Shadow Frost is an exciting debut from Coco Ma featuring a group of charming and vulnerable characters. Not only that, but the twists and turns, secret identities, and conspiracy fly off the pages.
Summary
When Asterin Faelenhart, Princess of Axaria and heir to the throne, discovers that she may hold the key to defeating the mysterious demon terrorizing her kingdom, she vows not to rest until the beast is slain. With the help of her friends and the powers she wields — though has yet to fully understand — Asterin sets out to complete a single task. The task that countless, trained soldiers have failed.
To kill it.
But as they hunt for the demon, they unearth a plot to assassinate the Princess herself instead. Asterin and her companions begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves. With no one else to turn to, they are forced to decide just how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect the only world they have ever known.
That is, of course… if the demon doesn’t get to them first.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Edelweiss. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The characters from Shadow Frost immediately charm you. Told in multiple perspectives, which allows us to see the same piece of action from multiple views, gives us a closer look at the mischievous personalities. There’s something for everyone in this book: characters who are like Mom-figures, those who seek out trouble, with mysterious backstories, and more. Ma consistently shocks us and it makes the latter half of the book one long roller coaster.
As with many of the books with a dynamic cast of characters, there’s tons of banter, insults, and sibling-like affection. At the same time, there’s tons of romantic tension between our favorites including a queer relationship which was so precious! My opinions of Shadow Frost changed halfway. I felt like the beginning was incredibly character driven, but then the latter half just serves up all these monumental twists and turns!
At the same time, Shadow Frost is a story about found family – those who stick with you when you make mistakes – sacrifice, and change. Can we really change who we are? Embrace who we are meant to be, despite all odds?
Find Shadow Frost on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound & The Book Depository.