The Ice Crown by Sean Beech

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Summary Full to the brim with much that is fresh and original.

For nearly three hundred years now the Moon lands have known peace. But the Ice Crown of Man been stolen and also the Ancient Howl of the Fennigan Wolves. Their theft robs both races of the power to unite their peoples! But who is responsible; the mysterious Fey; the magical Mages or the lands’ erstwhile enemy, the dreaded Dark Knights?

Fantasy Book Review interviewed Sean Beech in February 2009

The Ice Crown blew me away; full to the brim with much that is fresh and original.  Sean Beech showcases an imagination that sets him apart from the mainstream; this is a work of exemplary style and substance. Robin Hobb is an author that I hold in the highest regard, one of the finest exponents of character-driven fantasy. Sean Beech does not pale by comparison.

The story opens well and we are quickly and efficiently introduced to the major characters in the story, characters that are instantly lifelike and well realised. This is a strength that helps the reader to become quickly drawn into the Land of the Moon and the events that have, and will, transpire. The Ice Crown is, as already mentioned, very strong on characterisation; there is not a weak character to be found - we have Morkin; the level headed and kind-hearted prince; Luxor, his powerful and loyal protector and friend. Add to this an unforgettable fat tax collector called Grabbit and the carefree 150-year-old mage called Ranabin and you have the foundations upon which this fine tale unfolds.

After the fine opening I thought The Ice Crown might settle down into the regular fantasy formula… I was wrong. It was here that the author impressed me most with the introduction to the story of the wolves, or to give them their full title, the Wolves of Fennigan - an intelligent race, capable of speech, and integral to the story. It was moments like this that made the book so enjoyable – just when you thought you had a handle on the story the author goes up another gear and surprises and delights in equal measure.

“So they had hunted, like they had in the past, before man had come to these lands. They had stalked their prey, keeping downwind to close the distance. Smelling it, delighting in its scent and the taste it would surely bring to their hungry mouths when they finally caught it.”
The Ice Crown: Chapter 4

The motives behind the writing of this book (see below) are admirable. I would recommend this book very, very highly to any fantasy fan.

50% of the author’s profits from the sale of this book will be donated to the independent charity, the National Literacy Trust; to help change lives through literacy. Sean Beech believes that every child and adult should be encouraged and supported in his or her desire to learn and read.

"I am determined in whatever way I can to help improve the reading standards for all in this country, and to that end 50% of my profits from the sale of this and any future works will be donated to charities involved solely in the pursuit of this goal." Sean Beech

The Ice Crown (The Lords of the Moon) (Amazon.co.uk)

Author: Sean Beech
Binding: Hardcover
Number of pages: 288
Publication date: 2008-09-15
Publisher: Melrose Books

RRP: £13.99
Lowest new price: £9.14
Lowest used price: £6.91

The Ice Crown (Lords of the Moon Trilogy) (Amazon.com)

Author: Sean Beech
Binding: Hardcover
Number of pages: 288
Publication date: 2008-09-22
Publisher: Melrose Books

RRP: $22.99
Lowest new price: $16.74
Lowest used price: $48.99

For nearly three hundred years now the Moon lands have known peace. But now suddenly not only has the Ice Crown of man been stolen, but also the Ancient howl of the Fennigan Wolves. But for what purpose? Their theft robs both races of the power to unite their peoples! But who is responsible? The mysterious Fey? The magical mages? Or their lands erstwhile enemy, the dreaded Dark Knights?
Product Description

Fern Bamber from Liss
"Having lost Harry I decided to look for something new and different to read. I bought this from the author in Portsmouth where he was having a signing, mainly because of the blurb and reviews posted (which he had on a board). Three hours later I was totally hooked. I love the style of writing and have to agree with the review here that the plot is fabulous and driven wonderfully by characters that are truly unique. It is difficult for me to choose a favourite amongst them – Ranabin, a bungling 150 year old mage that behaves like a toddler - Lorigan, a female Fey full of intrigue, malice and mystery (cannot wait to find out what her part really is in the story) - Vangor, the Dark Knight's second in command, a truly vicious, despicable man and yet one you cannot help but like - but if pushed I would have to lean towards the Wolves of Fennigan, here the author has truly let his imagination run riot and they scare, enthral and captivate in equal measure. A wonderful debut and one well worthy of its recent nomination for the BFA's. "

Joseph Cox from Aberdeen
"Nothing short of fabulous. I have rarely if ever been surprised by a fantasy book. Most now usually follow the same stale format and a plot which you can predict with a great deal of accuracy. This was fresh, invigorating and surprising. A truly wonderful imagination - a character driven plot that heeps you guessing and has you on the edge of your seat. In short a wonderful debut and an author to look out for."

Sion Harper from Taunton
"Have to concur really with everything already said. Would love to know more about the Wolves of Fennigan. They are worthy of a series all of their own. Cannot wait until second in the trilogy."

Dave Harris from London
"Our teacher brought this into our school. She said she had met the author and thought some of us boys would like it. I was not sure at first as the story started a bit slow for my liking but halfway through the first chapter the pace quickened and by the time I met the wolves of Fennigan I was hooked. I loved the hunt scene - it felt as if you were the wolf chasing the deer. "Its fear hung in the air as the wolves closed in on their quarry... The blood pumping into his mouth as his teeth sunk into the soft velvety flesh." Easily the best book I have ever read... and I include Harry Potter and the The Spook's Apprentice - two of my favourites - in that."

John from Belfast
"Was given this as a gift last year. It, like many other books gathered dust on my bookshelf awaiting my enthusiasm to read it. Thankfully the cover caught my eye again last week and I pulled it free, dusted it down and delved within the pages. Four hours later I emerged from a wonderfully painted fantasy realm that beggars belief. The author manages to paint scenes and images so vividly you can actually see them in your head. You can feel the fear, smell the scents and taste the environment. My favourite part was when Ranabin meets the Stone Trolls and awakens in a sulphuric cavern. The way the author manages to weave the words to form what can only be compared to an oil painting by a master has to be seen to be believed. I am a great fan of Terry Pratchett and the way he manipulates the English language so beautifully - well Sean Beech does not pale in comparision. The reviewer here compares his style to Robin Hobb and whilst I cannot disagree I would say I prefer this book to hers."

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