Title: A Killing Frost
Author: John Marsden
First published January 1, 1995
270 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780439829120 (ISBN10: 0439829127)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
The Tomorrow series continues with heart-pumping action in the sixth month of life in the war zone. Ellie and her friends are no longer just surviving, they’re fighting back.
In the third book of the series, they take their tactics to the water and plan to sabotage a massive container ship at Cobbler’s Bay. But with the risk of imprisonment looming, they must succeed in their mission with stealth and a massive explosion.
Failure is not an option in the face of such a formidable enemy. Get ready for another thrilling adventure in A Killing Frost by John Marsden.
About the Author
Did you know that John Marsden is a well-known author with several books under his belt? His career started in 1987 with his first book, So Much To Tell You.
He went on to write a half-sequel called Take My Word For It, which was written from another character’s point of view. However, his most famous work is the Tomorrow series, which is considered the most popular book series for young adults in Australia.
The first book in the series has been reprinted 26 times in Australia alone! In 2003, he started a new series featuring Ellie Linton from the Tomorrow series, with the first sequel released that year. The second and third novels followed in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
Editoral Review
John Marsden’s A Killing Frost is an action-packed novel and the third installment in the Tomorrow series. Marsden is an Australian author and teacher best known for his young adult literature, which explores complex themes such as war, love, and identity crises.
This dystopian novel, published in 1995, is aimed at teenagers and young adults. Set in the Australian wilderness, the book follows a group of teenagers, led by Ellie Linton, as they fight against foreign invaders and their own fears.
The Tomorrow series begins with the invasion of Australia by an unnamed military force, which led to the teenagers hiding in the wilderness, trying to survive. In A Killing Frost, the group gets involved in warfare as they try to protect their homeland and rescue their imprisoned friends.
Marsden’s writing style is bold and furious, and his descriptions of the Australian landscape will make the reader feel as if they are part of it. The characters are well-drawn, realistic, and relatable, and they carry much of the story’s emotional burden.
The protagonist, Ellie Linton, is a strong-willed and compassionate person, who risks her life to protect her friends and family in the face of danger. Marsden’s exploration of adolescent identity, the horrors of war, and the meaning of home and family is compelling throughout the book.
The narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of war, including death, loss, and the psychological effects on both the survivors and the captives. The book also deals with the issue of authority, and the group’s rebellion against the political system highlights the importance of individuality in the face of conformity.
One of the book’s significant weaknesses is the slight slowing down of pacing in the middle, which may cause the reader to lose interest. However, Marsden quickly picks up the pace towards the end, delivering a well-crafted and satisfying finale.
A Killing Frost is a worthy addition to the Tomorrow series, and an engaging read for anyone interested in dystopian literature. Although it is aimed at young adults, the themes of the book are universal and can be appreciated by readers of all ages.
With characters that are not afraid to confront life’s difficulties, this book emphasizes the importance of resilience and courage in navigating through life’s hardships. Overall, I highly recommend A Killing Frost to fans of dystopian literature, and anyone searching for a gripping and thought-provoking read.
It is a brilliant example of young adult literature that isn’t afraid to address complex realities head-on. I give this book a score of 8/10 for its well-drawn characters, intricate plot, and relevance to current world issues.
It will undoubtedly leave the reader eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Tomorrow series.