Reviews

Fire and Ice by Shannon Hale

nkbooklover's review

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adventurous challenging dark sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

thepolybrary's review

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4.0

~*Check out all my reviews over on The Bent Bookworm!*~

I'm very happy to report that this book was an improvement on the last one in this series (#3)! There was more banter, more feeling, and less confusion overall.

The four kids are STILL having issues trusting each other, and the adults continue to be conveniently swept out of commission by some event or other - which of course forces the four into making BIG DECISIONS. I really like that the series allows the kids to not only make decisions, but forces them to be responsible for them and doesn't really sugar-coat the consequences of foolish ones. In this episode, they are off to the land of frozen tundra in search of the polar bear Great Beast. Again, the cultures they meet bear strong resemblance to ones in actual places in the world, but have different names.

Fire and Ice takes a bit of a darker turn than the previous installments of Spirit Animals. The threat to the kids' families and homes is getting closer, and there are some rather bloody battles and heart-rending scenes, particularly where Rollan is concerned (my poor little street kid just can't catch a freaking break). Still, I think this book will rekindle interest in the rest of the series. I really wasn't sure after Book 3 but I'm going to continue reading!

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skyzinnia's review

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5.0

Straight out of the gate, the lack of animal knowledge is getting irritating. Is Gerathon a constrictor or cobra? It talks about wanting to squeeze prey but then almost immediately mentions she's a cobra. If she's a cobra then she would not have the urge to squeeze anything. Like the previous books, no one seems to have done even basic research on any of the animals they are writing about.

I was not expecting the stuff with Rollan in Samis. That was exciting! Later in the second battle has some puzzle pieces fitting in, which is a clever way to make me excited for the next books without being obvious.

I'm so happy Jhi finally got her time to shine. Meilin is starting to respect her and they are truly starting to be a real team. I'm really liking the character progression in the series as it doesn't feel rushed or unnatural just to move the plot or characters forward.

The battles are intense and well-described. I enjoyed that it didn't follow the typical "main characters fight, win, then get the prize" they fought hard, battled well, then lost.

Overall, I think this one really took the story and characters in the right direction. I'm happy with where things are going and how things are progressing.

foxbooks's review

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  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

skylacine's review

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

hannaww's review

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4.0

4.5 stars. This series just keep getting better and in this book it got real. Now I'm excited for the rest of the series.

ryanjamesburt's review

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4.0

I am reading this series because my 12 year old nephew is reading them. He really likes them and knows I am a reader and entourages me to read the too. They aren't too bad. I like a few of the main characters and the thought of a spirit animal is pretty cool. Be interested to see where they take it.

coutures1513's review against another edition

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4.0

Je trouve ça mignon les petites romances qui s'installent tranquillement entre les personnages. On voit que certains personnages tiennent davantage à d'autres. J'aime aussi que malgré le fait que chaque personnage soit présent dans l'histoire et évolue, chaque roman est vraiment axé sur l'évolution d'un personnage précis.

dreamnetic's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

aprilbosworth's review

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3.0

I had high hopes for this Spirit Animals book, I've enjoyed the series and love the idea of so many of my favorite young adult writers working out the adventure together. I also love Shannon Hale's writing, but it was a bit flat in my opinion.