Book Review – The Frost Eater by Carol Beth Anderson
First published, 2020
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
In The Frost Eater, we get to know the far off, Earth-like planet and people of Anyari. Having colonised the planet, many millions of the people of Anyari died after an apocalyptic event known as The Day. Since that time, some of the colonists have developed magical powers. Some can create and throw snow and ice – the Frost Eaters, some can shoot fire – Ash Eaters, others can throw vines, or fly, among other amazing talents.
But when the King’s daughter, Princess Ulminora (known as Nora), who just happens to be a Frost Eater, forms an unlikely friendship with royalty-hating Krey, who has the power of frost and flight, they set off in search of his missing, possibly kidnapped, girlfriend. And if they just so happen to find Nora’s missing best friend at the same time, so much the better.
But what neither of them can know is how much they’ll come to depend on magical beings, angry armed trogs, and how deeply one of them will be let down by all they ever knew before.
What a wild ride. The writing was smart, the characters well-drawn, and the story flowed really well. I did get fed up with the massive chip on Krey’s shoulder, but that is not to take anything from the writing. His irritation and deep distrust all fits with his experience and his character, I just got annoyed with him. Besides, he did get a good telling-off pretty early on:
“‘Krey West, do you know how old you are?’
‘Uh—’
She pointed at him emphatically. ‘You are a seventeen-year-old magic eater with the talent of a forty-year-old and the judgment of a toddler.’“
4% in, Chapter 2, The Frost Eater by Carol Beth Anderson
Damn right, Aunt Min. The story is well-crafted, with moments of deep pathos, sweet humour and a very satisfying finish.
Recommended.
Petrina Binney - Author 