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A review by crazygoangirl
Fia and the Last Snow Deer by Eilish Fisher
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I read this because I needed a light and easy read after finishing the very literary and challenging Orbital. It also fits Prompt 17 of my 52 Book Club Reading Challenge. Told in verse, it’s the story of young Fia and her snow deer Solas, who, along with her cousin Mish and Wolf, undertake a quest to find the Deer Mother and save her tribe from the long and harsh winter that has lasted more than 3 years.
On the way, both children and animals must face their fears, make hard choices and sacrifices in order to reach their goal and fulfil their mission. The Shadows they meet, deep in the woods were reminiscent of the Army of the Dead from the Lord of the Rings - desperate and evil. Fisher tackles themes of love, friendship, loyalty and sacrifice in this simply told but deeply touching story. The bonds between the four characters are deep and ultimately enduring. Fia’s character arc is deeply satisfying as she matures from an immature, jealous girl into a compassionate one, ready to do her bit to save her village. Fishe’s writing is very atmospheric and I felt like I was on the journey with these four intrepid travelers. Loved Gerd and her wisdom too ♥️
I listened to the audio while following along physically which is how I’m enjoying reading these days. My experience with narrators hadn’t always been the best but this narrator, Honi Cooke, did a great job! I think she’s Irish from her accent, which was perfect since the book is set in Ireland. The physical book, an illustrated hardcover (illustrated by Dermot Flynn), has stunning artwork in a grey, black and yellow palette 😍
I’m so glad I’m reading children’s literature more often. There’s a particularly soothing and comforting aura around them that warms the heart ♥️ I was unaware that this book had won the Children’s Book of the Year Award in 2024 at the Irish Book Awards. Very well deserved! Highly recommended to children and adults with a love of fantasy and children’s lit. A great book for parents and children to read together ☺️
On the way, both children and animals must face their fears, make hard choices and sacrifices in order to reach their goal and fulfil their mission. The Shadows they meet, deep in the woods were reminiscent of the Army of the Dead from the Lord of the Rings - desperate and evil. Fisher tackles themes of love, friendship, loyalty and sacrifice in this simply told but deeply touching story. The bonds between the four characters are deep and ultimately enduring. Fia’s character arc is deeply satisfying as she matures from an immature, jealous girl into a compassionate one, ready to do her bit to save her village. Fishe’s writing is very atmospheric and I felt like I was on the journey with these four intrepid travelers. Loved Gerd and her wisdom too ♥️
I listened to the audio while following along physically which is how I’m enjoying reading these days. My experience with narrators hadn’t always been the best but this narrator, Honi Cooke, did a great job! I think she’s Irish from her accent, which was perfect since the book is set in Ireland. The physical book, an illustrated hardcover (illustrated by Dermot Flynn), has stunning artwork in a grey, black and yellow palette 😍
I’m so glad I’m reading children’s literature more often. There’s a particularly soothing and comforting aura around them that warms the heart ♥️ I was unaware that this book had won the Children’s Book of the Year Award in 2024 at the Irish Book Awards. Very well deserved! Highly recommended to children and adults with a love of fantasy and children’s lit. A great book for parents and children to read together ☺️