The Frozen Christmas and the Wishing Star – Book Review
by HYEI LEE
I was so excited to get a review copy of this delightful holiday-themed book, The Frozen Christmas and the Wishing Star. The beautiful, stunning cover drew me in right away, and then when I read the description, I knew I had to read this one!
It definitely did not disappoint. This is such a fresh take on the genre. It brings forward the magic of the Christmas spirit, but in a way you’d never think of! Let’s dive into my spoiler-free review.
Emma, Lucas, and young Mia follow bright reindeer trails into a world where Christmas has gone awry after learning that their parents have disappeared and that the world beyond their window has frozen into eerie silence.
The season’s familiar warmth is quickly transformed by the author into a glittering, perilous wonderland ruled by the merciless Santa Nick and his frigid sister Yuel. It’s a deft subversion: the familiar holiday symbols became echoes of strength and terror, pushing the boundaries of bravery and familial love.
But don’t worry – Christmas won’t be scary forever. These kids just need to work together to set things right again.
Lee’s creativity in this story has a cinematic quality. While robot reindeer patrol the skies with unsettling accuracy, the glass orb that transports the kids between worlds shines with mystery illuminated by stars. A sensation of time running out, starlit wastelands, and icicle palaces are all vividly depicted in each chapter. I can imagine it all like a moving playing out in my head. This book would easily translate to the big screen and become a cherished family holiday movie.
Beneath the fantasy and danger, however, lies a tale of connection: the relationship between siblings, the price of faith, and the bravery to cling to hope when all hope has faded. You will feel so inspired by their love, their familial bond, and their positive story.
Lucas’s creativity adds humor and brightness, Emma’s tenacity serves as the story’s foundation, and Mia’s innocence serves as the emotional catalyst that warms even the most chilly moments. They make up a trio that readers can’t help but cheer for.
Light and dark are expertly balanced throughout the book. Middle-grade fantasy readers will find it charming and compassionate, while adult readers will find it unsettling in the best way. Imagine a bit of gothic frost and moral complexity mixed with The Polar Express and The Chronicles of Narnia.
By the end of The Frozen Christmas and the Wishing Star, you are filled with wonder and hope. It’s the kind of icy, transient, sparkling experience that clings to your lashes like snowflakes.
Verdict: A lovely holiday fantasy that is full of family magic, bravery, and inventiveness. Hyei Lee’s universe is both beautiful and terrifying, making it the perfect read by the fireside for people who like their Christmas stories with a hint of darkness and a heart full of light.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — A modern Christmas classic in the making.
The second book in this duology has now released as well! You can get The Frozen Christmas and the Wishing Star: Book 2 now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle Edition, as well as Kindle Unlimited. It will be available for free download from November 11 to 14 to celebrate the launch.