Monday, December 29, 2014

THE ICE DRAGON by George R.R. Martin, Book Review

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.


Illustrated by: Luis Royo
Published by: Tor Teen
Re-Released on: 10.21.14
Source: purchased book
Rating: 5 Stars 
Add it to Goodreads
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N

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.

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

5 comments:

  1. I had seen the cover for THE ICE DRAGON but wasn't sure if I wanted to pursue reading it. Your enthusiastic review has now put it on the top of my list for books to read in 2015. Very intriguing and enchanting story line. Thanks for the heads up on this one.

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    1. Thank you Greg. I really appreciate that. I hope its a book you enjoy. Happy Reading!

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  2. Yay :D Awesome review sweetie. <3 I'm so glad you loved this one. I own it too. And yesss. The cover is stunning :D Love the artwork. <3 Excited to read this one as well. I hope you will get to read many more middle grade books in 2015 :)

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    1. Thank you sweets! I hope you enjoy it. The artwork is beautiful. Here's to fabulous MG reading in 2015!

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  3. Thanks for the heads up, how did I miss this one? Lovely cover and your review makes me excited to read it.

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I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~