The Ice Crown by Sean Beech (The Lords of the Moon: Book 1)

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.

Paul from Tunbridge Wells

The Ice Crown - the title sort of put me off conjuring up images of a rehashed fantasy plot that had been beaten to death years ago. So the book stayed in the bookshop for over a year and every time I visited there it was. Eventually I relented and opened the cover and read the blurb. Different? You bet. Instead of giving you a small taste of the plot the author asks you questions. Questions you suddenly find that you want to know the answer to. And before I knew it I was hooked the book was bought and read. It starts slow - the pace being wound up as the scene is set. But the thing that draws you in is the fact that you know there is going to be so much more. This feels like the opening credits in a longed for epic. Now on the surface that might sound rather dull and pointless but hear me out. These are not normal credits - these are packed full of adventure, intrigue, humour and guile. In short they answer the question but ask so many more - they make you read on and want to experience the whole story. I also love the way Sean Beech has set out his story. Each chapter is about a different character and as the stories progress the charcaters begin to merge. It is almost like a mini series of stories rolling into one and to think the entire book only covers 7 days in the lives of these people makes me relish what is still to come in book 2. I would recommend this to anybody. Not the best book in the world by a long way but an author with a very talented creative mind.