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winterscape's review
4.0
I’d call this one a 3.5.
The premise? Amazing. Sherlock Holmes and Watson (as an axe-wielding fisherman) solving a murder in a fantasy Neolithic tundra village is everything I didn’t know I wanted. The lower stakes were also so satisfying; I’m much more in the mood for a few criminal interrogations than I am for another cataclysmic world-ending disaster.
The execution? Eh. Unlike with Holmes, I was never quite convinced of Talus’ genius eye for detail. The mystery came together somewhat awkwardly, and I’m not sure that readers could piece together the clues along with the bard (I may just be dumb, however). As well, I felt that every female character was only there to fuel the male characters’ stories, which was disappointing (aka, a big Bechdel fail).
However, it was a fun-as-heck concept, short and never dragged, and was, all in all, a good read. If the author did continue with Talus and Bran’s story, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up.
The premise? Amazing. Sherlock Holmes and Watson (as an axe-wielding fisherman) solving a murder in a fantasy Neolithic tundra village is everything I didn’t know I wanted. The lower stakes were also so satisfying; I’m much more in the mood for a few criminal interrogations than I am for another cataclysmic world-ending disaster.
The execution? Eh. Unlike with Holmes, I was never quite convinced of Talus’ genius eye for detail. The mystery came together somewhat awkwardly, and I’m not sure that readers could piece together the clues along with the bard (I may just be dumb, however). As well, I felt that every female character was only there to fuel the male characters’ stories, which was disappointing (aka, a big Bechdel fail).
However, it was a fun-as-heck concept, short and never dragged, and was, all in all, a good read. If the author did continue with Talus and Bran’s story, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up.
caroleheidi's review against another edition
5.0
First and foremost, the moment this book landed on my doormat I fell in love with the front cover. Atmospheric, mysterious and full of depth - it really enticed me in and made me excited about what could be inside the pages within.
The Frozen King throws you straight into the story, there is very little in the way of backstory for Talus and Bran, the two main characters, and you are immediately plunged into the cold northern world they inhabit. This does not mean that their characters are shallow by any means - the details of their lives and characteristics are steady dripped throughout the story so you are never bogged down with information but are plenty capable of building images of them in your mind.
Indeed, the character development through the book is very good - you see how situations bring out the best and worst in people and how even the most confident character can question themselves sometimes to great narrative effect.
I loved the author's way with words - Talus is a bard and so his speech is naturally poetic and dramatic, but the narrative and speech of the other characters are just as stunning. Almost wistful at times and crushingly to the point when needed, the pace is steady but gripping and keeps you turning the pages well past the 'just one more chapter' point you promised yourself.
The story keeps you guessing, too - just as you think you have it all worked out, a curveball is thrown in and you discover you are barking up entirely the wrong tree. I thought I had it nailed, then completely doubted myself as things changed and was somewhat surprised when I was almost right at the end. The mystery of the Frozen King is nicely solved but enough is left open at the end that I am really curious as to where Talus and Bran go next in the series.
I love the world Edwards' builds - it is beautiful but stark, lonely and deadly yet full of vibrance and life. Teetering on the edge of fantastical as well as historical I fell in love with the landscape and was genuinely a bit sad when I finished as I really enjoyed immersing myself in their world.
Not a long read, but a really enjoyable one. Highly recommended.
The Frozen King throws you straight into the story, there is very little in the way of backstory for Talus and Bran, the two main characters, and you are immediately plunged into the cold northern world they inhabit. This does not mean that their characters are shallow by any means - the details of their lives and characteristics are steady dripped throughout the story so you are never bogged down with information but are plenty capable of building images of them in your mind.
Indeed, the character development through the book is very good - you see how situations bring out the best and worst in people and how even the most confident character can question themselves sometimes to great narrative effect.
I loved the author's way with words - Talus is a bard and so his speech is naturally poetic and dramatic, but the narrative and speech of the other characters are just as stunning. Almost wistful at times and crushingly to the point when needed, the pace is steady but gripping and keeps you turning the pages well past the 'just one more chapter' point you promised yourself.
The story keeps you guessing, too - just as you think you have it all worked out, a curveball is thrown in and you discover you are barking up entirely the wrong tree. I thought I had it nailed, then completely doubted myself as things changed and was somewhat surprised when I was almost right at the end. The mystery of the Frozen King is nicely solved but enough is left open at the end that I am really curious as to where Talus and Bran go next in the series.
I love the world Edwards' builds - it is beautiful but stark, lonely and deadly yet full of vibrance and life. Teetering on the edge of fantastical as well as historical I fell in love with the landscape and was genuinely a bit sad when I finished as I really enjoyed immersing myself in their world.
Not a long read, but a really enjoyable one. Highly recommended.
vkemp's review against another edition
4.0
Bran and Talus appear on the isthmus of Creyak just after the King is murdrred. His six sons regard the two travelers with a great deal of hostility. But, Talus is cursed with a curious mind and his many wanderings have taught him how to think about things seen and unseen. Like Sherlock Holmes, he believes in the power of ratiocination, the power of precise thinking. In this frozen place of secrets, Talis, the bard, will become the world's first detective. Great place setting and believable characters make this an entertaining read.o
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