Icefall

by Matthew J. Kirby Narrated by Jenna Lamia

Overview

Critically acclaimed author Matthew J. Kirby deftly weaves a stunning coming-of-age tale with chilling cleverness and subtle suspense that will leave readers racing breathlessly to the end.

Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen sea, Solveig--along with her brother the crown prince, their older sister, and an army of restless warriors--anxiously awaits news of her father's victory at battle. But as winter stretches on, and the unending ice refuses to break, terrible acts of treachery soon make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst. Solveig must also embark on a journey to find her own path. Yet, a malevolent air begins to seep through the fortress walls, as a smothering claustrophobia slowly turns these prisoners of winter against one another.Those charged with protecting the king's children are all suspect, and the siblings must choose their allies wisely. But who can be trusted so far from their father's watchful eye? Can Solveig survive the long winter months and expose the traitor before he manages to destroy a kingdom?

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Icefall:A 2012 Edgar Award Winner for Best Juvenile MysteryA 2011 Agatha Award NomineeNew York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing2012 ALA Best Fiction for Young AdultsJudy Lopez Memorial Award Winner"[O]ne of the best reads of the season . . ." — Deseret News"[A] claustrophobic, thought-provoking coming-of-age adventure . . ." — Publishers Weekly"[A] taut, compelling mystery and survival story . . . Readers will be left thinking about this one long after the chill has left their bones." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"[A] superb mystery enriched with powerful, believable characters, plot, and setting, and guarantees that readers will be thoroughly engaged to the final word." — Books to Borrow, Books to Buy, Nationally Syndicated Column"Interesting, well-developed characters abound. . . . [and] the chilly, claustrophobic, ancient setting is vividly created." — Kirkus ReviewsPraise for The Clockwork Three:* "In this riveting historical fantasy . . . debut novelist Kirby has assembled all the ingredients for a rousing adventure, which he delivers with rich, transporting prose. Mixing fantasy and steampunk elements with subtle urban mythology, Kirby's immersive story can be read as a modern morality play or a satisfying stand-alone tale." — Publishers Weekly, starred review"[M]emorable characters, hearty action, and palpable atmospherics." — Booklist

SEPTEMBER 2011 - AudioFile

A perfect pairing of text and narration shines in this magnificent blend of mythology and mystery. Jenna Lamia’s youthful voice lends credence to the listening experience, and her engaging delivery keeps the listener eagerly awaiting each chapter. Set in the time of the Vikings, Kirby’s book is rich in Norse mythology. As she tells her story, young Solveig sounds as if she is recounting a dream. Her words hang in the frosty air of the far North. As she moves smoothly between the characters, Lamia’s pacing and cadence are perfect for this mystery. Included are notes about Norse mythology as well as an author interview. J.K.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

Kirkus Reviews

The king's three children and a small group of warrior-protectors take refuge in a winter-bound steading on a northern fjord and discover there's a traitor in their midst.

Beautiful Asa, the eldest princess, faces an arranged marriage, although she loves another. Harald, the youngest, will one day be king. But the narrator, middle daughter Solveig, is neither attractive nor particularly useful, until she begins to realize she has talent as a storyteller and could have a future as a skald, or court bard. As food runs low and bitter winter tightens its hold, someone in the group begins to sabotage the remaining supplies, and Solveig has a dream that foretells a tragic end to their efforts to survive. Interesting, well-developed characters abound, and Solveig's strong narrative voice adds authenticity as she grows into her new role, not just telling stories of the mythical Scandinavian past but creating tales to alter the behavior of those around her. Valid clues and occasional red herrings heighten the sense of mystery. The chilly, claustrophobic, ancient setting is vividly created, and the sense of impending doom generates a gripping suspense overarching the developing—and deteriorating—relationships among the group, marking Kirby (The Clockwork Three, 2010) as a strong emerging novelist.

Recommend this one to teens who crave a good mystery set in an icily different time and place. (Alternative historical mystery. 11-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171291228
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	10/01/2011
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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