Thank you to Blackstone publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this wonderful book!

I am so excited I got to read this unique book early! Wow. This book was impressive. I felt it was unique and soaked in originality. Every single one of the main characters was likable (except for the villains, of course). The romance was sweet but not overwhelming to the story line. I enjoyed this tale about demons and princesses who fought them among her dearest friends. All the main characters had such strength and personality that added to the story. It was full of unexpected twists which I also found quite enthralling! There's also the theme that not every villain can be hated and I really appreciated that. It added to the depth of the story. The imagery was fantastic and I felt as though reading this book was like watching a movie in my head. This was a really great adventure read that also has themes of friendship and finding yourself.

What a captivating and imaginative tale of magic and friendship! While reading this, I felt like I was under an enchantment spell - I couldn't get enough of it and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

So apparently the author was 15 when she wrote this and damn, am I super jealous of her incredible talent! To have this kind of creativity and grace with words and to be able to come up with such an incredible world, it’s a really impressive achievement. Major kudos to the author. I would have never even guessed and had I not known, would have assumed this was written by a highly experienced writer.

Shadow Frost is an original tale set in a complicated world that was masterfully descriptive, easy to follow and as equally easy to get lost in. With plot twists, endless surprises and obstacles thrown in our favorite characters' paths, I was constantly rooting for their success and safe passage throughout their dangerous adventure. All six main characters - Asterin, Quinlan, Rose, Orion, Eadric and Luna - were equally significant and equally likable. They truly felt like an ensemble cast, no single character more important or deserving than the other which is a very rare feat to achieve in a novel. Initially, I thought this was a story about Asterin with 5 supporting characters at her side, but you come to realize that all of her inner circle is just as important and have what it takes to be leading men and women in this magical tale. And that was simply refreshing. Asterin was the total badass I'd expected and loved instantly. Quinlan was the dashing and charming hero to our heroine that we deserved. Rose was lively, fierce and a badass in her own right (and while I loved all the six leads, she's definitely my favorite). Orion and Eadric were both powerful, reliable and surprisingly sweet. And Luna was the most surprising of all with the most notable character development.

Side note - as a professional graphic designer, I have to give major props to that gorgeous cover for capturing my eye and intriguing me enough to read the synopsis before finally deciding that, oh yes, this book was definitely for me.

I can't wait to read more in this series that I know will become everyone's new favorite fantasy YA go-to.

3.5 stars

A mesmerizing adventure made rich with vivid descriptions, ambitious characters, and a setting that sings. I look forward to reading more from the author.

3,75 stars.

This book was such a fun adventure. It really reminded me of Snow White and the huntsman at times. A fun colourful cast of characters and you feel connected to them all. Some LGBTQ representment as well and it was done well.

The downside, some things were very predictable due to the story being very recognizable to other tales. The book has a lot of POV's like a lot and it was a bit disorienting at times. Some of the characters, one, in particular, was just such a meh bland character and was just given a storyline to add conflict, so that was not fun.

If you love fantastical magical new worlds then you will love this new YA fantasy world.

I am excited about reading book 2 because there has to be a sequel.

I received a free ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, my opinions are my own.