The Snow Queen Audiobook By Joan D. Vinge cover art

The Snow Queen

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The Snow Queen

By: Joan D. Vinge
Narrated by: Ellen Archer
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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. Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction Royalty

Critic reviews

  • Hugo Award, Best Novel, 1981
Rich World-building • Complex Characters • Imaginative Story • Immersive Fantasy • Award-winning Novel
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First read this in 1982. As enchanting now 40 years later as it was then!!

Still Wonderful!

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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.

Startlingly good book

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

Couldn’t turn it off!

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

This is my favorite book series!!!

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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.

Input!

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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!

My absolute favorite book!

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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.

excellent reader, good at accents

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it was a good story once it started to make sense. It was definitely dated. It Was Written In 1980 and it had that feel about it. But it was good.

good read

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It's been 10 years Audible! Where is Summer Queen???? You need to do it with the same narrator too.

Where is Sumer queen?

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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 .

Best quote (out of context)

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