Into the Icebound

Accidental Sorcerers #4

by Larry Kollar

In the fourth "Accidental Sorcerers" story, Sura, Mik, and Bailar set sail for the Northern Reach, with Lord Darin in pursuit. Their journey is anything but smooth, with storms, raiders, and the prince of Westmarch standing in the way. Joining an expedition to the ruins of Isenbund, Bailar disappears in the night. Now, Mik and Sura must help rescue their mentor from a legendary foe thought long extinct.

Genres: Fantasy

Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2014

About the author

Larry Kollar lives in north Georgia, surrounded by kudzu, trees, and in-laws. His day job involves writing user manuals — some of which may have been fiction, but not by intent. He has had short fictional works published in the Hogglepot Journal and the Were-Traveler. His first novel, White Pickups, is available, with more to come. For more of his strange fiction, and even stranger reality, visit his blog.

Reviews

[Eric Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Icebound, the fourth book in the Accidental Sorcerers series, is a fun and easy YA read that could even appeal to MG audiences. This continuation of the exciting fantasy series that I have come to enjoy incorporates a few more classic elements, including goblins and northerners that might as well be cut-outs of vikings or Norse mythology.

Another enjoyable change from previous entries in the series is that it has far more action in it and doesn’t focus as much on the romance. While I like the pairing of Mik and Sura just fine, Into the Icebound is certainly the most entertaining read because of that change.

Displays of magic are plentiful, adventures are undertaken, and history is told in a grand fashion, but in such a way that even younger readers will enjoy. What makes Into the Icebound stand apart the most, however, is that the danger factor is cranked up a few notches. Where as in the first books in the series it felt like the characters were invincible, here this is not nearly the case as many of them encounter real threats to their lives. It isn’t that I want to see Mik or Sura hurt, but having godlike main characters isn’t desirable either, and Kollar manages to balance that aspect the best in this entry to the series.

If you enjoy sorcery, young love (in moderate doses and not graphic), great adventures, and/or great MG/YA style storytelling then this series, and this book especially, is one I’d recommend.

[Ronna Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced and intriguing

Once again the heroes are put to the test and come out on top. The author continues to surprise and keep the story moving in a fluid manner.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry in a heroic YA series. It's often remarked on that the protagonists attract trouble wherever they go, and that most sorcerers' lives are not like that; perhaps a bit too much lampshading, though by this point they are being sent into danger because everyone knows they can handle it.

I found the viewpoint of "goblins are simply and straightforwardly evil, and so genocide is justified" a bit jarring, I have to say. But setting that aside, it's a strong piece of adventure fiction.