The Cry of the Icemark (2005)

Think Game of Thrones on small scale. ( )

Excellent beginning to yet another young adult novel set in vaguely med/renn times. Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield, Wildcat of the North, is heir to the throne of the Icemark and a skilled warrior, though only 13 at the start of the tale. She has a lot of responsibility laid in her lap very early on and must succeed or her homeland will be doomed to fall to the great Polypontian Empire. Great pacing, interesting story, looking forward to #2! ( )

Another one of my re-reads, and another excellent book. It's more less a military fantasy adventure with lots of different interesting cultures. First we have the people of the Icemark. The majority of these people are like the old-fashioned Vikings and a small part of them are the Hypollitan's which appear to be like the Amazons. We also find Witches, Warlock's and the spring and winter king's of the forrests. Then we meet the Werewolf clans who can speak the human language. In the Ghostlands we meet Vampire's, Ghost's, Ghouls, Trolls and other interesting creatures. Far in the north we have the intelligent, gentle and fierce huge leopard warriors. Then there are the bad guys who appear to be modelled after the Roman Empire - called the Polipontans.

The story starts off with the Polipontans a nasty Empire who invades the Icemark. During the first battle dies the King of the Icemark and leaves his, 14 year old, daughter Thirrin as Queen. She and her, 15 year old, friend Oskan a warlock, go on a quest to recruit all the allies they can find to defeat this massive armie. Although, both are very young they have to mature very quick in order to defend their country and all they love. Again, a beautifully written book, which was very engaging. ( )

When Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield, Wild Cat of the North's father dies in a battle with a overwhelming invading army, 13-year-old Thirrin becomes queen of her small country, the Icemark. Forming alliances with the unlikelist creatures is the only way to defend her country during the coming battles. Her allies eventually include the werewolves, the Vampire's and the massive talking snow leopards. She is helped along the way by Oskan, the Witch's son, whose power's remain untapped for now.

This tale is interesting, but it didn't capture me in the way that other fantasy books have and I wonder if that is because the characters could have been developed more. I'm still debating whether to read the second one or not. ( )

All thought the last time i read this book was years ago this book remains one of my favorites. It was a great tale and read pretty quickly. ( )