From the Bookshelf of Kiwi Readers…

Winter of Fire

Sherryl Jordan

Why we're reading this: NZ author.
[close] NZ author.

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Jul 08, 2019 Bookrapt (Est. 1983) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult-fiction

Winter of Fire received many awards when first published 25 years ago, from the 1993 American Bookseller magazine 'Pick of the List' to the 2001 Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture Award. Scholastic NZ deserve an award for republishing this epic fantasy which has been credited with influencing the lives of many readers around the world over the years.

This 25th Anniversary Edition is as relevant today as when it was first published. Winter of Fire deserves a place on all school and public library sh Winter of Fire received many awards when first published 25 years ago, from the 1993 American Bookseller magazine 'Pick of the List' to the 2001 Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture Award. Scholastic NZ deserve an award for republishing this epic fantasy which has been credited with influencing the lives of many readers around the world over the years.

This 25th Anniversary Edition is as relevant today as when it was first published. Winter of Fire deserves a place on all school and public library shelves as well as in the homes of discerning readers of all ages.

The strong female lead, Elsha, is a clear-sighted young woman who is prepared to tackle problems head-on that others have accepted as the status quo for generations, even when it means she is punished and condemned to death. Examples of inequality and injustices that exist in this imaginary world are still able to be found in our present-day world.

The male chauvinism that Elsha encounters is still seen today. And her understanding that those who talk the talk about gender equality don't necessarily act this out in their own lives shows the mature thinking of this young woman as she navigates her day-to-day life. Rescued from her fate in incredible circumstances she is able to think through her vision for the future as she travels and can eventually realise her dream.

Elsha's superpowers of divining and healing, while accepted in a male leader, have to be hidden – even a friend cannot believe her. Elsha herself cannot initially believe and needs to be persuaded she has them, hides these powers at first, and has to face charges of trickery when she does finally seek to prove her abilities.

Elsha is no perfect heroine – she shows her anger and obstinacy at times and doubts her own strength and abilities – but as her year progresses and as the people who love her show this love and understanding in various ways she becomes the leader who can move society forward to better times.

The environmental message is a strong one, every bit as relevant today. Elsha's solution that moves an icy cold world slowly towards one with a blue sky and the warmth of the sun asks a lot of the people, just as the climate emergency asks a lot of our present-day populations. Do we have a similarly strong, able world leader waiting to emerge today?

Not having an actual historical setting makes this a story for all times, with a heroine girls can model themselves on – brave, standing up for her beliefs, fighting for justice, the end of poverty and an improved world. Elsha stays true to herself: “...My soul is the same, whether I live in a goatskin tent or a grand house … you don't make me anything. I am me.”

Reviewed by Chris Wright (Bookrapt). ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jan 19, 2009 Rachel (Sfogs) rated it really liked it

Shelves: bookcrossing

A very good book.

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 24, 2020 Marie rated it it was amazing

I first encountered this book as a price in the Kids Lit Quiz and immediately coveted it. Twenty odd years later, I bought the anniversary edition and loved returning to Elsha's world and story - and my memories of it.

For example, I totally thought she banged the Firelord. What even, eleven-year-old me? ...more

Like · see review

Apr 01, 2010 Suzy Atkin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

I had to read this book during high school in 2001 and I loved it so much I 'lost' it. Excellent book. I recently lent it to a friend and she loved it so much too it has suspiciously gone missing again. A real gem! What's best is that Sherryl is from my beautiful country- New Zealand. ...more

Like · see review