Title: The Snow Queen’s Shadow
Author: Jim C. Hines
First published July 1, 2011
333 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780756406745 (ISBN10: 0756406749)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
A cursed amulet. A missing queen.
A perilous quest to confront a foe they never thought they’d encounter. In the aftermath of a botched spell, the enchanted amulet that has long protected the kingdom of Arandel is stolen.
The thief unleashes a dark magic that corrupts all it touches, twisting even the purest of hearts into vessels of malice and destruction. No one is safe, and the first victim is the beloved queen herself.
Now, a band of unlikely heroes must embark on a dangerous journey to retrieve the stolen amulet and confront the evil that threatens to consume their world.
About the Author
Meet Jim C. Hines – an accomplished author who’s written a variety of books including the Magic ex Libris series, the Princess series of fairy tale retellings, the humorous Goblin Quest trilogy, and the Fable Legends tie-in Blood of Heroes.
His latest book, Terminal Peace, is the third installment in the comedic science fiction Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse trilogy. Jim’s writing skills have been recognized by the 2012 Hugo Award for Best Fan Writer.
He currently resides in mid-Michigan and you can find him online at http://www.jimchines.com.
Editoral Review
The Snow Queen’s Shadow by Jim C. Hines is a remarkable addition to the fantasy genre, published on July 1, 2011.
Hines, a renowned author in the world of speculative fiction, once again shows his prowess in weaving a thrilling tale filled with magic, adventure, and breathtaking action. The novel follows the protagonist, Princess Andariel, who suffers from a dark curse that leads to her body transforming into ice.
She journeys to find a cure with her ally, Talia, and is met with various obstacles that will test her character and her abilities. Along her journey, she must confront her past and the shadows that follow her.
Hines masterfully blends traditional fairy tale elements with contemporary writing themes in The Snow Queen’s Shadow. The themes of loss, redemption, friendship, and self-discovery reverberate throughout the novel.
The world-building is impressive, with well-developed characters, and a richly detailed setting that immerses the reader into the world of the fairy tale. The pacing of the novel is exceptional, with an excellent balance of action, introspection, and character development.
The plot is well-structured, and the conflicts and twists are skillfully executed. Hines also adds a layer of cultural relevance beyond the genre, tackling issues of identity and the conflict between tradition and modernity.
Despite its merits, the novel is not without its weaknesses. Some of the characters feel underdeveloped and somewhat one-dimensional, leading to a lack of emotional connection with the reader.
Moreover, some of the plot twists are predictable, giving the reader a sense of deja vu. All in all, The Snow Queen’s Shadow is a delightful read for any fantasy lover.
Hines’s elegant writing style, the pacing, character development, and world-building all point to a story that should not be missed. The book speaks to current issues and has the potential to stimulate important conversations.
We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic, genre-blending tale packed with adventure, magic, and heart. Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
