Frostfire (Kanin Chronicles #1)

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Author(s)

Amanda Hocking

Publisher

St. Martin's Griffin

Genre(s)

Age Range

12+

Release Date

January 06, 2015

ISBN

978-1250049827

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Hidden deep in the heart of a snow-covered wilderness lies the secret kingdom of the Kanin—a magical realm as beautiful as it is treacherous… Bryn Aven has never fit into Kanin society. Her blond hair and blue eyes set her apart as an outsider—a half-blood unable to hold a respectable rank. But she’s determined to prove herself as a loyal protector of the kingdom she loves. Her dream is to become a member of the King’s elite guard, and she’s not going to let anything stand in her way…not even her growing feelings for her boss, Ridley Dresden. A relationship between them is strictly forbidden, but Bryn can’t fight her attraction to him. And she’s beginning to think he feels it too. Meanwhile, there’s an attack on the kingdom—one that will test Bryn’s strength like never before. Finally, she has the chance to confront Konstantin Black, the traitor who tried to kill her father years ago. It’s up to Bryn to put a stop to him before he strikes again. But is she willing to risk everything to protect a kingdom that doesn’t accept her for who she really is? And when her mission brings her closer to Ridley, will she be able to deny her heart?

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2 reviews

Frostfire

February 09, 2015 (Updated: February 10, 2015)

Overall rating

5.0

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What worked:

I loved Hocking's Trylle series and was really excited to revisit this world. We're introduced to Bryn Aven, a protector of the kingdom of Kanin. Problem is she's never felt like she has fit in as she's half Kanin. This makes her more determined to fulfill her dream of getting into the King's elite guard. Her persistence and drive propel her through slight snubs from some in Kanin. This only makes her stronger.

Bryn's struggles and conflict include a growing attraction to her boss, Ridley Dresden. Nothing can come from it as a relationship is forbidden. That doesn't stop Ridley from trying! The chemistry whenever these two are around each other, sizzles.

I love Hocking's worlds so much. They're very addictive with characters that are likable but also have vulnerabilities. In this case Bryn's fear of never completely fitting in gives her the burning desire to become an elite guard even at the cost of her heart. She might come across as being a tad bit hard, but readers get glimpses into her like her loyalty to her family and friends that flesh her out.

Bryn's big desire to track down Konstantin Black, a former guard, who tried to kill her father, blind her at the beginning on her true goals. Hocking breaks this down with reveals that have Bryn questioning everything: her hatred of Konstantin and even her responsibilities of tracking down changelings-replacing a Kanin baby with a human one.

Fast-paced action along with likable characters in a lush fantasy world that only Hocking can create. Once again, another winning tale! Can't wait for the next book in the series.

Kim Baccellia, Staff Reviewer Top 10 Reviewer 889 reviews

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Better Than the Trylle Trilogy!

February 24, 2015 (Updated: June 20, 2015)

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4.0

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MY THOUGHTS
I actually enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would! I liked the Trylle trilogy, but I only gave the books three stars each. I don't know if my tastes have changed or if this book was just awesomer than the Trylle trilogy!

This spin-off series focuses on Bryn who is part of the Kanin troll tribe. Bryn is an outcast in the tribe due to the fact that she is only half Kanin, a fact that is obvious thanks to her blond. She dreams of being a part of the King's Guard and does her best to prove herself to everyone that she is Kanin. When young changelings, about to be taken back to their Kanin families, keep getting kidnapped, things take a turn for the worse. It doesn't help that the man kidnapping them once tried to kill Bryn's father and was once Bryn's idol.

I really liked seeing the world from the Trylle trilogy expanded from just seeing the trylles. In this book, we get more insight on the other tribes, not just the Kanin tribe. It really goes without saying, that Amanda Hocking really knows how to create a world! Not only is the idea of the different troll tribes done brilliantly (and I applaud the originality!), but we also get a complete backstory and history.

Also, characters of the trylle trilogy sneak in from time to time! Not enough to confuse those who have not read the other series, but still enough to make past fans happy!

Our main character, Bryn, is definitely a strong character! Obviously, as she is a tracker and dreams of being part of the Guard, both of which takes strength! She does have her moments when she may not make the smartest decisions, but she still shows strength. And she also obviously works very hard and is good at what she does!

I have mixed feelings on the romance. The romance between Bryn and Ridley was there, but it wasn't a big romance. They shared a kiss and there was feelings, but they didn't become a couple. Big reason: Ridley has a girlfriend. The fact that there was cheating irritated me. I'm also worried that there might be a love triangle eventually.

IN CONCLUSION
This is a great start to a new series! If you're a fan of the Trylle trilogy, you definitely want to pick this one up! Even if you haven't read the Trylle trilogy, you can still enjoy this book! I admit, most of this book leads into the next books and the romance is kind of meh, but this book was still very entertaining! I'm quite glad that there isn't a long wait for the next one!