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Product Description
Product Description
When Cassie was little her grandmother would tell her stories about the Arctic...stories about snow and ice, about a beautiful castle made of ice, and about her mother, who made a deal with the Polar Bear King and was swept away to the ends of the earth to become a prisoner of the trolls. Cassie is older now and has no time for fairytales and talking animals, or lies about her dead mother. Living with her father at the Arctic research centre, she is determined to become a leading scientist and researcher. But when Cassie comes face to face with a mysterious polar bear, one that defies all scientific fact or knowledge, she begins realise that the fairytales could actually be true. Armed with the knowledge that her mother might be alive, Cassie makes a deal with the Polar Bear King, and embarks on a dangerous journey against time to save her. But her agreement with the Polar Bear King comes with consequences she never bargained for, and before her journey's end Cassie will discover the true meaning of love and family, and loss. A compelling romantic fantasy set in the beautiful frozen Arctic.
About the Author
Sarah Beth Durst is the author of several books, including Into the Wild which was selected as a finalist for a Cybil Award (Children's and YA Bloggers Literary) in the fantasy and SF category. She lives in Stony Brook, NY, with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit her website at www.sarahbethdurst.com.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful fairytale retelling,
By L (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ice (Paperback)
Like everyone else, I grew up on fairytales. The handsome prince, the wicked villain, the happily ever after - I know my favourites inside out. That's why, when I encounter a fairytale retelling, I often most look forward to how the author will interpret or deviate from the standard version. On this occasion, I was able to open Ice without any preconceived ideas or expectations. I don't know the fairytale Sarah Beth Durst's story is based on, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, but I found myself falling in love with its retelling at first sight.In Ice, Sarah Beth Durst has crafted a beautiful novel that both delights and horrifies. There's delight to be found everywhere - in the incredibly pure love story of Cassie and the Polar Bear King, and in the many whimsical moments. And when I say whimsical, I mean it: a table made of ice that yields delicious feasts on Bear's command, the tree-girl with skin like green leaves and hair like twigs. It's a welcome return to the kind of magical fairytale world we loved as little children, and it's even better than I remembered. At the same time, there's the fact that Bear's breath smells like raw fish even when he takes human form, there's the inconvenience of the human body and there's a lot of pain. For me, this fusion of reality and magic is part of what makes Ice so incredibly relevant. It's unusual to read a YA novel that combines fantastical elements and an essentially paranormal romance with such mature themes. It's not the idealised version of life or love you find in weaker, less challenging titles. It's real life, and real love. When we first meet Cassie she's a girl, but by the end of the story she is well and truly an adult - and a wife. This is her journey, and in the context of contemporary YA fiction it's off the beaten track. But we all know that's often the best place to be. Now, I can't review Ice without making a special mention about the breathtaking scenery. Durst paints her world so vividly that I found myself shivering on more than occasion. To put this into context: I read this book lying on the beach in 29 degree sunshine, and I could feel the Arctic cold. Not only that, but as Cassie's journey takes her over land and ocean it's all just as artfully drawn. We're there with her. We feel it. I'd recommend Ice to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings in general, but also to anyone who's looking to try the genre for the first time. It's one of the best. If, like me, you're unfamiliar with the original, Ice will make you want to read that too.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not bad,
By A. Linhart (Kent, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ice (Paperback)
I came across this book entirely by accident and was very excited at the prospect of a novel-length re-telling of one of my favourite tales, East O the Sun and West O the Moon. It kept me enthralled right to the end, with a very well thought out and unusual take on the story. I particularly liked the description of Bear in his human form. Also, this book had a fiesty heroine who struggled on towards her goal despite the length and hardship of her journey there. One to read if you, like me, dream of ice and snow and a love you would travel to the ends of the earth to save.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Simply lovely,
By Jo (London, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ice (Paperback)
I really liked Ice! An updated version of the fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon, it was different from what I expected, but I'm not entirely sure what I expected. A girl who falls for a polar bear? Yeah, right, there's going to be a twist there somewhere. And yes, there is a twist, but it does happen; a girl falls for a polar bear.There is a whole lot more to this polar bear than meets the eye though. His magic abilities, for instance; how he can make food appear on a whim, how he can travel super fast, and his actual reason for being - to transfer souls from the dead to the newly born. He really is a great guy, is ol' Bear, as he is called. Then there's Cassie, who just wants her Mum, who was taken away from her when she was very small. Bargains are made to save her life, but after a while, life happens, and things don't go according to plan. Cassie's life is turned upside down, and she finds herself on an unimaginable journey. I cannot believe the strength of this girl. Seriously, first she has to accet fairy tales are real, and get used to that idea, and then when things go pear shaped, she has to go through so much, emotionally and physically. Her strength and determination are awe-inspiring. This is one tough chick! As I said, I really liked Ice! At first, it reminded me a lot of Beauty and the Beast, where Beast is actually really nice. The novel is separated into three parts, but for me, it seems more like two; the first where deals are made regarding Cassie's mother and then her time with Bear, and then the second part when things end up not so great. What happens? You'll just have to read! The book feels a lot like a fairy tale, even though it's written to seem like this could actually happen. This is no bad thing, but it's just not as urban fantasy as I thought it may have been. I equated a fairy tale that has been updated and modernised with urban fantasy. I suppose Ice could be in a way, the fairy tale elements are still there which make the story more like a cozy read that will leave you smiling than a story that will have you buzzing. It's a nice cup of tea to urban fantasy's glass of pop. It really was a beautiful story, and at times, so much goes on, and it really does leave you wondering how on earth the story is ever going to get round to an end - you'll understand when you read it. I highly recommend this book, it's lovely, and such an great page turner. I'll definitely be picking up more of Sarah Beth Durst's novels.
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