The Ice Dragon (1980)

...I think I am going to have to reread the original version to work out which of the two I like better. Martin reworked into an interesting children's tale however. A story that I think shows some of this strengths as a writer. It is a story that takes readers of any age seriously and that hides a lot of complexity under Adara's limited view of events. Given the different ways in which adults and children can enjoy this story, it strikes me as a book that is very suitable to be read together. I think I wouldn't have minded having this one read to me as a child. Martin is a very versatile writer, the way this story has been adapted reveals another aspect of his skill.

Full Random Comments review ( )

The Ice Dragon is a nice companion story to the standard Song of Ice and Fire world. First published as a short story in a compendium titled Dragons of Light, this 1980′s tale was given a new treatment in the 2006 Tor rerelease.

Featuring illustrations by Yvonne Gilbert, The Ice Dragon is the story of a young girl born in the winter of the cold north. She is emotionless and awkward. Her skin is as cold as her personality. She is very reminiscent of a wight from the core series, but alive and obviously human. She is frequently and secretly visited by an ice dragon, whose breath can freeze and kill in seconds, and who cannot be tamed or touched by humans.. Except for her.

Martin fans should take thirty minutes out to read this. It occurs in the years before the ice and fire series, and there is no mention of the ruling families or even of a wall to the north.. So how far in the past I couldn’t say, but far enough that there are armies of dragon riders in the war.

I would be curious after reading this how the wights fit in, are all of them truly undead or are they (similar to cold hands) something else, perhaps joyless emotionless humans like the girl in this tale.

I digress into theory though. This was excellent. Good for adults or children alike.

--FNORDinc

http://www.fnordinc.com/2012/01-02/review-the-ice-dragon-george-r-r-martin/ ( )

9463

Originally published as a part of a short story compilation decades ago, back when Martin was still known primarily for his Science Fiction writing, the version here has been released as an illustrated stand alone work. According to the dust jacket it is being pushed as a children’s book. Having never read the original, I can not speak for any story differences that may exist between them.

That said, the book is a very enjoyable read for an adult – Martin’s world building is extremely effective in getting a keen sense for the landscapes and issues that make up the setting. Inversely, and perhaps because of all the attention on world building, there is extremely sparse dialogue – all of it could be collected onto a single page of the book, with room to spare.

I find it interesting that it’s being promoted as a children’s book – it is wonderfully illustrated with dozens of sketches (which the story text is placed around, rather than being set on a different page, which I like). To me this would tend to suggest a very young “picture book” audience. But I don’t think that age group would enjoy it by themselves, due to Martin’s descriptive choices. I think it would make for a great fantasy book for a parent to read to or with a child though. I read it by myself, and still enjoyed it!

I would have given it five stars, if not for the epilogue. It felt tacked on and rushed, and does a huge disservice to climax and the end of the story. I would not be surprised if an earlier version actually ended one chapter sooner. ( )

I'm melting.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2007/12/ice-dragon-george-r-r-martin.html ( )