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Kanin Chronicles #1
Frostfire
Bryn Aven is an outcast among the Kanin, the most powerful of the troll tribes.
Set apart by her heritage and her past, Bryn is a tracker who's determined to become a respected part of her world. She has just one goal: become a member of the elite King’s Guard to protect the royal family. She's not going to let anything stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss Ridley Dresden.
But all her plans for the future are put on hold when Konstantin– a fallen hero she once loved – begins kidnapping changelings. Bryn is sent in to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?
Set apart by her heritage and her past, Bryn is a tracker who's determined to become a respected part of her world. She has just one goal: become a member of the elite King’s Guard to protect the royal family. She's not going to let anything stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss Ridley Dresden.
But all her plans for the future are put on hold when Konstantin– a fallen hero she once loved – begins kidnapping changelings. Bryn is sent in to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?
321 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2015
645 people are currently reading
31968 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Hocking
76 books15k followersAMANDA HOCKING is the author of over twenty young adult novels, including the New York Times bestselling Trylle Trilogy and Kanin Chronicles. Her love of pop culture and all things paranormal influence her writing. She spends her time in Minnesota, taking care of her menagerie of pets and working on her next book.
Several of her books have made the New York Times Bestsellers list. Her zombie series, The Hollows, has been adapted into a graphic novel by Dynamite. She has published over twenty novels, including The Kanin Chronicles, the Watersong quartet, My Blood Approves series, the Valkyrie duology, and Freeks .
For more info about her and her books, here are some other places to check out and ways to contact her:
Website: www.hockingbooks.com
Amazon Author Page: Amanda Hocking
Patreon: Amanda Hocking
Instagram: @amanda_hocking
BlueSky: AmandaHocking.bsky.social
Threads: @amanda_hocking
YouTube: aehocking
Facebook: Amanda Hocking Fans
Etsy: Hocking Books by Amanda
TikTok: @amanda_hocking
Goodreads: Amanda Hocking
Spotify : Amanda Hocking
Several of her books have made the New York Times Bestsellers list. Her zombie series, The Hollows, has been adapted into a graphic novel by Dynamite. She has published over twenty novels, including The Kanin Chronicles, the Watersong quartet, My Blood Approves series, the Valkyrie duology, and Freeks .
For more info about her and her books, here are some other places to check out and ways to contact her:
Website: www.hockingbooks.com
Amazon Author Page: Amanda Hocking
Patreon: Amanda Hocking
Instagram: @amanda_hocking
BlueSky: AmandaHocking.bsky.social
Threads: @amanda_hocking
YouTube: aehocking
Facebook: Amanda Hocking Fans
Etsy: Hocking Books by Amanda
TikTok: @amanda_hocking
Goodreads: Amanda Hocking
Spotify : Amanda Hocking
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,716 reviews
May 20, 2015
This was going so well, and then it went
FUBAR
in the end.
I don't know about what you feel right now, folks, but right now I feel like making a hole in the wall with my mighty fist. This isn't to say that this is a bad book, though, because I liked some parts, BUT GODDAMN THE STUPIDITY IN THE END REALLY JUST GOT TO ME.
You see this fist? This is the fist I'll be putting between my teeth so I won't actually destroy our wall. Find my rage petty if you wish, but it's not a joke when I say I'm pretty pissed right now.
This is my first Amanda Hocking book, but I'm not really a stranger to this author. I've seen some of her works every time I go to the bookstore, and I know for a fact that she has a lot of published works out. Seeing as this was about trolls, I decided to give it a shot.
I found the setting quite fascinating initially. It's basically Harry Potter-ish, as in there's the human world, and hidden in our world where the ordinary humans can't reach, are the different kingdoms of the Trolls. Each tribe has their own distinct appearances (Kanin have olive skin, dark eyes, brown hair; Skojare have blue eyes and blonde hair, etc.) but while I found the notion of having a hidden world in our world appealing, I was quite bummed to know that they weren't really all that different to humans. They looked human, just with superpowers. I mean, when you hear "troll" I don't really think of wood-elf like individuals, or Northern Europeans - I envision the following:
Or heck:
But I'm getting side-tracked now.
Long story short: I was bummed that there were other creatures in this realm, but those creatures were merely still human-looking, which made me think the fantasy aspect was shallow. I truly hoped that we could somehow get a deeper world-building and not have another new society that's filled with the very creatures we're all familiar with. I mean, if you have all-new creatures, that would also mean an all-new culture, all-new political issues, all-new societal and economic problems, but nope. We get the same old that we see in our human realm, down to the high school romance drama between a tracker and her boss. I hoped that there were at least something new in this and in the world the "trolls" lived in, but it felt like everything was something I've seen before.
Ugh...
Now, let's talk about Bryn. I'm not really sure what to feel about her, honestly. On one hand, I loved that she was independent, strong-willed, goal-oriented, and very driven to succeed to prove her detractors wrong, especially those who ostracized her due to her being a half-breed. She is written to be a bad-ass and it shows - she has a very strong personality that I found to be refreshing, and there were times she was rash, which I didn't mind too much, because her rashness was oftentimes used to create tension and conflict. Alright.
And then, there's Konstantin Black. The guy who attempted to kill her father. The guy who cut her with a sword. The guy who attempted to kidnap innocent Changelings for a cause he didn't even want to tell her because "it's bigger than both of us". The guy who asked, "WHY?" and replied with, "BECAUSE!" The guy she said she wanted to kill so much, the guy she said she hated because of what he did. The guy who suddenly appeared four years later, appeared a little "remorseful" after a failed kidnapping, and so he might be doing all this with a knife at his back, RIGHT?!?!?!?! BRYN WANTS TO GO AFTER HIM BUT SHE MIGHT HESITATE BECAUSE HE MIGHT NOT BE THE BAD GUY, RIGHT?! AFTER A FAILED MURDER ATTEMPT, RIGHT?!?!?!?!??!?!?!
Look, I get where her whole relationship with this dude is going. I get that he might not be completely bad. But I hated her reasons for "doubting" him, just because his stare at her "softened", or because he kept saying "crpyted" things that mean jack shit anyway because he refused to let her on in his "You have to run before it's too late!" If you truly hate someone that bad (or at least you say so) because he almost murdered your father, I find it really doubtful for you to change heart just like that because, like I said, his gaze "softened" or he looked "remorseful".
Don't get me wrong, I would understand if she started questioning things. But her reasons for questioning felt more contrived to me than not.
AND THEN CAME THAT ENDING. THE ENDING THAT MADE ME WANT TO GO ASDFGHJKL.
Guys, if you come upon a very, very important information that would help your friends, your kingdom; an information that could mean life and death for many innocents, what would you do?
You fucking tell them.
You fucking tell your friends.
You fucking tell your kingdom
You fucking tell your King and Queen.
This lame-ass reason, "I might be wrong, so I'll wait before I tell them" is fucking NONSENSE because why wait? Why wait to tell them of something they should watch out for? Are you going to tell them when it's finally too late and someone has paid the price? It doesn't matter if you were wrong - you saw something, you heard something, you witnessed something (that we readers are sure you're right in the first place), SO TELL THEM. ALERT THEM. MAKE THEM PREPARED FOR WHAT'S TO COME. EVEN IF YOU WERE WRONG (WHICH I ASSURE YOU YOU AREN'T), THERE'S NO HARM IN BEING READY JUST IN CASE. DON'T BE A FUCKING DICK.
/rant over
Still giving this 2.5 stars because I was engaged for a while. Will read the sequel soon. I'm really hoping it would improve by then x_x
I don't know about what you feel right now, folks, but right now I feel like making a hole in the wall with my mighty fist. This isn't to say that this is a bad book, though, because I liked some parts, BUT GODDAMN THE STUPIDITY IN THE END REALLY JUST GOT TO ME.
You see this fist? This is the fist I'll be putting between my teeth so I won't actually destroy our wall. Find my rage petty if you wish, but it's not a joke when I say I'm pretty pissed right now.
This is my first Amanda Hocking book, but I'm not really a stranger to this author. I've seen some of her works every time I go to the bookstore, and I know for a fact that she has a lot of published works out. Seeing as this was about trolls, I decided to give it a shot.
I found the setting quite fascinating initially. It's basically Harry Potter-ish, as in there's the human world, and hidden in our world where the ordinary humans can't reach, are the different kingdoms of the Trolls. Each tribe has their own distinct appearances (Kanin have olive skin, dark eyes, brown hair; Skojare have blue eyes and blonde hair, etc.) but while I found the notion of having a hidden world in our world appealing, I was quite bummed to know that they weren't really all that different to humans. They looked human, just with superpowers. I mean, when you hear "troll" I don't really think of wood-elf like individuals, or Northern Europeans - I envision the following:
Or heck:
But I'm getting side-tracked now.
Long story short: I was bummed that there were other creatures in this realm, but those creatures were merely still human-looking, which made me think the fantasy aspect was shallow. I truly hoped that we could somehow get a deeper world-building and not have another new society that's filled with the very creatures we're all familiar with. I mean, if you have all-new creatures, that would also mean an all-new culture, all-new political issues, all-new societal and economic problems, but nope. We get the same old that we see in our human realm, down to the high school romance drama between a tracker and her boss. I hoped that there were at least something new in this and in the world the "trolls" lived in, but it felt like everything was something I've seen before.
Ugh...
Now, let's talk about Bryn. I'm not really sure what to feel about her, honestly. On one hand, I loved that she was independent, strong-willed, goal-oriented, and very driven to succeed to prove her detractors wrong, especially those who ostracized her due to her being a half-breed. She is written to be a bad-ass and it shows - she has a very strong personality that I found to be refreshing, and there were times she was rash, which I didn't mind too much, because her rashness was oftentimes used to create tension and conflict. Alright.
And then, there's Konstantin Black. The guy who attempted to kill her father. The guy who cut her with a sword. The guy who attempted to kidnap innocent Changelings for a cause he didn't even want to tell her because "it's bigger than both of us". The guy who asked, "WHY?" and replied with, "BECAUSE!" The guy she said she wanted to kill so much, the guy she said she hated because of what he did. The guy who suddenly appeared four years later, appeared a little "remorseful" after a failed kidnapping, and so he might be doing all this with a knife at his back, RIGHT?!?!?!?! BRYN WANTS TO GO AFTER HIM BUT SHE MIGHT HESITATE BECAUSE HE MIGHT NOT BE THE BAD GUY, RIGHT?! AFTER A FAILED MURDER ATTEMPT, RIGHT?!?!?!?!??!?!?!
Look, I get where her whole relationship with this dude is going. I get that he might not be completely bad. But I hated her reasons for "doubting" him, just because his stare at her "softened", or because he kept saying "crpyted" things that mean jack shit anyway because he refused to let her on in his "You have to run before it's too late!" If you truly hate someone that bad (or at least you say so) because he almost murdered your father, I find it really doubtful for you to change heart just like that because, like I said, his gaze "softened" or he looked "remorseful".
Don't get me wrong, I would understand if she started questioning things. But her reasons for questioning felt more contrived to me than not.
AND THEN CAME THAT ENDING. THE ENDING THAT MADE ME WANT TO GO ASDFGHJKL.
Guys, if you come upon a very, very important information that would help your friends, your kingdom; an information that could mean life and death for many innocents, what would you do?
You fucking tell them.
You fucking tell your friends.
You fucking tell your kingdom
You fucking tell your King and Queen.
This lame-ass reason, "I might be wrong, so I'll wait before I tell them" is fucking NONSENSE because why wait? Why wait to tell them of something they should watch out for? Are you going to tell them when it's finally too late and someone has paid the price? It doesn't matter if you were wrong - you saw something, you heard something, you witnessed something (that we readers are sure you're right in the first place), SO TELL THEM. ALERT THEM. MAKE THEM PREPARED FOR WHAT'S TO COME. EVEN IF YOU WERE WRONG (WHICH I ASSURE YOU YOU AREN'T), THERE'S NO HARM IN BEING READY JUST IN CASE. DON'T BE A FUCKING DICK.
/rant over
Still giving this 2.5 stars because I was engaged for a while. Will read the sequel soon. I'm really hoping it would improve by then x_x
February 17, 2019
It was impossible for me to ignore “Frostfire” given how beautiful its cover is. The art is simple yet striking -- and what is up with that title? I was already intrigued enough, I couldn’t pass up reading it…
Silly me!
There is so much potential within this world of “Kanin Chronicles”, but the pacing and lack of depth, didn't back up the story to the full worth of the plot. Knowing that this book is the first in a series, I wasn’t expecting a solid conclusion -- but this book literally just stops in the middle. By the end of the book, you still don't get answers to why things that happened in the book happened.
The characters are simple and underdeveloped. You get the sense that the things they say and their actions are done purely to create some conflict that attempts to move the story along, because there is no explainable motivation otherwise. Personally, I wanted to smack the main character. Do heroines have to be bad tempered, irrational, and seem hormonal?!
As for the romance… what romance? I spent most of the book wondering why the main character has a crush on her co-worker. No tension nor descriptions to explain their motivations. There was just no gradual emotional connection that occurred between the two of them, so I was never really vested in the success of their relationship from the beginning.
I am hopeful that things will get better as the series progress, but I’m not sure how much more of this I could endure.”Frostfire” turned out to be a dud that goes downhill as soon as I got past the amazing cover. So the old saying does hold true many times -- you can't necessarily judge a book by its cover. And seriously … what is up with that title?!
Silly me!
There is so much potential within this world of “Kanin Chronicles”, but the pacing and lack of depth, didn't back up the story to the full worth of the plot. Knowing that this book is the first in a series, I wasn’t expecting a solid conclusion -- but this book literally just stops in the middle. By the end of the book, you still don't get answers to why things that happened in the book happened.
The characters are simple and underdeveloped. You get the sense that the things they say and their actions are done purely to create some conflict that attempts to move the story along, because there is no explainable motivation otherwise. Personally, I wanted to smack the main character. Do heroines have to be bad tempered, irrational, and seem hormonal?!
As for the romance… what romance? I spent most of the book wondering why the main character has a crush on her co-worker. No tension nor descriptions to explain their motivations. There was just no gradual emotional connection that occurred between the two of them, so I was never really vested in the success of their relationship from the beginning.
I am hopeful that things will get better as the series progress, but I’m not sure how much more of this I could endure.”Frostfire” turned out to be a dud that goes downhill as soon as I got past the amazing cover. So the old saying does hold true many times -- you can't necessarily judge a book by its cover. And seriously … what is up with that title?!
May 26, 2015
“Konstantin stabbed my father. I’ll remember his face until I die.”
This was an okay story, but it really dragged for me.
Bryn was quite a stubborn, short-sighted girl. She seemed unable to see anyone’s viewpoint other than her own, and even questioned why a friend would want to have a child! She was diligent when it came to her work it seemed, but she was also unwilling to change her plans or her mind even when she was wrong!
"But we're wasting resources," I insisted. "We only have so many trackers. If we pair up, then you're cutting the number in half."
The storyline in this was about possible Heir’s to the throne being kidnapped or killed, but I found the pace quite slow, and I did get a bit bored. Even the supposedly action-packed moments didn’t really interest me.
"So a wanted Kanin and an exiled criminal Omte joined forces to track down a changeling in Chicago? Why?"
There was a little bit of romance, but Bryn being Bryn, it didn’t really amount to anything.
"Last night, I kissed Ridley, then ran away so fast that by the time I got home I could barely breathe."
The ending to this was a bit of a non-ending really. Can’t say I was really very impressed with this overall.
6 out of 10
This was an okay story, but it really dragged for me.
Bryn was quite a stubborn, short-sighted girl. She seemed unable to see anyone’s viewpoint other than her own, and even questioned why a friend would want to have a child! She was diligent when it came to her work it seemed, but she was also unwilling to change her plans or her mind even when she was wrong!
"But we're wasting resources," I insisted. "We only have so many trackers. If we pair up, then you're cutting the number in half."
The storyline in this was about possible Heir’s to the throne being kidnapped or killed, but I found the pace quite slow, and I did get a bit bored. Even the supposedly action-packed moments didn’t really interest me.
"So a wanted Kanin and an exiled criminal Omte joined forces to track down a changeling in Chicago? Why?"
There was a little bit of romance, but Bryn being Bryn, it didn’t really amount to anything.
"Last night, I kissed Ridley, then ran away so fast that by the time I got home I could barely breathe."
The ending to this was a bit of a non-ending really. Can’t say I was really very impressed with this overall.
6 out of 10
November 24, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Frostfire by Amanda Hocking
Book One of the Kanin Chronicles
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Publication Date: January 6, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
The first book in a magical new YA series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking that invites readers back to the beloved world of the Trylle.
Bryn Aven is an outcast among the Kanin, the most powerful of the troll tribes. Set apart by her heritage and her past, Bryn is a tracker who's determined to become a respected part of her world. She has just one goal: become a member of the elite King’s Guard to protect the royalty. She's not going to let anything stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss Ridley Dresden. But all her plans for the future are put on hold when Konstantin– a fallen hero who she once loved – appears to be up to something dangerous, kidnapping changelings. Bryn is sent in to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?
What I Liked:
First - can we talk about how BEAUTIFUL the covers are, for the entire series?! If you haven't seen the second or third book's covers, definitely check them out on Goodreads. The cover of this book really embodies Bryn - as well as the Kanin world. Same with the other two covers!
Bryn is half Skojare, half Kanin - and she has always been an outcast in the Kanin tribe, because of her differences (both physical and otherwise). She's blonde (whereas Kanin are brunettes), ice pale (whereas Kanin have tanned skin), and has no troll abilities (where Kanin have persuasion and other supernatural abilities). But her differences make her work even harder, to be a successful tracker, and eventually, a member of an elite Guard of the King.
But when a mission goes wrong and a traitor who hurt her father reappears, Bryn will have to make some decisions. She has a feeling that Konstantin (the traitor) isn't simply a traitor, and that there is something larger at play. But even Bryn's friend and boss, Ridley, doesn't believe her. Bryn has to discover the truth, or the wrong person could be punished.
I really liked this extension of the troll world that Hocking created, starting with the Trylle trilogy! If you haven't had the chance to read those books yet, definitely try and read them before reading the Kanin Chronicles. It's not necessary, but I think it would help. I literally binge-read the Trylle trilogy weeks ago, for the purpose of being able to read this book with no trouble/more background.
Bryn is a really likable character, in my opinion. She's a little air-headed at times, just like Wendy, but I liked her more than I liked Wendy. Bryn has a different drive, motive, MO, whatever. She has worked so hard for what she has and what she wants. She's not royalty, she's a hybrid, and she's also a couple years older than Wendy was in the Trylle series. In context though, I think this series occurs years after the Trylle trilogy - it mentions Finn being like, twenty-four.
In this book, Bryn is a tracker, bringing in changelings. She wants to do much more than that, but she wants to be a faithful servant to the crown. When Konstantin Black shows up while she is tracking a changeling, everything changes. Konstantin and some guy named Bent seem to be after changelings, and the Kanin will not let this happen. Ridley, Bryn, and other Kanin begin to track down changelings at an alarming rate.
Ridley is Bryn's boss - about five years older than her, retired tracker, now a Rektor (in charge of the trackers). Bryn never really noticed her attraction to him... but there is a lot of chemistry between them. He has a girlfriend (awkward), but that doesn't seem to do anything to the attraction between them. He wants Bryn and Bryn wants him. But the relationship is strictly forbidden (tracker and Rektor), and Bryn doesn't want to attach herself to anyone. Or does she?
It's entirely possible that, like the Trylle series, a love triangle could pop into this series. I could see Hocking working some sort of romance angle between Bryn and Konstantin. I wish she wouldn't, because I'm not the biggest fan of Konstantin (yet?), and I like Ridley.
The thing is, we don't get to know much about Konstantin, or his motives, or what's going on, really. We don't get to know why he attacked Bryn's father, years ago. We don't know why he and Bent are trying to take changelings. But it's bigger than two people betraying the tribe. Personally, I think Konstantin is trying to change the way things are done (not everyone likes the changeling system), but that's my conspiracy theory).
The world-building is really well-done, in this book. Kanin is very different from Trylle. Also, Bryn is very different from Wendy. It's interesting to see things from the perspective of a tracker, versus a queen. Kanin seems colder than Trylle - not that Trylle was a ball of sunshine or anything.
Does this book end well? Not exactly. Hocking has a way with ending books with plenty of unanswered questions, a cliffhanger in the plot, the romance. I think this really works in this series - especially since we won't have to wait a year or more for the next book - the sequel will be published in May.
So, with that, I leave you with - I can't wait to read the next book!
What I Did Not Like:
Like I said above, I'm hoping that Hocking steers clear of the love triangle realm. I totally ship Bryn and Ridley. Although... in the Trylle trilogy, Loki wasn't even fully introduced into the series until book two. So, we might not even meet Bryn's chosen one until book two. Scary thought...
Would I Recommend It:
Personally, I really liked this book! I liked the Trylle series as well, and I'm enjoying the spinoff series so far. The Kanin world seems so much colder and darker than the Trylle world - in the best of ways! I'm excited about book two.
Rating:
4 stars. Fans of Amanda Hocking will love this new book (and series), I'm sure of it! And hey, trolls, that's interesting, right?! I'm intrigued!
Frostfire by Amanda Hocking
Book One of the Kanin Chronicles
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Publication Date: January 6, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
The first book in a magical new YA series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking that invites readers back to the beloved world of the Trylle.
Bryn Aven is an outcast among the Kanin, the most powerful of the troll tribes. Set apart by her heritage and her past, Bryn is a tracker who's determined to become a respected part of her world. She has just one goal: become a member of the elite King’s Guard to protect the royalty. She's not going to let anything stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss Ridley Dresden. But all her plans for the future are put on hold when Konstantin– a fallen hero who she once loved – appears to be up to something dangerous, kidnapping changelings. Bryn is sent in to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?
What I Liked:
First - can we talk about how BEAUTIFUL the covers are, for the entire series?! If you haven't seen the second or third book's covers, definitely check them out on Goodreads. The cover of this book really embodies Bryn - as well as the Kanin world. Same with the other two covers!
Bryn is half Skojare, half Kanin - and she has always been an outcast in the Kanin tribe, because of her differences (both physical and otherwise). She's blonde (whereas Kanin are brunettes), ice pale (whereas Kanin have tanned skin), and has no troll abilities (where Kanin have persuasion and other supernatural abilities). But her differences make her work even harder, to be a successful tracker, and eventually, a member of an elite Guard of the King.
But when a mission goes wrong and a traitor who hurt her father reappears, Bryn will have to make some decisions. She has a feeling that Konstantin (the traitor) isn't simply a traitor, and that there is something larger at play. But even Bryn's friend and boss, Ridley, doesn't believe her. Bryn has to discover the truth, or the wrong person could be punished.
I really liked this extension of the troll world that Hocking created, starting with the Trylle trilogy! If you haven't had the chance to read those books yet, definitely try and read them before reading the Kanin Chronicles. It's not necessary, but I think it would help. I literally binge-read the Trylle trilogy weeks ago, for the purpose of being able to read this book with no trouble/more background.
Bryn is a really likable character, in my opinion. She's a little air-headed at times, just like Wendy, but I liked her more than I liked Wendy. Bryn has a different drive, motive, MO, whatever. She has worked so hard for what she has and what she wants. She's not royalty, she's a hybrid, and she's also a couple years older than Wendy was in the Trylle series. In context though, I think this series occurs years after the Trylle trilogy - it mentions Finn being like, twenty-four.
In this book, Bryn is a tracker, bringing in changelings. She wants to do much more than that, but she wants to be a faithful servant to the crown. When Konstantin Black shows up while she is tracking a changeling, everything changes. Konstantin and some guy named Bent seem to be after changelings, and the Kanin will not let this happen. Ridley, Bryn, and other Kanin begin to track down changelings at an alarming rate.
Ridley is Bryn's boss - about five years older than her, retired tracker, now a Rektor (in charge of the trackers). Bryn never really noticed her attraction to him... but there is a lot of chemistry between them. He has a girlfriend (awkward), but that doesn't seem to do anything to the attraction between them. He wants Bryn and Bryn wants him. But the relationship is strictly forbidden (tracker and Rektor), and Bryn doesn't want to attach herself to anyone. Or does she?
It's entirely possible that, like the Trylle series, a love triangle could pop into this series. I could see Hocking working some sort of romance angle between Bryn and Konstantin. I wish she wouldn't, because I'm not the biggest fan of Konstantin (yet?), and I like Ridley.
The thing is, we don't get to know much about Konstantin, or his motives, or what's going on, really. We don't get to know why he attacked Bryn's father, years ago. We don't know why he and Bent are trying to take changelings. But it's bigger than two people betraying the tribe. Personally, I think Konstantin is trying to change the way things are done (not everyone likes the changeling system), but that's my conspiracy theory).
The world-building is really well-done, in this book. Kanin is very different from Trylle. Also, Bryn is very different from Wendy. It's interesting to see things from the perspective of a tracker, versus a queen. Kanin seems colder than Trylle - not that Trylle was a ball of sunshine or anything.
Does this book end well? Not exactly. Hocking has a way with ending books with plenty of unanswered questions, a cliffhanger in the plot, the romance. I think this really works in this series - especially since we won't have to wait a year or more for the next book - the sequel will be published in May.
So, with that, I leave you with - I can't wait to read the next book!
What I Did Not Like:
Like I said above, I'm hoping that Hocking steers clear of the love triangle realm. I totally ship Bryn and Ridley. Although... in the Trylle trilogy, Loki wasn't even fully introduced into the series until book two. So, we might not even meet Bryn's chosen one until book two. Scary thought...
Would I Recommend It:
Personally, I really liked this book! I liked the Trylle series as well, and I'm enjoying the spinoff series so far. The Kanin world seems so much colder and darker than the Trylle world - in the best of ways! I'm excited about book two.
Rating:
4 stars. Fans of Amanda Hocking will love this new book (and series), I'm sure of it! And hey, trolls, that's interesting, right?! I'm intrigued!
September 17, 2020
I guess not all trolls look like this?
I actually think this could get really interesting.
This book felt like the information book though. Like Hocking wanting to build up their whole other part to human kind (troll-world) and wanted to make you ready for the other two books in the series.
Bryn isn't accepted anywhere.
She is part Kamin and part Skojare, two completely different troll tribes. Being a mix of bloods, she is frowned upon in general and also doesn't possess any of the power that the tribes have. But she lives among the brunette, brown-eyed Kamin and sticks out like a sore thumb with her blue eyes and blonde hair. She has a dream to be apart of the king's guard which is a big dream since she is already an outcast and doesn't have any of the supernatural powers that the tribes have. Presently though, she is considered a tracker.
Bryn is so dedicated to her work that she kind of doesn't have a life outside of that. She wants to be her best and with her doing that, she doesn't really have relationships or a good relationship with her parents or just anything extracurricular.
The Kamin tribe drops their high-profile kids off to very rich people to raise them as their own. Then when they are 18, they tell the kids what they truly are, get the trust funds and all the money, and then they rejoin the trolls. The tracker's job is to get the kids to come with them and make sure the money follows.
Weird right?
Anyway, their is a criminal trying to get to the kids before the trackers do: Konstantin Black. He also tried to kill Bryn's dad a few years back, so she wants to personally set him on fire basically.
Bryn kind of comes to the conclusion that maybe Konstantin isn't the bad guy and maybe there is something more to the story (for reasons you will just have to read about).
That's about it.
I learned a lot about the world in this book and that's really what makes me want to read the next book. The whole tribes thing and the tension between them makes me feel as if its going to blow up in a horribly great way, the little love story may get interesting with their positions in their tribes, Konstantin BLACK is going to surprise us all and make everything chaotic, just like another gentlemen when the last name Black in another series that is completely off topic (cough Sirius cough). I think it goes without saying that if your last name is Black, you are first thought to be evil and then you are a hero so here's testing my theory.
In conclusion, there should have been more to the story than world building and some weird love story going on. I am hoping in the next book, I get blown away!
I actually think this could get really interesting.
This book felt like the information book though. Like Hocking wanting to build up their whole other part to human kind (troll-world) and wanted to make you ready for the other two books in the series.
Bryn isn't accepted anywhere.
She is part Kamin and part Skojare, two completely different troll tribes. Being a mix of bloods, she is frowned upon in general and also doesn't possess any of the power that the tribes have. But she lives among the brunette, brown-eyed Kamin and sticks out like a sore thumb with her blue eyes and blonde hair. She has a dream to be apart of the king's guard which is a big dream since she is already an outcast and doesn't have any of the supernatural powers that the tribes have. Presently though, she is considered a tracker.
Bryn is so dedicated to her work that she kind of doesn't have a life outside of that. She wants to be her best and with her doing that, she doesn't really have relationships or a good relationship with her parents or just anything extracurricular.
The Kamin tribe drops their high-profile kids off to very rich people to raise them as their own. Then when they are 18, they tell the kids what they truly are, get the trust funds and all the money, and then they rejoin the trolls. The tracker's job is to get the kids to come with them and make sure the money follows.
Weird right?
Anyway, their is a criminal trying to get to the kids before the trackers do: Konstantin Black. He also tried to kill Bryn's dad a few years back, so she wants to personally set him on fire basically.
Bryn kind of comes to the conclusion that maybe Konstantin isn't the bad guy and maybe there is something more to the story (for reasons you will just have to read about).
That's about it.
I learned a lot about the world in this book and that's really what makes me want to read the next book. The whole tribes thing and the tension between them makes me feel as if its going to blow up in a horribly great way, the little love story may get interesting with their positions in their tribes, Konstantin BLACK is going to surprise us all and make everything chaotic, just like another gentlemen when the last name Black in another series that is completely off topic (cough Sirius cough). I think it goes without saying that if your last name is Black, you are first thought to be evil and then you are a hero so here's testing my theory.
In conclusion, there should have been more to the story than world building and some weird love story going on. I am hoping in the next book, I get blown away!
January 16, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this audiobook from Audible in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
[1.5 stars]
My initial interest in Frostfire was sparked not only because of the premise of the book, but also because the author claimed (on her website) that this series will not have a love triangle as one of its conflicts. In this point in the game, I think it’s fair to claim that most of YA fantasy/sci-fi (particularly the ones with a female main character) is riddled with these undesired love triangles and squares which generally don’t add anything to a story. So when I became aware that this one doesn’t follow that cliché, I immediately jumped at the chance to read this book.
Oh how wrong I was! My first issue should be evident since I just explained that tidbit about love triangles in YA…and that is that this book most definitely does have a love triangle. Read her blog post about this book here, where she claims, “There is plenty of romance, but no love triangles.” Wrong! The only different direction this book takes is that instead of a conflict between two boys and a girl, there is a triangle between two girls and a boy. Which crazily enough, is, in fact, a love triangle, despite the false claims the author makes about the book. There we have disappointment number one.
Disappointment number two is how little development there is within the story and with the characters. Much of the story is pretty much a series of encounters between either Bryn and Konstantin or Bryn and Ridley. A few kidnapping attempts and one or two possible murders but honestly, very little besides the romance and an introduction of the fantasy world is discussed within this book. And I assure you, by no means am I exaggerating here.
This leads me to my final disappointment and the ending…
Disappointment number three is where this book really falls apart. Knowing that this book is the first book in whole series, I wasn’t expecting a solid conclusion to everything that jumpstarts the conflict that is this book. But I was expecting some sort of a conclusion, possibly a satisfying transitioning end from this book to the start of the second one. But this book literally just stops in the middle—the most abrupt of endings I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. There is no progress made about why Konstantin tried to attack Bryn’s father, why he apologizes when he hurts people, why he warns Bryn to run, or basically anything else at all. The only thing we really discover by the end of the book is that Bryn has feeling for Ridley. Horrah! (Because we really could not tell from the synopsis).
The only good thing about my experience reading the book was the narrator—who did an outstanding job with the story. I sped through it like fire and though I am disappointed with the story and characters, I was quite impressed by the narrator of the audiobook. So if you do pick up this book for some reason, I would recommend the audiobook because the book itself has very little to offer and is barely scrapping half a star.
There was so much potential within this world of Kanin Chronicles, if only the author could have come up with the motivation to actually write out a proper story with some realistic characters and exciting scenes. Unfortunately, the end of Frostfire leaves you with just as many questions that you began with in the first place.
[1.5 stars]
My initial interest in Frostfire was sparked not only because of the premise of the book, but also because the author claimed (on her website) that this series will not have a love triangle as one of its conflicts. In this point in the game, I think it’s fair to claim that most of YA fantasy/sci-fi (particularly the ones with a female main character) is riddled with these undesired love triangles and squares which generally don’t add anything to a story. So when I became aware that this one doesn’t follow that cliché, I immediately jumped at the chance to read this book.
Oh how wrong I was! My first issue should be evident since I just explained that tidbit about love triangles in YA…and that is that this book most definitely does have a love triangle. Read her blog post about this book here, where she claims, “There is plenty of romance, but no love triangles.” Wrong! The only different direction this book takes is that instead of a conflict between two boys and a girl, there is a triangle between two girls and a boy. Which crazily enough, is, in fact, a love triangle, despite the false claims the author makes about the book. There we have disappointment number one.
Disappointment number two is how little development there is within the story and with the characters. Much of the story is pretty much a series of encounters between either Bryn and Konstantin or Bryn and Ridley. A few kidnapping attempts and one or two possible murders but honestly, very little besides the romance and an introduction of the fantasy world is discussed within this book. And I assure you, by no means am I exaggerating here.
This leads me to my final disappointment and the ending…
Disappointment number three is where this book really falls apart. Knowing that this book is the first book in whole series, I wasn’t expecting a solid conclusion to everything that jumpstarts the conflict that is this book. But I was expecting some sort of a conclusion, possibly a satisfying transitioning end from this book to the start of the second one. But this book literally just stops in the middle—the most abrupt of endings I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. There is no progress made about why Konstantin tried to attack Bryn’s father, why he apologizes when he hurts people, why he warns Bryn to run, or basically anything else at all. The only thing we really discover by the end of the book is that Bryn has feeling for Ridley. Horrah! (Because we really could not tell from the synopsis).
The only good thing about my experience reading the book was the narrator—who did an outstanding job with the story. I sped through it like fire and though I am disappointed with the story and characters, I was quite impressed by the narrator of the audiobook. So if you do pick up this book for some reason, I would recommend the audiobook because the book itself has very little to offer and is barely scrapping half a star.
There was so much potential within this world of Kanin Chronicles, if only the author could have come up with the motivation to actually write out a proper story with some realistic characters and exciting scenes. Unfortunately, the end of Frostfire leaves you with just as many questions that you began with in the first place.
Want to read
July 17, 2014
Here is the cover! Isn't precious?!!
:D
August 7, 2015
“Bryn Aven. Remember my name. Because I'm going to be the one who kills you.”
Well.. I didn’t think I would ever read a book about Trolls and love it! I’m new to Amanda Hocking’s books so I’m completely new to this concept of Trolls but I have to say I really enjoyed this one. I am totally loving the title Frostfire, to me this promises lots of action that we sadly didn’t get a great deal of but I love it all the same and adore the wintery cover.
Bryn is apart of a troll tribe called the Kanin, these are the most powerful and possess unique abilities like being able to blend into their surroundings or tracking a human by a lock of their hair. However Bryn is only half troll so she doesn’t possess any of these abilities which made her training to become a tracker that much harder but she refuses to give up and is determined to become a Hogdragen despite her bloodline.
The Kanin tribes make their money by leaving their babies (changlings) in human homes, the human baby will then be taken to an orphanage. Changlings are typically placed into wealthy homes and when they come of age a tracker with retrieve them along with their giant bank account back to their original parents.
What I loved about this book was the little details that made it so different from the majority of YA book I read. Usually our heroines are orphans, are around 15-17 years old and still in school, whereas in this Byrn is 19 years old and still has two very loving parents, she’s not in school she’s a fully trained tracker and wanting to further her career. These details may not seem significant but not once did I become annoyed with Byrn because of a childish outburst or selfish behaviour, it was quite the opposite actually. Instead Byrn focuses too much on her career and it totally head strong and independent which was really refreshing.
Anyway back to the story, changlings are being targeted for kidnappings but no one knows why, the only suspect is the traitor to the crown: Konstantin. Together Byrn and her boss Ridley must capture Konstantin and bring him to justice but nothing is as it seems and there’s something much more dangerous afoot.
I really enjoyed the world building and learning about the many types of troll, I was so impressed with it, the place sounds gorgeous and I wish could live there myself! The romance was my favourite kind; forbidden, although for me there wasn’t enough of it, Bryn would always ruin some potentially swoony moments with denial or outright running away. I was a little disappointed by the ending, as it seemed a little blunt but I will definitely be reading the next book because it promises more action and romance which I felt this book lacked. I would recommend this but I'd be aware that Hocking has already written a Troll series so everything is not explained in the very beginning so you may feel a little lost but worry not, keep going and you soon get the answers you need.
Overall this was a good start to a new series and I can now add Trolls to my bookshelf along with faeries, gargoyles and aliens, yay!
Literary-ly Obsessed
Well.. I didn’t think I would ever read a book about Trolls and love it! I’m new to Amanda Hocking’s books so I’m completely new to this concept of Trolls but I have to say I really enjoyed this one. I am totally loving the title Frostfire, to me this promises lots of action that we sadly didn’t get a great deal of but I love it all the same and adore the wintery cover.
Bryn is apart of a troll tribe called the Kanin, these are the most powerful and possess unique abilities like being able to blend into their surroundings or tracking a human by a lock of their hair. However Bryn is only half troll so she doesn’t possess any of these abilities which made her training to become a tracker that much harder but she refuses to give up and is determined to become a Hogdragen despite her bloodline.
The Kanin tribes make their money by leaving their babies (changlings) in human homes, the human baby will then be taken to an orphanage. Changlings are typically placed into wealthy homes and when they come of age a tracker with retrieve them along with their giant bank account back to their original parents.
What I loved about this book was the little details that made it so different from the majority of YA book I read. Usually our heroines are orphans, are around 15-17 years old and still in school, whereas in this Byrn is 19 years old and still has two very loving parents, she’s not in school she’s a fully trained tracker and wanting to further her career. These details may not seem significant but not once did I become annoyed with Byrn because of a childish outburst or selfish behaviour, it was quite the opposite actually. Instead Byrn focuses too much on her career and it totally head strong and independent which was really refreshing.
Anyway back to the story, changlings are being targeted for kidnappings but no one knows why, the only suspect is the traitor to the crown: Konstantin. Together Byrn and her boss Ridley must capture Konstantin and bring him to justice but nothing is as it seems and there’s something much more dangerous afoot.
I really enjoyed the world building and learning about the many types of troll, I was so impressed with it, the place sounds gorgeous and I wish could live there myself! The romance was my favourite kind; forbidden, although for me there wasn’t enough of it, Bryn would always ruin some potentially swoony moments with denial or outright running away. I was a little disappointed by the ending, as it seemed a little blunt but I will definitely be reading the next book because it promises more action and romance which I felt this book lacked. I would recommend this but I'd be aware that Hocking has already written a Troll series so everything is not explained in the very beginning so you may feel a little lost but worry not, keep going and you soon get the answers you need.
Overall this was a good start to a new series and I can now add Trolls to my bookshelf along with faeries, gargoyles and aliens, yay!
Literary-ly Obsessed
December 4, 2017
I have no words......literally......
Amanda Hocking’s other series, the Trylle, was jaw-dropping.
This one.....IDEK.
But let me tell you one thing:
Ridley is damn hoootttttttttt as hell. ;)
So honestly, this dude was what led me throughout the whole series. :)))
not sure if that’s a good things tho..
I found this book pretty pointless but hey, points for giving me a hawt boy.
The author did a great job of making him interesting but when it comes to the actual main character, Bryn........
NAH.
She was just such a boring log.
NOT KIDDING FOLKS.
I found her a bit too obsessed with working and doing a good job at her work and yes, that’s a great thing, but in my book world, I’d rather have this bad ass girl who follows her own damn opinions, not the rules.
LOVE THE SETTING
LOVE THE WORLD
LOVE RIDLEY ;)
I’d say you should give it a try, but if y’all have way too many books on ur tbr list (which u probably do XD) then this is a book you can give up.
Amanda Hocking’s other series, the Trylle, was jaw-dropping.
This one.....IDEK.
But let me tell you one thing:
Ridley is damn hoootttttttttt as hell. ;)
So honestly, this dude was what led me throughout the whole series. :)))
I found this book pretty pointless but hey, points for giving me a hawt boy.
The author did a great job of making him interesting but when it comes to the actual main character, Bryn........
NAH.
She was just such a boring log.
NOT KIDDING FOLKS.
I found her a bit too obsessed with working and doing a good job at her work and yes, that’s a great thing, but in my book world, I’d rather have this bad ass girl who follows her own damn opinions, not the rules.
LOVE THE SETTING
LOVE THE WORLD
LOVE RIDLEY ;)
I’d say you should give it a try, but if y’all have way too many books on ur tbr list (which u probably do XD) then this is a book you can give up.
January 3, 2016
“You don't need that on your conscience.”
“His death I could handle. It's his life that I don't need weighing on me.”
Really enjoyed reading this!The main character is really great,I don't understand why most of you are irritated by her-I thought that she's actually very smart for not trusting everyone & I could easily understand why she feels like her job is her whole life.I loved the side kicks -Ember,Tilda & Ridley.They all seem extremely nice and supportive.The story itself was very interesting,a real page turner,to be honest!Also...guess who makes an appearance? *screams* I feel like we're gonna see the Trylle squad again or we might even get a glimpse of what Forening looks like now in the sequels.
And,um...Konstantin Black is a mystery I want to solve.
Favourite quotes:
“I'll always have your back,” Ridley said with a wry smile. “Or any part of your body.”
I rolled my eyes and smiled despite myself. “Way to ruin a perfectly nice moment, Ridley.”
“In private I'll give him a few pointers,”I said. “But it wouldn't be proper here. He's my charge. I shouldn't do anything that might blur the lines of professionalism.”
“I love it when you talk clean to me, quoting training manuals like sonnets.”
“The right guy is behind bars right now, Bryn.No matter what's going on with us or anything else, you should find some comfort in that.”
Ridley left me alone then, and I felt many, many things,but comfort wasn't one of them.
January 12, 2015
Loved it but so many questions still hanging! And can Bryn and Ridley just get together already?! Of course not they will fight it until the very end and then fiiiinally give in. Loved seeing Finn and his family! But wish Bryn interacted with Wendy and Loki! They were just seen at the party and that is it! Loved seeing Tove kick butt again too! I just love this world. I love seeing it from a different perspective. The tracker, working class perspective. And from the Kanin instead of the Trylle.
March 20, 2021
Trolls! Trolls! Trolls!
Yes, I feel like I was Trolled by Amanda Hocking. I didn't understand why the author said that this world of Trolls is different when in reality it is exactly like the human world. They have all things human except for few tribes of Trolls. I was expecting Trolls with some powers or completely different looking Trolls but obviously that's not what the author was going for.
Bryn, I didn't mind her. She is independent, hard working, not full of herself, daring, brave, confused, a little jealous, a good friend, sometimes an annoying friend, a perfect blend of perfections and flaws. I like the characters who aren't full of themselves and are a little flawed.
Ridley was probably my favourite character (although I didn't love Bryn, I also didn't love Ridley but still liked him a bit more than Bryn). He's focused and does his job well. He's also good looking so yeah.
Every other character was just there for the sake of the story I guess. Konstantin being the only one that added anything to the story but we don't get to know him really.
The whole business of changelings was just cruel. To replace with human babies and then putting human babies to the orphan houses was horrible. Why would anyone do that?
It started out really good and then slipped and fell. I did like the author's writing though but it took me forever to finish reading this because the story was really really boring.
2 stars
Yes, I feel like I was Trolled by Amanda Hocking. I didn't understand why the author said that this world of Trolls is different when in reality it is exactly like the human world. They have all things human except for few tribes of Trolls. I was expecting Trolls with some powers or completely different looking Trolls but obviously that's not what the author was going for.
Bryn, I didn't mind her. She is independent, hard working, not full of herself, daring, brave, confused, a little jealous, a good friend, sometimes an annoying friend, a perfect blend of perfections and flaws. I like the characters who aren't full of themselves and are a little flawed.
Ridley was probably my favourite character (although I didn't love Bryn, I also didn't love Ridley but still liked him a bit more than Bryn). He's focused and does his job well. He's also good looking so yeah.
Every other character was just there for the sake of the story I guess. Konstantin being the only one that added anything to the story but we don't get to know him really.
The whole business of changelings was just cruel. To replace with human babies and then putting human babies to the orphan houses was horrible. Why would anyone do that?
It started out really good and then slipped and fell. I did like the author's writing though but it took me forever to finish reading this because the story was really really boring.
2 stars
December 26, 2018
“Remember my name. Because I'm going to be the one who kills you.”
Bryn is determined to become the best tracker among the Kanin, respected for her abilities and not an outcast due to her mixed blood. But when the man who murdered her father shows up again and begins to kidnap changelings, she finds it difficult to choose between her chosen path, and what she believes to be right.
I haven't read any of Amanda Hocking's previous books set in this universe and thus did a bit of digging before starting this to find out about the world of Trylle. What drew me in was the Norse references - and how a lot of words used by the troll tribes were actually Scandinavian. Though, since the rest of the book was in English, I found myself pronouncing those words in English. Like the word "kanin". Means rabbit in Swedish and you pronounce it "ka-NIN". But while reading this I ended up pronouncing it "KA-nin". My brain was terribly confused!
Anyhow, I enjoyed the world and the references to Scandinavian folklore. But the story and the characters fell a bit flat. I liked bits and pieces of it, but I would have liked to see a longer, further developed story. And even more romance. Heck, I fell in love with Ridley from the start!
But there were quite a few interesting pieces, and I did feel like I wanted to find out more the more I read. So even though I wasn't wowed completely, I do want to continue reading this series. Just to understand what's going on.
March 28, 2015
4 Stars
I've been so eager to read FROSTFIRE since I seen the amazing cover last year and fell madly in love with it. And the rest of the series covers are just as amazing, if not better!! And when I received my ARC for review, I nearly jumped for joy at it's awesomeness!!
But honestly, I may have had my exceptions a little too high. I read Hocking's Zombie series and absolutely LOVED it. So I guess I may have set my standards to those same exceptions, because it wasn't as good as I hoped, and it ended without giving too much incite on the plot and the reasoning behind the plot of the story. But nevertheless, FROSTFIRE was still enjoyable and totally an engaging read, that I was quickly entangled with and didn't want to put down once I was ensnared.
Let me elaborate...
I loved the world building. The plot of the story was alluring and absolutely appealing. But the pacing and lack of depth didn't back up the story to the full worth of the plot. It had some plot holes, and not enough info to back it all up. It felt like it dragged a bit from time to time, and then their wasn't enough answers to support the full drama and mystery that made this story. And by the end of the book we still don't get answers to why things that happened in the book happened. And that was a little irritating because I desperately wanted to know WHY???
THE PLOT
Bryn just wants to be normal, fit in with the same people she's pledged her allegiance too. She's an outcast among the Kanin tribe. Always has been and always will be if she doesn't do something to change it.
Her dream is to become a Hogdragen, one of the finest guards the Kanin has to offer. But since she's half Skojare and half Kanin, she's considered to be the lesser of the full-breed Kanin. But Bryn has never let that stop her from trying, and she's not about to start now!
So Bryn is determined to work her way up the ranks, starting with being a Tracker, tracking the Changelings and convincing them it's time to return home to their Kanin heritage. Thanks to her boss and good friend Ridley, he keeps her on a narrow path, reminding her that she is in fact something special, no matter what her race is. But it's getting harder and harder to deny the feelings she has for him. The rush she feels when he's around. The overpowering desire her body convulses with when he's close. But it's a dangerous, forbidden game she's playing here, and she may just be the one to get burnt.
But there is something that haunts Bryn's dreams, something that almost destroyed her world, something that's come back to finish the job...
Four years ago, a fallen hero named Konstantin went from being the most admired man, to the most hated in a matter a minutes. He crossed a line that not even Bryn, who has secretly been in love with him can forgive. Mater of fact, the betrayal hits more home to her family then any other Kanins, and she's determined to understand the reasoning behind his actions, and then see him put to justice for the crimes he's committed against her, her family, the kingdom, and the Changelings once and for all.
But Bryn's dreams to rise the ranks and become a Hogdragen have to get put on hold when her nightmares literally come true. The Kanin traitor and wanted fugitive Konstantin has resurfaced after four years, and is picking their Changelings off one by one. Bryn and the rest of the trackers are unsure of his true motives and who else is really behind it all. But one thing is for certain, he must be stopped, and she is determined to find him and put an end to it once and for all.
But as Bryn digs deeper into these kidnappings, something is telling her theirs more to the story then she once thought. Someone is sitting back in the shadows pulling the strings, but who, and why? And Konstantin was one of the Kanin's greatest Hogdragen in their history, so why was he so quickly willing to throw it all a way for what seems like nothing?
It all makes no sense, but Bryn is out for answers—answers that seem to only create more questions. Bryn is willing to go to great lengths to reveal that truth behind the kidnappings and who's really behind them. But from the beginning the puzzles didn't seem to fit, and now more then ever, the pieces are starting to come together. But before all is said and done, the truth might bring the kingdoms to their knees...
Overall, even with the lack of development and explanation, I still enjoyed it, a lot! I'm looking forward to continuing this series and seeing how it all plays out, and hopefully getting the answers that I desperately seek!! If you love books with magical worlds, built around tough, driven characters, with determination to survive, then you should definitely check out FROSTFIRE!!!
**AUDIOBOOK IMPRESSIONS**
I really enjoyed the narration of FROSTFIRE. The narrator, Eileen Stevens was well suited for this type of story. Her voice and acting portrayed a teenagers, and fit well with the plot. Her performance blended the right sounds, stops and pauses just at the right time. The emotional feel Eileen radiated with her voice allowed me to experience the characters feelings in overdrive! It's a wonderful feeling to have a narrator put you in the characters shoes with her define and alluring narration!! I will definitely listen to more books by this narrator in the future!!
NOTE: I received a Physical ARC from St. Martin's Griffin & a audiobook from audible for reviewing purposes! All opinions express are my own and are not influenced in any way!
July 13, 2018
4.5 stars
I missed Amanda Hocking's trolls so much.
After having tried reading another series by her, I only wanted to go back to drown in Loki's eyes (HOW I MISS HIM EVEN NOW). That book was a pain to read and made me question if the author was the same person as the one who wrote the Trylle series.
Finally I decided to read this second troll series, and I was hooked from the first 10 minutes of the audiobook.
This was my first audiobook, and it was an amazing experience. I never thought I would have liked reading a book this way. It's strange in the beginning and certainly gives completely different feelings about the book, in comparison to a normal physical reading experience. So, if in the beginning I was a little puzzled, after few chapters I came to get accustomed and then to actually love the way the book was read. The narrator made me laugh sometimes when she was trying to do male voices, but in the end I recognized every voice and I knew who was talking before it was actually explicitly said. Good job Eileen Stevens!
I'm so happy I like reading this way: now I can easily and freely read in the car without getting seek! Hurray! :D
Now back to the book... How great is it!? There's action, political intrigue, love, fun. It's everything I want in a YA.
I love every single character, and Bryn is my favourite. She's strong, badass, a little bit girly (just the necessary) and so loyal to her job.
And can we talk about Konstantin Black? Wow. I think I'm slowly falling in love with him. I love Ridley, but... I think I'm a serious Bryn/Konstantin shipper. They're perfect for each other.
Another good point of this book is that I'm seeing another perspective of the troll world. With Wendy the focus was on royalty, now with Bryn it's on trackers and on normal people. It's really interesting to see the differences.
There was discrimination in the other series too, but it wasn't highlighted as much as it's highlighted here. Not only royalty and population are described to live very differently, but also Bryn, in her position, is always catalogued as a half-race in everything she does. I'm really liking reading in her point of view and noticing things.
I'm dying to know what is going on and to understand what Konstantin is up to. It's for this reason that I'm already reading the second book of the series, and I know I'm not going to stop until I've zero books in the series left. I'm going to be in a dangerous hangover, but I don't care.
I missed Amanda Hocking's trolls so much.
After having tried reading another series by her, I only wanted to go back to drown in Loki's eyes (HOW I MISS HIM EVEN NOW). That book was a pain to read and made me question if the author was the same person as the one who wrote the Trylle series.
Finally I decided to read this second troll series, and I was hooked from the first 10 minutes of the audiobook.
This was my first audiobook, and it was an amazing experience. I never thought I would have liked reading a book this way. It's strange in the beginning and certainly gives completely different feelings about the book, in comparison to a normal physical reading experience. So, if in the beginning I was a little puzzled, after few chapters I came to get accustomed and then to actually love the way the book was read. The narrator made me laugh sometimes when she was trying to do male voices, but in the end I recognized every voice and I knew who was talking before it was actually explicitly said. Good job Eileen Stevens!
I'm so happy I like reading this way: now I can easily and freely read in the car without getting seek! Hurray! :D
Now back to the book... How great is it!? There's action, political intrigue, love, fun. It's everything I want in a YA.
I love every single character, and Bryn is my favourite. She's strong, badass, a little bit girly (just the necessary) and so loyal to her job.
And can we talk about Konstantin Black? Wow. I think I'm slowly falling in love with him. I love Ridley, but... I think I'm a serious Bryn/Konstantin shipper. They're perfect for each other.
Another good point of this book is that I'm seeing another perspective of the troll world. With Wendy the focus was on royalty, now with Bryn it's on trackers and on normal people. It's really interesting to see the differences.
There was discrimination in the other series too, but it wasn't highlighted as much as it's highlighted here. Not only royalty and population are described to live very differently, but also Bryn, in her position, is always catalogued as a half-race in everything she does. I'm really liking reading in her point of view and noticing things.
I'm dying to know what is going on and to understand what Konstantin is up to. It's for this reason that I'm already reading the second book of the series, and I know I'm not going to stop until I've zero books in the series left. I'm going to be in a dangerous hangover, but I don't care.
June 6, 2016
3.5 - "Remember my name. Because I'm going to be the one that kills you." Stars.
It's been a while since I delved into NA, and it has been a refreshing break, for a reader who has been struggling terribly with her reading focus of late. The fantasy genre is also one I only visit on occasion, but Amanda Hocking has got the mix just right with Frost Fire there is a lot of scene setting and background building in this book, but it doesn't overwhelm or distract from the story too much.
"Don't worry. We won't be too long white rabbit."
Bryn is a tracker, Ridley is her boss and Konstantin is wanted in connection with several crimes, both on some level are also attracted to Bryn, as she is to them. Adult love triangles have me running for the hills. But for some reason on this level, where the sex is removed (well in this book there wasn't any) it just adds to my anticipation and enjoyment.
"For you I would lay down my life any day."
I can't really say a massive amount happened in this book, it is very much the beginning, there is a lot going on which has yet to be explained, Konstantin and his turn from being protector to criminal... Although, I think that the element of protector is still at play it just hasn't been established or made apparent who or why at this stage. Bryn and her sudden bouts of opinionated b!tchiness are also a struggle to understand at this point as well, in fact I am still on the fence as to whether I like her at all at this point. Ridley seems to just be an added extra at this stage of the story, so hopefully he will offer more than just being 'the other guy' as this series develops.
Onto book Two!
It's been a while since I delved into NA, and it has been a refreshing break, for a reader who has been struggling terribly with her reading focus of late. The fantasy genre is also one I only visit on occasion, but Amanda Hocking has got the mix just right with Frost Fire there is a lot of scene setting and background building in this book, but it doesn't overwhelm or distract from the story too much.
"Don't worry. We won't be too long white rabbit."
Bryn is a tracker, Ridley is her boss and Konstantin is wanted in connection with several crimes, both on some level are also attracted to Bryn, as she is to them. Adult love triangles have me running for the hills. But for some reason on this level, where the sex is removed (well in this book there wasn't any) it just adds to my anticipation and enjoyment.
"For you I would lay down my life any day."
I can't really say a massive amount happened in this book, it is very much the beginning, there is a lot going on which has yet to be explained, Konstantin and his turn from being protector to criminal... Although, I think that the element of protector is still at play it just hasn't been established or made apparent who or why at this stage. Bryn and her sudden bouts of opinionated b!tchiness are also a struggle to understand at this point as well, in fact I am still on the fence as to whether I like her at all at this point. Ridley seems to just be an added extra at this stage of the story, so hopefully he will offer more than just being 'the other guy' as this series develops.
Onto book Two!
May 31, 2019
Here we go with my first book of 2016!
Frostfire had a lot of good stuff in it, and a lot of not very good stuff. I feel like this book had great potential, but kept falling flat on its face. Let me explain it to you.
Pros:
• The main character, Bryn. She is one of the most likable MCs in YA literature that I've ever read about. She works for her kingdom and takes her job very seriously, and she has a lot of realistic struggles and issues - she fights with her family, she's scared about her future and falls in love with the wrong person. She's good at what she does, but I liked that this time the heroine wasn't the-best-whatever-in-all-history. I'm tired of special snowflakes and unrealistically amazing main characters, and Bryn's perspective was refreshing. I really liked her!
• The characters in general. I didn't expect this kind of book to have such good characterizations, but it did! No one felt like a stereotype, and even though this wasn't a book about in-depth character development, they all still felt quite real to me.
• The romance. Yes, you heard me! The love interest, Ridley, is actually likable and well-rounded enough. Again, there was no going on about his unearthly beauty and greatness and whatever else you usually find in YA fantasy.
Cons:
• The pacing. Slow. SO SLOW. It wasn't as boring as it could've been, but for the most part it didn't even feel like a fantasy book. Bryn was just doing ordinary things and meeting her family and friends, and occasionally the King and Queen.
• The lack of action. Again, it's a fantasy book, and the main character is a trained tracker - not exactly a soldier, but a kind of guard nonetheless. So, where are all the kick-ass fighting scenes?
• The overall plot. Not much is going on in this book. There is a generic enemy and a generic mystery, and even though I liked trying to figure out what was going on, it would've been nice if the author had told us anything at all. The world-building wasn't too bad, but the plot seemed to be going nowhere, and after finishing the book I found myself thinking: now what? There was no great plot twist or unexpected event. I wanted more adrenaline and action.
• There's no other way to put it: this book is so tame.
So yeah, I'll probably read the next book because I overall enjoyed this one, and I really liked the characters. Bryn is a very nice narrating voice, and I hope the second installment will have a somewhat better plot, because Frostfire is kind of lacking in that department. It was an okay book and there were some things I liked about it, but that's it. Let's just hope the next one will be better, because I still think this series has a lot of potential!
Frostfire had a lot of good stuff in it, and a lot of not very good stuff. I feel like this book had great potential, but kept falling flat on its face. Let me explain it to you.
Pros:
• The main character, Bryn. She is one of the most likable MCs in YA literature that I've ever read about. She works for her kingdom and takes her job very seriously, and she has a lot of realistic struggles and issues - she fights with her family, she's scared about her future and falls in love with the wrong person. She's good at what she does, but I liked that this time the heroine wasn't the-best-whatever-in-all-history. I'm tired of special snowflakes and unrealistically amazing main characters, and Bryn's perspective was refreshing. I really liked her!
• The characters in general. I didn't expect this kind of book to have such good characterizations, but it did! No one felt like a stereotype, and even though this wasn't a book about in-depth character development, they all still felt quite real to me.
• The romance. Yes, you heard me! The love interest, Ridley, is actually likable and well-rounded enough. Again, there was no going on about his unearthly beauty and greatness and whatever else you usually find in YA fantasy.
Cons:
• The pacing. Slow. SO SLOW. It wasn't as boring as it could've been, but for the most part it didn't even feel like a fantasy book. Bryn was just doing ordinary things and meeting her family and friends, and occasionally the King and Queen.
• The lack of action. Again, it's a fantasy book, and the main character is a trained tracker - not exactly a soldier, but a kind of guard nonetheless. So, where are all the kick-ass fighting scenes?
• The overall plot. Not much is going on in this book. There is a generic enemy and a generic mystery, and even though I liked trying to figure out what was going on, it would've been nice if the author had told us anything at all. The world-building wasn't too bad, but the plot seemed to be going nowhere, and after finishing the book I found myself thinking: now what? There was no great plot twist or unexpected event. I wanted more adrenaline and action.
• There's no other way to put it: this book is so tame.
So yeah, I'll probably read the next book because I overall enjoyed this one, and I really liked the characters. Bryn is a very nice narrating voice, and I hope the second installment will have a somewhat better plot, because Frostfire is kind of lacking in that department. It was an okay book and there were some things I liked about it, but that's it. Let's just hope the next one will be better, because I still think this series has a lot of potential!
January 24, 2020
I won the Kanin Chronicles via a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you.
I enjoyed the twist on the species as I've never heard trolls and their tribes described the way Hocking sets them up. I'm easily sucked in by YA covers, here it is no different and lured me in for a January winter read. The main character's job is an interesting one of strength, skill, and intelligence despite its purpose and necessity in being the final step to scam wealthy humans out of their money in order to keep wealthy trolls liquid and with their shiny objects.
Admittedly, it's a bit angtsy for me and initially, it was quite distracting (though, to be fair, I'm not in the intended audience age bracket). What kept me reading though is this troll world with different troll species inside, but removed from the human world. It's a quick read and it's interesting enough, that I will be reading the next book in the series, Ice Kissed.
I enjoyed the twist on the species as I've never heard trolls and their tribes described the way Hocking sets them up. I'm easily sucked in by YA covers, here it is no different and lured me in for a January winter read. The main character's job is an interesting one of strength, skill, and intelligence despite its purpose and necessity in being the final step to scam wealthy humans out of their money in order to keep wealthy trolls liquid and with their shiny objects.
Admittedly, it's a bit angtsy for me and initially, it was quite distracting (though, to be fair, I'm not in the intended audience age bracket). What kept me reading though is this troll world with different troll species inside, but removed from the human world. It's a quick read and it's interesting enough, that I will be reading the next book in the series, Ice Kissed.
January 20, 2015
As I have stated before,for me the first book in a series is a amuse bouche. It is a small taste,a tease, leaving you wanting more.
I am not convinced that this book has me hankering for more. I thought that the storytelling lacked smooth transitioning and the characters were a little flat.
I thought it was an easy read and a interesting spin on the world of Trolls.
The ending was very abrupt,again a problem with smooth transitioning.
All in all,I may read the next book,I am a little intrigued to see where this story is going. So,perhaps the author hooked me a little,but if the next book doesn't pick up steam I am getting of at the next station.
I am not convinced that this book has me hankering for more. I thought that the storytelling lacked smooth transitioning and the characters were a little flat.
I thought it was an easy read and a interesting spin on the world of Trolls.
The ending was very abrupt,again a problem with smooth transitioning.
All in all,I may read the next book,I am a little intrigued to see where this story is going. So,perhaps the author hooked me a little,but if the next book doesn't pick up steam I am getting of at the next station.
August 20, 2015
What kind of ending was that?! It was way too fast and left me with so many questions unanswered!! But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and I enjoyed being back in the world of the Trylle, but from the Kanin perspective. I can't wait for the next two installments!
My full review can be found here
My full review can be found here
January 12, 2015
Could not get into it. Too heavy on the crooning high-school drama love-triangle side. Not enough action. DNF'ed.
June 2, 2015
Umm after I finished the last chapter I searched for the next book's publication date (after I made sure that there weren't any missing pages from my copy) and a super frustrated me started screaming HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT UNTIL MAY??I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!!SO MANY FEELINGS!!*sobs*
Bryn Aven is a half blood troll,half Kanin and half Skojare,which means she is hardly accepted by the Kanin society,she doesn't possess the magical abilities of any of these tribes and she has to try harder than everyone else to succeed in her job as a tracker and achieve her goal,to become a member of the royal guard.Of course things get perplexed when her teenage-crush-until-he-tried-to-murder-her-father and now a most wanted traitor starts kidnapping changelings and intervenes in her missions,spreading terror in the Kanin world.Bryn has to fight her disappointment for failing to catch him,her doubts on his overall guilt and the conviction that there is a conspiracy,to prove her mother her career choice is wise and to balance her social life,which is hard since she has feelings for her boss.
At first I was cautious because I haven't read the Trylle series but luckily that didn't make it hard to understand the Kanin chronicles!The troll world was well built,I really liked their lores,their magic and the distinctions between their tribes!In fact Frostfire reminded me of Vampire Academy with the protect the royalty and the forbidden romance with a guy that's unsuitable because your job will be compromised theme and I could't be happier about it!Bryn is a strong and badass heroine who has to face her inner demons,I grew very fond of her!But oh my God I absolutely adored Ridley,I couldn't help swooning over him <3 What's the matter with me and fictional characters??!!The tension between Bryn and Ridley was palpable,it could set the book on fire!“Before when we were talking, were you asking why her?" The aurora above us reflected on his face, and his dark eyes were filled with heat. "Or were you asking why not you?” I loved loved loved the forbidden romance but come on,they have to end up together!All their scenes made my heart ache with anticipation!The waiting is killing me!I'm gonna crawl into a hole and wait until the next book is published!Until then,go read it!!
Bryn Aven is a half blood troll,half Kanin and half Skojare,which means she is hardly accepted by the Kanin society,she doesn't possess the magical abilities of any of these tribes and she has to try harder than everyone else to succeed in her job as a tracker and achieve her goal,to become a member of the royal guard.Of course things get perplexed when her teenage-crush-until-he-tried-to-murder-her-father and now a most wanted traitor starts kidnapping changelings and intervenes in her missions,spreading terror in the Kanin world.Bryn has to fight her disappointment for failing to catch him,her doubts on his overall guilt and the conviction that there is a conspiracy,to prove her mother her career choice is wise and to balance her social life,which is hard since she has feelings for her boss.
At first I was cautious because I haven't read the Trylle series but luckily that didn't make it hard to understand the Kanin chronicles!The troll world was well built,I really liked their lores,their magic and the distinctions between their tribes!In fact Frostfire reminded me of Vampire Academy with the protect the royalty and the forbidden romance with a guy that's unsuitable because your job will be compromised theme and I could't be happier about it!Bryn is a strong and badass heroine who has to face her inner demons,I grew very fond of her!But oh my God I absolutely adored Ridley,I couldn't help swooning over him <3 What's the matter with me and fictional characters??!!The tension between Bryn and Ridley was palpable,it could set the book on fire!“Before when we were talking, were you asking why her?" The aurora above us reflected on his face, and his dark eyes were filled with heat. "Or were you asking why not you?” I loved loved loved the forbidden romance but come on,they have to end up together!All their scenes made my heart ache with anticipation!The waiting is killing me!I'm gonna crawl into a hole and wait until the next book is published!Until then,go read it!!
March 5, 2015
Bought this purely based on recommendations from you guys... Looks pretty promising.
***
Review to come.
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Review to come.
October 4, 2018
It’s good but its not my cup-of-tea? Also, not planning to read the next book.
November 26, 2014
There are plenty of books about vampires, fae, witches, and werewolves but not so many about trolls, which is part of why I love Amanda Hocking’s novels. Frostfire is the first entry in Hocking’s second series set in her troll-verse, a world exactly like our own but with the addition of human-resembling trolls who love nature, live in elaborate out of the way communities, and acquire wealth by placing some of their children in human families as changelings.
Bryn Aven is a Tracker with the dual job of safely returning changelings to her troll village compound once they are teenagers old enough to inherit from their human foster families, and then helping those new residents adjust to troll society which they grew up knowing nothing about. But while Bryn is determined to protect those in her charge and do a good job for king and community so she can become a member of the elite royal guard, she still has issues with the whole fraught, sordid, heartbreaking practice of changelings. Her decision to follow the rules, seek respect, and prove herself worthy in spite of those reservations is in part because she’s an outsider, looked down upon by some because her parents come from two very different troll tribes giving her a “mixed blood” appearance.
Then two new circumstances further confuse things and make it harder for Bryn to decide and do what’s right: She begins to have feelings for her very off-limits boss, and a former Tracker Bryn once admired and then had reason to hate inexplicably starts kidnapping changelings, thwarting the system and threatening their way of life.
Amanda Hocking doesn’t write gorgeous prose, but I can’t resist her thoughtfully moving stories, her spirited but conflicted characters, and her detailed inventive settings. She’s created a fascinating and personality-filled troll coterie which includes several tribes with distinctive cultures and diverging backstories. Frostfire ends abruptly--it’s not even so much that there’s a cliffhanger, the story just stops to be continued in books two and three. Fortunately all three books will be released in 2015.
I read an advance review copy of Frostfire. Review opinions are mine.
Bryn Aven is a Tracker with the dual job of safely returning changelings to her troll village compound once they are teenagers old enough to inherit from their human foster families, and then helping those new residents adjust to troll society which they grew up knowing nothing about. But while Bryn is determined to protect those in her charge and do a good job for king and community so she can become a member of the elite royal guard, she still has issues with the whole fraught, sordid, heartbreaking practice of changelings. Her decision to follow the rules, seek respect, and prove herself worthy in spite of those reservations is in part because she’s an outsider, looked down upon by some because her parents come from two very different troll tribes giving her a “mixed blood” appearance.
Then two new circumstances further confuse things and make it harder for Bryn to decide and do what’s right: She begins to have feelings for her very off-limits boss, and a former Tracker Bryn once admired and then had reason to hate inexplicably starts kidnapping changelings, thwarting the system and threatening their way of life.
Amanda Hocking doesn’t write gorgeous prose, but I can’t resist her thoughtfully moving stories, her spirited but conflicted characters, and her detailed inventive settings. She’s created a fascinating and personality-filled troll coterie which includes several tribes with distinctive cultures and diverging backstories. Frostfire ends abruptly--it’s not even so much that there’s a cliffhanger, the story just stops to be continued in books two and three. Fortunately all three books will be released in 2015.
I read an advance review copy of Frostfire. Review opinions are mine.
August 13, 2015
Enjoyable, but nothing outstanding. I'm not sure I liked Bryn all that much, so I'm hoping that will change in the next book. I did love Ridley though so he made up for my lack of connection with Bryn. I have to say that the ending was kind of weak. Oh well, onto book two.
3.5/5 Stars
3.5/5 Stars
August 31, 2015
Bryn Aven is a Skojare (a semi aquatic tribe of trolls), but she must make her way in a world that's different to hers, inhabited by the powerful tribe of Kanin. She works as a tracker (one entrusted to bring back Kanin changelings from the human world) and eager to get into the most elite guard of the Kanin Kingdom, the Hogdragen. Will she, won’t she? With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she not only looks different from the Kanins, she also lacks the skin changing abilities they have. To complicate matters she has her boss, Ridley Dresden. She feels terribly attracted to him, knowing well he is out of bounds as already in a relationship with another girl, let aside he is her BOSS. Then there is her teenage crush, a guy called Konstantin Black who tried to kill her father, the Chancellor of the Kingdom, and has since been banished from the Kingdom. As a dark shadow looms over the royal children of the Kanins, several of them kidnapped (or about to be kidnapped), for no apparent reason, Bryn is called to help. Will she be able to nab the kidnappers? She does not have the psycho-kinetic abilities of the Trylles, nor the chameleon-ic capabilities of the Kanins, not sure she can stay under water like her own people, the Skojares, then how will she survive the several attacks made on her? Will she fulfill her dream to become a part of the Hogdragen?
I wanted to read a book by Amanda Hocking since have heard so much about her. Her writing is mature and I liked what I read. She does seem to create this parallel world, replete with castles and trolls and strange interconnections between these tribes. The characters are all well developed, including that of Bryn Aven. She is like any other youngster: brash, willing to risk her life for no reason, talking back to her parents and even the King. I loved this book and look forward to reading many more from this author. Amanda is surely one person I am going to look out for, there is of course, Samantha Shannon whose work I have also liked. But Samantha's work is much more complex, her plots way more intricate. Would recommend this book to all those who love paranormal romances.
October 9, 2016
Tryllové (a Kaninové) jsou moje guilty pleasure (miluju jak Switched, tak nově i Kaniny). Svět trollů jsem si zamilovala už u Wendy a nejinak je tomu i v případě Bryn. Celé jejich království je magické a je super, že jsme mohli nahlédnout i do světa Stopařů. Magické a prostě krásné ♥
4.5/5*
4.5/5*
August 21, 2015
This book was a bit boring for me. I was expecting more action, but who knows. I like when Bryn and Ridley were finally together but other than that, I think is lacking actin or something
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