Followed by Frost is a Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance. I have read Charlie’s Paper Magician Series, as well as several of her other books, and completely enjoyed each of them. Followed by Frost, is no exception.
Charlie’s story line and character development, in all of her books, is outstanding but, she outdoes herself in Followed by Frost. The story opens to find seventeen-year-old Smitha, cruelly rejecting the advances and proposal of a stranger smitten by her. Hurt and insulted by her rejection, the stranger curses her so that she, everything she touches and everything near her become as cold as her heart.
Quickly, she is banned by the villagers to live her life alone in the hills, then to be hunted as a unique trophy. As her isolation grows, despair sets in and the Devil approaches her, promising her a new life and to remove her curse if she’ll go with him. But Smitha’s desire for life makes her refuse his offers and we watch as she grows into a wonderful young woman as she accepts and adapts to her new life.
But the devil will not be dissuaded and just as she’s thinking of giving up and accepting his offer, she is offered a chance to rescue a kingdom by someone who sees her as a savior, rather than a curse. Will her newfound hope last or will the rescuer she’s fallen in love with use her, then return her to exile, as the devil has predicted?
As other reviewers have said, watching Smitha’s character grow and change throughout her journey is the highlight of this wonderful story. Character growth, and a story line, that will have you instantly falling in love with Smitha and page turning into the night to see who will win over her life.
Followed by Frost rocketed to the top of my must-read list, just above her Paper Magician Series, before I finished the first chapter. Another exceptionally well-written story, from an outstanding author and highly recommended.