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Frost Fair (2008)

by Erastes(Favorite Author)

3.6 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1602021562 (ISBN13: 9781602021563)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Linden Bay Romance, Llp

review 1: This is essentially professional slash fiction, set in London in 1814 during a winter so cold that the Thames freezes, allowing traders to set up stalls on the ice—hence the book's title. The book is readable—the research seems thorough, and the prose is quite good. However, the characterisation is by numbers and stereotypical, with much made of the love interests' physical difference (blond and androgynous versus older, taller, dark complexion), and I didn't find the romance believable or the sex that exciting. Still, good enough that I'd probably read more of Erastes' work.
review 2: “Frost Fair” by noted author ‘Erastes’ (Cheyenne Publishing, 2009) is a love story set against the backdrop of Dickensian London and the frozen Thames River, in 1814.... more This intriguing setting includes a carnival on ice, described by diarist John Evelyn as a “bacchanalian triumph,” thus completing the atmosphere for a superb, period romance. Moreover, Erastes populates this ‘unique happening’ with a fascinating array of characters: a handsome, honest tradesman; a kindly and loving patron; and a glib, wealthy cad. Fiercely Independent tradesman, Gideon Frost, is a talented lithographer and printer struggling to make ends meet (no pun intended), even if this means occasionally selling his body in the courtyard of the venerable old St. Paul’s Cathedral—an interesting and historically accurate juxtaposition—and the equally intriguing street called “Lad Lane.” Beset by bill collectors, Gideon receives a lucrative commission from a wealthy gentleman-of-leisure, Joshua Redfern, who is secretly enamoured by this beautiful, young artisan. Unknown to Redfern, Gideon is equally smitten by him as well. Meanwhile, as a result of a “Little Ice Age” (c. 1770-1800), the Thames River froze solid to the delight of tradesmen eager to make a pound-or-two—Gideon included. It also attracted the curious of all classes, including one, Finbarr Thouless. Now, one of the solid pluses of this novela is the well-developed cast of characters, and Finbarr Thouless is no exception. Delightfully ‘slithery,’ he is portrayed as a two-faced, self-centred, foppish cad with a vitriolic vengeful streak. Moreover, given the fact that he exercises considerable sway over Redfern, it does not bode well for him and Gideon. I hasten to add that there is nothing formulaic about this story, for it offers several twists right up to the ending; which is both surprising and gratifying at the same time. That, however, is for the reader to discover for him or herself. Of particular interest to me, as a writer of historical fiction, is the authentic depiction of the ‘frost fair.’ This rare occurrence first came to my knowledge through Helen Humphries (“Frozen Thames”), who dramatized this phenomenon with colourful vignettes—including accounts of birds falling from the air cocooned in a coating of ice. Therefore, from my point of view a bit more descriptive elaboration would not have gone amiss. However, the story does move along delightfully with no unnecessary dawdling, whatsoever. Not to be overlooked, either, is the stunning front cover art by Alex Beecroft—herself ‘no slouch’ as a writer. Coincidentally, my next scheduled review will focus on her novel “Captain’s Surrender.” “Frost Fair” is a definite read for those who enjoy well researched, and well-written historical fiction, romance and a gay perspective. less

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