Coco Ma’s debut novel Shadow Frost has everything you could hope for in a new YA fantasy series. It had an arrogant and independent princess, a witty prince with indigo flames, and an entire plot shrouded in magic and scandal. There’s absolutely no exaggeration when I tell you that this book has magic gracing every single page and what’s even better is how it’s magic that is always evolving and changing. It showcases the potential locked inside everyone and how you can break the binds that chain you in society.
This is not your typical fantasy novel either. Right away, I noticed Ma’s ability to flesh out her characters and she literally brought them to life with her words. The plot is weaved around the characters instead of the other way around which allowed Ma to incorporate vivid backstories that directly explained each character’s personality and motives. It was bloody brilliant! It’s kind of like watching TV with the commentary on because it satiates your hunger to know more. I learned so much about all of her characters just because she wrote them so well and it has me craving for its sequel even more. You could read an entire series and not learn as much about its characters than I did in here.
It had been awhile since I had last read a fantasy novel, YA or otherwise, and I found it very strange to hear that some characters had named their weapons. It was definitely strange and weird but I must admit, by the time I finished I was eternally grateful for that writing decision. It made for better battle scenes and less daunting description.
“Asterin almost laughed. ‘You are such a pissy, long-lashed drama queen.”
This has just scratched the surface of some pretty spectacular banter between the main character, Asterin and her love interest, Quinlan. These two are stuck in an ‘enemies to lovers’ romance and yes, they challenge one another with equal parts sarcasm and talent. It made for one hilarious and romantic read!
There’s no doubt in my mind that Asterin is a teenage girl and Ma’s youth created one of the most realistic and genuine stabs at her main character’s thoughts and reactions to social situations that I’ve ever seen. She’s strong and confident in battle, but when it comes to a shirtless Quinlan all she can do is stammer uncontrollably. And you know what made at scene even better? When Orion says that she’s seen him shirtless. Talk about mortifying! Poor Asterin. But you know this whole scene added so much personality to the story that you wouldn’t get from the plot alone. And let’s not forget all that classic humour!
“Quinlan groaned louder. ‘Yes, you, damn it. Most of the time you are unbelievably annoying and stubborn. But you are also the most brilliant, brave and beautiful person I have ever met.”
This doesn’t even begin to showcase what an adorable relationship these two have. This is still first and foremost a fantasy novel, but the romance in here will have your heart emotionally pulling for every single couple! Yes, you heard that right. There’s more than one pairing in here and each one is sweet. I’ve only seen the television adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series, but I did see some similarities to two characters that reminded me of Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood. Similar in terms of their respective stations (demon/warrior) and the struggle and hesitation to admit one’s feelings.
“Orion, all of us are here to support you, so you don’t ever have to feel like you need to hide anything from us.”
Without spoiling too much, this scene made me an emotional wreck. It was powerful and beautiful and reminded me a lot of Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series because the bond these characters’ share is so strong. They are definitely there for one another and that’s because they bonded over the main plot of the story. It wasn’t instant. They have a dynamic and relationship to one another that can only be achieved by giving it time to develop into something and that’s what Ma did. Bravo!
“At that moment, all Asterin could think about were the many times she had doubted Luna. But with or without powers, Luna had always possessed a goodness in her heart that Asterin could never quite understand. Despite everyone’s misgivings, Luna had remained brave and loyal, the challenge of which Asterin had taken far too long to grasp.”
No one is above learning something about themselves and others. There are so many tidbits like this one that get you all teary-eyed. I’m still reeling.
Coco Ma allows her characters to shine and develop which is sometimes lost in fantasy novels due to their sheer size of characters and scope of the world. They are put on a back burner and only lit when it’s important to the plot and I am so grateful that she took her story in another direction. These relationships and all of the witty banter and heavy feelings are what make Shadow Frost such a success. I CANNOT wait for this sequel! There were a lot of heavy feelings left unsaid and I need to know that they’re all ok. See what I mean? I’m invested in these people, probably more than I should be given their fictional nature and I blame it on the incredible storytelling (which is NEVER a bad thing!!)
Shadow Frost is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of October 1st 2019.
Will you be picking up Shadow Frost? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
IN THE KINGDOM OF AXARIA, a darkness rises.
Some call it a monster, laying waste to the villagers and their homes.
Some say it is an invulnerable demon summoned from the deepest abysses of the Immortal Realm.
Many soldiers from the royal guard are sent out to hunt it down.
Not one has ever returned.
When Asterin Faelenhart, Princess of Axaria and heir to the throne, discovers that she may hold the key to defeating the mysterious demon terrorizing her kingdom, she vows not to rest until the beast is slain. With the help of her friends and the powers she wields — though has yet to fully understand — Asterin sets out to complete a single task. The task that countless, trained soldiers have failed.
To kill it.
But as they hunt for the demon, they unearth a plot to assassinate the Princess herself instead. Asterin and her companions begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves. With no one else to turn to, they are forced to decide just how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect the only world they have ever known.
That is, of course… if the demon doesn’t get to them first.
From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.
