Sixteen-year-old Helen has led a normal life of sibling fights, hand-me-down clothes, and feeling ignored at her school. Then one day a stranger gives her a mysterious orb that lets her perceive creatures and other things no one else can see. Helen and her new guardian must work together to follow ancient tradition, exposing a dark secret and sharing the truth of Elowin. Jennifer Kropf’s debut novel A Soul as Cold as Frost creates a lyrical adventure whose winter wonderland intersects our world, trimmed with references to biblical and church history.

Best for: Young-adult fans of portal fantasy and Christmas-inspired stories.

Discern: Fantasy violence and emotional trauma from battle participation.