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Sky Song
In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren’t so easy to find. Because Erkenwald is ruled by a cruel Ice Queen and you must stay hidden or risk becoming another of her prisoners.
Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey together in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back.
This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of our world . . .
Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey together in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back.
This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of our world . . .
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2018
117 people are currently reading
2677 people want to read
About the author
Abi Elphinstone
25 books436 followersAbi Elphinstone grew up in Scotland where she spent most of her childhood building dens, hiding in tree houses and running wild across highland glens. After being coaxed out of her tree house, she studied English at Bristol University and then worked as a teacher.
THE DREAMSNATCHER is her debut novel for 8-12 years (published by Simon & Schuster in 2015). THE SHADOW KEEPER is her second children's book (published by Simon & Schuster in 2016).
When she's not writing, Abi volunteers for Beanstalk, teaches creative writing workshops in schools and travels the world looking for her next story. Her latest adventure involved living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia…
THE DREAMSNATCHER is her debut novel for 8-12 years (published by Simon & Schuster in 2015). THE SHADOW KEEPER is her second children's book (published by Simon & Schuster in 2016).
When she's not writing, Abi volunteers for Beanstalk, teaches creative writing workshops in schools and travels the world looking for her next story. Her latest adventure involved living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
March 10, 2025
The Ice Queen now rules the snowy lands of Erkenwald. She has won the battle and defeated all the tribes. But there are still children roaming the lands. They are the ones who stayed behind and they hope to one day free their parents. To gain the immortality she desires, the Ice Queen needs everyone in Erkenwald to give up their voice. So she has her army hunting the children, to bring them to her palace.
Eska is a girl who’s trapped inside the Ice Queen’s music box. She refuses to give up her voice to the Ice Queen.
Flint is a boy who uses his inventions to break into the palace of the Ice Queen to free his mother. But then he meets a girl who’s trapped in a music box.
The world building feels very creative and well thought-out. Perhaps also a little bit complicated compared to the relatively simple plot. Though while simple at first sight, the plot also has some very important themes at its core that elevate the story at hand. Like the bond between humans and animals. Or how we can be so much stronger when we’re united instead of divided.
The characters are a joy to read about. Flint is a bit of an outcast because of his inventions and because he believes in the magic of old, while the remaining members of his tribe believe only weapons stand a chance against the Ice Queen. And Eska, who’s spent so long being a prisoner, serves as our eyes and ears as she explores this wonderful snowy land.
One thing I would say is that we go rather quickly from one mini adventure to the next. This can hurt the story quite a bit. Because the solution to the problem at hand is always conveniently found rather quickly, and we don’t always get a lot of explanations. The story could also have benefitted from giving the two main characters a few more scenes to build their friendship more naturally.
It’s a fast-paced snowy fantasy story written with passion and creativity. There is room for improvement, especially in terms of the plot. But there are enough other things to enjoy in this story that make up for those flaws, so I’ll round up my rating to four stars.
Eska is a girl who’s trapped inside the Ice Queen’s music box. She refuses to give up her voice to the Ice Queen.
Flint is a boy who uses his inventions to break into the palace of the Ice Queen to free his mother. But then he meets a girl who’s trapped in a music box.
The world building feels very creative and well thought-out. Perhaps also a little bit complicated compared to the relatively simple plot. Though while simple at first sight, the plot also has some very important themes at its core that elevate the story at hand. Like the bond between humans and animals. Or how we can be so much stronger when we’re united instead of divided.
The characters are a joy to read about. Flint is a bit of an outcast because of his inventions and because he believes in the magic of old, while the remaining members of his tribe believe only weapons stand a chance against the Ice Queen. And Eska, who’s spent so long being a prisoner, serves as our eyes and ears as she explores this wonderful snowy land.
One thing I would say is that we go rather quickly from one mini adventure to the next. This can hurt the story quite a bit. Because the solution to the problem at hand is always conveniently found rather quickly, and we don’t always get a lot of explanations. The story could also have benefitted from giving the two main characters a few more scenes to build their friendship more naturally.
It’s a fast-paced snowy fantasy story written with passion and creativity. There is room for improvement, especially in terms of the plot. But there are enough other things to enjoy in this story that make up for those flaws, so I’ll round up my rating to four stars.
February 10, 2021
A brilliant, imaginative adventure that has all the hallmarks of an Abi Elphinstone novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride in this one. Characters were enjoyable to read with fantastic evolution throughout. I loved the villain of the Ice Queen and what she wanted to do to the kingdom. I loved the settings and the new places the characters would travel to, as well as the backstory that really enhanced this world.
June 30, 2018
I found this little beauty of a book while I was actually looking for something else. It's always the way, isn't it? This book is beautiful. The cover is attractive, the inside cover has this amazing little map that opens out, and hell, even the pages are scrumptious due to the intricate snowflakes dancing around the words. It is clear that great attention has gone into the presentation here.
I found this book to be a grand adventure of happiness, sorrow and everything else in between. The prologue and the epilogue are written in mythical style writing, and sometimes while this doesn't work, it really suited the book. The writing is simple, yet it bears some rather important messages of love, hope and courage, that the reader is able to determine with ease.
I loved that the main character, Eska, is a strong minded and brave individual, and yet, whatever hardship is thrown at her, she is able to find a way to overcome it. I did become less interested in the story around halfway through, due to the plot becoming a little slow, but apart from that, this was a satisfying read.
I found this book to be a grand adventure of happiness, sorrow and everything else in between. The prologue and the epilogue are written in mythical style writing, and sometimes while this doesn't work, it really suited the book. The writing is simple, yet it bears some rather important messages of love, hope and courage, that the reader is able to determine with ease.
I loved that the main character, Eska, is a strong minded and brave individual, and yet, whatever hardship is thrown at her, she is able to find a way to overcome it. I did become less interested in the story around halfway through, due to the plot becoming a little slow, but apart from that, this was a satisfying read.
January 22, 2018
Have just finished Sky Song- simply stunning. Another magical tale with lovable characters and some powerful quotes about hope, courage and friendship.
The acknowledgments at the end were as moving as the story and Abi truly is an inspiration!
The acknowledgments at the end were as moving as the story and Abi truly is an inspiration!
February 18, 2018
Abi Elphinstone’s most assured fantasy yet, Sky Song has the internal logic and cosmology of a well framed other world. Some of the imagery is close to Michelle Paver’s Torak in the well-designed land between shamanic culture and Northern European early peoples, but the world and its magic are Abi’s own. Subtler and more complex than the Dreamsnatcher series, it felt (to use an image from the book) that the author has found her voice.
I am nevertheless uncomfortable about the child Blu who, although sympathetically drawn, speaks in a curtailed English that comes close to caricature -perhaps in the next in the series more will be made clear?
I am nevertheless uncomfortable about the child Blu who, although sympathetically drawn, speaks in a curtailed English that comes close to caricature -perhaps in the next in the series more will be made clear?
February 10, 2018
A really cute Middle grade fantasy story about friendship and rebellious acts!
July 12, 2025
توی روزهای عجیب جنگ این کتاب رو ذرهذره خوندم چون تمرکزم کم بود. اما یهجورهایی به حالوهوای اون روزها میخورد.
یه داستان فانتزی افسانهای قشنگ با داستان و دنیای شیرینی که توسط ملکه یخی که یکی از خدایان مغضوب آسمانه، دنیای این سرزمین بهسمت ظلم و ستم کشیده میشه.
3 قبيله پوستینپوشها، خزدارها و عاجیها که ملکه یخی با فریب جادوگر بدجنسی از قبیله عاجیها، قصر وینترفنگ رو میسازه و با دو قببله دیگه وارد جنگ میشه و یزرگسالان هر دو قبیله دیگه رو زندانی میکنه. دختری به اسم اسکا تنها زندانی غیریزرگسال ملکه یخیه چون ملکه یخی با صدای اسکا میتونه در زمان مقرر، قدرت مطلق این سرزمین رو به دست بگیره.
بچههای قبیلههای پوستینپوش و خزدار برای نجات پدر و مادرشون باید علیه ملکه یخی بجنگن ن و نقش اسکا در ایستادن علیه ملکه یخی پررنگه.
موجودات کتاب، افسانه آواز آسمان و ارتباطش به صدای اسکا و ارتباط اسکا و ریگ از قشنگیها و جذابیت کتابه که از خوندنش و تلاش برای پیروزی خیر بر شر لذت بردم.
یه داستان فانتزی افسانهای قشنگ با داستان و دنیای شیرینی که توسط ملکه یخی که یکی از خدایان مغضوب آسمانه، دنیای این سرزمین بهسمت ظلم و ستم کشیده میشه.
3 قبيله پوستینپوشها، خزدارها و عاجیها که ملکه یخی با فریب جادوگر بدجنسی از قبیله عاجیها، قصر وینترفنگ رو میسازه و با دو قببله دیگه وارد جنگ میشه و یزرگسالان هر دو قبیله دیگه رو زندانی میکنه. دختری به اسم اسکا تنها زندانی غیریزرگسال ملکه یخیه چون ملکه یخی با صدای اسکا میتونه در زمان مقرر، قدرت مطلق این سرزمین رو به دست بگیره.
بچههای قبیلههای پوستینپوش و خزدار برای نجات پدر و مادرشون باید علیه ملکه یخی بجنگن ن و نقش اسکا در ایستادن علیه ملکه یخی پررنگه.
موجودات کتاب، افسانه آواز آسمان و ارتباطش به صدای اسکا و ارتباط اسکا و ریگ از قشنگیها و جذابیت کتابه که از خوندنش و تلاش برای پیروزی خیر بر شر لذت بردم.
June 3, 2025
Das klang nach einer so wunderschönen, verwunschenen Geschichte mit spannenden Abenteuern, dass ich mich gerne auf Abenteuer in diese eisige Welt von Erkenwald begeben habe.
Schon die Beschreibung gleich zu Beginn ist bezaubernd: Die Sterne als Himmelsgötter, die der Welt das Leben einhauchen - hier in der eisigen Landschaft des Nordens, in dem der Fell-, der Feder- und der Hauer-Stamm ihr Zuhause haben und in Frieden miteinander leben. Die Magie ist hier noch lebendig, so dass ihre Hängematten aus Mondlicht wunderschöne Träume schenken, gefangenes Sonnenlicht den Winter über Wärme spendet und der gesammelte Wind in den Edelsteinen für eine sichere Passage über das stürmische Meer garantiert.
Doch ein fallender Stern, dunkle Magie und eine kalte Macht bringen die Eiskönigin in den geruhsamen Erkenwald, auf der Suche nach einer Stimme, die ihr die Unsterblichkeit bringt.
Schon mit dieser berührenden Schilderung im Prolog hat mich die Autorin schon eingenommen und ich hab mich sofort in diese magische Welt verliebt.
Seit einem Jahr ist jedoch nichts mehr so, wie es war, denn die heimtückischen Machenschaften der Eiskönigin haben Angst und Schrecken verbreitet und die Verbundenheit der Stämme entzweit.
Die 12jährige Eska ist in einer Art Spieluhr gefangen, eingefroren ohne Erinnerung, aber mit der Hoffnung, dem Zauber irgendwann entfliehen zu können.
Gleichzeitig ist Flint auf dem Weg in das vereiste Schloss Winterfang auf einer Mission - mit dabei das kleine Fuchsjunge Pebble und die Sorge, dass sein Vorhaben scheitern könnte.
Seit die Nordlichter nicht mehr am Himmel tanzen ist der Glaube an die Magie verloren gegangen bzw. fürchten die Menschen ihre finstere Seite und wollen nichts mehr damit zu tun haben. Während sich der Hauer-Stamm mit der Eiskönigin verschworen hat, haben sich die anderen beiden zurückgezogen und verstecken sich nach ergebnislosen Kämpfen in ihren geheimen Unterschlupfen.
Flint allerdings möchte nicht aufgeben und experimentiert im Geheimen, auch mit Magie, denn er ist ein Erfinder und hofft, mit seinen Ideen etwas zu bewirken, das gegen die Macht der Eiskönigin hilft. Während sein Stamm einen Plan ersinnt, die Eiskönigin endlich zu stürzen, muss Eska ihrem Schicksal allein gegenüberstehen. Sie erlebt die Ablehnung und das Misstrauen hautnah, während ihre Hoffnungen schwinden eine Gemeinschaft und damit Hilfe zu finden, um zu überleben. Doch sie trifft einen außergewöhnlichen Freund, durch den sie Mut und Entschlossenheit lernt.
Ich mag den Schreibstil hier wirklich sehr. Zum einen ist es einfach zu lesen - hat aber gleichzeitig eine wunderschöne, magische Note, die diese Welt aus Kälte und Einsamkeit zu einem besonderen winterlichen Abenteuer macht. Einige Details haben mich an die alten Geschichten aus Narnia erinnert oder auch an die Bären aus dem goldenen Kompass - aber vergleichbar ist es natürlich nicht. Die Autorin hat hier eine ganz eigene phantasievolle Welt entstehen lassen mit originellen Ideen zur Magie, liebevollen Figuren und verzauberten Elementen.
Viele kleine Wunder lassen die stille, winterliche Atmosphäre aufleben, in der jeder Charakter zwar seine Schwächen hat, diese aber aufgefangen werden und jede Stärke sinnvoll genutzt werden kann. Es zeigt, dass jeder etwas gutes tun und helfen kann, jeder auf seine Art und Weise.
Neben Eska und Flint auch seine kleine Schwester Blu, die mir total ans Herz gewachsen ist. Der Umgang mit ihr ist oft nicht so einfach, aber hier zeigt sich wie liebevoll und geduldig miteinander umgehen kann.
Was das Böse hier in Erkenwald auseinander getrieben hat, findet auch wieder zusammen - und auch wenn zuerst, wie so oft, viele Vorurteile in der Luft hängen, können diese weggewischt werden. Wenn man sich traut, etwas zu sagen, wenn man sich traut, aufeinander zuzugehen, entwickeln sich plötzlich Bande, die mehr aushalten als man anfangs glaubt. Dass man zusammenfindet, wenn man es am wenigsten erwartet und man Freunde für sich gewinnt, wenn man am wenigsten damit rechnet.
Diese wie viele andere schönen Botschaften stecken in dieser wundervollen Geschichte, die zeigt, dass jeder eine Stimme hat, die gehört werden sollte!
"And when the Ice Queen tried to silence us we shouted louder!"
Zitat Seite 198
Natürlich gab es im Kampf gegen das Böse auch viele spannende Momente und gerade gegen Ende spitzt sich der Wettlauf gegen die Zeit zu, so dass der große Showdown am Ende ein aufregendes und aufwühlendes Finale bietet!
Weltenwanderer
Schon die Beschreibung gleich zu Beginn ist bezaubernd: Die Sterne als Himmelsgötter, die der Welt das Leben einhauchen - hier in der eisigen Landschaft des Nordens, in dem der Fell-, der Feder- und der Hauer-Stamm ihr Zuhause haben und in Frieden miteinander leben. Die Magie ist hier noch lebendig, so dass ihre Hängematten aus Mondlicht wunderschöne Träume schenken, gefangenes Sonnenlicht den Winter über Wärme spendet und der gesammelte Wind in den Edelsteinen für eine sichere Passage über das stürmische Meer garantiert.
Doch ein fallender Stern, dunkle Magie und eine kalte Macht bringen die Eiskönigin in den geruhsamen Erkenwald, auf der Suche nach einer Stimme, die ihr die Unsterblichkeit bringt.
Schon mit dieser berührenden Schilderung im Prolog hat mich die Autorin schon eingenommen und ich hab mich sofort in diese magische Welt verliebt.
Seit einem Jahr ist jedoch nichts mehr so, wie es war, denn die heimtückischen Machenschaften der Eiskönigin haben Angst und Schrecken verbreitet und die Verbundenheit der Stämme entzweit.
Die 12jährige Eska ist in einer Art Spieluhr gefangen, eingefroren ohne Erinnerung, aber mit der Hoffnung, dem Zauber irgendwann entfliehen zu können.
Gleichzeitig ist Flint auf dem Weg in das vereiste Schloss Winterfang auf einer Mission - mit dabei das kleine Fuchsjunge Pebble und die Sorge, dass sein Vorhaben scheitern könnte.
Seit die Nordlichter nicht mehr am Himmel tanzen ist der Glaube an die Magie verloren gegangen bzw. fürchten die Menschen ihre finstere Seite und wollen nichts mehr damit zu tun haben. Während sich der Hauer-Stamm mit der Eiskönigin verschworen hat, haben sich die anderen beiden zurückgezogen und verstecken sich nach ergebnislosen Kämpfen in ihren geheimen Unterschlupfen.
Flint allerdings möchte nicht aufgeben und experimentiert im Geheimen, auch mit Magie, denn er ist ein Erfinder und hofft, mit seinen Ideen etwas zu bewirken, das gegen die Macht der Eiskönigin hilft. Während sein Stamm einen Plan ersinnt, die Eiskönigin endlich zu stürzen, muss Eska ihrem Schicksal allein gegenüberstehen. Sie erlebt die Ablehnung und das Misstrauen hautnah, während ihre Hoffnungen schwinden eine Gemeinschaft und damit Hilfe zu finden, um zu überleben. Doch sie trifft einen außergewöhnlichen Freund, durch den sie Mut und Entschlossenheit lernt.
Ich mag den Schreibstil hier wirklich sehr. Zum einen ist es einfach zu lesen - hat aber gleichzeitig eine wunderschöne, magische Note, die diese Welt aus Kälte und Einsamkeit zu einem besonderen winterlichen Abenteuer macht. Einige Details haben mich an die alten Geschichten aus Narnia erinnert oder auch an die Bären aus dem goldenen Kompass - aber vergleichbar ist es natürlich nicht. Die Autorin hat hier eine ganz eigene phantasievolle Welt entstehen lassen mit originellen Ideen zur Magie, liebevollen Figuren und verzauberten Elementen.
Viele kleine Wunder lassen die stille, winterliche Atmosphäre aufleben, in der jeder Charakter zwar seine Schwächen hat, diese aber aufgefangen werden und jede Stärke sinnvoll genutzt werden kann. Es zeigt, dass jeder etwas gutes tun und helfen kann, jeder auf seine Art und Weise.
Neben Eska und Flint auch seine kleine Schwester Blu, die mir total ans Herz gewachsen ist. Der Umgang mit ihr ist oft nicht so einfach, aber hier zeigt sich wie liebevoll und geduldig miteinander umgehen kann.
Was das Böse hier in Erkenwald auseinander getrieben hat, findet auch wieder zusammen - und auch wenn zuerst, wie so oft, viele Vorurteile in der Luft hängen, können diese weggewischt werden. Wenn man sich traut, etwas zu sagen, wenn man sich traut, aufeinander zuzugehen, entwickeln sich plötzlich Bande, die mehr aushalten als man anfangs glaubt. Dass man zusammenfindet, wenn man es am wenigsten erwartet und man Freunde für sich gewinnt, wenn man am wenigsten damit rechnet.
Diese wie viele andere schönen Botschaften stecken in dieser wundervollen Geschichte, die zeigt, dass jeder eine Stimme hat, die gehört werden sollte!
"And when the Ice Queen tried to silence us we shouted louder!"
Zitat Seite 198
Natürlich gab es im Kampf gegen das Böse auch viele spannende Momente und gerade gegen Ende spitzt sich der Wettlauf gegen die Zeit zu, so dass der große Showdown am Ende ein aufregendes und aufwühlendes Finale bietet!
Weltenwanderer
January 22, 2021
This was just a truly boring read. All the characters were so one dimensional that I often got them mixed up during dialogues. The plot was ridden with tropes, and while that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, in this case the author failed to make use of them by making the plot at all intriguing. Entire swaths of this book felt so carelessly described and dull that I would reach the end of chapters not really knowing what happened.
March 20, 2019
Eska is one of many prisoners of the Snow Queen, a villainous ruler who threatens peace in the kingdom of Erkenwald. Eska, with no memories of her past, only knows that she cannot allow the Snow Queen to take her voice, that it might be special in some way... Flint is a boy that creates magical inventions, much to his brother and tribes anger and discomfort. He sneaks into the Snow Queen's palace in an attempt to rescue his mother, yet ends up rescuing Eska instead...
At first, I found Flint very unlikable. He was awful to Eska! He didn't want to help her escape, he didn't want to teach her how to survive and - when she grew capable - he didn't want to admit to her that she was doing a good job! He's from a tribe that is basically 'Toxic Masculinity Central' where their only thoughts are to kill rivals with weapons, never show weakness or emotion and never allow yourself to think outside the box. (His tribe and brother hate that Flint is an inventor and won't allow him to use any sort of magic, despite how this could massively help them in a fight). Throughout the book, Eska has to undo this to make Flint a better person. I ended up sympathising with him; the way he was raised had obviously impacted him and he was far more likeable by the end. Yet personally I would rather read about a progressive male character rather than one who needs someone pointing out how troubling his thoughts and actions are.
Eska, on the other hand, I warmed to immediately. She was smart and strong and worked hard to overcome her struggles. She was special without becoming annoying so.
The world-building was nice - you could feel the magic on every page. The tribes, animals and nature aspects reminded me of Michelle Paver's Wolf Brother series, yet it still had its own originality. The theme of belonging was woven throughout the story and was probably my favourite aspect of the book.
The Snow Queen wasn’t a particularly interesting villain We only see her briefly throughout the story and we don’t know much about her. Why is she so evil? I don’t know. The story was black-and-white, which I suppose is more common with children’s stories.
In fact, as I was reading I was very aware of how this was a book for children. I love children's books... but I felt this was perhaps too young for me.
At first, I found Flint very unlikable. He was awful to Eska! He didn't want to help her escape, he didn't want to teach her how to survive and - when she grew capable - he didn't want to admit to her that she was doing a good job! He's from a tribe that is basically 'Toxic Masculinity Central' where their only thoughts are to kill rivals with weapons, never show weakness or emotion and never allow yourself to think outside the box. (His tribe and brother hate that Flint is an inventor and won't allow him to use any sort of magic, despite how this could massively help them in a fight). Throughout the book, Eska has to undo this to make Flint a better person. I ended up sympathising with him; the way he was raised had obviously impacted him and he was far more likeable by the end. Yet personally I would rather read about a progressive male character rather than one who needs someone pointing out how troubling his thoughts and actions are.
"I don't think you have to fight with weapons to be a warrior. You could fight with love and tears and inventions instead, that would probably be just as good."
Eska, on the other hand, I warmed to immediately. She was smart and strong and worked hard to overcome her struggles. She was special without becoming annoying so.
"I think gentleness is a mighty word because you have to be strong of heart to be kind."
The world-building was nice - you could feel the magic on every page. The tribes, animals and nature aspects reminded me of Michelle Paver's Wolf Brother series, yet it still had its own originality. The theme of belonging was woven throughout the story and was probably my favourite aspect of the book.
“Belonging is not about knowing your tribe. It’s about trusting people whatever their tribe … There are many ways to belong.”
The Snow Queen wasn’t a particularly interesting villain We only see her briefly throughout the story and we don’t know much about her. Why is she so evil? I don’t know. The story was black-and-white, which I suppose is more common with children’s stories.
In fact, as I was reading I was very aware of how this was a book for children. I love children's books... but I felt this was perhaps too young for me.
"Sometimes all you can do when you're scared is hope."
January 18, 2021
What an amazing read! I loved this so much! The chapters alternate b/n Eska & Flint’s POV. The prologue & epilogue though, are told as though you’re reading from an old fairytale about the story within. Loved that. The Ice Queen has taken over Erkenwald for the most part. Those who she hasn’t yet controlled or captured are deep in hiding, & hard to find. Flint is on a mission at the Queens palace to rescue his ma, who is one of her prisoners. Once entering however, he discovers Eska trapped in a music box. The Queen has stolen her memories & trapped her. He helps release her, & then they make a quick escape. This starts a journey to find a way to stop the Ice Queen before she controls everything, & also discover why she took Eska’s memories..& why Eska is so important to her. We meet many friends along the way, along w/ many not so nice people, animals, creatures..There are also just amazing characters that come along that are just so wonderful. I loved Whitefur so much! Great character! Blu was so amazing. She was a force to be reckoned with. Smarter & braver than given credit for in the beginning. My absolute whole heart belongs to both Balapan(a golden eagle), & Pebble(a little white fox pup). These animal friends were characters all in themselves. So amazing. This was so atmospheric! Definitely a winter read. An amazing magical, dangerous, suspenseful polar fantasy full of heart & bravery. So many great underlying messages of course. About belonging & what that means. What it takes to belong, or to accept another. Just because someone doesn’t look the same as you, have the same beliefs, etc..doesn’t mean you should cast them off. Also, the meaning of the word warrior. It’s not always weapons & being hard & cold & tough. It can be being inventive, loyal, full of heart & bravery. Another is never giving up. There’s power in that. Life can be awful. But it’s what we choose to do in those times that matter most. You can give up, or keep going & see what’s around the next corner. Life can always get better if you let it. It can also get worse..if YOU let it. So amazing. Highly recommend. Absolutely love this cover by Daniela Terrazzini as well💜
July 22, 2018
A stunning read, in the tradition of the classic children' stories, that had me under its' spell from the first page!
It's the story of good vs evil! Poor Eska is trapped in a castle by the Ice Queen who is desperate for her to speak so she can feed on her voice to gain the immortality she craves. There is something different about Eska that leaves the Ice Queen to cherish her voice even more. But Eska knows nothing of her past as she has had her memories taken from her, so she is feeling alone but determined to be free.
Flint is searching for his place in the world too. His brother is the chief of their tribe and Flint wants to do all he can to impress him. Even if that includes crazy schemes to break into the Palace to free their Ma! When he does break in he sees Eska who begs him to help her escape and his kind heart doesn't know how to say no.
When they both flee the palace, we get to see their friendship bloom while they travel across dangerous territories. Eska just wants to know who she is and where she came from, while Flint is just desperate for his inventions to be praised by his brother.
Add in some amazing animal guides, a magical and fantastical world, brave quests and adventures and you'll find that this is such a wonderful escapist read for those of all ages! It is full of courage and the message to believe in yourself and it was just a delight to read!
It's the story of good vs evil! Poor Eska is trapped in a castle by the Ice Queen who is desperate for her to speak so she can feed on her voice to gain the immortality she craves. There is something different about Eska that leaves the Ice Queen to cherish her voice even more. But Eska knows nothing of her past as she has had her memories taken from her, so she is feeling alone but determined to be free.
Flint is searching for his place in the world too. His brother is the chief of their tribe and Flint wants to do all he can to impress him. Even if that includes crazy schemes to break into the Palace to free their Ma! When he does break in he sees Eska who begs him to help her escape and his kind heart doesn't know how to say no.
When they both flee the palace, we get to see their friendship bloom while they travel across dangerous territories. Eska just wants to know who she is and where she came from, while Flint is just desperate for his inventions to be praised by his brother.
Add in some amazing animal guides, a magical and fantastical world, brave quests and adventures and you'll find that this is such a wonderful escapist read for those of all ages! It is full of courage and the message to believe in yourself and it was just a delight to read!
December 9, 2023
We have a Winter season, so I wanted to immerse myself into a cozy story, full of wonder and adventures, set up in Winter. This is how I found the Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone.
By looking at my rating, you can imagine how much fun I had with this story.
The Sky Song takes place in a magical world called Erkenwald. In this world live three human tribes, who were friends with each other and believed in magic, until an evil appeared in the name of the Ice Queen. The witch's goal is to take over the Erkenwald and become immortal. To do so, she had to consume all the voices of Erkenwald's human residents. She manages to kidnapp all the adults, but not children. At least not all of them. One of the child captures is Eska, our heroine, who's trapped in a music box. When she meets Flint, a boy who came to save his mother, they run away from the Ice Queen's castle and go into an adventure to stop her reign over Erkenwald and to save all the adults.
I think that the Sky Song could be an enjoyable adventure for a child, but NOT for a sharp and observant one. The questions like who, how and why would NEVER stop incoming (before anyone asks: NO, I don't have a child and NO, I haven't read this to a child - I am not a child either, but I had A LOT of questions like these when I read the book).
The amount of conveniences this story has should be illegal. If ANY trouble arrives in our heroes' journey, be sure that a VERY convenient thing IMMEDIATELY happens. So the heroes are never really in any danger and the story gets boring pretty quickly.
I could praise this book for its' messages like 'friendship is valuable' or 'nothing's impossible if only you believe in', but, to be honest, when it comes to the Sky Song, these messages don't feel as powerful as they should be. There is no real friendship in this story. We are told over and over how the heroes are friends and how they need each other, but what you need to know is that everything and everyone created in this story only exists to help our VERY, VERY SPECIAL heroine to her victory over the evil. And since the heroine is so VERY, VERY SPECIAL, you know immediately that she will succeed, because nothing is impossible for her.
Now the villain. The Ice Queen of Sky Song is definitely one of the most incompetent villains that were ever created. She was supposed to be so powerful and scary, but ended up being quite pathetic. How such powerful witch couldn't find two non-magical children, like seriously, how hard could this be? (and when she finally found them, she had let them go, because... uh... they were faster? I don't know.)
Anyways, my search for some nice Winter stories continues. If any of my friends (or non-friends) is reading this review and have some recommendations, please send me some! ;)
By looking at my rating, you can imagine how much fun I had with this story.
The Sky Song takes place in a magical world called Erkenwald. In this world live three human tribes, who were friends with each other and believed in magic, until an evil appeared in the name of the Ice Queen. The witch's goal is to take over the Erkenwald and become immortal. To do so, she had to consume all the voices of Erkenwald's human residents. She manages to kidnapp all the adults, but not children. At least not all of them. One of the child captures is Eska, our heroine, who's trapped in a music box. When she meets Flint, a boy who came to save his mother, they run away from the Ice Queen's castle and go into an adventure to stop her reign over Erkenwald and to save all the adults.
I think that the Sky Song could be an enjoyable adventure for a child, but NOT for a sharp and observant one. The questions like who, how and why would NEVER stop incoming (before anyone asks: NO, I don't have a child and NO, I haven't read this to a child - I am not a child either, but I had A LOT of questions like these when I read the book).
The amount of conveniences this story has should be illegal. If ANY trouble arrives in our heroes' journey, be sure that a VERY convenient thing IMMEDIATELY happens. So the heroes are never really in any danger and the story gets boring pretty quickly.
I could praise this book for its' messages like 'friendship is valuable' or 'nothing's impossible if only you believe in', but, to be honest, when it comes to the Sky Song, these messages don't feel as powerful as they should be. There is no real friendship in this story. We are told over and over how the heroes are friends and how they need each other, but what you need to know is that everything and everyone created in this story only exists to help our VERY, VERY SPECIAL heroine to her victory over the evil. And since the heroine is so VERY, VERY SPECIAL, you know immediately that she will succeed, because nothing is impossible for her.
Now the villain. The Ice Queen of Sky Song is definitely one of the most incompetent villains that were ever created. She was supposed to be so powerful and scary, but ended up being quite pathetic. How such powerful witch couldn't find two non-magical children, like seriously, how hard could this be? (and when she finally found them, she had let them go, because... uh... they were faster? I don't know.)
Anyways, my search for some nice Winter stories continues. If any of my friends (or non-friends) is reading this review and have some recommendations, please send me some! ;)
March 14, 2022
Bardzo przyjemna książka dla dzieci, jeśli macie więc dzieciaki w rodzinie i chcecie im sprezentować książkę to polecam.
May 25, 2018
The prologue (and epilogue) of this book are told in a folktale/myth kind of style which does a great job of setting the scene without making it feel like an infodump, and also nicely 'frames' the story, giving it a clear beginning and ending while also making it seem like part of something bigger. It gives the story a magical feel, in which not everything needs to have a logical explanation.
The writing style, though simple - it is a middle grade story - does a great job of pulling the reader in and sketching the world around the characters. You can just feel the cold (which is helped by the snowflakes illustrating all the pages). I read this in a single sitting, only pausing to refill my tea and have peepee breaks.
The snowflakes show that great attention is given to the overall book, not just the story. This is also clear from the GORGEOUS cover, and the stunning map inside, as well as the french flaps. The whole book is just an absolute thing of beauty.
I really enjoyed how close everything in this book stood to nature. The different tribes and their cultures, the way the animals that are hunted are thanked, the sources of the magic, and of course Eska's background. It was all just beautifully done and worked really well with the folktale vibe and snowy, desolate setting.
Which, lastly, brings us to the characters. They are great. Yes, the villain is just evil for no good reason, but that doesn't feel necessary seeing her origin. Eska is a wonderful main character, who grows a lot throughout the story. Because she cannot remember her past and therefore doesn't really know herself, she is difficult to connect to at the start, but the strength and perseverance she shows is inspiring. Flint is a boy who is an inventor among his tribe of warriors, but eventually he does find his place. I loved that he cries (for good reasons) and it is made clear that that is okay ('tears are just a warm-up for bravery). His little sister may have some form of mental disability (it is stated there is something 'wrong' with her, but never explained what), which is mainly shown in her different and simple way of talking. This is never ridiculed though. She is just as much part of the team, and her heart of gold made me instantly love her.
I originally picked this up purely based on the cover, and am now so happy I did. It is a beautiful story.
The writing style, though simple - it is a middle grade story - does a great job of pulling the reader in and sketching the world around the characters. You can just feel the cold (which is helped by the snowflakes illustrating all the pages). I read this in a single sitting, only pausing to refill my tea and have peepee breaks.
The snowflakes show that great attention is given to the overall book, not just the story. This is also clear from the GORGEOUS cover, and the stunning map inside, as well as the french flaps. The whole book is just an absolute thing of beauty.
I really enjoyed how close everything in this book stood to nature. The different tribes and their cultures, the way the animals that are hunted are thanked, the sources of the magic, and of course Eska's background. It was all just beautifully done and worked really well with the folktale vibe and snowy, desolate setting.
Which, lastly, brings us to the characters. They are great. Yes, the villain is just evil for no good reason, but that doesn't feel necessary seeing her origin. Eska is a wonderful main character, who grows a lot throughout the story. Because she cannot remember her past and therefore doesn't really know herself, she is difficult to connect to at the start, but the strength and perseverance she shows is inspiring. Flint is a boy who is an inventor among his tribe of warriors, but eventually he does find his place. I loved that he cries (for good reasons) and it is made clear that that is okay ('tears are just a warm-up for bravery). His little sister may have some form of mental disability (it is stated there is something 'wrong' with her, but never explained what), which is mainly shown in her different and simple way of talking. This is never ridiculed though. She is just as much part of the team, and her heart of gold made me instantly love her.
I originally picked this up purely based on the cover, and am now so happy I did. It is a beautiful story.
January 9, 2018
Flint set out to rescue one of his own from the clutches of the evil Ice Queen, but ended up freeing a stranger. Eska, a girl with no memory of her past, must find a way to break a curse and save the fate of a people to whom she doesn’t seem to belong.
Can tribes see past their differences and deep suspicions of ‘outsiders’ to unite against a common enemy? Can Flint, - himself a far from standard warrior, with his belief in Old Magic and his gift for inventing, - punch through prejudice and learn to trust the unknown? Just maybe:
‘… Flint found himself wondering whether birthplace, parentage and appearance were really the things that you should list people under. Somehow courage and loyalty seemed better markers.’
Abi Elphinstone has woven the glittering magic of old fairy tales onto a wild, frozen tundra, and the result is the sparkling brilliance of Sky Song. With research that led her to the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia, sped her by huskies over the snow and ice of the arctic, lifted her face to the dancing Northern Lights, and saw her serenaded by the calls of underwater giants, this book has become a song to wilderness, and wildness, and to life itself.
This breathtaking quest kept me hooked. Finding your tribe is a key theme that sits comfortably alongside the humour of a ravenous pup, the courage of a little sister, and the trust and faith that comes with opening your heart to new people, new thinking, new friendships and new possibilities. A truly exceptional tale.
Can tribes see past their differences and deep suspicions of ‘outsiders’ to unite against a common enemy? Can Flint, - himself a far from standard warrior, with his belief in Old Magic and his gift for inventing, - punch through prejudice and learn to trust the unknown? Just maybe:
‘… Flint found himself wondering whether birthplace, parentage and appearance were really the things that you should list people under. Somehow courage and loyalty seemed better markers.’
Abi Elphinstone has woven the glittering magic of old fairy tales onto a wild, frozen tundra, and the result is the sparkling brilliance of Sky Song. With research that led her to the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia, sped her by huskies over the snow and ice of the arctic, lifted her face to the dancing Northern Lights, and saw her serenaded by the calls of underwater giants, this book has become a song to wilderness, and wildness, and to life itself.
This breathtaking quest kept me hooked. Finding your tribe is a key theme that sits comfortably alongside the humour of a ravenous pup, the courage of a little sister, and the trust and faith that comes with opening your heart to new people, new thinking, new friendships and new possibilities. A truly exceptional tale.
November 9, 2020
Absolutely fantastic story, full of adventure and suspense. It is quite inspiring how a group of very determined and courageous children came together to defend the evil adult Ice Queen, who is using dark magic. This story is about the journey Eska (a prisoner of the Ice Queen who broke free) and Flint (an inventor who still believes in good magic) go on to find the Frost Horn to save the kingdom and unite the tribes, before the Ice Queen steals Eska's voice and has the power to rule over the kingdom for ever! There is a bunch of other really lovely and inspirational human and animal characters who help them along the way, such as Blu and Balapan the Eagle. Eska is also on a journey to find her memories, which the Ice Queen stole.
I would definitely use it with an Upper KS2 class. I thought the story was exciting, and there are plenty of opportunities to look at setting and character descriptions.
This story reminded me of 'The Girl of Ink and Stars' but I enjoyed this one more, found the characters more relatable, and found the adventure more exciting.
I would definitely use it with an Upper KS2 class. I thought the story was exciting, and there are plenty of opportunities to look at setting and character descriptions.
This story reminded me of 'The Girl of Ink and Stars' but I enjoyed this one more, found the characters more relatable, and found the adventure more exciting.
February 20, 2018
A lovely middle grade fantasy quest book. Really generated a lot of feel good emotions and warmth. I loved Eska, Flint and Blu, and their animals! Flint in particular with his magic and inventions was really lovely, especially in how he is with Blu and in looking after her.
It’s just gorgeously written and incredibly evocative.
Eska is a bit harder to connect with, possibly through not knowing much about herself, but I loved her strength and faith. And they all display such bravery.
Also as a side note, the book cover and art inside (including the map) is just stunning, as is the snowflake page art on every page. Yep, every single page has tiny little snowflake decoration and it is glorious. Easily one of the most physically beautiful books I’ve read.
It’s just gorgeously written and incredibly evocative.
Eska is a bit harder to connect with, possibly through not knowing much about herself, but I loved her strength and faith. And they all display such bravery.
Also as a side note, the book cover and art inside (including the map) is just stunning, as is the snowflake page art on every page. Yep, every single page has tiny little snowflake decoration and it is glorious. Easily one of the most physically beautiful books I’ve read.
March 24, 2018
There is always something very magical about stories that have a snow and ice setting. It automatically conjures up ideas of magical creatures and amazing adventures. This is true in Sky Song - Erkenwald is caught in a prolonged winter due to the control of the Ice Queen (a perfect villain). Our young heroes, each with their different skill, need to prevent this becoming forever and return the Sky Gods and their power. It is a brilliant adventure story that truly captures the imagination - would be perfect to read snuggled up during dark nights of winter. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good old fashioned adventure!
January 1, 2018
Counting this as my final read of 2017 as I only had 30 pages left to read going into the New Year.
A very wonderful magical tale full of animals and friendship.
A full review will come soon
A very wonderful magical tale full of animals and friendship.
A full review will come soon
January 17, 2018
4.5/5! Review to come!
May 7, 2018
Excellent vocabulary and very well written. I’m going to suggest it for Y4 or Y5 to read.
December 7, 2019
3.5 stars⭐️
February 16, 2022
I read this book with my class after a vote for which book we should read this half term, and they absolutely loved it. Not going to lie, I wanted one of the other choices, but this book proved that you should read different genres and step out of your comfort zone. Adventure, mystery, magic and interesting characters kept the class engaged the whole way through, with them asking each day if we could read more. Definitely a book I will read with my sons at home.
May 21, 2022
Good for a kids book, but not one of those kids books that adults can really enjoy. I liked the journey and all of the different adventures, but i found the ending to be a little lacklustre. I was torn between 2.5 or 3 out of 5 stars, but decided on 3 because the beginning was really good.
April 2, 2024
Grudzień 2019: 5 ⭐
30 marca 2024: 2,8 ⭐
To jest ten typ książkę TYLKO dla dzieci. Jednak teraz, po kilku latach od jej przeczytania, nie polubiłyśmy się zbytnio. Niektóre zdania "z przesłaniem" czułam, że były wpychane na siłę, żeby coś dziecko wyniosło z tej książki.
Więc tak, może być fajne, ale dla osób w wieku 8-10 lat.
30 marca 2024: 2,8 ⭐
To jest ten typ książkę TYLKO dla dzieci. Jednak teraz, po kilku latach od jej przeczytania, nie polubiłyśmy się zbytnio. Niektóre zdania "z przesłaniem" czułam, że były wpychane na siłę, żeby coś dziecko wyniosło z tej książki.
Więc tak, może być fajne, ale dla osób w wieku 8-10 lat.
November 23, 2022
3.5⭐
Une Reine des Glaces comme méchante, une jeune fille capable de délivrer le royaume de sa magie noire, un jeune garçon et sa petite soeur comme amis...que de bons ingrédients pour en faire une très chouette épopée fantastique !
Une Reine des Glaces comme méchante, une jeune fille capable de délivrer le royaume de sa magie noire, un jeune garçon et sa petite soeur comme amis...que de bons ingrédients pour en faire une très chouette épopée fantastique !
February 17, 2024
8.3/10
Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone is a fantasy children's book which in many ways reminds me of the Chronicles Of Narnia series by CS Lewis. The most obvious semblance is the continous mystical feeling of the book. Set in winter, like The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Elphinstone presents the world of Erkenwald as a land of neverending wonder and discovery, pivotal in capturing a magical feel to a children's fantasy book. Although a standalone and not overtly long book, an abundance of worldbuilding is packed together which keeps the reader engaged throughout. The premise of the story , although maybe not groundbreaking for a book of its type, results in well-constructed story following the Fur, Feather and Tusk tribes in a world cursed by the Ice Queen. The Ice Queen is your typical fantasy villain, but is written well and overall serves as an engaging overarching antagonist. However, the protanganists are what makes this books for me. The book is split between chapters from a redhead adventurous girl named Eska, who had been placed under The Ice Queen's curse, and an inventor boy named Flint, who - unlike his tribe - has full faith in the magic of Erkenwald. These two characters, along with Flint's sister Blu, Flint's fox pup Pebbles and a golden eagle named Balapan, have a great dynamic that builds throughout the book.
One issue with the story is that the Kingdom of Erkenwald has only been cursed by the Ice Queen for a matter of months, which somewhat takes away from the drama of the efforts to stop her. Although perhaps seeming generic at first, the story does provide a refreshing, unique portrayal of a fantasy adventure book yet still remaining simple and familiar, adding to the cosy winter atmosphere of the book. Genuine emotional moments are included in this book, as the limited cast of characters means a real insight to them, as well as some fantastic writing by Abi Elphinstone. Elphinstone is a wonderful describer of scenery, giving you a real image of this world in your mind. Overall, Sky Song turns out to be a lovely read, especially for keen young readers who want something more adult-sounding with an easy-to-follow plot, and although the premise may not be mindblowing, it doesn't need to be. Abi Elphinstone has proved herself as a great writer of children's adventure books.
Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone is a fantasy children's book which in many ways reminds me of the Chronicles Of Narnia series by CS Lewis. The most obvious semblance is the continous mystical feeling of the book. Set in winter, like The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Elphinstone presents the world of Erkenwald as a land of neverending wonder and discovery, pivotal in capturing a magical feel to a children's fantasy book. Although a standalone and not overtly long book, an abundance of worldbuilding is packed together which keeps the reader engaged throughout. The premise of the story , although maybe not groundbreaking for a book of its type, results in well-constructed story following the Fur, Feather and Tusk tribes in a world cursed by the Ice Queen. The Ice Queen is your typical fantasy villain, but is written well and overall serves as an engaging overarching antagonist. However, the protanganists are what makes this books for me. The book is split between chapters from a redhead adventurous girl named Eska, who had been placed under The Ice Queen's curse, and an inventor boy named Flint, who - unlike his tribe - has full faith in the magic of Erkenwald. These two characters, along with Flint's sister Blu, Flint's fox pup Pebbles and a golden eagle named Balapan, have a great dynamic that builds throughout the book.
One issue with the story is that the Kingdom of Erkenwald has only been cursed by the Ice Queen for a matter of months, which somewhat takes away from the drama of the efforts to stop her. Although perhaps seeming generic at first, the story does provide a refreshing, unique portrayal of a fantasy adventure book yet still remaining simple and familiar, adding to the cosy winter atmosphere of the book. Genuine emotional moments are included in this book, as the limited cast of characters means a real insight to them, as well as some fantastic writing by Abi Elphinstone. Elphinstone is a wonderful describer of scenery, giving you a real image of this world in your mind. Overall, Sky Song turns out to be a lovely read, especially for keen young readers who want something more adult-sounding with an easy-to-follow plot, and although the premise may not be mindblowing, it doesn't need to be. Abi Elphinstone has proved herself as a great writer of children's adventure books.
January 18, 2018
This book was EVERYTHING. I really enjoyed Abi’s first trilogy, but Eska stole my heart from the first page. Eska is just a wonderful character, and her growth from prisoner stripped of everything to determined young person is astounding.
Winter is so important to this story, it seeps through every page. Reading this whilst the January winds roared outside my bedroom, a cup of tea by my side, felt very apt.
The one theme that permeates SKY SONG is friendship. The relationships between our main characters, and our MC’s and the animals is just so darn special. I especially gravitated towards Finn and Blu’s relationship–it was so caring and loving, but tough at times–realistic.
SKY SONG is a classic in the making. It reads as an action packed fairytale, simultaneously familiar and brand new. It is magical in its purest sense, a quest of belonging that you can’t help but throw yourself completely into.
This book is a celebration of bravery and friendship, and I would recommend it to everyone who loves fairytales, rich mythology and a heart-thumping-ly exciting plot.
Winter is so important to this story, it seeps through every page. Reading this whilst the January winds roared outside my bedroom, a cup of tea by my side, felt very apt.
The one theme that permeates SKY SONG is friendship. The relationships between our main characters, and our MC’s and the animals is just so darn special. I especially gravitated towards Finn and Blu’s relationship–it was so caring and loving, but tough at times–realistic.
SKY SONG is a classic in the making. It reads as an action packed fairytale, simultaneously familiar and brand new. It is magical in its purest sense, a quest of belonging that you can’t help but throw yourself completely into.
This book is a celebration of bravery and friendship, and I would recommend it to everyone who loves fairytales, rich mythology and a heart-thumping-ly exciting plot.
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