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
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.
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