Black Ice

by Becca Fitzpatrick

[Kelly]

http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/10/black-ice-by-becca-fitzpatrick.html
Apart from a weak beginning and questionable actions from the female protagonist, I really, really enjoyed it. The last quarter was fantastic. Considering I loathed Hush Hush, you can colour me surprised.

Black Ice was a unique and enthralling read that surprised me. Told from the perspective of Britt, a girl who still pines for her former boyfriend and has always relied on the men in her life to keep her safe, she now finds herself in a dangerous situation with nothing to rely upon but her own cunning. As the story begins, Britt seems to be little more than a materialistic simpleton. But it isn't long before her sheds her superficial facade in order to survive. She isn't the helpless girl she portrays herself to be. Korbie on the other hand is the generic wealthy princess who is waiting for death, or boyfriend Bear to rescue her from their captors. The term boyfriend is used loosely, as she makes her intentions towards claiming Shaun clear, and her jealously leads to her usual obnoxious and caustic comments as a coping mechanism. Although best friends, Korbie switches between fun loving girl to poisonous when she feels that she isn't the center of attention. Her character was cruel and incredibly irritating.

Mason and Shaun are seemingly friends, but it isn't long before cracks start appearing and Britt soon releases that their connection is little more than a strained association that she can use to her advantage. But Mason isn't the heartless villain that he first appears to be, his kindness and attempts to protect Britt are baffling, until she learns more about why he's trying to evade the authorities. Britt finds herself partially attracted to Mason, but also acknowledges the possibility of suffering from Stockholm Syndrome in a hostage situation. It soon becomes more a battle against the elements to survive, than escape.

I found myself championing for Britt's escape and survival, and unlike her debut novel Hush Hush, Black Ice is a more mature, meticulous and engaging read that will appeal to fans of young adult mysteries and thrillers. Highly entertaining and will surprise readers who weren't particularly fond of her previous releases. I simply couldn't put it down.