Queen Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield, Wildcat of the North is faced with a grave problem: defend her people of the Icemark from the invading Polypontians, or face death. She must find allies to help her and is able to find aid in fierce, but loyal, Wolf-Folk, ancient Vampires, the Oak and Holly Kings of the Great Forest, and magnificent Snow Leopards. When the enemy attacks, they are ready, but the Wolf-Folk and the Vampires are not there helping them. They are afraid that they will soon lose if their allies do not come to aid them soon. Her friend, a wonderful young warlock, helps her many times and saves the people of the Icemark from certain doom.

      This novel is Stuart Hill’s first, but is just as good as any other book I have read. He has taken his time with this book and it is fabulous. The characters are vibrant, he includes many details, and he isn’t skimpy with the length of the book. Some readers may get bored with this book because it includes many details, but I found that helped me better understand what the people and lands of the Icemark are like. Fantasy readers will love this book. Since this book is about war, I wouldn’t recommend it for readers under the age of twelve. I think that anyone who reads this book will learn something because of the life lessons it teaches. The only complaint I could I have is that it didn’t include a map like many fantasy books do, which would have helped the reader be able to better appreciate the story.

~ Stelios Theophanous, Boardman High School, Grade 10