Title: Of Ice and Magic
Publisher: Asgard Studios
Author: Hugh B. Long
Pages: 90 pp
Price: $7.99
ISBN: 9781927646595

The point of view character is a sword. It’s not just any sword, but an Ulfberht sword, a brand name history buffs will recognize. I love the sword’s unique perspective.

Starting right in with the sorts of authentic details about heathen culture for which the author is known, the book relates the forging of the sword by smithcraft and magic. Adventure soon follows. The smith Fornulf, his apprentice son, and warrior daughter, embark on a journey that goes through material and magical paths. Long works in a little teaching about the different kinds of magic in Viking age culture, placing it in dialogue. There are great fight scenes of all kinds, from formal duels to troll fights and siege warfare.

This tale is a perfect mix of action, plot, magic, great characters, and snappy dialogue. It’s nonstop fun, and a delight to read. My only complaint is that it is so short! I’m eagerly anticipating reading more by Long. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction.

[Erin Lale is the Acquisitions Editor at Eternal Press and Damnation Books. Her writing and publishing career began in 1985. She has an extensive list of published nonfiction, fiction, poetry, etc. In the print era she was the editor and publisher of Berserkrgangr Magazine and owned The Science Fiction Store, and she publishes the shared world Time Yarns.]