The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill

The Cry of the Icemark is a fantastic and compelling read. The plot is well crafted; a slow but enthralling introduction introduces the characters and sets the scene, then we are carried off on an exciting adventure and finally we reach the unanticipated yet gratifying climax. The story is full of details, none of which are irrelevant as everything is ultimately tied together. The fantasy setting combines old and new; battles involve guns as well as bow and arrows. This story is a combination of the best parts of Lord of the Rings and Pullman’s Dark Materials, yet it is still unique. Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield (her titles increase as the story progresses … Queen of the Icemark, Wildcat of the North…) and Oskan the Witch’s Son are the protagonists. They travel through ice and snow to make alliances, enlisting the help of their old enemies in a quest to halt the progress of Scippio Bellorum’s giant army. It’s an exhilarating and un-put-downable read.