Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First glance at the reviews and description of this book made me want to read it, but gosh, it ended up being a tough one to get into. Regretfully, it wasn’t until page 217 that I felt it picked up and I decided to finish it.

What bothered me the most (up until the middle of the story) was the banter between Quinlan and Asterin and Quinlan and Orion. The dialogue was rather juvenile and I grew rather tired of the arguing between them. (I thought I was going to hit my head against the wall if Quinlan called Asterin “brat” one more time.) So much focus was on these three characters not getting along, I felt I really didn’t know or care about some of the others, particularly by the end when I should have felt something stronger for them—which was a bummer. (Really neat names, though!)

Some scenes stand out more for me than others do. The scene by the lake, without giving away any details, was very good. I became engrossed in what was happening. Also, the last 100 pages or so were absolute page turners! However, the “practice fighting” scenes in the beginning were a bit too dragged out for me. I did like the plot twist at the end. Sometimes plot twists leave me feeling completely duped, but the final events unraveled well in this one. The writing itself was far greater than the dialogue, in my opinion.

All in all, this wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but because it picked up the pace so much in the second half, I’m going to give it a 3.5. I’d even be willing to read the sequel (which, I’m assuming will happen based on how the story ended).

I do want to add that I’m utterly impressed with the author, Coco Ma. What a triumph! According to her bio on NetGalley, she wrote this book when she was 15. She’s accomplishing things most writers can only dream of accomplishing throughout a lifetime. And despite my list of grievances and nitpicking about the book, if she wrote this at 15 (FIFTEEN!!!!!!), I can’t wait to see how her writing will only further develop over time. She’s going to have an incredible career!

I couldn't get into this. The formatting was also jumbled in places making it hard to read. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Shadow Frost but it wasn't for me.

Wow what can I say? I’ve just read Shadow Frost by Coco Ma, and I loved it! The storyline had twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting, which I found refreshing, I have found some recent books to be predictable.

The story was full of magic and intrigue throughout, I liked the whole tier of powers you could have. Some people could only tap into one, whereas others could wield multiple. Very interesting concept.

I liked how the book came from varying perspectives, and points of views. Where I enjoyed the majority of the characters, each with a backstory of their own, adding a fantastic depth to the overall story.

Now I love a good romance, yes I said it. I do! I love them, and this story has a simmering romance that keeps me reading to find out if anything happens. You’ll have to read to find out!

Overall a fantastic read. I loved it! Five Stars.

If I were to describe this book in a few words, they would be: deception, love, magic strength, and respect.

In a kingdom where her mother is anything but kind and loving, Princess Asterin Falenhart finds she is omnifinitied, a possesser of an affinity of all nine elements. And when a demon begins to rage through Axaria, Asterin volunteers to destroy it.

Comparable to Ash Princess, Shadow Frost is a highlinght in this year's debut novels. A story of love, deception, royalty, and magic, Shadow Frost is without a doubt a must-read for lovers of YA dark fantasy!

DNF at page 103. I wanted to love this but I was struggling to stay interested in the characters and story. The magic system was intriguing but it failed to hold my attention. I may try again when the physical copy becomes available in stores.

2.5 stars

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma is in its bones a good book. It had a spunky protagonist, a close group of friends, a dire darkness, a new set of gods with their own internal mythology, a handsome love interest, LGBTQ+ representation and no love triangles. However nothing was really expanded upon, and I felt like it just tried to check a bunch of boxes. The more I think about the story the more I think that this would have been something I enjoyed when I was younger, but as an adult this was not particularly the story for me.

The book is awesome and the characters are amazing. There are so many unexpected twists in the way and reading it felt truly amazing. I enjoyed reading it very much.

Thought this book sounded utterly fascinating, and to be honest, it was not even close. Some of the problems I had was the writing and dialogue. The careless phrasing for a princess in the time frame mixed with the world that they were supposed to be in didn't make sense. It's frustrating to have today's verbage mixed in with an old time setting, it just doesn't add up and is annoying to read. The other thing that didn't add up was the careless way the rules of the palace were so inconsistent, some things had to be followed, while the next page there's a total stranger hanging out in the princess' room. Also, who in their right mind automatically trusts nearby kingdoms. It was just an alright book that lacked character progression and storytelling. This was not an enjoyable read, it seemed like it was written trying to mesh other books the writer had read into a "new" story. None of the characters had depth, and the story fell flat for me.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

**2.5 stars**

This book was a bit all over the place.

“Shadow Frost” tells the story of a young princess ready to fight for her kingdom against that of a demon bound to a witch known simply as ‘The Woman’ as they tear through town after town killing anyone unlucky enough to cross their path, but soon, the princess finds that the threats are a little closer to home and if she’s not careful she might find something waiting for her in the shadows.

This book has an odd way of doing the POV where there’s a variety of switching, which is fine, but no way to know one has taken place until you get a little bit into it which was confusing at times. I also had no idea this was a fairy tale retelling until about 65% of the way in which isn’t necessarily bad but with the plot a little all over the place it didn’t help that that was something that dragged on a bit before becoming clear what it was trying to be.

The characters themselves were fine I feel like they would have moments of being great before becoming rather childish with a lot of time given to less important things that screamed middle school angst and then it only got worse from there with strange character choices made in the climax of the book which in and of itself had a lot of things going on as it tried to do exposition for a characters backstory in the middle of a fight that kept getting stalled in order to amp up drama that was doing fine on its own.

This was a rather disappointing read but I do think I’ll probably be in the minority there which is fine I never want people to not enjoy something but for me this wasn’t anything I’ll remember.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

The only problem I have with this title is the long agonising wait for the next book!
From 30% in, I already knew this is a 5 star read. Immediately the pace picked up and you are immersed in the world Coco Ma has created. I grew to care about not just one or two characters but the whole group. Each character has something to offer. I absolutely love the banter and humour between characters and the endless flirty behaviour. The twists just keep on coming and the theories you start making in your mind. Such an enjoyable young adult read, cleverly written and awesome badass characters to go with it. I cannot wait to see what Coco Ma does with her next book in the series. Thank you for allowing me the honour to read this book.

This was an amazing read, completely capitavating and a beautiful story. It was a magical tale that had me gobbiling it up, page after page. I can't wait to read more and was so impressed by this author! looking forward to more!

Shadow Frost features a truly amazing cast of characters, world, and story all in a perfectly wrapped action packed adventure. I seriously fell in love with all of the different characters in this book and all their interactions and relationships from the beginning. The book is fast paced and action packed, with funny moments and developing relationships rounding out the space between the various adventures and quests the characters face. The writing style was super fluid and easy to read and made the book hard to put down. Coco Ma does an excellent job exploring the different facets of being a strong independent woman through the various female protagonists in the book, and I really appreciated the focus on female empowerment and friendships that were featured heavily. My only critiques would be that the book did seem to contain a lot of action for a single novel, and some of the plot points did not seem as believable as others (particularly with Luna) but I have a feeling that both of these things are required to set up what I'm hoping will be an intricate and amazing new YA fantasy series. I can't wait to see what happens next for these characters, and I would strongly recommend this book for fans of epic fantasies, magic, badass ladies, witty dialogue, surprising plot twists, and wild adventures.

All I can say is WOW! This is one of the best books I've read in a while. Filled with amazing friendships and vivid imagery, Coco Ma is an author to take note of. I will definitely be preordering this!

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Coco Ma, in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this story, the characters were likeable and developed well throughout, the storyline had a lot of unexpected twists and turns and I can envision how the plot is likely to develop into a second book, or even a series, I felt that this might come under the heading of ‘fairytale’ retelling, although I won’t say which one (spoilers!) it included elements of fantasy, magic, adventure, and romance. I think it fits the target audience (YA and up) really well. I have already put it on my ‘to buy’ list and will keep up with the author’s new writings as they are published. I have been recommending this to anyone who will listen to me!

For a 20 year old(is she 20?) writing her first novel, this was fantastic! there were definite issues I had but I feel like that will only improve with experience and I cannot wait to see what Coco Ma comes up with next :)

I'm so glad I got the chance to read this book.
I was hooked from the first page. I really like Asterin's character and she quickly became a favorite from the get go. I loved how fierce she is! I also really enjoyed her interactions with Orion.
I thoroughly enjoy the banter between Asterin and the other characters later introduced as well. I found myself thoroughly delightedly at pretty much most of the parts! I just couldn't put this book down and the ending left me stunned! This was an amazing read! I definitely recommend it to everyone!!

First of all, I’m a fan of strong female characters and this book is strong in that aspect. The main character, Asterin is a great example of that. She’s not your typical princess: she’s feisty and, as a certain someone likes to point out, she can be a bit of a brat. She has the skills to back up her attitude, though. A skilled fighter, she is also quite capable in this world’s version of magic. She’s also not content to let other people fight battles she knows she’s suited for, and goes off in search of the demon who’s leaving death in its wake.

There’s a small cast of characters that goes along with her, each an addition to the team in their own way. I think my favorite was Orion, Asterin’s bodyguard and friend. He taught her to fight, among other things, didn’t underestimate her, and was just a fun character all around.

The book is much less straightforward than the reader is originally led to believe, something I really enjoyed. I like stories that have intrigue and surprises, and this book delivers. Plus, there’s the journey taken, and I love books where the heroes see much of the fantasy world.

One small bone to pick is that the relationship between Asterin and Quinlan was annoying. Not enough to ruin the book by any stretch of the imagination, but it just kind of irked me. Also, every time I read “affinity stone”, I immediately thought “infinity stone” of the Marvel Universe (oops; I guess those movies really got inside my head), but that last is an issue I had, mentioned only because I had to laugh at myself a little.

It turns out Coco Ma was just fifteen when she finished writing this book: you go, girl! This is a wonderful debut, and she definitely is a fresh new voice in the YA fantasy genre.

I just finished reading an ARC of Shadow Frost by Coco Ma, which is set to release October 2019. This is a YA Fantasy which is the debut novel for Coco Ma. I got my copy of this ARC from NetGalley and boy I am so incredibly glad I did!

Description
In the kingdom of Axaria, a darkness rises. Some call it a monster, laying waste to the villagers and their homes. Some say it is an invulnerable demon summoned from the deepest abysses of the Immortal Realm. Many soldiers from the royal guard are sent out to hunt it down. Not one has ever returned. 
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 friends begin to wonder how much of their lives has 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.

What I loved....
The characters are amazing, as you see them grow and change and develop throughout the book. The Kingdom of Axaria is very well created and I was wishing I could go visit! It felt modern but ancient at the same time. I absolutely love that everyone has an ability for magic, but some more than others. Princess Asterin, the protagonist, is such a strong and feisty character. You just can't help but love her!! Her bodyguard Orion is funny and endearing with how he teases Asterin, yet you learn important facts about him as the story progresses. It was a little bit of a surprise, as I don't feel that what you discover about him was built up to, it felt just kind of thrown in like an afterthought. It worked though, so that was lucky. My absolute favorite character though is Quinlan, cousin to mystical Queen Rose of Eradore. He is proud and confident, yet has a sensitive side that he hides. His witty banter with Princess Asterin just put a huge goofy grin on my face and melted my heart. I couldn't get enough of the scenes between him and Asterin.
I really hope that this is turned into a series, especially with how the book ended. I would be astounded if it was left as a standalone. This is by far one of my favorite reads of 2019 so far!!! 5 star read!!!! People..... get this book when it releases in October 2019. Seriously, you will not be disappointed!!

I'm going to go process all of the amazingness I just read, as I can tell I'm already in a book hangover from Shadow Frost. Happy Reading!! 🤓

This book was received as an ARC from Blackstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really loved the imagery this book displayed throughout. Really getting to know the characters and relating to their dilemmas and passion for saving their kingdom. It's like you have been transported to Axaria yourself along for the ride as Asterin and her friends battle the demon and save Axaria once and for all. The book really comes to life if you read it in a dim room because it feels like you are more part of the action rather than reading the book outside or in a lit room. I know young readers will enjoy this book tremendously and will be anticipating the next installment sooner rather than later, at least I know I will!

We will consider adding this title to our YFantasy collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Wow, this book was great!! It was exciting and suspenseful. The plot line was unique! I couldn’t put it down!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own