I had a hard time decided on how many stars to give this book. I had some issues with the plot, and some of the characters. The main character felt more like an idea than a fully fleshed out character. A male character that I found interesting at the start, was mishandled and then dropped. I felt that this was a wasted opportunity. I ended up giving this book three stars because while I had issues with, I still found it somewhat entertaining. ( )

Note: I received this book from the author for an honest review.

I was terribly wrong; I do not always enjoy fire mages, especially ones named Avalon Redding. By her own design Ava’s bad luck runs amuck. Not only does she come off stupid but the book reads like she is overly obsessed with physical beauty. I did not really find any redeeming qualities about her character. Her whole thought process was slow making the story draw out when the reader was already able to get to the point over fifty pages before she did. Jack was a one dimensional character who never was fully developed. I read the book expecting more out of him. The only character I actually liked in the book was Hawthorne. He was an intelligent being and extremely protective.

I really, really wanted to enjoy this book. It has a good premises and an eye catching cover. Besides having to get over all of the grammatical mistakes (I can usually ignore them because my grammar is atrocious too) the book ended up being to drawn out with no substance to the plot. I doubt if I will be able to make it onto the next book in the trilogy.

(two stars for the cover)

Also on http://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2012/10/frost-arch-fire-mage-trilogy-1-by-kate.h... ( )

I have a expert of chapter one at my blog, Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books http://concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com/

This book totally hooked me in, hook, line and sinker, right from the start. Its such an interesting story, and not at all what I expected. It was a totally original idea to me.

The whole idea of magic people, called Mages, like our main character, Avalon, is a Fire Mage, she can control fire, produce it, everything. There are many different types, Ice Mage, Healers, like her friend Jack. Ones that can read minds, etc. Anyone who does not have a power, is treated like garbage, called a Human, which to them is like an animal, slaves, etc. Its like 500 or more years in the future, and technology does not exist anymore, everything is controlled with the magic of the Mages. Its quite interesting how the evolution of the Mage, changed over the years. It was fun and intense to read.

Avalon, our Fire Mage in this story is quite the character. I love her friend Jack, he reminded me of Puck in the Iron Fey series, his personality just reminded me so much of him. Happy go lucky type, and he is a great friend to Avalon. I will say, Avalon is one tough cookie, to go through what she does, it would have drove me insane. I wont tell you what, its quite disturbing really, but overall this is a great story. I am so happy it’s a series, and very glad it had a pleasant ending, not some giant cliffhanger. I am going to get the second book as soon as I can, as I am anxious to read what happens next.

I loved Ræven Blacklock, she was an amazing and unique character. And who wouldn’t love Hawthorne, I am not telling you who he is, you get to discover the wonder of Hawthorne yourself, he is amazing!

The only thing I was missing in this book, is a romantic relationship for Avalon. She is 18, and should have one, I mean, her and Jack are close, but it’s a best friends type thing. Although, I think they have feelings for one another, but it could be one of those that develop over the series, which is fine, as I get a little sick of the insta-love we find in so many books nowadays.

Give this one a try. But keep in mind, it’s got some disturbing abuse type parts, and really more for mature readers. I mean, mature 16-17 year olds should be fine reading it, the story as a whole would attract a wide range of ages, so its why I mention it.

Flamethroat is the 2nd book in the Fire Mage Trilogy, and I am looking forward to it. I also downloaded the free Prequel of Jack Greenwood before meeting Avalon, its said to read this Frost Arch first. (get it at Smashwords Jack Greenwood at Smashwoods I read that we should read Frost Arch first, before Jack Greenwood, just FYI

Also, just seen that another free Prequel will be coming soon, called Ræven Blacklock, you can see that amazing cover at authors blog, or at her Goodreads page.

5 out of 5 stars for me!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review ( )