Amaterasu Reads: ARC Review: Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

I think I have struck gold when it comes to finding great mythology books. This is another book you guys wouldn't want to miss!

Title: Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1) by Jennifer Estep
Pages: 336
Release Date: July 26th 2011
Published by: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Source: Author (thanks, Jennifer!)
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository

Summary (from Goodreads):

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died. . .

Gwen Frost is a gypsy who possesses the gift of psychometry. She can pick up emotions and memories once she touches anything or anyone. After the tragic death of her mother, Gwen enrolled in Mythos Academy, as her grandmother decided it was time for her to learn how to use her powers. In a school filled with countless descendants of Gods and Goddesses, how can a gypsy fit in? Things changed when Gwen saw a schoolmate murdered, and she was the only one who cared enough to find out who the killer was. Amidst trying to figure out what happened, her paths keep on crossing with the dangerous Logan Quinn, the hottest and deadliest Spartan descendant there is, and Gwen slowly learns that her being in Mythos Academy is just part of a bigger picture, one that involves unleashing an ancient evil, which she has to stop.

I have not read any of Jennifer Estep's books, but you can tell just how well versed she is with writing dark, urban fantasy books, and Touch of Frost is no exception. Readers are introduced to Gwen, greatly flawed but nevertheless a shy, capable character. I think Gwen is a fascinating character to read because she wasn't pretending to be all strong. She knew she was born different, and that she isn't really a warrior, but she makes use of what she has instead of complaining about it. In a sea of superficial, shallow people, Gwen shines because she is what she is, simple. Maybe too simple and too humble, but very likable.

Logan is the total opposite of Gwen. As a Spartan, fighting is in his blood, and he embraces who he is, proud of his heritage and what he can do. He comes off as a strong character, compared to Gwen who is withdrawn and a bit shy, Logan is like a force to reckon with. I love how he just seems to affect Gwen, and it's cute how they keep on bumping into each other, like they were somehow meant to be together. He is surprisingly gentle and not as persuasive, considering his "manwhore" image, when it comes to dealing with Gwen. This Spartan is still hiding a lot of secrets, and it would be a delight to read more of him in the book.

I love the secondary character in a Touch of Frost. Truthfully, Gwen would not be as interesting a main lead were it not for her interactions with Carson, and especially with Daphne. The Valkyrie became her friend and no matter how reluctant she was at first, she became a great friend to Gwen. The rest of the teens in Mythos Academy is like in any other high school, with cliques and queen bees and jocks, only this time, they have powers and they're part of a war between Good and Evil, of the impending Chaos War and of the battle between Nike and Loki.

Again, I am extremely frustrated with how the romance went in this book. I think Gwen is very brave to admit that she feels something for Logan, but I just hate it when the guy saves your life and ignores you the next minute. I thought girls were supposed to be the one with volatile emotions, but Logan beats all of them in this book. I love rooting for people to be together, and Gwen and Logan needs to be together soon!

Jennifer Estep has a knack for great world building. Mythos Academy came alive through the magic of her words, and it made the reading experience a lot more enjoyable. Readers imagination will fly freely through Jennifer's writing, and you can just imagine Mythos Academy, the Valkyries, the Spartans and the Reapers in vivid detail, thanks to Jennifer's rich and detailed writing.

You definitely wouldn't want to miss this book when it comes out! Grab a copy when you get the chance!

WIN A COPY OF THE BOOK BY ENTERING MY CONTEST HERE.

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