Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!
There were so many awesome MG releases this year. Unfortunately I've got a stack of MG books I was hoping to read before the end of 2014, and sadly still waiting to be read. Thankfully I've got a whole new year ahead of me to read them. This weekend I did manage to read a couple MG books, and The Ice Dragon was one of them. I seriously loved this book. Though it's short in length (only 120 pages), it's a beautifully story, and one that even my son, a non fantasy fan, enjoyed. The illustrations alone are worth picking up this book.
There were so many awesome MG releases this year. Unfortunately I've got a stack of MG books I was hoping to read before the end of 2014, and sadly still waiting to be read. Thankfully I've got a whole new year ahead of me to read them. This weekend I did manage to read a couple MG books, and The Ice Dragon was one of them. I seriously loved this book. Though it's short in length (only 120 pages), it's a beautifully story, and one that even my son, a non fantasy fan, enjoyed. The illustrations alone are worth picking up this book.
Illustrated by: Luis Royo
Published by: Tor Teen
Re-Released on: 10.21.14
Source: purchased book
Rating: 5 Stars
Add it to Goodreads
The Ice Dragon is an enchanting tale of courage and sacrifice for young readers and adults by the wildly popular author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Song of Ice and Fire series, George R.R. Martin. Lavish illustrations by acclaimed artist Luis Royo enrich this captivating and heartwarming story of a young girl and her dragon.
In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire the ice dragon was a creature of legend and fear, for no man had ever tamed one. When it flew overhead, it left in its wake desolate cold and frozen land. But Adara was not afraid. For Adara was a winter child, born during the worst freeze that anyone, even the Old Ones, could remember.
Adara could not remember the first time she had seen the ice dragon. It seemed that it had always been in her life, glimpsed from afar as she played in the frigid snow long after the other children had fled the cold. In her fourth year she touched it, and in her fifth year she rode upon its broad, chilled back for the first time. Then, in her seventh year, on a calm summer day, fiery dragons from the North swooped down upon the peaceful farm that was Adara’s home. And only a winter child—and the ice dragon who loved her—could save her world from utter destruction.
In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire the ice dragon was a creature of legend and fear, for no man had ever tamed one. When it flew overhead, it left in its wake desolate cold and frozen land. But Adara was not afraid. For Adara was a winter child, born during the worst freeze that anyone, even the Old Ones, could remember.
Adara could not remember the first time she had seen the ice dragon. It seemed that it had always been in her life, glimpsed from afar as she played in the frigid snow long after the other children had fled the cold. In her fourth year she touched it, and in her fifth year she rode upon its broad, chilled back for the first time. Then, in her seventh year, on a calm summer day, fiery dragons from the North swooped down upon the peaceful farm that was Adara’s home. And only a winter child—and the ice dragon who loved her—could save her world from utter destruction.
This is an epic children's fantasy. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is George's debut book in children's literature. I'm amazed at all George R. R. Martin gave me in only 120 pages. It only took page one to hook me, and by the end of the first chapter I was in love. This is definitely a book fans of Martin's, children's literature, and fantasy will love.
The story follows that of a young girl, Adara, who was born in winter. Being a child of winter made her come across as different than children born during the other seasons. Not one to show much emotion or to receive much affection, she finds relief in the winter. The only time she never feels alone. Being born during the cold season gave Adara a special ability to connect with the feared and rare Ice Dragon. She loves spending time with the feared creature. When her family is threatened she and her beloved Ice Dragon will made a courageous, and very surprising sacrifice to save them.
I loved this story. I love the illustrations that accompany it. They are gorgeous. The cover art on both the inside covers of the book are my favorite. This edition of the book also includes a poster found on the inside of the cover jacket. Check out more of The Ice Dragon illustrations here.
Stop by Mundie Kids to what other children's books I'd recommend picking up.
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Amazing review Katie. <3 So glad you loved it :) Commented a bit more on your other blog, hih. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Carina! I appreciate that. :)
DeleteThis one sounds like a winner. I've added it to my books to read this first half of 2015. Thanks for your enthusiastic review.
ReplyDeleteThank you Greg! I hope you enjoy it. It's a great kid lit read.
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