Review: Jack: The Tale of Frost by Tony Bertauski

Jack: The Tale of Frost (Claus #2)
written by Tony Bertauski
published by Tony Bertauski

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Why did I pick this book: I was asked by the author to review this book. I read the first Claus book and enjoyed it. (See my review of Claus: Legend of the Fat Man here.) I really wanted to read this one. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)

Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. As with Mr. Bertauski’s other books that I have read, they are not my “usual” genre but I wouldn’t miss them. This one was no different —  a fun, interesting, different read that had me hooked.

This series of books is fascinating. It gives us an alternate take on the men — legends — we know. I’m not sure how Mr. Bertauski came up with this world of elven, Claus, Jack, and their advances and influences on Christmas but it is a wonderful world that makes you think. It is a world that is easy to get lost in.

This is a tough review to write because I really don’t want to give anything away. Jack is a sad little man. I felt for him. Mr. Frost is a kind man who wants to change the course of things. Freeda is not a favorite. Templeton is surly but has a purpose, one I did not see coming. Sura and Joe were interesting, unexpected additions to this world. If I go on about all that is revealed and done, then I will spoil the book.

So, I will leave it at this: It’s a good read. Try it.

Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book, especially if you read Claus: Legend of the Fat Man.

Will I read it again: I don’t think so. But I definitely want to read the rest of the Claus series.

About the book – from Goodreads: Sura is sixteen years old when she meets Mr. Frost. He’s very short and very fat and he likes his room very, very cold. Some might say inhumanly cold. His first name isn’t Jack, she’s told. And that’s all she needed to know.

Mr. Frost’s love for Christmas is over-the-top and slightly psychotic. And why not? He’s made billions of dollars off the holiday he invented. Or so he claims. Rumor is he’s an elven, but that’s silly. Elven aren’t real. And if they were, they wouldn’t live in South Carolina. They wouldn’t hide in a tower and go to the basement to make…things.

Nonetheless, Sura will work for this odd little recluse. Frost Plantation is where she’ll meet the love of her life. It’s where she’ll finally feel like she belongs somewhere. And it’s where she’ll meet someone fatter, balder and stranger than Mr. Frost. It’s where she’ll meet Jack.

Jack hates Christmas.