Book Scents: review

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.

I am happy to say that I can not come up with anything that I disliked about this quick read!

“Take me away, take me to the land of always-winter”

The ice dragon breathed death into the world; death and quiet and cold.

Loved it!

Have you read The Ice Dragon? What did you think? Do you know of any books similar to this one? Thank you for taking the time to read this review!

review

Book Review- Serena by Ron Rash

7:13 AM

Serena by Ron Rash
Genres: Historical Fiction, Adults
Pages: 371

The year is 1929, and newlyweds George and Serena Pemberton travel from Boston to the North Carolina mountains where they plan to create a timber empire. Although George has already lived in the camp long enough to father an illegitimate child, Serena is new to the mountains—but she soon shows herself to be the equal of any man, overseeing crews, hunting rattle-snakes, even saving her husband's life in the wilderness. Together this lord and lady of the woodlands ruthlessly kill or vanquish all who fall out of favor. Yet when Serena learns that she will never bear a child, she sets out to murder the son George fathered without her. Mother and child begin a struggle for their lives, and when Serena suspects George is protecting his illegitimate family, the Pembertons' intense, passionate marriage starts to unravel as the story moves toward its shocking reckoning.

I decided to pick up this book when I discovered that it was made in to a movie starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Now, the movie didn't get great reviews, but I just couldn't pass this up. After reading, and really enjoying this book, I think I am going to give the movie a chance. I know historical fiction is not for everyone, but for some reason it always appeals to me. Also, look these stills from the movie. They are so amazing, and I wish I knew how to wear my hair like that! (tips on how to do this anyone?!)

I loved Serena as much as one can love a ruthless, cold, and uncompromising individual. She is certainly a strong female character who proves that she can hold her among a group of men. I normally struggle to enjoy reading about characters with zero redeemable qualities, but with Serena it just worked. She is one of those characters that you just love to hate! Pure evil.

The author, Ron Rash, certainly knows how to give a great description. The novel is filled with many descriptive details. Even though I know absolutely nothing about logging communities, and very little about this era, I could picture everything perfectly in my mind. The writing was truly incredible. Ron Rash is a true storyteller. I have already ordered The Cove- another one of his books.

This novel was truly unique, and I have a feeling it will stick out in my mind among the sea of books that I have read. I do not want to say too much, as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who may read it, but Serena is far from predictable. Just when you think you have the characters, and the story figured out, something happens that makes you realize that you were soooooo wrong. It was this unpredictable story line that kept me enthralled page after page.

I do wish that there was a little bit more character development and back story. It would be interesting to know why Serena is the way that she is. But now that I think about it maybe there is no reason. Some people are just cruel aren't they? I guess I was just looking for some explanation for it!

The one thing I truly disliked was the amount of animal cruelty. I acknowledge that these things happen, but that doesn't mean I enjoy reading about it. I found it difficult to read at times and I am aware that some people avoid books with any animal cruelty (which I completely understand). If that really upsets you than this is a book that I would stay away from.