Review: A Breath of Frost

Author Alyxandra Harvey

Format e-Arc

Print Length 496 pages

Publisher Walker Childrens

Published Jan. 7, 2014

In 1814, three cousins-Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope-discover their unknown family lineage of witchcraft. Beyond the familiar manicured gardens and ballrooms of Regency London, a dangerous, alluring new underworld visible only to those with power is now open to the cousins.
But unbeknownst to them, by claiming their power, the three cousins have inadvertently opened the gates to the Underworld.


Now the dead, ghouls, hellhounds-and the most terrifying of all: the spirits of dark witches known as the Greymalkin Sisters-are hunting and killing young debutante witches for their powers.
And, somehow, Emma is connected to the murders...because she keeps finding the bodies.
Can the cousins unravel the clues and mystery behind their heritage and power before their gifts are stripped away ...or even worse, another witch is killed?

My Opinion

Incredibly entertaining, and oddly suspenseful A Breath of Frost was a refreshingly new idea in a genre that is saturated with many books that follow the same formula. The paranormal side of things was rather intriguing although at times it was a bit hard to follow. This is mainly from writing style as the author does jump around in regards to character narration. Having been familiar with this particular author this is something that I had come to expect from her.

Emma accidently breaks a bottle of her momma’s in the middle of a ball room. This bottle was a spell that bonded the magical powers that she and her cousins possessed. They are apparently descendants of a long line of witches- although they have no clue. I adore the cousins’ relationship- they genuinely love and support each other. Their love of each other shines throughout the book in their thoughts, words and actions.

Cormac is Emma’s love interest, he is also a Keeper. As a Keeper, he is not supposed to be interested in Emma and does try hard to push her away. This does not work out very well though as it only confuses her. Especially after he comes and rescues her again and again. He tries hard to distance himself from her yet he is very protective of her.

The debutants keep dying and there is no way to prove that Emma is innocent. Can they find a way in time? A way before the Order binds her magic back? Can they stop the killer? Are they strong enough to prevent more deaths? Will Cormac kiss her? Why hasn’t he kissed her? These are the questions that will plague the reader until the end.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “That’s my girl,” he said softly.

Other People

Gretchen- Emma’s cousin, speaks her mind
Penelope-Emma’s cousin, the conscience of the trio
Moira- a witch that is known as a Madcap, not really sure what her role is though
Daphne- resident mean girl, hopefully though maybe she will become a friend of the cousins