Quick-Fire Review: FROZEN by Melissa De La Cruz

Review by Andye

FROZEN
Heart of Dread #1
by Melissa De La Cruz & Michael Johnston
Age Range: 12 and up
Grade Level: 7 and up
Series: HEART OF DREAD (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Speak; Reprint edition (August 5, 2014)
Goodreads | Amazon

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.

At a Glance:

I knew I was in the mood for a good paranormal romance, so when this shiny new paperback arrived I couldn't wait to dive in. With an exciting storyline, a dark post-apocalyptic world, romantic tension filling the pages, and a myriad of mysterious paranormal creatures, FROZEN did not disappoint.


Cover:

The cover was redesigned and I absolutely love it. Of course now the paperback matches the hardcover for book 2, which we all hate, but I think the original cover could fit ok with book 2 also? Maybe?


Action:

FROZEN was full of action. From the tense beginning to the dramatic end, there was a constant threat to the lives of Nat, Wes and their group.


Romance:

The romantic tension was exactly what I was looking for when I picked up this book. Wes and Nat struggle with their feelings for each other, while I kept screaming for the stupid boat to STOP LURCHING and ruining their "about-to-kiss-moments." I really liked the two of them and their banter and I can't wait to see where their relationship goes in the next book.


Heroine:

Nat was fantastic to read about. She's smart, strong, loyal and determined. Exactly how I like my main characters. Plus there's something strange about her. It involves magic :D


Hero:

Half the book was told by the viewpoint of Wes (Ryan Wesson), and I liked that a lot. He's super swoony and mysterious and I just wanted Nat to GRAB HIM AND KISS HIM ALREADY!


Something I loved:

I really loved the dark feel of the book. It was exactly what I was in the mood for. There were crime lords and pirates, a world that has been decimated and frozen, strange creatures and evil people. I loved it!


Something(s) I hated:

There was nothing that I hated. There were a few moments that bordered on cheesy, but it didn't bother me too badly.


Cliffhanger?

There is a bit of a cliffhanger, or just an unresolved storyline, but luckily book 2, STOLEN, just came out, so there's no waiting!!


Would I recommend it?

If you're in the mood for a dark, post-apocalyptic, paranormal story, I definitely think you'll enjoy this book.


Will I buy/keep it?

I'll definitely be keeping the pretty paperback copy I received!


Book Doppelgangers:

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, The Farm by Emily McKay

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