Mundie Moms

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

FROZEN by Melissa De La Cruz & Michael Johnston, Book Review


By: Melissa De La CruzMichael Johnston
Published by: Penguin Teen
Released on: September 17th, 2013 TODAY
Source: arc from publisher at BEA
Series: Heart of Dread #1
5 Stars: I Loved It!
Purchase it from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it to Goodreads

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

An epic read! Melissa and Michael have created a spellbinding series that I am in love with! I loved everything about FROZEN. From the world, to the characters, and everything in between. This is a stellar new release that has left me wishing the sequel was already out as well. FROZEN is one of those incredible story's that is equal parts fantasy, adventure, danger, and is fueled by romance. 

The world building. WOW! Talk about a world that unlike the one we live in now days. Nat's world is in ruins, literally FROZEN, and well I'd say desolate, along with dangerous. This world is one that's is dark, dangerous, and full of secrets. Nat lives in a time when humans aren't the only ones who inhabit the frozen earth, and those who aren't human do their best to remain in secret or face death. Thought this story starts out in frozen Las Vegas, the heart of the story is out on the seas, where danger lurks around every heap of trash that's floating in. 

The characters. I loved the characters. Nat was fabulous! She's one of those butt kicking girls who can not only take care of herself, she can handle anything that comes her way. She has a good reason to put up a fight to. If anyone found out her secret, she'd be killed or sent back to the horrid place she escaped from. Nat's on a mission to get to "the Blue." A place that is calling to her, and I mean that literally. I love the twist that awaits readers with Nat and her ability. She's strong, smart, fierce, and when it comes down to it, she has what it takes to survive in a world as dangerous as hers. I also liked that she doesn't put it all out there. She keeps herself guarded and when it's right, she slowly but surely opens herself up to Wes, but only when she trusts herself to do so. I admired that in her.

Oh Wes (Ryan Wesson), he's just as intriguing and exciting to read about as Nat is. Wes is also a very smart character, and he's also someone who knows how to survive in the dangerous world that brings he and Nat together. But Wes is a character with secrets, and a dark past. While I knew he was dangerous, I couldn't help fallen in love with his character. There was something about him that Nat made me see.

The romance. I loved the way the romance was developed in Frozen. Despite the fact that Nat and Wes started out having a complicated relationship, the two of them had plenty of sparks flying as well as snark. They definitely complimented each other well. They were perfect for each other. I loved watching how their relationship grew through their journey together. During this time they both realize they have more in common than they both thought. Having been on the run and being stuck in close quarters on a boat in dangerous waters, searching for a place that may not even exist would definitely bring two people together. I loved watching the two of them learn to trust each other, even when it didn't make sense to, and watching their game of out smarting each other turn into something much more. 

The writing. Seriously, this writing was perfect! I'm really curious to find out who wrote what parts, because I couldn't decipher between Melissa or Michael's writing. It was fabulous and some of the best writing I've read this year. Seriously, I hope they write many more books together, because FROZEN in my opinion awesome. Frozen has now been placed on my all time favorite reads shelf (okay book case). 

In conclusion. Go Get This Book! Frozen is an epic fantasy ripe with romance, suspense, and plenty of danger. I loved everything about this book! FROZEN was an addicting read that I'm still thinking about. I didn't want to put it down even when I was done reading it. I wanted to sit and re-read it again. I love that when an author, or in this case, the authors, create a story that has it all. I HIGHLY recommend picking this one TODAY! You'll find this one at the top of 2013 Favorite Reads list at the end of the year!

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