A Soul as Cold as Frost

The Winter Souls #1

by Jennifer Kropf

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good fright…”

The Quarrel of Sword and Bone was a death sentence for anyone who stepped into the arena with the deranged Queen, whose soul had crisped to frost in an age long since past.

What if St. Nicholas was really a young, mad trickster and you had the one thing he wanted? What if the only person who agreed to protect you from him had a dark past of letting those he’s meant to protect die? What if one day you’re walking in the city and suddenly you can see a whole other world tucked into the cracks of your own?

Sixteen-year-old Helen Bell understood tragedy better than most kids growing up. She knew what it was like to wear clothes from donation bins and be mocked in school. She thought those brutal experiences made her ready for anything, but when an encounter leaves her able to see a species of invisible people walking among us, and a young, handsome Winter guardian appears to aid her in a crisis, all the holiday legends she heard as a child begin to haunt her. After magical happenings infiltrate her daily life, and a train horn begins calling to her from across the city, she finds herself in the middle of a war of good versus evil.

*This book contains religious themes and a Christian allegory

A Soul as Cold as Frost is Jennifer Kropf's debut novel, ideal for fans of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, and The Nutcracker and the Four Realms by Meredith Rusu and Ashleigh Powell.


"Wow, I loved this book! I've not read anything quite like it before, and the author pulls it off wonderfully. This book was a magical twist between Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, and Spirited Away, yet somehow read as effortlessly original. The descriptions are vivid and really make you feel like you're freezing, trudging through snow, or drinking the best hot chocolate of your life. It was gripping, fast paced and full of action, yet not lacking in heart. Highly recommended for young YA readers upwards." - USA Today Bestselling author Alice Ivinya

"A Soul as Cold as Frost instantly transports you into a magical world that the whole family will adore. Fans of Chronicles of Narnia will be thrilled with this new wintery adventure!" - Nikki Mitchell, author of Nightshade Forest

"Wow! I can't believe this is Jennifer Kropf's debut novel. The writing is absolutely stunning and the characters are so easy to fall in love with. A Soul as Cold as Frost wasn't my usual genre, but I could not put this book down. I loved letting myself get lost in the wonderful world this author created. I can't wait for the book's release so I can order my copy! 5 out of 5 stars, without a doubt." - Heather Garvin, author of Take What You Can

Genres: Fantasy, Christmas, Young Adult, Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Retellings

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Jennifer Kropf spent her college years bored to death (nearly) in marketing and advertising classes, and graduated only to discover once and for all that her true passion is telling stories. She lives amidst lush Ontario farmland with her husband and three kids, reads obsessively, and writes even more obsessively. She thinks tea is gross and coffee is great and secretly wishes Peter Pan will show up on some cool summer evening and ask if she wants to visit Neverland.

Reviews

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

☐ Young Adult
☐ Portal fantasy
☐ Christian allegory
☐ Winter settings
☐ Amazing worldbuilding
☐ Fairy tale
☐ Good vs Evil
☐ Debut novel
☐ Part of a series
☐ Powerful themes
☐ Amazing as an audiobook
☐ Reminiscent of Narnia and Alice in Wonderland

Please note that I listened to an audio copy of this book. This means that some spellings of names and places may be incorrect.

A Soul as Cold as Frost is the perfect winter read. 🎄 The story will grab you from the very beginning and not let go until you are finished. The world is beautiful and immersive, the characters are delightful and varied, and the underlying themes and symbolism are phenomenal. The story combines allegory and fresh characters with classic winter stories to make a fantasy retelling bursting with truth and light. I actually found myself binge-"reading" this one and just had to re-read it all again right after finishing the first time!

I'm sure different readers would notice different hidden gems in this book, but I for one found ones for Santa Claus and Jack Frost, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Snow Queen, and Alice in Wonderland and The Polar Express! What fun it was!

Helen is a hilarious protagonist. She's just a normal human being like most of us are (hopefully) who is thrown into a crazy world of wicked rulers and warring kingdoms. I do love how Jennifer Kropf made her character so endearingly realistic and hilariously "modern" at times. Zane, on the other hand, seems to represent the magical world as opposed to the normal one. I love him SO much. Zane's character alone makes this entire story worthwhile! And like another reviewer explained, their chemistry was adorable. I don't want to say that a "forced proximity" trope was used because there's no actual romance in this first book, but I can't get over how much I loved Zane as Helen's protector!

Mara Rouge ("bitter red", huh?) was a sly and intimidating antagonist, one who was surely inspired by C.S. Lewis' White Witch and Hans Christian Andersen's Snow Queen. I do really wish that the Quarrel of Sword and Bone had lasted longer and that we could've seen more of the mental and spiritual war that Mara Rouge was supposed to wage on Helen, but this is just a small shortcoming in the grand scheme of things.

My only other critique is that the scenes seemed a little jumpy and random at times. Maybe it was purposeful and meant to be another quirky part of the story and the world, but I personally think I would've liked a streamlined approach more.

The longing for Book 2 is real. After finding out that there's a larger, more sinister villain behind it all (I'm getting shivers just thinking about it!), I feel like I need more of the characters and more of this world that Jennifer has created!

A Soul as Cold as Frost gets only better and better as it goes, and the "The End?" chapter wrecked me! Kropf sure knows how to speak the truth through her writing. I'm recommending this one to all of my reader friends, and I wish more people in general also knew about it!

Notes on the audiobook: If you are considering reading ASaCaF, I would highly recommend the audio version. Mia Hutchinson-Shaw truly brings the story to life, and she made some moments unforgettable for me. (And Zane is that much more amazing with the accent she gives him!)

I received an audio copy of this book from StoryOrigin for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Charlotte May]

DNF at page 208.

Not keeping my attention sadly. The world building isn’t clear and I’m finding it hard to follow. Plus the MC is kinda annoying - frequently saying things like “goodness gracious” and other tedious phrases that don’t really fit the situation.

Life’s too short, I’ll pass.

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked Jennifer Kropf’s short story in the book Enchanted Waters. And since that was a prequel to this book, I decided to give this one a go.


Helen receives a glass ball on the street from a girl she doesn’t even know. And all of a sudden, strange things start happening. Her eyes are now able to see a whole different fantasy world. A boy named Zane then explains what the glass ball is. And he warns her that her life is in danger. A witch with a soul as cold as frost will be coming for both it and Helen’s life, with everything she’s got in her power.


I have to say, I quite enjoyed this story. It completely embodies the Christmas spirit. The fantasy world is wildly creative. There are some strong plot twists. And Zane’s character in particular is a joy to read about.


There are a few things that do stop me from rating it higher though. The plot is actually quite simple: protect the orb from the witch. That’s it. And while this is a pretty good narrative, this does make the story feel a bit aimless for a long time. We’re simply not so invested in the characters trying to accomplish anything specific to save the day. All they have to do is run away. This lack of a clear goal also makes it feel like we’re occasionally randomly jumping from one setting to another. Also, while the prose is definitely very beautiful, at times it can also be a bit distracting.


This is like a Christmas retelling of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, mixed with some things from other stories like Alice in Wonderland. And it’s a very solid start to quite an imaginative Christmas-themed series with a lot of potential.

[Rachael · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is maybe the worst book I’ve ever read in relation to my expectations for said book. The first chapter is sooo intriguing. The reviews were all so good. But the book bombs so so hard after that. Its supposed to be YA but it’s really more middle grade - even though the protagonist is 16, she acts more like a 10 year old and it is *excessively* off putting. And don’t get me started on the hodge podge mash up of different fairy tales and legends, and just the names of the characters (Jolly Cheat? Ugh) are such a downer. Like she was going to do whimsical but forgot the whimsy. The plotting was terrible (let’s run around mindlessly with this orb and not answer any questions that help the reader figure out wtf is going on and what we should be rooting for). Ugh and the plot holes. I just…I don’t understand the love for this book. Is it me? Am I the problem? I don’t think so. I’m think everyone was swept away by the fairy tale aspect and didn’t think the characters had to be likeable or the book even had to make sense. And yep. That’s my review.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. It had so much potential. I feel like 3 stars is a generous rating… it was so long but lacked detail and depth. I still don’t really understand the point of it. So much happened yet nothing was fully explained. I’m confused by all of the great reviews and it almost makes me want to read the second one, because I’m hoping it’ll be better.

[Ѽ tazannah Ѽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"‘Ignore the noise, Trite. When the Truth calls, it’s not in the manner of a giant shouting in the daylight. It’s a whisper, a quiet tug on a silent night. If you aren’t listening, you won’t hear it.’"


**Just a note: the image above is NOT mine. I found it online on Niki Florica's blog**
_________________________________
Ohmygrapes... where to start? Hmm... welllll, if I were to pitch this book, I'd say Alice through the Looking Glass meets The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, meets Frostfire. This book was just... amazing. It was such a fun, whimsical read, and was chockful of wintry imagery and Christmas vibes. The writing style Kropf uses is just SUPER COZY and warm; this is a book absolutely PERFECT for snuggling up with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa. I mean, just read this quote; I think I've read it a dozen times because it was written in such an ethereal way:

│ "Liquid chocolate, melted onto my tongue, running into all the crevices and bursting into a rainbow flavors. Dark chocolate beans with sweet spices, hence the sugary, orange, and creamy licorice."

HOW GREAT IS THAT?!?!?! AHHH, I LOVE THE ELOQUENT WAY IN WHICH SHE WRITES *melts*

☃ The Christian themes were also a hugee highlight of this book! There were so many parellels in quotes vs verse! There were also a bunch of Bible stories that were used very cleverly, if only you were looking. The poetry and prose were absolutely gorgeous, and emanated a Truth like no other. JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON, PEOPLE! 🩵

🏂 A rAnDom jUmbLe of ThOuGhTs: I also wish the Q.O.S.A.B was longer and more in depth, but regardless, it was a terrific scene! I love Helen's family, and her search for the Truth that was always there in her life. I also loved how she was so relatable, and her banter with Zane <3 Literally all characters in this book were amazing in their own way, even Jolly Cheat ;)

I also liked Mara Rougue's name. Not sure if anyone picked up on it, but it actually means "bitter red"; the name fits her perfectly! I also loved how Elowin represented Christ and the hope that he brought forth. This book gave a beautiful answer to why Elowin allowed suffering and waited it out, and the answer could also be applied to our own Saviour! The fantasy folk like the dwarves, rabbits, gnomes and the Greed were also really cool additions to the setting. Ahh, I just felt like I was traveling with Zane and Helen when I read this 🥰

☕ Content-wise: VERY clean. I was so happy that there were no curse words/Christian contradictions! Something I'll note (though I personally had no problem), is that the male MC uses the word "bloody" a lot as a "curse" word; just a heads up, if that's something you don't like. There was also a witch, but it was pitched like the Chronicle of Narnia's White Witch, sooo... yeah. She does use magic and it talks about a "darker power" fueling her.... hmm, idk. There's like no romance, only super close friendship, but it was definitely hinting at something more, so that's probably something that we'll delve into in the later books in the series.

🎄 What Age is this Book Appropriate For? This book is very family friendly and perfect for 13+ years. It may be rated MG or YA, but to be quite honest, I feel like it's for later middle years, since the characters are older. But it doesn't fit in today's modern definition of YA, either. I don't know, it's somewhere in the middle, I guess!

🧑‍🎄 Anywayyy, in a nutshell, I just want to say that A Soul as Cold as Frost did not disappoint! It was written in such a lyrical, wintry way and is perfectttt for readers looking for a winter book to cuddle up with over the holiday season. 5/5 stars for sure :)
_______________________________
❄ Quotes I Saved: ❄
p.55 • "Zane, the raven-black badgering hound, stood with his arns casually folded over the top of his staff. I flushed, unsure whether my siblings could see him. I was pretty sure they couldn't, but still, I didn't know how to act. If I spoke, would they think I was talking to air?

"What's taking you so long?" Winston shoved past to go outside. Zane casually stepped aside. A funny smirk found his face at my predicament, and it was immediately clear that Winston had no idea Zane was there.

"Come on, Kaley," I urged, grabbing a handful Kaley's sleeve and pulling her out with me. Zane watched, following me with this eyes all the way down the porch stairs. Finally, he unfolded his staff in his hands, twiddling mindlessly as he followed. At the bottom of our porch stairs, he tucked the staff under his arm and reached down to scoop a handful of snow, packing it together beneath his bare fingers. Then, to my utter dismay, he wound up and hurled it. The pellet sped past me and exploded against the back of Winston's head.

Winston jolted forwards at the impact and whirled around. "Seriously, Helen?" He swatted snow off the hair he'd so carefully put into place before we left.

I stood there, gaping, but Kaley lost herself in a fit of laughter.

A slow smile cracked Winston's face. He reached down, keeping his eyes on us to ensure we didn't retaliate before he was ready, and scooped up a handful of snow.

"Winston..." I warned. He packed it so tight it would feel like a brick. "Winston, it wasn't me, but but I knew it was no use. Zane was laughing behind me.

Kaley squealed and took off running, kicking up a pile powder at Winston on her way. Winston sprang into a chase, snowball raised.

"Wait!" I ran after them.

Zane appeared beside me, sliding over the snow backwards like the ground propelled him forwards on its own.

"I think you've made your point!" I shot a whisper at him.

"Oh? And what is that?" He pulled his arms up behind his head and linked his fingers around the staff like he was suntanning on the beach.

“That I can't ignore you. That you're going to make my life miserable until I do what you want!"

"Hmm. Very perceptive, Helen." He said my name so casually.

Suddenly he swooped in and lifted me by my waist. I shrieked as we rushed towards Winston, who had almost caught up to where Kaley scurried into a downtown alley.

"Zane!" I tried to scold him. I couldn't imagine what my brother would think if I whisked by him in midair. But Zane tossed me back on my boots right behind my brother, making me bump into him. Winston nearly lost his balance."

p.80 • "My stomach lurched I gripped Zane's arm in terror as we hung in limbo.

"Hang on, Trite!" he told me, as though I wasn't already. My screams got swallowed by the fall.

"Zane, you ! Are you insane?!" I scolded as a snowy dune below us quivered.

An enormous timber ship plunged through the powdery hill, a gliding mansion creasing the dunes with the wind in its sails. My heart pounded as I anticipated our bones snapping when we hit the deck.
The loud moan of creaking floorboards echoed, and I braced myself, all the significant events of my lifetime burning through my brain as a long white sail slipped out like a net. Our backs hit the material and we plummeted down the cloth slide until we tumbled onto the deck in a tangle of limbs. I rolled over twice before I caught myself, a strand of my hair stuck in my mouth.

Our loud panting filled the space between us. After a beat, Zane glanced over. ‘Did you just call me a 𝘥𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘺?"

p.83 • "Zane grabbed a green fruit from a crate and handed it to me. I stared at it. I was still hungry, but I was worried about stealing from the pirates.

"They won't stop us from eating," he said. "The measure of rings I gave the captain will give these ashworms passage to the richest storehouses in Winter; a kingdom packed to its brim with treasures. Trust me, that's worth a lot to a thief." Zane nodded back to the pirate who was pulling the gold rings out of the satchel one by one.

"What about the Red Kingdom? Won't they lose their valuables?" I asked, but a smirk glimmered at the corner of Zane's mouth.

"I certainly hope so." He extended the fruit again. This time I took it.

The shadow of dimples lingered as Zane grabbed a fruit for himself and sat on a crate to eat it.

Snow drifted over the edges of the ship, bringing up deep shivers from my core as I took the crate opposite him. Sweet and sour juice exploded when I bit the fruit, dripping onto my coat."

p.83 • "Zane eyed the spill down my zipper. “You need different clothes,” he said. “Something that’s not so bloody obvious.”

“Maybe the pirates have something," I pretended to agree. But really, I was putting together a convincing argument in my head about why he needed to help me severe my connection to this invisible place and deliver me back home.

Zane laughed then, a high-toned slew of amused chuckles that drew me away from my thoughts. Laughing seemed natural for him, something I wouldn't have guessed after his cold first impression, and all the things I'd seen him do since."I'll be dead before I'm seen defending someone dressed like a snow pirate." He rolled his eyes. He grabbed another pale fruit. It took him a while to peel and eat it, but once he had popped every celery-coloured slice into his mouth, he sat back and folded his arms.

My fingers were covered in sticky fruit juice. With a grimace, I hid my hands in my pockets to cover the mess I'd made. Zane was watching me when I looked back up, his spellbinding eyes trapping me into a staring contest. ‘You shouldn't have run.’"

p.84 • "He blinked. “I really can’t decide if your terminology is adorable or annoying.” He bit his lips and leaned forwards to rest his elbows on his knees."

p.90 • "‘It’s the same everywhere, Trite. The Truth is still the Truth, regardless of where it lands. Sometimes it falls on deaf ears, but it’s always speaking. Try to remember,’ he urged again, swatting a blossom away from his ear.

…“Knowing is the same as believing, he said. This needs to come from memories. Your heart. Not mine.”

p.247 • "‘My dear boy, the music that sings beneath our feet was not silenced. You just stopped being quiet enough to hear it.’"

p.248 • "‘Don’t forget what you’ve been taught; the Truth is quiet, but it’s as pure as gold.’"

p.249 • "Zane had draped an arm around my shoulders to guide me away from the house as he waved back at Mikal and Lucas, and Valine- the little girl with the black braids who'd snuck outside to say goodbye. I'd expected him to drop it the moment our backs were turned, but Zane kept his arm there, even after we left the walkway.

Half an hour in, it was still there. His thumb had woven a nest into my hair, and every so often he brushed it against my neck by accident.

When I glanced over, my eyes were level with his jaw hovering just above. It was strange to be so close to him when he wasn't sliding over the snow in a rush. He seemed deep in thought, and I wondered if he even realized the knots he was twisting with his fingertips."

p.259 • "‘Za—’

The words morphed into a startled scream as he landed in front of me. Zane erupted in laughter, hugging his stomach and leaning against the tree for support. I punched him in the shoulder, right over the patch of silver threads, and he pulled me against his chest to wrap his arms around tight like a straight jacket so I couldn't hit him again, which didn't make it better.

“I'm sorry! But it's just so bloody easy!"

I broke free and he grabbed my wrists as I tried to swat at him, so rather than hitting anything, I only swung at air like an idiot.

"Ragnashuck, you were taking so long; I went up there to wait!" He nodded to the wide branch above us where shallow patterns stretched over the bark.

"Very funny." I yanked my arms away and walked past him, sure there was no point in trying to catch him by surprise later with a well-deserved smack.

"You know what?" Zane said thoughtfully as he passed me again, having no difficulty trudging through the snow.

"What, Zane?" I was sure I was still at risk of suffering a delayed heart attack.

"Your eyes are getting lighter," he said. ‘I think you're starting to turn Rime.’"

p.342 • "Mikal approached Zane.

"I should never have doubted. I know that. But if Elowin is alive, why didn't he save the other Carriers? Why didn't he destroy Mara Rouge all those seasons ago when she attacked us? Why did Elowin let our hope wither?"

Zane hugged his arms to himself, his staff tucked into the crease of his elbow as he spoke back in a quiet voice. "Ragnashuck, we nearly lost everything."

A sad smile touched Mikal's face as though the old man had asked these same questions once. "It wasn't yet his time to return. It still isn't, I gather. And maybe he never lost his faith in your abilities, even on the days you lost your faith in his." There was a mark in the man's words. ‘You have only hours now, Zane. The intersects will close by nightfall!’"

p.343 • "‘Don't forget what you've been told,
The Truth is quiet, but it's made of gold.
Take the paint and write it on your skin,
An old melody that shouts from within.

Quiet, can you hear the song?
Creation has been singing it all along,
For it knows who painted its colours,
It knows who painted its colours.’"

p.346 • "Everything in the Trite world shouted. But the truth… I was pretty sure it whispered.

[Jacquelyn &#x1f490; {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 4 out of 5]

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

3.5 stars…rounded up to 4. First, the cover is so pretty! This is my first time reading a Christmas themed book and it was so different than anything I’ve read before! I loved how Christmasy this book felt! It’s perfect to read around Christmas time and I know I’m a bit early…haha! That was one of my favorite parts of the book! I will have to say that I was confused about certain parts of the book, but I’m sure things will get clearer as I continue the series. There was a lot going on! This was such a unique story and I loved all the little things that pointed to Christianity. It was beautifully done and I can’t wait to see more of that. Zane was a very interesting character. He definitely gave me Jack Frost vibes and I wanted more of that. Helen was a good character and I really enjoyed her comments! She could be so funny! 😂 Overall, it was a good story and I can’t wait to continue the series!

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

[Lynne Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! This book is epic! The way Jennifer has crafted this story is wonderful. The characters are deep & intriguing, and the plot is awesome.
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From the second I started reading this book I was drawn into Helen's world; her thoughts became mine, and I couldn't tell where her emotions started and mine ended!
.
I love crossover worlds, where present reality merges with a fantasy world. The way Jennifer has presented this crossover is fantastic. I was there, in the snow, when she was thrust a frostbit orb. I was with Helen when she boarded the train with no clue where she was going, and I tasted the hot chocolate the dwarves gave her.
.
I won't spoil the plot, but I was gripped throughout, especially the last two parts of the book where a great battle takes place.
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If you love fantasy, you'll love this. The writing is stunning, the character building superb and the plotline exciting!

[ChildOfGod&#x1f49c;&#x1f64c;&#x1f3fd; (for God I live and for God I die) ~ in my Christian pop era · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ✨ (rounded up)

Wow. Literally Speechless. Amazing…

Reminded me of Frozen x Hobbit/LOTR

Wow okay. *cough cough* how to explain this book. Ok I’ll start from the beginning. So wow I enjoyed this so much. The world building was impeccable. The characters were amazing and funny. The magical system and spiritual parallels to the Bible, birth of Jesus, spiritual warfare, martyrs, was incredible. My mind is blown! This was so enjoyable I loved it so much. I also listened to the audiobook and I got sucked in and enjoyed the different character imitations of dwarves and the high pitched elves. It was so much fun!

Some things I do want to note that kept it from the five stars, is that unfortunately audible has the older version. And in this version it says things like the main character cursed. It happened twice in the beginning and the main character does transform throughout the book but it was never seen in a bad light. There are also curse words but in the form of the native language which I personally don’t mind but they were a little close so just a heads up. Also I didn’t like how the main character lied in the beginning though later on throughout the book she felt guilt for it and told the truth after. Also there was some like trickery which was supposed to be linked to humor, but some of it I didn’t like though some of it was a bit comical though I don’t know if that’s really godly iyk what I mean.

But outside of all that, I really enjoyed it. I would recommend the newer version if you can get a hang of it. I think the kindle version has it (as my library did) but not the audiobook at the moment. Super cool and I think I’ll be moving to the next one in the series. But we’ll see. I’ll be meditating on it 😉 byeeee

[Claire Kippola · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok I should have picked up on this from the title but……

This story had far too many similes, metaphors, and adjectives. I couldn’t get past it. I felt like instead of adding to the story, it took away from it because that’s all I was focused on.

I wanted to enjoy this so much but I just felt like I was searching for the story under a thesaurus.

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

the concept was amazing and I really wanted to love this, but the actual execution was disappointing and the frequency of Helen having hair in her face was seriously annoying to read about

[Tiffany Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 Review:

This reimagined version of A Soul As Cold As Frost was just as good as the original if not better! I have to go out and buy the new version asap. Zane and Helen are still my OTP. This series is definitely a favorite and I can see myself rereading it throughout my timestring.

I’ll have to share some of my favorite quotes in this review late!

2021 Review:
Where do I start? Admittedly it took me a little while to get into this story but granted I was reading more than one book at first.

However, once I started reading this alone, things really picked up in the book and it was hard for me to pull away at times.

The biggest thing I enjoyed here was the descriptive writing. It was so immersive, I truly felt transported. Not many stories do that for me. There was literally description on every page, but not in an exhausting sort of way but in a way that made me believe in the story. I believed in the setting, in the worries, the hopes and fears, the characters and the way they looked and behaved and ah! I must know how the author did it!

The character's voice really stuck out to me and made me love the story more. I felt connected to Helen and loved that there was never a moment that I didn't hear her voice in the story. She was consistent.

Kropf’s prose is so beautiful, I could basically read anything she writes at this point.

I enjoyed this story as both a reader and a writer. I couldn't help but admire the author's handiwork and made quite a few mental notes of how I might approach my own writing.

There's a unique storytelling device in here and I greatly enjoyed all the 'interruptions.'

The fight scenes were highly entertaining. I can actually visualize the action like I was watching a movie. PLEASE SOMEBODY MAKE THIS INTO A MOVIE SOMEDAY.

The allegory was incredible! I really enjoyed the hints and nods weaved beautifully into the story and world-building, it made my believer heart so incredibly happy to see this in a YA fantasy…I look forward to reading this with my son when he’s older.

Winter isn’t really my favorite season but reading this book made me really appreciate the season! Like all the snow and ice, you wouldn’t necessarily think it’d make an interesting backdrop in a story. Like it’s not as exciting as a tropical forest or a bustling city like New York but this book changed my view! Like you have to read it to see what I’m talking about because Jennifer made Winter (the realm) so exciting, unique, and at times quite frightening.

That last battle...wow, it was on a whole other level! I kinda want to go back and reread it because it was so epic and deserves stars for that alone.

I think I want to reread this every December, certainly next year! It’s such a beautiful story and I honestly need people to read this and talk to me so I can fangirl with them.

Thank God I got the sequel because I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Helen and company!

If this review doesn’t convince you to pick up this book asap, maybe this little excerpt will:

"Alone in a cave, a Trite girl ran away, yet the silly girl had a game to play. And why did she have to play, per say? Well, I shall convey: to find her way, she must play, nay, to avoid decay, she must play the night away, for the only way to avoid disarray, is, if I may: a handsome display, a tempting say, a cost to weigh, a sway to obey, a price to pay, a day of decay, a gray end to stay, I say. So, I pray, Trite, come back and play."

That's fire, y'all.

[Stefanie Lozinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been holding onto this book since the summer, and I am so glad that I got to read it during the Advent season! This story is absolutely magical. It’s one of those books where you are truly able to believe that you’ve been transported to another world. The world building is fascinating and feels full, but it never bogs down the story of Helen, Zane, and the many other whimsical characters. I also adore the idea of a villain named “Jolly Cheat”. I’m sorry, but that’s just the coolest.

I think fans of Alice in Wonderland would love this story. It’s not quite as trippy (the world of Winter does have coherent logic/culture!) but there are very similar magical vibes. You never quite know which sights and sounds you’ll be exploring next, and I’m curious to see where we get to visit in the sequels.

The Christian allegory is also beautiful and so well done. I love how this story emphasizes the power inherent in speaking the truth.

[Karen]

Sadly I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped I would and DNF’d it just before the halfway point. The opening chapter is beautifully written and very descriptive and I had high hopes, but unfortunately from then on I just couldn’t engage with plot or the characters. It definitely errs more towards middle grade than YA. If I do pick it up again, I will be sure to come back and rate it and leave a full review......

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enchanting debut that's just perfect for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia.

Beautifully written, and wonderfully layered, with Christian symbolism skilfully woven throughout, this first in series is a wonderful wintry tale perfect for a cold snowy night.
It imparts that lovely cosiness of a good tale told by a bard next to a roaring fire, mostly because of the vivid and absolutely enthralling descriptions, but also because sixteen-year-old Helen Bell is one character any reader is bound to root for.

An outcast mocked for wearing clothes from donation bins, Helen is used to a rough life. Especially since tragedy had hit her early.
But nothing could have made her ready for the moment when a funny looking girl with a weird accent knocks her on her butt and asks her to keep an orb safe. Hide it and keep it safe where SHE doesn't find it. Not because the whole thing is weird to say the least, but because Helen suddenly starts to see things that weren't supposed to be. Things like 'tall creatures with pointed ears' or 'rabbits that grinned and rolled into balls'.
The encounter opens Helen's eyes to the realm of Winter—a world tucked carefully into the cracks of her own, where monarchs have risen and fallen, it's forbidden to mention the name of The Dead King, and the currency is gold rings.
Apart from all that, an irritating train horn keeps ringing in her ears for days, and she has no clue whatsoever what she's supposed to do with the given orb that makes even the 'imaginary' people react in the most unusual ways. The cherry on the rotten bad luck cake though is a a mysterious summons from a group who call themselves “The Crimson Court” to enter into The Quarrel of Sword and Bone—a traditional duel against a deranged Queen - performed before one thousand witnesses. A duel that's bound to end with Helen's death of course.
The only upside in the whole mad seeming scheme? A handsome mysterious boy who's been following her around with a warning on his tongue, determined to protect her - Zane.

This is how Helen's magical journey to Winter begins. A fast paced adventure with hurdles at almost every corner, full of bravery, epic battles, sacrifices, prayers, hope and quite a bit of fun.
The setting is enchanting, the characters endearing, the magical creatures downright fabulous and the narrative a delight.

Some parts do feel a little bit drawn-out when the descriptions seem to overtake the plot but only in the first half. Once you pass that mark the pace levels out and the story becomes practically unputdownable.

All in all, this is a wonderful magical read that's absolutely worth a read.
Don't hesitate to give it a try.

[Nicole Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Soul As Cold As Frost, Jennifer Kropf clearly demonstrates her passion for fantasy and creating new, uncharted worlds. She solidifies herself as a true wordsmith and the fact that this is her debut novel is extraordinary.

I was drawn into Helen's world on the snow-covered streets of downtown Waterloo and held on tight for the entirety of the young Trite's whirlwind adventure. I didn't want to put this book down, but even when it had reached two in the morning and my eyes could barely manage to stay open any longer, or when I had to go about another daily task, I still dreamt of and thought of the world of Winter and what Helen would face next.

The use of adjectives flowed through the pages, creating such vivid imagery detailing what Helen experienced every step of the way. It was easy to get lost in the feeling that I was right there alongside her on her journey, seeing, feeling, tasting and hearing things as she did and cheering her on the whole way.

There are so many layers to ASACAF, including clever Christian symbolism woven throughout, bringing this book to another level of storytelling.

I'm not often one to reread a book, unless I have been especially caught by it. ASACAF had me enthralled from the start and I can't wait to ride Cornelius Britely's train back into Winter and experience Helen's personal growth, feel the frost and taste the peppermint again and again. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book in The Winter Souls Series and I can't wait to see what new worlds Jennifer creates next with her brilliant and creative storytelling.

[Avantika Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I really liked the plot and worldmaking of this book. The author didn't make things boring by explaining everything in the start instead things were cleared out as the story commenced. I also loved those short poems that were added. There were these storyteller interruptions that gave a different point of view to the story. I also loved how the author gave blank pages every cliffhanger showing how we all caught our breath at that point of the story.


The chemistry between our two main characters was really interesting. It made me laugh, cry and mostly laugh. And we all could relate to our female protagonist in some ways. This story didn't exaggerate anything. What I mean to say is that Helen was shown as a normal human being who got tired and didn't know a thing about what to do but the character development was great as she grew brave as the story kept moving forward.


In the end I was a bit sad as I thought the story was going to end here. But I don't think so! That last Storyteller chapter was surely a cliffhanger! Please tell me Author, when the next book is coming?? 

[E.A. Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Soul as Cold as Frost brings Narnia vibes and Christmas flavor to STUNNING modern storytelling world building.

I was fascinated by the setting, the gorgeous scenery, and the intriguing characters, and I loved finding such creative nuggets of Christmas twisted and turned into something fresh and familiar all at once.

I wish I could give this book 4.5 stars! My only hesitation was a couple places where the pacing slowed, but other times I could hardly set the book down!! This beautiful book is wholesome, heartwarming, fun, and a great adventure. Jump in and see for yourself - but for the love of Christmas and strange rabbits, do NOT drop the orb.

And watch yourself. You’re a Trite after all. You really don’t belong in this world…do you dare turn its pages?

[Alissa J. Zavalianos]

An enjoyable romp through a Christmassy-inspired tale with faith and fun!

[Sharon Loves to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This review is for the rewritten and republished 2024 version.)

Wow! I really enjoyed this unique story! At first, I had a hard time getting into the Candyland-meets-Chutes-and-Ladders vibe, but once the allegorical elements started getting moving, the stakes were raised, and I was hooked. Looking forward to the next adventure in this series.😍

[Nikki Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the moment I picked it up. I'm a huge fan of portal stories, and this one did not disappoint.

The characters and snowy world Kropf created are amazing. There are some that you very much dislike, some you will adore, and a few that you will distrust until they prove you wrong.

A Soul as Cold as Frost instantly transports you into a magical world that the whole family will adore. Fans of Chronicles of Narnia will be thrilled with this new wintery adventure.

[Sara Watterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the wintery / Christmasy vibes in this YA fantasy! Recommend!

[Mildly Mad Hatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was soooooo good!!!!!! The characters were amazing! Helen was so sweet and I loved how she was always caring about her family and trying to keep them safe. Zane!!!!! He was so good! A new all time favorite book character! The faith content is strong and I love how Bible stories have been put into it like they were in that world. There was basically no romance in this one but you can definitely tell it’s coming. It was clean other than blood, some death, violence, and some darker parts. All in all, a new favorite book and I can’t wait to read the next one!!!!!

[Emily Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

After sitting on it: 3.5 ⭐️ Overall really enjoyed, would recommend. Cute and creative take on your traditional fantasy plot arc that gives loose Narnia/COTR (rated G) vibes. I enjoyed the characters and this world but wanted more details.

——
Stray thoughts / emotions / questions I had while reading:

Heavily confused beginning —> intrigue —> Helen why are you so dense? —> I wish there were more creative ways to push the plot forward other than Helen doing the exact opposite of what she is told to do but *shrugs* —> this better not be it… —> is there a romance between Zane and Helen or what? —> love the bunnies - want more —> Still confused about Elowin (dead fr? alive fr? The fact that this world is ‘magical’ makes me feel confused on if dead is dead and he lives on in spirit like metaphorically or if he’s legit actually still alive bc again magic) —> so what happened with her family? —> is Emily Parker REALLY in a coma? I feel like she can hear Helen. —> also what’s the deal with Helen’s family? Did I miss it? Why did the dad leave? Is one of them not-human or something? Why did scarf girl run into Helen but could walk through everyone else? Like why Helen? She ran into her BEFORE giving her the orb originally so… why. —> need more closure.

[Aura · Rating 2 out of 5]

The world building kept me going to the end of this book. It really does embody a winter holiday whimsy that is delightful.

That said, the MC was annoyingly dedicated to not heeding good advice. Fortunately the villains seemed content to let the good guys run to fight another day, despite being at their mercy. After a few unearned escapes I lost immersion.

The final third was most frustrating. The pacing went off and little errors (mostly misused words) got a lot more prevalent.

I'm glad I read it but I'm unlikely to continue the series.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thrilled to write this book review. If you love fantasy, A Soul as Cold as Frost is a must read. This debut novel is absolutely stunning. The words weave beautifully to create vivid imagery. Every sentence is perfectly positioned on these pages and flows seamlessly into a gorgeous masterpiece. The world building is spectacular.

Helen Bell’s magical journey through a frightening, frosty winter wonderland with a mysterious orb and a strange boy named Zane throws her into a high-stakes, fast-paced adventure. Encountering bone-chilling obstacles at every turn, Helen must choose to fight or flee. When it becomes apparent her life isn’t the only one on the line, Helen is challenged to a duel—an epic battle between good and evil. This is a story of sacrifice, belief, bravery, and survival all in the name of Truth.

I am seriously blown away by the writing. This is an author to watch. I’m excited to see where her career takes her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[akacya ❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

2024 reads: 199/250

2024 tbr: 78/120

note: i read an older version of the book as i received it as a gift prior to when it was reimagined and rewritten in 2024. please take my words with a grain of salt!

when helen’s eyes are opened to see the realm of winter, everything seems magical at first. soon, though, she finds that winter might be more trouble than it’s worth. what’s more, she inadvertently became the keeper of a magical object everyone seems to be after…

what originally drew me to this book was that it’s a christian fantasy, and i don’t think i’ve read any christian fantasy books, though i definitely want to. i really liked how there were christian themes throughout this book!

the plot wasn’t very captivating, but the plot of the rewritten version sounds pretty intriguing. i’ll have to read it one day to continue the series!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

Do you love YA fantasies with Chronicles of Narnia vibes? A Soul as Cold as Frost, book one in the Souls of Winter series, will probably be a perfect fit for you. It's whimsical, action-packed, clean, and completely immersive.

Sixteen-year-old Helen is an orphan living the simple life when she accidentally bumps into a strange girl on the street. The girl gives her a magical orb that opens her eyes to the magical world of Winter. As it turns out, this orb is actually an Orb of Truth and Helen is now it’s Carrier. Which also means that she is hunted by the wicked enchantress that rules over Winter. In a moment of desperation, Helen leaves behind her two siblings to escape into Winter. She pairs up with Patrolman (a guardian of Carriers) Zane to defeat the queen and spread the message hidden on the Orb of Truth.

Like the Chronicles of Narnia, A Soul as Cold as Frost is kind of an allegory story (but not overwhelmingly so). You can definitely pick up on the Christian themes throughout the book and the overall message of Truth overcoming darkness.
There’s very little to no romance in the book. Which is fine with me, but if you’re expecting romance because of the blurb, you won’t find any.

I loved Winter. It’s filled with Christmas-y creatures such as dwarves, giant gnomes, reindeer, and ice magic. The world is cool (pun not intended) but that’s only in part due to world building. The author is beyond talented. Her multi-layered, immersive descriptions completely bring this book to life. I could almost feel the bitter cold, taste the richness of the hot chocolate (I literally had to make myself a cup), see the ice magic smash against Jolly Cheat (the resident villain).

But.

Lengthy descriptions can come at a cost. Sometimes I felt lost, particularly during action sequences. Sometimes I had to stop and reread the scene and I was still wondering what just happened. I also struggled to maintain focus while Helen and Zane were getting from point A to point B.

Overall, I enjoyed A Soul as Cold as Frost. I’m very interested to see where the series leads and dive into the characters more.

Thank you Winter Publishing House and Jennifer Kropf for letting me read this book! This review is completely voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Kelly (VanIslandCircus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the warm air scented with chocolate and peppermint, to the heavy cold from the pressing weight of snow—I was completely immersed in the magical snow globe world created by Jennifer Kropf within the first few pages of her debut novel.

I enjoyed the evolution of the Zane and Helen as their tales are told throughout the story. I quickly formed a kinship with Helen, feeling each awkward moment she had—wringing her hands during the self-conscious moments and digging in her heels during the stubborn moments.

In all the years that I lived in Waterloo for University, never once did I stumble upon Cornelius Britely’s train stops. But maybe now that I can see I will be able to catch a ride and travel to Winter.

I cannot wait to see what Kropf has planned for the next adventure in The Winter Souls Series.

[A.R. Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best stories I've read!

This book is an excellent modern day successor to the Chronicles of Narnia. We have a wonderfully flawed MC who despite herself becomes a heroine, paired with an equally flawed mentor who complements her perfectly. And the Christian message flowing throughout the tale is obvious to even a casual reader. Would highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy, fairytales and the Christmas season.