“Frostblood” by Elly Blake was published in January of 2017 and instantly drew young adult fantasy readers in with its vivid world building, elemental magic, and unexpected love. The novel blends action, romance, and emotion in a frozen world divided by fire and ice. Blake’s emotional story telling and detailed world building make it impossible to put down.
Blake’s writing style is both poetic and intense, vividly describing every frozen mountain and fiery battle. Her pacing keeps readers hooked, balancing fast action with heartfelt emotional scenes. Each chapter flows naturally, blending character growth with moments of tension and beauty.
The story follows Ruby Otrera, a fiery and stubborn young Fireblood living in the land ruled by Frostbloods. After a tragedy strikes, she learns to control her power and face her enemies with courage. Along the way she meets Arcus, a mysterious Frostblood monk whose calm and logical nature contrasts perfectly with her fiery passion.
The monks who shelter Ruby serve as her mentors, teaching her restraint and compassion while helping her master her flames. Their kindness contrasts with the cruelty of the Frostblood king, who rules through fear and ice. Each side character at the Monastery plays a role in shaping Ruby’s adventure throughout the story.
The novel begins with Ruby hiding her powers from the Frostblood soldiers who hunt her kind. When her mother is murdered for protecting Ruby, her anger overflows, her fire going out of control, mind blank as she slaughters each person against her. This emotional start sets the tone for her journey toward self discovery.
After being rescued by Frostblood monks, Ruby begins training in order to master her fiery abilities. During her time at the Monastery, she forms a complicated, but heartfelt bond with Arcus. Their growing relationship adds depth to the story and challenges the hatred Ruby has towards Frostbloods.
When Ruby confronts the Frostblood king, discovering that he is possessed by a dark spirit called the Minax. She must choose between revenge or saving others from the same fate. This intense moment shows how she went from being a girl full of hatred to a true hero.
Ruby defeats the Frostblood king, freeing the kingdom, but realizes that the new peace comes with a sacrifice. Her victory proves she is more than anger and more powerful than she thinks. The novel ends with hope and hints of greater challenges that are established in the sequel, “Fireblood.”
In the “Frostblood” trilogy, Blake explores themes of identity, control, and duality between passion and restraint. The contrast between fire and ice symbolizes both conflicts and balance within human nature. Through Ruby’s struggles, readers see that strength often comes from embracing both sides of oneself.
“Frostblood” is a fast-paced and emotionally powerful fantasy filled with magic, romance, and self-discovery. Elly Blake’s vivid writing and strong characters make it stand out in young adult fantasy. I recommend this book to fans of “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard, “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Mass, and “The Forest King’s Daughter,” also by Elly Blake.
I give this book 6/5 stars; I absolutely love this book. I could re-read this so many times—like I often do—and never get tired of it. The story is very unique, the plot is very popular but the characters’ emotions and the content of the story is authentic.
I’ve never read a book with the same story as “Frostblood.” The worldbuilding is unbelievable, it felt rich and real, and the magic was described beautifully; this story is absolutely unforgettable.
