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The Icemark Chronicles #1
The Cry Of The Icemark
The Icemark is a kingdom in grave danger.
Thirrin Freer Strong-In-the-Arm-Lindenshield:
Fearless and flame-haired, the thirteen-year-old princess more than lives up to her impressive name. But when her father is killed and her kingdom, the Icemark, is threatened with invasion, Thirrin must become a true warrior, no matter the cost. Will fragile new alliances between Snow Leopards, Vampires, and Wolf-folk see her to victory? And can her budding friendship with Oskan, an intense young wizard, survive a war?
Thirrin Freer Strong-In-the-Arm-Lindenshield:
Fearless and flame-haired, the thirteen-year-old princess more than lives up to her impressive name. But when her father is killed and her kingdom, the Icemark, is threatened with invasion, Thirrin must become a true warrior, no matter the cost. Will fragile new alliances between Snow Leopards, Vampires, and Wolf-folk see her to victory? And can her budding friendship with Oskan, an intense young wizard, survive a war?
472 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
249 people are currently reading
7457 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Hill
39 books270 followersStuart Hill was born in Leicester, in the East Midlands of England, where he still lives today. His family heritage includes English, Irish, Romany and Jewish blood. As a student his grades were average at best, but he was fortunate to have a teacher who inspired in him a lifelong love of reading. Since leaving school, he has worked as a teacher and an archaeologist, and now balances life as both a bookseller and a writer.
The Cry of the Icemark is his first novel. When he was a teenager, Stuart lost "the real Thirrin," his red-haired sister Kathleen, to leukemia. The story of the brave young warrior-queen who faces impossible dangers is dedicated to her. The Cry of the Icemark won the Ottakars Prize for the best new children’s novel - Ottakars is one of the UK's leading book chains. Foreign rights have been sold to over 14 countries, and Fox have bought the movie rights.
Blade of Fire, the second in the Icemark Chronicles series was published in the UK in September 2006 and in the USA in February 2007.
Stuart says that his influences include H. Rider Haggard, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Margaret Abbey—his former grade school teacher who is also a writer of historical novels.
The Cry of the Icemark is his first novel. When he was a teenager, Stuart lost "the real Thirrin," his red-haired sister Kathleen, to leukemia. The story of the brave young warrior-queen who faces impossible dangers is dedicated to her. The Cry of the Icemark won the Ottakars Prize for the best new children’s novel - Ottakars is one of the UK's leading book chains. Foreign rights have been sold to over 14 countries, and Fox have bought the movie rights.
Blade of Fire, the second in the Icemark Chronicles series was published in the UK in September 2006 and in the USA in February 2007.
Stuart says that his influences include H. Rider Haggard, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Margaret Abbey—his former grade school teacher who is also a writer of historical novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 691 reviews
February 7, 2024
7.64 on CAWPILE
April 1, 2014
All right, I am definitely out of the age range of this book and I have apparently outgrown the phase when one-dimension characters in a straightforward plot can win my heart. Now, could they ever? I'm not so sure, but the five-star reviews from young readers show that the book is appreciated and even loved.
I decided to give it two stars instead of one for one simple reason: the plot and characters can earn one star at best (since there is no "no-stars" option), while I do see some potential in the author's style (at times) and also in a number of plot/world devices, such as the werewolf relay system or the general idea of introducing a scholar who observes the world, records histories etc. I must admit that I quite liked the way the vampires were presented as the bored, tired with immortality and yet clinging to their existence beings (if only they had served anything at all in the plot and their characters had any individuality - well, the latter applies to just every single character in the book).
However, all such things cannot save a plot as thin as the most luxurious vellum, or characters that are as bland as it gets. The plot moves from one predictable event to another, and the characters are characterless pawns on a chessboard with a set game. I wonder if anyone at any point doubted that Thirrin would persuade the potential allies to joining her, let alone if anyone anticipated the outcome of any of the battles. Moreover: the logic of the plot escapes me. First the whole city is evacuated and the inhabitants make a tiresome march to the safety of the north, to escape invasion. Apart from the fact that this is damn stupid, it also has no consequences: the capital is taken by the enemy (well, it was EMPTY), who then leaves it (we learn later that the ghosts had some part in driving the enemy out, which actually could be a nice touch, if the author had written it better), and gets annihilated in a battle in the forest. However, when the army goes back in a matter of weeks (having the whole populace of a big city relocated to a smaller one without any economic problems whatsoever), there is no sign of the battle, even though all those corpses covered in snow and ice should make a gruesome view. For some time the capital is empty but the Enemy does not think about repopulating it (they don't have to storm it anymore, since it's EMPTY), so conveniently the Icemarkians come down and simply march in, and the city is fully functionable despite its abandonment in the middle of a very hard winter. Then the small province of the north supplies the army with food, fodder and anything else, the drafted army performs like a professional one after several weeks of training, we get a tedious and over-extended (not to mention unconvincing to downright stupid from the military point of view) description of the battle ofMinas Tirith Frostmarris and the book ends.
At first glance I expected to enjoy the world: the combination of a developedRoman Polipontian Empire, with cannons and muskets, with a Vikingland Icemark featuring some Viking and some Celtic elements, the Amazons Hyppolitans relocated to the north, and some kind of Greek-like south was promising. Add to it sufficiently original werewolves and vampires - all this looks quite well. If only these lands were inhabited by people and not stereotypes... And if the author had not fallen into one of my most hated pits: of creating a wise, old and perfect race of talking animals. I could not bear the Snow Leopards at all, sorry fans. Still, the idea to use as many cultures as possible is a good one, but please Mr. Hill, add some life to your world and characters!
And now comes the worst: unlike many people who wrote reviews here I AM a fan of military history (from antiquity to the 19th century), and what I got deserved a huge laugh at best but mostly a huge facepalm. The author is an archaeologist (it shows, but it does not guarantee good writing), but has no idea about strategy, tactics, logistics and warfare in general. Moreover, he makes the mistake (beginner's perhaps) that he mostly multiplies the numbers of troops instead of thinking about tactics; and what is even worse, he declares throughout the book that the evil and cruel general of the Enemy, a certain Scipio Bellorum, is a military genius. The problem is, Mr. Bellorum's tactics are as naive and silly as it gets, and any army would have him hung or murdered for the way he treats his officers, in the matter of weeks. A lesson for Mr. Hill to learn from history books: all great commanders who lasted long were loved by their armies, not just feared, and certainly not feared for their madness and cruelty - this generally guarantees quick mutiny, even if the captain wins battles.
Oh, and I forgot to say that a small city with a tiny garrison withstands ten days of siege when their walls had been breached in several places by a huge army. The army cannot take the city despite the military genius of their commander. And no, the inhabitants don't set fire to their city. Nothing as spectacular, they are JUST SO BRAVE that this alone is enough to keep thousands of legionaries at bay. And mind you, this is not Tolkien, this is supposed to be realistic.
And this is it: the book is full of paper characters who impersonate certain traits, without any hint at psychology, without any doubts. Even the scene when Oskan has to choose between being a Black Witch or a White Witch is predictable and devoid of dramatism. There is no single traitor or badass in Icemark, there is no place for good Polypontians. I don't know, maybe this changes in the sequels, but I am not sure if I am going to check it.
I decided to give it two stars instead of one for one simple reason: the plot and characters can earn one star at best (since there is no "no-stars" option), while I do see some potential in the author's style (at times) and also in a number of plot/world devices, such as the werewolf relay system or the general idea of introducing a scholar who observes the world, records histories etc. I must admit that I quite liked the way the vampires were presented as the bored, tired with immortality and yet clinging to their existence beings (if only they had served anything at all in the plot and their characters had any individuality - well, the latter applies to just every single character in the book).
However, all such things cannot save a plot as thin as the most luxurious vellum, or characters that are as bland as it gets. The plot moves from one predictable event to another, and the characters are characterless pawns on a chessboard with a set game. I wonder if anyone at any point doubted that Thirrin would persuade the potential allies to joining her, let alone if anyone anticipated the outcome of any of the battles. Moreover: the logic of the plot escapes me. First the whole city is evacuated and the inhabitants make a tiresome march to the safety of the north, to escape invasion. Apart from the fact that this is damn stupid, it also has no consequences: the capital is taken by the enemy (well, it was EMPTY), who then leaves it (we learn later that the ghosts had some part in driving the enemy out, which actually could be a nice touch, if the author had written it better), and gets annihilated in a battle in the forest. However, when the army goes back in a matter of weeks (having the whole populace of a big city relocated to a smaller one without any economic problems whatsoever), there is no sign of the battle, even though all those corpses covered in snow and ice should make a gruesome view. For some time the capital is empty but the Enemy does not think about repopulating it (they don't have to storm it anymore, since it's EMPTY), so conveniently the Icemarkians come down and simply march in, and the city is fully functionable despite its abandonment in the middle of a very hard winter. Then the small province of the north supplies the army with food, fodder and anything else, the drafted army performs like a professional one after several weeks of training, we get a tedious and over-extended (not to mention unconvincing to downright stupid from the military point of view) description of the battle of
At first glance I expected to enjoy the world: the combination of a developed
And now comes the worst: unlike many people who wrote reviews here I AM a fan of military history (from antiquity to the 19th century), and what I got deserved a huge laugh at best but mostly a huge facepalm. The author is an archaeologist (it shows, but it does not guarantee good writing), but has no idea about strategy, tactics, logistics and warfare in general. Moreover, he makes the mistake (beginner's perhaps) that he mostly multiplies the numbers of troops instead of thinking about tactics; and what is even worse, he declares throughout the book that the evil and cruel general of the Enemy, a certain Scipio Bellorum, is a military genius. The problem is, Mr. Bellorum's tactics are as naive and silly as it gets, and any army would have him hung or murdered for the way he treats his officers, in the matter of weeks. A lesson for Mr. Hill to learn from history books: all great commanders who lasted long were loved by their armies, not just feared, and certainly not feared for their madness and cruelty - this generally guarantees quick mutiny, even if the captain wins battles.
Oh, and I forgot to say that a small city with a tiny garrison withstands ten days of siege when their walls had been breached in several places by a huge army. The army cannot take the city despite the military genius of their commander. And no, the inhabitants don't set fire to their city. Nothing as spectacular, they are JUST SO BRAVE that this alone is enough to keep thousands of legionaries at bay. And mind you, this is not Tolkien, this is supposed to be realistic.
And this is it: the book is full of paper characters who impersonate certain traits, without any hint at psychology, without any doubts. Even the scene when Oskan has to choose between being a Black Witch or a White Witch is predictable and devoid of dramatism. There is no single traitor or badass in Icemark, there is no place for good Polypontians. I don't know, maybe this changes in the sequels, but I am not sure if I am going to check it.
November 3, 2011
Cry of the Icemark was a stirring military fantasy adventure. The author really took the time to bring the cultures of this novel to life. I could see that Icemark people seemed to be modelled after the Scandinavians, while Thyrrin's mother's peoples, the Hypollitan must have been based on the Amazons. And the Polipontans seemed to be like the Roman Empire. The battle scenes were fantastic--thrilling and very well-written. I got the impression that Mr. Hill took these elements very seriously and worked hard to get this part right and make it feel realistic. And I appreciated that, and I am sure that his younger readers probably do as well. Although not excessively gory, I felt all the inherent threat and bloody nature of battle. The element of loss is very evident in this story, and I definitely could appreciate the horrible odds that Thyrrin's people faced with an enormous invading force pitted against their smaller country. However, the Icemark people quickly proved that they wouldn't easily be conquered. Along with their fierce nature, there were elements of their rich sense of family and tradition, many aspects that would have been destroyed or wiped away by the Polipontans, who cared nothing for other cultures, only the assimilation of their lands and raw resources.
Thyrrin is a young heroine that I just loved. She was born to be a queen, and she showed a multi-facetedness to her character that brought her to vivid life. She's very strong and the kind of leader you want to have when you are facing a mammoth invading force who wants to wipe your people off the face of the earth. On the other hand, it's clear that she is very young and still learning a lot about leadership, courage, and humanity. I really wanted to give her a hug for all that she dealt with in this novel. I loved her friend, Oskan, Witch's Son too. He had a mystique, and a wisdom that was much greater than his young years. I also loved his wry sense of humor and the fact that he never took himself too importantly, despite his incredible latent power. He was a good companion to Thyrrin, able to deal with her sometimes hot-headed arrogance, and to soothe her very recognizable fears with the voice of reason and comfort when she seemed like she couldn't handle one more burden. In fact, most of the characters were well-drawn and excellently narrated by Heather O'Neill. This book really got me sucked in. I found myself cheering for Thyrrin and her warriors (the Hypollitan warrior women were freaking awesome), and hating General Scipio Bellaron. I loved the werewolves and the snow leopards, both groups having a ton of personality. The vampires were nicely creepy, and the wood folk (like the Green men and nature spirits of Celtic/Norse mythology) added a sense of majestic awe to this story. This book would have great as just a straight military historical fantasy, but the supernatural elements elevated it to an even more interesting level.
There was so much to like about this story. It really got me revved up. I was excited to listen to it, and sad but satisfied when it ended. It was definitely a five star listen for this reader. I look forward to the reading the other books in this series. Recommended!
Thyrrin is a young heroine that I just loved. She was born to be a queen, and she showed a multi-facetedness to her character that brought her to vivid life. She's very strong and the kind of leader you want to have when you are facing a mammoth invading force who wants to wipe your people off the face of the earth. On the other hand, it's clear that she is very young and still learning a lot about leadership, courage, and humanity. I really wanted to give her a hug for all that she dealt with in this novel. I loved her friend, Oskan, Witch's Son too. He had a mystique, and a wisdom that was much greater than his young years. I also loved his wry sense of humor and the fact that he never took himself too importantly, despite his incredible latent power. He was a good companion to Thyrrin, able to deal with her sometimes hot-headed arrogance, and to soothe her very recognizable fears with the voice of reason and comfort when she seemed like she couldn't handle one more burden. In fact, most of the characters were well-drawn and excellently narrated by Heather O'Neill. This book really got me sucked in. I found myself cheering for Thyrrin and her warriors (the Hypollitan warrior women were freaking awesome), and hating General Scipio Bellaron. I loved the werewolves and the snow leopards, both groups having a ton of personality. The vampires were nicely creepy, and the wood folk (like the Green men and nature spirits of Celtic/Norse mythology) added a sense of majestic awe to this story. This book would have great as just a straight military historical fantasy, but the supernatural elements elevated it to an even more interesting level.
There was so much to like about this story. It really got me revved up. I was excited to listen to it, and sad but satisfied when it ended. It was definitely a five star listen for this reader. I look forward to the reading the other books in this series. Recommended!
August 23, 2012
I bought this book last 2010 in a book fair at my school and after reading it, set it aside. But now that I rummaged through my library and saw it again, I decided to read it. But then, after I read the first paragraph of the first page, I got hooked just like what happened to me two years ago! With this book, you'll never get bored!
What I Love:
-The plot and writing style! Excellent made and perfectly-written!
I'm not a fan of war books, but because of this masterpiece, it made a boring war story to a suspense one that'll make you turn the pages non-stop! No wonder Cornelia Funke complimented this series "Remarkable,"!
-The characters! Anyone can totally relate to them.
Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield is a fourteen year old girl who is the princess of the Icemark kingdom. A strong and fierce girl who'll do anything to save her kingdom against the conquerors. A true leader and wise beyond her years.
Oskan is a good teenage wizard who is the son of the famous White Witch named Annis (if I'm not mistaken). He knows a lot about medicine and magic. A companion of Thirrin in her quest to save Icemark. And, obviously,
And many other characters!
-The title! It totally describes the whole book! The Cry of Icemark, truly beautiful! It means that the Icemark is currently suffering in agony that's why they're crying in pain and Thirrin, as a princess, is someone who can save her kingdom from the conquerors.
-The cover! It's so beautiful!
What I Dislike:
Just like Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver, I didn't find anything I dislike.
Conclusion:
The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill is a really great fiction novel that everyone should read. Full of action, adventure, romance, drama and many others, readers would totally love! That's why I'm giving this five stars!
A MUST READ!
What I Love:
-The plot and writing style! Excellent made and perfectly-written!
I'm not a fan of war books, but because of this masterpiece, it made a boring war story to a suspense one that'll make you turn the pages non-stop! No wonder Cornelia Funke complimented this series "Remarkable,"!
-The characters! Anyone can totally relate to them.
Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield is a fourteen year old girl who is the princess of the Icemark kingdom. A strong and fierce girl who'll do anything to save her kingdom against the conquerors. A true leader and wise beyond her years.
Oskan is a good teenage wizard who is the son of the famous White Witch named Annis (if I'm not mistaken). He knows a lot about medicine and magic. A companion of Thirrin in her quest to save Icemark. And, obviously,
And many other characters!
-The title! It totally describes the whole book! The Cry of Icemark, truly beautiful! It means that the Icemark is currently suffering in agony that's why they're crying in pain and Thirrin, as a princess, is someone who can save her kingdom from the conquerors.
-The cover! It's so beautiful!
What I Dislike:
Just like Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver, I didn't find anything I dislike.
Conclusion:
The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill is a really great fiction novel that everyone should read. Full of action, adventure, romance, drama and many others, readers would totally love! That's why I'm giving this five stars!
A MUST READ!
April 22, 2012
"Cry of the Icemark" is one of the most sickeningly misogynistic YA stories I have ever had the misfortune of reading. I’m surprised at how many readers have managed to delude themselves into thinking that Hill has written a female role-model in Therin, considering how antagonistic and hateful she is toward all the other female characters she meets in the book (literally, all of them), and her constant insistence on surrounding herself with no one but men. Even her animal companions are male. At one point, Therin states that women in a positions of power are UNNATURAL. Her own advisor has to remind her that she is in fact a woman in a position of power. Her answer is that she is a special case because SHE was raised by a man. What?
To top it all off, this author writes with the verbal capacity of a 14-year-old emulating Tolkien and manages to make even battle scenes tedious and boring. All of the characters were cookie-cutter personality types that I cared nothing about. I really can’t understand the good reviews for this book. It's like "Twilight" for wannabe sword-and-sorcery buffs.
To top it all off, this author writes with the verbal capacity of a 14-year-old emulating Tolkien and manages to make even battle scenes tedious and boring. All of the characters were cookie-cutter personality types that I cared nothing about. I really can’t understand the good reviews for this book. It's like "Twilight" for wannabe sword-and-sorcery buffs.
February 4, 2024
If you're interested in unusual fantasy novels, I'd suggest you read Stuart Hill's The Cry of the Icemark. Thirteen-year old Princess Thirrin Freer Strong-in-theArm Lindenshield (the names are interesting) becomes Queen of her small kingdom when her father is killed in battle trying to prevent their his kingdom from being gobbled up by Scipio Belloruma of the gigantic Polypontus Empire.
Fortunately, Thirrin earlier saved an injured talking werewolf, and its werewolf clan agrees to help her fight the Empire. But werewolves aren't enough to prevent her kingdom from being overcome. So she enlists the support of other unusual beings, including talking Snow leopards, vampires, witches, and even a pair of talking trees.
This was a delightful book, and I just learned that it's the first in a three-book series. I'm going to get my hands on the other books as soon as possible.
Fortunately, Thirrin earlier saved an injured talking werewolf, and its werewolf clan agrees to help her fight the Empire. But werewolves aren't enough to prevent her kingdom from being overcome. So she enlists the support of other unusual beings, including talking Snow leopards, vampires, witches, and even a pair of talking trees.
This was a delightful book, and I just learned that it's the first in a three-book series. I'm going to get my hands on the other books as soon as possible.
June 24, 2020
Well, I know which camp I fall into! I loved it!
Mostly.
The Cry of the Icemark tells a richly imaginative tale about a young queen trying to save her country from foreign invaders by collecting allies from the mythical creatures around her. (Werewolves, vampires, ents....er, tree people, etc.)
I definitely approached it as a children's book as it reminded me a lot of Narnia which might explain why I didn't feel as frustrated as many other reviews seem to to with details like accuracy with battle strategy. I found it an enjoyable book of empowerment and myth that I could see reading out loud to my niece and nephew. The author packs lots of creative themes into it (such as loss, leadership, and the tension between faith and "science") without ever feeling over the top.
That said, I don't think I would enjoy this if I just read it for my own pleasure, without imagining it as aimed at a younger audience. The heroine feels extremely juvenile at times and her impulsiveness occasionally made me cringe. While I looked forward to picking the story up again when I put it down, I never felt anxious about what would happen next. And honestly, the love interest was kinda...meh. (Is there a reason we didn't find out who his father was? Or did we and I just zoned out whenever the story focused on him?)
I did love the cats.
But the heroine is truly what holds this story together. I liked how gutsy she was. She was exactly the sort of female heroine I'd like to give to younger female readers. She really kicks butt and takes names and remains extremely sensitive to her dignity (to the point of being a character flaw.)
A nice alternative to Tamora Pierce.
Pre-Review
*Reads synopsis*
Blink.
*Looks at reviews*
5 stars!
1 star.
5 stars!
5 stars!
1 star.
So...I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that this is one of those books you either hate or love.
Mostly.
The Cry of the Icemark tells a richly imaginative tale about a young queen trying to save her country from foreign invaders by collecting allies from the mythical creatures around her. (Werewolves, vampires, ents....er, tree people, etc.)
I definitely approached it as a children's book as it reminded me a lot of Narnia which might explain why I didn't feel as frustrated as many other reviews seem to to with details like accuracy with battle strategy. I found it an enjoyable book of empowerment and myth that I could see reading out loud to my niece and nephew. The author packs lots of creative themes into it (such as loss, leadership, and the tension between faith and "science") without ever feeling over the top.
That said, I don't think I would enjoy this if I just read it for my own pleasure, without imagining it as aimed at a younger audience. The heroine feels extremely juvenile at times and her impulsiveness occasionally made me cringe. While I looked forward to picking the story up again when I put it down, I never felt anxious about what would happen next. And honestly, the love interest was kinda...meh. (Is there a reason we didn't find out who his father was? Or did we and I just zoned out whenever the story focused on him?)
I did love the cats.
But the heroine is truly what holds this story together. I liked how gutsy she was. She was exactly the sort of female heroine I'd like to give to younger female readers. She really kicks butt and takes names and remains extremely sensitive to her dignity (to the point of being a character flaw.)
A nice alternative to Tamora Pierce.
Pre-Review
*Reads synopsis*
Blink.
*Looks at reviews*
5 stars!
1 star.
5 stars!
5 stars!
1 star.
So...I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that this is one of those books you either hate or love.
October 1, 2009
From the outset, this story seems contrived and not very deeply thought out. The story begins with a detailed history-book style narrative of the kingdom of Icemark (breaking the vaunted "show, don't tell" rule), and then moves on into some very "staged" plot devices. Example: In the second chapter, the "werewolf" our heroine has captured and brought back to her father's castle (Aren't werewolves supposed to change back into human form at some point? If not, it's not "were," it's just a "wolf.") announces to everyone in the hall that he is king of the werewolves. (Seems to me that if you were a king in the clutches of your enemies, you might not want to make a big announcement of that fact.) I didn't read much further than that. Because this story is quite transparent and contrived, it might make a nice introduction for very young readers into the realm of fantasy literature - but older readers and adults are likely to be bored with it pretty quickly.
Read
February 22, 2024Such a vivid and creative world!
January 4, 2013
I do not recommend this book if you are someone who is a fan of Tamora Pierce and other quality authors of the fantasy realm. The characters are flat, bland, entirely undeveloped and unoriginal, and half of them can't seem to decide what sort of overall voice they will have in the entire book. The young Thirrin, and mind you this is a 13-year-old-who-turns-14-in-the-book, is nothing more than a royal brat. She constantly loses her temper with absolutely no consequences to follow, and while I love a female heroin who comes into her own I find it very unbelievable for her to have such an innate ability to acquire allies at the drop of a hat, move armies to their utmost potential without any advice from more experienced housecarls at her age. Really the only believable portion about her was her inability to understand why Oskan's actions irked her so through the wonderfully rosy glasses of puberty and even that gets old before you're halfway done with the book because there's no self examination by the character with which to form the resolution that yes she's attracted to the boy! Much of the story is very much glossed over, with a lot of telling without much expansion upon emotions, reactions... it's the naked itinerary of what could have been a very expansive and emotional epic, but I don't even want to give the author even that much credit, for he also seems to drop rather misogynistic viewpoints in the juxtposition of Icemark's very Norse yet somehow women aren't treated as housekeepers culture with the Hypolitan women rule the roost pov to which Thirrin finds "barbaric". The story seems to tease you with possible sub-plots of the rather aloof (and let's face it, just completely absent) thoughts of the Basilea, Thirrin's aunt, but it's then tossed away as the plot hurries on and on to rather repetitive descriptions of battle scenes that really aren't as exciting or sitting-on-the-edge-of-the-seat as one would hope. In addition the author seems to have a fascination with the number 100, which had appeared four or five times in the span of two short (like 2-3 sentence short) paragraphs as well as having to be the number of the king who rules one of the more animalistic allies Thirrin picks up. Other common (read modern) turns of phrases turn up in the novel which only distract you from the Norse/Greek/Roman/Anglo-Saxon world you are desperately trying to immerse yourself in. Let's be honest here, "new skin cells forming" is not a phrase I want to see in a novel set in a time where it would be perfectly reasonable to see Beowulf walking through the door of the Great Hall.
Bottom line, this is no book to waste your time on.
Bottom line, this is no book to waste your time on.
July 3, 2017
DNF.
I gave it two chances and the last one stopped like on page 50, because damn, I was like "Maybe it will get better". It did not and the main character is the most annoying person to exist. Kind of reminded me Ebony Dementia Dark'ness Raven Way from 'My Immortal', but even Ebony was better written Mary Sue than this.
I gave it two chances and the last one stopped like on page 50, because damn, I was like "Maybe it will get better". It did not and the main character is the most annoying person to exist. Kind of reminded me Ebony Dementia Dark'ness Raven Way from 'My Immortal', but even Ebony was better written Mary Sue than this.
August 5, 2009
I'm not a big fan of war books, but I gave this one a try because I thought there would be more to it. There wasn't. The characters were intriguing, and some of them likable, but they had absolutely no development. One could argue that Thirrin grows stronger etc. but really...she was strong from the very beginning, and she never became any less arrogant, or any more likable. Then there was Oskan, the love friend/possible love interest who really was more of a slave for Thirrin to boss around than anything else. I mean, I spent the whole book waiting for them to get together, and they NEVER DID! And then the next book in the trilogy POOF, they're married? Come on.
It was all just meaningless action, or boring explainations. There was no character related interest. There were LOTS of characters, which annoyed me--switching back and forth between characters so much, even minor characters who were in the book for about five pages.
Sure, the concept was original, and the world created intrguing, but I felt no connection to the story or characters and often found myself saying, "When will something INTERESTING happen?" When will the characters start acting like real poeple instead of peices on a chessboard. Answer: Never.
And then there was the ending. It was so abrupt that for a while I thought maybe my copy was missing some pages or something, but nope. It just ends randomly in the middle of a scene with no real resolution to the characters.
This book just really annoyed me, and unless you enjoy war books with absolutely no plot-line other than mindless action, don't waste your time reading this 400-something page book of yawns.
It was all just meaningless action, or boring explainations. There was no character related interest. There were LOTS of characters, which annoyed me--switching back and forth between characters so much, even minor characters who were in the book for about five pages.
Sure, the concept was original, and the world created intrguing, but I felt no connection to the story or characters and often found myself saying, "When will something INTERESTING happen?" When will the characters start acting like real poeple instead of peices on a chessboard. Answer: Never.
And then there was the ending. It was so abrupt that for a while I thought maybe my copy was missing some pages or something, but nope. It just ends randomly in the middle of a scene with no real resolution to the characters.
This book just really annoyed me, and unless you enjoy war books with absolutely no plot-line other than mindless action, don't waste your time reading this 400-something page book of yawns.
October 5, 2020
BLUT!
STURM!
UND FEUER!
.
Das ist der Kampfschrei der Kinderkönigin Thirrinim Endkampf.
...und im großen und ganzen die Handlung des Buches.
Viel mehr findet nicht statt, wenn man von Thirrin kurzer Suche nach Verbündeten mal absieht.
Ich bin dieser "Game of Thrones" Variante für Kinder überdrüssig, in der Krieg schlussendlich nur heroisiert wird
STURM!
UND FEUER!
.
Das ist der Kampfschrei der Kinderkönigin Thirrinim Endkampf.
...und im großen und ganzen die Handlung des Buches.
Viel mehr findet nicht statt, wenn man von Thirrin kurzer Suche nach Verbündeten mal absieht.
Ich bin dieser "Game of Thrones" Variante für Kinder überdrüssig, in der Krieg schlussendlich nur heroisiert wird
September 16, 2022
4,25 stars - English Ebook
August 17, 2023
Rather disappointing to reread now that I’m older, but I can see why younger-me enjoyed the series. It is definitely geared toward a younger, more naive audience. Overall, not a bad story, just needlessly drawn out with an obvious plot line.
October 1, 2024
nostalgia factor unbeatable
August 23, 2017
I really wanted to like this book. I really did because fantasy is my favorite genre to read. The concept sounded intriguing, with a warrior girl as the lead protagonist and lots of intense battles. The idea reminded me a bit of Arya Stark.
Thirrin was no Arya. Not even close. I would even put her in the category of some of the worst characters I've read. Sounds drastic, but I really could not stand her. She made reading this book painful. I found her to be entirely unbelievable, even for a fantasy novel. At age 13 (at the beginning of the novel anyway) she has already got the fighting skills and abilities that rival soldiers more than twice her age. I believe at one point it was mentioned that she had only started training at 10. Three years is not anywhere close to enough time to transform her into a warrior princess the way she is described. The fact she is also supposed to be capable of leading battalions the way she does as just a teenager felt ridiculous and contrived, especially when she had never seen battle before. Instead, it all came naturally to her and didn't feel like a struggle at all. Princess or not, I found it difficult to believe soldiers who were far older than her would follow a kid into battle. The fact she could garner the respect of kingdoms that had been at war for centuries made no sense either. I saw nothing that could make it believable she could gain those kingdoms as allies.
Her arrogance and the way she treated other characters sickened me, and it didn't improve or develop through the rest of the book. Her treatment of other women in power was incredibly hypocritical. Instead of wanting to empower other women so they could be fighters like her, she sought to surround herself with men and complained, even acted hostile, when other women were assertive. I failed to see what the other characters saw in her to think she was a good ruler. The narrator made it clear we were supposed to connect with her, but she was so unbearable I saw no reason she deserved any of the admiration.
A lot of the other problems in this book stemmed from Thirrin's character. The plot was based around the fact she was this amazing military expert and could gain the respect of different kingdoms. With the very beginning where the "were"wolf kin says he will be at Thirrin's beck and call and they would just have to trust him to keep that word when they set him free felt entirely unbelievable. Because of all those issues with Thirrin and everyone seeming to adore her, the plot didn't work and felt too thin.
The prose itself actually wasn't the worst I've read, but unfortunately Hill failed to create a compelling protagonist or well constructed plot.
Thirrin was no Arya. Not even close. I would even put her in the category of some of the worst characters I've read. Sounds drastic, but I really could not stand her. She made reading this book painful. I found her to be entirely unbelievable, even for a fantasy novel. At age 13 (at the beginning of the novel anyway) she has already got the fighting skills and abilities that rival soldiers more than twice her age. I believe at one point it was mentioned that she had only started training at 10. Three years is not anywhere close to enough time to transform her into a warrior princess the way she is described. The fact she is also supposed to be capable of leading battalions the way she does as just a teenager felt ridiculous and contrived, especially when she had never seen battle before. Instead, it all came naturally to her and didn't feel like a struggle at all. Princess or not, I found it difficult to believe soldiers who were far older than her would follow a kid into battle. The fact she could garner the respect of kingdoms that had been at war for centuries made no sense either. I saw nothing that could make it believable she could gain those kingdoms as allies.
Her arrogance and the way she treated other characters sickened me, and it didn't improve or develop through the rest of the book. Her treatment of other women in power was incredibly hypocritical. Instead of wanting to empower other women so they could be fighters like her, she sought to surround herself with men and complained, even acted hostile, when other women were assertive. I failed to see what the other characters saw in her to think she was a good ruler. The narrator made it clear we were supposed to connect with her, but she was so unbearable I saw no reason she deserved any of the admiration.
A lot of the other problems in this book stemmed from Thirrin's character. The plot was based around the fact she was this amazing military expert and could gain the respect of different kingdoms. With the very beginning where the "were"wolf kin says he will be at Thirrin's beck and call and they would just have to trust him to keep that word when they set him free felt entirely unbelievable. Because of all those issues with Thirrin and everyone seeming to adore her, the plot didn't work and felt too thin.
The prose itself actually wasn't the worst I've read, but unfortunately Hill failed to create a compelling protagonist or well constructed plot.
March 31, 2010
I demoted this to two stars. The children enjoyed it for the most part, but it seemed to drag on at the end. Predictable . . . and a bit boring. It started out promising. We really liked it when Therrin punched the werewolf, and then he ended up being the king of the werewolves and eventually swore allegiance to her. But, when the 14 year old heroine takes over the country and the army when her father dies . . . it got boring and predictable.
Therrin is an amazing soldier and everyone defers to her. (Yeah, right) Here are these battle hardened soldiers, who are strong enough to defeat the Polypontian Army (based on the Roman Legions) and they look without question to the 14 year old girl? There were other parts like that. Things that don't quite fit within the context of the story. Not a good family read aloud. Too much war for 9-12 year old girls to enjoy, and too much about a girl for 9+ boys to enjoy.
We actually did something we have NEVER done in family read aloud. We just stopped reading it near the end. (It was supposed to be climactic I think, but we were tired of reading about war preparations!) Whoever wanted to finish reading it on their own, could read it on their own and tell the rest of us about it. Amazingly, although we are only five or so chapters from the end, there were no takers. It is still in my bedtime reading basket. I guess I'll have to read the end and tell them what happens. Sheesh!
We started reading "How to Train Your Dragon" by Cressida Cowell, right after Icemark and finished it quickly. I wouldn't quite call it a "roast beef" book, but it has a good message, and everyone was excited to read it. We even got to have extra family read aloud sessions. Whoo hoo. Gotta love that! We needed something to get everybody excited about listening again.
Therrin is an amazing soldier and everyone defers to her. (Yeah, right) Here are these battle hardened soldiers, who are strong enough to defeat the Polypontian Army (based on the Roman Legions) and they look without question to the 14 year old girl? There were other parts like that. Things that don't quite fit within the context of the story. Not a good family read aloud. Too much war for 9-12 year old girls to enjoy, and too much about a girl for 9+ boys to enjoy.
We actually did something we have NEVER done in family read aloud. We just stopped reading it near the end. (It was supposed to be climactic I think, but we were tired of reading about war preparations!) Whoever wanted to finish reading it on their own, could read it on their own and tell the rest of us about it. Amazingly, although we are only five or so chapters from the end, there were no takers. It is still in my bedtime reading basket. I guess I'll have to read the end and tell them what happens. Sheesh!
We started reading "How to Train Your Dragon" by Cressida Cowell, right after Icemark and finished it quickly. I wouldn't quite call it a "roast beef" book, but it has a good message, and everyone was excited to read it. We even got to have extra family read aloud sessions. Whoo hoo. Gotta love that! We needed something to get everybody excited about listening again.
November 17, 2019
This is tricky because as a children's book (which I think it is - with the main character being 13 when the story starts) I think this is a solid 4 star as I think it is perhaps lacking in a few areas of world and character building. I did rate this as a 5 star when I read it the first few times when I was around 11.
Nevertheless even after rereading this around 10 years later I still love it.
Story of how you need allies and friendship for peace and how we're stronger together.
Think of this as Merida grew up with Hiccups family from How to train your Dragon and she needs to defend her city from an overwhelming enemy in a Helms Deep style battle. Oh and her allies include vampires, werewolves (who I wish were in it more), snow leopards and tree-folk.
Read it. That is all.
Nevertheless even after rereading this around 10 years later I still love it.
Story of how you need allies and friendship for peace and how we're stronger together.
Think of this as Merida grew up with Hiccups family from How to train your Dragon and she needs to defend her city from an overwhelming enemy in a Helms Deep style battle. Oh and her allies include vampires, werewolves (who I wish were in it more), snow leopards and tree-folk.
Read it. That is all.
September 26, 2011
This is probably one of my favorite books. I first read this when it was published a few years back and fell in love with the Icemark. I wanted to live there. I adored the werewolves, was impressed by the vampires, and LOVED the snow leopards. Thirrin was the perfect young queen. I read this book over and over and over because it gives a new flavor to worn out species and stories. I was stunned to learn Stuart Hill had written more--
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November 8, 2015
"How do we know we can trust you?"
"You don't know that you know you can trust me. You'll just have to trust me."
Paraphrasing, but that's the gist of it. I quite like the premise but this book was written with children in mind, or so it seemed. The King's behaviour made me want to throw up all over my kindle (he had yellow fluffy slippers on the banquet table) and the way the Princess acts is nowhere near what I'd imagine her to be like. It was just all so twee.
"You don't know that you know you can trust me. You'll just have to trust me."
Paraphrasing, but that's the gist of it. I quite like the premise but this book was written with children in mind, or so it seemed. The King's behaviour made me want to throw up all over my kindle (he had yellow fluffy slippers on the banquet table) and the way the Princess acts is nowhere near what I'd imagine her to be like. It was just all so twee.
February 24, 2014
Τρομερό βιβλίο!Η Θιρίν και ο Όσκαρ είναι και οι δύο πολύ δυναμικοί και γενναίοι χαρακτήρες και η χημεία μεταξύ τους απίστευτη!Δεν έχω διαβάσει ούτε έχω δει το game of thrones αλλά σύμφωνα με την πλοκή αυτό το βιβλίο μου το θυμίζει πολύ!
August 20, 2017
Still one of my all time favourites. This trilogy has my heart forever. It's such a wonderful YA fantasy!
July 2, 2018
I can't even express how much I love this book! Thirrin is a fierce, temperamental princess who has to fight to save her kingdom from a Rome-like empire. She challenges previously held ideas of her people (she has to) and she thinks for herself as opposed to accepting the notions of the past. The text in this book! It's hysterical, with some of the best lines I've read and they make me laugh no matter how many times I read these books. It's also well done militarily, with enough to allow you to follow the battles but not so much to overwhelm you with positions and strategies. One of my all time favorites.
August 10, 2022
With the Empire threatening to invade her kingdom in the coming months, Thirrin must push aside a sudden tragedy and call upon supernatural allies in a war that will decide the fate of their lands - a fate of certain death if she cannot prove her worth as Queen. Hill offers young readers an enjoyable first fantasy epic, lacking in deep characters but riddled with promising lore and creatures. How can Thirrin bring together such strange beasts before her people are enslaved?
September 9, 2020
This is THE book I classed as a comfort read as a child. I was so obsessed with this story that I reread it so many times and loaned it from the library whenever I saw it there <3
April 30, 2025
review clouded by childhood memories
January 2, 2026
I read this book when I was a teenager and have very dear memories of it, I think it was one of those books that realy influenced me in those years. Some weeks ago I had a memory flash of it and decided to read it again, now as a adult, so I dug it up at the attic and gave it a go.
The writing is still very good, it just flows and throws you in the story. It has the right amount of details but is not overloaded, all in all just perfect for a younger audience.
The Story is clearly inspired by Lord of the Rings, like many fantasy books in the early 2000 were. A tiny kingdom is under attack by a overwhelming enemy and our hero, here the young Queen Thirrin has to find unlikely allies.
Thirrin herself is a relatable character. She has a strong will and strong swordarm for her age but she is also impulsive, inpatient and harsh and that makes her unlikeable from time to times. So she is a typical teenager, even if her troubles are not boys and clothes but the death of her father and the defense of her home. It is to be expected that all this gets on her nerves and she clashes a bit with her advisors and her friend Oskan. But to the end she has significantly grown.
Oskan is the second main character behind Thirrin and is almost the exact opposit to her. A quiet healer and whose immense powers sleep deep inside him. I like both of them, especially later on, when they had a bit of a bonding thime. But to be honest, I didn't really see the lovestory between them, even if I kind of remembered it from my first reads.
The story is pretty straight forward, not a lot of surprises, but it stays gripping and exciting. I also liked the world. Well thought out and giving away the feeling that it has a real history and cultures, the Polypontian Empire resebles the Romans, the Icemark resebles Saxons and the Hypoliter the ancient Greeks/Amazons. Add to this Werewolfs, vampires, Zombies, living tree soldier, that kinda remind me of forest spirits and talking Snowleopards, the size of a horse and you have a fantastical world, that encourages imagination and maybe even interest in the history of our real world.
My absolute favourite are the Snowleopards. They are great characters, their antics are loveable, and the mixture of humanlike behavior and wild animal works really well. They are just great and I love them.
Does one of my favourite childhood books stand the test of time? Yes! The story still holds up, the characters are great and I think it is the perfect book for teenagers who like battles, a strong heroine and fantasy.
The writing is still very good, it just flows and throws you in the story. It has the right amount of details but is not overloaded, all in all just perfect for a younger audience.
The Story is clearly inspired by Lord of the Rings, like many fantasy books in the early 2000 were. A tiny kingdom is under attack by a overwhelming enemy and our hero, here the young Queen Thirrin has to find unlikely allies.
Thirrin herself is a relatable character. She has a strong will and strong swordarm for her age but she is also impulsive, inpatient and harsh and that makes her unlikeable from time to times. So she is a typical teenager, even if her troubles are not boys and clothes but the death of her father and the defense of her home. It is to be expected that all this gets on her nerves and she clashes a bit with her advisors and her friend Oskan. But to the end she has significantly grown.
Oskan is the second main character behind Thirrin and is almost the exact opposit to her. A quiet healer and whose immense powers sleep deep inside him. I like both of them, especially later on, when they had a bit of a bonding thime. But to be honest, I didn't really see the lovestory between them, even if I kind of remembered it from my first reads.
The story is pretty straight forward, not a lot of surprises, but it stays gripping and exciting. I also liked the world. Well thought out and giving away the feeling that it has a real history and cultures, the Polypontian Empire resebles the Romans, the Icemark resebles Saxons and the Hypoliter the ancient Greeks/Amazons. Add to this Werewolfs, vampires, Zombies, living tree soldier, that kinda remind me of forest spirits and talking Snowleopards, the size of a horse and you have a fantastical world, that encourages imagination and maybe even interest in the history of our real world.
My absolute favourite are the Snowleopards. They are great characters, their antics are loveable, and the mixture of humanlike behavior and wild animal works really well. They are just great and I love them.
Does one of my favourite childhood books stand the test of time? Yes! The story still holds up, the characters are great and I think it is the perfect book for teenagers who like battles, a strong heroine and fantasy.
July 2, 2023
I read this book years ago when I was around 9 years old. Curious, I wanted to see if it held up for adult readers.
I was not disappointed. This book is chock-full of amazing descriptions, great characters and friendships, and heart-pounding battles. It's definitely war fantasy, and I'm surprised that it's marketed towards younger readers. The beginning had writing that seemed that way, but the deeper you get into the book, the more mature the writing becomes. Honestly a very good book. Can't wait to start the second one.
P.S. Also a great critique on imperialism, and industrialization at the expense of others.
I was not disappointed. This book is chock-full of amazing descriptions, great characters and friendships, and heart-pounding battles. It's definitely war fantasy, and I'm surprised that it's marketed towards younger readers. The beginning had writing that seemed that way, but the deeper you get into the book, the more mature the writing becomes. Honestly a very good book. Can't wait to start the second one.
P.S. Also a great critique on imperialism, and industrialization at the expense of others.
March 7, 2021
Compelling and engrossing! I read this as a tween and decided to order a copy and give the series a try again. (Sidenote, really dislike edition cover with the female model, much prefer the version I have now.) The descriptions and commentary is good writing I think, but the dialogue is where I feel it falls quite short. This leads to sections that are very good, punctuated by some seriously awful exchanges between the characters. Oh well! I will be ordering the rest of the series as I did blow through this book in a day and enjoyed most of it!
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