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story_singer_101's review against another edition
3.0
My problems with Elementals: Ice Wolves has very little to do with the writing style or the characters. I didn’t see anything that really bothered me. However, I didn’t see anything that really impressed me either. The plot arc was pretty predictable, and the world was neither completely stereotypical nor adequately original. In the book’s favor, the protagonist experienced real development, and the characters were likeable and distinct. Unfortunately, the book’s ending landed the story firmly into the realms of stereotypical fantasy, and once again the kids always knew better than the adults. On the whole, the book was entertaining, but it wasn’t stunning fiction.
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I had high hopes for Kafuman’s newest, even though it was a departure for her: a middle grade fantasy. I actually ended up reading the first 50 pages while in line at her signing with Jay Kristoff (it was a long line), and I was thoroughly pleased with the engaging storyline. But then I had quite a few review books I needed to read, so I ended up putting this book aside for awhile and picking it up again over a month later. This could have spelled doom for the book—usually if I set a book down for so long, it sort of ruins the flow—but in this case, I was no less excited about the book when I started reading again. That, in itself is a ringing endorsement!
Anyway, this book ended up being a really fun middle grade fantasy, filled with shape-shifting dragons (and wolves!) and a whole lot of adventure! Sure, it had a few predictable elements, but I was engaged with the story and the characters were fun and well-developed. We had a little bit of mystery, a few nice revelations, and an MC you couldn’t help but love (as a mom, I just wanted to give the kid a hug!). I’m excited to keep reading this series! I give this first book an easy 4/5 stars.
I had high hopes for Kafuman’s newest, even though it was a departure for her: a middle grade fantasy. I actually ended up reading the first 50 pages while in line at her signing with Jay Kristoff (it was a long line), and I was thoroughly pleased with the engaging storyline. But then I had quite a few review books I needed to read, so I ended up putting this book aside for awhile and picking it up again over a month later. This could have spelled doom for the book—usually if I set a book down for so long, it sort of ruins the flow—but in this case, I was no less excited about the book when I started reading again. That, in itself is a ringing endorsement!
Anyway, this book ended up being a really fun middle grade fantasy, filled with shape-shifting dragons (and wolves!) and a whole lot of adventure! Sure, it had a few predictable elements, but I was engaged with the story and the characters were fun and well-developed. We had a little bit of mystery, a few nice revelations, and an MC you couldn’t help but love (as a mom, I just wanted to give the kid a hug!). I’m excited to keep reading this series! I give this first book an easy 4/5 stars.
whatsmacksaid's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really great story--my only disappointment was how abrupt the ending felt. Make sure you have book two within easy reach!
thebookishunicorn's review
4.0
"Just because you're adding something to who you are doesn't mean you have to give up who you used to be."
kittylover2014's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
seventyeight_sundays's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alittlebitheather's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cozycat's review against another edition
4.0
What a fascinating story this book kept me back coming back for more
smartie_5748's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Kidnapping
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, War, and Forced institutionalization
haaayls's review against another edition
4.0
I was pretty nervous about reading this because it’s middle grade, but holy crap I LOVED it. The first few chapters were slow, which made me nervous about the rest of the book, but I love Kaufman’s writing so I knew I had to keep reading and I am so glad I did. Basically, wolves, YES, dragons, YES, magic, YES, shapeshifting, YES!!!
In Ice Wolves, we follow twins Anders and Rayna, who are more different than you could ever imagine. They live on the street and rely on each other for everything. One day, Anders and Rayna are going about their usual pickpocketing, amongst the crowd who are watching children being tested for Wolf Blood, where if they’re successful, join Ulfar Academy and train to join the Wolf Guard. Its known that the ice wolves and scorch dragons have been enemies and their behaviour is now escalating to war. The twins get caught up, and find themselves being tested for Wolf Blood as well. Anders turns into an ice wolf, while his sister becomes a scorch dragon. Rayna has no choice but to flee, while Anders makes the difficult decision of joining Ulfar Academy to learn how to kill dragons and protect the humans.
At Ulfar, Anders is faced with difficult challenges. He finds some things harder than the other ice wolves. He’s concerned about his and Rayna’s connection, and he is desperate to locate his sister. Anders doesn’t believe the stories of dragons he is told at Ulfar, and is sure there is more to the story. Him and his new friend escape the school to find Rayna, where they discover more about the “enemy”. Anders grew an incredible amount throughout this journey. Its not only a cool story about Ice Wolves and Scorch Dragons, but also showed that family will always be family, no matter what. It also showed that even those who rely on other people for lots of help, can still grow and develop independence at any age. Anders and his sister haven’t been separated for years, which made it hard for him, but he fought through lots of challenges, and worked out how to take care of himself.
Kaufman’s writing is very unique! For a middle grade novel, it was a bit hard reading it as an adult, but I still found myself sucked in. The fantasy elements combined with her descriptive writing, created amazing visuals. Kaufman describes everything so clearly, even when the ice wolves or scorch dragons are transforming. The characters were really cute, and perfect for middle grade level as they’re about the same age as most readers of this book would be!
I recommend this to anyone! If you love dragons, wolves and fantasy, you’ll probably enjoy this at some level. Keep in mind its a young fantasy novel, but I think if you want something easy and fun to read, this is it! I’m VERY excited for Scorch Dragons 😁
In Ice Wolves, we follow twins Anders and Rayna, who are more different than you could ever imagine. They live on the street and rely on each other for everything. One day, Anders and Rayna are going about their usual pickpocketing, amongst the crowd who are watching children being tested for Wolf Blood, where if they’re successful, join Ulfar Academy and train to join the Wolf Guard. Its known that the ice wolves and scorch dragons have been enemies and their behaviour is now escalating to war. The twins get caught up, and find themselves being tested for Wolf Blood as well. Anders turns into an ice wolf, while his sister becomes a scorch dragon. Rayna has no choice but to flee, while Anders makes the difficult decision of joining Ulfar Academy to learn how to kill dragons and protect the humans.
At Ulfar, Anders is faced with difficult challenges. He finds some things harder than the other ice wolves. He’s concerned about his and Rayna’s connection, and he is desperate to locate his sister. Anders doesn’t believe the stories of dragons he is told at Ulfar, and is sure there is more to the story. Him and his new friend escape the school to find Rayna, where they discover more about the “enemy”. Anders grew an incredible amount throughout this journey. Its not only a cool story about Ice Wolves and Scorch Dragons, but also showed that family will always be family, no matter what. It also showed that even those who rely on other people for lots of help, can still grow and develop independence at any age. Anders and his sister haven’t been separated for years, which made it hard for him, but he fought through lots of challenges, and worked out how to take care of himself.
Kaufman’s writing is very unique! For a middle grade novel, it was a bit hard reading it as an adult, but I still found myself sucked in. The fantasy elements combined with her descriptive writing, created amazing visuals. Kaufman describes everything so clearly, even when the ice wolves or scorch dragons are transforming. The characters were really cute, and perfect for middle grade level as they’re about the same age as most readers of this book would be!
I recommend this to anyone! If you love dragons, wolves and fantasy, you’ll probably enjoy this at some level. Keep in mind its a young fantasy novel, but I think if you want something easy and fun to read, this is it! I’m VERY excited for Scorch Dragons 😁