Review- The Ice Dragon by George R. R. Martin

7:44 AM

The Ice Dragon by George R. R. Martin
Publisher: Harper Collins, 2014 (originally Starscape 2006)
Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Children
Pages: 128 (large font and illustrations)

An enchanting tale of courage and sacrifice for young readers and adults by the wildly popular George R.R. Martin, author of A Song of Ice and Fire, the series that inspired HBO's Emmy Award-winning GAME OF THRONES.

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.

Although there are many scenes that are depressing and violent, I think that the message of this wonderful book is thought-provoking and important. There were moments where I thought "Wow this is pretty intense for a children's book," but in my opinion, children are exposed to much more violent forms of media that does not have the beautiful prose and message that The Ice Dragon delivers.

Despite the fact that it is targeted toward children, The Ice Dragon is a story that people of all ages will enjoy. There are elements in this story that will appeal to all types of readers. I especially think that this will appeal to George R.R. Martins lovers, and those who adore fantasy. For those of you who have come to expect greatness from George R.R. Martin, I do not think you will be disappointed.

The illustrations by Luis Royo are beautiful and work well with the story. The drawings of the dragon are nothing short of incredible.