Book Reviews
Title: Winter of Fire
Author: Sherryl Jordan
# of Pages: 321
Year And Publisher: 1992 Scholastic
Age Appeal: 13-20
Plot: In a grim future world where the sun has vanished from the sky, people glean what warmth and light they can from the firestones mined by an untouchable caste known as the Quelled. Countless taboos are shattered when Elsha, an idealistic and rebellious Quelled girl, is chosen to be handmaid to the Firelord--the man revered by those calling themselves the Chosen. Traveling in the privileged class, Elsha encounters ugly, unthinking prejudice; she also meets a few relatively enlightened Chosen men, who cannot help falling in love with the feisty maid. Spurred on by a hatred of injustice, Elsha battles against sexism, improves life for the Quelled, and even (it seems) hastens the return of the sun to her world.
Ratings
Cover: 6/10
One of the covers that was fashionable when printed, but not really anymore. Also looks a bit like she's wearing something from a cheap Halloween costume party. Art, instead of photography would have been a better direction to go.
Characters: 9.5/10
Deep, feisty, and very lovable. You feel for the quelled, and you love the Chosen who aren't against the quelled. Elsha, however, becomes a bit too powerful, and a bit unrealistic. She can search for firestones, heal people, see visions, and keep herself warm without fire. Make her a man, and they would be calling her Jesus.
Story: 9.5/10
Their history is given a major factor in this story, and it's better because of it. Most of the story is believable, and very engaging. Only fault is it could be, at times, very predictable.
Ending: 10/10
Great ending, everything comes to a finish in a nice package.
Overall: 10/10
I love this book, and the characters. It's written well, without tons of details to drag the reader down. Instead, it manages to give you the big picture without everything being spelled out for you.