Thia book is classed as a 7-11 book. But it is very well written and kept me engrossed for over a week.
The story opens as the Kingdom of Icemark is about to celebrate Yule. News comes that there is an army at the southern edge of Icemark preparing for invasion.
Straight after the Yule celebration The king goes to fight the invaders, the Polypontians. He manages to stop the invasion, but only temporarily. Before long the invaders have to make camp and wait for the coming good weather.
The King has been killed in the battle, and his 14 year old daughter becomes Queen. The story is about how Thirrin, Queen of Icemark gathers to her an unlikely band of allies, and the ensuing battle. Hill does not write down to his readers, and the research he must have done is apparent. He draws on old myths and legends, and pagan beliefs.
The result is a very well crafted easy to read book, that engages the reader from start to finish.
When her father dies in battle, fourteen-year-old Thirrin becomes Queen of the Icemark, a tiny kingdom forever caught between dangerous neighbours.
But she bears a heavy burden. Thirrin must find a way to protect her people from the most terrible invasion her nation has ever known - and do so before the end of winter snows.
The Cry of the Icemark is the glorious story of how she rallies her country and finds some extraordinary allies: Vampires, Wolf-folk and, most noble of all, giant Snow Leopards. But also it's a heartfelt tale of duty and sacrifice, of unexpected laughter and awful certainty, and of a girl whose friendships are forged in the heat of battle.
Don't dismiss this book, because it is meant for children. Over the years I have read some wonderfully written children's books, and this another to add to the list.