Review: Breath of Frost by Alyxandra Harvey

Title: Breath of Frost
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Series: Book One in the Lovegrove Legacy
Published By: Walker Children's (January 7, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Paranormal
My Rating: 4 Stars!

Book Description:
In 1814, three cousins-Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope-discover their unknown family lineage of witchcraft. Beyond the familiar manicured gardens and ballrooms of Regency London, a dangerous, alluring new underworld visible only to those with power is now open to the cousins. 
But unbeknownst to them, by claiming their power, the three cousins have inadvertently opened the gates to the Underworld. 
Now the dead, ghouls, hellhounds-and the most terrifying of all: the spirits of dark witches known as the Greymalkin Sisters-are hunting and killing young debutante witches for their powers. 
And, somehow, Emma is connected to the murders...because she keeps finding the bodies. 
Can the cousins unravel the clues and mystery behind their heritage and power before their gifts are stripped away ...or even worse, another witch is killed?

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Already being a fan of Ms. Harvey I knew opening this that I was going to get a fun read with lovable characters and an enjoyable plot, and not only that but my nerdy side was super excited about getting a paranormal set in the early 1800's as well. What is not to love about that time and era with grand balls and huge manor houses, debutantes and a time when men were charming and gentlemanly? Oh and did I mention the gorgeous dresses and horse drawn carriages and dancing the night away in grand ballrooms?

No? Well I should have because not only is this filled with three cousins I instantly fell in love with but all of the above mentioned as well. What's not to love?

Emma was feisty and headstrong and I knew she and I would be friends immediately. Penelope and Gretchen too were so smart, witty, and full of fire that I couldn’t help but warm up to them as well. I am a sucker for a heroine who isn't afraid to speak her mind and kick a little butt along the way to get the job done and these three cousins were the epitome of kick butt women, especially for their time and station on life.

It is no wonder after writing about vampires so well that Ms. Harvey would be able to transition into witches so seamlessly, she did an amazing job. Not only did she move into the folk lore of witches quite nicely but she pulled off multiple points of view just as well, which, let's face it doesn't always happen with dual point of views let alone with four.

This was such a fun entertaining read, with secondary characters as well set up and fleshed out as the main characters, and all just as lovable. 

I love Cormac and his crazy sisters and Moira and One Eyed Joe almost as much as Emma and her cousins. Not to mention Theodora (in her spells and lucid moments), Ewan and the aunts as well. Truly this has a whole cast of characters that will get under your skin and refuse to be ignored. 

The characters aren't the only great thing about this story, the plot, mystery and action are a huge bonus. Honestly I would have been over joyed just having a fun story with great characters but to actually have the mystery, danger, murders, romance and adventure as well gave this story a huge advantage and pushed it right up there to be one of my favorite YA reads this year. 

I am so impressed with the start of this series, the writing skills Ms. Harvey has always had really came out and shined bright and I can say with utmost confidence that I will eagerly be awaiting the release of the next book in the series. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*