This past week we gave the spotlight to White as Frost, the first book in Anthea Sharp’s YA Fantasy series, Darkwood. Our Roadies brought a wide selection of content to this show with their reviews, interviews and more. Now it’s time to bring the show to an end and it’s my pleasure to present you with the encore, including some extra content. Come and learn a bit more about the world of White as Frost through our Q&A with Anthea!
Shall we?
ANTHEA SHARP is the USA Today bestselling author of the award-winning Feyland series – where a high-tech game opens a gateway to the treacherous Realm of Faerie – and the Darkwood Chronicles, a prequel series to the Darkwood Trilogy, where humans and Dark Elves inhabit a lush fantasy world full of magic and danger. She currently splits her year between sunny Southern California and the novel-inspiring forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Two sisters. One enchanted forest. And a hidden destiny that could doom them both…
I didn’t want to come live in the castle beside the Darkwood, and I especially didn’t want to become enemies with my stepsister Neeve. But how could I help it? She has magic, while I’m an ordinary girl. She’s the heir to the throne, while I’m an annoying afterthought since my mother married the king. And Neeve has the ability to master her emotions while I’m a red-haired disaster.
She also has Thorne, the handsome guardian of the forest, who tutors her in the powers that are her heritage. Even though I know he could never be mine, I can’t keep my heart from dreaming of the impossible.
But everything changes, the day I uncover the secrets the castle has been hiding… From USA Today bestseller Anthea Sharp comes this fantasy fairy-tale weaving elements of Snow White & Rose Red with romance, magic, and dangerous secrets that will destroy a kingdom.
Click on the blog name to read their full review or other content!
MAY 2ND – THE KICKOFF
Whispers & Wonder spotlight + IG spotlight
MAY 3RD
Beneath A Thousand Skies – review
“This was an enchanting read, and while I personally didn’t get on with the characters quite as much as I had hoped to, I believe this is a book that many people will love. Perfect for anyone who enjoys fairytale-inspired stories, vivid worldbuilding and a strong romantic storyline.”
@dibs.collection – review + IG spotlight
“In a nutshell, White as Frost opens a new world of fantasies and royals, mystery and adventure. I definitely commend and recommend this new thrilling magical tale!”
MAY 4TH
@mabookyard – review + IG spotlight
“The Darkwood was such a mysterious place to take the story into, and the way the author had presented the creatures, the wood’s secret and the happenings were amazing and it sucked me in while reading it.”
MAY 5TH
Westveil Publishing – review
“Although the plots and characters differ greatly and similarity is a mix of coincidence and common ground inspiration, the setting and premise in White as Frost reminded me a great deal of Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston. This of course leads me to say I recommend this book quite highly to fans of Poston! If you enjoy one of these authors, you’ll like the other as well.”
MAY 6TH
DEEKAY | Daily Dose of Reading – review
“Honestly, this is the most beautiful fairytale retelling story I ever read. If anyone is looking for a simple fairytale retelling book but with higher stakes and jaw-dropping surprises, this book is the real deal. I highly recommend this to everyone who always feel enchanted by fairytales.”
@chapter.mjthomas – review + IG spotlight
“I really loved the magical dark wood forest and the magical creatures there. I particularly liked the character Thorn, he seems pretty mysterious. But this particular book in the series gives you more questions than answers, as it should since this is the first book in the series. Overall,Prefect for Snow White and Narnia fans. But don’t expect a talking Lion. Something else is waiting for you.”
MAY 7TH
One Book More – review
“This is a great first book in The Darkwood Trilogy, and I think readers who like YA fantasy with political intrigue, a hint of romance, and cool supernatural elements will love this story.“
@theenchantedshelf – IG spotlight
Welcome to the Asylum, Anthea! Take a seat by the fire, have a glass of beverage of your choice and tell me something about yourself!
Why thank you! This elderberry wine in the silver-chased goblets you have here looks exactly like what’s served in the Dark Elf courts in my novel. However did you know? *takes a sit and sits on one of the velvet upholstered armchairs drawn up near the fire, while shadows tremble on the walls* As for me, I’m just a humble writer scribbling away in rain and sunshine, trying to bring some of the magic of the fairytales I love into the hands of readers.
What inspires your writing? Do you listen to music, stare into the fire, listen to the whispering of the wind, make deals with the Devil?
*nervously glances over shoulder* Um, why do you ask? You don’t have any demonic red priests lurking around, do you? I’d hate for them to leap out and accuse me of having fire sorcery – not that I do, of course! And neither does my MC, Rose! No, none at all, I promise! As for inspiration, magical forests, folklore, and a bit of romance are the fallow ground my stories take root in.
Describe an asylum set in the world of your book, White as Frost!
In some ways, Castle Raine, where the girls grow up, is a little bit like an asylum, though I hope the king doesn’t hear me say that. It’s a cold, damp, forbidding place. But luckily, just outside the walls lies the Darkwood, a magical forest that has its own dangers – and beauties as well. And did I mention a hot elf?
Your MC is locked in an asylum. What did he/she do to end up there?
I’m certain Rose wouldn’t end up there… but maybe her stepsister would. I mean, the true princess of the castle, Neeve, is a bit, well. I suppose you might say touched. Haunted by something, and hiding secrets, no doubt about it. Probably better not to know…
Which fictional character (it can be one of yours) and/or author would you like to live with in an asylum and why?
Shut me in with Leigh Bardugo and Kaz Brekker. We’d be out of there in no time, and off having adventures. Can you tell I’m a huge Grishaverse fan? 🙂
While you are locked in here for eternity, we will allow you one book – what would you choose?
When you say eternity… *shivers and takes a gulp of wine* Well, I’d have to pick one of my favorite re-reads, Sunshine by Robin McKinley. At least I can dream about cinnamon rolls while I’m locked away (but you wouldn’t really do that, would you? I have books to write!)
Well then, we hope you’ll enjoy your stay in the Asylum! Any last words? *locks door*
*dashes cup of wine to the floor and stands, shaking fist* Bring me pen and paper! I’m under deadline!
If you are interested in White as Frost and would like to get in contact with Anthea Sharp, you can find her on social media:
Find out more about Storytellers On Tour or join our team:
Grab a copy of White as Frost on Amazon!
Leave a Comment