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Rebel Angels #4
Icefall
Book 4 in the acclaimed REBEL ANGELS series. (Firebrand, Bloodstone, Wolfsbane, Icefall) Death stalks Seth MacGregor s clan in their otherworld exile. Kate NicNiven is close to ultimate victory, and she is determined that nothing will keep her from it. Not even the thing that took her soul: the horror that lurks in the sea caves. But Kate still needs Seth s son Rory, and his power over the Veil. And she ll go to any lengths to get him. Seth s own soul is rotting from the wound inflicted by Kate, and survival for his loved ones seems all he can hope for. But might a mortal threat to his brother s daughter force him to return to his own world to challenge Kate? And will Rory go with him? Because Rory MacSeth suspects there s a darkness trapped in the Veil a darkness that wants to get out. But only one Sithe knows how near it is to getting its way: Seth s bound lover, the witch Finn. Nobody gets forever. But some are willing to try...
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
391 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2014
1 person is currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Philip
38 books184 followersGillian Philip is the author of more than 20 books for adults, young adults and children, including the Rebel Angels series (Firebrand, Bloodstone, Wolfsbane and Icefall). Her debut novel, the dystopian mystery Bad Faith, was published in 2008.
As well as fantasy she writes crime: Crossing The Line and The Opposite Of Amber are published by Bloomsbury. She is one of the Erin Hunters, working on the Survivors series, and has written as Gabriella Poole (Darke Academy). Her short books for Key Stage 3 are published by Ransom and by ReadZone Books, and include Life Of The Party, Mind's Eye, Sea Fever and Cyber Fever.
She lives in the north-east highlands of Scotland, with one husband, two children, three dogs (Cluny, Milo and Otto), two psychotic cats (the Ghost and the Darkness), a slayer hamster (Buffy), a fluctuating population of chickens (including Mapp, Lucia, Mrs Norris and Honey Boo Boo), and a lot of nervous fish.
From her website:
"Writing for a living is (a) what I always wanted to do; (b) occasionally frustrating; (c) a lot of fun – I take dictation from the characters in my head, who spend their lives telling me what’s going to happen next.
"But I like it that I never know just how it’s all going to end – not till the fat lady sings, the villain meets a suitably sticky end, and the boy gets the girl (or indeed the boy)."
As well as fantasy she writes crime: Crossing The Line and The Opposite Of Amber are published by Bloomsbury. She is one of the Erin Hunters, working on the Survivors series, and has written as Gabriella Poole (Darke Academy). Her short books for Key Stage 3 are published by Ransom and by ReadZone Books, and include Life Of The Party, Mind's Eye, Sea Fever and Cyber Fever.
She lives in the north-east highlands of Scotland, with one husband, two children, three dogs (Cluny, Milo and Otto), two psychotic cats (the Ghost and the Darkness), a slayer hamster (Buffy), a fluctuating population of chickens (including Mapp, Lucia, Mrs Norris and Honey Boo Boo), and a lot of nervous fish.
From her website:
"Writing for a living is (a) what I always wanted to do; (b) occasionally frustrating; (c) a lot of fun – I take dictation from the characters in my head, who spend their lives telling me what’s going to happen next.
"But I like it that I never know just how it’s all going to end – not till the fat lady sings, the villain meets a suitably sticky end, and the boy gets the girl (or indeed the boy)."
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 2, 2015
Originally posted on Small Review
For new readers:
Here's what you can expect with the Rebel Angels series
(NO SPOILERS)
Characters that feel absolutely real. These don't feel like fictional characters at all. It feels like I'm reading an account of real people and real events. Which is, you know, saying something considering they're fairies and all.
Strong emotions. Rage against the villains with the kind hate where your entire being takes part in the visceral hatefest. Inexplicable but all consuming love for the heroes. Elation when things go right for them. Absolute devastation when things don't (which is frequent). These characters go all in with everything, and I was swept up along with them.
Stellar world building. There's world building that's interesting because of the creatures or new ideas it brings. There's world building that's fun because it makes you want to live in it. There's world building that's complex because of the depth and scope of the details and rules. Then there's world building that combines all those things and feels absolutely real. Gillian Philip's world is the last type of world and I wouldn't be at all shocked to discover it exists parallel to our own world.
For established readers:
Here's what you can expect in Icefall
(Spoilers for newbies!)
Major characters die, and it ripped my bleeding heart out.
Dead characters come back (briefly) in an awesome, awesome scene.
A resolution to all the dangling story threads.
A slower, wandering first three-quarters of the book (much like in the other books) but with memorable scenes throughout.
Also, much like the other books, an explosive final quarter that makes the entire book worthwhile.
Sobbing. Of both the happy and sad variety.
Bottom line (NO SPOILERS)
Gillian Philip's Rebel Angels series is a powerhouse from start to finish. Dip your toes into the first book, and if you like that, then you'll like the rest of the books.
By all rights, I should actually hate this series. The books are confusing, the characters can be infuriating, the pacing is all kinds of off, they're all fairies, and none of the rules of conventional storytelling are followed. I should absolutely hate it.
I absolutely love it.
There's something otherworldly and special about these books that defies what should be. I can't fully describe why I recommend them, but I wholeheartedly do.
This is an adult/upper YA fantasy/urban-ish fantasy series.
Originally posted on Small Review
For new readers:
Here's what you can expect with the Rebel Angels series
(NO SPOILERS)
Characters that feel absolutely real. These don't feel like fictional characters at all. It feels like I'm reading an account of real people and real events. Which is, you know, saying something considering they're fairies and all.
Strong emotions. Rage against the villains with the kind hate where your entire being takes part in the visceral hatefest. Inexplicable but all consuming love for the heroes. Elation when things go right for them. Absolute devastation when things don't (which is frequent). These characters go all in with everything, and I was swept up along with them.
Stellar world building. There's world building that's interesting because of the creatures or new ideas it brings. There's world building that's fun because it makes you want to live in it. There's world building that's complex because of the depth and scope of the details and rules. Then there's world building that combines all those things and feels absolutely real. Gillian Philip's world is the last type of world and I wouldn't be at all shocked to discover it exists parallel to our own world.
For established readers:
Here's what you can expect in Icefall
(Spoilers for newbies!)
Major characters die, and it ripped my bleeding heart out.
Dead characters come back (briefly) in an awesome, awesome scene.
A resolution to all the dangling story threads.
A slower, wandering first three-quarters of the book (much like in the other books) but with memorable scenes throughout.
Also, much like the other books, an explosive final quarter that makes the entire book worthwhile.
Sobbing. Of both the happy and sad variety.
Bottom line (NO SPOILERS)
Gillian Philip's Rebel Angels series is a powerhouse from start to finish. Dip your toes into the first book, and if you like that, then you'll like the rest of the books.
By all rights, I should actually hate this series. The books are confusing, the characters can be infuriating, the pacing is all kinds of off, they're all fairies, and none of the rules of conventional storytelling are followed. I should absolutely hate it.
I absolutely love it.
There's something otherworldly and special about these books that defies what should be. I can't fully describe why I recommend them, but I wholeheartedly do.
This is an adult/upper YA fantasy/urban-ish fantasy series.
Originally posted on Small Review
April 23, 2014
Icefall – is the fourth and final novel in Gillian Philip’s brilliant Rebel Angels series. In her vivid, muscular, prose Philip concludes the tale of Seth McGregor and his clann’s struggle to save the veil that protects his world. What a series it’s been and what a dazzling finale this book proves to be.
In Rebel Angels Philip has created a narrative of such complexity it has sometimes been difficult to keep track of all the wonderfully inventive plot strands and the multitude of characters. Yet that has never been a problem for me because some degree of confusion seems totally appropriate: the turbulent world of the Sithe is a chaotic place of violence and ever-changing allegiances.
I’m glad to say that Icefall meets the powerful standards set by the earlier novels – and then some. Approaching it I was anxious lest the resolution, in particular, might disappoint. How could Philip, following on from the other partial resolutions that have worked so brilliantly, wrap up the series in a way that would work on all levels. I needn’t have worried, she does just that. Indeed, when everything seems lost for Seth and his friends, there is a marvellous twist that’s both unexpected and yet deeply satisfying because it feels so absolutely right.
As always, with this series, even the most loved, and loveable, characters are not immune from injury, torture or death: this is a brutal world as well as one of great beauty. Seth, his lover Finn, his son, Rory, Rory's mortal half-brother, Jed, and Hannah, Conal’s daughter, are all back for this final confrontation with Queen Kate NicNiven and the dreadful, ancient child, Darkfall. We are reminded also of many favourite characters from the past (especially Conal of course) and it’s lovely to see some characters who have been there from the start, like Orach and Sionnach, blossom into fuller life in this episode.
Icefall is a bravura conclusion to a wonderful series that I’d recommend to fantasy lovers of all ages, or indeed to anyone looking for an enthralling and very exciting read.
In Rebel Angels Philip has created a narrative of such complexity it has sometimes been difficult to keep track of all the wonderfully inventive plot strands and the multitude of characters. Yet that has never been a problem for me because some degree of confusion seems totally appropriate: the turbulent world of the Sithe is a chaotic place of violence and ever-changing allegiances.
I’m glad to say that Icefall meets the powerful standards set by the earlier novels – and then some. Approaching it I was anxious lest the resolution, in particular, might disappoint. How could Philip, following on from the other partial resolutions that have worked so brilliantly, wrap up the series in a way that would work on all levels. I needn’t have worried, she does just that. Indeed, when everything seems lost for Seth and his friends, there is a marvellous twist that’s both unexpected and yet deeply satisfying because it feels so absolutely right.
As always, with this series, even the most loved, and loveable, characters are not immune from injury, torture or death: this is a brutal world as well as one of great beauty. Seth, his lover Finn, his son, Rory, Rory's mortal half-brother, Jed, and Hannah, Conal’s daughter, are all back for this final confrontation with Queen Kate NicNiven and the dreadful, ancient child, Darkfall. We are reminded also of many favourite characters from the past (especially Conal of course) and it’s lovely to see some characters who have been there from the start, like Orach and Sionnach, blossom into fuller life in this episode.
Icefall is a bravura conclusion to a wonderful series that I’d recommend to fantasy lovers of all ages, or indeed to anyone looking for an enthralling and very exciting read.
January 31, 2016
Actual rating 4.5 stars. This review is spoiler free.
This was a strong conclusion to what was an amazing series. It had been ages (aka years) since I read the 3rd book, so the list of who was who at the beginning of the book was a huge help.
The Sithe world is so vivid and the characters so real that it was very easy to slip back into the story. I enjoy seeing the characters in the human world, but nothing compares to seeing them back in their own world beyond the veil. It's a dark, dangerous and violent place with Kate in charge and I spend a lot of time on edge while I'm reading, because I know the author doesn't mind killing off key characters that the reader has come to love.
The different POV's are written really well. It's easy to know whose head you are in, without having to go back and check. I really missed being inside Seth's head, though I think I can see why the author chose to do this.
There were parts that were a little confusing to read and make sense of, but I found this to be the case in the previous books too. However, it just makes me work harder to understand the Sithe world and the decisions the characters make.
The conclusion was perfectly executed, heartbreaking and bittersweet, just like I always knew it would be. I both loved it and hated it, but I don't mean that as a bad thing.
If the author could write more books in this series, or set in this world, I'd be a very happy reader :)
Edit: And can I just add, these book covers are perfection! The characters look exactly like I'd always pictured them to be and exactly how they are described in the books, which happens so rarely! The graphic designer did an amazing job!
This was a strong conclusion to what was an amazing series. It had been ages (aka years) since I read the 3rd book, so the list of who was who at the beginning of the book was a huge help.
The Sithe world is so vivid and the characters so real that it was very easy to slip back into the story. I enjoy seeing the characters in the human world, but nothing compares to seeing them back in their own world beyond the veil. It's a dark, dangerous and violent place with Kate in charge and I spend a lot of time on edge while I'm reading, because I know the author doesn't mind killing off key characters that the reader has come to love.
The different POV's are written really well. It's easy to know whose head you are in, without having to go back and check. I really missed being inside Seth's head, though I think I can see why the author chose to do this.
There were parts that were a little confusing to read and make sense of, but I found this to be the case in the previous books too. However, it just makes me work harder to understand the Sithe world and the decisions the characters make.
The conclusion was perfectly executed, heartbreaking and bittersweet, just like I always knew it would be. I both loved it and hated it, but I don't mean that as a bad thing.
If the author could write more books in this series, or set in this world, I'd be a very happy reader :)
Edit: And can I just add, these book covers are perfection! The characters look exactly like I'd always pictured them to be and exactly how they are described in the books, which happens so rarely! The graphic designer did an amazing job!
February 11, 2016
Well that was a rollercoaster ride that had it all. Love, honour, betrayal, joy, twists, turns, heartache and triumph. It took me forever to read the first one on the series but it was brilliant. The characters were fantastic, even some of the supporting ones. Hero's, villains, hero/villains, they really were well written and really jumped off the page. A great finish to a great series although hopefully we see more stories at some stage.
I recommend it to those who like YA fantasy (or fantasy in general really ).
Now if you'll excuse me I think I need a change of pace for my next book and will read about some Sithe without an e.
I recommend it to those who like YA fantasy (or fantasy in general really ).
Now if you'll excuse me I think I need a change of pace for my next book and will read about some Sithe without an e.
July 13, 2018
I've never purposefully read a book so slow just so it wouldn't end so fast and I could savor each and every word. Wonderful!!!!! Love this book, adore the characters, even the ones I hate and enjoyed seeing die (did that sound too dark? :p) Absolutely wish I could be a part of Seth's clann. Such loyalty such devotion...
This is one of my all-time favorite series. It ended on a good note, but if there's ever a book 5, I'm ready!!!!!!!
This is one of my all-time favorite series. It ended on a good note, but if there's ever a book 5, I'm ready!!!!!!!
May 1, 2019
Awesome!
June 24, 2015
Fear. It’s wrapping around the house on the cliff as thickly as the mist coming off of the river below it. For Seth Macgregor, fear is the ticking clock signifying that his time is almost up because his soul is almost gone.
For the other members of Seth’s complex clan, fear is something they’ve grown accustomed to and accepted as a part of everyday life. The clan is in a period of waiting, but not for long, because the fiercely malicious Kate NicNiven is determined once and for all to gain their souls and take the throne.
In “Icefall” the fourth and final installment in Gillian Philip’s enthralling series Rebel Angels, things are getting pretty complicated. Trapped on the other side of the veil, Seth’s clan is in a period of waiting. Homesick, worried, and unaccustomed to life in the 21st century, tensions are high within the family. As unexpected allies are formed, other friends are gone for good, and Kate’s determination to be in control regardless of the cost threatens to tear Seth’s family apart.
This book takes place on both sides of the veil and paints a picture of a world so real I find myself thinking I am a character in this magical plot. As new relationships form and old ones are laid to rest, you will find yourself unable to put the book down.
From mystical creatures in the sea to sword fights to the power of true love, “Icefall” is a story that will grab you from the first page. Readers will mourn the loss of beloved characters and celebrate with the introduction of new ones.
As with any great book, and more so with an exceptional series, the novel left me with mixed emotions. I was at peace with the clan’s happiness, mourned for the loss of my favorite character, overjoyed for the bright, villain- free, future, but overall the only regret I had in reading this book is that I couldn’t have stayed in it longer.
Philips concludes this series beautifully and leaves the reader feeling that, for all of the unexpected changes that have happened in this series, the one constant amidst the chaos is the undeniable proof that a family’s love and undying devotion will ultimately win every battle.
Reviewer: Kate Proffitt is a creative writing major, who loves to read and write! Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors is her favorite band, Christina Rossetti is her favorite poet, and she drinks a lot more Diet Coke than she should. She also enjoys travelling and has spent some time in Europe! Kate is currently working on her first unpublished novel!
Killer Nashville's Review of Icefall (Rebel Angels #4)
Killer Nashville's Past Book Reviews
For the other members of Seth’s complex clan, fear is something they’ve grown accustomed to and accepted as a part of everyday life. The clan is in a period of waiting, but not for long, because the fiercely malicious Kate NicNiven is determined once and for all to gain their souls and take the throne.
In “Icefall” the fourth and final installment in Gillian Philip’s enthralling series Rebel Angels, things are getting pretty complicated. Trapped on the other side of the veil, Seth’s clan is in a period of waiting. Homesick, worried, and unaccustomed to life in the 21st century, tensions are high within the family. As unexpected allies are formed, other friends are gone for good, and Kate’s determination to be in control regardless of the cost threatens to tear Seth’s family apart.
This book takes place on both sides of the veil and paints a picture of a world so real I find myself thinking I am a character in this magical plot. As new relationships form and old ones are laid to rest, you will find yourself unable to put the book down.
From mystical creatures in the sea to sword fights to the power of true love, “Icefall” is a story that will grab you from the first page. Readers will mourn the loss of beloved characters and celebrate with the introduction of new ones.
As with any great book, and more so with an exceptional series, the novel left me with mixed emotions. I was at peace with the clan’s happiness, mourned for the loss of my favorite character, overjoyed for the bright, villain- free, future, but overall the only regret I had in reading this book is that I couldn’t have stayed in it longer.
Philips concludes this series beautifully and leaves the reader feeling that, for all of the unexpected changes that have happened in this series, the one constant amidst the chaos is the undeniable proof that a family’s love and undying devotion will ultimately win every battle.
Reviewer: Kate Proffitt is a creative writing major, who loves to read and write! Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors is her favorite band, Christina Rossetti is her favorite poet, and she drinks a lot more Diet Coke than she should. She also enjoys travelling and has spent some time in Europe! Kate is currently working on her first unpublished novel!
Killer Nashville's Review of Icefall (Rebel Angels #4)
Killer Nashville's Past Book Reviews
August 21, 2014
I loved the first three books in the Rebel Angels series and Icefall is a stunning conclusion. Philips' unique blend of gritty, dark fantasy, which shows us the magic and terror of being human, never wilts, never stumbles, never disappoints.
Seth's journey, which begins in Firebrand, has been long and arduous, chock full of passion, heroism, heartbreak and tenderness. This series is wonderful for adults and young adults alike, with a powerful plot, characters who fill your head and your heart, and a maturity of insight and compassion which flows through its pages like the most potent wine.
When I started reading Rebel Angels I believed I was opening another young adult, paranormal fantasy about the Sithe. But this series morphs, even as you read, into so much more... urban fantasy, delivered with poetry and grace, mixed with the otherworldliness of the Scottish Sithe landscape beyond the veil and powerful insights into the human heart. The devastating, transformative power of relationships, the cold blade of sacrifice, the fraught responsibilities of parenthood, and how dreams tatter and tear in the cold wind of fate... Philips is uncompromising, deft and eloquent with every issue she touches upon.
Icefall delivers on all the promise of the earlier books, giving not one but several satisfying conclusions to relationships; the endless battle to save the Veil, and with it the Sithe homeworld, from the intoxicating and dastardly Kate NicNiven; and a glimpse into a future which makes you smile even as you blubber like a child over the final pages.
I am so tempted to tell you some of my favourite moments but I won't because spoilers are torture for true book lovers. All I will say is if you love powerful stories, high, urban or literary fantasy, or novels where the stakes are high and just keep climbing, this is for you. Icefall is one to buy, read and keep - because you will read it again.
Seth's journey, which begins in Firebrand, has been long and arduous, chock full of passion, heroism, heartbreak and tenderness. This series is wonderful for adults and young adults alike, with a powerful plot, characters who fill your head and your heart, and a maturity of insight and compassion which flows through its pages like the most potent wine.
When I started reading Rebel Angels I believed I was opening another young adult, paranormal fantasy about the Sithe. But this series morphs, even as you read, into so much more... urban fantasy, delivered with poetry and grace, mixed with the otherworldliness of the Scottish Sithe landscape beyond the veil and powerful insights into the human heart. The devastating, transformative power of relationships, the cold blade of sacrifice, the fraught responsibilities of parenthood, and how dreams tatter and tear in the cold wind of fate... Philips is uncompromising, deft and eloquent with every issue she touches upon.
Icefall delivers on all the promise of the earlier books, giving not one but several satisfying conclusions to relationships; the endless battle to save the Veil, and with it the Sithe homeworld, from the intoxicating and dastardly Kate NicNiven; and a glimpse into a future which makes you smile even as you blubber like a child over the final pages.
I am so tempted to tell you some of my favourite moments but I won't because spoilers are torture for true book lovers. All I will say is if you love powerful stories, high, urban or literary fantasy, or novels where the stakes are high and just keep climbing, this is for you. Icefall is one to buy, read and keep - because you will read it again.
April 10, 2015
This is book 4 and the final installment to the Rebel Angels series. If this is the first time you’re looking at this series, don’t start here, go back to the first book and begin there. It’s an action packed raging story that spans these four books and is well paced throughout. It will be life or death, victory or defeat, and survival for their souls or oblivion. It’s a chaotic realm full of shifting times and allegiances. Be certain that injuries occur, torture delivered, and twists abound.
Seth and his friends have to make their stand, and they have to overcome. For some the journey has been arduous and torturous. I don’t want to give anything away, but this series is worth a read. I will say that some of the vastness of the plot lines and multitude of characters was overwhelming at times to the point of confusion, but it works. I even know that there are parts that are easily predicted. It’s not a perfect story, but in a way it works for these characters. They’re gritty characters who draw you in and you can feel kindred with at least one of them.
Thanks to Edelweiss for the review copy!
Seth and his friends have to make their stand, and they have to overcome. For some the journey has been arduous and torturous. I don’t want to give anything away, but this series is worth a read. I will say that some of the vastness of the plot lines and multitude of characters was overwhelming at times to the point of confusion, but it works. I even know that there are parts that are easily predicted. It’s not a perfect story, but in a way it works for these characters. They’re gritty characters who draw you in and you can feel kindred with at least one of them.
Thanks to Edelweiss for the review copy!
January 16, 2016
It's been a while since I read "Icefall," so I don't recall a great deal of detail. It is a good conclusion to this excellent series, however, and probably the best book in the series since the first. Like the rest, it is full of tension, violent action, internal conflict, triumph, sorrow, and tragedy. The characters are well drawn, and none of the characters are purely good or evil -- except for Kate, who is more fully e-vil than I like to see in a serious novel.
If you haven't read anything in the series, start with the first novel. If you've read the first three, you absolutely want to read "Icefall."
If you haven't read anything in the series, start with the first novel. If you've read the first three, you absolutely want to read "Icefall."
October 24, 2014
A Very bittersweet ending to a fantastic series that really does deserve more exposure. The writing was on the wall for a certain character, but the way in which their passing was handled was poignant and deserving.
After a particularly slow first half of the book, the second part doesn't let up to the very last chapter. Friends and foes are lost, lines are crossed until the cataclysmic finish of the book.
Full Review to come
After a particularly slow first half of the book, the second part doesn't let up to the very last chapter. Friends and foes are lost, lines are crossed until the cataclysmic finish of the book.
Full Review to come
April 25, 2014
Sobbed. Wept. Actual tears. Lots of them. Don't do that often. *shakes fist at Philip*
Seriously though I have loved this series and this is an unputdownable finale. Loved every minute of this emotional rollercoaster.
Seriously though I have loved this series and this is an unputdownable finale. Loved every minute of this emotional rollercoaster.
May 29, 2015
What a great way to end the Rebel Angel series! I won the first book, "Firebrand" from a Goodreads giveaway and enjoyed it so much that I went out and bought the other 3 books following it. Highly recommend these for those who enjoy sci-fi, fantasy genres.
May 19, 2015
It would probably be four or five stars if there hadn't been so many deaths of characters I'd grown to love. I mean, the deaths weren't entirely unexpected--it's war, after all--but it still hurts a little when a favorite character bites it. The head understands, but the heart holds a grudge.
August 7, 2015
I really enjoyed this series because it was different. I liked that the author didn't slow down to repeat everything and explained the details at a breakneck pace. You really have to pay attention and have a good memory for details when reading this book or you might feel a little lost.
May 16, 2017
I think that I found the Rebel Angels books series on Amazon.com. Wherever I did I can say that I truly enjoy this series from the first book to the last! I admit that I got a little teary eye at the end of Icefall, but I highly recommend the book.
October 13, 2015
Love, love, love this series!
June 4, 2015
A good book. Some parts in the first half dragged. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. But I enjoyed the whole series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews