I am a fairly slow reader. Not sure if it's because I enjoy going slow and savoring a book; or if it's the book itself, drawing me in slowly; or, maybe it's that, while I enjoy the stories and characters, the writing is so-so. The Icebound Land is engaging, gripping, and kept me up well into the morning looking to see what's next. The story is simple compared to books one and two. It's about survival and loyalty and friendship and hope.