Mythology has played a fantastic part in the development of cultures around the world. Amazing powers and gifts that mere mortals can never have are bestowed upon those higher beings. Inevitably, over time, legendary tales of these higher beings spread throughout the lands, and mortals seek them out hoping to be aided by their gifts. Norse legends are some of the most breathtaking with their expansive array of mythological beings, inclusion of reality and mortal existence, and the continued telling of these legendary tales through the generations. Betsy Tobin has crafted a very appealing novel by mixing the once-unbeatable magic and myth of old with the fated reality that nothing lasts forever.

Freya is one such being of greatness. Her beauty is enticing to all, and her powers with love bring many to her door. Much has been done to manipulate her place in this world, yet a power far greater than hers is ready to upset the balance that has held sway over the land for so long. Hidden deep within the ancient mountains, among a people nearly forgotten with time, is a golden necklace of incomparable beauty and power. Although she is drawn to it for many reasons—least of all fate—this necklace may be Freya’s only way to save this world.

War, animosities over territory, young but true love, Christians forcing believers of the old faiths to submit or die, and jealousy are all added ingredients to a world close to boiling over. When the old volcano that watches over the land begins to tremble and speak, the bickering and warring people of that land will be able to focus on little else. If the lava begins to flow, the world that has kept this unusual mixture of mythological beings and mortal people together may never resurface again.

Norse legends of old are reawakened in this beautifully spun tale of love, lust, war, greed, hate, jealousy, and more. Ice Land is a tale of the overwhelming nature of sin and evilness, the pagan world caving in upon itself, and its death throes in the face of the swiftly spreading religion of Christianity. Betsy Tobin, whose writing is reminiscent of The Swan Maiden’s author Jules Watson, brings to life a magical tale.