The Snow Queen

By: Joan D. Vinge

Narrated by: Ellen Archer

Length: 20 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

The imperious Winter colonists have ruled the planet Tiamat for 150 years, deriving wealth from the slaughter of the sea mers. But soon the galactic stargate will close, isolating Tiamat, and the 150-year reign of the Summer primitives will begin. All is not lost if Arienrhod, the ageless, corrupt Snow Queen, can destroy destiny with an act of genocide. Arienrhod is not without competition as Moon, a young Summer-tribe sibyl, and the nemesis of the Snow Queen, battles to break a conspiracy that spans space.

©1980 Joan D. Vinge (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award, Best Novel, 1981

Still Wonderful!

First read this in 1982. As enchanting now 40 years later as it was then!!

Startlingly good book

I read this when I was a kid, but I didn't remember it very well. I went into it fully expecting that I'd find issues with it, perhaps it would feel dated (although I do love old books, so, that wasn't hugely likely).

Nope. I found it extremely compelling, easy to understand, and the narrator very pleasant to listen to for both male and female characters. Love this book and this is definitely one of my favorites.

Couldn’t turn it off!

Characters I enjoyed getting to know, a world I could believe in. A story I did not want to end! Loved it!

This is my favorite book series!!!

Really great performance of the book. All the characters were brought to life by the narrator. Can you please do the other ones now?!!!!

One of my favorite books of all time

I read this book when it first came out in 1979. I must have read it a dozen times since. This is Hugo and Nebula winner. Overlooked by the general public. I'm surprised it hasn't been made into a movie yet, especially since the author has done numerous movie scripts.
I can't recommend it highly enough. do yourself a favor, and give it a listen.

Best quote (out of context)

Indifference is the strongest force in the universe. It makes everything it touches meaningless. Love and hate don't stand a chance against it. It lets neglect and decay and monstrous injustice go unchecked. It doesn't act, it allows. And that's what gives it so much power .

Great story and excellent audio experience

Thoroughly enjoyed the audio experience. I had read The Snow Queen years ago and was only vaguely familiar with the storyline and characters, of which there are many. The narrator did an excellent job with each character’s voice and disposition. The plot is thick and there is a lot to keep track of. Difficult for audio but also entertaining. All around great experience.

Input!

Any additional comments?

What an amazing universe! I can sort of understand why so many people LOVE this series, but it just isn't for me. I can't put my finger on any one thing, but if I had to I'd say it was a bit long-winded. I love to actually 'read' books the old fashioned way and I honestly don't think I would have made it through this one. It didn't entertain me enough to keep going with the series.

My absolute favorite book!

Has been my favorite book since I read it back in the 80’s. Love the entire trilogy but this is my fav. Eleven Archer is amazing as the narrator! I loved all the different voices she used. She really helped bring the story to life! Thank you!

excellent reader, good at accents

This book is probably more enjoyable if you are not familiar with the Hans Christian Anderson tale. I wasn't, and thought the world building and plot were fantastic. great reader. The ending got a little too flowery and drawn out, but by then I was well invested.