Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston

Genre:  YA Fantasy Dystopian

Heart of Dread Series, Book 1

Melissa de la Cruz' website

Expected publication date:  September 17, 2013

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Description (taken from Melissa de la Cruz' website):

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.

At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she’s heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.

But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

So, has anyone seen Waterworld?  Anyone?  This book made me think of that movie even though they're in different worlds, but both deal with a voyage by boat.  And they both have some fantasy aspects.  So, it might not be the best comparison, but it's the one I'm going to make.

We watch Nat escape the all-encompassing government who is trying to take out people with 'abilities'.  And Nat has an ability although not even she really understands it.  With a voice in her head helping her and lucky circumstances, Nat meets Wes, a shipper who needs a job.  So, he and his crew decide to help her find the mystical 'Blue.'  And through this journey, we get to see the fantasy that exists and the destruction the world has faced, a frozen world.

Does this book have a good story?  Absolutely.  I read this book in two days, so I was definitely into it.  But...  It didn't really seem like anything new to me.  Which is bizarre because we're in a frozen world with fantasy!  Who else has done this?  I don't know.  I guess the fantasy parts weren't explained enough.  So, yes, I loved the story, the voyage, the ride.  But I'm not sure if I clicked immediately with the characters.

Do I plan on continuing this series?  Yes because I've read Melissa de la Cruz' other books, and her series tend to just bet better and better.