Customer Reviews

Journey To The Ice

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Through a young boys eyes the reader gets a feel for how living in the time of the tower of Babel and the beginning of the ice age may have been like. Young Makir battles winning his father's approval and being liked by his peers with an increasingly prominent gut feeling that something is wrong. As hard as he tries he is unable to shake those feelings. By creative character development, the reader is able to walk with Makir during his personal journey. I have read countless creation articles and books but this creative fiction brought biblical text to life for me. Although written for children adults will enjoy reading this story as well.

As an avid reader of Bible-era historical fiction, Journey to the Ice by Jennifer Slattery piqued my interest from the moment I discovered it. Written for as a slender chapter book for children and young adults, I immediately slotted it into our family bedtime reading schedule. It soon became known as our "Makir" book - the name of the main character. "Do you want to read about Makir?" I'd ask, and was met with resounding answers in the affirmative each night.

Makir's story takes place in the time period immediately following the worldwide flood which only Noah and his family survived. We find Makir living in the city of Babylon before the dawn of the ice age, amongst idol worshippers who have forgotten the one true God. The charismatic Nimrod, the mighty hunter -- known for his slaying of giant lizards -- is leading the push to build the tower of Babel in order to better commune with the `gods' and establish himself as one.

It is into this rich setting that Makir finds himself being called into fellowship with the one true God - Yaweh. The details of daily life are woven into a narrative based upon a literal, young earth perspective. The seminal works for children set in this time period such as Life in the Great Ice Age by Michael and Beverly Oard, pick up where Journey to the Ice leaves off - but are much less readable, with a stronger emphasis on hard fact relation over narrative story-building. The successful novelization of this period proves to be much more memorable and accessible than the work of the Oard's (which I would still recommend as a follow-up title.)

The first two-thirds of the book are strongly written, with clear characterization and growing concern for Makir and his family as their city is divided after the confusion of languages and chaos ensues. As a newcomer to historical fiction, there are a couple of times where Slattery breaks into modern slang in her writing. The final third of the book is not written as descriptively as the previous portion. Slattery seems to skim hurriedly over the final events in the novel from a birds-eye view, and little compassion for Makir's family is felt. Perhaps this is for the best when it comes to younger, sensitive children, as the family encounters hard times. Makir's relationship with his creator also seems to take a backseat during this period.

Parents on the look-out for theological bents in their children's reading materials will want to note that the gospel portrayed in Journey to the Ice features a God who is unable to draw believers to Him, and is dependent upon the choices of those who hear his voice. While I appreciate Slattery's heart for evangelism, this is a point our family disagrees on and we discussed it briefly at relevant points throughout the story.

The need for a personal, living, faith-based relationship with the true God is emphasized, and Makir's early walk with Him is akin to that of spirit-filled believers of today. Scriptural truths and promises are woven throughout the reassuring and guiding communications between Makir and His creator.

As a debut author Slattery certainly has some areas she can grow in as she improves her craft, but I firmly believe that her work fills a growing need amongst Christian families. Journey to the Ice can easily be used as a literature supplement in Bible and ancient history studies. With many of us seeking to equip our children with a solid worldview based upon the scriptures this first novel should receive a warm and generous welcome. I'm looking forward to future works of biblical fiction for young readers from this new author.

Parents and educators can find additional resources at Myth Slayers Ministries.

Absolute power absolutely corrupts. "Journey to the Ice" is a story of the Ice Age and how the world's first dictator attempts to rise to world domination. With a unique setting of the Ice Age and the Old Testament, "Journey to the Ice" is a fine short novel that'll entertain many a reader.

My family has been on a homeschool journey for seven years now. During this time we have found the value of learning history through literature. As they listen to or read a historical book, my sons not only learn about the historical facts, but they also learn about the culture, beliefs, and daily life taking place in the book.

Journey to the Ice was a valuable asset to our study of Ancient Civilizations. In every area of study, we filter what we are reading or listening to in light of God's Word. This book lines up with the Biblical account of Babel. The author has done an excellent job of research into this fascinating time in our world's history. Journey to the Ice is a fun and educational way to experience The Tower of Babel and the 'confusion of the languages".

I look forward to more of Jennifer Slattery's historically accurate fiction to use on our educational journey!

I have read many historical fiction books, however, this book stands out for me in a number of different ways. The author sticks to the scriptures and the bible timeline. I was very interested in the fact that Shem was alive during that time period, and if you do a timeline using Genesis, you will see that is very possible. Having an eye witness to the flood is a very powerful statement to consider, making the flood a more realistic happening.

I have always read the story of the fall of Babylon with big question marks on how it would look like with everyone speaking different tongues, Ms Slattery has painted a description of what that would look like, and how the families would then migrate out to form their own societies.

I believe this is a very good book for children and adults alike.