{Review} Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: YA Fantasy
THEME: Myths/Romance
RECEIVED: Author
AUTHORS BLOG: Jennifer Estep's Site

BLURB:

For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.

I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…

REVIEW:
Jennifer Estep really knows how to make her readers get emotionally attached to her characters. Crimson Frost not only continues with Gwen’s quest to stop the evil Loki, but emotionally hit my two favorite leads with some intense and heart pounding scenes leading me to read this book in one sitting.

Crimson Frost once again follows Gwen Frost in the middle of a battle, but this time its for her life and innocents. She has been accused of releasing Loki and working with the Reapers, the charges are being lead by none other than Logan’s father. Everyone thinks she’s guilty beside her friends and teachers that witnessed what happened. But reapers are behind Gwen’s trial and Loki is closer to getting what he wants.

Gwen, I swear this girl needs a major vacation and asap! She pretty much goes through hell and back in this book, fighting for her life and pretty much no one can help her. Logan’s father is down right hateful of her and won’t listen to his son’s plea that she’s innocent. Though every book she gets stronger and is really starting to stand on her own, she always seems to get wrong end of the sword. I wish I could give her some luck, but her friends Daphne and Carson are there by her side fighting with her. Plus Logan, her Spartan and boyfriend will do anything to protect her. I pretty much felt frustrated with how Gwen was being treated, it was hard to read how much my favorite character was suffering and really falling apart. She was able to use her gypsy gifts to help her find the truth behind the trial and find the reapers, I hope she continues using her abilities more and more. But Estep known’s how to strengthen her characters after loosing so much and being brought back from hitting the bottom.

Logan, as always this Spartan steals my heart just like he does with Gwen. I feel this book emotionally was hard on his character. He not only has to deal with his past but the harshness of his father who is a lead warrior and accusing his own girlfriend for Loki’s return. Logan and Gwen pretty much keep each other from falling apart, they are each other’s rocks and Estep challenges that and then some. The ending was a tough for me as the reader but I love his character and how he is with Gwen, I can’t wait to see how they get through this next challenge.

Daphne and Carson are not only Gwen’s best friends but I feel they are going to be super important to taking down Loki. No matter what, they stick by Gwen’s side and battle the reapers, defending her against all the student who are bulling her thought out the story. Plus they add a little humor in between all the battles and Gwen trying to find out the truth.

Alexei is a new character and is assigned to keep an eye on Gwen while the trial is going on. He also has a soft spot for Gwen’s friend Oliver, which I felt softened up his super serious attitude. I liked Alexei as a new addition to the team, while following Gwen around he gets to see what she really goes through and that she really is Nike’s Champion. I look forward to seeing how he works with Gwen and the team to take down Loki.

Overall this was the best book by far in the series, I feel the battles are getting tougher, the powers are getting stronger and Gwen is even more ready to stop Loki. The characters are developing more and more, growing up with each challenge that’s thrown at them. After the somewhat of a little cliffhanger I’m so ready for the next installment and can’t wait for Gwen to kick some serious butt with her trusty sword Vic.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult novel with heavy focus on Greek Mythology. Fans of the House of Night Series and Vampire Academy series will love the teen angst and supernatural elements in Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep.

View all my reviews