This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com. 
 I've been looking forward to this book as far back as the first event I had on my blog (Private School Paranormals Week), at which time I pestered Jennifer Estep to participate even though it was waaay too early for ARCs and such. She offered me some bonus material instead and I've been a fangirl ever since. There's also the fact that Jennifer Estep described the Mythos Academy books as a cross between Veronica Mars and Game of Thrones. I adore Veronica Mars so much that I have seen Kirsten Bell in every Romantic Comedy her agent convinced her to try. This is all just to say that I was born ready to love this book, and love it I did. I'm so very, very thrilled that Kiss of Frost comes out this year. December is only five months away. Woohoo! 
 The first thing I loved about Touch of Frost was the setting. Mythos Academy is home to a group of teenagers possessed of mythical, magical powers. There are Valkyries, Spartans and Amazons--all warriors. Gwen, our heroine, is a bit lost in this atmosphere. She's not a fighter. Her only talent is psychometry--she can touch anything and pull memories and feelings from that object (or person). It's a talent that has its uses, but not necessarily in the Mythos crowd. Or at the last school she went to. 
 The story itself is part Fantasy, part Mystery and all awesomesauce. As the mystery slowly unravels, we learn about Gwen, about Mythos and about the world that Estep has built. In one of my favorite aspects of first person narration, perspective allows the reader to understand things that Gwen can't yet fathom. It also allows us to get to know the supporting cast. In the beginning, Gwen is a solitary character. Our outsider's view makes sure we know that she won't be alone for long. Just as we know that Gwen--and her power--aren't as insignificant as she makes them seem. 
 I've made no secret of the fact that I'm a huge fan of first person narration. Jennifer Estep is particularly talented at making me feel like I'm inside Gwen's head, thinking along with her. The only complaint I have is that a couple of times Gwen refers to her own eyes as violet. As in, "I flicked my violet eyes across the room." This jerked me out of the narrative every time I read it. While I know my eyes are brown, I don't think about the fact unless I'm in front of the mirror. I think someone who wears a hoodie every day of the week would probably feel the same way. 
 While there is a love interest for Gwen (can't wait to see where that's gonna head--love Logan), the primary relationship in this book is that which develops between Gwen and a Valkyrie girl named Daphne. It'll be great fun to see Gwen and Daphne figure out how to be friends. I have a feeling it's gonna be as awkward a beginning as any of its romantic counterparts. It's also nice to see friendships get some play in Teen fiction. Don't get me wrong--I love a romance--but Teen fiction doesn't need another star-crossed lovers/soulmates-at-sixteen story. 
 Touch of Frost was one of my most highly anticipated titles of the summer and reading it has bumped the sequel to the top of my December can't-wait list. If you're looking for a Teen Paranormal that will restore your faith in the genre--look no further. Touch of Frost is a gem.