Audience
Readers aged 8 - 15
Genre
Children’s, YA, Fantasy
Pages
222
Recommended For and Similar Reads
The Search For Synergy and Talisman Series are adventurous fantasy stories for older children and teenagers. However, the plot and themes are so universal that readers of all ages will enjoy the series! Similar reads are The Devil's Apprentice by Kenneth B Andersen, Summoned by Mckayla Eaton, Power and Fury by James Erith, and The Last Airbender by Gene Luen Yang. If you enjoyed them, you're destined to adore Riders of Fire and Ice.
Summary by Author
They're back! Julian and Rome are taking their show on the road. This time it is to lovely old England in search of Camelot. While there, the Knight and Dragon will be trying to solve the mystery of the Talismans, the mystery of their shadowy stalker and the mystery of sibling rivalry. Prepare to meet some new faces and, of course, some new Darkbrands as the two further their adventures across the pond.
Review: 5/5
Opinions: As avid readers, we're all too familiar with "sequel syndrome" - an affliction that describes the successory books in a series as inferior to the first. If you're worried about Salter's sequels succumbing to this illness, I have good news for you: Riders of Fire and Ice was an exceptional continuation of the series and can doubtlessly be described as the perfect bridge between The Search for Synergy's plot and the exploits Rome and Julian now face. Speaking of, I cannot overstate how terrific the inclusion of Camelot, a classic setting we all know well and love, was in moving along character and plot development. Young readers will see Julian and Rome grow up in a modern twist of their parents' childhood fantasy. In my opinion, the Darkfiends and their shadowy portals were the highlight of this book and unique to the series. There's not a single book out there like Riders of Fire and Ice, so take the opportunity to pick it up now!
My Favourite Thing: Something has to be said for Salter's writing style. Despite the intensity and desperation Rome and Julian face throughout the series, Salter maintains the family-friendly style that allows readers to engage without being intimidated. Complimenting this, the text always matches the plot. When there is a battle, the vernacular is dense and upbeat. When there is a journey, the phrasing is curious and leaves readers asking questions. Likewise, when Rome is attempting to be romantic, the text is lighthearted and witty. Salter is an expert when it comes to engaging readers and helping them relate to the plot, not just the characters!
My Least Favourite Thing: What is there to say? Everybody has different tastes in books, so Riders of Fire and Ice might not be your cup of tea. But I adored it and I encourage you to pick it up! In my eyes, there were no faults.
Per FTC regulations, please know that I received this title for free for review from the original author, the publisher, publicist, or a third party. I am honest in my reviews, meaning the fact I received the book for free does not alter the rating I give it.
Interview with Author Brett Salter
Do you write for yourself or your readers?
Great question to start! I would say that I 100% write what I would enjoy reading. That includes the action, the characters themselves, and even the mythical lore inspirations. I am from the Nintendo generation and I love a good RPG, so you can clearly see how I’ve looped that genre into my books. BUUUUUUT…I also write with a clear audience in mind, so I do partly write for the readers.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Naming things is my FAVORITE part about being an author. Hands down! (giggles). So, a common theme in my books is the 6 elements that dominate the world where my characters reside: Fire, Water, Ice, Forest, Earth, and Wind. Character types and character names are ultimately attributed to one of the six. For instance, the Darkbrand generals, the Minotaurs, get their names from whichever element they hail from. Not to give too much away, but a water-based minotaur is called a Hydrotaur, and so on. Almost every character gets their name from either the element they are associated with or a mythological inspiration. For instance, Julian’s little sister’s name is Camela Lynette Rider. She is named after both the utopian citadel of Camelot AND the Arthurian noble lady Linette. SPOILER ALERT: Her last name is pretty important too!
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Well, I always knew I needed to do SOMETHING creative! I have this nagging itch that needs to be scratched every day by creating something or just letting the creative juices out of me. In my past, I was a musician, a poet, and I even tried my hand at comic book writing (I cannot draw). But I think writing books is the best for me because it lets me quell that creativity fire that burns in my belly, ya know? I still play music in a 90’s alternative, Dad-rock cover band, and I still have poetry out there (Check out my Authorsden website), but writing The Talisman Series has easily been my favorite outlet of all. Where do you find your inspiration? Everywhere! Literally, everywhere! I’ve taken inspiration from comics and video games. I’ve taken inspiration from anime and films. I’ve taken inspiration from music and all the fantasy/sci-fi novels I grew up on. I’ve even taken inspiration from music and my family and friends. (My characters are way too outlandish to be real versions of them though. Just exaggerated caricatures.)
If you could ask an author three questions about their books/inspiration/etc, who would it be and what are the questions?
That is a deep question, for sure. I would really have to think about that. (Ponders for an hour.) Okay! I would want to talk to William Shakespeare. Wait for it! I would ask ole’ Bill the Bard the following:
1. Who is the dark lady in your sonnets that you have an unrequited love for?
2. Was it hard struggling with the fact that your work was never truly praised for its genius until after your death? Is it more important to be well-known during life or for your work to live in infamy posthumously?
3. Who inspired the four young characters Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
What do you hope your readers take away from The Talisman Series?
I have two goals with my books. I think the first thing I want to impart on young readers is to always take that first step into adventure. It could be a situation in real life or cracking open a book and following along with characters. If there’s something important to you, then you have to find the will to make the change. The journey of a thousand steps begins with one. Find the courage to take that first step or you’ll be stuck in complacency forever. The second platform I stand on is creativity. Preaching creativity and imagination is really what I strive for in my life and my kids’ lives. I want them to be passionate about their interests and always be creative because this world need creativity now more than ever.
Interview with Protagonist Rome Lockheed
Do you believe evil must exist?
I do believe that! And thanks to Mr. Jones and Jules, I’ve seen it with my own eyes! But, I vow to do my best to protect the world from that evil.
What fictional dragon do you feel most similar to?
I would say that I have found myself in a similar situation to Saphira Bjurtskular from The Inheritance Cycle bonding with a human, but I feel like my power set is much more akin to Smaug from “The Hobbit”.
Do you like being a dragon or are you jealous of Julian, a knight?
I love being a dragon. There’s no other thing I would rather be. I feel like it was my destiny.
Looking back, do you recognize any signs of being a dragon before you set the tree on fire?
Just the desire to break free. Like something was constantly holding me down. I always felt like a prisoner in my own skin; like there was freedom bursting to get out! I knew there was more to my life than where I was and now, I can fly!
Interview with Protagonist Julian Rider
Who has the most influence over you? Why?
(Guffaws exaggeratedly). Ha! If by influence, you mean control, or tells who me what to do, then the answer is simple. NO ONE! Nobody tells me what to do! I’m my own man. Julian “Danger” Rider. And don’t you forget it, buster!
What are your plans for when you achieve Synergy?
Two words: WORLD TOUR! Me and the dragon are gonna hit all the spots; Maui... Vegas… Paris! You name it, we’re going there. You know, to defend them? And make sure there’s no bad guys there. Living like kings, baby! Side note, I want to hit up Comic Con too.
Do you like being a knight or are you jealous of Rome, a dragon?
Pssssh. Could you imagine being a dragon? What a joke! That’s got to be the worse than an Algebra pop quiz! Seriously, what’s good about it? You can’t fit in a movie theater. You can’t ride a skateboard. You can’t even burp the alphabet without accidentally setting something on fire. I mean, c’mon. I’ve got it waaaaay better. The only cool thing about being a dragon is the scale armor…..and the fangs….and the fire breath….hmmmm. And he can fly? And he’s really strong. And…
What tactics to overcome the Garms do you want to experiment with in the future?
Dude! I cannot wait to bust out ALL of my weaponry. I’ve got soooo many tricks up my tunic that’s gonna blow you guys’ minds! And if I mix ‘em with Rome’s abilities, those Garms better watch their scraggly hides because we are coming! You hear me, you smelly varmints? Rome and Julian are coming for ya!!! Oh, and probably the old man too. Wooohoo! For Camelot!
Giveaway
Links and Information
Brett Salter on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/306525-the-talisman-series
Brett Salter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talismanbrett/
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Riders-of-Fire-and-Ice-Brett-Salter/9781546840985
Publication Date: November 16, 2017
ASIN: B077K18FQ7
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