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Spirit Animals #4
Fire and Ice
Four children separated by vast distances all undergo the same ritual, watched by cloaked strangers. Four flashes of light erupt, and from them emerge the unmistakable shapes of incredible beasts - a wolf, a leopard, a panda, a falcon. Suddenly the paths of these children - and the world - have been changed for ever.
Read by Nicola Barber.
1 audio media player (5 hr., 29 min.) : digital, HD audio ; 3 3/8 x 2 1/8 in.
Read by Nicola Barber.
1 audio media player (5 hr., 29 min.) : digital, HD audio ; 3 3/8 x 2 1/8 in.
6 pages, Audiobook
First published June 24, 2014
420 people are currently reading
3880 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Hale
141 books14.2k followersShannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six young adult novels: the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, multiple award winner Book of a Thousand Days, and the highly acclaimed Books of Bayern series. She has written three books for adults, including the upcoming Midnight in Austenland (Jan. 2012), companion book to Austenland. She co-wrote the hit graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel Calamity Jack with husband Dean Hale. They live near Salt Lake City, Utah with their four small children, and their pet, a small, plastic pig.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
April 22, 2019
~*Check out all my reviews over on The Bent Bookworm!*~
I'm very happy to report that this book was an improvement on the last one in this series (#3)! There was more banter, more feeling, and less confusion overall.
The four kids are STILL having issues trusting each other, and the adults continue to be conveniently swept out of commission by some event or other - which of course forces the four into making BIG DECISIONS. I really like that the series allows the kids to not only make decisions, but forces them to be responsible for them and doesn't really sugar-coat the consequences of foolish ones. In this episode, they are off to the land of frozen tundra in search of the polar bear Great Beast. Again, the cultures they meet bear strong resemblance to ones in actual places in the world, but have different names.
Fire and Ice takes a bit of a darker turn than the previous installments of Spirit Animals. The threat to the kids' families and homes is getting closer, and there are some rather bloody battles and heart-rending scenes, particularly where Rollan is concerned (my poor little street kid just can't catch a freaking break). Still, I think this book will rekindle interest in the rest of the series. I really wasn't sure after Book 3 but I'm going to continue reading!
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I'm very happy to report that this book was an improvement on the last one in this series (#3)! There was more banter, more feeling, and less confusion overall.
The four kids are STILL having issues trusting each other, and the adults continue to be conveniently swept out of commission by some event or other - which of course forces the four into making BIG DECISIONS. I really like that the series allows the kids to not only make decisions, but forces them to be responsible for them and doesn't really sugar-coat the consequences of foolish ones. In this episode, they are off to the land of frozen tundra in search of the polar bear Great Beast. Again, the cultures they meet bear strong resemblance to ones in actual places in the world, but have different names.
Fire and Ice takes a bit of a darker turn than the previous installments of Spirit Animals. The threat to the kids' families and homes is getting closer, and there are some rather bloody battles and heart-rending scenes, particularly where Rollan is concerned (my poor little street kid just can't catch a freaking break). Still, I think this book will rekindle interest in the rest of the series. I really wasn't sure after Book 3 but I'm going to continue reading!
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July 12, 2022
Bardzo przyjemna, choć ewidentnie jestem na nią za stara :)
July 16, 2019
3.5 stars
August 15, 2020
I think these books are great for ages 8-10, but this book was a bit more 11-14. I mean, it wasn’t too violent, but between this one and the others before, there is a difference. :)
September 4, 2014
My 11-yr-son read this one and couldn't stop talking about how big Suka was. = )
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December 4, 2020It was super good I would recomend it if you like mythical beast books.
March 6, 2017
Our heroes are on a journey to find suka the polar bear and claim her talisman. They travel through the harsh land of Arctic, an icy waste land where even the strongest can die. They struggle but find suka frozen in ice and when waking her she is enraged. They calm her and she dose give them the christal polar bear. They then leave and are attacked by the Conquorors. In the end they suffer major losses in that battle. I love that they gave more in depth story to Rollan in particular. They Truely built on his character. I could feel his pain as his supposedly dead mother who is discovered to be alive is controlled by the bile and almost kills him in the end. I could feel the moment as his life was slipping away. I didn't like that this book was more slow paced but the end is easily the best yet. This book takes a darker turn on the series with some very serious elements. Those who like books full of emotion will love this. I always compare this book to Ferals and now they are even more simalar in an aspect of them being about people who can control animals and them both being fairly dark series to read. Truly Spirit Animals Fire and Ice is the best installment to the series yet. Read this series or you are just hurting yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2015
This book continues with the adventures of Conor, Rollan, Meilin, and Abeke looking for the various talismans of the Great Beasts in order to save Erdas from the Conquerors and the Devourer.
This time, the adventure takes them north to Arctica where they are looking for Suka, the great polar bear. The run into a community that continues to live because they drink from an enchanted pond. They discover walruses (or as Rollan calls them, ugly dogs). They find the ice palace where Suka has been locked in ice.
On their way out of the ice palace, they come across the Conquerors again. Rollan's mom is with them, even though he thought she was dead, and places doubt in Rollan's mind that the Conqueror's are doing this on their own - as they always seem to find the Greencloaks just after finding the talisman.
I'm interested to see how the rest of the series plays out & if Erdas is indeed saved!
This time, the adventure takes them north to Arctica where they are looking for Suka, the great polar bear. The run into a community that continues to live because they drink from an enchanted pond. They discover walruses (or as Rollan calls them, ugly dogs). They find the ice palace where Suka has been locked in ice.
On their way out of the ice palace, they come across the Conquerors again. Rollan's mom is with them, even though he thought she was dead, and places doubt in Rollan's mind that the Conqueror's are doing this on their own - as they always seem to find the Greencloaks just after finding the talisman.
I'm interested to see how the rest of the series plays out & if Erdas is indeed saved!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2014
My star rating:
Plot: 4/5
Pacing: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
World: 4.5/5
Romance: N/A
Enjoyment level: 4/5 stars
I love this children's series. This one was a tad more.... darker than the others, but still a highly enjoyable read. Have the next one on reserve at the library!
Plot: 4/5
Pacing: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
World: 4.5/5
Romance: N/A
Enjoyment level: 4/5 stars
I love this children's series. This one was a tad more.... darker than the others, but still a highly enjoyable read. Have the next one on reserve at the library!
January 3, 2021
خب همین دیگه
بعد هزارسال برگشتم سرش
و هنوز به نظرم می تونه قوی تر باشه
ولی احساس میکنم داره ارزشش بیشتر میشه برای خوندن👩🏻🦯
بعد هزارسال برگشتم سرش
و هنوز به نظرم می تونه قوی تر باشه
ولی احساس میکنم داره ارزشش بیشتر میشه برای خوندن👩🏻🦯
October 9, 2015
I don't know what to feel about this book. Where should I start? There are so many things that I want to talk about, and I just don't know if I'll have enough room to do that. Maybe? I don't know.
This book was quite the roller-coaster ride for me. At first, I was thinking that I wouldn't like the book as much as I did the other installments of the series.
But I guess I shouldn't really have expected that from Shannon Hale. Although I haven't read Princess Academy or The Storybook of Legends, or any book by Shannon Hale, I've seen nothing but overflowing, non-stopping praise for the former. Everyone loves Princess Academy, so I had high expectations for this book.
I'm not exactly sure where to begin. Maybe I should start at the beginning?
The biggest issue I had about this book was the subtle not-subtle romance. Not really between Conor and Abeke, although I do feel an implied sense with them, but more or less with Rollan and Meilin. Here, see for yourself.
Um, no thank you?
And also this:
Uh, Meilin, what happened to that tough facade of yours?
Here, have this while you're at it:
Er, Meilin, we need to sit down for a chat. Clearly you're being possessed or something.
Okay, so that's that huge rant about the implied romance. But seriously, this kids are what, twelve? Let's not, Hale. Pretty please?
But anyway, Meilin always had a tough facade. What happened to that? Is it because her dad died? But just because her dad died doesn't give her a reason to like Rollan. Also, she's smiling a lot more. What the hell happened to Hunted, where Rollan was literally keeping score of the number of times he made Meilin smiled?
Um, so, what else?
I liked Rollan's development in this book. Guys, he actually is capable of producing tears! You can stop those rushes to the doctor now.
Aidana and Rollan's relationship also almost made me cry. It's no surprise that he can't hold it in too.
And is it just me or has Meilin turned into a typical YA girl capable of melting down every single minute?
Rollan and Meilin still stand as my two favorite characters, but honestly, there's no need to pair them up. Besides, their ship name(s) sucks. Rollin? Meilan? Meirol? Rolmei? Holy ship this pairing needs to get their names checked.
Anyway, enough about that.
The plot was good. But for gods' sake can we please get a plot twist in here? Thanks. I'd like that. It'd be vv appreciated.
I also think Tarik is the person who's leaking to the Conquerors, because a) he's the only consistent member of the quests that we haven't seen a POV out of and b) he's obviously the traitor here. I mean, come on, you four! Don't you know that the older mentor-like person is always the traitor?
The writing was humorous, and while I didn't enjoy the beginning as much as I did, say, Blood Ties, it was still a pretty strong installment of the series.
SERIES REVIEWS:
My review of Wild Born
My review of Hunted
My review of Blood Ties
AUTHOR REVIEWS:
This book was quite the roller-coaster ride for me. At first, I was thinking that I wouldn't like the book as much as I did the other installments of the series.
But I guess I shouldn't really have expected that from Shannon Hale. Although I haven't read Princess Academy or The Storybook of Legends, or any book by Shannon Hale, I've seen nothing but overflowing, non-stopping praise for the former. Everyone loves Princess Academy, so I had high expectations for this book.
I'm not exactly sure where to begin. Maybe I should start at the beginning?
The biggest issue I had about this book was the subtle not-subtle romance. Not really between Conor and Abeke, although I do feel an implied sense with them, but more or less with Rollan and Meilin. Here, see for yourself.
He smiled that Rollan smile that she was coming to know so well. At first he'd just been some orphan boy to her. And now here she was standing before him, an orphan herself -- mother dead birthing her, father killed by the Devourer -- homeless, nowhere to return to, just trying to survive. More like him than she'd ever imagined possible. His brown eyes were warm, his brown skin speckled with dirt from the road, his broad face comfortingly familiar. Inside the great void of despair that had filled her since her father's death, she felt a pinprick of hope.
And then Rollan reached out and took her hand. His fingers were warm.
Meilin had never been so aware of the beating of her heart.
Um, no thank you?
And also this:
Surely he meant all of them -- the group. But when Rollan said "us", she heard "you and me." Rollan and Meilin. The thought startled her heart.
Uh, Meilin, what happened to that tough facade of yours?
Here, have this while you're at it:
Meilin wondered if through all that thick fur, their touch felt much like holding Rollan's gloved hand. She realized she was still holding his hand and dropped it, suddenly embarrassed.
Er, Meilin, we need to sit down for a chat. Clearly you're being possessed or something.
Okay, so that's that huge rant about the implied romance. But seriously, this kids are what, twelve? Let's not, Hale. Pretty please?
But anyway, Meilin always had a tough facade. What happened to that? Is it because her dad died? But just because her dad died doesn't give her a reason to like Rollan. Also, she's smiling a lot more. What the hell happened to Hunted, where Rollan was literally keeping score of the number of times he made Meilin smiled?
Um, so, what else?
I liked Rollan's development in this book. Guys, he actually is capable of producing tears! You can stop those rushes to the doctor now.
Aidana and Rollan's relationship also almost made me cry. It's no surprise that he can't hold it in too.
And is it just me or has Meilin turned into a typical YA girl capable of melting down every single minute?
Rollan and Meilin still stand as my two favorite characters, but honestly, there's no need to pair them up. Besides, their ship name(s) sucks. Rollin? Meilan? Meirol? Rolmei? Holy ship this pairing needs to get their names checked.
Anyway, enough about that.
The plot was good. But for gods' sake can we please get a plot twist in here? Thanks. I'd like that. It'd be vv appreciated.
I also think Tarik is the person who's leaking to the Conquerors, because a) he's the only consistent member of the quests that we haven't seen a POV out of and b) he's obviously the traitor here. I mean, come on, you four! Don't you know that the older mentor-like person is always the traitor?
The writing was humorous, and while I didn't enjoy the beginning as much as I did, say, Blood Ties, it was still a pretty strong installment of the series.
SERIES REVIEWS:
My review of Wild Born
My review of Hunted
My review of Blood Ties
AUTHOR REVIEWS:
August 5, 2014
The Greencloaks set out on another journey for another talisman. However, the Conquerors aren't that far behind. It almost seems as though one of their own is working in cahoots with one of the Devourer's followers. It just doesn't seem fair. There are more conquerors than there are Greencloaks. Although there is a fire raging in Meilin's heart after the loss of her father, 5 to several is just a disadvantage. Someone is bound to get hurt or killed. However, they did acquire a new member (not new, but new to Meilin, Abeke, Conor, and Rollan)- Maya. Maya's spirit animal is a salamander. Although it seems useless, it brings warmth, and fire. Now is as good a time as any to bring on the fire, when they are headed to Arctica in search of the Crystal Polar Bear talisman.
On their journey, it seems as though no one wants them to find this talisman for their own ulterior motives. For instance, the first place they stopped was Samis, where they met a woman named Pia who they "thought" was helpful in giving them a compass when they distracted the Conquerors for a short period of time. Then after a cumbersome journey, where Abeke almost lost her toes to frostbite, they met the Ardu people in Arctica. They too were, nice until the mention of- Suka. Everyone appeared unfriendly at the mention of looking for Suka- here and back in Samis.
Yes, the Greencloaks, made it far ahead of the Conqueror's and got a head start. However, their journey was full of adventure. Rollan was faced with a difficult choice. Why did they leave Samis earlier than intended? Who is Aidana? What happens on their journey across the snowy desert? Where is Suka hidden? Is it beyond their reach? Is the battle over after they have obtained the talisman, and they are headed back to Greenhaven, or are they to face more danger? What lies ahead?
If you read the last three books, and you enjoyed them, although they are juvenile, or you are the right age (in my opinion 3rd to 5th grade, but I'm a mom of two), which to me is any age from 1 to 99, then my opinion is read this book next. Furthermore, when you are done, scholastic has a game that you can play. There is a code at the end of the book. Help the Greencloaks in their battle against the Conquerors and pick your OWN spirit animal! ENJOY! Happy Reading!
On their journey, it seems as though no one wants them to find this talisman for their own ulterior motives. For instance, the first place they stopped was Samis, where they met a woman named Pia who they "thought" was helpful in giving them a compass when they distracted the Conquerors for a short period of time. Then after a cumbersome journey, where Abeke almost lost her toes to frostbite, they met the Ardu people in Arctica. They too were, nice until the mention of- Suka. Everyone appeared unfriendly at the mention of looking for Suka- here and back in Samis.
Yes, the Greencloaks, made it far ahead of the Conqueror's and got a head start. However, their journey was full of adventure. Rollan was faced with a difficult choice. Why did they leave Samis earlier than intended? Who is Aidana? What happens on their journey across the snowy desert? Where is Suka hidden? Is it beyond their reach? Is the battle over after they have obtained the talisman, and they are headed back to Greenhaven, or are they to face more danger? What lies ahead?
If you read the last three books, and you enjoyed them, although they are juvenile, or you are the right age (in my opinion 3rd to 5th grade, but I'm a mom of two), which to me is any age from 1 to 99, then my opinion is read this book next. Furthermore, when you are done, scholastic has a game that you can play. There is a code at the end of the book. Help the Greencloaks in their battle against the Conquerors and pick your OWN spirit animal! ENJOY! Happy Reading!
July 7, 2023
⭐️5
five freaking stars baby. this book is just yes yes yes. period. this was definitely i wanna say my favorite book in the entire series. because it focused a lot on rollan? (possibly) did i love every second of it? (yes very much) this book hits it all. ✅ reilin content, yes and YES ahhh reilin is just iconic. ✅ rollan exploring his mommy issues, yes. because i’ve read the whole series while writing this review i know how said mommy issues are resolved but that’s a problem for another day. ✅ more sassy spirit animal moments, these are the moments i live for. ✅ tarik in his singing era??? yes please. we want more of this type of content yall. ✅ more badass fighting montages ofc (our queen meilin slays everyday). ✅ shane. period. that’s all imma say (again i’m biased bc i’ve read both series already) ✅ finally more reilin content! okay okay i think y’all get the point but Aahh i love those cuties everyday of the week. if you get bored of the plot at least keep reading just to get more of this ✨amazing✨ content i beg of you!! ahh the banter, the chemistry, THE ROPE SCENE (abeke i love you), AND CHAPTER 2??? like what more can i ask for in life.
five freaking stars baby. this book is just yes yes yes. period. this was definitely i wanna say my favorite book in the entire series. because it focused a lot on rollan? (possibly) did i love every second of it? (yes very much) this book hits it all. ✅ reilin content, yes and YES ahhh reilin is just iconic. ✅ rollan exploring his mommy issues, yes. because i’ve read the whole series while writing this review i know how said mommy issues are resolved but that’s a problem for another day. ✅ more sassy spirit animal moments, these are the moments i live for. ✅ tarik in his singing era??? yes please. we want more of this type of content yall. ✅ more badass fighting montages ofc (our queen meilin slays everyday). ✅ shane. period. that’s all imma say (again i’m biased bc i’ve read both series already) ✅ finally more reilin content! okay okay i think y’all get the point but Aahh i love those cuties everyday of the week. if you get bored of the plot at least keep reading just to get more of this ✨amazing✨ content i beg of you!! ahh the banter, the chemistry, THE ROPE SCENE (abeke i love you), AND CHAPTER 2??? like what more can i ask for in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2017
Seriously? A pyromancer? It was handled well though, but it still is an odd fit. Some of the great beasts command supernatural powers (more than usual, as expected) but a fire salamander that makes its partner produce fire even though it is just an ordinary beast? That is just stretching it. By the way if you read this and think that this is some sort of spoiler, don't worry about it. It is not exactly a spoiler since you get this info pretty early into the book. Just a few pages if I remember correctly. Still enjoyable, but that's how things go with different authors writing one series.
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November 3, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Grandparent with alcoholism mentioned
Physical injury & illness including frostbite
Death of a father recounted
Death from a fall
Knife, sword and arrow violence
Fire
Animal attack
Animal death & hunting (seal)
Grandparent with alcoholism mentioned
Physical injury & illness including frostbite
Death of a father recounted
Death from a fall
Knife, sword and arrow violence
Fire
Animal attack
Animal death & hunting (seal)
July 20, 2014
Best book of this series yet! Read in a day. Lots of action:)
September 1, 2014
These series is like, "how many good authors can we convince to write mediocre books?"
November 15, 2014
Didn't enjoy it as much as the others. Shannon Hale lowered my liking of Spirit Animals. : (
September 25, 2015
Great book!1
October 13, 2016
(Apparently my 10 year old was a fan.)
March 1, 2016
I love evry book in the series, I think the characters are very well described
February 23, 2017
At the end it was creepy.
July 3, 2018
Great book but it kind of let me down in the end.
August 10, 2022
Ocena: 8/10 - ebook
July 21, 2024
The best one so far, I'm honestly tempted to go and check out all of Shannon Hale's books now because wow 🔥
This one was brutal, I made the huge mistake at starting it at night and ended up reading it instead of sleeping 😂😂😂 It was so action packed and picturesque at the same time.
Also the drama??? The Rollan story line killed me, he's my fave of the bunch and the way his story progresses was so intense!
Also the Bile origins which were basically revealed here was such a nice twist!
I hated the ending though 🙈 I love my lil beans and I wish all the best for them so every time things turn out not so well I'm rioting! The poor kids are going through it, and don't deserve added hardships (though I fully realize that it's necessary for the plot development lol)
I'd have loved these series when I was a kid, but I love them surprisingly much now even though I'm about 20 years older than the target audience 😂I'm already at book 5, these books are so good!
This one was brutal, I made the huge mistake at starting it at night and ended up reading it instead of sleeping 😂😂😂 It was so action packed and picturesque at the same time.
Also the drama??? The Rollan story line killed me, he's my fave of the bunch and the way his story progresses was so intense!
Also the Bile origins which were basically revealed here was such a nice twist!
I hated the ending though 🙈 I love my lil beans and I wish all the best for them so every time things turn out not so well I'm rioting! The poor kids are going through it, and don't deserve added hardships (though I fully realize that it's necessary for the plot development lol)
I'd have loved these series when I was a kid, but I love them surprisingly much now even though I'm about 20 years older than the target audience 😂I'm already at book 5, these books are so good!
March 9, 2022
Je trouve ça mignon les petites romances qui s'installent tranquillement entre les personnages. On voit que certains personnages tiennent davantage à d'autres. J'aime aussi que malgré le fait que chaque personnage soit présent dans l'histoire et évolue, chaque roman est vraiment axé sur l'évolution d'un personnage précis.
April 22, 2023
To jest chyba do tej pory mój ulubiony tom, chociaż jednocześnie nie najlepszy. Uwielbiam relacje między bohaterami, które zaczęły się w nim nawiązywać, a sama akcja była dość niespodziewana, chociaż znów trochę chaotyczna. Zaczynam zauważać już pewną schematyczność w tej serii i mam nadzieję, że się jeszcze zaskoczę. Takie mocne 4 gwiazdki
May 30, 2020
An excellent addition to the already great series. I'm always a fan of cold environments. The battles in this book were exceptionally well done. Rollan had a fantastic character plot. Kind of came out of left field but still great. Also the polar bear was the BEST spirit so far. I love her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews