Jennifer Kropf
Author of A Soul as Cold as Frost
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I have been holding onto this book since the summer, and I am so glad that I got to read it during the Advent season! This story is absolutely magical. It’s one of those books where you are truly able to believe that you’ve been transported to another world. The world building is fascinating and feels full, but it never bogs down the story of Helen, Zane, and the many other whimsical characters. I also adore the idea of a villain named “Jolly Cheat”. I’m sorry, but that’s just the coolest.
I think fans of Alice in Wonderland would love this story. It’s not quite as trippy (the world of Winter does have coherent logic/culture!) but there are very similar magical vibes. You never quite know which sights and sounds you’ll be exploring next, and I’m curious to see where we get to visit in the sequels.
The Christian allegory is also beautiful and so well done. I love how this story emphasizes the power inherent in speaking the truth.… (more)
I think fans of Alice in Wonderland would love this story. It’s not quite as trippy (the world of Winter does have coherent logic/culture!) but there are very similar magical vibes. You never quite know which sights and sounds you’ll be exploring next, and I’m curious to see where we get to visit in the sequels.
The Christian allegory is also beautiful and so well done. I love how this story emphasizes the power inherent in speaking the truth.… (more)
I picked up A Soul as Cold as Frost while looking for a great Christmas read, and it definitely hit the mark. This story reminds me of so many classic fantasy stories. I’m not certain where to begin, but the ones that come immediately to mind are:
Alice in Wonderland
Narnia
Rise of the Guardians
Polar Express
Harry Potter
Though the last 2 might have more to do with the trains than anything else.
Characters
The main character Helen is the kind of character everyone can identify with. She is the normal girl (a bit older than some of the other fantasies) who slips into another fantastic world. This is the trope that so many enjoy because she’s “just like me.” You’ll definitely relate to her if you read it, and you’ll love the people she loves implicitly.
Even though he’s not the main character, I think Zane is a bit more complex and interesting. He’s the person that Helen travels with and they end saving one another multiple times. This book is mostly a hero’s journey, but in this one thing, I see an aspect of the Heroine’s Journey. We, as readers, enjoy this character for the pure and simple reason that the point of view character adores him. In A Soul as Cold as Frost, it’s done to perfection.
Some quotes I loved
This quote struck a theme for me. You might say it spoke to my heart in that the truth is often something quiet…
p. 110
This one just reminded me of all the scenes of Christmas.
p.181
What might have been better
There’s not much to write in here. However, if there is one thing I could point out, it’s that the book is description heavy. That’s not to say I’d remove a significant portion, but there were a few times when I felt it could have moved along a bit faster. Note: this will not take away from the reading experience in the slightest.
All in all
For the young adult holiday adventure this is, it deserves 5/5 stars. If I had children in the house, it would be a wonderful read along.
… (more)
Alice in Wonderland
Narnia
Rise of the Guardians
Polar Express
Harry Potter
Though the last 2 might have more to do with the trains than anything else.
Characters
The main character Helen is the kind of character everyone can identify with. She is the normal girl (a bit older than some of the other fantasies) who slips into another fantastic world. This is the trope that so many enjoy because she’s “just like me.” You’ll definitely relate to her if you read it, and you’ll love the people she loves implicitly.
Even though he’s not the main character, I think Zane is a bit more complex and interesting. He’s the person that Helen travels with and they end saving one another multiple times. This book is mostly a hero’s journey, but in this one thing, I see an aspect of the Heroine’s Journey. We, as readers, enjoy this character for the pure and simple reason that the point of view character adores him. In A Soul as Cold as Frost, it’s done to perfection.
Some quotes I loved
This quote struck a theme for me. You might say it spoke to my heart in that the truth is often something quiet…
“When the truth calls, it’s not in the manner of a giant shouting in the daylight. It’s a whisper. A quiet tug on a silent night. If you aren’t listening, you won’t hear it.”
p. 110
This one just reminded me of all the scenes of Christmas.
"Freshly sprinkled snow covered the main street, past a big oak sign hanging above a golden entrance:
HERE LIES HOLLYTOWN
…a sparkling glass city. Tall crystal pillars lined both sides of the street, curving inwards and holding up glass boxes … . Within the glass, red ribbons floated like sea snakes, slithering around each other and rippling in a choppy ballet."
p.181
What might have been better
There’s not much to write in here. However, if there is one thing I could point out, it’s that the book is description heavy. That’s not to say I’d remove a significant portion, but there were a few times when I felt it could have moved along a bit faster. Note: this will not take away from the reading experience in the slightest.
All in all
For the young adult holiday adventure this is, it deserves 5/5 stars. If I had children in the house, it would be a wonderful read along.
… (more)
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I don’t know how Jennifer Kropf does it. Really, I’m amazed. Her books are so unique, funny, whimsical, and filled with adventure all at the same time. Welcome to Fae Cafe (High Court of the Coffee Bean #1) is honestly like nothing I’ve ever read, in the best way!
It kind of reminds me of Elf (which I adore and watch every single year), but if Buddy was a deadly fae assassin.