Book Review: Frozen (Heart Of Dread #1)

Categories Books Reviews (by Author), Melissa De La Cruz, Michael Johnston, , , , , , , , , 34 Comments on Book Review: Frozen (Heart Of Dread #1)

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Author: Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston
Release Date: 2nd October, 2014
Series: Heart Of Dread Series
Genre: Fantasy | Romance | Post-Apocalyptic | Supernatural | Science-Fiction | Dystopian | YA | Adventure 
Edition: Kindle
Pages: 365
Publisher: Orchard Books
Source: NetGalley

Blurb

From New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston comes this remarkable first book in a spellbinding new series about the dawn of a new kind of magic.

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she’s heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

Rating

4half-stars

Review

Plot | Story

Frozen is based in a dystopian world where all the hope is lost save for a few who believe in the existence of a magical land called Blue. What is NOT to love in a magical dystopian story like this. I totally love the plot and looking forward to read the next one asap. This books has so many elements that it makes a great fantasy package. Romance, adventure, dystopia, magic, supernatural beings, suspense… it has everything for almost everyone.

The pace of the story gets better after the initial setting up of concepts. The flow is suer be and the little happening and episodes during the journey keeps the reader engaged throughout.

Characters

I loved the characterisation in this book. Nat and Wes, the leads are awesome. They are well-developed and you can feel the connection almost instantly at the beginning of the book. They are only list of best fantasy characters and I’d love to read any book that’l revolve around them.

All the other characters are also so full of life that you’ll feel a connection with them as well (which is quite rare in most of the books.) Each and every character played a significant role. Wes’ friend Shakes is also a beautifully crafter character and I love it when a story has such an amazing sidekick.

I got the feeling of LOTR somewhere in the part where the littleones were introduced. They had a unique character and were so loveable that I was instantly in love with them.

Romance

This book is not a romance novel but most of it revolves around it. And towards the end everything is actually driven by romance alone. Wes and Nat’s relationship develops slowly yet beautifully. They both think it through and try and keep away from each other due to the bigger picture but still it gets strong with the time.

Writing

The writing is amazing and being written by two authors I’m not even sure how can it be possible. But it’s just amazing. The writing pulled me right in as soon as I started and the flow of the sentences made it a rather lengthy book quite an easy read. I loved that the book had two POVs (Wes and Nat’s) and it kept the plot interesting till the very end.

Beginning

I was into the book right from the start. The beginning was a bit slow as it took up a few pages to establish the base of the characters and the foundation of the dystopian world so that the reader knows what he/she is getting into. I enjoyed the initial bit as well as it was really intense and the mere mention of the word monster and the first stunt that Nat performs was enough to catch my attention.

Ending

The ending is beautiful and quite unpredictable, which only adds to the charm of this book. At first it seemed a bit predictable but by the end it wasn’t. There’s a lot of scope for the next book and the characters teaming up as a crew at the end has already fuelled my interest in the next part. Based on this one’s ending I have a feeling that the next part will be even better than this one.

Blurb

It describes the book perfectly without letting the reader know more than necessary but just enough to pique one’s curiosity. I was drawn towards this book based on the cover and the blurb. I was intrigued at the mention of a dystopian world which has magic hide in it. It’s a perfect combination for fantasy lovers.

Cover Art

I love the cover art. The cover has a special meaning and gives a great sense of understanding about the monster Nat continuously refers to through out the book. It perfectly feeds the imagination and for that it’s just perfect.

The cover arts of the other two editions are also pretty good.

You can also read this review at Goodreads | Amazon.

OTHER STUFF

Opening line: They were coming for her.

Highlights: The awesome adventurous journey.

Lowlights: None.

Memorable Quotes: 

The voice is mine, I am the monster.

Final Thoughts: An adventurous read.

FTC Disclaimer
I do not accept any form of payment for the reviews I write or the other content I post. 
Books received from Authors & Publishers are designated as such. 
Receiving books from Authors/Publishers, in no way affects my review as it is my own opinion.

Published by Heena R. Pardeshi

Heena is the author of the award-winning novel Deceived. She works as the novel critic and the chief editor at a local publishing house in Pune, India. She is an animal lover as well as an animal activist. She loves books, music and wine. Travelling and learning about new cultures is an integral part of her life. She is presently learning Piano and French language. She lives in Pune, India with her beloved husband and 6 cats.

34 thoughts on “Book Review: Frozen (Heart Of Dread #1)”

        1. Same here… Time’s the only thing getting in the way of me and books! lol!
          Anyways, DUFF id available on NetGalley. At first I didn’t believe that an already best seller book will be available there but seems like they’ve published a new edition, so it’s available… I’ve got it and it’s the real one (I had doubts before receiving it!)
          I’m sharing this with all my NetGalley friends, so thought of telling you as well 🙂
          Have a great day dear!

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

    1. That, dear, is true! Even I’m finding it hard to accommodate so many books in my already packed schedule!
      I hope God should give all the book lovers atleast 2 hours extra everyday… what say? lol!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. The over art is beautiful, so I was really pleased that you enjoyed it. It sounds like a good book. One more to go on my TBR list. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. As soon as I read the word “Dystopia” I thought Heena is gonna love this. And I see I’m not wrong (which is unusual for I)
    I love that quote too. Think I may give this one a go. Great review.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Romeo! I hope you’ll like it 🙂
      Heheheh! yea, you are right! Have you read any books by Max Brooks? I’m reading The Zombie Survival Guide… and I’m thoroughly enjoying it (I have a very unusual liking for Zombies, somewhat like my liking for Dystopia!)

      Like

      Reply

  10. Thanks for the review Heena! Another book on my list to read then 🙂 Currently I am reading the Lupane Legacy that was reviewed by you – I enjoy reading it very much 🙂 I trust your review 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks a lot Indah! I’m so, so glad that reading Lupane Legacy. It’s a really good read and I must say, an intense one!
      I hope you’ll enjoy this one as well (whenever you’ll get to reading it.)
      And your words mean so much to me as a reviewer, this is the best compliment I’ve ever had! ❤
      You are amazing Indah!!!
      XOXO!!!

      Like

      Reply

  11. I like how you break down the review and give it highlights and lowlights. Your honesty is great and authors appreciate that. The characters sound interesting. What is LOTR (you mentioned that in the characters section of the review)? 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Christy! I think that when authors trust the reviews with a copy of their work (which means the world to them) then being honest is the least a reviewer can do for them!
      And to answer your question, LOTR stands for Lord Of The Rings. 🙂
      Have a great day dear!!! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Hi Heena, I hope you’re having a nice day! Yes, I am the same when I do reviews, thinking the author would want honesty in the feedback from a reader. Okay, great to know about LOTR – I’ll make a note to remember for next time! 🙂

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        Reply

  12. I think this is the first positive review I’ve read for Frozen. I’d sort of written it off, but I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it. It might have too much romance for me though.

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    Reply
  14. Pingback: The Reading Bud’s Top Ten Books Of 2015 | The Reading Bud

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