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Blue Fire and Ice (The Land's Tale)
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Review
The story is simply beautiful. I know that the expression beautiful doesn't initially say that much. But it is exactly that. It is simply very, very beautiful. It is perfect for children and teenagers; and adults, too. The author manages to narrate scenes full of suspense without resorting to the usual stock phrases such as suddenly , all of a sudden or similar; the book lives through the descriptions. As an adult a comfy shiver ran down my spine and as a result I caught myself once or twice jumping over the description of the scene - because I couldn t wait to see whether or not one of my favourites had lost his life. --Bettina Meister, Zauberspielgel-online.de
When I come face to face with a debut fantasy novel, I am usually both a little excited as well as filled with a slight sense of dread. All too often new writers are disappointing and knowing that the book comes from a small, independent publisher my apprehension grows. This time, however, I was quite pleasantly rewarded with not only a truly original storyline, but a well crafted plot with rounded characters. His storytelling skills ensnare the reader, giving a sense of urgency to the act of turning the page to find out what happens next. While standing satisfyingly complete on its own, it is a welcome beginning to a new series that hopefully will live up to the vivid promise this book gives. --Kimberley Saunders, The Bookbag
There is plenty of action and adventure in this first book of a new series with lots of plot twists and unusual characters to keep you interested. --Primary Times
When I come face to face with a debut fantasy novel, I am usually both a little excited as well as filled with a slight sense of dread. All too often new writers are disappointing and knowing that the book comes from a small, independent publisher my apprehension grows. This time, however, I was quite pleasantly rewarded with not only a truly original storyline, but a well crafted plot with rounded characters. His storytelling skills ensnare the reader, giving a sense of urgency to the act of turning the page to find out what happens next. While standing satisfyingly complete on its own, it is a welcome beginning to a new series that hopefully will live up to the vivid promise this book gives. --Kimberley Saunders, The Bookbag
There is plenty of action and adventure in this first book of a new series with lots of plot twists and unusual characters to keep you interested. --Primary Times
Product Description
The Land is in peril… Fires are ravaging Beadledom. In the face of terrifying, unquenchable blue flames the Beadles turn to their unpredictable neighbours, the Muddles, for help. But aid from the Muddles brings its own risks… Drawn together to save The Land, seven unlikely heroes set out to find the secret of the blue fire and the identity of the mysterious arsonist who will stop at nothing to destroy them all. Full of the most unusual characters and packed with intrigue, humour and adventure, Blue Fire and Ice is the first in an exciting new series of books about The Land.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Blue Fire & Ice by Alan Skinner
Fond childhood memories of immersion in the magical world of Alice in Wonderland are evoked on reading Blue Fire & Ice, the novel sourced from the wonderful imagination of children's author Alan Skinner. Layer by layer, a fantasy world unfolds. The reader is introduced to the colourful characters who inhabit `The Land', populated by three distinct social groups - the Muddles, the Beadles and the Myrmidots - three geographically separate communities whose lifestyle and physical appearance differ vastly from each other, and of course, from our own environment. Their different worlds are defined early in the novel as the writer follows the unusual day to day activities of the main characters.
Around a third of the way into the book, the improbable is well and truly `the norm'. Concepts such as the `Mix' - a mist that descends on the Muddles at regular intervals, resulting in the temporary swapping of body segments, seemed normal (for a Muddle), and I found myself wishing it to happen again soon for the humorous outcomes the muddling process invariably produces.
The classic theme of good versus evil is presented afresh in such a rich fantasy land inhabited by eccentric well-crafted characters.
Initially wary and clannish, the separate communities are forced to unite to vanquish a common foe. With knowledge and the consequent acceptance and appreciation of their differences, friendships form and barriers are broken down. (A metaphor for globalisation?)
Whilst presumably targeted to an adolescent audience, Blue Fire & Ice contains a hidden wealth of detail to captivate the adult reader. The dialogue is rich in pithy observations of human frailty and the human condition, and the humour is subtle - woven casually into the narrative.
A delightful, engrossing read for children, and a `must read' for adults wanting to rediscover the magic of childhood - when every myth was believable.
Dianne Foley, Melbourne, Australia
Fond childhood memories of immersion in the magical world of Alice in Wonderland are evoked on reading Blue Fire & Ice, the novel sourced from the wonderful imagination of children's author Alan Skinner. Layer by layer, a fantasy world unfolds. The reader is introduced to the colourful characters who inhabit `The Land', populated by three distinct social groups - the Muddles, the Beadles and the Myrmidots - three geographically separate communities whose lifestyle and physical appearance differ vastly from each other, and of course, from our own environment. Their different worlds are defined early in the novel as the writer follows the unusual day to day activities of the main characters.
Around a third of the way into the book, the improbable is well and truly `the norm'. Concepts such as the `Mix' - a mist that descends on the Muddles at regular intervals, resulting in the temporary swapping of body segments, seemed normal (for a Muddle), and I found myself wishing it to happen again soon for the humorous outcomes the muddling process invariably produces.
The classic theme of good versus evil is presented afresh in such a rich fantasy land inhabited by eccentric well-crafted characters.
Initially wary and clannish, the separate communities are forced to unite to vanquish a common foe. With knowledge and the consequent acceptance and appreciation of their differences, friendships form and barriers are broken down. (A metaphor for globalisation?)
Whilst presumably targeted to an adolescent audience, Blue Fire & Ice contains a hidden wealth of detail to captivate the adult reader. The dialogue is rich in pithy observations of human frailty and the human condition, and the humour is subtle - woven casually into the narrative.
A delightful, engrossing read for children, and a `must read' for adults wanting to rediscover the magic of childhood - when every myth was believable.
Dianne Foley, Melbourne, Australia
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I bought this book after it was recommended by a friend, who bought it in the UK. Her 14-year old son had read it and loved it, and she had then read it and she also loved it. I was a bit hesitant, as it seemed like a children's book, but I was very pleasantly surprised. It IS a children's book, but it is one that adults will enjoy. There are some things which might go over the head of some younger readers, but those readers would never know that they missed a reference or bit of humour adults will appreciate. Yet the book doesn't patronise or speak down to readers, no matter what their age.
The world created by Alan Skinner is original, funny and yet believable. The characters are great. There are a lot of them to remember, especially at first, but by half-way through the book it falls into place. All of them are well-drawn and you start thinking of them as real characters, despite the fantasy world. And the three different "races" in the world are brilliantly defined.
My only criticism - and it is a small one - it is that the pace in the first half is slower than the pace in the second half. But the second half rocks along at a great pace and something is always happening.
Apparently this book is not yet available in Australia and I have had to order copies from Amazon UK for nieces and nephews. I hope the publishers have plans to have it available here soon.
I'd certainly recommend this for anyone - teen or adult - over 12. It's entertaining from start to finish.
The world created by Alan Skinner is original, funny and yet believable. The characters are great. There are a lot of them to remember, especially at first, but by half-way through the book it falls into place. All of them are well-drawn and you start thinking of them as real characters, despite the fantasy world. And the three different "races" in the world are brilliantly defined.
My only criticism - and it is a small one - it is that the pace in the first half is slower than the pace in the second half. But the second half rocks along at a great pace and something is always happening.
Apparently this book is not yet available in Australia and I have had to order copies from Amazon UK for nieces and nephews. I hope the publishers have plans to have it available here soon.
I'd certainly recommend this for anyone - teen or adult - over 12. It's entertaining from start to finish.
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
If I had to pick a flaw I'd say slightly weak ending, but frankly it's a brilliant story....I'm off to find the sequel
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