DEATH OF A ROCK STAR (A Boy in the Band Prequel Novella) by N.J. FROST

Reviewed by Jenny & Gitte

J&G:  5 stars

Jenny:  Wow Gitte! What in introduction to a series!! I know I for one will be impatiently waiting the moment I can sink myself into the first novel, The Boy in the Band when it releases this year and I have this feeling of excitement because I think we’ve found a  series I’m know I’m going to be addicted to.  I bloody loved this book!

‘We all have our addictions and afflictions.’ – Blake

Death of a Rock Star is a gritty and raw novella that certainly packed a punch and allowed us just enough insight into the flawed, damaged and some would say, beyond repair, characters who each have a fascinating story to tell and I know I can’t wait to hear them!

‘I’m furious with a world that destroys the most beautiful of us without even stopping to pause on its axis for a moment.’ – Blake

This rock star book was riveting. The Death of a Rock Star is told through the POV’s of Sylvie and Blake and takes us to the seedier and desperate side fame.  Where the sensitive souls perish in a haze of addictions, pain and torment and where feelings and hurt are doused with drugs, alcohol and sex, where oblivion is a coping mechanism.

Following the sad and untimely death of his good friend Jamie Grimes, a talented musician, through an overdose, Blake Nelson is at a crossroads. He’s 27 and fighting to stay clean from his addiction which, considering all that is going on around him, is a constant struggle you’re willing him to win. The death of Jamie hits him hard as he feels guilt at not being able to save his friend. He feels hatred towards Jamie’s girlfriend Sylvie, who he feels is somewhat responsible for Jamie’s demise, yet in the same breath he is inexplicably drawn to her beauty and something in her calls to him which really messes with his head. There’s no doubt Blake feels a connection to Sylvie, with his head screaming at him to steer clear and his body and soul feeling an irresistible pull towards her.

‘Sylvie Smith – heart breaker, mind fucker, soul destroyer…….’ – Blake

We follow the fallout from Jamie’s tragic death and the effect it has on those left behind. I loved this book and have I said that I NEED MORE!? My heart beats music and it’s as if NJ Frost reached into my soul with her music and vinyl references.  Gitte, I think we’ve found ourselves a new favourite rock star series and new book boyfriend in Blake!

Gitte:  Absolutely Jenny!! I just know this series is going to be a firm rock star favourite. I can tell from how unique and original this novella came across. It was superbly and intelligently written with just the right amount of grit, intrigue and raw emotion. I really found that it ticked all the boxes, it was exciting, passionate, sexy, harrowing and beautiful. I was hooked from the first page and just couldn’t let go until I’d finished. I am dying for the next book and it’s become my most anticipated new release, no question about it.

‘I think Jamie imprinted his insane need for Sylvie Smith on my fucking soul….’ – Blake

The characters had such depth and I loved them all as we get a snapshot of their trials and tribulations in the music business as well as their personal issues. This all through the shared tragic death of a lover and a friend; Jamie Grimes. Jamie who was in love with a girl named Sylvie who inhabited his very being.

“You’re Jamie. Fucking. Grimes – wunderkind of the rock world, for fuck’s sake. She’s just a girl. Don’t let a fucking girl sink you.” – Blake

We get just the right amount of background and introduction into who Blake, Sylvie and Jamie really are but we only scratch the surface, making me desperate to know how this is all going to play out. And let me tell you, I am really excited about this!! Like really excited!!

I fell in love with Blake from the onset; his character had such depth; he was a tortured soul and I was addicted to his voice!

‘I’ve seen first-hand how fame and expectation can fuck with your head. It’s a fucking dead-eyed beast. It annihilates good hearts and good intentions….’ – Blake

Sylvie Smith was a bit of an enigma, I really felt for her as she is clearly suffering and her actions are a consequence of her past. We’re given little nuggets of insight and I can’t wait to find out exactly what her story is.

‘All I care about is chasing that high that blacks out everything in its wake…’ – Sylvie

As for Jamie, his death brings such powerful emotions and romantic nostalgia through music. Despite only meeting him in his death I felt drawn to him and was in awe of how the bond of Sylvie and Blake; two broken souls felt and the strength of the connection through their love of Jamie in spite of their awareness being hampered by circumstance.

‘I’m in the arms of a beautiful dark angel; mirroring everything that I am, understanding every feeling that I’ve ever had, and have forgotten. My salvation. My forgiveness. Now I can rest.’ – Sylvie

J&G:  We do love our rock star reads that’s for sure. We also love our gritty reads as well, where everything doesn’t have to be perfect, where characters are flawed and where following their journey to either redemption and awakening or failure and downfall leaves you riveted and consumed with their stories.  Well, based on this novella, it looks like this series may just deliver on all counts.

‘Jamie was beautiful and brilliant, but he wasn’t safe. Far from it. He led an explosion of an existence. He lit my heart up like a nuclear blast, and he annihilated it with the same force.’ – Sylvie

Jamie’s death is the catalyst for bringing Sylvie and Blake together and their story will continue with, we predict, lots of twists, angst and emotion along the way and we know we’ll be there on release day stopping everything to dig into this one because their story has us intrigued to say the least.

‘What a fucking mug! You can’t keep a girl like her. She’s like stardust, and us guys, we’re the star struck fools that she’s blazing past.’

This novella was brilliantly written, contained interestingly flawed and relatable characters, it gave us a glimpse into the sordid world of addictions, centred on the world of the rock star world with unfolding drama to come. Now THIS is what you call a ROCK STAR book!!

‘But I feel like a husk of a man. Empty. Soulless. Like nothing will ever be enough.’

So don’t hesitate! Add this one to your reading lists! NOW!

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

DEATH OF A ROCK STAR by NJ FROST
amazon us || amazon uk

THE BOY IN THE BAND (Book One)
releasing 2016

The Boy in the Band is a New Adult Romance.
This book is intended for a mature audience 18+
It contains strong language, sex and references to drug use.