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magencorrie's review
2.0
*I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Yes, I gave this book a 2 star rating, as much as I wanted to love it, I just couldn't. That doesn't mean it was a bad book, no, but First Frost just didn't have that factor that allows me to be consumed in the story.
Now, the idea or concept of First Frost sounded amazing, it was what first pulled me in and why I wanted to review it. So, when I got to it, I was excited, but that excitement was short-lived. Liz did have a great idea for this story, but I just felt it could have been more.
‘Her mother had read every fairy tale imaginable to her since the day she was born.’
Bianca has grown up being surrounded by items from fairy tales. Her family has run a museum for Magical and Rare Artifacts for generations. All the artifacts are related to stories from the Brothers Grimm.
Snow White
Rapunzel
Little Red Riding Hood
But even though she has been surrounded by these items of magical fantasy, Bianca knows it isn't real.
As much as her mother, Rose, loves to read stories of beautiful princess, evil witches and dashing princes, they are all just make believe.
They couldn't be real.
Or so Bianca thought. When an evil witch shows up, flinging magically fireballs, Bianca realizes even fairy tales can be real.
And her life is about to change.
‘’The Big Bad Wolf was every bit as scary as Bianca had always imagined.’
I do love how Liz combines the world she created in her book, and the world of fairy tales-the Brothers Grimm. At points she did integrate the story decently with ‘reality’. First Frost even opened up in a very humorous way, making me feel I would enjoy the book. I really wanted to; however, it just didn't end that way.
Bianca has spent her life in the museum her family runs, a museum that houses Magical and Rare Artifacts. Artifacts like the red apple from Snow White, Cinderella’s glass slipper and even some of Rapunzel’s hair. But Bianca has never cared for that, she wants more, to leave and explore the world. She doesn't even believe in fairy tales. But, that all changes one night, when she comes face to face with something that shouldn't be real or exist in this world.
When her life changes, when her mother reviles the truth of ‘who’ she is, I felt she accepted everything too easily. To me, that made the story feel less real. And when you are writing a fantasy you have to make the book feel as real as possible even when the subject isn't. From there things just felt more and more less believable. Also, the pacing of the story felt a bit rushed, and the writing style was a bit simple at times. I felt the interaction between the characters and the dialogue a bit lacking. As for the characters, I like Bianca and her mother, they were interesting and enjoyable. But they felt kind of flat to me. I couldn't really get a perspective on their personalities.
Liz DeJesus is a sweetheart, and I was really hoping I would like her book, but I just didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted. With time, I feel she will become a really great author. First Frost was a good idea for a story, but it was just missing that one piece that makes a book amazing for me.
Yes, I gave this book a 2 star rating, as much as I wanted to love it, I just couldn't. That doesn't mean it was a bad book, no, but First Frost just didn't have that factor that allows me to be consumed in the story.
Now, the idea or concept of First Frost sounded amazing, it was what first pulled me in and why I wanted to review it. So, when I got to it, I was excited, but that excitement was short-lived. Liz did have a great idea for this story, but I just felt it could have been more.
‘Her mother had read every fairy tale imaginable to her since the day she was born.’
Bianca has grown up being surrounded by items from fairy tales. Her family has run a museum for Magical and Rare Artifacts for generations. All the artifacts are related to stories from the Brothers Grimm.
Snow White
Rapunzel
Little Red Riding Hood
But even though she has been surrounded by these items of magical fantasy, Bianca knows it isn't real.
As much as her mother, Rose, loves to read stories of beautiful princess, evil witches and dashing princes, they are all just make believe.
They couldn't be real.
Or so Bianca thought. When an evil witch shows up, flinging magically fireballs, Bianca realizes even fairy tales can be real.
And her life is about to change.
‘’The Big Bad Wolf was every bit as scary as Bianca had always imagined.’
I do love how Liz combines the world she created in her book, and the world of fairy tales-the Brothers Grimm. At points she did integrate the story decently with ‘reality’. First Frost even opened up in a very humorous way, making me feel I would enjoy the book. I really wanted to; however, it just didn't end that way.
Bianca has spent her life in the museum her family runs, a museum that houses Magical and Rare Artifacts. Artifacts like the red apple from Snow White, Cinderella’s glass slipper and even some of Rapunzel’s hair. But Bianca has never cared for that, she wants more, to leave and explore the world. She doesn't even believe in fairy tales. But, that all changes one night, when she comes face to face with something that shouldn't be real or exist in this world.
When her life changes, when her mother reviles the truth of ‘who’ she is, I felt she accepted everything too easily. To me, that made the story feel less real. And when you are writing a fantasy you have to make the book feel as real as possible even when the subject isn't. From there things just felt more and more less believable. Also, the pacing of the story felt a bit rushed, and the writing style was a bit simple at times. I felt the interaction between the characters and the dialogue a bit lacking. As for the characters, I like Bianca and her mother, they were interesting and enjoyable. But they felt kind of flat to me. I couldn't really get a perspective on their personalities.
Liz DeJesus is a sweetheart, and I was really hoping I would like her book, but I just didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted. With time, I feel she will become a really great author. First Frost was a good idea for a story, but it was just missing that one piece that makes a book amazing for me.
eyreguide's review
3.0
The story goes very quickly, with an absorbing plot and easy, familiar character types that advance the story smoothly. A dissatisfied teen who does not appreciate what she has and her own potential, a loving, imperfect mother, the staunch best friend who did make a decision I found surprising in the last half of the book, and of course the swoon-worthy, brooding romantic interest. Since the story moves so swiftly into the main conflict, there is little time to elaborate and add to the fairy tale stories we all know, except for the history of Snow White. There are possessions from certain characters in the fairy tales, like Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel that are imbued with a specific kind of magic and I thought that was a cool idea that added an extra layer of realism to the magic. The explanations on the nature and regulation of the magic in the world of this novel was a little light - so much so that the powers that Bianca realizes she can wield in the end seemed a little too convenient.
The romance in this story is perfunctory and sweet, and the resolution wraps up most loose ends satisfactorily (although I was left wondering what had happened to Snow White that she ended up in the predicament she was in). It is a quick, entertaining read if you are not looking for an intricate modern-day fairy tale.
The romance in this story is perfunctory and sweet, and the resolution wraps up most loose ends satisfactorily (although I was left wondering what had happened to Snow White that she ended up in the predicament she was in). It is a quick, entertaining read if you are not looking for an intricate modern-day fairy tale.
beckykeister's review
2.0
This book starts with a creative premise and the story moved enough to hook me in to finish it. I just wish that the story went deeper. There was so much promise for the author to reveal the lesser known details of classic fairy tales, but I was disappointed on that front. Some elements of the story happened with no real explanation to the "magic" behind them.
diaryofthebookdragon's review
4.0
Fairy tales have been very popular this year. There were movies: Snow White and the Huntsman, Mirror Mirror; series Grimm, Once Upon a Time; and I don't even know how many books, that retold or did a spin-off of famous fables and tales. As a fairy tale lover I can only say one thing: YAY! (Very eloquent as always.)
First Frost is not a simple retelling. No, it's much much more. Liz DeJesus took the famous fairy tales elements and trademarks and used them to tell us a universal tale about girl who is trying to discover herself, help her parents and find true love. But isn't that what all the fairy tales are all about?
Rose Frost runs The Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts. But not just any artifacts, all the items displayed in this museum are from fairy tales and fables. What will you find here? Feather mattresses from The Princess and the Pea? Seven foot lock of Rapunzel's hair? A handful of beans from Jack and the Beanstalk? Yes and much more! I always thought that being a librarian would be my dream job, but working in a The Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts is a close second. Although, I would be probably fired quickly because I played with displayed items. :o)
Unfortunately, 17 year-old Bianca Frost does not see this job in the same light as I do. Since her father went missing 10 years ago she spent every free moment of her life working at the museum and helping her mother Rose. She compares herself to an agnostic working in a church.
"She choose not to believe in this other world and everything it stood for. Magic represented a life out of the norm and Bianca desperately wanted to be normal. Just like everyone else."
Everything Bianca thinks is real will fall apart when unknown women attacks her mother one night - with fire balls. And her mother start firing back! But that's only the the start of Rose's adventures, they will take her to another land where she will find out not only that the magic is real. The fairy tales are real also.
Liz DeJesus has a very fluid writing style. First Frost was light and easy to read. Although, ever-present problem of some over-used cliches in ya novels can be noticed here, Liz DeJesus managed to add some unique and original twists that surprised me.
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the author in exchange for a honest review. This text is also posted on Amazon and my blog.
First Frost is not a simple retelling. No, it's much much more. Liz DeJesus took the famous fairy tales elements and trademarks and used them to tell us a universal tale about girl who is trying to discover herself, help her parents and find true love. But isn't that what all the fairy tales are all about?
Rose Frost runs The Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts. But not just any artifacts, all the items displayed in this museum are from fairy tales and fables. What will you find here? Feather mattresses from The Princess and the Pea? Seven foot lock of Rapunzel's hair? A handful of beans from Jack and the Beanstalk? Yes and much more! I always thought that being a librarian would be my dream job, but working in a The Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts is a close second. Although, I would be probably fired quickly because I played with displayed items. :o)
Unfortunately, 17 year-old Bianca Frost does not see this job in the same light as I do. Since her father went missing 10 years ago she spent every free moment of her life working at the museum and helping her mother Rose. She compares herself to an agnostic working in a church.
"She choose not to believe in this other world and everything it stood for. Magic represented a life out of the norm and Bianca desperately wanted to be normal. Just like everyone else."
Everything Bianca thinks is real will fall apart when unknown women attacks her mother one night - with fire balls. And her mother start firing back! But that's only the the start of Rose's adventures, they will take her to another land where she will find out not only that the magic is real. The fairy tales are real also.
Liz DeJesus has a very fluid writing style. First Frost was light and easy to read. Although, ever-present problem of some over-used cliches in ya novels can be noticed here, Liz DeJesus managed to add some unique and original twists that surprised me.
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the author in exchange for a honest review. This text is also posted on Amazon and my blog.
darkromancelover's review
4.0
I found this book to be a refreshing read. In this story we learn that fairy tales really did exist. It all happened in a place called Everafter.
Bianca works at the family owned and operated children's museum with her mom, Rose. What makes this museum so special is that it's devoted to fairy tales and carries artifacts from the stories. Bianca is about to find out that she's a witch and that fairy tales are true. Not only are fairy tales true but the artifacts in the museum are actual items from the stories. They are magical and some of them can be very dangerous. On a personal note I would love to go to a museum like theirs.
Bianca crosses into Everafter (where most of the story will take place) with her friend Ming to find her mom who has been kidnapped by the evil witch. Yes you read that right the "evil witch" took her mom. They encounter Prince Ferdinand and his best friend Terrance towards the beginning of their journey. It doesn't take long until they decide to accompany the maidens on their adventure...
Liz manages to describe and take you on an adventure to a magical place that you only read about in fairy tales. You meet some pretty famous fairy tale characters while learning a few bits of background information on a couple of the characters. A story full of action, laughter, tears at times, and young new love forming and growing. A place where anything can happen if you believe. This is a good start to an interesting series.I can't wait to see where you go next with this series. My friends really need to check this out along with all my fellow book lovers.
Bianca works at the family owned and operated children's museum with her mom, Rose. What makes this museum so special is that it's devoted to fairy tales and carries artifacts from the stories. Bianca is about to find out that she's a witch and that fairy tales are true. Not only are fairy tales true but the artifacts in the museum are actual items from the stories. They are magical and some of them can be very dangerous. On a personal note I would love to go to a museum like theirs.
Bianca crosses into Everafter (where most of the story will take place) with her friend Ming to find her mom who has been kidnapped by the evil witch. Yes you read that right the "evil witch" took her mom. They encounter Prince Ferdinand and his best friend Terrance towards the beginning of their journey. It doesn't take long until they decide to accompany the maidens on their adventure...
Liz manages to describe and take you on an adventure to a magical place that you only read about in fairy tales. You meet some pretty famous fairy tale characters while learning a few bits of background information on a couple of the characters. A story full of action, laughter, tears at times, and young new love forming and growing. A place where anything can happen if you believe. This is a good start to an interesting series.I can't wait to see where you go next with this series. My friends really need to check this out along with all my fellow book lovers.
thebookheap12's review
3.0
far too rushed with a share of gaping plot holes but...yeah, enjoyable. I don't think I'll be reading the sequel though if there is one.
kate2440's review
4.0
When I first started this book I wasn't actually sure that I was going to enjoy it as nothing was happening and everything was very much mundane. When Bicanca found out her and her families history it did start to pick up and it built up to a brilliant story that I very much enjoyed. When things did get better I found that there was a lot happening and enjoyed everything that was happening and kept me entertained. There was a bit of romance that was done in a way that had me gripped from the moment it started I would have liked to have had a bit more but only because I enjoyed it. I love the twist on the fairytale classics that we all know and love it brought out the inner child in me even if this was aimed for the Young Adult genre.
I thought the characters where very entertaining. Bianca started out going about her life not knowing who she really was and it was great to see her change once she found out. Her bestfriend was really sweet and very trusting which everyone needs. Terrence was a great male character and another sweet person who I really did feel for him. The Prince was really funny and reminded me of the Princes that are in the fairytales. Bianca's parents where great and it was nice to see that they wasn't evil like in most fairytales and even most other books that I have read.
Overall I found it a captivating story once it got started and I can't wait to read more from this author.
kaylana's review
3.0
I'd give it a 3.5. It was a fun and fast read. I really enjoy fairy-tale retellings and this one was an exciting read.
What I liked: It had a great premise. Bianca and her mother rose own a fairy-tale museum. Rose reads stories to cute little kids and sells them wands and Cinderella outfits. The creepy apple from Snow White and the mirror are all in there. Plus, DeJesus throws in some great world-building elements like the history of how the museum was started back in the Great Depression by her grandfather. She has a fun relationship with her mom. She also has a really great friend. You can kind of feel their history and loyalty.
I also enjoyed the way she weaves the fairy-tale world in Everafter with our modern world. She explains who the Grimm Brothers were and why they told the fairy tales the way they did. It adds some credence to the world she's built. And I liked Bianca's inner dialogue. DeJesus had fun writing her female characters. Her male characters were a bit dimmer but they weren't major characters so I didn't mind as much.
What I didn't like as much: The story didn't flow in some parts. Some plot devices were thrown aside to make things easier. She learns magic super fast. An old woman who's magic finds them, stops time and teaches her a bunch of stuff. Another character tells her to believe and not doubt and she can do anything and the next encounter she can do all this stuff just because of that. At the beginning when her and her friend get to Everafter, they just happen to immediately find a somewhat dim prince and his awesome servant who are super helpful and become their respective love interests.
Also, many times Bianca wants answers and to understand things; she has questions but the characters just say 'don't worry about it,' 'just believe.' Nah, it's good to question and want to understand and have doubts.
The true love theme was a bit cheesy, too. Bianca's romance was a bit strained but not too heavy-handed so I didn't mind so much. The ending wasn't my favorite. I was hoping for more real life and less movie magic fantasy but oh well.
Overall, it's a really cute book. I liked the fantasy, the characters, fairy-tales and how it all came together. But due to it's 'rough-around-the-edges' nature, I had to lower my rating. I do look forward to continuing the series, though.
What I liked: It had a great premise. Bianca and her mother rose own a fairy-tale museum. Rose reads stories to cute little kids and sells them wands and Cinderella outfits. The creepy apple from Snow White and the mirror are all in there. Plus, DeJesus throws in some great world-building elements like the history of how the museum was started back in the Great Depression by her grandfather. She has a fun relationship with her mom. She also has a really great friend. You can kind of feel their history and loyalty.
I also enjoyed the way she weaves the fairy-tale world in Everafter with our modern world. She explains who the Grimm Brothers were and why they told the fairy tales the way they did. It adds some credence to the world she's built. And I liked Bianca's inner dialogue. DeJesus had fun writing her female characters. Her male characters were a bit dimmer but they weren't major characters so I didn't mind as much.
What I didn't like as much: The story didn't flow in some parts. Some plot devices were thrown aside to make things easier. She learns magic super fast. An old woman who's magic finds them, stops time and teaches her a bunch of stuff. Another character tells her to believe and not doubt and she can do anything and the next encounter she can do all this stuff just because of that. At the beginning when her and her friend get to Everafter, they just happen to immediately find a somewhat dim prince and his awesome servant who are super helpful and become their respective love interests.
Also, many times Bianca wants answers and to understand things; she has questions but the characters just say 'don't worry about it,' 'just believe.' Nah, it's good to question and want to understand and have doubts.
The true love theme was a bit cheesy, too. Bianca's romance was a bit strained but not too heavy-handed so I didn't mind so much. The ending wasn't my favorite. I was hoping for more real life and less movie magic fantasy but oh well.
Overall, it's a really cute book. I liked the fantasy, the characters, fairy-tales and how it all came together. But due to it's 'rough-around-the-edges' nature, I had to lower my rating. I do look forward to continuing the series, though.
ayanamifaerudo's review
3.0
First Frost is about Bianca Frost who was working for the family-run museum, the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, and dreamed of a life more than inheriting the ownership of said museum. But one day, she discovered that there was more to the artifacts being displayed in the museum and that her family has got every right to be custodians of Cinderella’s glass slipper, Snow White’s poisoned apple, the evil queen’s magic mirror, Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted spinning wheel…
It kind of surprised me that Bianca readily accepted her heritage. Perhaps having been around the museum and the artifacts within kind of prepared her for it. Not to mention that she properly witnessed her mother battling it out with the evil witch. So, off she goes then with her faithful bestfriend, Ming (I liked her very much since she didn't think twice about accompanying Bianca into the unknown), to rescue her mother. The stage is set and Bianca started her journey.
Sometimes, the plot dragged while other times (mostly) it sped by at a pace that some moments worthy of a proper description and exploring are sacrificed. The romance left a lot to be desired. Instalove. Did I tell you I am not a fan of instalove.
However, I must say that this version of fairy tale retelling is... this is the first time I've encountered a heroine who was the descendant of Snow White and wherein her family are witches. The Happily in Ever After part? Inspired.
Originally posted in Whatever You Can Still Betray.
It kind of surprised me that Bianca readily accepted her heritage. Perhaps having been around the museum and the artifacts within kind of prepared her for it. Not to mention that she properly witnessed her mother battling it out with the evil witch. So, off she goes then with her faithful bestfriend, Ming (I liked her very much since she didn't think twice about accompanying Bianca into the unknown), to rescue her mother. The stage is set and Bianca started her journey.
Sometimes, the plot dragged while other times (mostly) it sped by at a pace that some moments worthy of a proper description and exploring are sacrificed. The romance left a lot to be desired. Instalove. Did I tell you I am not a fan of instalove.
However, I must say that this version of fairy tale retelling is... this is the first time I've encountered a heroine who was the descendant of Snow White and wherein her family are witches. The Happily in Ever After part? Inspired.
Originally posted in Whatever You Can Still Betray.