Mini- Combo- Review - Stork and Frost by Wendy Delsol

STORK

Series: Stork #1

By: Wendy Delsol

hardcover, 355 pages

Published October 12th 2010 by Candlewick

Family Secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.

Sixteen-year-old Katla Leblanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren't enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she's a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla's biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper's fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past - a secret that binds her fate to Jack's in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol's debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in a small-town life.

FROST

Series: Stork #2

By: Wendy Delsol

hardcover, 384 pages

Published October 11th 2011 by Candlewick Press

In this sequel to STORK, Katla Leblanc has to employ her grit, spirit, and special gifts to rescue the boy she loves.

After the drama of finding out that she's a Stork, a member of an ancient and mystical order of women, and that her boyfriend, Jack, is a descendant of the Winter People able to control the weather, Katla Leblanc is delighted when all signs point to a busy and peaceful Christmas. That is, until the snowstorm Jack summons as a gift to Katla turns into the storm of the century, attracting Brigid, a gorgeous scientist who, in turn, attracts Jack. Between the school play, a bedridden, pregnant mother's to-do lists, and keeping an eye on her aging grandfather, Katla doesn't have time to question Brigid's motives or deal with Jack's increasingly cold behavior. But Katla's suspicions mount when Jack joins Brigid on a research expedition to Greenland, and when the two of them go missing, it becomes clear that Katla is the only one who can save her beloved Jack from the Snow Queen who holds him prisoner. Adventure, romance, and myth combine in this winter escapade for teens who like a bit of fire with their ice.

I didn't know what to expect when I picked up the first two books in this trilogy at my local library a few weeks ago. That doesn't really matter at this point because holy macaroni they rocked my socks!

I think the best part of these books in my opinion are that they are jam packed with Norse and Icelandic mythology, as well as the trilogy is based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. It's clear that a lot of thought and research went into these stories and that the characters are the pride and joy of the author. When you can feel the love that the author has for her characters, there is definitely going to be a good story told.

It's really difficult to write a review of these books because they are so good and there is so much going on in them. I am so stoked for the third book because I read both of these, back to back, in the span of a weekend. A lot of times I worry that as the series progresses that the books will be less entertaining but that isn't the case. When I read the summary for Frost my hopes weren't too high for it but the greatest part of it is that the summary doesn't give away anything that really takes place in the story. 

There were a few hangups in the writing style as it seems choppy at times, or the author is trying to make the dialogue sound more like a teenager but it just comes off cheesy. This doesn't detract from the remainder of the story though. Each character is individualized and stands out, even though the cast of characters is slightly expansive. There are moments where the story line seems just a tad far fetched but mainly Delsol carries on each event with equals parts suspense, emotion, and entertainment. 

If you like reading stories that are unique and unlike most others out there in the YA market now, I highly recommend this series. 

Have you read Stork and Frost? Let me know what you thought!