Snow, Fire, Sword

El Jisal #1

by Sophie Masson

On the island of Jayangan, old beliefs and magic exist side by side with new pop songs and motorcycles. . . . Adi is a fisherman's son, proud to be studying with the greatest of traditional sword makers. Dewi is the daughter of a healer, curious about the world beyond her quiet village. Neither Adi nor Dewi is prepared for the sudden violence that transforms their lives. Both are propelled into an epic battle in which even the mystical spirits of Jayangan are threatened and helpless. Charged with a desperate quest to find the mysterious Snow, Fire, and Sword, Adi and Dewi know only that if they fail, their beloved homeland will fall to an evil shrouded in impenetrable darkness. Can two children of the modern world succeed where the most powerful and ancient spirits cannot? Set against the backdrop of a mythic Indonesia, Sophie Masson's gripping fantasy will leave readers breathless.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Science Fiction Fantasy

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Born in Indonesia of French parents, Sophie Masson was sent to live with her paternal grandmother in Toulouse, France, when she was just a baby and lived there till she was nearly five, when her parents came back from Indonesia and took her to Australia. All the rest of her childhood, the family stayed in Australia, with frequent trips back to France, and this dual heritage underpins a good deal of Sophie's work.
Sophie's first book appeared in 1990 and since then she has published more than seventy books, for children, young adults and adults. Her books have been published in Australia, the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and many other countries. She has also had many short stories and articles published in newspapers, magazines, and online journals.
Sophie holds a BA and M.Litt in French and English literature, and a PhD in Creative Practice. A former Chair of the Australian Society of Authors, she is the current Chair (2021) of the New England Writers' Centre and of the Small Press Network. She is also the President committee of the New England and North West sub-branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia, NSW branch.
Sophie has received several awards for her creative work, including the Patricia Wrightson Prize in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, and the YA category of the Aurealis Awards. In 2019 she received an AM in the Order of Australia for her significant service to literature as an author, a publisher, and through service to literary organisations.
Sophie's website is at www.sophiemassonauthor.com
She has a writing blog at www.firebirdfeathers.com
Her You Tube channel, with trailers to many of her books, is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLa...
She is also a regular contributor to the popular authorship blog Writer Unboxed, www.writerunboxed.com

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a personal connection to this book as it was the very first time I managed to find a YA urban fantasy that was set on the backdrop of mythological Indonesia!!! It was the first time I was able to share a book with my Mum as we were able to discuss all the West Javanese legends contained throughout this story. I loved this book so much, I really took my time to read it so I was able to saviour it for as long as I could. A lot of the terminology used, I was able to understand first go but I thought it was fantastic that a glossary was included at the end of this book for the non-Indonesian speaking readers. The story moved at a reasonably quick pace, it allowed me to picture a whole new world that was inspired by true Indonesian landscape - I was able to picture the characters and the traditional Indonesian attire they were wearing so clearly. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy urban fantasies with reference to cultural legends - please note I had to get this book via Print on Demand. I'm so grateful to have this book on my shelf!! Such an immersive read..

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Lynn Crow for TeensReadToo.com

For readers who enjoy fast-paced and surprising fantasy fiction, SNOW FIRE SWORD is a treat. It's an exciting story with a mixture of fantasy and the modern day. Its two protagonists, Adi and Dewi, are brought together when dark forces begin to terrorize their country, taking Adi's teacher and Dewi's father. Armed only with the knowledge that they can defeat the evil with the powers of snow, fire, and sword, the two children struggle to save their world from tyranny.

The best thing about SNOW FIRE SWORD is the story itself. Masson sets a quick pace, her characters stumbling from one adventure into another chapter by chapter, keeping the reader glued to the page. There are enough twists and turns along the journey to keep readers guessing as to the ultimate outcome. Unpredictable and tightly plotted, it's a hard book to put down.

Making the story all the more engaging are the two main characters. Adi and Dewi are sympathetic and well-developed, with inner conflicts and emotional turmoil to deal with as well as their external problems. Their actions are believable for their age, but also admirable for their courage. They make mistakes as anyone would, but mistakes that fit their personalities. Young readers will find them easy to relate to despite the magical world they live in.

The world itself is another of SNOW FIRE SWORD's strengths. It is a world both intriguing and unlike any other. Adi and Dewi's country has modern elements like cars and radios, as well as fantastical aspects like communications with the spirit world and magical rings. It's all colored by a strong Asian influence, most likely based on the author's Indonesian heritage, which adds richness and a unique touch to the already fascinating society.

SNOW FIRE SWORD is a great read for fantasy lovers of all ages, and with its modern elements may appeal even to readers who shy away from traditional fantasy.

[Read3r’z Re-Vu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a personal connection to this book as it was the very first time I managed to find a YA urban fantasy that was set on the backdrop of mythological Indonesia!!! It was the first time I was able to share a book with my Mum as we were able to discuss all the West Javanese legends contained throughout this story. I loved this book so much, I really took my time to read it so I was able to saviour it for as long as I could. A lot of the terminology used, I was able to understand first go but I thought it was fantastic that a glossary was included at the end of this book for the non-Indonesian speaking readers. The story moved at a reasonably quick pace, it allowed me to picture a whole new world that was inspired by true Indonesian landscape - I was able to picture the characters and the traditional Indonesian attire they were wearing so clearly. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy urban fantasies with reference to cultural legends - please note I had to get this book via Print on Demand. I'm so grateful to have this book on my shelf!! Such an immersive read..
-Annie

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adi's master is a kris-maker. On their way to Kotabunga to deliver a formidable kris to the Sultan, they are attacked by hantumu.

Adi's master sacrifices himself to ensure Adi's escape. Adi is found, bound and gagged, by Dewi the daughter of a dukim. Together they traverse the physical and spiritual landscape of Jayangan. They are looking for Fire, Snow and Sword - three companions who will enable them to defeat an evil Sorceror who is trying to destroy the rule of the Sultan and to wipe out the spirit denizens of the island.

A book where religious differences, spiritual zeal, opposing faith, religious tolerance and spiritual betrayal form a complex background to a fantasy world reminiscent of Indonesian culture - and the island of Java in particular.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a mythic Indonesia, a village healer’s daughter and an apprentice sword-maker embark on a desperate quest for 3 talismans to deliver their land from a threatening evil.

[Cathyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I think the writing style is a bit cringy, but the plot is pretty good. But the whole book had an overarching great message, and that is to always appreciate the things you already have and the things you eventually get. Dewi and Adi were suppose to find Snow, Fire, and Sword together, but unfortunately split after a hantumu attack while they were going to ask for the blessing of Queen Rorokidul. You can see how Dewi and Adi faced the same situation differently. Upon seeing the death of Anda Mangil, Adi becomes mad and frustrated that Queen Rorokidul did nothing to save Anda Mangil. He becomes unappreciative regarding the Queen of the Southern Sea and vowed never to be reliant on the spirits again. Dewi on the other hand embraces the fact that Anda Mangil died and appreciates the fact that Queen Rorokidul will honor him in her realm. Dewi definately understood when Queen Rorokidul said, "'His body will be laid to rest in the halls of the sea, but his spirit will still be with you, while you need it,'" (Masson 116). Dewi was also appreciative when it came to the help of Sword and Fire. She was thankful that they were there, being true companions as she put it. Another person, the Sultan, shows another example of appreciation, or more the lack of it. He had neglected Queen Rorokidul for too long and all of a sudden he wants forgiveness. "The Sultan was begging the forgiveness of the Queen of the Southern Sea, his mystical bride. He was asking for her help. No, he was pleading for it," (Massom 311). But the problem is you can't just plead for forgiveness and get Queen Rorokidul's protection. The fact that he had neglected her caused her to be unable to help him. As Ratupohen put it at the Water Garden, "'Too many forget to honor us, and so our protection cannot extend very far,'" (Masson 149). Nowadays, more and more people don't have a religion they believe in and so they lose faith in many things. I think that's why the world is so chaotic.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

After his master is attacked, Adi meets up with Dewi and sets off on a quest for the only hopes to defeat an evil sorcerer: Snow, Fire, and Sword.

There's a lot going on in this book including location (created but obviously [see the map at the start] based on Indonesia) and religion but I think the author's message was tolerance

The author was born in Indonesia but has lived elsewhere - not sure how long in any of these places but this offers at least some credibility. I didn't have problems with it but I can how others might. Some in my class mentioned an inaccuracy with one of the spirits.

Mostly it was exciting, although I didn't like how long Adi and Dewi spent apart. I thought they were partners in crime. I don't know what else to say.

[Juliana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of my classmates more familiar with Indonesian culture noted that this did have a very Indonesian feel, but that there were some things (particularly with regard to the deities) that were just not right, in a way that didn't seem to make sense for the alternate universe Masson was creating. There are some neat things in this book, but ultimately we all felt like it came down on the wrong side of cultural appropriation.

Spoilers:


Also, I was very disappointed that a fundamentalist Muslim character turned out to be the bad guy after all. It looked for awhile like he was going to be an important good character, but no, bad. What a cliche.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's 3 1/4 stars and I wish I could give it more. It's a fun premise and very original setting based on Indonesian mythology. I like the two main characters and a lot of the setting, but the story just ends up being a little convoluted and anti-climactic. Also, religion plays a big part of the story and the obviously Muslim religion and characters mostly don't come off well. From what I know of Indonesia, it's at least partially accurate that the Muslims are very aggressive in their proselyting, but I was left unsure of how I felt about the negative characterization.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Something was missing from this book. For lack of a better word, I will call it personality. It has all the right plot elements: two young people, brought together by chance, the only ones who can affect the outcome of the pending apocolyptic battle between good and evil. It has an Indonesian/far-eastern setting, and the mythologies are cluttered with unfamiliar names and incomplete explanations. Perhaps this is partly why I never really felt invested in the characters or situation. I have asked my kids to read it; perhaps their opinions will be more favorable.

[JS · Rating 1 out of 5]

It really didn't do much for me and was just a little too weird and random. Maybe if I was more familiar with Indonesian (I think?) mythology, I would have liked it more. But probably not; it wasn't so much the mythology as the fact that no one seemed to really have much control over their destinies that I didn't care for.

[Roshni · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was too cliche and predictable. The plot was not engaging enough and the character's did not inspire any loyalty. The good guys won a little too easily. Masson tried to incorporate some complexity, but failed to make it entertaining. Overall, a cliche fantasy book that was not worth reading

[Kerri Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

It kept me going but in order to get into the story quickly it was too flat, it had no willing suspension of disbelief to engage me and that stayed in the back of my mind even when I get entranced by the action. It's an action story rather than a fantasy. A good fantasy should be moralistic, deep and have whole characters that are heroic. This book did not have that.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it mesmerizing, maybe simply because the cultural basis of the story is so unfamiliar to me. The general plot, however, good versus evil, is timeless. I can't say that I was always rooting for the male protagonist Adi though: he was too rashly "human".

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I can't believe it! Masson is like, the most trickiest writer! I didn't even suspect that about the Shayak. And yet, Kareen Amar wasn't fire! I thought it was cool how Iblis was fire, but the Shayak was both Snow and the Sorcerer. Over all, the book was thrilling and adventurous.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one started out OK, but it was kind of a mess. Plenty of action, but it wasn't making a lot of sense. I didn't understand the mythology of the figures involved or the belief system or anything. I gave up on it - plenty of other things to read out there!

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired by Indonesian mythology, Mason's plot blends the modern with the traditional.
Using the traditional "quest" trope as a framework, Masson has Dewi and Adi seeking the three title objects in order to save their island.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, but I would have appreciated a little more wrap-up/ discussion of what the characters learned and did next at the end.

[Océanne]

didn't like it that much! :(

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a good book well written. I was interested to know what was going to happen in the book and I just couldn't put it down. Its an unexpected adventure and I really like it.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adi and Dewi are brought together to battle supernatural, evil forces.

[Matthew Coyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things I will enter later.

[Jessica Lewenda]

A fantasy set in Indonesia???? And by an Aussie author??? This could be great.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The plot was very original and had tons of unexpected twists.

[Elias · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10