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Lands Tales #1
Blue Fire and Ice
An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
An Explanatory Apology Before You Read This Book
This is the first novel I completed. Even a month before I started writing Blue Fire and Ice it had never occurred to me write a teen or young adult novel, let alone a fantasy one. But, I had an idea and this is how it came out, and once I started writing it, the story told itself and the characters grew fully-formed from my head, like so many Athenas. I loved writing it. And it seems that adults have delighted in it as much as younger readers, which is rather a bonus.
It took me about three weeks to write, pretty much day and night, and another couple to polish. Then I let the editor get hold of it, which was the most wretched thing I have ever experienced, but I survived. So did she, though I understand the convalescence was a long one.
Never underestimate the stamina and stubbornness of a good editor.
Originally it appeared in hardcover, with dust jacket and all the other bits of protection I could think of for something so precious, and with illustrations by a wonderful Canadian illustrator called Peter Ferguson. I love Peter's original illustrations; they are the direct descendants of the detailed, expressive, innocent illustrations of the 40s and 50s; children with open faces, unruly hair and mischievous, lively eyes. The bears are suitably big, furry and shaggy and the dogs are always bushy-tailed and bouncy. And the villains have great eyebrows.
When it came to to the paperback and digital editions, though, I realised it actually wasn't the 1940s or 1950s and so decided that the book needed illustrations with a more contemporary edge. Fortunately, my book designer introduced me to the illustrator Steve Crisp, whose credentials are far too long to list here. The illustrations you see here are Steve's work. I did toy with the idea of trying to put both Steve's and Peter's at the start of the chapter but that's cheating. This is what the book is now, and that's how it will stay.
It is still available in paperback, though most of the first print run has been sold and I decided it was more prudent to focus on the more ephemeral but less costly option of ebooks than to print more. But I do have to say that the real thing, with Steve's gorgeous illustration on the front and back, and a cover design by a clever and obliging book designer called Ian, does add a certain glow to your bookshelf...
Anyway, what I started out to say was that for forty years I knew that Cervantes, Joyce, Faulkner, Eliot, Goethe, Stendhal, Yourcenar... well, you get the picture ... and all their cronies were making room in their celestial libraries for whatever I was going to write.
Because I wrote Serious Literature.
And then this popped out.
So, I apologise if you wanted Something of Import and all you got was this. Though I've not given up on hearing the distant brittle sound of immortals chuckling.
As for the story...
This is a story about people and animals who never existed, and yet lived a long and happy life. This is a story full of magic and improbable things, and yet there are no practitioners of magic, no witches, no wizards and absolutely no warlocks. There are no pixies or elves, no ghoulies nor ghosties and certainly no more long-leggetty beasties than absolutely necessary. There are no zombies, no vampires, no werewolves and nowhere will you find a dragon - but that is only because I forgot her name and had to leave her out until I remember it.
In the story you will find more heroes than you could shake a stick at, and just enough villains so that it needs more than a simple stout stick to defeat them. The heroes are much more modest and considerably more unassuming than those you meet in real life, yet they are, one and all, what every good hero needs to: indomitable - and occasionally not above a bit of tit-for-tat revenge. The villains are evil, as villains should be, though not as dangerous as they are off the page, running our world, wearing blindfolds instead of robber masks and wielding the weighing scales of coin like cudgels.
There is silliness on the pages that follow, and as much nonsense as deep philosophical discourse allows. There is danger and drama, and tension, both high and low. There are oxymorons, contradictions, paradoxes, puzzles, riddles and conundrums. What there is most of, however, is a story.
And it is waiting for you.
Fanatsy and adventure for readers 12 to adult
Blue Fire and Ice is the first book in The Land's Tale.
An Explanatory Apology Before You Read This Book
This is the first novel I completed. Even a month before I started writing Blue Fire and Ice it had never occurred to me write a teen or young adult novel, let alone a fantasy one. But, I had an idea and this is how it came out, and once I started writing it, the story told itself and the characters grew fully-formed from my head, like so many Athenas. I loved writing it. And it seems that adults have delighted in it as much as younger readers, which is rather a bonus.
It took me about three weeks to write, pretty much day and night, and another couple to polish. Then I let the editor get hold of it, which was the most wretched thing I have ever experienced, but I survived. So did she, though I understand the convalescence was a long one.
Never underestimate the stamina and stubbornness of a good editor.
Originally it appeared in hardcover, with dust jacket and all the other bits of protection I could think of for something so precious, and with illustrations by a wonderful Canadian illustrator called Peter Ferguson. I love Peter's original illustrations; they are the direct descendants of the detailed, expressive, innocent illustrations of the 40s and 50s; children with open faces, unruly hair and mischievous, lively eyes. The bears are suitably big, furry and shaggy and the dogs are always bushy-tailed and bouncy. And the villains have great eyebrows.
When it came to to the paperback and digital editions, though, I realised it actually wasn't the 1940s or 1950s and so decided that the book needed illustrations with a more contemporary edge. Fortunately, my book designer introduced me to the illustrator Steve Crisp, whose credentials are far too long to list here. The illustrations you see here are Steve's work. I did toy with the idea of trying to put both Steve's and Peter's at the start of the chapter but that's cheating. This is what the book is now, and that's how it will stay.
It is still available in paperback, though most of the first print run has been sold and I decided it was more prudent to focus on the more ephemeral but less costly option of ebooks than to print more. But I do have to say that the real thing, with Steve's gorgeous illustration on the front and back, and a cover design by a clever and obliging book designer called Ian, does add a certain glow to your bookshelf...
Anyway, what I started out to say was that for forty years I knew that Cervantes, Joyce, Faulkner, Eliot, Goethe, Stendhal, Yourcenar... well, you get the picture ... and all their cronies were making room in their celestial libraries for whatever I was going to write.
Because I wrote Serious Literature.
And then this popped out.
So, I apologise if you wanted Something of Import and all you got was this. Though I've not given up on hearing the distant brittle sound of immortals chuckling.
As for the story...
This is a story about people and animals who never existed, and yet lived a long and happy life. This is a story full of magic and improbable things, and yet there are no practitioners of magic, no witches, no wizards and absolutely no warlocks. There are no pixies or elves, no ghoulies nor ghosties and certainly no more long-leggetty beasties than absolutely necessary. There are no zombies, no vampires, no werewolves and nowhere will you find a dragon - but that is only because I forgot her name and had to leave her out until I remember it.
In the story you will find more heroes than you could shake a stick at, and just enough villains so that it needs more than a simple stout stick to defeat them. The heroes are much more modest and considerably more unassuming than those you meet in real life, yet they are, one and all, what every good hero needs to: indomitable - and occasionally not above a bit of tit-for-tat revenge. The villains are evil, as villains should be, though not as dangerous as they are off the page, running our world, wearing blindfolds instead of robber masks and wielding the weighing scales of coin like cudgels.
There is silliness on the pages that follow, and as much nonsense as deep philosophical discourse allows. There is danger and drama, and tension, both high and low. There are oxymorons, contradictions, paradoxes, puzzles, riddles and conundrums. What there is most of, however, is a story.
And it is waiting for you.
Fanatsy and adventure for readers 12 to adult
Blue Fire and Ice is the first book in The Land's Tale.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
17 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Alan Skinner
11 books26 followersWriting and theatre have always been my great passions and I have been fortunate to have been able to keep both in my life - despite the many distractions that have led me astray over the years. So often we put aside those things most important to us while we attend to the ordinary demands of life, until one day we stumble across that neglected part of ourself and wonder how we came to neglect it for so long. All of us should remember that if something is worth dreaming about, it is worth acting on.
My first completed play, Daisy Chain (co-written with my daughter, Eryn) was produced in Melbourne in 2010. Before that, I had written Blue Fire and Ice and Furnaces of Forge, young fantasy novels that introduced readers to a unique and magical place simply called The Land, with its assortment of delightful and special characters and the adventures that befall them.
After that came Brimstone, the first in the four-book series, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Its sequel, Hourglass is nearing completion. I am also completing a literary historical romp called Master Quickly. Oh, and I mustn't forget a children's picture storybook titled Buckle and the Pirate, with illustrations by the wonderful artist Serena Riglietti, who (among a great many other achievements) was the illustrator of the Italian edition of the Harry Potter books. Rather than release Buckle and the Pirate as a traditional book, I am planning to develop it into an interactive book app. Last, but not least, I have also done some freelance work, including an article for the Guardian books section.
Earning enough from my writing to keep body and soul well-nourished is a fine ambition. But, like many an author, simply being read beats everything else.
Everything worthwhile about an author is to be found within the pages of an author's books. But, for those who like a dash of trivia with their dose of literature, I can tell you that I was born in Boston. In 1964, my six siblings and I migrated to Australia - by coincidence, at exactly the same time as his parebts did the same. In 1991, I moved (without siblings or parents) back to Boston for a year, then to London (my spiritual and preferred home) where I established a consultancy in the City, offering advice to firms such as Barings, Legal and General, Lotus Corporation and Lloyds of London. There I stayed until that milestone year, 2000, when an offer from Credit Suisse drew me to Switzerland. From 2000-2005 I lived and worked in Zurich, and then again from 2008-2010, before returning to Melbourne to spend time with my family.
Rights to my book have been sold to Spain, Brazil and Vietnam.
My first completed play, Daisy Chain (co-written with my daughter, Eryn) was produced in Melbourne in 2010. Before that, I had written Blue Fire and Ice and Furnaces of Forge, young fantasy novels that introduced readers to a unique and magical place simply called The Land, with its assortment of delightful and special characters and the adventures that befall them.
After that came Brimstone, the first in the four-book series, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Its sequel, Hourglass is nearing completion. I am also completing a literary historical romp called Master Quickly. Oh, and I mustn't forget a children's picture storybook titled Buckle and the Pirate, with illustrations by the wonderful artist Serena Riglietti, who (among a great many other achievements) was the illustrator of the Italian edition of the Harry Potter books. Rather than release Buckle and the Pirate as a traditional book, I am planning to develop it into an interactive book app. Last, but not least, I have also done some freelance work, including an article for the Guardian books section.
Earning enough from my writing to keep body and soul well-nourished is a fine ambition. But, like many an author, simply being read beats everything else.
Everything worthwhile about an author is to be found within the pages of an author's books. But, for those who like a dash of trivia with their dose of literature, I can tell you that I was born in Boston. In 1964, my six siblings and I migrated to Australia - by coincidence, at exactly the same time as his parebts did the same. In 1991, I moved (without siblings or parents) back to Boston for a year, then to London (my spiritual and preferred home) where I established a consultancy in the City, offering advice to firms such as Barings, Legal and General, Lotus Corporation and Lloyds of London. There I stayed until that milestone year, 2000, when an offer from Credit Suisse drew me to Switzerland. From 2000-2005 I lived and worked in Zurich, and then again from 2008-2010, before returning to Melbourne to spend time with my family.
Rights to my book have been sold to Spain, Brazil and Vietnam.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 9, 2012
While "buying" a bunch of free books for my kindle app, this book came up as a recommendation. Before I realized it, I had clicked on it and spent real money on it. If nothing else, the book was a $4.99 lesson to pay attention.
This story was fairly interesting. I would have given it 3.5 stars if I could. It concerns a group of three races who live peacefully together in a valley. One of the races is being attacked and soon all three races pitch in to find the perpetrator. The races are well imagined and don't feel like knock-offs from any other book. I especially liked the Muddles.
The story was plodding at points but had some excitement as well. It definitely is aimed at younger readers. The book is 100% clean which is always nice. I don't know that I ever would have bought this on my own but it was an interesting and sometimes fun read.
This story was fairly interesting. I would have given it 3.5 stars if I could. It concerns a group of three races who live peacefully together in a valley. One of the races is being attacked and soon all three races pitch in to find the perpetrator. The races are well imagined and don't feel like knock-offs from any other book. I especially liked the Muddles.
The story was plodding at points but had some excitement as well. It definitely is aimed at younger readers. The book is 100% clean which is always nice. I don't know that I ever would have bought this on my own but it was an interesting and sometimes fun read.
July 26, 2017
A wonderful, fanciful tale!
Definitely a good read! A story full of friendships, mystery, and a fruitful journey. Well worth your time to check this one out!
Definitely a good read! A story full of friendships, mystery, and a fruitful journey. Well worth your time to check this one out!
August 25, 2012
This book isn't a bit like "The Hobbit," but the Land is just as magical and simple and refreshing as the Shire. I loved the Beadles and the Myrmidots, and especially the Muddles. It's the sort of tale where you snuggle your older child in for the night and they happily listen for hours while you both forget the time because the story is enchanting. On the other hand, I really could see people not loving it as much as I did - simply because the action is lower key and the people so innocent. If you want blood and gore and steamy sex ... this is not the book for you - because there isn't any. No, .... I'll take that back, there is some blood - the adventure is not without peril, but it's not gory, but there are several pretty scary parts. Parents really should read it ahead of handing it to a child younger than 9, especially if you have a more sensitive child.
As I started the book, I wasn't very hopeful, but settled in to rock my baby to sleep, and kept reading to not disturb her, and by the third or fourth chapter, I was pretty much hooked, and by the time I reached the 50% marked, I was enchanted. It is a simple and sweet story, with mystery and adventure, somewhat the flavor of the Wind in the Willows.
For Full Review: http://oscarlettreviews.blogspot.com/...
As I started the book, I wasn't very hopeful, but settled in to rock my baby to sleep, and kept reading to not disturb her, and by the third or fourth chapter, I was pretty much hooked, and by the time I reached the 50% marked, I was enchanted. It is a simple and sweet story, with mystery and adventure, somewhat the flavor of the Wind in the Willows.
For Full Review: http://oscarlettreviews.blogspot.com/...
April 5, 2014
What an odd book! Absolutely nothing like I expected, but in a good way. At first I decided the descriptions were too simple. Then I decided they were charming and added to the quaint feel. There is a lot of waiting, and planning and a heck of a lot of characters with simple names to remember, but when you get there the issue disappears. There is an ongoing history that maybe the author knows of, and we get simple pieces and tantalizing glances until I just wanted to know more!
Basically three races live in harmony, very different from one another. The Muddles seem the most interesting at a glance; they swap limbs with each other on The Land's whim! The Beadles are dull, boring and organized. The Myrmidots are good with technology, but harsher than the other two. They rarely mix, but when mysterious blue fire begins consuming the Beadles' oldest buildings, it will take all their talents to stop the fire consuming them all.
Odd, quirky but in a good way, I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking to open a book and have a brand new experience. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
Basically three races live in harmony, very different from one another. The Muddles seem the most interesting at a glance; they swap limbs with each other on The Land's whim! The Beadles are dull, boring and organized. The Myrmidots are good with technology, but harsher than the other two. They rarely mix, but when mysterious blue fire begins consuming the Beadles' oldest buildings, it will take all their talents to stop the fire consuming them all.
Odd, quirky but in a good way, I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking to open a book and have a brand new experience. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
May 27, 2013
I was torn between three and four stars for this book. I enjoyed it and read it through to the end quite quickly, wanting to know what happened. The land and different types of people are nicely thought out, and the interplay between different societies explored well. Crimson made an intriguing lead character and the mystery surrounding her helps to drive the story forward. The reasons I chose three rather than four stars are 1) I found the opening slow and a little confusing and in times through the book it felt slow and laboured and 2) The ending lacked something for me. The explanation of the villain's motives didn't convince me totally. I sense a lead in to a sequel, but I like the ending to be fulfilling without needing to read the next book. That said, I will definitely read the sequel.
June 1, 2014
I would say that this is a book perfect for the age 12 upwards market, even moving into adult reading.
On the whole it was simply written, but had a fairly decent pace and voice to it.
In fact, I would go so far as to say that it's got the bones of a film lurking in there ... much like Game of Thrones laid down the foundation for adaptation to the screen, I could seriously see this doing the same things.
Every story is made better by the inclusion of a bear, and then when you add in the unpredictability of the mix, it pretty much would have it all for a screen writer to run with.
This is certainly a book I think I will recommend to my 11 year old God Daughter, as a decent read.
Full blog post (including the good, the bad and the ugly) #449 in June 2014.
On the whole it was simply written, but had a fairly decent pace and voice to it.
In fact, I would go so far as to say that it's got the bones of a film lurking in there ... much like Game of Thrones laid down the foundation for adaptation to the screen, I could seriously see this doing the same things.
Every story is made better by the inclusion of a bear, and then when you add in the unpredictability of the mix, it pretty much would have it all for a screen writer to run with.
This is certainly a book I think I will recommend to my 11 year old God Daughter, as a decent read.
Full blog post (including the good, the bad and the ugly) #449 in June 2014.
March 22, 2014
Really enjoyed this tale, the action started fairly slowly and in a very gentle way we got to know the characters and three distinct races...the Beatles, the myrnimots and the muddles. There was enough intrigue and action to keep me entertained but I can see that this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. I enjoyed it and want to read more by the author.
April 5, 2013
a strange book, but I did like it
June 15, 2013
Well... It was free. Um. The end section was interesting.
August 14, 2013
Lovely fantasy with characters I could relate to. Want to read future books in this series
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews