Amber Frost

By Suzi Davis

Grace Lynn Stevenson is an eighteen year old girl who recently moved with her wealthy, but busy parents to a new city. She’s popular, pretty and rich - what more could a girl want? But deep down, she’s sad, lonely and plagued by nightmares. When she meets Sebastian Caldwood at her new private school, she’s inexplicably drawn to him and his strange tattoos. Sebastian always gets what he wants - he simply has to wish it; but he’s fighting his own inner demons, and struggling to remember a past that eludes him. When he remembers that he is much older than he looks, he realizes that he’s seen many people live and die, including Grace.

Once Sebastian realizes his true nature and finds what he has been searching for the past hundreds of years, he also realizes that it is now up to him to protect Grace from the dangers that have plagued them throughout eternity.

Be sure to read The Lost Magic Series in its entirety:
1. Amber Frost
2. Silver Dew
3. Sapphire Sun

• Language: English
• Publisher: Central Avenue Teen
• Release date: Sep 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781926760490

Suzi Davis

Suzi Davis is a British-born Canadian writer and artist and has been writing stories and poetry for as long as she can remember. Interested in the paranormal, there is always an added element of magical fantasy to whatever tale she spins. Suzi lives on British Columbia's Vancouver Island with her husband and young sons.

Book preview

Chapter One – Design

My pen carefully moved across the paper, twisting, flowing, black ink streaking in its wake across the virgin white surface. The contrast was bold and oddly satisfying. I surrendered to my instincts, allowing my subconscious to control my movements. I watched as if from a distance as the intricate swirls untangled into a detailed pattern, my pen dancing across the page. It was a strange sensation, to be so absorbed in my drawing but to feel so detached from my actions at the same time. This was one of the rare times I didn’t overanalyze. There were no rules that bound me here; I was free to express myself, to escape.

It was one of the reasons why I often chose to work in the art room during my free periods. I found a strange kind of peace beneath the high ceilings and under the glaring fluorescent lights. I sat at my usual place, the desk that was always left empty at the side of the room. My seat was facing the tall windows at the back of the art room that looked out over the school courtyard. On sunny days I would gaze out at the bright blue sky and watch wispy, white clouds drift by. Lately, I’d been watching the late autumn rains fall, washing away the last traces of summer as the seasons turned and changed.

I felt safe in the art room. No one knew me here – no, that wasn’t true. Everyone knew me everywhere. But no one spoke to me here and no one expected me to speak to them. I didn’t have to try so hard. I could afford the luxury of letting myself go – a little. I was free to doodle, to daydream and to work through my increasingly complex thoughts. Life never used to be this complicated but lately... lately something was wrong. I’d become aware that there was something missing in my life, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

I continued to draw, spiraling deeper within myself with each precise and impulsively placed line.

My life was all about order, all about rules. It started with my parents, their strict ideas about how an eighteen year-old girl should behave, all the things I must accomplish, everything I should want, all that I should strive for. I tried my best to please them, to be the daughter that they wanted me to be. Each day I dressed myself in the expensive and fashionable clothes my mother bought for me. I paid meticulous attention to my appearance, knowing that my mother expected me to appear flawless and composed at all times. My parents had many expectations for me – good grades, extra-curricular activities, to be friendly, polite and bubbly no matter how I truly felt. It didn’t feel like their standards were too high; I knew they just wanted me to be happy in the way they thought I should be. I never disappointed them.

I was fairly certain my parents were happy or at least pleased with themselves; all of their dreams and desires were coming true but they had expected no less from life. They weren’t satisfied; what we had was never enough and they constantly strove for more. My father had recently been promoted to a partner at the law-firm where he had worked for the past three years. This had meant more prestige for our family and almost as importantly, more money. We’d moved into the city of Victoria, closer to my father’s office and into a significantly larger house. My mother had been able to buy more expensive things to fill our bigger, fancier home and I’d been enrolled into a better school, the prestigious Craigflower Academy.

We lived on Vancouver Island, on the West Coast of Canada. Craigflower Academy was in Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint and touristy capital city. It was where we’d relocated to from our previous smaller, rural home outside of the city. I missed our old neighborhood, the fields, the forests, the nearby lake, but I didn’t complain, I never complained. I forced out a smile as we said goodbye to the house I’d lived in for most of my life. I didn’t shed a single tear as I left the private school that I’d attended for the past sixteen years and all my old friends behind. The future held bigger and better things for me than them or so I’d been told. There was no reason to feel sad.

I knew I was lucky to be going to such a prestigious private school. I knew I should be impressed by Craigflower’s beautifully manicured campus grounds, historic-looking, statuesque buildings, state of the art equipment and world-renowned teaching staff. And I should have been thrilled to move into such a huge, beautiful, new house with so many windows, balconies and pillars. There may have been no fields and forests in my new neighborhood but we now lived right along the waterfront on the exclusive Beach Drive, minutes from the ocean and just a short drive to Victoria’s busy downtown area. I should be proud of our beautiful gardens, tall oak trees and high, iron gates. Yet often, I would wistfully gaze out my third story bedroom window to the snow peaked mountains on the horizon and the forests and mountains that bordered the city. I had to remind myself that we were now in the right neighborhood, socializing with the right people and I was finally attending the right school. I knew I should be grateful. I knew I should try harder.

My pen began weaving and looping, tracing lines faster, harder, darker. The pattern that had started out so neat and precise was exploding outwards across the page, the lines tangling out into a dark and detailed nest that overwhelmed the pristine white in twisted shadows. I watched myself curiously, vaguely surprised by the darkness of the image I was creating.

My life was nothing like this drawing. My life was ordered, carefully contained, perfect. I had everything I’d ever been told I wanted. I was aware that most of the girls at my new school envied me. I’d been told many times I was beautiful, so I supposed it was true. The compliments held little value or interest to me. I was slightly taller than average and had a slim yet toned figure; I followed a strictly regimented exercise routine and always watched what I ate. My hair flowed in thick waves almost to my waist and was a warm shade of golden, chestnut-brown. My skin was flawless and smooth, my eyes were a sapphire ocean blue, my lashes dark, long and curled, my brows and lips perfectly shaped, my nose and teeth perfectly straight. I always appeared to be perfect, not a hair out of place due to considerable effort on my part. Sometimes it was tedious being me but it was a responsibility I was expected to fill.

I knew it wasn’t just my looks that the girls at school were jealous of; it was also my boyfriend, Clarke Simons, who they envied. He was tall, dark and handsome, great smile, athletic, track and field star, good student and without a doubt the most popular boy in school. He’d asked me out only a week after I started at Craigflower and of course I said yes. He was obviously the right kind of person for me to date. Our relationship brought me into his tightly knit fold of popular students, ensuring I associated with the right people at my new school. He also came from the right kind of family; the Simons were well known in Victoria and my parents were thrilled to hear I was dating their only son. The Simons soon began inviting my family out to various prestigious events and functions in and around the city – my parents couldn’t be happier. And, of course, Clarke was far better to me than I deserved. He was proud of me and loved to flaunt me around school on his arm. He took me to fancy restaurants and bought me expensive things, and constantly told me how beautiful I was. What more could I want or ask from life?

I sighed. My pen stopped moving as I emerged from my trance, curiously studying the drawing before me. At first glance it was a mess, like a child’s random and angry scribbling. Upon closer examination though, a pattern was revealed. The lines flowed smoothly in and out of one another in a detailed and complex design that spoke of rigid, meticulous order hidden within the chaos. The drawing was angry and raw. It was the emptiness that was inside of me; the carefully contained, intricate darkness. Most girls would trade lives with me in a split second. I was young, smart, attractive and popular. I was quickly climbing the social ladder at school, already one of the most popular girls after only attending Craigflower for a couple months. Yet why was I so unhappy with all the wonderful things that I had? Why did I feel so hollow, like the core of my life, my being, was missing?

I glared down at the beautiful, black, twisted drawing. What was wrong with me? I knew I was going to have to throw the drawing out. No one would understand it – how could they when I barely understood it myself? The abstract, black pattern didn’t seem like it could possibly have come from my hand. I felt relieved that none of my new, popular friends were taking art; there was no one important there to bear witness to my strange creation, this raw, naked exposure of my soul. I’d never drawn anything like this before, I wasn’t even sure where the impulse had come from to draw it just now but I knew that the time for daydreaming and escapism was over.

I sat up straighter, blinking rapidly as if waking from a dream. I refocused my eyes, refocused my attention and I came back to the present, back to reality.

And that’s when I noticed him.

I became aware of his presence before I actually saw him standing there, leaning against the side of my desk. Though I hadn’t noticed him until that moment, I had a strange sense that he had been standing there for some time. He stood right beside me but unexpectedly, he wasn’t looking my way. His dark, clouded eyes were focused on my strange drawing, a slight frown on his face. His attention was trapped within the web of dark, coiled lines, and so I felt safe looking him over, examining his strange and striking features.

I had no idea who he was. This in itself was another surprise. In the past two months I thought I had learnt the names of everyone at my new school but I had never noticed this tall, dark-haired boy before. I certainly would have remembered him; he was completely unique, like no one else I’d ever seen. Though I was certain that we’d never met, there was something unexpectedly compelling and familiar about him. I looked him over curiously, trying to pinpoint the source of my déjà-vu.

His hair was short and jet-black, styled in messy spikes with a strange tint to it that made me think of a raven’s feathers. His dark eyes were large and very slightly slanted, his lashes were thick black fans shadowing them. He was very good-looking but not in a traditional way. His features were so perfect, so stunning that there was almost a feminine edge to them. His lips were curved, smooth and pink, his face was heart-shaped, his jaw smooth. His body was definitely masculine. He stood nearly a foot taller than I, his shoulders broad, his physique lean yet obviously muscled. He looked unexpectedly unique in his school uniform with his shirt untucked and the top button of his collar left undone. I realized his tie was missing too, and his pants (though black) looked a lot more comfortable and casual than the dress pants the boys at Craigflower were supposed to wear.

I studied him unabashed, completely forgetting myself and the commonly accepted social norms. I stared in fascination at this curious and interesting stranger while he stared just as intensely at my drawing. My eyes lingered on the piercings in his ears and the small, dark hoops that hung from them. I wondered how he got away with such obvious violations of the school’s strict dress code.

I was drawn out from my thoughts by his sudden movement. He reached out with one hand to slowly trace the path of one of the thicker lines in my drawing. I was captivated by the gesture, so elegant and precise, like a familiar caress. I noticed the skin of his hands looked creamy and smooth, an almost feminine contradiction to their masculine shape. Several heavy yet simple rings also decorated his fingers, the metal of them faded to a dull and tarnished gray. They were obviously very old and definitely unfashionable; I wondered why he wore them.

His hand suddenly froze, hovering over my drawing as he turned to me with eyes just as curious as I felt mine must certainly be. Our gazes locked together and I felt my mouth pop open in surprise. His eyes were… beautiful. They seemed to shift colors as I stared deep into them, fading from a deep and clouded, dark bluish-gray to almost black, changing so quickly that I couldn’t quite say what color they really were. Something unidentifiable flickered within their depths, akin to what I briefly felt stir in my soul. I quickly dropped my gaze, surprised and suddenly embarrassed as I realized how long I had been silently staring at this strange boy.

You, your drawing… he murmured, his eyes darting to my face in confusion. He hesitated before continuing and I had the distinct impression he had changed what he had been about to say. I must admit, I’m surprised. I’ve never seen you produce anything like this before. Your artwork is usually so… generic, he commented, sounding amused. His voice was smooth and flowing, and instantly appealing. There was a slight lilt to the way he spoke too, an accent that I couldn’t quite place – British perhaps?

Thank you, I responded politely, automatically, though I felt confused. I wondered if I should be offended. What did he know about my usual style of artwork? I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name, I lied.

He smirked. No, you haven’t, he denied, still looking and sounding amused. You don’t know me. We’ve never met.

Are you new? I asked, still feeling puzzled.

No. He turned away to study my drawing some more.

Oh. I didn’t know what else to say. I frowned. This boy was strange, whoever he was. And I didn’t like the way he was looking at my drawing. It felt like a violation of my privacy, making me feel strangely vulnerable and exposed. I had never intended for anyone to see this. I had, in fact, been about to throw the dark and abstract design away. Why haven’t I seen you before? I questioned, pulling his attention away from my paper. I tried to discreetly slide my arm over the design, protectively covering it up. He reluctantly turned back to me.

You probably just never noticed me. I’ve noticed you though but of course, who hasn’t? Doesn’t everyone know and admire Grace Lynn Stevenson? A smile tugged at his lips. Though his words were mocking his manner was friendly enough. My name that you never knew but seemed to forget is Sebastian, by the way, he added. Sebastian Mattias Caldwood.

Yup, definitely strange. I didn’t like how he knew my full name – it was creepy. I realized he definitely wasn’t the kind of person I should be talking to, not someone my friends would approve of. He wasn’t like us.

Well, Sebastian, perhaps you should go sit down and focus on your own work before you get us both in trouble, I suggested, forcing a cold edge to my tone. For some reason, no matter how strange and mocking he was, I felt reluctant to be rude to him. I knew it was necessary though; it was what I should do. He smiled back at me, a dimple appearing in his cheek.

We won’t get in trouble, he replied, dismissing my concerns with a grin. I noticed his teeth were quite straight and white. Do you want to know what caught my attention about your drawing, besides the unique and creative expression of teenage angst and depression?

I’m not depressed, I quickly denied with a scowl. I was just doodling – it’s garbage really. I started to scrunch up the paper but he put his hand down, firmly holding the drawing in place.

See? he said as he pushed up the sleeve of his white school shirt. A black tattoo that appeared to start at his hand snaked up the length of his arm, curving around his forearm and disappearing beneath his shirtsleeve. The lines of it were thick and black, twisting into an intricate pattern of spirals around the shape of his lean muscles. It was very similar to my drawing, as if it had been formed by the same hand. Some of the lines and pattern seemed to be of exactly the same design. A small gasp escaped my lips while goose bumps popped up all over my arms. It wasn’t just similar – it was the same, I realized. I stared up at him in confusion. His eyes twinkled back at me mysteriously.

That’s so weird, I blurted out, my voice hushed and shocked.

He laughed, a light and musical sound. You have no idea, he answered. His eyes bore down into mine, the color so dark it was completely unidentifiable now.

I sharply looked away from him, sliding my drawing out from under his arm, careful not to look too closely at his tattoo again. I scrunched the paper up into a ball and tossed it into the nearby garbage can, forcing myself to calm down, to appear nonchalant. There’s an explanation for this – there must be an explanation, I chanted to myself.

I guess I must have seen your tattoo before, I said casually though I wasn’t sure that I entirely believed myself. What else could possibly explain it though? I briskly rubbed my arm where goose bumps still stood.

Perhaps.

I frowned. I must have seen his tattoo before. I probably just didn’t remember as he wasn’t the type I usually took notice of. He was so obviously different; definitely not my kind of guy.

He continued to stare down at me with curious, dark eyes.

You seem too old for just seventeen, he suddenly commented. His brow creased into a puzzled frown as if he hadn’t meant to speak aloud.

That’s because I’m not seventeen – I’m eighteen, I answered slowly, wondering what he meant. I had intended to end the conversation then and there but there was something about his confused and doubtful expression that drove me to further explain. I did a year exchange in Germany, so I’m behind a grade. Sebastian cocked his head to one side as if questioning my words. "I know I look young but I am eighteen," I insisted, fighting the vague sense of annoyance that was stirring within me.

No, that’s not it. There’s something about your eyes… you must have an old soul, he mused softly, leaning in towards me as he spoke. His words caught me off guard. I found myself suddenly unable to look away as I stared back into the dark, swirling depths of Sebastian’s eyes; there was something familiar there, something that beckoned.

You have an old soul too, I blurted without thinking. Sebastian’s amused chuckle broke through my trance. I tore my gaze from his, suddenly embarrassed and slightly annoyed. I knew I shouldn’t still be talking to this boy; I shouldn’t have allowed myself to get caught up in his bizarre games. Whatever. I have work to do, I dismissed him. I tried to ignore him but he made no move to leave. He remained, silently staring down at me.

Do you mind if I move over here so I can work by you? he asked.

Sorry, but I’d rather work alone, I answered quickly, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice.

Really? He sounded amused again, his lilting voice doubtful.

Yes.

"I suppose the period is almost over, he conceded, again not seeming to notice my unfriendly tone. Will you sit with me tomorrow? I usually work over there." He nodded with his head to a desk near the windows at the back of the art room. I frowned, confused again. If he usually worked by the windows, how could I possibly not have noticed him before? This boy was making me feel on edge.

No, thank you, I answered firmly. He laughed at my rejection.

You will, he answered, confidently but without a trace of cockiness. I looked up at him then, completely confused by his reaction. I felt like my head was spinning.

What makes you stay that? I tried my best to give him a hard look.

He shrugged, still looking amused. He pursed his lips together as if fighting a smile.

Why don’t you explain it to me tomorrow? I don’t know why you’ll change your mind, but you will nonetheless. He said it pleasantly, not a hint of mocking to his tone, just the gentle lilt of his curious accent.

I stared at him as if he were insane. I didn’t know how to respond.

See you tomorrow, Gracelynn.

Irrationally, I felt a glow of pleasure at the way he addressed me. I liked the way he said my names together, although I wondered why he would call me that when the rest of the school just knew me as Grace.

Another friendly smile spread across his face, his cheek dimpling. He really was quite good-looking but so very, very strange. There was absolutely no way I would be sitting with him tomorrow. Sebastian was definitely not my kind of person. I shouldn’t want anything to do with him or his strange, dark tattoo. I silently cursed myself for allowing my mind to wander and produce the curious, twisted drawing in the first place. If it weren’t for that stupid, meaningless doodle, Sebastian might never have approached me. I would be sketching a happy, sunny landscape scene and my day would be uninterrupted by this weird, overly-forward boy. I should have stuck to generic. Generic was safe; generic was me.

Sebastian grinned once more before turning and walking back towards his seat just as the bell rang. I couldn’t believe the period was over already. I must have been even more absorbed in my drawing and thoughts than I had realized, completely losing all sense of time.

As I packed up my things and began to leave the art room, I couldn’t help but glance over to the windows quickly. The desks there were all empty, Sebastian was nowhere to be seen. I felt annoyed and still quite confused. The whole encounter had been so bizarre, so sudden and unexpected. I was left feeling strangely dazed, almost disoriented as I tried to recall and make sense of the conversation. I was still puzzling over it when Clarke caught up with me in the hallway that led back to the main building. He threw his arm around my shoulders as he swaggered up beside me, immediately demanding my attention and interrupting my thoughts.

Hey, babe! How was art? he asked, flashing me a smile that would stop most girls’ hearts. Mine didn’t falter for a second, though I knew it should.

Fine… strange actually, I admitted with a slight frown. He didn’t seem to hear me, didn’t notice the edge to my voice. I knew he’d only asked out of courtesy; he didn’t really care about my answer.

"I’ve got rugby practice after school today. We’re playing Brentwood on Thursday – we’re going to crush them. Coach thinks we’ve got a good chance of winning provincials this year, mostly due to me. He says I’m the best player he’s seen in years," Clarke gloated, puffing up his chest.

Uh huh, I replied absently, absorbed in my own thoughts. For some reason I couldn’t get my encounter with Sebastian out of my head. He was so strange. Why had he seemed so confident that I would sit with him tomorrow? How could he possibly think that someone like me would be interested in having anything to do with someone like him? And the strange tattoo he had revealed to me – why had I been doodling such a similar design? It was very peculiar, unnerving in fact.

Grace? Gracie! You’re not even listening! What’s up with you today, babe? Clarke demanded, his handsome features pulling down into a sulky pout.

I knew I should apologize. I knew it was important to keep Clarke happy, to be the girl he wanted me to be but for some reason, I could no longer remember why.

I’m just having a weird day, I confessed. He frowned at this pronouncement; it was unlike me to complain. A boy was talking to me in art class today and he was… strange. He just… weirded me out a bit, I struggled to explain.

Who was it? Clarke demanded. He suddenly seemed interested, a jealous gleam to his dark brown eyes. I hesitated before answering, reluctant to cause trouble.

Sebastian Caldwood, I answered, carefully studying his reaction. He surprised me by laughing.

Oh, Sebastian. I should have guessed, he said with a smirk. He sounded relieved. Yeah, he is a weird guy, keeps to himself mostly though.

Who is he? Why haven’t I ever noticed him before?

He’s a nobody, less than a nobody – a foster kid, he said, with obvious disgust. "His foster parents are both human rights lawyers, the Jensons I think. It’s ridiculous that they waste so much money sending someone like him to Craigflower. He’s not even their son and he’s obviously not the usual type accepted here."

I noticed that, I murmured in agreement.

Forget him. If he’s bothering you, I’ll take care of it.

No, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it, I quickly reassured him.

Clarke nodded, easily accepting my words without looking or listening too deeply. He returned to his previous tale of rugby glory and this time I made an effort to pay attention, making appropriate impressed sounds at all the right places and gazing up at him with what I hoped were adoring eyes. My mind was elsewhere though, my thoughts spinning about in dark, twisting circles.

Chapter Two - Spare Change

By the time Clarke and I made our way across campus to the dining hall, I was completely over the strange encounter from that morning. Well, not completely over it but I was practiced enough at suppressing my true emotions and thoughts that no one would ever have been able to guess that something was bothering me.

I looped my arm through Clarke’s as we approached the huge, carved oak doors to the dining hall. I knew how much he enjoyed making an entrance, how pleased he was to show me off as I hung from his arm, the perfect accessory. I ran a quick hand through my long, wavy hair ensuring it was smooth. He paused in the doorway to smile down at me.

You look beautiful today, he murmured as he brushed his lips against my cheek.

I think I’ve heard that one before, I answered with a small smile. But thank you.

He grinned at my response, probably thinking I was being coy and flirtatious. The compliment meant little to me. I knew I should be flattered but today I felt almost offended to hear his generic words. What was interesting about being beautiful anyway? Wasn’t there more to me than that? I gave my head a little shake, trying to push back my doubtful thoughts.

Shall we? He gestured to the open door.

Lead the way, I replied with a brief and somewhat forced smile.

He guided me into the massive dining hall, marching forward with his head held high as I glided along beside him. Many heads turned as we strolled down the main aisle between the long wooden benches and tables. I tried to ignore the jealous stares and admiring looks I received but I wasn’t quite as good at it today as I usually was. It was a relief when we reached our usual table at the side of the hall – it was the best spot; furthest from the noisy kitchens but close enough to one of the four fireplaces to be warm and cozy. It was also central enough that we could still be admired by our peers.

Hi Clarke, Grace, Tanya greeted us as we approached. Her smile for Clarke was warm and a little too friendly but her aqua-marine eyes were icy when she reluctantly glanced my way. Tanya was tall, with short, perfectly-straight blonde hair cut to her jaw. She had smooth, porcelain skin and plump, pink lips. Until I had started at Craigflower, she’d been considered the prettiest girl in school; and she was obviously aware of the fact that she had been usurped. I forced out a smile.

Hi, Tanya, I answered, sitting down beside her. Tanya was one of my new, popular friends. It was painfully obvious that she didn’t really like me but we still duly sat together and called one another ‘friend’. After all, we were both beautiful, rich and came from well-known families – our kind always stuck together and kept up appearances at all costs.

All the members of our group came from high-society families. Our parents were all doctors, lawyers, politicians and CEO’s. We were all wealthy, well-dressed and attractive and we ruled the school. Clarke would probably be considered the leader of our group; he was the reason why I’d been brought into the fold so easily. Newcomers weren’t typically accepted so easily or quickly. There were seven of us, including me; the numbers had been even until I’d arrived.

The three boys were Clarke and his two best friends, Graham, a tall, blonde beefcake with dimples and few brains, and Adam, short and wiry with dark curly hair and striking green eyes. Then there were the three girls. Tanya was blonde, blue-eyed, and wickedly curvaceous. Rebecca was a drop-dead gorgeous Hawaiian girl with shoulder length, silky black hair and warm, bronze skin. And Cadence was brown-haired, brown-eyed, pretty but surprisingly plain in contrast to the rest. Cadence’s father was a judge and her mother a famous surgeon. She’d been brought into the group because of her family’s immense wealth and powerful reputation. Apparently her family’s prestige made up for her lack of beauty.

And then there was me.

I greeted my friends with quick smiles and nods as I sat down, hoping I didn’t look as uncomfortable as I felt. I wondered if I would ever truly be comfortable with my new friends but then again, it didn’t really matter.

Clarke sat down beside me and took my hand in his. Other than that one small gesture, he barely acknowledged my presence. He was much more interested in discussing Thursday’s upcoming rugby game with the other boys. I turned my attention to the girls’ conversation.

"Look at what Carmen did to her uniform. Ugh, the whole punk rock, loose-tie thing is so two years ago," Tanya sneered. The other two girls turned to stare. They giggled and sneered mercilessly as Carmen’s face went red. I didn’t look; I didn’t care. I began idly tracing a line in the grain of the wood table top as I waited for lunch to be served.

Did any of you see Charlotte Hill this morning? Rebecca asked. She got a tattoo on the weekend on the back of her neck and tried to cover it up with a big band-aid but Mr. Pearson noticed and sent her home, she informed us in scandalized tones. I looked up, their conversation suddenly attracting my interest.

Ew, she got a tattoo? Tanya asked, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

What’s it of? Cadence inquired, her soft voice curious. Tanya frowned at her disapprovingly.

Does it matter? Tanya challenged. Cadence blushed, squirming uncomfortably under Tanya’s piercing, blue-eyed glare.

I saw Sebastian Caldwood’s tattoo in art this morning, I volunteered cautiously. It was really strange – a weird, black design that wrapped up and around his forearm. I directed my words to Cadence who disliked me the least of the three. She gave me a hesitant smile.

Who’s Sebastian Caldwood? Rebecca demanded impatiently. Even Tanya, who usually ignored me when I spoke, looked at me with a mixture of irritation and confusion in her expression.

Are you talking about Sebastian again? I hadn’t realized Clarke had been listening.

We were talking about tattoos, I said by way of explanation.

Yeah, Sebastian’s got a bunch, Adam chimed in. He tries to keep them hidden but I saw his tats in the locker room once. They’re all really dark and weird looking – can’t really remember what they were of though, just that they creeped me out.

That kid’s a freak, Graham snorted.

Yes, I agreed quickly. Tanya was eyeing me suspiciously. He is weird.

I tried to appear dismissive and nonchalant but goose bumps had risen up and down my arms. If Sebastian usually kept his tattoos hidden, how was it that I’d known the design?

Just then lunch arrived, interrupting my thoughts and our conversation. The serving staff placed the steaming hot plates in front of us, automatically serving our table first. Even the staff were aware of the social hierarchy at Craigflower.

I stared at the roast beef, potatoes and vegetables. No one commented when I only picked at the food on my plate. The girls in our group didn’t eat very much anyway – we weren’t expected to. I suddenly felt the urge to be alone, to escape my ‘friends’ and take a quick break from the charade, if only for a moment.

Clarke, do you have a toonie? I want to buy a coke – I need some caffeine.

Clarke smiled, happy for the opportunity to buy me anything. He enjoyed feeling like he spoiled me. He put down his fork and reached into his pocket, tossing a handful of change onto the table.

Help yourself, babe, he replied, turning back to his meal.

Thanks, I murmured. I picked out a loonie and four quarters and rose from the table, making my way to the vending machines that were at the very back of the dining hall. Heads turned as I walked down the aisle between the tables. I picked up my pace, eager to be away from the judging eyes. I lowered my gaze as I walked, allowing my hair to fall into my face and I hid behind the locks.

It was a relief when I reached the vending machines that were partially hidden from the rest of the hall by the base of the stairs. I took my time, slowly putting the coins into the slot one by one. When I hit the button for a Coke, SOLD OUT flashed across the little digital screen. I sighed in irritation. I hadn’t really wanted a Coke anyway, just a moment to be alone. I could still dawdle a while before going back. I slowly pressed the ‘coin return’ button.

My change clanged noisily as it dropped out of the machine, unexpectedly shooting from the small change tray and spinning onto the shiny, hardwood floor. I bent down to pick the coins up, carefully folding my plaid, school skirt under my legs as I crouched down. My hand froze though when I noticed how the coins had landed. A chill ran

Reviews for Amber Frost

[has_bookpusher · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Grace is trapped in a world of rules although she lives a privileged life with wealth and good connections, such as the popular boyfriend and leading the ‘in-crowd’ at her school. However despite these advantages she finds herself drifting and burdened with expectations especially by her parents and her boyfriend. But when she she meets a mysterious boy, Sebastian, who awakens her inner desires and Grace soon finds her true self but is torn between expectations by her family and friends and what Sebastian can offer which is definitely otherworldly.

I think the past year or so I may be burned out on YA that feature Twilightesque plots/characters, and I am not a huge fan of these tropes, especially with so many books having similar premises. I think my main gripe (and problem) with this book was the fact that Grace was not a proactive character and was pretty passive for most of the book.

I also really did not like the that fact it took Sebastian, to show her out of rut and the passivity of the life she was in, and the way this happened never really worked for me. The message behind this also made me wary, I have no issues with the Sleeping Beauty trope/styled story but I wished there was development in the story. I especially found Grace’s privileged background and beauty made her too much of a Mary Sue character and there was not much conflict or interest for me on why she would feel like this or be so passive. It made her character almost feel like a cardboard cutout and she only came alive when Sebastian came along and I found it very hard to believe she would not have rebelled in some way or actually become selfish, snobbish and be as self centred as her friends and family with the expectations she was brought up with. Although, Grace’s parents were restrictive and self centred there was a suggestion later in the book about why this was the case but this was way too late into the story.

I also had real issues with the romance. I didn't see any real chemistry with the hero, there was a lot of telling instead of showing with their relationship. The pacing really, really dragged, especially for the first three quarters into the book. I love romance but there was no real tension between the characters and I found Sebastian’s character even less developed as Grace. During their courtship there were lots of mentions of Sebastian telling Grace stories and jokes but there was no scenes of real interaction and no sense of how they fell in love. It was only towards the end, that we got to see some interesting aspects of Sebastian but again too little, too late for me.

At this point of the story I was getting so bored with the book that I seriously considered DNF - but I managed to plow my way through the rest of the story which improved slightly although I think at that point it was too little too late. The twist at the end was the only thing that saved the book but even with that plot ending, it wasn’t as much of a surprise since I suspected this throughout the book. I really wished this aspect of the plot was brought forward earlier because this was the most interesting part of the book. In fact this was when the story started to get interesting for me and I wished this was brought up much earlier in the book. The romance was not strong enough to carry the story although the characters felt lackluster as well but the twist would have added some plot and tension and it did made them become more interesting for me.

I think there will be people who will enjoy this book, especially if they are fans of similar stories and premises but the romance, and characters didn’t live up to the promise. The twist and development at the end of the book only started to engage me into the story and then it ended. I really wanted to like it but it didn’t work for me especially with the heroine’s passivity.

[elekstrom-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you, Ms. Davis, for a story that kept me guessing and wanting more. My suppositions about Sebastian were so off the mark - thank you for not making it predictable. I enjoyed Gracelynn's transformation and can't wait to see what happens to her charming mother. I immediately thought of my favorite Disney villianess, Maleficent, when she appeared. The characters were developed and well-thought, though I had to laugh at Clarke - I knew so many of those in high school; nothing changes, does it? The prose was real and engaging, I was seeing everything in my mind's eye as vividly as if I was in Gracelynn's mansion bedroom or the shed near the park. The dialogue was great, though Sebastian sometimes creeped me out. If I was an 18 year old girl would I believe someone my age speaking like that? Ah, dear readers! You'll have to read this incredible book to find out all the secrets! I am eagerly awaiting Silver Dew.

[highflyer_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This turned out a lot differently than I had expected! It definitely was a bit slow in the beginning with all of the talk about how perfect and beautiful she was. It definitely started to get better though with the best twist coming at the end!

[bookwhisperer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Suzi Amber creates a very magical world of love and sacrifice. While a slow start the novel picks up in intensity and intrigue. The main characters are charismatic and attractive. Grace being the picture perfect beautiful young girl; surprising carries a heavy load of doubt and darkness that will allow readers to relate to her character. Sebastian on the other hand is unique and mysterious that will grab readers with intrigue. Honestly I had a hard time not picturing this character as a young Jack Sparrow in the beginning; with his jewelry and tattoos I kept finding myself being carried toward this humorous comparison. As the story continues it become evident that he is nothing like a “Jack Sparrow”, but rather a very attractive and mysterious young man. The story a fresh new twist in the paranormal that I very much enjoyed. The romance between our two main character is honest and true; giving romance lovers a thrilling experience. Readers will enjoy being overcome by this story and its characters alike. I look forward to seeing more about this journey in books to come.  

[brandileigh2003 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am able to connect with main character before I even know her name! I can sympathize with the whirling thoughts and feeling like something is missing. As well as trying to live up to parent’s expectations, which I am sure is a pretty universal thing. And then I start to hate her a bit. The awesome looks, seemingly perfect boyfriend, artistic, family has money. But then I am snapped back to the fact that she feels empty, hollow- I have felt that before and no matter who you are or what you have, that is a horrible sensation. The intrigue starts right away when her thoughts and drawing is interrupted by a mysterious guy she has never noticed before but is supposedly in her class. He has an accent and he is beautiful so I am sold pretty much right away and want to find out more. Compared to him, when seemingly perfect boyfriend enters the picture I want to smack him J Him and the other people of the popular crowd are stereotypical, but well written- jocks, superficial (at least at surface) girls. The way they are in the spotlight makes me really glad that I was never there even though I often wished I were popular in high school and still do sometimes. Grace is obsessed with Sebastian- wanting to find out more. Actually looking forward to seeing him and finding herself smiling. I can totally see why. He says heartfelt things, and he also says strange things, that I want to know what is going on. There is obviously something paranormal with the forgotten pieces of his past and the strange events that happen. It is fun to watch unfold, and I was constantly looking for a free moment to read so that I could see what would take place next. The romantic suspense and tension is well set up. She writes beautifully and there was one scene I (well, Grace, but you know what I mean) was expecting a kiss and didn’t get it. I felt let down- that is a mark of good writing. Suzi’s writing not only draws me in, it is lyrical. In this, some words and phrases are repeated close together, but it doesn’t distract. My attention was drawn there, but it served to amplify what she was getting across. The plot moves wonderfully, showing me the action, the sweet moments, and the moments of processing. I am so frustrated in Chapter 8 but once I finally understand it makes it all the more romantic and selfless. Yeah. I know. Vague and frustrating, but if you read, which I hope you do, you’ll understand. I am a fan of how Grace questions things, not just blindly accepting and not caring. Though her decisions are driven by love, they are not solely based on it. She also holds to her morals and I like that she doesn’t compromise based on how love and physical intimacy can make you push those lines so easily. When the mystery slash paranormal aspect is revealed, I expected something of the like, but that did not lessen the impact or effect. I still had many questions about how it works. I can’t say much else past this without giving spoilers, but it all leads up to an amazing conclusion. Pain love, past lives, danger, and sacrifice for those you love! I really enjoyed this one, and definitely recommend for everyone to pick up a copy. Awesome quote “I had a strange dream last night… and I woke up thinking about you and I felt like I had to know you- like I was meant to.” I blurted out. “That sounded weird.” I added, dropping my gaze in embarrassment. He slid his chair closer to mine and leant towards me, gently reaching out over the empty seat between us and lifting my chin to raise my eyes to his. His fingers felt soft and smooth, and very warm. “Don’t be so afraid of the truth,” he encouraged. His eyes were a dark black-blue now, twinkling mysteriously. “And just so you know – I like weird,” he added with a playful grin, pulling his hand back to his desk before I had time to lean away.

[master275 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amber Frost, a novel by Suzi Davis, is a very exciting teen love story with a unique paranormal twist. The novel centers on Grace Lynn Stevenson – an eighteen year old who on the surface seems to be living the dream. She comes from a very wealthy family with high social standards; she is beautiful, smart, popular and, of course, has the handsome, popular boyfriend on her arm. However, Grace is not happy – far from it. She feels trapped in a world where everything is fake – even herself – that is, until she meets the very bizarre Sebastian Caldwell.
The story that unfolds between Grace and Sebastian is one of friendship, adventure, self discovery, and love. As Grace struggles to break free from the confines of her upper class life, Sebastian struggles to remember who he is……what they find out is what neither of them had expected….
This is a wonderfully written book with truly unforgettable characters; a young adult novel that will keep much older audiences captivated as well. Once the book is opened, you will find it difficult to put down. This is a fantastic read and highly recommended! The ending even leaves the door wide open for a continuation that I will anxiously await!! I received this book as a review copy for Book Divas, but Suzi Davis now has a permanent spot on my “authors to read” list!!

[dbettenson_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amber Frost - Suzi Davis Ebook. Dec 2010 Book DivasYoung Adult; Paranormal5*****What a great tale!! “Amber Frost” by Suzi Davis, published in Dec, 2010, is a young reader novel, though I as a rather ‘mature’ adult quite enjoyed this novel.Very well written, “Amber Frost” is a tale of a complicated young love - with a fabulous paranormal twist. The characters are awesome and the story’s continuous buildup came to a great end - while leaving room for book 2 - I hope. I for one will be watching for it!I received this ebook for free to review from Book Divas. I am a member of Book Divas, Librarything, Goodreads, Black Velvet Seductions and the Penguin book club.DBettenson