and again like wth? She hurt him! Goshhhh he can't choose his parents and he tried hard to fight his pyra/demon duh!
My favorite character is Kelan!!! I don't know how to describe him but he is a perfect guy. I like him so much. Another fictional boyfriend lol
I finished this book in a few hours. Can you see how much it hooked me from the start? It was an interesting story. I keep thinking bout Zuko, a fire bender from Avatar lol It's not the same but still... Okay don't mind me hahaa
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Firefrost ARC!
July 11, 2020
Thank you BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.
The cover of Firefrost draw my attention right away, I think it is an amazing cover.
The way the story was written was very good, I liked it a lot because you keep reading without any effort.
What I didn’t like was the Pyra and the train of thought of it, it annoyed me through the story. The characters were a bit flat for my opinion, I just couldn’t feel a connection with them, the romance was a bit too fast and there was not enough world building in my opinion to get truly in the story.
What I did like was that there were two POV’s from which the story was told, this gives something extra to the story. Besides that is that will be coming a few other books in this series so maybe the world building will develop in the other books.
The cover of Firefrost draw my attention right away, I think it is an amazing cover.
The way the story was written was very good, I liked it a lot because you keep reading without any effort.
What I didn’t like was the Pyra and the train of thought of it, it annoyed me through the story. The characters were a bit flat for my opinion, I just couldn’t feel a connection with them, the romance was a bit too fast and there was not enough world building in my opinion to get truly in the story.
What I did like was that there were two POV’s from which the story was told, this gives something extra to the story. Besides that is that will be coming a few other books in this series so maybe the world building will develop in the other books.
July 9, 2020
FireFrost is a typical YA Fantasy book where the worldbuilding and plot are much less strong than the focus on the romance. It wasn't exactly what I was looking for but I could see people who prefer romance heavy fantasy enjoying this.
Sol is a hunter, she knows the mountains better than anyone, especially now her father is dead. When Princess Isabella needs safe passage through the mountains she disguises herself as him in order to help them for her village. Flameskin's are waiting for them. People that are possessed by fiery demons they're incredibly dangerous and have burned down villages like Sol. With her help they manage to slay the demons, taking one as a prisoner. When an avalanche destroys Princess Isabella and her entourage the only prisoner is the only survivor. Kelan doesn't know what to make of the hunter that hates his species, but he needs her help to make it off the mountain alive.
This book is pretty typical of YA fantasy and it didn't bring much new to the table. It's got all the hallmarks of the genre so if you do enjoy this type of thing you should give it a shot. For me, there was a lot of potential here but it didn't live up to it.
I'm mostly interested in worldbuilding and interesting characters. Unfortunately, this book was a bit lax with both of these aspects. Most of the book is spent with only Sol and Kelan and I wasn't connected to either of them enough to care. The most engaging aspect was the idea of learning more about the Flameskin's and the political intrigue of war and leaders fighting amongst themselves. It just didn't seem to take any of that far enough.
One thing I am understanding of is that this is a sequel to an ongoing series. I'm hoping that explains the lack of worldbuilding as it's pretty typical of sequels to be less detailed.
The plot could have used some streamlining. By that I mean that for most of the book there wasn't a plot other than 'getting off of this mountain', it didn't feel like there was an overarching theme to the book whatsoever and instead it just jumped around in reaction to events that unfolded.
The romance was okay. It was a little bit rushed especially for an enemies-to-lovers book, I do always tend to prefer slow burns though. I can understand other people's comments that the chemistry in the beginning was forced, although they did grow into a couple that I enjoyed.
Overall, this just didn't do much for me, but I could see other people enjoying it.
(Thanks to NetGallery for providing an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review)
Sol is a hunter, she knows the mountains better than anyone, especially now her father is dead. When Princess Isabella needs safe passage through the mountains she disguises herself as him in order to help them for her village. Flameskin's are waiting for them. People that are possessed by fiery demons they're incredibly dangerous and have burned down villages like Sol. With her help they manage to slay the demons, taking one as a prisoner. When an avalanche destroys Princess Isabella and her entourage the only prisoner is the only survivor. Kelan doesn't know what to make of the hunter that hates his species, but he needs her help to make it off the mountain alive.
This book is pretty typical of YA fantasy and it didn't bring much new to the table. It's got all the hallmarks of the genre so if you do enjoy this type of thing you should give it a shot. For me, there was a lot of potential here but it didn't live up to it.
I'm mostly interested in worldbuilding and interesting characters. Unfortunately, this book was a bit lax with both of these aspects. Most of the book is spent with only Sol and Kelan and I wasn't connected to either of them enough to care. The most engaging aspect was the idea of learning more about the Flameskin's and the political intrigue of war and leaders fighting amongst themselves. It just didn't seem to take any of that far enough.
One thing I am understanding of is that this is a sequel to an ongoing series. I'm hoping that explains the lack of worldbuilding as it's pretty typical of sequels to be less detailed.
The plot could have used some streamlining. By that I mean that for most of the book there wasn't a plot other than 'getting off of this mountain', it didn't feel like there was an overarching theme to the book whatsoever and instead it just jumped around in reaction to events that unfolded.
The romance was okay. It was a little bit rushed especially for an enemies-to-lovers book, I do always tend to prefer slow burns though. I can understand other people's comments that the chemistry in the beginning was forced, although they did grow into a couple that I enjoyed.
Overall, this just didn't do much for me, but I could see other people enjoying it.
(Thanks to NetGallery for providing an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review)
July 7, 2021
I really liked that one! The action was well described, and realistic, reading it felt like watching a movie!
Watching Sol warming up to Kelan's condition and questioning everything she even known was beautiful. She really was the better human, this queen of the mountains.
The romance was beautifully paced too. Except for the wedding, that I still don't even know if it happened for real (I think not, but I'm lost here. Having a digital galley mean I didn't want to go back to check).
Many thanks to BooksGoSocial for the complimentary e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Watching Sol warming up to Kelan's condition and questioning everything she even known was beautiful. She really was the better human, this queen of the mountains.
The romance was beautifully paced too. Except for the wedding, that I still don't even know if it happened for real (I think not, but I'm lost here. Having a digital galley mean I didn't want to go back to check).
Many thanks to BooksGoSocial for the complimentary e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 10, 2021Dnf 70%
October 16, 2020
I’ll be honest here, I wasn’t expecting to love this one. Especially in the beginning, the writing felt a little clunky, but as it went on, it got SOOO much better. The writing isn’t super flowery, but it’s also not clinical. It’s that perfect mix of poetic and descriptive.
The pacing was good and the plot felt real and believable. The romance was also paced well. I don’t feel like it was over the top rushed or anything. The magic was also really interesting. The idea was something that I had never really seen before and it was nice to see a new concept being implemented the way that Firefrost did.
The characters, Kelan and Sol were interesting to read the perspective from and I loved them as a couple. The changes that they underwent together and their falling in love was wonderful to read about. The romance is an enemies to lovers and it had some angst and build up that I was 100000% here for. This is a prequel to the first book in the Flameskin Chronicles and I plan on reading the next in the series, Flameskin.
The pacing was good and the plot felt real and believable. The romance was also paced well. I don’t feel like it was over the top rushed or anything. The magic was also really interesting. The idea was something that I had never really seen before and it was nice to see a new concept being implemented the way that Firefrost did.
The characters, Kelan and Sol were interesting to read the perspective from and I loved them as a couple. The changes that they underwent together and their falling in love was wonderful to read about. The romance is an enemies to lovers and it had some angst and build up that I was 100000% here for. This is a prequel to the first book in the Flameskin Chronicles and I plan on reading the next in the series, Flameskin.
September 18, 2020
Like another reviewer said, this book is totally binge worthy. I may or may not have spent all day just reading it!! 😉
The story really is pretty good, and I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next installment. I really liked that Sol wasn’t one of those heroines that is tough but questions EVERYTHING. She’s strong and sticks to her instincts. I liked how the “prisoner falls for the captor” dynamic played out in this book. It was refreshing. The books covers a bunch of plots in very cohesive way. Perfect ending to setup the sequel.
The story really is pretty good, and I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next installment. I really liked that Sol wasn’t one of those heroines that is tough but questions EVERYTHING. She’s strong and sticks to her instincts. I liked how the “prisoner falls for the captor” dynamic played out in this book. It was refreshing. The books covers a bunch of plots in very cohesive way. Perfect ending to setup the sequel.
December 2, 2022
this is one of the first books that ever gave me butterflies. putting that aside, it was a bad book with an average romance and i don’t recommend it.
August 15, 2020
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. My review is my own and not influenced in any way.
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Set in mountain ranges of a fictional world, Firefrost tells the story of a "demon" and a huntress. Kelan is a newly promoted lieutenant fighting a war between the fire-wielding, demon-possessed mages on his side and anti-magic troops on the other. Sol spends her days hunting game and guiding travelers through the mountains she calls home to provide for her village. In the midst of a continent-wide war, she quickly finds herself in a life-or-death situation where she meets Kelan, and they're forced into a situation where they must work together to survive the harsh climates around them until they can reach safety again.
So, my original rating of this book was 3.5/5 stars, but looking back at both how much I enjoyed it and how much I actually remember of the story two days after finishing it, I dropped my rating to a solid 3/5. I didn't realize until after I had finished Firefrost that it was actually a prequel of sorts, so I'm honestly not sure whether that affects how much I liked the story.
There were a few things missing in this book, mainly an actual plot outside of "survival mode: initiated" and the enemies-to-lovers trope. I've read journey-centric books before, okay? Even the Darkest Stars was tied as my favorite read of 2019, and it's still in my top ten favorites. However, the fact that Firefrost revolved solely around Kelan and Sol traversing the mountains from one checkpoint to the next and evading capture via one side of soldiers or another got irritating by the 1/3 mark. There's only so much stagnation I can take in storytelling, and that limit was exceeded.
Secondly, the romance was a little too rushed. There were a lot of time jumps in this book-mainly going by weeks rather than days-which probably didn't help the feeling of a quick romantic development. Kelan and Sol were fine as a couple, I actually rooted for them by the halfway point, but it should have taken a lot longer for Sol to get over her heavily ingrained prejudices against Kelan's pyra than it actually did.
On the other hand, I liked the fact that Sol was kind of the only one in her family/village/mountains to get over those hurdles so quickly. Everyone else either struggled to accept Kelan as a human or rejected him-and, in extension, Sol-entirely and attempted to eliminate him.
Overall, if you're a fan of "the journey is more important than the destination" and you shipped Zutara as a child, you should try this book out. The magic system was intriguing, so I'm hoping that the series itself-because, again, this was a prequel for an unpublished series-goes more in depth with both the worldbuilding and the lore.
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Set in mountain ranges of a fictional world, Firefrost tells the story of a "demon" and a huntress. Kelan is a newly promoted lieutenant fighting a war between the fire-wielding, demon-possessed mages on his side and anti-magic troops on the other. Sol spends her days hunting game and guiding travelers through the mountains she calls home to provide for her village. In the midst of a continent-wide war, she quickly finds herself in a life-or-death situation where she meets Kelan, and they're forced into a situation where they must work together to survive the harsh climates around them until they can reach safety again.
So, my original rating of this book was 3.5/5 stars, but looking back at both how much I enjoyed it and how much I actually remember of the story two days after finishing it, I dropped my rating to a solid 3/5. I didn't realize until after I had finished Firefrost that it was actually a prequel of sorts, so I'm honestly not sure whether that affects how much I liked the story.
There were a few things missing in this book, mainly an actual plot outside of "survival mode: initiated" and the enemies-to-lovers trope. I've read journey-centric books before, okay? Even the Darkest Stars was tied as my favorite read of 2019, and it's still in my top ten favorites. However, the fact that Firefrost revolved solely around Kelan and Sol traversing the mountains from one checkpoint to the next and evading capture via one side of soldiers or another got irritating by the 1/3 mark. There's only so much stagnation I can take in storytelling, and that limit was exceeded.
Secondly, the romance was a little too rushed. There were a lot of time jumps in this book-mainly going by weeks rather than days-which probably didn't help the feeling of a quick romantic development. Kelan and Sol were fine as a couple, I actually rooted for them by the halfway point, but it should have taken a lot longer for Sol to get over her heavily ingrained prejudices against Kelan's pyra than it actually did.
On the other hand, I liked the fact that Sol was kind of the only one in her family/village/mountains to get over those hurdles so quickly. Everyone else either struggled to accept Kelan as a human or rejected him-and, in extension, Sol-entirely and attempted to eliminate him.
"Call me a fool, call me Flameskin...but never call me Demon. I didn't choose this. We don't get to choose our parents, or what we're born to. And every moment is a battle for me. You don't know what it's like to have to resist what you are, to fight every day of your life to keep the fire at bay."
Overall, if you're a fan of "the journey is more important than the destination" and you shipped Zutara as a child, you should try this book out. The magic system was intriguing, so I'm hoping that the series itself-because, again, this was a prequel for an unpublished series-goes more in depth with both the worldbuilding and the lore.
August 13, 2020
I would like to thank Camille Longley & BooksGoSocial for my copy of the ARC. Due to this kind gesture, I have decided to leave an honest review.
I am in looooove!! I loved the cover, I loved the description and I completely loved the book. I haven't really been impressed with books lately so to actually enjoy this has brought me great joy, 4 stars!
In a world where an age-old war is still blazing (literally), Sol must help move Lady Isabella to meet her Prince to help gain troops to win this thing once and for all. But when a close encounter with the flameskins turns sour, what happens when human/mage must team up with the Devil to get back home safely? Can Kelan show Sol he's not the demon that she thinks he is?
Aw I loved this so much, then I found out this is just the start, it's prequel before the actual story and I am SHOOK. I genuinely don't know how to feel? I absolutely adore these characters. They overcame so much together. Freezing cold winter, hunger, everyone trying to kill them, family prejudice, their own prejudice! Now we need to say goodbye to them?! URGH.
There were a few characters but the love I have for Kelan is real. He is just a sweetheart right from the start! He is battling his own demon, loves someone who is ice, just wants to be free! He is perfect. My heart always ached how he always just thinks he's not good enough, he is.. HE ALWAYS IS.
I am looking forward to reading on in the series. It was fun, good paced (even with complete cringe moments) and I even had some Pocohuntus vibes going on! I just can't wait to see where it goes.
Check out my blog www.mandyizzym.tumblr.com
"He laughed. "Warm? I could walk naked in the snow and still be warm." Sol exhaled. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't." "You sure?" he asked and grinned wickedly.
I am in looooove!! I loved the cover, I loved the description and I completely loved the book. I haven't really been impressed with books lately so to actually enjoy this has brought me great joy, 4 stars!
In a world where an age-old war is still blazing (literally), Sol must help move Lady Isabella to meet her Prince to help gain troops to win this thing once and for all. But when a close encounter with the flameskins turns sour, what happens when human/mage must team up with the Devil to get back home safely? Can Kelan show Sol he's not the demon that she thinks he is?
Aw I loved this so much, then I found out this is just the start, it's prequel before the actual story and I am SHOOK. I genuinely don't know how to feel? I absolutely adore these characters. They overcame so much together. Freezing cold winter, hunger, everyone trying to kill them, family prejudice, their own prejudice! Now we need to say goodbye to them?! URGH.
There were a few characters but the love I have for Kelan is real. He is just a sweetheart right from the start! He is battling his own demon, loves someone who is ice, just wants to be free! He is perfect. My heart always ached how he always just thinks he's not good enough, he is.. HE ALWAYS IS.
I am looking forward to reading on in the series. It was fun, good paced (even with complete cringe moments) and I even had some Pocohuntus vibes going on! I just can't wait to see where it goes.
Check out my blog www.mandyizzym.tumblr.com
"He laughed. "Warm? I could walk naked in the snow and still be warm." Sol exhaled. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't." "You sure?" he asked and grinned wickedly.
July 27, 2020
LOVED THIS! I expected another straight forward fantasy YA but each time I thought I had this book figured out, it surprised me. It seems like your typical chosen one young adult fantasy with a Romeo and Juliet style romance but it’s more an exploration of this fantasy world told through this couples struggle to be together.
Longley does an amazing job at reeling you in with the story and all it’s little subplots. It’s a binge-worthy book and I can not wait to read the next one. I already signed up for her mailing list to get my hands on a prequel novella.
Read more reviews and other bookish content on my blog https://elainehowlin.com
September 8, 2020
This legitimately might be one of my favourite young adult fantasy books I’ve read this year! Not only does this book have all the aspects of a artfully woven tale, but lovable characters and powerful world building.
First off, Sol and Kelan are literally adorable and somehow the fact that they could both kill me easily doesn’t seem to factor into that?! Both characters were raised to hate everything the other stood for, everything that they are, but as the story progresses they are forced to question everything they were taught to despise and who they once trusted. Lines are blurred and slowly a bond develops between the pair. I will always openly admit my love for the classic enemies to lovers troupe and character growth along the way, and this book has both of those factors perfectly executed. None of it felt forced or straightforward, keeping me on my toes up until the very end.
The story itself was refreshing and fast paced, but not so much so that you lost track of what was happening. I had a hard time putting the book down, there was never a dull moment and the plot twists had me at the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved how imaginative the plot and world building was, with the whole idea of the Flameskins and their pyras vs the Tokken, and Kelan’s own battle to keep control over his demon. Especially in the sense of world building it was fairly easy to follow, you were able to understand the dynamics of the world without being overwhelmed with unnecessary factors.
I have read many young adult fantasies but this one was unlike any I’ve read before, and it was AMAZING. I would highly recommend it to any fantasy fan or anyone looking to get into the genre. It’s release date is September 21st!!
Huge thanks to NetGally and the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
First off, Sol and Kelan are literally adorable and somehow the fact that they could both kill me easily doesn’t seem to factor into that?! Both characters were raised to hate everything the other stood for, everything that they are, but as the story progresses they are forced to question everything they were taught to despise and who they once trusted. Lines are blurred and slowly a bond develops between the pair. I will always openly admit my love for the classic enemies to lovers troupe and character growth along the way, and this book has both of those factors perfectly executed. None of it felt forced or straightforward, keeping me on my toes up until the very end.
The story itself was refreshing and fast paced, but not so much so that you lost track of what was happening. I had a hard time putting the book down, there was never a dull moment and the plot twists had me at the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved how imaginative the plot and world building was, with the whole idea of the Flameskins and their pyras vs the Tokken, and Kelan’s own battle to keep control over his demon. Especially in the sense of world building it was fairly easy to follow, you were able to understand the dynamics of the world without being overwhelmed with unnecessary factors.
I have read many young adult fantasies but this one was unlike any I’ve read before, and it was AMAZING. I would highly recommend it to any fantasy fan or anyone looking to get into the genre. It’s release date is September 21st!!
Huge thanks to NetGally and the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 15, 2020
This was quite the refreshing read! Firefrost takes us into a world of Flameskins and Tokken soldiers who are at war with each other. And among this war and politics we see Sol, a young girl trying to find a way to feed her family and Kelan, a Flameskin soldier. By unexpected events these two end up alone in the mountain ranges amidst the snow. Now they must try to survive.
I really loved the pull and push of feelings that comes with a haters to lovers trope! The characterization was really good and so was the pacing. I loved to see Sol struggle with what she had been led to believe all her life and what she was actually experiencing. Much of the things in the book could be related to real life issues and that representation was much needed.
I don't usually like to read Fantasy that revolves around war or politics a lot, hence this was a surprisingly good read!
I really loved the pull and push of feelings that comes with a haters to lovers trope! The characterization was really good and so was the pacing. I loved to see Sol struggle with what she had been led to believe all her life and what she was actually experiencing. Much of the things in the book could be related to real life issues and that representation was much needed.
I don't usually like to read Fantasy that revolves around war or politics a lot, hence this was a surprisingly good read!
August 22, 2020
2.5 stars
I was hooked immediately from start with plot and characters Sol and Kellan have Zutara feel.
But sadly half was through story starts get repetitive and pace slows and I lost all my interest.
I'm sure other will like it more, but I didn't.
*𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
I was hooked immediately from start with plot and characters Sol and Kellan have Zutara feel.
But sadly half was through story starts get repetitive and pace slows and I lost all my interest.
I'm sure other will like it more, but I didn't.
*𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
September 20, 2020
Fantastic, I loved every minute of this, I love the enemies to lovers trope so this was always going to be a win for me, it’s fast paced, fun and addictive reading from the start to end, I was sad when it ended as I needed more. Looking forward to more by the author and can’t wait for the next
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
July 23, 2020
When this book ended, I was so upset that it was over, and I couldn't read more about these characters! Sol and Kelan are adorable little cinnamon rolls - cinnamon rolls that could kill you. This book is beautiful (hello cover!) and classic enemies to lovers tale.
The world-building in this book is wonderful, descriptive, and very creative. The different kingdoms and how they relate to one another is very well throughout, and the plot had me turning page after page with a unique magical world. The development of Sol and Kelan's relationship is perfect and timed so well, with romance and so many surprising and adventurous plot twists! She is a huntress trying to save her home and village by leading a party through the winter mountains. He is a soldier fighting for his very soul. They come together in order to survive, but they soon find themselves in the middle of a war that threatens them both.
If you are looking for romance, adventure, twists and turns, with beautiful world-building, this is a book for you to read! As a note, this book is a prequel to a series that takes place in the future. It could easily be read as a standalone.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-book arc of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
The world-building in this book is wonderful, descriptive, and very creative. The different kingdoms and how they relate to one another is very well throughout, and the plot had me turning page after page with a unique magical world. The development of Sol and Kelan's relationship is perfect and timed so well, with romance and so many surprising and adventurous plot twists! She is a huntress trying to save her home and village by leading a party through the winter mountains. He is a soldier fighting for his very soul. They come together in order to survive, but they soon find themselves in the middle of a war that threatens them both.
If you are looking for romance, adventure, twists and turns, with beautiful world-building, this is a book for you to read! As a note, this book is a prequel to a series that takes place in the future. It could easily be read as a standalone.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-book arc of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
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