I didn't like this book. If i could, i'd give it zero stars.

The characters were all flat and one-dimensional. Thirrin is the typical stong-headed, stubborn, fiery tempered, hard, the-best-at-everything warrior princess, or "Young Queen." as the author likes too call her. Unfortunatly, she dosn't get much beyond that. She is sooooo steriotyped. the author sometime obviously puts weak, dumb characters in so that she can insult them and argue with them just to look good because they're too weak to fight back. She thinks it's an insult if anyone gets familiar with her, and spends a lot of the book in a temper over little things, like "her warlock" was wearing black again, or the fact that he was riding a mule. Anyone who likes a forever quick tempered, blatantly a "warrior princess who's the best at everything she trys" will love thirrin.
Too me she'll always be a bratty, self absorbed, sulky, incredibly annoying and one demensional heroine. Anyone who has read really complex, realistic fantasy/fiction will hate this book.

And then there's Oskan, often refered to as "Her ("the young queen's") warlock". He starts off treating her as any normal person, which she finds incredible offending. He's friendly to Thirrin, gives her an her soldiers shelter, and food during a terrible storm, and all the thanks he gets from her are lies, cold looks, and subtle hints that she could of handled everything herself just fine before he came busting in. The patience he has with her is incredible, if not highly unrealistic. If he says or does one wrong thing, she blows up at him. She orders him about, (like she does with anyone,) and gets enormously insulted and "storms off" (like a sulky toddler) if he argues.
Anyway, if you value good, realistic fantasy that will compel you to read past a few pages (which thirrin spends her time complaining, fighting, or spending in "silent pride" whenever someone asks her a question) then don't read this book. Or at least don't spend any money on it.

Wow! I strongly recommend this for young adults and adults looking for a great fantasy-adventure story. The author should be congratulatedfor a very clever book! Interesting characters, plot moves along quickly, enjoyable witing style. I also listened to it on CD and it was excellent. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel. Give this a read, you will be glad that you did.

I truly loved this book. The reading was very easy as it is a Young Adult novel. I loved how the story progressed. It didn't get to deep into "history" of the allies and their feuds before being made allies. I would have liked to know more about the Holly King and his folks. They never speak and I don't recall Thirrin ever actually seeing the king himself. The book contains humor as well. I'll never forget the ear warmers with tassles on top for Oskan's mule. Hiliarious! I cried when loved ones died and the battles made me try to read faster just so I could see how they turned out. I did feel the ending felt a bit rushed, but that being the only downfall I had with the book couldn't give it a lesser rating. I can't wait to read the 2nd book in the series, I hope it's as good. If you are looking for a good story, fast paced, won't put you to sleep with history or painting the background too much, this is a the book for you.

Thirrin Freer Strong-In-The-Arm Lindinshield's heroic father, King of the empire The Icemark, suddenly dies in battle so Thirrin has to make alliances with other empires in order to win the terrible war. "The war" is between The Icemark and the fierce Scipio Bellorum and his army of the Polyponitian Empire.
Unfortunately, The Icemark is not located anywhere near other empires. Thirrin's only choice is to make alliances with the strange and mysterious creatures of the Land of the Dead. She finds help with ferocious werewolves, ancient vampires and even giant Snow Leopards.
This is the story of a passionate girl named Thirrin trying to adjust to her new and overwhelming place as queen. A five star book recommended for ages 11+
Eve

This is one of the best novels I have read in a long time! The female leads were brilliantly illustrated, the men (who often took supporting roles) were just as brilliantly sympathetic figures. The werewolves, snow leopards, and tree people brought to mind images of "The Golden Compass" and "The Lord of the Rings", but I have to admit that I preferred Thirrin's world to the others. I initially bought this book for my 13 yr old daughter, but I snagged it and couldn't put it down. I have a feeling this book's world will haunt me... Can't wait to read the next!