Rating: 
Summary: A semi-forgotten masterpiece
Review: The Face in the Frost is a semi-forgotten masterpiece of fantasy/magic. It is, as the other reviewers have noted, a novel of slowly building creepiness and suspense - skilfully done without going for the gross-out. There are many fascinating subtleties worked into descriptions, as well - clever enough that you often go past them, and only on re-reading do you catch the skill in construction. A fine sense of tension and danger is steadily built up, and the climax is most interesting for being something of a mental duel versus some action-packed "magic-wand- fireball-blasting-shoot'em-up".It has been claimed (by the designers!) that the magic system of the Dungeons & Dragons (TM) Roleplaying Game is based on use of magic in this book's universe, but that is far from obvious. This book clearly can stand on its own, and deserves reprinting and publicity as an adult fantasy masterpiece. Other authors, such as Diane Duane, have also commented on the strengths of this book and its influence on their own work, and have incorporated subtle references to it in some of their published books. This is a book to read slowly and savor.
Rating:
Summary: A semi-forgotten masterpiece
Review: The Face in the Frost is a semi-forgotten masterpiece of fantasy/magic. It is, as the other reviewers have noted, a novel of slowly building creepiness and suspense - skilfully done without going for the gross-out. There are many fascinating subtleties worked into descriptions, as well - clever enough that you often go past them, and only on re-reading do you catch the skill in construction. A fine sense of tension and danger is steadily built up, and the climax is most interesting for being something of a mental duel versus some action-packed "magic-wand- fireball-blasting-shoot'em-up". It has been claimed (by the designers!) that the magic system of the Dungeons & Dragons (TM) Roleplaying Game is based on use of magic in this book's universe, but that is far from obvious. This book clearly can stand on its own, and deserves reprinting and publicity as an adult fantasy masterpiece. Other authors, such as Diane Duane, have also commented on the strengths of this book and its influence on their own work, and have incorporated subtle references to it in some of their published books. This is a book to read slowly and savor.
Rating:
Summary: Surpassed my Expectations
Review: The Face in the Frost is, quite simply, incredible. The writing is truly captivating, making you smile or even chuckle out loud at one point, and at the next leave you looking over your shoulder for frightening things. The ending was not what I expected either, but it was totally innovative. This book is more than worth the read, and finding it should be a priority for anyone who loves fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: Tremendous well-researched story told in breezy fashion.
Review: This book is out of print. That is a travesty. The book is tremendous, combining wit, a talking mirror, a journey with two wizards, a real sense of evil that needs to be fought, plot, detail, brevity... Should be part of any standard library of magical fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Humorless?
Review: This book isn't humorless. Sure, during the suspensful parts, but the begining is a hoot, and wry points are made along the way.
In addition, this book is memorable. The writing is excellent, the plot is gripping, the allusions are thoughtful and the characters are excellent. This is a great book for young adults and not-so-young adults.
Rating:
Summary: Humorless?
Review: This book isn't humorless. Sure, during the suspensful parts, but the begining is a hoot, and wry points are made along the way.
In addition, this book is memorable. The writing is excellent, the plot is gripping, the allusions are thoughtful and the characters are excellent. This is a great book for young adults and not-so-young adults.
Rating:
Summary: Sly, funny, and very scary
Review: This is a book capable of making you laugh out loud, then huddle under the covers. I found it after it was highly reccomended by a friend, and I consider it one of my "used bookstore treasures." If you can find a copy, grab it, and don't let anybody borrow it, because you won't get it back.
Rating:
Summary: Fantasy Horror
Review: This is a fantasy novel that rejects all the cliches that have plagued the genre over the years. It starts innocently enough, with a good natured Wizard by the name of Prospero starting what looks like simply another day. Incidents shortly take a sharp turn after that, as he finds himself the focus of supernatural events that are beyond his powers.
From there, the tone alternates from humor to mystery to horror as Prospero and his friend, Roger Bacon, strive to unravel the mystery behind a supernatural force threatening not only themselves, but the world itself.
This is an intelligent book, and makes no attempt to talk down to its audiance. The humor serves to underline the tension, rather than belittle it. Another pleasent surprise, is that the horror and suspense of this story is not immersed in blood and gore, which is all too frequently found in most horror attempts.
I would recommend "The Face in the Frost" to anyone appreciating horror or Fantasy. Even those who do not care for the Fantasy genre should still appreciate this story, as it serves more as a backdrop than as a main element of the story itself
Rating:
Summary: Move Over Tolkien!
Review: This is a hidden treasure of literature, just like The Epiplectic Bicycle by Edward Gorey. If you're a fantasy/horror fan, or someone who likes a good book with entirely dreamlike aspects, unforgettable characters, and a travelling log, read this or die a horrible, uncultured death.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good Book
Review: This is an excellent book. I am very glad that I have kept it in my collection. While I would recommend it to anyone, I'd be loathe to lend out my copy for fear of never seeing it again. A must for anyone who considers themselves a Fantasy fan.
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