Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep (Mythos Academy #1)

Title: Touch of Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Mythos Academy #1
Publisher: K-Teen (July 26, 2011)
Length: 336 pages
Source: purchased from Wal-Mart
Edition: 1 edition paperback

From the Back of the Book

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy- a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even  the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction an lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why- especially since I should have been the one who died...

My Thoughts

Touch of Frost was a very interesting read. The thing I most enjoyed was not just the traditional Greek/Roman myths, but that many culture's myths were mixed to make this unique world. I have always had a soft spot in my reading heart for "boarding school" books and add to that the fact that this is a school for warriors...amazingness is abudant! The main character is Gwen Frost. She is a nerd who loves comics and wears hoodies 24/7...she's awesome! Gwen is a character who feels the need to right injustices and she is more sympathetic or more human than her fellow classmates. There is a lack of self assurance in Gwen that I believe many people experience at least once in their lifetime. She has these amazing abilities and a caring heart, but never sees herself being quite as good as those around her. As for Logan (the main guy in the story), I think I've just found another bad boy crush! He is certainly a naughty boy, but I have a feeling he is hiding something. Daphne was the other character I found very likable. She adds just the right touch of airiness, self assurance, and snobbery to counteract Gwen.

The story as a whole was very good, but judging by the cover I wasn't expecting it to be for "older" teens. By that I mean the sexual content. It wasn't excessive and I believe that it plays a role in the story showing what kind of world her classmates have grown up in. The story line overall reminded me a little of Oh. My. Gods. by Terra Lynn Childs (this isn't a bad thing), but on a more grown up level. This is a unique and very enjoyable start to a series that I am sure many will love. I give this book a 3 1/2 STAR rating.

Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

Liza and her town have lived in fear of all things magic since the War. Before she was born, the world of human and fae collided in a war unlike any other. Magic spread through the human world infecting, plant, weather, animal, and human alike. Magic is the stuff of nightmares. Plants can strangle you, trees have a life of their own, hawks can hunt you as prey, and some children have been touched by magic. Liza’s world changes when her little sister is born with magic. “And cast out the magic born among you, before it can harm its parents.” Her father leaves her baby sister in the woods and the only things left of the tiny life are the bones. When Liza starts showing signs of latent magic she does the only thing she can think of…she leaves. Liza and those she gathers along the way will fight tooth and nail making a journey few if any have ever came back from. They are going beyond The Arch into Faerie. The question is will they make it? Will they come back? Will they ever be the same? Or will they be lost in visions of faerie forever?

Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner is amazing! I am kicking myself because I have had this book for over a year and am just now reading it. This slim book is deep. When I first picked it up I wasn’t expecting a dystopian world filled with magic. I find this a refreshing take on this genre that has become so popular. The way the world has become so desolate and unwelcoming contributes to the haunting voice of Liza. The descriptions of the dying world around her are absolutely beautiful in a dark eerie sort of way. Each character is essential in their own right and has a distinct personality that contributes to the desolation and need to survive in this harsh world. Even those who died haunt the pages of this novel.  The ending of the story is spectacular! While writing this review I learned that there is a part two to Liza’s story. I can’t decide if I am eager to see the evolution of this world or apprehensive. I can’t imagine on another  book living up to the perfection I found this one to be. This is a dark book, but I recommend that all lovers of YA, dystopian, and faeries read it. I give this book a 5 STAR rating!

***Bones of Faerie Extras***

Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner has approximately 256 pages and was published on January 26, 2010 by Random House Books for Young Readers. There is a sequel to this book called Faerie Winter and is available now.