Cold Spell

Ginny and Kai have always been together, the two of them against the world. With dreams of moving to New York while Kai pursues a career as a violinist, Ginny is more than happy to coast along as his girlfriend. More than happy in fact, despite Kai's grandmother's wishes. However, when an unseasonable snowstorm swirls into town and grandmother Dalia unexpectedly dies, Ginny is horrified to watch Kai find comfort in the arms of a mysterious stranger, a stranger who sweeps in with the storm and leaves with it too, taking Kai with her. Ginny must now journey on her own and face terrible, nightmarish fears all to save the boy she loves. But is her love enough to save Kai or will the snow queen's power over him hold strong?

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's story of The Snow Queen, Pearce has written an engaging and absorbing story of one girl's journey towards self-discovery against a backdrop of romance and supernatural horror. What first appears to be a fairly straightforward retelling soon becomes a more intricate story, one that focuses on Ginny taking charge of her own life, discovering her inner strength and capabilities and creating bonds with the people she meets along the way. Cold Spell is a fast-paced read, and a great introduction to Pearce's work for those who have not come across her before. A perfect story to curl up with on a chilly, wintry night.