Blade of Fire

The Icemark Chronicles #2

by Stuart Hill

Twenty years have passed since the tiny kingdom of the Icemark last defended itself from invasion. Now the imperial invader Scipio Bellorum is back - joined by his brutal twin sons. The Icemark's fate rests with Queen Thirrin, Oskan Witchfather - and their five strong-willed children. But not all the royal siblings are ready for the task. What of Medea, the dark daughter, poisoning the family from within? Or Sharley, the youngest and weakest son, strangely foretold to return with a blade of fire?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Fiction, Magic, High Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy

640 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2006

About the author

Stuart 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.

Reviews

[S. Dixon, DTR · Rating 4 out of 5]

May I be the first to say, that this book was awesome. The first couple of chapters were refreshing in how they caught you up to speed. And as you asked yourself questions they were answered. As when I was trying to calculate, how old was Thirrin when she got married and started having all those children? Cressida comes along as says " When my mother was around my age, she was queen of the icemark, married and already had a child." How great is that, an author who knows how to fill in all the little details. I don't know how you all reacted, but when I saw the name MEDEA (Madea goes to...), I knew there was going to be trouble. Can you believe little Charlemagne, or Sharley to anyone of any importance or was it worth knowing. Any how, I love cheering for the humble underdog, and Sharley just made me want to reach inside the book and give him a hug. So when the mighty Queen Ketshaka grabbed him, I rejoiced. Now tell me, how come her nickname had to be Keshay( Keisha, lol)? Oskan = self control, even though every time I saw the words "witchfather" that song (oh ay the witchdoctor) jumped in my head. Can you imagine having all that power, and using what you can from it to heal. Truly amazing. How many times can you fall in love with a vampire( I think they were related to the Cullen's)? For a queen I was pleased to see how Thirrin had grown, she was everything I expected her to be. And I know it's because of her well grounded husband. Who else would dare ride a mule with earwarmers along side the Queen. I enjoyed my journey to the Hub of the world and to the oasis of the desert and all the people,creatures, and characters that came along with it. So until next time, BLOOD! BLAST! AND FIRE!(less)

[Joanie Greene-washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 continues the Saga of the never ending battle of the IceMark. I must say that I have been totally engulfed by all species. To the point thhat sometimes I forget if I am thinking about Wolf folk , Snow Leopards or human kind. The relationship between the species are so human that sometimes their does not seem to even be a difference. Book 2 has you swapping locations within a moment. One moment you are in the great room of the Icemark Palace. Next you will be crossing the creepy land of the Ghost Land or with Kristafitsa and her cubs in the Ice Sheet. On the Ocean on your way to meet the great desert people. All things relating to our reality at the same time. I am on page 441, with the third book on reserve at the library. Thanks Noodles for another good series. You know I will be hitting you up for the next series to get hooked too.

[Apoorva Ranade · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as the first part was.
A big war and a satisfying finish!

[Lindsay Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second in its series. I love this book. Our main character Charlemagne goes through massive character changes. He grows over the story. We also see how one character who had always been kind and compassionate to everyone. But they in one moment become ruthless and unforgiving. And I loved it. That was one of my favorite moments in the book. Also because one not so nice character got put in there place.

[Stan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super fun book which really invests you in the journey of the characters and has you cheering them on more and more as you get closer to the end.

A nice easy read too as it does a good job of keeping things simple whilst threading together different story lines.

There were moments where I wasn't sure how the timelines of the different threads coincided, but I guess they each proceeded at a pace that meant they ended together.

[Elina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading this book after more than 10 years. Still love it.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A supremely satisfying read which deservedly is called a ‘page-turner’

This fantastic book will have you shivering in delight from the moment when thirteen-year-old heroine, Princess Thirrin, punches a Werewolf on the nose…you know instantly that you are in for a rollicking good read. Well-written and highly readable, the original and sometimes quirky approach to a historical fantasy is like nothing I have encountered before and which is what sets this series apart from many others. I thought that Hill’s first novel was simply stunning and that the story could not get anymore intense and dramatic, but I was certainly proved wrong for never have I been so spellbound by a book! The writing is as crisp and clear as the snowy landscape that is depicted so beautifully, with fresh characters and vivid descriptions you are able to plunge into a magical world. Following on from an exceptional debut, is a wonderful read that is acutely absorbing and thoroughly satisfying throughout.

I am so impressed by such a sensational author whose gloriously assured writing has not only captured my imagination, but which will take the children’s book world by storm. You have to read it to believe it ~ literally! Amid the fast-paced, action-packed adventure is a colorful world captured so perfectly that it is brought very realistically to life in such a compelling way. As an avid reader of fantasy fiction, I have to say that I am stunned by Icemark series and so could not recommend it more nor praise it highly enough, as a brilliant book for children/ Young Adults.

This is a piece of fiction which will also introduce new readers to the world of fantasy, catapulting them into a creation filled with wondrous delights that stretch the imagination…if a book can do this, then it is a winner!

*Short Synopsis:

Twenty years have passed since the tiny kingdom of the Icemark last defended itself from invasion. Now the imperial invader Scipio Bellorum is back – joined by his brutal twin sons. The Icemark’s fate rests with Queen Thirrin and Oskan Witchfinder and their five strong-willed children. But not all the royal siblings are ready for the task. What of Medea, the dark daughter, poisoning the family from within? Or Sharley, the youngest and weakest son, strangely foretold to travel far away, and return with a blade of fire? The second book in the Icemark Chronicles takes the fight to the seas, the skies, the hot lands to the south – and even beyond, to the places of the mind.

Feel the heat of battle!

With Vampires and Werewolves, magic both mystical and of the mind. With formidable, imposing ships that sail across the vast Oceans to the scorching desert with a blade wreathed in flame…what more could you want?!

[Aneuwoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It made my heart pound, ache, and rejoice all at the same time. The story picks up twenty years after the first book; Thirrin and Oskan are married and parents of five teenagers. And despite the relative peace that the Icemark has enjoyed, the land still faces obliteration from Scipio Bellorum and his sons! I shuddered when I thought about his return. He was already very ruthless, so I knew that if he ever reared his evil head again that he would be new and improved. Boy, he didn't disappoint! He was heartless and trained his sons to follow in his footsteps. Another aspect of the second book in the Chronicles of the Icemark series that I enjoyed was the enphasis on family. Everyone has a family, legacy, or some sort of dynasty. I liked how the parents and their offspring related with each other. I was most moved by the youngest Lindenshield daughter, Medea. She broke my heart - it was Cain all over again, but super powerful. I felt sorry for her bitter resentment of her entire family and the lengths that she went through to hurt them. I also rejoiced over the transformation of Sharley, the youngest Lindenshield. He grew by leaps and bounds and became a fearsome warrior, like his mother. Relationships dominated this story and that definitely made losses more painful and victories more sweet. Nothing tears at the core of people like their love for their children and spouses. It made the story realistic and relatable. Even between the vampire king and queen deep and true love is felt. The best parts of all were the battle scenes. They were gritty and nail biting, and made my pulse quicken. Stuart Hill made me want to be a Hypolitan archer, a housecarl holding a shield wall, a member of the snowleopard calvary, or a wolfperson sending a howling message. But most of all, he made me want to be Thirrin, Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield, Queen of the Icemark, and Wildcat of the North. The women in this story make me proud to be female - girlpower rocks!!

[Christina Getrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Cry Of The Icemark. It takes place 20 years after the first book, when the teenage Thirrin from book 1 is now a grown woman, queen, and mother to 5 teenagers. The main focus of this book is 14 year old Charlemagne ("Sharley"), who because of a disabled leg is the family pet and not a warrior like everyone else he knows. War comes to the Icemark again when bad guy Bellorum decides to get revenge on this puny kingdom that defeated him 20 years earlier. I really liked this book even more than the first one, because there is more character development, more humor (smelly cats and ravenous leopards, oh my!), and more magic. Lots of battle action just like the first one. Plus a very interesting parallel-universe look at Arab culture, Italian culture, African culture, etc. This takes place in a fantasy world but it's easy to see what everyday Earth cultures he pulled from in creating it.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was by far my favourite of the series because the action was widespread and intense. Charlemagne journey I found most interesting because of the growth and strength that he finds within himself during the book, I am also a sucker for the stories were the 'wallflower' as such becomes the hero.Not to mention Stuart Hill excels at world building, I can truly believe everything he writes making me want to jump into the action on my page. I would recommend this book for all ages(maybe not under 9s, especially those readers who enjoy epic fantasy and alternate universe.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second book of this series, I learned that small battles can win the war. I loved this book even more than the first one, and I loved the detail. Another war with the Empire leads to much more trouble, and Oskan's evil witch sister Medea is out to get him throughout the entire book. More impossible allies are made during this book. If you are ever bored and like action/violence/war, then I suggest this book to you!

[Ashton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this as much as the first. Fun book, interesting twists in story, etc. Easy read, but I again enjoyed the world Hill has created. Even with all of the use of things that exist in our world, and even use of their names and some modern colloquialisms in the characters' speech. I don't think all of his choices are in the best taste, I wouldn't say it's great literature, again, but it was fun.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a tad nervous when I picked up this book. I love Cry of the Icemark and was skeptical about going back 20 years later. However, it worked and worked VERY well. The new allies were splendid and only Stuart Hill could have made them work so very well. I almost cried at one point, but there, you have to go and read the book yourself! I am going to add this to my books to read over and over-in fact, it is a GREAT series! I would recommend it to anyone to read!

[Gigi Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Thirrin and I love her children. They all have problems that they over come in interesting ways. The old characters are just as remarkable and are added to perfectly with new characters.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah! Though this book is set 20ish years after the first, it does not feel so distant--many of the same characters play a leading role in this story and nods to the original story are scattered throughout, something I deeply appreciate after forming such close bonds with the original characters. The new characters have depth and can rally up your emotions just as easily as the first generation while being distinct in their own ways. I especially appreciate hearing their points of view in the book when he shifts between characters' thoughts. I was not expecting to hear this much about the rest of the world in which the Icemark exists, but I am relishing the new information. Nearly a third of the book is set outside the Icemark and I think it serves to add more interest and deeply develop the setting. Sometimes the writing felt wordy or redundant, but the story is worth some occasional slug. I ADORE the plot with the one exception being the recycling of the Bellorum issue; I think a significantly different conflict was needed (or at least a new villain!) and that this is in some ways a reiteration of the first book. Definitely worth starting the series, and I'll update how I feel about the last in the trilogy...

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to The Cry of the Icemark, this takes place 20 years after the first book as Thirrin and her family and allies must deal with the return of Bellorum. This time, we get perspectives from her children, including her youngest son who must journey to the southern lands to save his people. I really enjoy this trilogy and it is so great being back in the world and these characters. It was gripping, tense, nostalgic and emotional while also making me chuckle at times and it was incredible seeing scenes that had stuck with me since I first read it played out again. While an interesting choice to set it so many years after the first book, it paid off and I think made the book better for it. While this could theoretically work as the end of a duology, I am also excited to read the final book in this trilogy.

[ReadingSloph · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent second book to the series. Though I found some of it to be rather similar to the first book, such as the war aspects, I though that the rest of the book was really interesting and added to the book. There are a lot more characters in the book, which all make great additions. Charlemagne or 'Sharley' was my favourite character, he was just so cute and adorable. I loved to watch him grow as a character throughout the book and overcome lots of struggles. This book was quite a long book, though I found it to be an enjoyable read full of lots of interesting and well-described places and different lands to explore and so enjoyed reading the whole thing immensely. On to the next one.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better than the first of the series. I felt it could have been shorter by cutting down some of the excess, however there were no boring parts or sections that dragged. The expanded cast of characters were wonderful, I really liked Sharley the main character, and Medea was an intriguing side story. The family dynamics of Thirrin's family and the character development of each of her children was good.

Overall, it was a good solid read. Interesting, even though it may not be a unique story line.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Queen Thirrin is desperately trying to keep her kingdom from being taken over by a border bully who has the upper hand in the war by bringing in sky ships that drop bombs. { Hot Air Balloons} She has many outcasts as allies in her fight, vampires, werewolves, zombies, ghosts, rock trolls. The only ones that have been able to fight against the air ships with any success is the vampires, when they are in bat form.
Unbeknownst to Thirrin, there is a traitor on the inside who breaks her heart when she discovers who it is..
Intrigue leading up to the big war.. an interesting read.

[Morgan Sperry · Rating 5 out of 5]

After twenty years of peaceful rule under Queen Thirrin and Oskan Witchfather, now their children are faced with the task of facing Scipio Bellorum and his sons. Will Sharley bring the new found alliances they need to fend off the invaders? Or will Medea's hatred burn a hole in their family?

Another great addition to The Ice Mark Chronicles! I loved exploring more of this wonderfully built world and once again experiencing the great fear of the imposing Bellorum forces.

[Elizabeth Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still not sure how these classify as children’s books because they’re pretty dark on my eyes. But liked this one better than the first, Thirrin was way more mature and it was really cute seeing her family and how alike they were to the younger version of her. Loved the additional characters and how this book blended different cultures. The fighting was a little repetitive to me but still a great epic story.

[Tanja · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is worse than the first book. Most of the story was pretty boring and I took massive breaks in between reading because I had no willpower to continue. The worst part is when a woman is described as pretty even though she's like 30.

[Daniel Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far improved from the first book in the Icemark series, this book introduces numerous new characters and places and adds a great amount of depth to the returning characters. Battle scenes are well done throughout and there is enough to the plot to make it interesting if a bit simplistic at times.

[Allie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful follow on through the eyes of Thurin's children. Again a great show of the power of alliances, and even more perseverance. I love the bits of legend thrown in, and the references to other historical empires. Similarly great friendships shown here.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scipio Bellorum is back to take revenge on the little country that stood up to his Empire. After his astonishing defeat by the barbarian Queen Thirrin and her allies (The Cry of the Icemark contents), he had to quell numerous uprisings around the Empire so it has taken him twenty years, but he has returned to end the conflict permanently. Meanwhile, Thirrin and allies (the Werewolves and Snow Leopards mostly) have cemented their bonds of alliance fighting off Ice Trolls and continuing to work together giving their warriors good practice fighting alongside each other, but they are under no illusions, with Bellorum and the Empire returning, they will be drastically outnumbered and have no close by options for new allies. Thirrin is also a mother now, having married Oskan soon after the events of book 1, with five children who range in age from 19-13ish: Cressida, Cerdic and Eodred (twins), Medea and Charlemagne. Charlemagne suffered a childhood disease that left him slightly crippled (polio, but Hill calls it something else) so he is unable to train as a warrior, but with the coming campaign he may have the most important role of all.

I was daunted coming back to this series. Particularly as it has been at least ten years since I read the first one, so I was concerned that I would not remember the large cast, however, the twenty year gap in the book worked in my favor, as there are new characters (Thirrin and Oskan's kids to mention a few) to be met, as well as returners from book 1, Mr. Hill takes pity on the reader and introduces or re-introduces everyone (not in an annoying way either, which was nice). Especially as you are about to embark on a nearly six hundred page journey with these characters; thankfully they do grow and change over the course of that time, as not all of them are likable or fun when first introduced (Charlemagne, or "Sharly" as his family calls him, is particularly annoying for the first several chapters and he's obviously one of the book's "focus" characters which made the early going on this book really slow, but it doesn't last long).

Surprisingly, the book doesn't build up to a major battle/conflict, but actually feels like a military campaign with early skirmishes and prolonged sieges, tactic changes and adaptations that made the story interesting (also longer and way gorier, but believable for time frames when travel across distances is also included). Though the fight against Bellorum (and his two sons, did I mention they are along for this one?) is the main point of the book, there are multiple side plots and machinations going on as well (mostly in other countries, but this book expands the world so that countries we hadn't even heard of in Cry of the Icemark are pivotal for this story; however there is also darkness lurking much closer to home Medea! Seriously! Even the Vampires warn you all that she's going darkside and if you all actually shared concerns that don't have to do with the impending battle you would have realized WAY earlier that she was not mentally stable, that she seriously freaked a lot of you out and Cerdic might still be alive!), giving this almost a Game of Thrones feel (though much more appropriate for the target teenage audience).

So overall impression. I was pleasantly surprised by this book; I'd honestly expected Cry of the Icemark to fall into the "first and best" book of the series trap, but Mr. Hill expanded his world well and kept it enjoyable, even with mayhem and death knocking at the door. Especially astonishing to me, was the plot kept me guessing (something Cry of the Icemark really didn't achieve) as at several points I was thinking "Well, either they're all gonna die and it's going to end up a re-conqueroring revenge story or somehow this will work out to here so that the other thing manages to happen soon enough". I won't tell you which one it was. They don't all die.

Content notes: A lot of insults (mostly in fun, but some are actually meant to be hurtful), some of which contain language that would be considered minor swearing (mostly to British readers). No sensuality issues. A large amount of violence (there is a war going on), with large numbers of hacked off limbs, gut stabs, impaling, arrow wounds and beheadings (occasionally with blood spray mentioned and separated head rolling away, but no other details). If the reader can handle LOTR violence, they will be fine. Also, having supernatural creatures involved, there is some zombies sloughing flesh and the terror of ghosts, vampires, etc. attacking, though most fantasy readers will find this the norm. As an added "bonus" side note, when Sharly is traveling the world, he is super quick to pick up on other countries religions and "bundle" their beliefs into his own, which is not really believable for the setting and seems a bit too "modern"; fortunately these occurrences are rare, so doesn't spoil the tone of the book too much, just felt jarring.

[Nazmira · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'd love to give this book 5 stars but for what happened to Medea I won't its unfair and awful and Stuart Hill should be ashamed!

[Heather Mcewan-Nugent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. These books just seem to grab me and I don’t want to put them down. Yes they are a ‘childrens’ book but well worth a read

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The saga continues. This book is a good example of how different people can work together and beat the odds.

[Mark Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book a bit long winded with the adventures of sharley a lot of walking and talking the action scenes are well worth it though

[Jocelyn Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better than the first and I loved it just as much