| A world where evil reigns and strange spells keep the people under the rule of the wicked Queen Gudrun. | | Set in the frozen lands of a past age, where tales of witchcraft and sorcery were common and easily believed. This book tells the story of Jessa and Thorkil, the only survivors of their families. They are held captive by the Jarl, the leader of their race, but the real power lies in the hands of his wife, Gudrun. She is one of the Snow-Walkers and is a witch, with evil powers. In a castle far away she keeps her son Kari, who nobody has ever seen, too horrible to even look at and totally evil, or so rumour has it. It is there Gudrun decides to send Jessa and Thorkil. What monster awaits them at the ruined Hall? If they ever reach it! | | A child would need to be quite a good reader to cope alone and might need help to recognise some of the unusual names and things described in the book. | | A well structured story, full of descriptive passages which move the story along. The ending is something of an anti-climax, but it should be noted there is a follow up called The Empty Hand which quickly picks up from this book. The mixture of Norse lands and customs and evil magicians make this a good read, Fisher keeps her audience involved in the story and there are many twists and turns as the story unfolds. Several surprises too! Well worth a read. | | Other books by Catherine Fisher include Corbenic, The Interrex, The Margrave, The Relic Master. | | This review by Mrs Mad. | | The Snow-Walker's son lives at the end of the earth. Spawned by the ice-witch, Gudrun, he has not been seen him for years. Banished by Gudrun to join him, Jessa and Thorkil fear the worst but find instead a creature whose strength is more than a match for his mother's - only good, rather than evil. | Amy Hill, Nort Lakes School (Penrith)
The latest of Anne Fine is her best. It's funny but makes you think who your friends are. Most girls would enjoy it because it's very girly, although some boys would enjoy it too. Bonny refuses to go to Charm School. Her Mum really needs her to go |
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