Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking
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Published by Pan Macmillan on May 1st 2015
Genres: Action & Adventure, Fantasy & Magic, Fiction, Love & Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 309
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
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In this series, we return to the world of Hocking's million-copy bestselling Trylle trilogy...Bryn Aven is still struggling with her burgeoning relationship with Ridley. She's also set on completing her mission to find the missing Skojare Queen. But when they do finally discover what happened, Bryn finds out that things are much more complicated than she'd originally thought. And as she gets closer to the truth, Bryn is framed for the murder of the Kanin King himself. She ends up on the run, as home holds too few answers and no solutions.

Bryn Aven’s goal of becoming an elite Kanin protector is still as strong as ever. But things keep getting more and more complicated for the half-Kanin half-Skojare tracker. She knows things she shouldn’t – specifically about a certain infamous Kanin traitor, Konstantine Black. When Bryn gets a message in a dream about the missing Skojare queen, she goes on a quest to bring the young royal back safely. Things at the Skojare castle are not well and the more Bryn finds out, the more confused she becomes. But it is not just water trolls which are causing Bryn problems. She has her own drama to deal with in the shape of her gorgeous and protective boss, Ridley Dresden.

Trolls might be given a bad name in some circles (ahem – internet trolls!) but Amanda Hocking is doing wonders for their public image. Bryn Aven is a smart, interesting and kick-arse woman who would be able to hold her own against any other strong and independent heroine from literature. Persistent to get to the bottom of the missing changelings and Konstantine Black’s involvement, Bryn can be a little single-minded at times. But her attitude is adds an extra layer of realism to this paranormal tale. Despite the fantasy and magical aspect of this book, Bryn is a believable young adult. She faces family issues, romantic drama and finds her ideals tested whilst at the same time trying to stay true to herself.

Ice Kissed is more action packed than Frostfire, the first book in the Kanin Chronicles. There’s more royal politics, more unexpected moments and we get a little more depth to the relationships we were introduced to in Frostfire. I loved how Bryn’s relationship with Ridley stepped up as did her feelings yet the romance did not detract from the other storylines. I loved how her friends were involved and how their own stories meshed with what was going on in Bryn’s life.

Ice Kissed is a great continuation to what has so far been a great series. At times second books can be a bit of a filler but – SO NOT the case with Ice Kissed. There is a lot going on in this book and the pacing is brilliant. The mystery surrounding the Kanin and Skojares is compelling The pages just flew by as I was reading Ice Kissed – it is just that addictive. I can’t wait for the next book which I know will live up to my high expectations!

 

Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for the review copy.