Crimson Frost (Mythos Academy) [Paperback]

Jennifer Estep (Author)

Book Description

Release date: December 24, 2012 | Series: Mythos Academy

Gwen should have known that her first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. She was prepared to get into a swordfight, or be ambushed by Reapers. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? She didn't see that one coming. Gwen is accused of purposely helping the Reapers free the evil god Loki from his prison - and the person leading the charge against her is Linus Quinn, Logan's dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks she's guilty. If she's going to get out of this mess alive, she'll have to do it herself...

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: K-Teen; 1 edition (December 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758281463
• ISBN-13: 978-0758281463
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.2 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (109 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin adult urban fantasy series for Pocket. Books in the series are SPIDER'S BITE, WEB OF LIES, VENOM, TANGLED THREADS, SPIDER'S REVENGE, BY A THREAD, and WIDOW'S WEB. THREAD OF DEATH, an e-novella, is also available.

HAINTS AND HOBWEBS: AN ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN SHORT STORY can be found in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF GHOST ROMANCE.

DEADLY STING, the eighth book, is set to be released on March 26, 2013.

Jennifer also writes the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series for Kensington.

Books in the series are TOUCH OF FROST, KISS OF FROST, and DARK FROST. CRIMSON FROST, the fourth book, is set to be released on Dec. 24, 2012.

FIRST FROST, a prequel e-story to the series, is available as a download. HALLOWEEN FROST, an e-short story, is available in the ENTANGLED e-anthology.

Jennifer is also the author of the Bigtime paranormal romance series. Books in the superhero-themed series are KARMA GIRL, HOT MAMA, JINX, and NIGHTINGALE. A KARMA GIRL CHRISTMAS, an e-story, is also available.

Excerpts, free short stories, and more information on Jennifer's books can be found at http://www.jenniferestep.com.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#43 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy

#57 in Books > Romance > Fantasy & Futuristic

#64 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Fantasy

#78 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy

#43 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy

#57 in Books > Romance > Fantasy & Futuristic

#64 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Fantasy

#78 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. December 24, 2012

By BookGeek

Format:Paperback

I spent the first half of this book in utter frustration. I was still a little bit ticked by the end of "Dark Frost" and the new events that Gwen is thrown into in "Crimson Frost," made me seethe. In the midst of her long over due fist date with her Spartan warrior and hero of a boyfriend Logan, Gwen is arrested. The first half of this book reads like a Salem witch trial. The adults and students are basically yelling "witch!" at Gwen and blaming her for Loki's escape.

The charges against Gwen are pretty much the worst charges that can be brought against a member of the Pantheon. She's basically charged with treason and called a Reaper. The students of Mythos and even some of the professors turn against her and she becomes worse than the "gypsy girl," she is now the face of every Reaper who killed a family member or friend of the kids at Mythos. A good chunk of this book is pretty bleak as the threat of execution hangs over Gwen's head.

I enjoyed this installment of Mythos Academy more than I enjoyed its predecessor. While there are still moments where I slapped my forehead in aggravation, I thought that the characters smartened up. I still cannot believe that the library's security has not been heightened to Fort Knox levels, but I will just have to suspend my disbelief. The library is an important location and it is important for the bad guys to break in every single book and steal something. That is how the wind blows and it's time that I accept it.

I really enjoyed the fact that the characters seem to have matured. Daphne, Carson, Oliver and Logan stand beside Gwen through out her trial. They refuse to let the other students attack her and they never doubt her innocence for a moment. Even when it becomes clear that her allies will be placed under suspicion, her gang of warriors stay strong at her side. These kids have been through a lot together and it is great that Estep uses that to her advantage. They're still teenagers and have teenage angst, but they know when to put that aside and they are capable of deciding which battles are worth fighting.

Logan and Gwen finally acknowledge their relationship and are determined to try. There are obstacles, big and strong, thrown at them in this book, but at this point it is clear that these two are meant to be. I really hope that they can get to a place where Logan and Gwen can be constant. They have proven that they will stand together in a crisis; it's time to see them together in every situation. I was glad not to hate Logan at all this book. He's finally decided to become a grown up in his relationship with Gwen. I was relieved to see that his childish behavior did not continue into this installment.

I found the climatic scene in "Dark Frost" to be absolutely ridiculous. I opened "Crimson Frost," expecting the worst and was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. Loki and the Reapers are finally developing into truly twisted and over zealous villains. The first few books were small time and now we're finally meeting the true forces behind Loki's army. I found the Reaper's plans to be horrifying, horrible and awful. The idea of Loki's transformation is very interesting and if the Reapers succeed it will be catastrophic for Gwen and the good guys. I'm glad that the Reapers have proven to be formidable. In the first three installments, I thought they were lucky, because they had the element of surprise. The pantheon was expecting them and still it's surprising the steps they take and what their goals are.

I am excited to see what else will happen with Gwen. In earlier books we learn that she is destined to kill Loki. Gwen has achieved and survived so much, it still seems impossible that she could be strong enough to defeat the god of chaos. I am really excited to see where this stories leads and experiencing Gwen grow into the killer of gods.

Recommended for fans of Mythos Academy. Everyone else should read the first few books beginning with "Touch of Frost."

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars I love Estep so much! December 27, 2012

By Jennifer Bielman @ Reading & Writing UF & PNR

Format:Paperback

From Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance

At A Glance
I just love Jennifer Estep so much. I think everything she writes is gold. This book was no different. But you know me. I found one or two things that bothered me. But I still loved every minute of Crimson Frost.

The Good
Here's The Story...
It was all going so well. A little coffee, a little flirty banter, a little murder accusation. Yeah, you heard me. Finally Logan and Gwen had a chance to go on their first date, then the Mythos Academy "police" came and took Gwen away for freeing the evil Loki from his prison and taking part in the Reapers overall mayhem and murder schemes. Now on trial for crimes she didn't commit, Gwen has to watch her back as every student at the school comes after her. But they aren't the only ones who want her dead. There is more to these accusations than meets the eye. Gwen has to figure out who is leading the charge against her and kill them before they kill her.

Nerves of Steel...
OMG. This book scared the crap out of me. If I were Gwen I would be hiding in a corner, rocking back and forth, trying to think happy thoughts. How Gwen faces her entire school, in which almost every student wants her dead, is beyond me. She may be self-deprecating, but we all know she has nerves of steel. I was so, so pissed when the Academy "police" took Gwen into custody, paraded her around and accused her in front of everyone without letting her state her side. It was horrible. Like a nightmare.

Trooper Gwen...
Gwen is a trooper though. She may break down internally, but she always keeps a brave face in front of everyone else. She follows her normal routine despite all the hate and accusations. Her friends also stay by her side through it all. Gwen handled herself well and I felt proud of her. She has always been strong and determined and she is only growing more so in each book.

*Sighs* Logan....
Logan was very supportive of Gwen as his dad, the head of the Academy "police," treated her like crap. It was like his father's mind was set that she was guilty, no matter how much the evidence might say otherwise. Logan was so caring and sweet. He tried to keep Gwen positive no matter how far she was kicked down. But the ending was devastating. I can't reveal much, but that damn Logan really knows how to throw a pity party.

And Who Might You Be?
Alexei was an interesting new character. He was assigned to guard Gwen. He was so mysterious at first. I didn't know what to make of him. I hated him sometimes because of his actions, but I also understood his position. I don't want to reveal too much but I was so happy to find out his connection to one of the beloved characters in the series. I can't wait to see what other tricks this guy has up his sleeves.

Here's My Heart, Estep...
Crimson Frost left me raw. My emotions took a hit because Gwen goes through so much crap that it felt like I went through it all right along with her. The unfairness was off the charts. Sure, Estep tore out my heart but her amazing writing and perfect pacing made it all worth it. The story sucked me in right away and never let go. The ending was gasp worthy as well as heart-wrenching. I love Gwen's story and can't wait to see what it going to happen next.

The Bad
The only thing I can complain about is that I feel like the series as a whole is now dragging a bit. The plots are becoming too similar and not enough forward momentum is happening. I want the fight between the goodies and the badies to be more progressive. Some big changes would be nice.

The Snuggly
Logan and Gwen's relationship is still slow going. They are very cute together but it seems every time they take one step forward, they take two steps back. Really, it's Logan's fault. He needs to grow a pair. Harsh but true.

Final Thoughts
Though I would like to see some more plot variation for the next books, I was very pleased with Crimson Frost. We were introduced to new characters and taken on an emotional roller coaster and it was all worth it. This series and book is highly recommended.

Quotes
"How is it that you always know just what to do and say to make me feel better?" I said.

Logan grinned. "Just another part of that Spartan killer instinct. I can slay the ladies just as well as I can reapers."

*****

"I can't believe you just walked in here this morning like everything was okay, like we all don't know what you did--and what a traitorous Reaper bitch you are."

The kids circled around me murmured their agreement. My gaze went from one face to the next, but all I saw was anger--anger and no mercy. I wasn't psychic, not like Grandma Frost was, but I knew what would happen now. The other kids couldn't take their rage and frustration out on the Reapers who'd murdered their loved ones, so they were going to lash out at the next best thing--me.

Mythos Academy Series:
Book #1: Touch of Frost
Book #2: Kiss of Frost
Book #3: Dark Frost
Book #4: Crimson Frost (Dec 24, 2012)
Book #5: Midnight Frost (Aug 2013)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Crimson Frost December 24, 2012

By Beth H

Format:Paperback

Gwen Frost, is a Gypsy girl, that attends Mythos Academy. Crimson Frost takes place right after Gwen accidently gives the power to Vivan (another Gypsy) the power to release Loki. Devastated by their failure but facing the future, life must go on... Until the Protectorate, the Parthenon's police force, charges Gwen with releasing Loki and killing the students that where slaughtered by the Reapers (Loki's minions).

In a blink of an eye Gwen becomes the most hated person at Mythos Academy, everyone has lost someone to the Reapers and to believe that Gwen is one of them causes all kinds of threats and attacks. Her core group of friends and the leading staff at Mythos knows the truth, but the persecution that Gwen endures is heart breaking. Can she prove her innocence before it's too late? Will she ever be accepted back in with her peers? Will she have the strength to defeat Loki and the Reapers?

I loved Crimson Frost! I stayed up into the wee-hours with this book because I did not put it down. I found Gwen and her friends marvelous, strong, brave and they still fought for the jerks who pretty ruthlessly tormented Gwen. I found myself so emotional attached to the characters, I cried... often. A must read! 5 Stars

This ARC copy of Crimson Frost was given to me by Netgalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date: December 24, 2012