I got Shadow Frost by Coco Ma in an unusual way. I received it through a book box! Specifically, I ordered a monthly box from Fae Crate and Shadow Frost came in the September 2019 box. Which is awesome, since I got this book before it was available in stores. I didn’t know this book existed until receiving it, and didn’t read the synopsis. My “To Be Read Pile” is really big, so I only just read it. I didn’t realize Coco Ma wrote Shadow Frost when she was 15, in high school, and was published when she was 19 years old. Like, WHAT?! That blew my mind and influenced the way I view this book. Honestly, I’m just mad I didn’t use my high school years to create a story like this one. I enjoyed Shadow Frost and I’m looking forward to God Storm being released later this year.
Plot
When a demon starts terrorizing the kingdom of Axaria, Princess Asterin Faelenhart will not rest until she defeats the beast with her newfound potential. With a group of friends, Asterin sets out on her journey to complete the task of killing this demon with the powers she doesn’t fully understand. Even though a number of fully trained soldiers have failed.
While hunting for the demon, Asterin and her friends discover a plan to murder the princess herself. Wondering how much of their lives is truthful, Asterin realizes that they may be at the center of all the deceit. Now, with no one to turn to, they are faced with the decision of what they are willing to risk to protect the lives they’ve always known. Unless, Asterin and her friends get hunted down by the demon first.
Review
First the characters. Asterin isn’t a typical princess, but a warrior whose group consists mainly of palace staff. What I enjoyed about Asterin was that she’s determined, isn’t comfortable practicing in front of others, and acknowledges when she’s brat. I’ve found that royal characters are either considered perfect or they aren’t, yet act with grace. To sum up, they don’t throw tantrums or take their emotions out on friends. Asterin grows up and learns a lot about herself and friends during her journey. However, Asterin is not my favorite character. It’s Harry, whom comes later. I’ll let you fall in love with him yourself.
Now the story and writing. The story itself was great. It’s a similar story line as other fantasy books, but Shadow Frost has it’s own unique elements and twists. There’s a good mix of familiarity and uniqueness for my taste. At this point in my life, I’m 25 and 235 books under my belt, I know what I like in a story. If there weren’t some familiar aspects, I’m not sure I’d enjoy it as much. One downfall is at times I felt the story jumped around a bit. In some instances it was like I missed some information and had to check I didn’t skip a page. Other times the character that was narrating would switch mid-chapter.
Now, the fact that Shadow Frost is Coco Ma’s debut book that she wrote as a teenager gives me pause. It was a wonderful book! The fact that it jumps around a bit as a debut book written by a teen means the next book has even more potential! Not only that, but the story and writing got better the longer I read. Shadow Frost is an amazing debut book and I cannot wait to read God Storm.
Favorite Quotes
“Because I want you to be proud of me for who I am!”
“All I’m saying is that you should learn to give people a chance, Orion.”
“A hero protected the good people. A hunter did anything he could to survive.”
“It is never a mercy to be at another’s mercy. It only means you will suffer longer.”
“And so… I accept your truth.”
“For the last time, it’s Harry.”
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Add it to Your List: Add to your Goodreads
Snag a Copy: I will always suggest getting the hard cover, but buy in any format on Amazon
Interested in other books that I’ve read? Check out my other book reviews here!
