Icefall Audiobook

Quotes

• “Clear, lively, exciting, and unstoppable as the torrent of meltwater from a glacier, Icefall confirms Matthew Kirby as one of our finest new writers for young adults. Readers of any age may be enthralled by the bitter Nordic winter setting and the story of a girl who needs a lot of courage to discover who she is.”

  — Ursula K. Le Guin, acclaimed author of the Earthsea Cycle

• “Against an authentic backdrop of ancient Norse life and lore, Kirby brings alive characters who are true to their time and culture…I liked the brooding atmosphere of the natural world in this book. It is a beautiful place and beautifully described, but it is indifferent to the fate of the people caught in its grip.”

  — Nancy Farmer, Newbery Award–winning  author of Sea of Trolls

• “A well-crafted story rich with emotion and intrigue. A thoroughly engaging read.”

  — Brandon Mull, New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series

• “A tense mystery that blends history and Norse myth…Kirby turns in a claustrophobic, thought-provoking coming-of-age adventure that shows a young woman growing into her own, while demonstrating the power of myth and legend. Kirby’s attention to detail and stark descriptions make this an effective mood piece.”

  — Publishers Weekly

• “Jenna Lamia’s narration will captivate listeners from start to finish. Her rendition of Solveig brings the character to life and perfectly captures her initial self-doubt, growing strength and confidence, and storytelling ability. Lamia also creates unique voices for the other characters—her rendering of Solveig’s young brother and the quirky, offbeat master storyteller are standouts. This winning audio edition of an original and imaginative tale is not to be missed.”

  — Publishers Weekly (audio review)

• “A perfect pairing of text and narration shines in this magnificent blend of mythology and mystery. Jenna Lamia’s youthful voice lends credence to the listening experience, and her engaging delivery keeps the listener eagerly awaiting each chapter. Set in the time of the Vikings, Kirby’s book is rich in Norse mythology. As she tells her story, young Solveig sounds as if she is recounting a dream.”

  — AudioFile

• “Both elegant and exciting, this work recalls Jonathan Stroud’s Heroes of the Valley in its treatment of the lofty spot that lore occupies in a warrior society and how stories give meaning to both life and death.”

  — Booklist

• “[Lamia] brings an earthy and ethereal reality to Solveig’s journey of self-discovery…Listeners hooked by the historical mystery will find themselves anticipating each new twist in this icy adventure.”

  — Booklist (audio review)

• “Jenna Lamia gives Solveig a steady, sure voice that is perfectly pitched against the bleakness of the environment and grim outlook for the family’s future. Her pacing is excellent, and Solveig’s confusion and innocence is authentically portrayed. Listeners will be enthralled.”

  — School Library Journal

• “Fans will enjoy the suspense and intrigue of this fantastic realm. The pace and tone is even; the characters and their reactions lovingly drawn.”

  — VOYA

• “Interesting, well-developed characters abound…The chilly, claustrophobic, ancient setting is vividly created, and the sense of impending doom generates a gripping suspense overarching the developing—and deteriorating—relationships among the group, marking Kirby as a strong emerging novelist. Recommend this one to teens who crave a good mystery set in an icily different time and place.”

  — Kirkus Reviews