Frozen 2: Dangerous Secrets

The Story of Iduna and Agnarr

By: Mari Mancusi

Narrated by: Alfred Molina, Evan Rachel Wood

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Sixteen-year-old Iduna harbors a dark secret. On the surface, she is an Arendellian village girl, an aspiring inventor, and the best friend of Prince Agnarr, but she is also secretly Northuldra. 

Ever since the day the forest fell, Arendellians have despised and distrusted Northuldra with a vengeance. No matter that the Northuldra - along with some of Arendelle’s own - have been trapped in the Enchanted Forest behind an impenetrable wall of mist since the day of the battle. 

Iduna doesn’t know why the mist refuses to part, or why it descended to begin with. The only clear thing is that she must keep her identity from everyone, even Agnarr. Her life depends on it. 

Fortunately for her, Agnarr doesn’t know that Iduna is the Northuldra girl he saw seemingly flying on a gust of wind all those years ago, the day of the celebration turned disaster. The day Agnarr lost his father, the king. The day Agnarr himself almost died.

What Agnarr does know is that Iduna is a true ally in the face of his royal responsibilities and the expectations of an overbearing council and a well-meaning regent who will rule in Agnarr’s place until he turns 21 and assumes the Arendellian throne. 

As Iduna and Agnarr grow ever closer, however, friendship is no longer enough. If only falling for each other didn’t mean risking their futures: Iduna’s as a hidden-in-plain-sight citizen of Arendelle, and Agnarr’s as imminent king.

But for a chance at true love, the risk might be worth taking.

©2020 by Disney Enterprises, Inc. (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

True to the Spirit of the Films

First, for parents looking for bedtime reading for the littlest Frozen fans, this is not it. This book is aimed more at young teens through adults, but that is only another mark in its favor. Knowing the ending in advance, thanks to this being a backstory of the events in both films, scarcely lessens the anticipation of finding out how this impossible love story will play out and certainly doesn't take away any emotional response to the events in the book. Both main characters are lovable and admirable as well as delightfully and heartbreakingly human. The cast of minor characters surrounding them is equally rounded and satisfying. The true wonder of this book doesn't lie in the fact that it answers all those burning questions about these beloved characters, but in the messages it sends to readers young and old through both humor and pathos. I'm an adult woman in my thirties, and so often as I read, I found myself wishing that I had had a book like this to read as an often lonely, confused, and hurting teenager instead of the trash I actually read, because of the many valuable lessons it teaches by the glowing examples of these two young people growing into themselves, finding their way in a confusing and often frightening world. They make mistakes, yes. In the case of their eldest child, as we already know, very large and very painful mistakes which had far-reaching and very cold consequences. But Iduna exemplifies independence, creative initiative, and excellent work ethic as well as kindness, generosity, and compassion. Agnarr is a very human but striking example of a truly good-hearted boy and man, struggling to balance adult responsibilities and everyone else's ideas of who and what he should be with a deep, sincere love and a desire to break the harmful cycles created by his own parents, and also shares Iduna's characteristics of kindness, compassion, and generosity. Both are absolutely the kinds of characters I would want to be vibrant and alive in the head and heart of any young loved one looking for role models in the pages of a book, as I once was. I will be purchasing this book to be saved for when my niece is old enough for it in hopes that, like Iduna, she will learn everything it takes to be a true queen must be cultivated on the inside.

Absolutely outstanding, this should be a prequel movie!

I don’t even know where to begin with how wonderful this book was. I am a huge Frozen fan and I also love prequels and romance so this was made for me! Alfred Molina and Evan Rachel Wood did fantastic jobs for Agnarr and Iduna as well as all the various characters. I could not stop listening to this enchanting tale, I wanted to read it in one sitting! I really don’t have any critiques at all which is weird for me lol. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer, I wanted more!

I loved Frozen 2 but this story enhances its greatness. I didn’t realize just how many unknowns there were until this story filled in all the blanks. Everything lined up perfectly and it was so wonderful getting to know Anna and Elsa’s parents. It was truly amazing how compelling it was considering anyone who has seen the movies knows they get together and knows what their tragic fates are. I found myself worried for their hidden love despite this fact!

Aside from the plot of the existing movie, this story is choc full of new content and characters from Arendelle! The conflict with Vassar was amazing and I totally predicted that outcome! I loved Agnarr and Iduna’s separate plights and all of it is just so well written.

(Spoilers) I really had no idea how long Iduna kept her secret for and I don’t think we were intended to know in the movie. I had always assumed that Agnarr knew the truth about Iduna since they were kids. It was so inspiring that such a huge secret did not destroy their love, it only strengthened it. It really illustrates how love can weather any storm as long as both ppl want to get through it.

It also never occurred to me when Elsa’s powers first surfaced! This was such a delight to read about. And this book further emphasizes how crushing their deaths were for Elsa bc they were the only ppl who knew her secret. It doesn’t seem like they even told Peterson about it. It’s so beautiful how Iduna lived with her crippling secret and Elsa ultimately did the same. I love the tie in of “conceal, don’t feel” and why her parents used to use it as their mantra as well.

I like to think the ice woman who went to the trolls to get her mind erased was Kristoff’s mother. And I like to think that Gale did save Iduna in that blizzard. So sad that Iduna and Agnarr never get to see their ppl who were trapped in the midst again. This book explained so many of the mysteries in the movie.

The ending was agonizing, even though I knew it was coming and I was so choked up! I can’t help wondering what Iduna and Agnarr would have found to help Elsa if they had lived. If they had made it to the magic river…❄️♥️

WOW

This book was so good. Answered so many questions I had about frozen 1 and 2. Brings together the movies really well. HOWEVER, I was not prepared to cry so much. So much love and sadness. But great book over all. If this was a movie grab me some popcorn and tissues!

Loved it

Didn’t know what to think when purchasing but now I’m very happy that I did. Highly recommend it.

The story I never knew I needed!

I absolutely loved this story, it was next chapter of Frozen that I never knew I needed. Amazing story and readers!

Wonderful story

Very captivating. loved it. almost fit the movie perfectly. a few details didnt line up perfectly but it was very good.

Mari Mancusi is the best!

For the first time I’ve really enjoyed an audiobook. The story is incredible. Awesome job!

So good

I really enjoyed this book, It’s a beautiful story. The ending destroyed me even though we all know from the movies how it ends.

A very great book I am very happy with it.

This is a very great book. Very detailed in Describing, Iduna, and Agnar's story tough decisions, Romantic, them facing the odds no matter what. Iduna tries to make her own life in Arendelle. Agnar tries to figure out how to be the best king. They become friends and fall in love. (spoilers) Agnar has to have a suitor for the good of the Kingdom But he refuses. Even if the Kingdom goes down. He wants to be with Iduna, But Iduna won't have it even after she leaves. The trolls encouraged her to go back. Great book I love it. You should listen to this.

Best book ever

This was the best thing I’ve ever read. I’m blown away by this amazing book! It was long but it was worth it because it was so so so good and a perfect add on to frozen