I keep telling myself I am quitting the whole teen dystopian craze (it refuses to die. Seriously how many books about teen girls with special powers/traits who are loners but manage to attract an army of supporters while being in love with two guys does this world need?) and then after a little while, I pick up another one, drawn in by the description and what is often a very visually appealing cover. Ruby, the “specially skilled young woman is manipulated into overthrowing a corrupt regime” (to borrow from one of the reviews below) has the power of fire but has never been trained to control it. She is captured, thrown into prison and then broken out by members of the rebellion who see her as the key to overthrowing the regime of frost. She is taken to a monastery where she trains with monks who know about her power alongside a mysterious knight, Arcus. Arcus seems aloof and mysterious and Ruby doesn’t know what to make of him.

What I liked about this story was that the characters are not as formulaic as they first seem. Ruby is impulsive and impetuous and quick to anger (FIRE!) and yet she becomes more self aware, questions her feelings and actions, wonders about the others around her and is not just totally besotted by her romantic feelings. While there is a love triangle kind of, it is not the typical one. Arcus and Ruby are both slow to come around to their feelings, and the third point on the triangle was never really a choice for Ruby, at least, it didn’t feel that way to me. The pace is fast and yet we still get long scenes with lots of character development along the way. Which all just means I will likely be looking for the sequel, Fireblood. I won’t have long to wait, as it too publishes this year.

I flew through this book in less than two days! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. While I could see some of the twists coming (twists that I loved), this was still such an enjoyable read. The world is developed well, including the mythological and lore aspects, and the characters are complex. I loved seeing the different relationships develop. I'm excited to dive deeper into the world in the next books!

I enjoyed Frostblood but can't motivate myself to continue the series. It's got a good concept but the romance didn't grab me and I don't really *care* about the characters much.

This was really great. It was much better than I was expecting, honestly. Loved the characters and world building and I can’t wait for more.

The kingdom of Tempestia is not a welcoming place for Firebloods. They are hunted down and imprisoned and/or killed. Village found to be harboring one (even unknowingly) is burnt to the ground as punishment. This is the world into which the fireblood, Ruby, is born. Despite living a relatively solitary life on the outskirts of a small village, she is found out and sent to prison. However, once being saved by an unlikely ally, she is tasked with a quest: develop her fire gift and save the kingdom from the king, who is trying to destroy it.

Frostblood, by Elly Blake, is an interesting read. The story and the characters pull the reader into the book and make them want to know what happens next. You really feel for the characters (even if that feeling is that you want to thump them on the head for being so stupid!). If you are a fan of YA fantasy books, this is one you should check out for yourself.

Fans of the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard would enjoy this book. It's a pretty straightforward storyline with a few surprises. I enjoyed the book enough that I'm ready to read the next in the series.

I liked this book. The banter between Arcus & Ruby was what I enjoyed the most, however. It read at a steady pace and I wasn’t bored with reading, but it just felt like nothing was happening.

I would definitely recommend this to friends, since I know a lot of friends who enjoy these types of stories/plots.

Thank you so much for the chance to read and review Frostblood. I'm sorry to say that I wasn't able to finish the book. Because I didn't finish, I don't feel comfortable reviewing this title as I didn't get the full story. This doesn't stop me from recommending this title to those I feel like would enjoy the story and/or writing! It just wasn't a story that I was able to get into. Thank you, again, for the chance to check out Frostblood.

Frostblood managed to be a novel that you've probably read a thousand times but still manages to be fun. The first chapter was a bit messy, but the story and writing progressed over the novel and I just found myself liking it after a bit.
You wouldn't be missing out if you skipped out on this one, to be honest. But it's not SUPER bad, if you want just another fantasy.

Initial reaction: I actually quite enjoyed this traditional fantasy romp. Ruby is the heroine I really wanted to root for that I couldn't exactly get out of series such as Victoria Aveyard's "Red Queen." She's a strong heroine who goes through a lot of betrayal and turmoil, is flawed but manages to be likable and easy to root for, and while there are elements that feel familiar, somewhat predictable, and a bit cheesy, it still managed to keep me on my toes throughout the read. I'm eager to pick up the second book.

Full review:

I'm kind of surprised that "Frostblood" impressed me as much as it did. It has very familiar elements of a traditional YA fantasy with some loose building of a magic system and otherworld sharply divided into factions (i.e. Frostbloods vs Firebloods, magic being forbidden, merciless annihlation of villages and people based on perceived betrayals). Yet, I still felt compelled enough to follow Ruby's story throughout. I liked her fighting spirit and her curiosity to hone her abilities. She comes from a background where she has a unique ability she must hide based on prejudices and fear that surrounds those of her ilk (Firebloods). The ball starts rolling with respect to the plot when Ruby's identity's discovered, she's captured and suffers significant losses in the mix, then is rescued only to be forced into training and honing her abilities for a cause she has yet to discover. The result is a dangerous journey where her life is threatened at every turn and she has to rise to her inner and external demons.

This is definitely a great gateway fantasy novel for teens, and I imagine it would have a lot of appeal in that measure (also for those who just want fun, adventurous YA romps with a headstrong protagonist who pushes through hardship and has a hero's journey throughout the course of the novel, some bits of romance between). Meaning...the value of it lies more if you haven't read a lot of fantasy titles of this ilk or if you don't mind it following a tried and true formula that other novels may either have or feature more distinct qualities.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed this because I really liked how cohesive the story was, and I admittedly liked Ruby and the supporting characters even as I longed for them to have a bit more flesh and time to have their respective nuances and wiggle room for growth. It's tightly plotted and thematically seamless, so honestly the fault isn't really with the writing or presentation here at all - it just could've had more expansion to give it more distinctive features. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what the series does with "Fireblood" - I just hope it comes into its own element and gives more distinctive punch. It seems from the ending that it has the potential to go into some interesting directions.

Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.

I really loved this story and these characters. So much so that after I finished this book, I went out and got and read the sequel. I can't wait to see how things end in this trilogy. I think that the relationship formed very naturally. I think that the characters are all strong. The idea of a single fireblood among an entire country of frostblood people and then falling in love with the true frostblood king, Arcus.

Truly a really well written and incredible book! Really enjoyed reading this one!

A kickass adventure worthy to be amongst my favorites for fantasy genre. Loved the plot, the concept and the storytelling. It was fascinating, intriguing and addicting. The characters were so feisty and fresh and the romance was a slow burning bite that made me smile the whole way through. I can't wait for the next book.

Wow I can’t believe I didn’t pick up Frostblood sooner. With Fireblood just coming out and everyone excited for it. I thought maybe I’ll just peruse the beginning of Frostblood. I was instantly sucked in and engaged and I’ve been in kind of a slump lately. I loved the book!

I absolutely loved how engaging the book was. I never had a minute where I felt the book was slow or I was anxious to get through a part. It was all forward action and no plateauing at all. I really enjoyed the plot and the magic that surrounded it. I loved the characters and how they all had their own separate stories. I loved what I felt to be female camaraderie.

As far as world building is concerned I felt the world was small but it was still interesting. The areas that we spent most of our time are definitely fleshed out. This is a fantasy where you cross great distances, it’s a little more condensed but I enjoyed and never found that to be any hindrance on what I felt about the story.

Ruby as a main character was great. I loved when an MC has many facets to them, both light and dark. She has this power that is despised in the Kingdom she currently resides in and it’s not so easy to hide. Her own body temperature can give her away. She’s dedicated to the ones she loves and she’s got a little bit of saucy attitude.

I also loved Arcus and the monks at the Abbey. Each with their own weaknesses and strengths in patience and acceptance. Arcus tries to keep Ruby at arms length but I think his kindness shows through. Also his concern for the kingdom as a whole and wanting to help the people.

I loved loved this story and I’m excited to read Fireblood. Although now I’m wondering if I should wait until it’s closer to the Shadowblood’s release.

Unfortunately, I DNFed this book in the first 15%. It just didn't grab my attention.

At first it was rather slow and I was thinking it was going to be one of those typical YA stories. But upon reaching part two of the book, things got way more interesting. Although I admit there's nothing to plots and twist to YA books out in the market, but it's still a great addition. Will definitely try out reading book 2.

Let me just say right away how much I loved this book! I read it so quickly that I wish it wasn't over. While it did start off slow it definitely picked up. Elly Blake did an amazing job with the world building as well as the characters. Immediately I was sucked into the world of Ruby's and even more so a love towards Arcus. Especially with that ending!! There were myths from both the Firebloods and the Frostblood that really make the story relevant and super interesting to the world. While the story does remind me of others it had its own unique twists.

Elly Blake's beautiful debut was definitely a book that got me out of a book funk. Ruby is a feisty character who you will love by the end. Then there's Arcus who I just loved from the beginning. Love at first read thats for sure. I got to care about both of them by the end of the book. Plus the monks were awesome! In Frostblood the focus was more on destroying the Frost King but all the while there was even a slow burning romance. Loved every moment between them because there was flirting and lots of bickering between them.

By the end I was definitely in love with the book. That when I had the chance to request Fireblood I had to request it (review up soon). You will be drawn into this world and probably will finish it quickly like I did. While there was still some unanswered questions I think they will be said in the second book. Also beware of the many twists and secrets because I was shocked by them! If you haven't picked this one up you need too since it was amazing!

Frostblood takes place in a world where people with ice powers have all but eradicated people with fire powers. Our heroine, Ruby, is a Fireblood, and possibly the most powerful one yet.

While the attention to detail of spell-casting, locations, and character descriptions were engrossing, the rest of the plot fell flat. There seemed to be a steep decline in originality after the opening act. The love interest was unique enough—I loved that he wasn't conventionally beautiful. That being said, he was far too cruel for me to buy the romance with Ruby. They shared only a handful of tender moments, but otherwise, I don't know why Ruby didn't threaten to kill him sooner. The second half of the book reads like a mish-mosh of concepts from the Grisha trilogy, Red Queen, and other YA novels that did it all first. The ending had some pretty cool concepts, but they got a bit lost in following certain standards. The prose was delightful, but there were inklings of a new story that could have been taken further than it had been.

If you're looking for some fun, tropey YA, this book definitely fits the requirements, albeit a little too perfectly.

Frostblood by Elly Blake was a great fantasy read! Ruby is a Fireblood and has the ability to create and wield fire at will. Most of her kind have been hunted and killed by the Frost King. When Ruby and her mother are found, her mother is killed while trying to protect her. This leads Ruby on a path of revenge as she eventually joins a group of rebel Frostbloods living in an Abby. Ruby is cared for and knows she is being used as a weapon to kill the Frost King. But, a mysterious nobleman named Arcus is living with the monks and he agrees to help her train. But Frost and Fire are not friends - at least not a first. Slowly, their relationship begins to grow. But, before they can fully embrace these new feelings, Ruby is taken away by Frost Blood soldiers and the Frost King forces her to fight Frostblood champions in an arena. But something dark is helping Ruby and losing herself to it may be the only way to save the kingdom. I really enjoyed Frostblood and can't wait to read Fireblood next! Elly Blake did a great job of slowly building the relationship of Arcus and Ruby. Lots of suspense and you really can't stop reading once Ruby gets captured and sent to the arena! If you are looking for a new fantasy series with some romance than I recommend starting the Frostblood saga. For ages 14 and up!

Frostblood by Elly Blake is a fantasy novel about seventeen year old Ruby. She and her mother, a village healer, live in a remote village in a kingdom controlled by frostbloods. This is dangerous for Ruby, who is a fireblood. She is forced to hide her ability to control fire and flame. When tragedy comes to her village, she is captured by the king’s army. After spending time in prison, she is freed by a rebellion group who feel Ruby’s abilities are central to their desire to bring down the cruel king. At first, Ruby is distrustful of the rebels and their motives the leader begins to train her on how to control her abilities. Over time, she begins to feel comfortable in her new home, and begins to fall for the mysterious Arcus, a strong frostblood. Eventually a betrayal will see her once again captured by the king’s army and forced to fight in battles similar to what happened in the Roman Colosseum. Against her wishes, she quickly becomes the King’s Champion, the first for a fireblood. The rebellion will finally come to support Ruby, but will it be enough to bring down the king?
Overall I liked this book, but I was not enamored by it. I felt the romance was rather forced and didn’t find it necessary. I also found in convenient that Ruby struggled so much with her abilities and then when it was needed she was the “all powerful.” I was no surprised by the big reveal at the end of the novel. This book did not break any new ground in the fantasy genre, but it is a decent read.