Description Share Post The Cry of the Icemark Stuart Hill (Chicken House Books} ‘Blood! Blast! And Fire! Blood! Blast! And Fire!’ The Cry of the Icemark, from Queen Thirrin Freer Strong- in-the-Arm Lindenshield, Wildcat of the North, Ruler of the Icemark, might be heard high above the storm of battle. However, this young ruler knows that her fervour, determination, morale and excellence inspires her small kingdom. What’s more, it’s all on her shoulders with the loss of her beloved father, King Redrought. While the kingdom is small and northerly, it has been out of the advances of the Polypontin advances, led by the unscrupulous Scipio Bellorum. It seems his armies are never ending, while the Icemark’s, while expertly trained, are small. Thereafter, through necessity, Thirrin’s forced to seek allies. However these are unknown allies. They are unformed, from lands of legend, dangerous and seemingly unpredictable. Is it possible that she, and her young warlock friend, can form allegiances in time? That they might be a force of cunning and surprise to take on the Spring advances of this mountain of war? The Cry of the Icemark was the inaugural winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize upon its release. Like The Ogress and the Orphans this title is an allegory. In fact, we can see so many parallels with our own lives, despite this being a fantasy novel. Thereafter, we’ve environmental and nationalistic considerations, alongside thoughts of what it takes to be a leader. However at the heart of the story is one of courage and morality, friendship and acceptance. This Bookwagon reader, who can read books at a rate, was caught up within this story for some time; it’s a rare and special occurrence. Thereafter, we recommend The Cry of the Icemark highly to our older readers.
