Reviews

The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill

cinda_lu's review against another edition

2.0

This was an overall good book, but not for me. I would recommend this book to someone who likes detailed battle scenes and just medieval books in general. It has great descriptor words.

chrstn's review against another edition

5.0

I bought this book in 5th grade from my school's Scholastic book fair. I read that copy numerous times over the years (too many to count, to be honest) and my paperback copy has fallen apart as a result. I love this book, and I am so thrilled that it has stood the test of time.

Strong female main character, 13-14 years old, who has a heartwarming relationship with her father.
A developed friendship.
No romance.
Vampires, Wolf-folk, sentient Giant Snow Leopards, Witches - all working together to fight off the invading Empire.
Fantastic world building.

I would highly recommend!

xandrar's review against another edition

adventurous

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

natpa1ge's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The romantic pairing was hinted at throughout the book, which I wish wasn't the case, as the main character is only 13 at the start of the book.

knitted_bookworm's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

book_nut's review

Too much telling, not enough showing; I bailed after 50 pages.

slowlauris's review

2.0

Thanks, I had a terrible time

yomireads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is a book that formed my future as a voracious reader. Such a well constructed story of a coming to age through the crucible of loss and war. The exploration of overcoming generational prejudice was maybe naive, but so refreshing and exactly what I desired as a young reader. The diversity in magic, species (werewolves, vampires, talking snow leopards, oh my!) and fully formed characters made this series stick and resonate so fully with me that all these years later I still adore this series.

A reread is certainly in order, but for now, a solid 5 stars.

sirlancelot2021's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

woolfardis's review

1.0

"How do we know we can trust you?"
"You don't know that you know you can trust me. You'll just have to trust me."
Paraphrasing, but that's the gist of it. I quite like the premise but this book was written with children in mind, or so it seemed. The King's behaviour made me want to throw up all over my kindle (he had yellow fluffy slippers on the banquet table) and the way the Princess acts is nowhere near what I'd imagine her to be like. It was just all so twee.