The Ice Boy

by Patricia Elliott

Edward's vision of a land far across the sea brings him hope that his father is alive and well, and didn't perish in the storm. If only he could reach the island and look for Dad. When he rescues Bur, the mysterious young man from the waves, Edward is given the chance to attempt the perilous quest, but time is fast running out.

261 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Patricia Elliott was born in London and grew up in Europe and the Far East. She has worked in publishing in London and in a children's bookshop in New York. She now teaches a course in children's literature at an adult education college. She lives in London with her husband, two sons, and a yellow labrodor named Finagal.

Reviews

[Bryan Herijanto · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ice Boy, written by award winning author Patricia Elliott, published in 2002 by Hoddler and Children’s Books, is widely known as the Winner of the Fiddler Award. It depicts the story of Edward’s life, a regular boy who visits his uncle’s cottage every summer to get together. That is, until his father was ‘lost’ after single-handedly sailing through a violent storm in the middle of the rough seas. When ‘Freya’, the boat Edwards father was on is found, Matt, Edwards brother, starts to suspect that their unsuccessful uncle was behind this grand deception, but Edwards meets strange and mysterious people, and uncovers the secrets and regains hope that his father is still alive.

This book is a master-piece of Patricia Elliott, who uses her gift of writing to narrate this adventurous tale of a boy’s faith in life. Her vivid descriptions gives a detailed illustration to the readers who are sitting on the couch, and it drags us inside the beautifully intriguing world of mysteries and secrets. Because the novel is narrated in the third person, it allows us to see the world around the character, not the characters themselves, which in my opinion adds a sense of unpredictability to the characters. The author was able to use countless metaphors and similes to help progress the plot along, which made it very enjoyable to read. The authors style is very formal, and by using various language devices in the right manner, the plot moves along very swiftly and with very intriguing pace.

This novel was also an interesting read because of the way Patricia Elliot took an eerie mythological theme, and incorporated it in a 21st century setting. The major theme that is explored is the faith in life. Upon seeing a dim silhouette of land in the distance, Edward ventures to complete the Newnes sisters task in order to visit the island, risking his own life to save another. Edward is forced to find courage and bravery in order to save his beloved father, which is a symbol of his love towards his family. Elliott masterfully navigates through this jungle of the imagination, and brings us all for the ride. This book has a unique sense of mythology, as it explores the darker and less realistic side of life, visions, spirits, and stories of ancient feuds, hate vs love, good vs bad. The story is mostly derived from ancient Norse myths; Bur or Baldur, foresees his own death and his father Odin does everything to prevent it. After Baldur’s jealous brother Loki finds a way to kill him, a battle is fought to save him.

In my opinion this is a fantastic book to read on a rainy day because it can mesmerize you and take you on a trip away from home. I think this book is beautifully written and the plot was very neatly woven together with a vivid image of the various scenes portrayed in the novel. This book is great for those who like an adventure, and for those who don’t, this is still a great way to enjoy good literature. I recommend this book mainly for 13 year olds through to adults who enjoy short novels, mainly because they are old enough to engage themselves in the book and understand it’s meanings. Overall this is a great book to read when you’re stuck at home or when you just want to escape everyday life.

[Cal Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cal Samuel
English F
October 26

The Ice Boy - Outside Reading Review

The Ice Boy, By Patricia Elliott
Main Character, Edward, the narrator of the story. Edward is a young boy with an older brother, and has incredible imagination, and has a fascinating way to make new friends.
On the horizon of Edwards slightly populated island, Edward has visions of seeming like shapes of mountains and snow covered peaks and glaciers. Those shapes and objects are the reason why Edward has hope and Incredible interest of his father, believes that he is still alive, and hasn’t been lost and perished in the great storm. If only he could find a way and reach that likely imaginary island and rescue his dad. After meeting a strange yet magical person that appeared within the waves of his island, Edward now has a chance to fulfill his dreams. But many myths become intertwined with the real world, restrict Edward from his goal but he doesn't stop trying because of them.
There were many problems and challenges within the story. The main issue of the plot was how Edward had to find his father and he would do anything to figure out if he is still alive. The solution washed up on the beach and it wasn't an object, it was a person. His name was Bur and he had a way to take him to that so called imaginary island, but couldn't go without making edward to do certain deeds.
The book was extraordinarily boring in the beginning of it. Towards the end the book became Engaging and the suspense became unbearable to stand, i could not let go of the book without knowing what's going to happen next. I really liked the book because I loved the magical and mythical part of the book and how it easily and smoothly transitions into real life and how easily feels like its a dream in real life. The part i don't like about the book though is that i do not like how the beginning of the book was so boring and had no action or suspense.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the mystical elements of the story.