Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

Frostfire Kanin Chronicles Book One
Written by Amanda Hocking
Fantasy, Romance
Published January 5th 2015
336 Pages
Purchased
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RATING ★★★
Bryn Aven is determined to gain status amongst the Kanin, the most powerful of the hidden tribes. But as a half blood, winning respect is a huge challenge. Bryn's almost human community distrusts people, and those from other tribes are almost as suspect.

She has just one goal to get ahead, to join the elite guard protecting the Kanin royal family. And Bryn's vowed that nothing will stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss, Ridley Dresden.

But her plans are put on hold when fallen hero Konstantin starts acting dangerously. Bryn loved him once, but now he's kidnapping Kanin children, stealing them from hidden placements within human families. She's sent to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?
Bryn has always fought to make something of her life. Born into a Kingdom with her light hair and eyes has ensured she's always been seen as an outsider. Her father a native of the Kanin, her mother of nobility having given up her title to marry. Her dream has always been to join the Högdragen, the Kanin's own security detail. But for now, Bryn settles for being a Tracker, working to bring in Changlings who are the Kanin royalty who have been living amongst humans since birth. On her latest mission, Bryn runs into trouble when two wanted men try to snatch the young Changling. Konstantin Black is a wanted man, having attempted to kill Bryn's father before fleeing the kingdom.

Believing she should have killed Konstantin when she had the chance, Bryn takes responsibility for bringing him to justice and lies in wait until the rogue is ready to strike again. But when the two entangle once more, she realises that perhaps Konstantin isn't the monster she assumed he was. 

MY THOUGHTS

Having not previously read the original series, the Trylle Trilogy, I was pleasantly surprised by Frostfire, a spin off series focused on another Kingdom within the same world. The Kanin are a kingdom of trolls, ruled by royalty where the offspring of the wealthy are now being brought home. Bryn is a Tracker, having worked her way through adversity to maintain her place within the King's domain, despite her status as an outsider. She's strong willed and sassy, never taking no for an answer and wants nothing more than to earn her place in the King's royal guard. But for now, she works as a Tracker, bringing home the Changelings as they come of age. But when retrieving her latest charge, she comes face to face with Konstantin, a man she once adored from afar. She still remembers the attack, saving her father's life the night Konstantin became a wanted man and fled the Kanin kingdom.

While navigating her newly realised feeling for boss Ridley, she's determined to lure Konstantin to his capture and this time, it's personal. But Konstantin isn't working alone. In a cruel twist of fate, it isn't Konstantin that Bryn should fear, as he toys with her emotions and she finds herself torn between Ridley and the mystery that is Konstantin. I loved the intensity, the banter between Ridley and Bryn and her determination to overcome adversity and become an elite guard. Bryn idled between sassy and fierce, often hiding her emotions and choosing a cold facade.

THE VERDICT

There's aren't your average trolls. The first installment in the Kanin Chronicles is a quick and entertaining read. Not having read the original series, I was able to easily follow the storyline and politics between the different communities that comprise the troll kingdoms. I really enjoyed it. For not only fans of the original series, but those who enjoy a character based fantasy, focused on suspense and politics.

25 comments

  1. I find all of the covers of this series stunning, I personally love the cover of Frostfire more. I read this book a few months ago, I felt it was too quick as well, the second book Ice Kissed is much better though xD I felt the characters are more developed as the story progresses, although the plot is kept to a minimal still. Glad you could enjoy the first installment. Lovely review Kelly<3 Benish | Feminist Reflections

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    1. They're both lovely so far, I couldn't decide between either of them. Really pretty.

      I agree Benish, I've already read Ice Kissed and felt it was much more action packed than Frostfire and I felt a stronger connection to the characters too.

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  2. Glad to see you liked this. I really enjoyed the Trylle Trilogy, but read it so long ago. I want to read these too. I don't remember many of the characters from the original series, but I guess that wouldn't matter much.

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    1. I hadn't actually read the original trilogy, but was able to follow this regardless Christy. It's set in a new Kingdom and I've heard that a few of the characters from the original make guest appearances. I can't wait for you to meet Bryn, there's something very Celaena from Throne of Glass about her.

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  3. I don't think I've read a book about trolls before; interesting! That's good you were able to enjoy this one even though you hadn't read the original trilogy.

    -Lauren

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    1. Me either, until this one Lauren and really ended up enjoying it. Gone are the days of trolls being little men with outrageous hair that love under bridges. But they still love their trinkets, which was a really cute touch.

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  4. Wait, this is a spin-off? I haven't read the ''original'' series either. Ugh, but I hate reading a spin-off in those circumstances! I guess I'll postpose the reading of this. No trouble. I'm glad it was enjoyable because, not to sound superficial, that cover is GORGEOUS. It has three of the things I love most: snow, red roses and blonde hair!!

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    1. Lola! Lovely to see you again poppet. It kind of is, but it can be read without reading the original trilogy as it's set in a new kingdom with all new characters. I haven't read the original either, but will go back and read it once the finale in the series comes out.

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  5. I saw this on Goodreads before and immediately added it to my TBR because of the gorgeous cover. Glad to know it's a really good book... and trolls! (I suddenly imagined the trolls from Frozen, lol) Wonderful review, as always! :D

    Blessie @ Mischievous Reads

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    1. It's absolutely stunning isn't it, really draws your eye. I was imagining more little hideous looking men who live under bridges. But thankfully no such little trolls here. It's been an awesome series so far, look out for the review for book two, Ice Kissed next week.

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  6. I have to confess that I didn't much like the original series. I just didn't think it was well written and I wasn't fond of any of the characters. So in short, the original series didn't work for me. Buuuut I still plan on reading this one. In fact, I already borrowed a copy (I guess I'll buy it if I end up loving it) and I'm really interested to see what I'll think of it! Lovely review, Kelly. Glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. Thanks Kara, and looking forward to seeing what you think of it too. I've seen quite a few reviewers confess that they didn't enjoy the original series, that it was pretty bland. But those same reviewers have enjoyed this one much, much more. Hopefully it'll be the same when you crack open your copy.

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  7. TRIVIA THAT YOU PROLLY DON'T CARE ABOUT BUT I'LL STILL SAY: Kanin is tagalog of rice here in Philippines. So because I'm immature and hilarious, when I first read this I really thought it was The Rice Chronicles. Hahahaha *clears throat*

    So anyway, I'm glad the series is still doing good. I have the first book and actually liked it but I still need to finish it. Great review Kelly!! Thanks for the nudge <3

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    1. That's hilarious Paula. Imagine that, little troll men who live under bridges of rice. Who knows, that could be a big part of book three in this series.

      Hopefully you get around to finishing it soon, looking forward to seeing what you think of it.

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  8. Sounds great! I'm in a really big fantasy mood, and I love fantasy that includes politics. I haven't read the original series either, but I may have to pending reading this one. Glad you enjoyed it!

    -P.E.

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    1. Me too and I normally wouldn't be into kingdoms, but the lure of the series being about trolls was too much to resist. It definitely didn't disappoint either. You won't need to read the original series, so you can grab a copy and get stuck into it!

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  9. I just can’t seem to get over how spell-binding the cover art is, and while I too have not read the Trylle Trilogy, you almost cannot deny the sense of desperate fights and secret betrayals this narrative is saturated in; I’ll need to look into this landmark. I love high-fantasy; lovely review Kelly <3

    Claudia @ My Soul Called Life

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    1. It's gorgeous isn't it Claudia! I have a feeling you'll absolutely adore this series, the world building is really vivid and I can't recall many young adult who's characters are trolls. Definitely see if your library or bookstore has a copy, well worth the read. And book two is even better!

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  10. I haven't heard of this book before,but I've heard of the original series! And the cover is gorgeous:)And this book sounds intriguing.Maybe I should give this a try.
    Lovely review Kelly!

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    1. You definitely should Mishma, it's a quick read but really engaging. I'm hoping that when after I finish this series, I can go back and read the original trilogy too.

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  11. I have this one and the second book in my next-read list of books to read, and it feels okay so far! I'm only 7-10% in, though, but I did find it somehow unnerving that they would find "trolls" in the human world and then snatch them from where they came and everything they lived for to transport them back to the troll world XDD And the fact that they look human! Nevertheless, your 4 star rating gives me much hope.

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. I loved book two even more so Faye, and have a review being posted next week. I know right! Trolls living amongst humans. Just wait until you get to book two, trolls with gills. I kid you not. So incredibly imaginative. Bring on the finale!

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  12. Glad you found a fantasy that you enjoyed! i haven't read the original either, so wasn't sure about this one, but it's interesting how it has trolls in it and everything. Wonderful review as usual, Kelly <3

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  13. Trolls? Curious, I don't think I've come across a novel about them before! The covers of this series are so lovely. Great review Kelly :)

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  14. I am a sucker for elite guard/soldier/warrior books :/ I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this one, I've seen the Tryll series around but I've yet to read them. I think I'll start with this one thought. Love the sounds of Bryn, Ridley and Konstantin! Great review :)

    -Mari

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