MIDNIGHT FROST
Mythos Academy Series #5
by Jennifer Estep
Publisher: K-Teen (July 30, 2013)
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Format: eARC (400 pages)
Source: Free book from netgalley for honest review
Purchase: Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5 stars)
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 …
At A Glance
I will always love Estep’s books. They just have a way of making me fall in love with characters so easily. But, when it comes to the Mythos Academy series, the repetitiveness is getting tiresome. I still enjoyed Midnight Frost but I expected more.
The Good
The mood in this book was a nice change to the rest of the series. We are use to Gwen being treated like crap from her schoolmates, authority, and others, but now Gwen is somewhat of a celebrity because of her actions in the last book. It’s so hard for me to read about people being bullied, so I was relieved to see Gwen is finally getting a break. But Gwen is not is the happiest of states. Logan is still gone, sequestering himself away because of almost killing Gwen in Crimson Frost. But we quickly realize none of this is the focus of Midnight Frost. Because the reapers are really starting to play dirty when they try to poison Gwen and poison a close friend instead. Now the crew must travel up snowy mountains, into a guaranteed trap, to get the cure before it’s too late.
Even though Gwen is still pinning over Logan, I could see her really grow in Midnight Frost. Without Logan’s support, Gwen is learning to fight more for herself and stand up for what she believes in, even when it’s against the boy she loves. Logan no longer needs to rescue Gwen, because Gwen has grown into a total badass. She’s not afraid of a fight and will do anything for the people she loves. She is truly Nike’s Champions more than ever.
I loved the introduction of Rory. Her and Gwen are so similar and so different at the same time. I hope to see her again. The rest of the crew were all awesomesaucy as well. Logan is finally becoming a character I can respect again. I was so over his self-pity.
The action was good and the twists were pretty surprising. There was a lot of new information revealed in this book, even if it wasn’t related to the main plot. The same snarky humor reined in this book as well as the great dialogue. The trip to the Academy in Colorado was actually pretty cool. It’s nice to see what goes on in other Mythos schools. I am very excited for the next book in the series to come out. I have a feeling things are coming to an end.
The Bad
I noticed this time around that each book is getting a little too similar. Like a little bit of regurgitated plot points. I am tired of the same bad guys getting away because of the same mistakes being made. The same battles with the same conclusions. I just don’t think progress is being made. We get new little things that might mean something later on but for now I feel like we are stuck on repeat and I just want someone to push the play button.
The Snuggly
Unfortunately, Logan is absent for most of this book. So not much romance to speak of. But we do see him near the end I am happy with the direction of his and Gwen’s romance.
Final Thoughts
Even though Midnight Frost didn’t add too much to the overall series, it was still a pretty good book on it’s own. And though I love the series, I am ready for it to end soon. I think it’s time to wrap things up. Recommend to those who love the series.
“You are making it impossible for me to get in my mid-afternoon, pre-killing-Reaper nap”.
“All right, all right,” I groused. “You can stay. But only because you’re so cute, and I need some eye candy to look at.”
His grin widened. “Oh Gypsy. You say the sweetest things.”
“Gwen?” Daphne asked. “Slow down and talk to us. You’re acting like a crazy person.”
I let out a hard, brittle laugh. “Crazy? You haven’t even seen my crazy yet. And neither have the Reapers.”
Mythos Academy Series (My Reviews):
Book #3: Dark Frost
Book #4: Crimson Frost
Book #4.5: Spartan Frost
Trakena Prevost
Nice review. I have been thinking of getting on to this series, but I haven’t made my mind up yet. We’ll see!
Jennifer Bielman
I think the series is definitely worth the read.
kimbacaffeinate
Great review Jennifer, this is a series on my wishlist, and I so hope the regurgitation you saw in this book doesn’t continue into the next.
Jennifer Bielman
I sure hope so too. Estep usually listens to her fans and many people are saying the same thing.
Brandi Kosiner
Aw, sorry it felt repetitive, maybe the series should have less books and that would fix it since it is easy to fall in love with the characters
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, that’s why I hope the end it coming soon.
Jaclyn Canada
I actually haven’t read Estep yet, though I have no idea why. I’ve been really interested in the books. I do understand the feeling of stopping a series at a particular time because they can get a bit repetitive though, but being a fan you can’t help but continuing with the series. It sounds like a great book even if it’s not as good as others previously. Great review! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
I think you would really love Estep’s books. Try the Elemental Assassin books first. I love her adult series more.
Sarah Elizabeth
sorry you didn’t enjoy this more, i know how much you like this series.
Jennifer Bielman
And I still do. Sometimes a series has those few okay apples.