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136 of 140 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ice Dragon, September 28, 2006
I got this book on Sept. 26th, 2006, in Dubuque, Iowa. George Martin was on a book signing for the release of this book, and due to this, the bookstore he was at was selling it early.
Let's start this review off with the obvious. The Ice Dragon is not another book in A Song of Ice and Fire. It's set in a different world, with none of the same characters, and has none of the adult content that those books do. In fact, this book is exactly what Martin said it would be from when he announced that it was being published separately: a children's book. Also, Martin didn't take much time off ASOIAF at all to write this book - in fact, it's been published in an anthology work (Dragons of Light) in 1980. All that has been changed is an editing to remove some of the more graphic content, and illustrations have been done.
Nonetheless, even though this is a children's book that most people who are used to Martin's work will read in about half an hour, the book is quite good. The story is touching, and is not afraid to hide kids from the realities of what can happen in life. There is symbolism a-plenty within this book, and a lot of different concepts to think about, especially for a young reader.
Parents, if you are considering getting this book for your children, I'd just like to say this: make sure you read it with your child. They'll want you there to explain a lot of what happens in the book. Martin, as usual, doesn't pull any punches with the emotional impact of the character's fate, and while I appreciate him not trying to hide the world from kids, some of the concepts may be difficult for them to grasp or easily misinterpreted.
Furthermore, the artwork within the book is stunning. Yvonne Gilbert really outdid herself with the drawings - either they serve as a perfect visual representation of the scene or they continue to reinforce the idea behind the scene.
All in all, The Ice Dragon is an excellent book, and is one I will be keeping on my shelf for many years to come.
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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is truly a "song" of ice and fire, October 16, 2006
How interesting that Martin's short story, written in 1980, bears minor resemblances to his grand work of today.
While reading this, I had an image of Farmer Giles of Ham, by Tolkien, and wondered if a smart publisher would dig that up and sell it as a children's story. I would personally be very interested to see how well that book would do in today's environment. The Tolkien family, I'm sure, could always use the extra money. (That, of course, was a joke.)
This is a lovely story, and, as another reviewer pointed out, exactly what you would expect from Martin after toning down one of his short stories or novellas for younger readers.
In a world that seems mostly inhabited by "fire" dragons, the "ice" dragon in this story stands out starkly (pun intended for readers of ASoIaF). It appears to be a creature unsuited for its distinctive qualities, only capable of appearing and thriving in winter, and making land barren wherever it lands. Even its very distant cousins, the ice lizards, find themselves uniquely suited for ice and snow, any hint of warmth that touches them is like poison.
Adara, the seven-year-old main character of the story bears striking resemblances to both the dragon and the ice lizards. This isn't a straightforward story - there is a strong symbolic statement that runs quietly from the beginning of the story until the end.
It's truly a gorgeous tale from one of the most decorated writers in fantasy.
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Story..., November 27, 2006
The Ice Dragon is a great little story. It was written long before the seven kingdoms had even been contemplated by Mr. Martin. His skills were clearly honed even then... This is the tale of a young girl with ice water coursing through her veins. She has no love, except that which she has for the cold winter. For that is when the ice dragon comes. A creature so cold that no human can touch it without their warm flesh melting its icy scales. No one but young Adara. The ice dragon remained her only friend - the only one who would visit her. Until one day when the helms of the intruders crested the horizon.
Adara must chose between the cold life that she loves, and the warmth which is coupled with uncertainty.
Buy this book for your daughter, and then after she is done with it, read it for yourself.
Relic113
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