So when I went to write this review, I couldn’t for the life of me remember this book. Probably a bad sign since I finished it mid-July. It is your prototypical YA book with all the normal cliches. The main character is a Fireblood living in hiding in a Frostblood dominated world. She is found out and sent to prison. Then she is given a chance to get back at the evil Frostblood king and falls in love and blah blah blah. If you want a book to sit and not have to think too much about, this would work.

This title looked like a great fantasy with a new twist. Ruby is a fireblood, stuck in a frostblood land, hunted, scared, and tragically alone. It is an intriguing premise and pans out quite well as the story goes on.
The characters are well defined and provide insight into their histories and that of the land. I like that the origin stories are a bit of a mystery and that there is no definite answer as to what is true and what is myth. It is definitely something to look forward to.
Blake’s world is a little small in the scope of things as the characters do not seem to travel far and there are no physical measuring points to pick out distance. I would like to see more world building in future instalments. What we do see is intricate rooms and small spaces. It is the larger picture that needs to be described.
The plot line can be somewhat generic for this type of fantasy, yet there are still a few surprises along the way. Blake’s writing is smooth and provides for a quick read. Fantasy readers will gobble this one up and look forward to the next chapter in Ruby’s life.

This book pulled me in right away during the first chapter. Mainly because of the mystery and action in the first chapter, and also the amazing world building. The whole story was so unique to me I was drawn completely in.  There was also so much action I just didn't want to stop reading.

I loved Ruby as a character. She was so loyal, strong, focused, and at points sweet. She had this way of doing the right thing even when it was extremely hard, and I find that so admirable.

I haven't felt so drawn into a book in a long time. I feel like that is because I've taken a break from the fantasy genre for a bit. That break helped me to appreciate this book so much more. I read it in one sitting, which is another thing I haven't done in a while. Overall I was completely enthralled in this book and would recommend it to any fan of fantasy.

First Line: I OFFERED MY HAND TO THE FIRE.

Summary: In a world where the king is a frostblood and firebloods are hunted life for Ruby is living with a dangerous secret. She is a fireblood. When soldiers come to her village they try to take her and in the struggle kill her mother. While languishing in prison she is rescued by a mysterious stranger who takes her an abbey where she is taught how to harness her power and use it to bring down the evil Frost King.

Highlights: Good dystopian YA novel. It reminded me a lot of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I liked the powers and the battles in the arena. A fun throw back to Roman times with animals and slaves fighting for glory and entertainment.

Lowlights: Some of the writing was a little simple and bland especially near the end.

FYI: Perfect for fans of Hunger Games and Red Queen.

This book is incredibly slow, filled with every YA cliche imaginable, and brings nothing new to the fantasy genre.

I wanted to like this story. I tried. But I couldn't get over how slow and unoriginal it was. Every time it started to pick up it would abruptly halt. Ruby's train of thought swings between mooning of Arcus and thinking she's not good enough (while of course, everyone else thinks she's a special snowflake).

Then there was the entry of the evilness surrounding the throne (the actual throne, not just the symbolic one). We are never really told the history of this "entity" and many questions are left. I am assuming more will be discussed/discovered in the sequel.

I will say, if you are new to the YA fantasy genre then you may enjoy this book more as these plot devices and themes will be new to you.

I enjoyed this book. It was a great addition to the genre that is hot right now.

A thrilling love story mixed with danger and political intrigue!

*I received a free copy of this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

4.5 stars.

I won't sure exactly what to expect from Frostblood, but I really enjoyed it. The story was exciting and interesting. The characters were well developed and lifelike. While it didn't end on a cliffhanger, I am very excited to read the next book.

Ruby was stubborn and sometimes rather pigheaded, but I liked her. She goaded people, sometimes when she shouldn't. She was a good person with some darkness in her. Arcus was like a porcupine--he had to be approached correctly, and then he was rather . . . I don't know. "Cute" is the complete wrong word. I liked him, too, though. Though reserved with his trust and emotions, he gave them fully once they were earned.

The supporting characters were also well written. I especially enjoyed the monks. Sometimes I pictured Brother Gamut as Ian Holm (The Fifth Element era) and Brother Thistle as Richard Harris.

Every once in a while, the dialogue felt a little forced. But other than that, I really enjoyed the writing.

Note: Can't recall anything bad.

A must for any young reader who loves magic, romance and a strong heroine. Can one young woman change her world?

I was given a free DRC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It was an okay book but very similar to the ones already out there (RED QUEEN, anyone?). There's nothing terribly special about it, which I was sad to see. I was really looking forward to this book. The cover was gorgeous and the premise was solid. However, it's overwrought with cliches that I've seen time and time again. Oh, someone who can control fire and has a bit of a temper. Okay.... I'm not sure if I'll pick up the sequel.

This was a decent light YA fantasy. Which isn't bad. I was just hoping for a little more.

I'm happy to share that I finally had the opportunity to read this gripping fantasy. There were parts that reminded me of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, but Elly Blake was able to give us a wonderful story that unfolded into something that, while maybe not the most original, was definitely a fun read.

Read more…

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the careful consideration given to Ruby's emotional growth and exploration. Her internal struggles felt real and drove the story's action and conflict throughout. I also loved the slow burn relationship developing between her and {spoiler} Arcus. He's an interesting character with a dark past. And although I could see his twist coming from really early on, it was still rewarding when it finally happened.

I also want to point out that Arcus is not the most gorgeous male specimen on the planet as so many male characters are nowadays. And his own emotional growth and turmoil lent itself well with Ruby's while not distracting from the plot. The magic kind of took a backseat, but the world building was spot on, and I found myself reading with fervor all the way to the end.

I give the book 4 stars. I only give it fours stars because the book does follow the same pattern as other YA books. However, I really enjoyed the world the author created and made me want to read the next book to see what happens. I would recommend the this book.

Did not finish. As much as I enjoy YA books, this seemed a bit too young for me, and rather formulaic. I can see this being much appreciated by a teen, however.

I read this expecting another typical dystopian YA novel, was thinking it would be a rehash of the Red Queen series and was completely surprised. I loved the characters, the plot...everything about this novel! Ruby is a Fireblood in a society where that is a dangerous thing to be, but she is a force to be reckoned with. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final plot twist!

The first book in the new Frostblood Saga introduces Ruby Otera who lives in a world where the ruling class of Frostbloods have abilities that are ice born. She is a Fireblood who hides her fire born powers, until the day her mother is killed trying to protect her in a Frostblood raid. Her powers exposed, Ruby is taken prisoner, but is rescued by a band of rebels who hope to use her powers to overthrow the Frost King, a maniacal ruler, who is controlled by the evil Minax. Ruby is trained by a band of monks, including the mysterious Arcus, whom she comes to love. When she is once again captured and forced to compete in the king's competitions between Firebloods and Frostblood warriors, Ruby hopes to find a way to destroy the throne and create a new world where Firebloods and Frostbloods can live together in peace. This thrilling page turner is filled with exciting battles, magic and romance, and sets up an intriguing world for the books to come.The sequel, Fireblood, is available now.

I did receive a copy from you guys, I also got a copy in my uppercase box. This review reflects the purchased copy. LOVED this choice by uppercase! Although I didn't fly through it, it was amazing. The premise is interesting and not so common that you are tired of reading them. There isn't a love triangle (which I LOVE!) but there is that element of romance. The main character, Ruby, goes through so much and the changes you see in her character are amazing. I loved seeing how the frostblood and fireblood people interacted. Cannot wait until the next installment!

I never had a chance to review this before it expired. I'm sorry!

Loved this book. Didn't want it to be over. Can't wait to read next one!

Thank you to netgalley and Little, Brown BFYR for the early ecopy!
This review will also appear on swoonyboyspodcast.com
and is also posted to my goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1830432751

Frostblood by Elly Blake
Published by Little, Brown BFYR on January 10, 2017
YA, fantasy
376 pages
Tags: girls who kick ass, swoony boy alert, fave, crushworthy, magic
Cover: 4
Characters: 5
Writing: 4
Plot: 5
Swoon: 4
Overall: 4.4
The 411:
Ruby Otrera is a fireblood living a modest life with her mother when she is discovered and taken captive by frostblood soldiers that work for the Frost King; A king that wishes to rid the land of all firebloods. She is rescued from prison by frostbloods that want her help in destoying the evil Frost King. Ruby must learn to wield her powers and fight the evil king along with those of his men that helped destroy her home and all she held dear.
What We Loved:
Frostblood is the perfect debut novel. Full of action and intrigue, magic and steam, it will leave you longing for the next instalment in the Frostblood Saga.
I really liked the history behind the frostbloods and firebloods. I enjoyed the way Ruby developed throughout the story. And Arcus, cold and brutish melting into a warm kindhearted character was nice too.
The story was smoothly paced and didn’t hover too long on unnecessary filling. Though I must admit this is one of the rare instances where I saw everything that was coming from a mile away. You would think that would make the story less exciting but I was surprised to find my interest in the story unfaltering.
All in all I kind of loved this book. I would definitely buy this for a friend or recommend it. And I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Um…Not So Much:
I guess all I can really say here is that I predicted the conclusion at only about 1/3 into the book. For some that would be a big turn off but I was only more excited to watch it all play out so it didn’t bother me.