Reviewed by Lynn Crow for TeensReadToo.com
For readers who enjoy fast-paced and surprising fantasy fiction, SNOW FIRE SWORD is a treat. It's an exciting story with a mixture of fantasy and the modern day. Its two protagonists, Adi and Dewi, are brought together when dark forces begin to terrorize their country, taking Adi's teacher and Dewi's father. Armed only with the knowledge that they can defeat the evil with the powers of snow, fire, and sword, the two children struggle to save their world from tyranny.
The best thing about SNOW FIRE SWORD is the story itself. Masson sets a quick pace, her characters stumbling from one adventure into another chapter by chapter, keeping the reader glued to the page. There are enough twists and turns along the journey to keep readers guessing as to the ultimate outcome. Unpredictable and tightly plotted, it's a hard book to put down.
Making the story all the more engaging are the two main characters. Adi and Dewi are sympathetic and well-developed, with inner conflicts and emotional turmoil to deal with as well as their external problems. Their actions are believable for their age, but also admirable for their courage. They make mistakes as anyone would, but mistakes that fit their personalities. Young readers will find them easy to relate to despite the magical world they live in.
The world itself is another of SNOW FIRE SWORD's strengths. It is a world both intriguing and unlike any other. Adi and Dewi's country has modern elements like cars and radios, as well as fantastical aspects like communications with the spirit world and magical rings. It's all colored by a strong Asian influence, most likely based on the author's Indonesian heritage, which adds richness and a unique touch to the already fascinating society.
SNOW FIRE SWORD is a great read for fantasy lovers of all ages, and with its modern elements may appeal even to readers who shy away from traditional fantasy.
For readers who enjoy fast-paced and surprising fantasy fiction, SNOW FIRE SWORD is a treat. It's an exciting story with a mixture of fantasy and the modern day. Its two protagonists, Adi and Dewi, are brought together when dark forces begin to terrorize their country, taking Adi's teacher and Dewi's father. Armed only with the knowledge that they can defeat the evil with the powers of snow, fire, and sword, the two children struggle to save their world from tyranny.
The best thing about SNOW FIRE SWORD is the story itself. Masson sets a quick pace, her characters stumbling from one adventure into another chapter by chapter, keeping the reader glued to the page. There are enough twists and turns along the journey to keep readers guessing as to the ultimate outcome. Unpredictable and tightly plotted, it's a hard book to put down.
Making the story all the more engaging are the two main characters. Adi and Dewi are sympathetic and well-developed, with inner conflicts and emotional turmoil to deal with as well as their external problems. Their actions are believable for their age, but also admirable for their courage. They make mistakes as anyone would, but mistakes that fit their personalities. Young readers will find them easy to relate to despite the magical world they live in.
The world itself is another of SNOW FIRE SWORD's strengths. It is a world both intriguing and unlike any other. Adi and Dewi's country has modern elements like cars and radios, as well as fantastical aspects like communications with the spirit world and magical rings. It's all colored by a strong Asian influence, most likely based on the author's Indonesian heritage, which adds richness and a unique touch to the already fascinating society.
SNOW FIRE SWORD is a great read for fantasy lovers of all ages, and with its modern elements may appeal even to readers who shy away from traditional fantasy.
