Series Recap: Mythos Academy Series by Jennifer Estep

Reading Order (sort by release date):

First Frost (Book 0.5, Published on July 1, 2011)
Touch of Frost (Book 1, Published on August 1, 2011)
Halloween Frost (Book 1.5, Published on September 7, 2011)
Kiss of Frost (Book 2, Published on November 29, 2011)
Dark Frost (Book 3, Published on May 29, 2012)
Crimson Frost (Book 4, Published on December 24, 2012)
Spartan Frost (Book 4.5, Published on June 25, 2013)
Midnight Frost (Book 5, Published on July 30, 2013)
Killer Frost (Book 6, Published on February 25, 2014)

Click the titles to check out my reviews.

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Synopsis Recap:

First Frost sets before Touch of Frost, with Gwen Frost in a normal school in the normal world. Being a girl with weird touch abilities, she's the one girl who can help folks finding their lost things. When she has a serious freak-out with her magic, she's being shipped off to the Mythos Academy, where people studying there are descendants of ancient warriors, and can seriously kick ass.

Touch of Frost is the start of Gwen's adventure. She's the weird Gypsy girl who can (still) help students in Mythos Academy find lost stuff. Life is weird as hell but okay. Until a girl named Jasmine Ashton dies mysteriously. Curious, she sets off to find the reason of her death, only to uncover a dark side of the mythological world and she's in the center of the mess. Personally.

Gwen is kind of in a mess in Kiss of Frost. She's head over heels with the guy who (apparently) doesn't give a damn about her. She's a target for the Reapers of Chaos. She doesn't know how to survive for the rest of the semester. And then there's a Reaper who is trying to kill her when (s)he [because that's spoiler!] gets the chance. Gwen has to fight or might just die by the Reaper's hands.

Dark Frost sets the stage for Crimson Frost. In order to stop the Reapers from freeing Loki from his prison, Gwen has to find the Helheim dagger that her mother hid. Only she has no idea how to find it because her touch magic doesn't allow one bit of information of the dagger to slip through. She has to find it before the Reapers do, or it might result in the worst thing she can think possible...

Crimson Frost is a storm. Just when she thinks she can have a peaceful moment with Logan, she's being accused of a crime she didn't intentionally commit. With Loki free, Gwen is put into more danger than ever before. She's a target for Loki's Champion. Her life is on the line. She has to figure out what the Reapers are up to before they destroy everything and everyone she loves.

Spartan Frost is set between Crimson Frost and Midnight Frost. This is Logan's point of view after the events of Crimson Frost. He's in a mess. He can't believe he did terrible things to the girl he loves. He's angry and ashamed and sickened. He has to be strong again if he wants to fight side by side with Gwen again. But with all the darkness still in his heart, it's anything but an easy task.

Midnight Frost is the calm before the final storm. Someone is trying to poison Gwen, only they get the wrong guy. In order to save him, Gwen and her friends set out to find an antidote. But the trip is anything but easy. The Reapers are waiting for them at the end of their journey to their destination. And then there's the past of Gwen's parents, which is nothing like she expected to be. And there's the key to killing Loki, only she doesn't know how to use it. Midnight Frost sets the perfect stage for Killer Frost.

The final installment, Killer Frost, is the final battle for Gwen and her friends. Gwen still has no idea how to kill Loki, which really sets her on edge. Her relationship with Logan is still barely salvageable. Then someone she loves is in danger, and she's forbidden to do reckless things in order to save him/her [again, spoiler]. Something in her finally snaps, and she's ready to throw herself into the battle -- whether she's truly ready for it or not. And there will be blood on the floor by the end of it.

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Thoughts Recap:

(I'm not going to talk about First Frost and Halloween Frost and Spartan Frost here. I've read all of them, but I'm not going to talk about them)

Three words to describe the series: Interesting, exciting, humorous

Touch of Frost is a nice (if not a little weird) start of Gwen's adventure. Gwen herself is quite a nice character. Snarky, funny and curious. I really like how her curiosity brings her countless trouble in this book. Her discovery of a much darker side of the mythological world sets a great stage for Kiss of Frost. To be honest, this is one hell of a redemption for my hatred toward novels with academies as backgrounds (after what happened with VA and House of Night? No, just no. Until Mythos Academy).

Kiss of Frost is a fairly interesting book. There are a lot of scenes that brings some feels. But for some reason this book is not as good as the other five. Maybe because this book is not exactly necessary, even though it is quite a lot of fun. Nevertheless, it is a pretty nice book, but not really a book of necessity (in terms of plot development).

Dark Frost sets the stage for the last three books. There are a lot of mystery unsolved. Gwen is facing multiple problems. With a deadline. It's more exciting than the previous two books, because everything is kind of at stake, whether it's her safety, the world's safety, or her sort-of-romance with Logan. With the ending that will create chaos in the last three books, Dark Frost is certainly, pretty dark.

Crimson Frost, in my opinion, is the best book in the series besides Killer Frost. I have a strong feelings for the mistreated. In this case it's Gwen. To put it clearly, it means that Crimson Frost seriously brings out my strong feelings, which is relatively rare, because I normally can hold strong emotions at bay. It's pretty admirable the book brings out my unstable side. It ends with a bang too, which is unlike the other five books. Crimson Frost is an unforgettable storm in Mythos Academy series.

Midnight Frost is the calm before the final battle. Unlike Kiss of Frost, the book is necessary because it holds important information for the final defeat of Loki. It's still a good book, but I don't enjoy it as much as I do with Crimson Frost. I'm pretty calm reading this book and I know that things won't be that bad in Midnight Frost because there's still the mess in Killer Frost that can potentially wreck everything, even though I don't know if they'll seriously be fine logically. A nice story, but nowhere as exciting as Crimson Frost (and Killer Frost, of course).

Killer Frost is the last installment of the series. Everything can happen. Like Gwen, I'm on edge reading this book because I'm dying dying DYING to know what will actually happen when nothing seems certain. It's a torrent of action, heartache and pure awesomeness blend together. One of the nicest endings I've read since I started reading YA novels. Excellent novel. I think I really will miss Gwen and her friends, especially Gwen with her snarkiness.


Overall Rating: 8/10
Do I recommend this series?: If you have a thing for all kinds of mythological creatures in one single series, then totally. But I really suggest everyone give it a try.

Gonna Read: July 2013

Yeah! Summer is finally here! Here are the new releases that I wanna read in July. But actually, my summer reads list is far longer than that :D

1. Vortex (Insignia #2) by S.J. Kincaid

Synopsis:

The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.

Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.

Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?

Filled with action and intelligence, camaraderie and humor, the second book in S.J. Kincaid’s futuristic World War III Insignia trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty, and friendship.


Expected Publication: July 2, 2013

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2. The Midnight Heir (The Bane Chronicles Part 4) by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Synopsis:

In Edwardian London, Magnus Bane discovers old friends and new enemies—including the son of his former comrade Will Herondale. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

Magnus thought he would never return to London, but he is lured by a handsome offer from Tatiana Blackthorn, whose plans—involving her beautiful young ward—are far more sinister than Magnus even suspects. In London at the turn of the century, Magnus finds old friends, and meets a very surprising young man . . . the sixteen-year-old James Herondale.

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

Expected Publication: July 16, 2013

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3.  Unwanted by Alivia Anders

 Synopsis:

She would be his freedom.
He would be her price.

In a world overrun with people and narrowing resources, the basis of life has turned to do or die. No longer does the balance of wealth and power apply. A strict split between the rich and poor has made the lines clear- the more money you have, the more power you control.

For seventeen year old Emily Beucant, life is an equal gift and curse. Having grown up pre- Unwanted society, she can still remember the days it was okay to play with children from the other side of the concrete wall, back when her father was still alive, and back when the Unwanted program was used to Mark and hunt criminals, not sign away the lives of ungrateful children or spouses with high insurance collections over their heads.

But since her father's creation of the program, the government has taken control and made it into a lucrative monster. And as Emily is days away from her eighteenth birthday, and handsome inheritance, she will soon see just how badly it is to be Marked.

When her soulless aunt places Emily up to be Marked an Unwanted, she is forced to go on the run from all she has ever known. No where is safe for her, and no one will protect her, least they wish to have the same fate as her. It isn't until she forms a tense, explosive alliance with a former doctor, Ben, that it looks like the tables may turn in her favor. Together they race against those searching for her, desperate to find a way to free her from an early death. But is it too late?

No one is safe.
No one is free.

Expected Publication: July 30, 2013

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4. Frigid (Frigid #1) by J. Lynn

Synopsis:

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Expected Publication: July 30, 2013

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5. Midnight Frost (Mythos Academy #5) by Jennifer Estep

Synopsis:

Here we go again …

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …

Expected Publication: July 30, 2013

Check out my review of Midnight Frost here:  http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/06/midnight-frost-review.html   

Midnight Frost: Review

Synopsis:

Here we go again …

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …

***

I don't know what you think, but I think this is not as good as Crimson Frost. Things are way smoother for Gwen Frost in a way in Midnight Frost, because she isn't treated like shit anymore. The plot is just as smooth as Crimson Frost but the explosive parts aren't as breath-taking as I first thought it would be.

Okay, so there's Gwen. Well, Gwen certainly grows up a lot since Crimson Frost, and continues in this book. The most obvious thing is that her sword skills improves a lot :). And she's tougher than she used to be. She's also able to make really tough decisions entirely on her own and needs no advice. A kick-ass warrior, after all. And I'm glad.
  
Overall I enjoy reading the book. But there are two major flaws in my opinion. First is the battles between Reapers and the Pantheon members. There's no end with a bang like Crimson Frost does, and I'm down with it because there's no way every single book ends with a bang. But this time, the results of the battles are too predictable and I know almost for certain what will happen next. That's a downside, because normally I want surprising and unpredictable results, and the fights aren't as exciting as I expect them to be.

Another flaw is Logan. If you are thinking I'm complaining about Logan missing in the majority of the book, then you're dead wrong. In fact his presence frustrates me a lot. It's not that I don't like that guy, but he just can't snap out of his miserable-mind-in-progress status and go full battle mode. Not until Gwen smacks some sense into him and pull him back to his business. That's a little irritating and I did a couple of face-palm during the book. At least Gwen can focus on her duty, but the Spartan can't.

I won't say this is a let down because it's quite an entertainment after all. But this book isn't as good as Crimson Frost and I hope Killer Frost will be better (by the way, Killer Frost is a freaking cool name :D)

Rating: 7.5/10

Teaser Tuesday: Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep

This is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random pate
3. Share two teaser sentences from somewhere on that page
4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
5. Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!
6. Share the title and author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like your teasers!

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This time I choose Midnight Frost (Mythos Academy #5) by Jennifer Estep

We stood there, weapons clutched tight in our hands, blood everywhere, bodies stacked up two and three deep at our feet, with even more Reapers sprawled over the benches and tables. For a moment, the only sounds were our harsh, raspy breaths and the grind of the gears as the train kept chugging up the mountain.

"Well," Vic said in a cheery voice. "That's the way to start the day off right. Blood before breakfast. Always a treat, if you ask me."







Add Midnight Frost in Goodreads here: