Release Date: January 15th 2015
Published By: TOR UK/St Martins Griffin
Pages: 300
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Rating: 4 out of 5

Synopsis: Will she give up her dream to follow her heart?

Bryn Aven is determined to gain status amongst the Kanin, the most powerful of the hidden tribes. But as a half-blood, winning respect is a huge challenge. Bryn’s almost-human community distrusts people, and those from other tribes are almost as suspect.
She has just one goal to get ahead: to join the elite guard protecting the Kanin royal family. And Bryn’s vowed that nothing will stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss, Ridley Dresden.
But her plans are put on hold when fallen hero Konstantin starts acting dangerously. Bryn loved him once, but now he’s kidnapping Kanin children - stealing them from hidden placements within human families. She’s sent to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?

Review: I picked up Frostfire because I loved Amanda Hocking’s Trylle Trilogy. I read the trilogy a few years, so while my memory on certain events are a little fuzzy, I still recall that I loved the world that she created, a world of trolls and changelings, realism and magic, horror and love. And while the Kanin Chronicles has different main characters, the world is just as magical, just as intriguing and just as enchanting.

Frostfire is a world of politics, intrigue, determination and secrets. Trolls, changelings, modern world, aligned and enemy kingdoms, magic, hidden agendas, prejudice, deceit, fear, hope - Frostfire has it all!

Set after the events of the Trylle Trilogy, Frostfire follows Bryn in the world of the Kanin. The Kanin are powerful tribe of trolls within this world, and as powerful as they are, they are still susceptible of coming under attack by unknown enemies.

Bryn is a loyal tracker who is determined to prove herself to the Kanin. Although she is loyal to a fault to her tribe, she feels that she has to dedicate herself to her job, to her aspirations and to her duties beyond that of other trackers. You see, Byrn is not a full-blooded Kanin, she is half Skojare - and this is something that cannot be hidden. Rather than being dark skinned and haired, she has a fair complexion and blonde hair, and she also doesn’t hold any magical abilities like her Kanin comrades. Both of these contribute to the fact that Bryn is quite obviously an outcast, and no matter how much she proves herself, she cannot escape her heritage, or the hidden bigotry of the Kanin people.

But Bryn is determined. Wow is this girl determined! With her dreams of becoming an member of the Kings guard, Högdragen, she is constantly trying twice as hard as any Kanin born. She trains harder, she works harder, she ensures that her father’s status does not influence her in any way, and she has sworn off love for the sake of her goals.

Bryn’s life will change the day that mission goes wrong. With a fury for the man who once tried to kill her father, Byrn sets out to discover the truth - but the more she uncovers, the more her understanding, and feelings, get confused.

There is certainly the beginning of a love triangle in Frostfire, however if the Trylle Trilogy is anything to go by, I think this triangle is in safe hands. Amanda Hocking has a way of dealing with triangles in ways others do not, so therefore I am not fearing this will become a tideous aspect of the story further down the track.

Frostfire is filled with interesting characters. Bryn is tough, resourceful, hot-headed and determined. Other than a few *facepalm* moments, she is a very likeable character. The secondary characters are also great, but I do like the boys of this book. First there is Ridley, the older, sexy, smart, tough, loyal, and completely forbidden Rektor - he is a favourite of mine. However, there is the elusive and villainous Konstantin - we don’t know too much about him yet, but is he more villain or victim?

And of course, I cannot give an honest review of this book without giving a shout-out to the Trylle cross-overs and cameos! These were brilliantly done! Both the crossovers and cameos were subtle, but in a way that Trylle fans will enjoy.

But, for those who haven’t read the Trylle Trilogy, never fear! Although I recommend reading them as they are great books, you don’t need to read them before starting the Kanin Chronicles. You are provided with enough information about the events in the previous series to understand the backstory. The only thing you may not pick up on who the characters are who pop in from the previous trilogy, but you will still understand their role in the Kanin world.

Like the previous trilogy, the writing is fantastic and due to amazing world-building, you are able to quickly jump into this new world. The Kanin Chronicals is a little darker than the Trylle Trilogy, however it is just as entertaining and intriguing. I am grateful that I had the sequel to start reading straight after finishing Frostfire. In true Hocking style, the ending will leave you with millions of questions, hopes and itching for the next book.