A breath of frost by Alyxandra Harvey

Lovegrove legacy, bk 1. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408836354.
(Age 13+) Emma had a dainty life, parties, suitors and money. But even though her life as a young lady seemed picture perfect, Emma's mother remained mentally unstable and in care and Emma's father was isolated and business orientated. Emma and her two closes friends and cousins expect nothing unusual to happen at a ball they attend. Regardless of their expectations, at the end of the night there was a fire, a sudden icy change in weather and a dead body. With Emma being dragged to the bodies of young debutante girls, all suspicion is placed upon her as the enforcers of magic remember in fear inspired awe the memory of her now incapacitated mother. A huge and possibly dangerous mystery arises concerning Emma and her cousin's past. What had her mother done to render her this way? Why does Emma continue to find the bodies of young ladies? Why does the weather change and become extreme when Emma's feelings ripple? All through these complications and seemingly endless questions, Emma still manages to find herself with Cormac, is this an old rivalry or a newly budding romance?
A Breath of Frost written by Alyxandra Harvey evokes the themes of mystery, drama, suspense and romance. An altered past is what we receive when the reader delves into the more magical side of Regency London. This novel is best suited for older readers due to the stylish and descriptive language used by the author. A first in a trilogy, the next two are sure to be just as elegantly written and attention grabbing.
Sarah Filkin (Student)