Book details
Stuart Hill - Author
This is an expansive fantasy adventure about a disabled prince seeking purpose, a threatened kingdom and a family divided by power. Its emotional centre is Charlemagne’s growth, alongside battles, magical danger and shifting alliances.
*The thrilling sequel to the critically acclaimed* Cry of the Icemark! **The exile will return a Blade of Fire in his hand...** Charlemagne Athelstan Redrought Strong-In-The-Arm Lindenshield: Crippled by disease as a child, the young prince longs to be a warrior, but wonders if the only trait he's inherited from his mother, the fierce Queen Thirrin, is her royal red hair. When the brutal invader Bellorum returns to wreak his revenge on their tiny kingdom, Thirrin sends her son away for his own safety - much to his shame. What Thirrin doesn't realize is that the true threat to the Icemark may be right under her own roof. Seduced by magical powers, Medea, her coldhearted daughter, could pose as much danger as an entire army. If all else fails, will it fall to her banished brother to rise to the challenge and rescue his family?
Book Analysis
Sign in to see how this book fits your child and family preferences.
Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
Talk about: Whether Charlemagne’s achievements are valued beyond physical warfare is worth exploring.
How the book presents it: The book does not clearly resolve its stance on this.
Talk about: If family loyalty conflicts with personal power or safety, what choices does the story present as defensible?
How the book presents it: The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
Talk about: Whether military victory is treated as sufficient to solve the kingdom’s deeper conflicts could prompt discussion.
The book may suit readers who enjoy large-scale fantasy, journeys, invented peoples and family stakes. Charlemagne’s movement from shame and uncertainty towards action offers a clear starting point for reflection.
Expect sustained warfare and peril, including invasion, violent deaths, bloodshed, magical attack, betrayal and banishment. Disability and illness are also important parts of the situation.
How does the story treat Charlemagne’s disability and his wish to be a warrior? Discuss whether his value becomes tied to combat, and whether the family’s responses support or undermine him.
Because this is a sequel with many characters and shifting viewpoints, briefly revisit the earlier family and kingdom situation if needed. Pause after major battles to discuss choices, consequences and portrayals of power.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
Book information
Limited information
Relevant to: Disability and identity; Family loyalty and betrayal
Limited information
Checked: 19 September 2026.
Relevant to: Family loyalty and betrayal; War and political alliance
Limited information
Checked: 19 September 2026.
Relevant to: Disability and identity; War and political alliance
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
Suitabook