Gathering Frost, Warming Hearts

Gathering Frost

by Kaitlyn Davis

Review

Gathering Frost is a very good contemporary fantasy romance, the first in a brilliantly conceived series called “Once upon a curse.” This opening story is modelled upon the Sleeping Beauty tale, a modern interpretation and very well done.

In this version Sleeping Beauty is not unconscious but literally cursed with a frozen heart, and only the Prince can release her - or so the story goes. Kaitlyn Davis has written a very good and original story, successfully blending our contemporary world with one of fantasy. Her concept of creating a series of such stories based on the classical fairy tales is an excellent one. (The next in line, Withering Rose, is based on Beauty and the Beast.)

Davis's main characters are well-drawn, although the minor ones are glossed over. Startlingly, 'sleeping' beauty Jade is a warrior, one of the best fighters of the Black Hearts, the evil Queen's elite guard. Prince Asher is the Queen's lost son, who turns out to have joined the rebels (no spoilers here, this is revealed very early on).
The tension and attraction between Jade and Asher is very well done. What is less successful is Davis's depiction of Jade as lacking feelings and emotions because of the Queen's curse. The author is a little inconsistent, at times allowing emotion to drive Jade's actions even though she is not supposed to have any feelings. This happens sometimes by only implication but occasionally also explicitly. However, for me this was a minor issue and not such a flaw as to spoil the story.
The book isn't all about action, although there is a fair amount taking place. When it does happen, combat is well-described, as is the Queen's exercise of her magical powers over ordinary people.

The plot, especially in the last quarter of the book, has some very good twists which keep the reader guessing, and the denouement is good. Almost five stars, and I can recommend this to anyone who likes contemporary fantasy, or a blend of contemporary and fantasy.

Learning to Live

Learning to Live

by Kira Adams

Review

This contemporary YA romance attempts to offer more than the average by taking the classic line of having two completely incompatible teenagers fall in love, with an additional critical complication. I felt that it was derivative, and in that sense a poorer cousin of books like John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. However, if you like that kind of story you may well like this one.

The story is good and engaging, the writing average to good. The characterization was, for me, below average. Ciera is a good character, if just a little sylized, but Topher is almost a caricature rather than a character - and the biggest problem is that there is no real explanation of why he changes his attitude. Even if one were to attribute it to the power of love, this does not really work because he begins to change his ways too soon. Another issue was Topher's relationship with his girlfriend, which just did not ring true. The opening sex scene seemed to be quite unnecessary to the book. Final editing and language use seemed to be only average, and below that at times.

In spite of the fact that I liked the premise, this story did not succeed in winning me over, but then I can be a fussy reader. This review has focused on negatives, but I repeat: the story is good and engaging, and the writing acceptable. I expect that many readers will enjoy it.

'Red' out today!

Red and the Wolf releases today!

Launch specials:
If you want to go directly to Smashwords, you can get 50% off using coupon code AY38V during checkout. Go here:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/521898 (Offer expires at midnight on April 9)


BUT! If you are willing to take a detour to the Two Moons Books website, then you can get a coupon which will get you the ebook for free! Go here: Two Moons Books


Marc Secchia wrote: "A fresh and original take on the Red Riding Hood fable, Red and the Wolf is a richly atmospheric story by a writer truly in command of their craft. Well edited and crafted, strong characters and a fast-moving plot make this a real treat. Watch for for some big surprises along the way as you experience this unique retelling of a familiar fable - recommended reading for a dark, stormy night!" (5 stars)

Issa Puppi wrote: "I love prose that has poetry in it, the kind that is rich and evocative and contains not a single over-used word or cliche. When you wrap that kind of language around a unique twist on a fairy tale, it makes for a quality read like this. Red and the Wolf has an old-world backdrop that sets it apart from a lot of other paranormal work in a good way, and at several points I really did forget the genre. It reminds me of elements of books like "The Historian"--snippets of the backdrop here even made me think of the settings of novels like Solokhov's "And Quiet Flows the Don."
Plot-wise, this piece is refreshing in its approach to the Little Red Riding Hood story for sure, and that's great. There are plot elements that Walker could draw out even more boldly, I think, and given the richness of the prose, it could only be a benefit. All in all, a unique, enjoyable read from a gifted prosist (if that's a word). Would love to see her take on Hansel and Gretel!" (4 stars)

Find more (5-star and 4-star) pre-release reviews on GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25017688-red-and-the-wolf

Enjoy!