Matthew J. Kirby’s book Icefall is a mystery young adult novel. A Viking princess named Solveig and her siblings are trapped by winter’s ice in the harbor of a secret fortress. They wait in apprehension for spring to come because Gunnlaug, a rival of their father, is planning to attack their group.
Gunnlaug desires to marry the oldest daughter, Asa, because of her great beauty and because of the lands that would go along with her as dowry. Their father denied Gunnlaug the right to marry her and sent a group of berzerkers, Viking warriors who fear nothing, to protect them as he fights the enemy. However, there is a traitor among them, and most of the berzerkers are poisoned.
During the midst of these problems, Solveig must learn what path to follow for her life, who to trust when the conspiracy is discovered, and how to protect those she loves. The characters in Icefall are intriguing and unforgettable. The mysteries within are well woven into a story for mid-grade to young adult, and will be enjoyed by mystery loving adults as well.
Icefall won the 2012 American Library Association Best Fiction for young Adults, 2012 Mystery Writers of America Edgar® Award for Best Juvenile Mystery, and the 2011 Parents Choice Gold Medal, as well as several others. See the author’s website for the full award list. Matthew J. Kirby currently lives in Spokane, Washington, and is under contract to write more mid-grade and young adult books. See his blog for information about other books he has published and those which will be coming out soon.
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