Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The Ice Queen
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
54 posts | 59 read | 45 to read
"A fairy tale for grown ups, which brings together, as only Hoffman can, the fabulous and the real, chaos theory and the irrational everyday moment, in a compelling, haunting and sexy novel, with a sharp edge. The story begins with a little girl who makes a wish one snowy night and ruins her life. She grows up with a splinter of ice in her heart until one day, standing by her kitchen window, she is struck by lightning. nstead of killing her, this cataclysmic event sparks off a new beginning. She seeks out Lazarus Jones, a fellow lightning survivor. He is her opposite, a burning man whose breath can boil water and whose touch scorches. As an obsessive love affair begins between them, both are forced to hide their most dangerous secrets - what turned one to ice and the other to fire. The Ice Queen is a haunting story of passion, loss, second chances and the secrets that come to define us, if we're not careful. "
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
review
Clare-Dragonfly
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Mehso-so

I thought about skipping this book club selection because I was pretty indifferent on the last Alice Hoffman book I read, but I love fairy tale retellings. Unfortunately, while the fairy-tale elements kept me going through the story, I didn‘t connect with this book either. The main character really irritated me and I didn‘t understand most of the other characters‘ motivations either. I‘ll complain/CW (personal to me, and spoilery) in a comment.

Clare-Dragonfly I don‘t think I would have read this book had I known it involved a character dying of pancreatic cancer. My father died of pancreatic cancer a couple years ago, and I‘m undergoing cancer treatment now myself. 2mo
19 likes1 comment
quote
fictionaddictbooks
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

My first time reading Alice Hoffman even though I've had some of her books 📚 for years😕

11 likes2 stack adds
blurb
Pogue
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

Confession time. I have never read an Alice Hoffman. I have mailed off The House of Spirits and it should arrive on Monday. #lmpbc #round14 #groupr

wisherwishinguponastar Neither had I! I hope you enjoy! 2y
23 likes1 comment
review
wisherwishinguponastar
Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

This was an emotionally taxing take on a fairy tale. It might not be the best book at all times for a person, but it takes a good look at death and grieving. #lmpbc #round14 #groupr I will get this sent on to you soon @Pogue ! #bookjournal

8 likes1 stack add
blurb
wisherwishinguponastar
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

@Littlewolf1 Your package arrived yesterday! I was just being incredibly lazy and didn‘t post. My bad. Can‘t wait to dive in! It is my #bookspin for April as well as my #lmpbc for #groupr !

blurb
Littlewolf1
Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

Hi all… I‘m excited to start round 14 of #LMPBC with all of you. These are the four books I have picked out as options for magical realism. Let me know which one you all would like to read.

Hazel2019 The Ice Queen and The Bear and the Nightingale would be my top pics. But I‘ll go with whatever the group decides. 2y
wisherwishinguponastar These all sound great! “The Bear and the Nightingale” has been on my radar for a while, so if I had to choose it would be that one. 2y
Pogue The only one I have read is The Bear and the Nightingale. But I am up for anything. 2y
Littlewolf1 @Hazel2019 @booksellerofyourdiscontent @Pogue OK so I am going to go ahead and choose The Ice Queen since nobody has read it. 2y
21 likes4 comments
review
KatieDid927
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

I enjoyed this retelling of The Snow Queen for the #FairytaleReadingChallenge. It was my first time reading a Hoffman book that wasn‘t about the Owens family. Her lyrical, magical prose was still present but it was nice to experience some of her other characters. I‘m now 12/12 on the challenge for this year! Thanks for the fun idea @Charityann !

review
Laughterhp
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

I have an unintentional fairytale theme going on. I picked this up because it was categorized as magical realism. Alice makes a wish and her mother disappears. 30 years later she makes another wish and is struck by lightning. This book was a bit odd at times. I‘ve never read Alice Hoffman before.

#TeamHendrix #Scarathlon2021
#LittensListen
#20in4 #Halloween
#OctoberBookBingo
#LittensDressedinBlood
#SpookoweenReadathon

Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 2y
63 likes1 comment
review
Eggs
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

After being struck by lightning inside her home, the librarian goes in search of another lightning survivor. He turns out to be her opposite: while she has an icy heart, he is burning up-his breath can boil water and his touch scorches. Thus begins the fairy tale...not my favorite Hoffman but fun anyway
#authoramonth2021 @Soubhiville
#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

Kammbia1 I read this one years ago. It was my first time reading Alice Hoffman. Interesting story. I would like to read Illumination Night by her too. 3y
Eggs @Kammbia1 I am thoroughly enjoying her books! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
65 likes2 stack adds3 comments
review
Bookwormjillk
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

I don‘t always love magical realism, but the characters in this one grew on me and I liked it more than I expected to. #AuthorAMonth2021

Kammbia1 I read this one several years ago and it grew on me too. 3y
60 likes3 stack adds1 comment
review
Hilary427
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Mehso-so

Meh. I feel like this book wanted to give me some deep insights into the human condition, but I just didn‘t get it! It just didn‘t grab my attention.
⭐️: 2.5/5

Cheshirecat913 I just read this book and felt the same way! Luckily it was a short book or I might not have wanted to finish it. 3y
Come-read-with-me Good to know - it‘s on reserve at the library but I may bow out. Thanks for the review. 3y
22 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

A beautiful fairy tale, about life, living, love, dying, and forgiveness. Sad, haunting, heartbreaking, and hopeful. A dreamlike quality to the writing, it felt like a 90s indie movie directed by Sofia Coppola.

Thanks for another beautiful #NewYearWhoDis recommendation @sprainedbrain

@monalyisha

monalyisha 😍💖😍 Hooray! You‘re officially in the Fan Club! 🎉 3y
sprainedbrain I love that comparison to a Sofia Coppola movie! ❤️ 3y
TheKidUpstairs Ooh, and this totally checks off another #Booked2021 prompt - first name begins with A/B/C! Woo Hoo! @Cinfhen @4thhouseontheleft @BarbaraTheBibliophage 3y
Cinfhen Woohoo 🎉 🥳Awesomeness 3y
Cinfhen And beautiful review 3y
64 likes1 stack add5 comments
blurb
TheKidUpstairs
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

Can you believe I've never read Alice Hoffman before? Considering my love for magical realism and modern fairy tales, I feel it's an odd oversight. I'm glad #NewYearWhoDis is finally motivating me to try her out, fingers crossed!

@sprainedbrain @monalyisha

monalyisha OH. MY. GOD. I hope you love this...but even if you don‘t, you have to give Practical Magic a shot! Excited for your new author journey! 3y
ElleSkel Alice Hoffman 😍 3y
sprainedbrain 🤞🏻 that you like it! 3y
See All 8 Comments
TheKidUpstairs @sprainedbrain I read about half during my daughter's nap this morning, and so far I love it. Very dreamlike, fairy tale, with strong 90s indie movie directed by Sofia Coppola vibes. 3y
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha loving it so far! 3y
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs Phew! She‘s one of my favorite authors. 💝 3y
Jennifer_Fireheart She is one of my favorite authors I've read about 10 of her books in 2020. Just finished this one I didn't like it. Won't give spoilers but i had a hard time connecting to the main character. 3y
TheKidUpstairs @Jennifer_Fireheart i loved it, but I can totally see how it's not for everyone. The MC being hard to connect to seemed a deliberate choice to me. 3y
72 likes8 comments
blurb
StaceyKondla
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join the fun if you want.
This is day 170 #bookstoread #tbrpile #bookstagram

blurb
StaceyKondla
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join the fun if you want.
This is day 170 #bookstoread #tbrpile #bookstagram

review
sprainedbrain
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

This was such an amazing reading experience! First, the book is fantastic and has quickly become one of my favorites for this year. Heartbreaking, funny, beautiful, and weird. Hoffman‘s writing is so, so good! Wonderful pick for #LMPBC, @cobwebmoth 😍

Second, @Chrissyreadit enhanced my experience by carefully preparing and numbering all of these perfectly themed gifts for me to open as I went through the book. Chrissy!! THANK YOU! ❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chrissyreadit Just some silly fun. I loved that book too! 4y
Crazeedi That is so very special! @Chrissyreadit is so very special, so kind! ❤ 4y
Chrissyreadit @Crazeedi Thank-you friend ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ! 4y
sprainedbrain @Crazeedi Couldn‘t agree more... Chrissy is one of the nicest, most fun people I‘ve ‘met‘ on Litsy! ❤️ 4y
92 likes2 stack adds4 comments
review
Chrissyreadit
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

@cobwebmoth 🙌❤️ great choice for #LMPBC . A great retelling with several fairy tale homages. I loved it. @sprainedbrain stop reading my post now if you do not want any spoilers!!!!

a tearjerker - but very satisfying. I typically do not like sad books or movies, but will always make an exception for Hoffman.

rachaich I adore her writing 😍😍😍 4y
tdrosebud Just wanted to let you know, I sent this month's book yesterday. You should get it tomorrow or Sat. I'm soooo sorry I'm sending it late. 4y
Chrissyreadit @tdrosebud I will never ever ever judge late! I‘m late all the time. 😘 4y
75 likes2 stack adds3 comments
blurb
Chrissyreadit
Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

My #bookspin that I‘m very happy about. #lmpbc I‘m a little behind due to schoolwork and huge paper due but will finish this week. @sprainedbrain @tdrosebud @cobwebmoth Also- did not make it to post office this weekend but will mail my #cbbc by Saturday @SamHeartCoffee These obligations may seem like I‘m slacking but they are helping me reclaim my reading and I desperately need that ❤️

tdrosebud I wanted to let you know that I have no focus and haven't finished reading yet. I hope to get it in the mail later this week. 4y
Chrissyreadit @tdrosebud thanks! I feel better!! I feel bad letting anyone down and I‘ve really enjoyed this rounds books!!! 4y
65 likes2 comments
blurb
Chrissyreadit
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

@tdrosebud it arrived two days ago- but in my crazy world I‘m just getting to post! Thankyou for the sweet surprise ❤️❤️❤️ #LMPBC @sprainedbrain I hope to finish and send Tiger Lily Saturday.
Sorry for the delay!! We had a crisis to work through for a few weeks.

sprainedbrain No worries! 4y
Haney I love the book ' s cover 💜 , just now added it to my stack . 4y
74 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
tdrosebud
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

This was my first Hoffman and I really enjoyed it. This is a #lmpbc book so I won't say much, but I found it to be very emotional and moving. @Chrissyreadit it went in the mail today so you should get it early this week.
@cobwebmoth @sprainedbrain

Chrissyreadit Yay!!! 4y
26 likes1 comment
blurb
tdrosebud
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

I thought I had posted this but no, I forgot. @cobwebmoth I got your package. Thank you so much for the extra goodies of tea and the bookmark. The bookmark matches the decor of my library! #lmpbc

cobwebmoth You're welcome! 4y
20 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
cleoh
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

“What‘s the difference between lightning and magic? is a joke common among meteorologists. Magic makes sense. Lightning does not, even to the experts.”

I loved this more than I was expecting too. Hoffman has such a delightful way of weaving magic into stories.

70 likes1 stack add
blurb
cleoh
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

Good morning @OriginalCyn620 ! Sorry I didn‘t check in yesterday, I was given a lot of tasks at work to finish before I clocked out for the day and completely lost track of time! Are your weekend plans different from your week plans? I‘m hoping to get out for a long walk with an audiobook or podcast after my coffee this morning! #isolationinteractions

OriginalCyn620 Good morning! I don‘t really have any plans this weekend other than to catch up on some reading. I was so busy yesterday and didn‘t get a chance to read at all. The weather here is pretty crappy today so I‘ll definitely be staying inside! 4y
73 likes1 comment
blurb
gradcat
Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

#anglophileapril

(Day 10 - #ShesSoCold)

*This book immediately popped into my head for today‘s prompt, probably because I just finished reading it for #Booked2019 . It was for the fairytale retelling prompt, and it was GREAT. And oh, tiny spoiler alert—she does warm up at some point. 😎

Reviewsbylola I‘ve never heard of this one. I‘m not huge into retellings but when they‘re good, they‘re great! 5y
Mdargusch Perfect! ❄️❄️❄️ 5y
Cinfhen Love Alice Hoffman!!!!! Haven‘t read this one 5y
See All 6 Comments
gradcat @Mdargusch @Cinfhen @Reviewsbylola This book is really NOT my usual cup of tea, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it... another #blameitonLitsy read 🥰 5y
emilyhaldi I haven't heard of this one either!! 5y
gradcat @emilyhaldi I really don‘t know much of her work, so I‘m not sure how this stacks up compared to her entire oeuvre.... 5y
76 likes6 comments
review
gradcat
Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

#Booked2019
#Winter
#FairyTaleRetelling

I want to say at the outset that I would never have read this book absent #blameitonlitsy. But I‘m so happy that I did. A young girl wishes never to see her mother again, because her mother is going out for the evening. The egocentrism of very young children is behind the unnamed narrator‘s selfish wish; unfortunately the wish is fulfilled when her mother has an automobile accident owing to icy roads. ⬇️

gradcat ⬆️ (cont.) This is the setup for a retelling of Andersen‘s tale of a snow queen who takes a little boy who has ice splinters in his eyes and heart. After her mother‘s death, the young girl hardens her heart, only to have this hardening reified when she is struck by lightening. Now older, our “ice queen” seeks out other survivors of lightening strikes, and in so doing is not only healed, but transformed. I ended up loving this book for its ⬇️ 5y
gradcat ⬆️ language (poetic), philosophy (spiritual) and themes (redemptive). It‘s a beautiful, sumptuous book, full of wonderful imagery and wounding tragedy. This novel is powerful, and though it is not particularly aimed at me, I highly recommend it. 5y
Cinfhen Stunning review!!! I think Alice Hoffman is a really talented storyteller 5y
See All 6 Comments
gradcat @Cinfhen Thank you, Cindy...you‘re the tops—the sweetest of sweethearts!! I mean that, btw...🥰 5y
Crazeedi @gradcat what a great review! Thank you for your eloquence! 5y
gradcat @Crazeedi Thank you very much for saying that! 5y
81 likes1 stack add6 comments
quote
gradcat
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

#QuotsyFeb19

(Day 21 - Strike)

review
smx
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

'Are people drawn to each other because of the stories they carry inside?' Alice Hoffman, The Ice Queen
.
.
.

Spoiler alert this book is very depressing, This is one of those books which creep up on you unawares!
The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman is the first book that I have read in 2019. ⚡⚡

5 likes1 stack add
review
Arinne
La regina di ghiaccio | Alice Hoffman
Mehso-so

Nulla di che, l'idea poteva anche essere carina e interessante ma non mi ha affatto entusiasmata come l'autrice l'abbia sviluppata e soprattutto non sono mai riuscita a entrare in empatia con la protagonista

blurb
Cheshirecat913
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

A few books that just happened to find their way to my house.

review
Olivia306
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Panpan

Had I not been stranded on a six-hour flight with my Kindle's battery almost done and no other book in my hand luggage, I wouldn't have finished this book. Though I like Hoffman's writing in general, I have so many issues with this book, I don't know where to begin. Self-involved & really annoying character, plot holes, things happening just because. Only thing I liked was the magic realism and its original twist.

TrishB Not read this one as yet! Won't be top of the list. 7y
Olivia306 @TrishB The book has generally good reviews. Maybe I am just the odd one out. 🤓 7y
7 likes2 comments
review
Magpiegem
Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
Pickpick

As this book moved along there were moments that were so beautiful I think they will stay with me forever even though the book as a total didn't completely hit the spot for me.

blurb
LibraryGoRound
Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman

Top 10 Fav

1 stack add
review
Mtroiano
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

Thank you for the recommendation @AllenStClair I loved it!

AllenTStClair I'm so glad! And you're welcome! 7y
monalyisha Alice Hoffman IS the queen. Love her! 😍 7y
35 likes2 comments
review
AllenTStClair
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

This is now my new favorite Alice Hoffman book. Poetic, sad, hopeful, magical. The way she mixes the logical with the illogical, the certain with the uncertain, the decisive with fate...it's nothing short of breathtaking. Pages 158-159 are my favorite lines of writing ever. A definite must!

Ubookquitous She's a favorite of mine, although I've not read this one 7y
AllenTStClair @Ubookquitous I would definitely recommend it. 7y
minkyb I am smiling that this book provided you with a wonderful reading experience. It is the best feeling. 7y
See All 6 Comments
Jerdencon I have this on my kindle.... need to get to it! 7y
AllenTStClair @minkyb It was one of those "can't put down, feel like your soul is ripped apart" beautiful stories! So, thanks! 7y
AllenTStClair @Jerdencon Definitely! Let me know if you like it, too! 7y
71 likes9 stack adds6 comments
quote
AllenTStClair
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

I love this paragraph.

PenguinInFlight She's one of my favorites. I love her writing. 💜 7y
AllenTStClair @PenguinInFlight I adore her style. 7y
Bloomingjen I love her 7y
AllenTStClair @Bloomingjen As one should! 😍 7y
73 likes3 stack adds4 comments
blurb
AllenTStClair
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

My next book. Hopefully I fall into this one quicker than I did my last. Of course, Alice Hoffman is usually a solid bet for storytelling.

Mdargusch I have not read any of her books so I will have to check her out. 7y
AllenTStClair @Mdargusch The Red Garden is my absolute favorite. Highly recommend! (edited) 7y
Mtroiano This is in my TBR. Can't wait to hear what you think! 7y
See All 6 Comments
AllenTStClair @Mtroiano I'll be sure to let you know! 7y
AllenTStClair @Mtroiano Finished tonight. It's an absolute must in my opinion. Sooooooo good! 7y
Mtroiano Thank you! 7y
74 likes2 stack adds6 comments
blurb
aeeklund
Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

Cold shoulder. (I'll see myself out.) This is a book on my #TBR and the #ice pack designed for shoulders that I've used since my fall earlier this month.

#sizzlinsummerbooks

blurb
Avanders
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

Day 15 of #sizzlinsummerbooks - #ice ! I had all kinds of snow books, but it took me a while to find the icy one 😉 @Tiffy_Reads

review
specklife
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Mehso-so

Classic Hoffman, yet it just didn't draw me in until the very end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️

review
lauren.lerner
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

I wasn't quite sure what to expect but in the end, I absolutely loved this modern fairy tale. • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

blurb
lauren.lerner
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

After a break for some yoga, jumping back into the #readathon with my new favorite author, Alice Hoffman. #shesseriouslythebest #teamAlice #ihavetwomoreofherbooksdownloadedonmykindletoo #incaseineedmoreAlice #basicallyitsemergencyAliceHoffman #becauseineverleavethehousewithoutmykindle #evenwheniminthemidstofreadinghardcopybooks • On a related note, this #springcleaningreadathon is just what I needed to work through my #libraryhaul pile. 👀📚🙌🏻

blurb
Loreen
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

I don't know what it is about this book, but I've bought this one about 3, possibly 4 times over the years. #dontrememberbuyingthis #aprilbookshowers

40 likes2 stack adds
blurb
Mimi28
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

#libraryhaul I was feeling much better thanks for all of the well wishes. My energy level has been in negative numbers for weeks now. I went to Walmart with my mom and had only walked 4 blocks, and was ok. Then I drank some orange juice and had a pasta salad and was just getting a groove back when IRL people got to me so I practically ran to the library just to be around books- glorious books!! Now my side is killing me again. Cats and books yep!!

blurb
SoniaC
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

It was a bit of a slow reading month but all in all not bad.

Reviewsbylola You did great! 🎉 7y
SoniaC @Reviewsbylola thank you. 7y
39 likes2 comments
blurb
Loreen
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image

Right now I have one copy of this book, but between the years 2005-2010 I bought this book during May of every year even though I still had the first copy. I always ended up returning the book. And after I read it I didn't like it that much. So, I've bought #multiplecopies, but kept only one! #seasonsreadings2016 @RealLifeReading

review
Romanticskeptic
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
Pickpick

Hoffman's work is always delicious. This book is no exception.

review
Nebklvr
The Ice Queen | Alice Hoffman
post image
Bailedbailed

Nope. Can not do it..

TrishB I've read a few by Hoffman and enjoyed them, but not read this one. 7y
Leelee.reads Why did you bail? I'm not familiar with this title but I enjoyed The Marriage of Opposites. 7y
Nebklvr @Leelee.reads Didn't like the character and couldn't find a plot...just bored. I will try a different one of hers though. Probably just a mismatch 7y
ItsAnotherJen I love this author! Sometimes you have to be in the right mood for her. 7y
Nebklvr @JenFowler I should have picked up one of her others... 7y
17 likes1 stack add5 comments