Book Review: Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg

Followed by Frost 

by 

Charlie N. Holmberg

Expected publication: 

September 22nd 2015 

by 47North 

ARC for Review 

Summary
Seventeen-year-old Smitha's wealth, status, and beauty make her the envy of her town—until she rejects a strange man’s marriage proposal and disastrous consequences follow. Smitha becomes cursed, and frost begins to encompass everything she touches. Banished to the hills, hunted by villagers, and chilled to the very core of her soul, she finds companionship with Death, who longs to coax her into his isolated world. But Smitha's desire for life proves stronger than despair, and a newfound purpose gives her hope. Will regrets over the past and an unexpected desire for a man she cannot touch be enough to warm Smitha’s heart, or will Death forever still it?

The Purest of Actions Come 

From the Heart

Beautiful. Followed by frost was truly a beautiful read. I almost feel as though the blurb didn’t do it justice. I say that because I was slightly on the fence with regards to this one but after hoping in I had zero reservations. I cannot express what a wonderful read this was. It is told from the main characters POV but she relays it in the past tense. As I said before Followed by Frost was told as a story that takes place in the past of our narrators life. Not only was it very entertaining it also held a powerful message. The author made me immediately relate with the main character and showed us a beautiful transformation.

The Story, Smitha was a young girl offered many opportunities but she was lost. Her heart never held regard for anyone even her family didn’t touch her the way they should. Though she was beautiful on the outside her insides were tarnished. One day her disregard of others became an awful curse. Shunned by those who were supposed to protect her she realizes she has to leave in order to keep everyone safe. Running and fleeing for her life brings her close to death himself. Living in despair and with her anger she is constantly running and not only from danger but also from her actions of the past. Almost completely consumed by death she will do what she can to survive. On the brink of complete desolation she is sought out by a group of people who need her. Knowing there is nothing she can really do because she is cursed but also knowing she must try her heart begins to warm. Falling in love was not something she ever planned on doing but love finds a way. This second opportunity is what will one day redeem her soul.

The Characters, Smitha was a selfish spoiled girl who had no desire to ever change but being cursed is a sure way to revaluate her life and revaluate she does. With nothing to do but run and survive while thinking of the past and the actions of her heart Smitha begins to change. Lo, the commander of the kings guard is intrigued by Smitha and her curse. His character was a wonderful addition because he was strong fair and a wonderful friend. Smitha never thought she would have friends or anyone she could help while being cursed but she does openly with love behind her actions. Trying to do everything in her power we begin to see a wonderful change. The people she meets along the way were a wonderful addition to the story and we get to see the curse through the eyes of others. Everyone she meets in this new land are the key to what her essence needed to really mend old wounds. At first she is feared but very quickly she becomes a very important part of everyone’s life. Falling in love and relating with Smitha was very easy to do. She rises up to the challenge and her strength and determination resonated throughout the pages. Death is bound to her but he wants her to himself always. Soon death discovers that Smitha will never give herself to him. I enjoyed his character immensely because although he tempts her at every turn and is rejected he never gives up.

The end, Wow talk about a beautiful conclusion. This definitely felt like an old fairy tale with a brothers Grim twist to it definitely a stand alone with a wonderful HEA. The message was one of what true beauty is and the power of true love. I don’t want to get into the ending too much just know that I had buckets and buckets of joy because of it. Bravo! This is one for the whole family something I can see anyone getting into and appreciating.

My Rating

4.5 Cold journey to the abyss and the discovery of what it means to love openly and selflessly filled stars!

Purchase Through

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About The Author 

Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. She graduated from BYU, plays the ukulele, owns too many pairs of glasses, and hopes to one day own a dog. She currently lives with her family in Utah. 

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