Parents' Guide to

Of Giants and Ice: The Ever Afters, Book 1

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Derivative but fun fairy-tale adventure.

Book Shelby Bach Fantasy 2012
Of Giants and Ice: The Ever Afters, Book 1 Poster Image

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What's the Story?

Eleven-year-old Rory Landon moves frequently, but everywhere she's known for being the daughter of her famous parents. Then she's invited to Ever After School, an afternoon program like no other: Her first day, she finds herself battling a dragon in Yellowstone National Park. At EAS, children train to be Characters in dangerous Tales that could begin at any time. Rory's surprised to find she's famous at EAS: It's rumored that she has a special Destiny. But her immediate concern is to stay alive and help friends Lena and Chase on a beanstalk quest. But this Tale is like no other, and the three kids get drawn into a larger drama: The imprisoned Snow Queen is plotting escape and a new, epic war.
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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (4 ):
OF GIANTS AND ICE, the first in the Ever Afters series, is a fun read for elementary-school-age fantasy fans. It owes a considerable debt to Harry Potter and others in the magical school genre: an uncertain hero saddled with high expectations, loyal friends who rise above their bickering, wise teachers with questionable motives, a super-villain gathering up power to battle to the hero, etc. Rudimentary storytelling and a lack of imaginative richness result in a slight but enjoyable adventure.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the trend of reimagining fairy tales for older audiences in books and films. Why do you think this is popular right now? What's the appeal?
  • Characters play out their parts in familiar tales that repeat regularly, though with variations. Talk about archetypes, and find examples of fairy tale archetypes in diverse settings. Rapunzel, for example, is a sage -- like Dumbledore in Harry Potter and Merlin in the King Arthur tales.

  • Stories about special schools for witches, wizards, or kids with magical or super powers are also popular. What others have you read? How does this one compare?

Book Details

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