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Book ReviewsThe Face in the Frost |
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Book: The Face in the Frost
Written by: John Bellairs L P C Group Olmstead Pr |
Publisher: Olmstead Press
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5
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Simply one of the few Truly Great fantasy novels to date
Rating:
5 / 5
I first read The Face in the Frost back in 1979 when I was still reading "fantasy" hoping to find something anywhere near as good as Tolkien. This was one of the few offerings that stood out as NOT being YALTK (Yet Another Lousy Tolkien Knockoff.) Many years and many fantasy novels have come and gone since then, and I have frankly given up in disgust on the entire genere, but for some reason I still keep coming back to A Face in the Frost and re-read it every year or so. The story practically reads itself (in all too short a time!) and always remains in my mind like a little light in a distant window. I've worn out two paperback copies and am now back to order the hardcover edition!
It's really hard to put my finger on what's so special about it. As a reviewer stated back when it was published, the author truly knows what Wizardry is all about! The two main characters are goofily lovable, but when it gets down to brass tacks, they are also deadly serious and know exactly when to quit kidding around and call down powers and pricipalities. They don't always succeed, and so know heartbreak and horror, too. There is friendship and loyalty, and there is good ale and cheese. There is a wonderfully obnoxious magic mirror.
The author's take on magic reveals it as something very real, ancient and mysterious - and terrifying, in the wrong hands. But, sorry, definitely no faeries or unicorns here, nor sword-slinging buff (or curvy) barbarians. If you think you'd enjoy reading about two old coots who could probably take down Viggo Mortensen with one hand while tapping a good keg of Snake Year sherry with the other, this is the book for you.
Frightening, with a bit of humor
Rating:
5 / 5
I believe it was Tolkien who said, that when writing bout magic and wizards, you were to never explain the magic, and to never make fun of it. Bellairs conforms to both of these rules in this book, and gives us a novel that is in many ways a children's book, but one that can be enjoyed by adults. The wizards don't wear funny pointed hats with stars and moons on them; they dress like normal people, even if they are a bit eccentric. There are some chilling scenes in this book, somewhat like an understated Lovecraft. There is some humor, too, although there should have been more. The theme, of course, is about Good versus Evil, but the evil here isn't some monster ramaging through the countryside; it's a lot more subtle than that. You have to pay attention to what's going on, otherwise you might miss what it's about. Reading it twice is not such a bad idea.
Humorless?
Rating:
5 / 5
This book isn't humorless. Sure, during the suspensful parts, but the begining is a hoot, and wry points are made along the way.
In addition, this book is memorable. The writing is excellent, the plot is gripping, the allusions are thoughtful and the characters are excellent. This is a great book for young adults and not-so-young adults.
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