I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas because thanks to Santa I got plenty of good books to review in the future. One of them was "The Ice Dragon" by George R.R. Martin.
George R.R. Martin has gained the nickname "The American Tolkien" as a result of his magnum opus, "The Songs of Ice and Fire Series." However, you'll be surprised to know that he has written other works as well. Among them was "Windhaven," "Fevre Dream," "Dying of the Light," "The Armageddon Rag," "The Ice Dragon" and many short stories and screenplays. "The Ice Dragon" is actually a kids book, so it reads like a kids book. However, I think this book can appeal to any age, if you're a fan of fantasy or a die-hard Martin fan, you will love this book.
The story tells of Adara, a young girl who lives on a farm with her father, and her two older siblings. Adara is different from the other children in the village, having been born in winter, as well as being the cause of her mother's death, Adara has a fondness of winter, a time which is dreaded by the other villagers. Unlike everyone who resided in her village, she doesn't fear the Ice Dragon. The Ice Dragon is believed to be a beast that can never be tamed, as well as its presence bringing the harshest of winters. Adara and the dragon form this special bond, its presented in a simplistic manner, after all, it is a kids book, but it does shape the relationship between the two. During this, there is war raging between two countries and the enemy advances closer and closer to Adara's village every winter. Many of the villagers have left for safer land, but Adara's father refuses to give up his home, as it has been in his family for centuries. Adara's Uncle Hal is a dragonrider in the army fighting the enemy country, and through him, Adara's family, as well as us, are updated on the progress of the war.
I've mentioned this is meant to be a children's book, but I would hesitate to let a child read it. This book was written by one of the most murder-happy writers of our time, and while it doesn't go into detail like his other works, there is a scene where a character has his head spilt open with an axe, and another character is set on fire and burns to death. Also, for any Game of Thrones fans who are wondering if this book is set in Westoros... well it isn't. It seems like it could since it has dragonriders, but Martin has made it very clear it doesn't take place within the Game Of Thrones Universe.
The best part of the book had to be the climax. I can't go into details because of spoilers but I can tell you it was very emotional and exciting. It was a bit off putting when you compare it to the rest of the book, but it made for a great story. May I remind you this is a kids book.
This book is perfect. The prose flow very well. It's simple narrative, but not too simple that it sounds like it talks down to the reader, and its worth the read if you're looking for something quick and easy. Despite it's target audience, The Ice Dragon is certainly a page-turner!!!
But these are just my opinions. Have you read the book? If so, what did you think?
