Kiss of Frost

November 15, 2011
Psychometrist Gwen Frost returns in this series sequel to investigate mysteries and attempt to forestall a clash of titans. With her usual sarcasm and self-deprecation, Gwen again narrates, while Estep capitalizes on details she laid in opener Touch of Frost (2011). Characters who previously resembled caricatures gain new depth, and the evolving storyline grows more nuanced. Gwen herself is wiser, flexing greater understanding of people's mystifying motives. By the time she and her mythologically descended classmates attend the annual Winter Carnival, early in the novel, Gwen has survived two attacks on her life. A third attempt to thwart Gwen occurs soon enough, but the book's gnawing tension stems from the romantic subplots. Gwen's main squeeze eludes her long enough for readers to empathize with those moments when jealousy strikes her--in this manner, as in many others, high school is the same for preternaturally gifted adolescents as for normal ones. The author deftly manipulates other teenage crushes, planting false trails as to who wants Gwen dead, though these red herrings will be obvious to some readers. No twists profoundly stun or enlighten, and sinister moments that arise fail to elicit spasms of horror. Estep elects to keep from exploring Gwen's dark side but exploits her magical powers in innovative ways. Less formulaic and more suspenseful than its precursor, though still on the tame side. (Urban fantasy. 12 & up)

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February 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-It's not necessary to have read Touch of Frost (Kensington, 2011) to enjoy this sequel. Gwen Frost is training at the Mythos Academy to fight the enemies of humankind. Unfortunately she's years behind the curve, as she has only recently joined and most of the other students have been attending since childhood. They all have unique godlike powers, and Gwen, a Gypsy, has the psychic ability to touch objects and sense their history and secrets; she can read people in the same way if she touches them. Gwen has been targeted for assassination due to her involvement in the death of a student who was one of the Reapers (villains in league with the evil god Loki). Things really heat up as a series of attacks begin at school and at the ski resort where the annual Winter Carnival is held. Will Gwen be able to figure out who the Reaper is before it's too late? And, more importantly, will she discover how to get handsome Logan Quinn to fall in love with her? A misfit, a rebel, and always figuring things out on the fly, Gwen is an exciting protagonist. Readers get to see the rich, exclusive school setting combined with fantastical fighting and sprinkled with romance. A fun, fast read.-Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.