Reviews and Awards
Reviews and Awards for Ice
Reviews and Awards for Into the Wild
Reviews and Awards for Out of the Wild
* * *
"Durst flawlessly weaves together romance, adventure, and a modern sensibility to create a highly inventive and suspenseful story of a girl on the cusp of adulthood. Readers will take Cassie and Bear to their hearts."
-- School Library Journal (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst skillfully integrates a contemporary girl into an updated version of the tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon, balancing the magical with the modern... [Cassie's] quest for self-worth, independence, maturity and love, is twisty, absorbing and satisfying."
-- Publishers Weekly (Read full review)
* * *
"Told in a descriptive style that perfectly captures the changing settings, Durst's novel is a page-turner that readers who enjoy adventure mixed with fairy-tale romance will find hard to put down."
-- Booklist (Read full review)
* * *
"This slipstream novel unites tropes of fantasy, science fiction and adventure by including nods to Asbjornsen/Moe and Perrault tales and scientific research and plunging a courageous but reckless teen heroine into the Arctic wilderness... Comes to a resolution that will satisfy romantic teens."
-- Kirkus
* * *
"This beautifully drawn tale captured me in a realm of wonders!"
-- Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author of Bloodhound (Beka Cooper)
* * *
"I loved this deeply romantic story."
-- Juliet Marillier, author of Wildwood Dancing
* * *
"ICE is a beautiful and shivery tale of sacrifice and love. Highly recommended, and just in time for the winter season."
-- Becca Fitzpatrick, New York Times bestselling author of Hush, Hush
* * *
"I read it at once. And it is awesome. The bear is no mere enchanted prince, a la Beast, but something much more interesting. Her take on trolls, too, is very different from the traditional tale, and has a great pay-off. Sarah Beth Durst has folded an amazing amount of research on the frozen Northern world into this tale. The level of detail into the environment is absolutely to my taste."
-- Laini Taylor, author of Lips Touch Three Times and Silksinger (Read full review)
* * *
"In creativity and charm, there are few books that equal ICE. The storyline and quality of writing give it a timeless appeal. Readers will adore the charismatic, modern characters and the way the old fairy tale fits in with the new."
-- TeenReads (Read full review)
* * *
"Full of action and romance, ICE is sure to delight fans of all ages who enjoy curling up with a good fairy tale."
-- Sarah Bean, TeensReadToo (Read full review)
* * *
*ALAN's Picks February 2010* "Sarah Beth Durst's book is a well-written account of eighteen-year-old Cassie Dasent's journey into the discovery of who she really is and where her family really comes from. Durst's book is a fast read that is enjoyable for any reader, especially seventh graders and up."
-- ALAN: Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst is an amazing writer and her control of the story allows you to step into the story and believe for all 308 pages."
-- Gayle Surrette, SFRevu (Read full review)
* * *
"Highly recommended, this novel is a magnificent swirl of romance, ice crystals and warm fur. Perfect to curl up with in front of a roaring fire."
-- Kids Lit (Read full review)
* * *
"Make sure to break out your winter coat because you are in for one epic Arctic adventure! Sarah Beth Durst has woven a magical narrative that will sweep you away across frozen lands, complete with ice castles, blistering winds, enchanting creatures and one courageous young woman! ICE was a beautiful, engrossing tale of impossible love and sacrifice that drew me in right from the very first page."
-- The Book Butterfly (Read full review)
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst weaves a tale of magic grounded in reality, strange but radiant love, intense emotion, drama, and one heck of an epic adventure. Her writing is so natural that the fairy tale underneath her plot is nearly indistinguishable from her seamless additions. The fascinating characters -- particularly Cassie and Bear -- resided in a perfectly gorgeous Arctic setting that complimented the characters and story so impossibly well. ICE has really set itself apart, not just from retellings, but from all love stories as well. I loved it."
-- Reading Rocks (Read full review)
* * *
"What was it that gripped me about this book? EVERYTHING! This book will keep you on your toes!"
-- Squeaky Books (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE blends together reality and fantasy in a way that left me breathless... The richness in detail both real and fantastic, the strong heroine who runs to save her love, the supporting cast who brought both humor and terror to the story, the amazing ending that ties everything together in an unexpected way -- I highly recommend ICE to any fairy-tale fanatics."
-- The Epic Rat (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst wove a beautiful and magical story with great characters and a perfect setting which readers will be sure to love. So get ready for an astonishing journey that reaches to the ends of the earth that will have you begging for more."
-- Fantastic Book Review (Read full review)
* * *
"Stirring in its beauty, captivating with its romance and action, Ice is a tale that will have you believe in magic and love. I was swept up as Cassie crossed the ends of the Earth, and so will readers."
-- Bri Meets Books (Read full review)
* * *
"I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK. It had everything I wanted from a book of its kind: a feisty female protagonist, epic adventures, luscious writing, and the kind of romance that stops hearts and makes you remember why romance exists in the world."
-- Steph Su Reads (Read full review)
* * *
"I was amazed by this story. It was one of the most beautiful tales I've read in a long time--a wonderful fairy tale. The writing was not only beautiful but the plot was intriguing that I had to keep reading and didn't want to put the book down."
-- Who, What, When, Where, Why (Read full review)
* * *
"Cassie's a smart, likable, capable heroine in the true style of Tamora Pierce's heroines... The re-telling of 'East of the Sun and West of the Moon' is wonderfully re-imagined and seamless."
-- Read What You Know (Read full review)
* * *
"Cassie is a kick-ass girl, and she gets to show her grit when this thoughtful story turns into an epic survival adventure in the frozen north."
-- Bib-Laura-Graphy (Read full review)
* * *
"It's a fantastic and compelling read. Cassie is a strong, capable, and witty heroine and one that readers can look up to and root for."
-- Book Chic (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE is a novel whose prologue, all of two pages long, seized me in its firm grip and pulled me all the way through to its swift, fulfilling end...It has my wholehearted recommendation!"
-- A Fort Made of Books (Read full review)
* * *
"Cassie's journey to the troll castle was filled with interesting characters and dangerous events... Durst does a nice job making this story fresh and new. Her take on the trolls was particularly inventive and just darned cool."
-- Oops... Wrong Cookie (Read full review)
* * *
"This is a beautiful story. It shows what one would do for the ones that they love. I read this and then reread it because I just didn't want it to end. I found the characters believable in a magical and beautiful setting of the great white north. Put this book on your must read list it really is that good."
-- Lyra Rose (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst's has this freshness and compelling quality that just sucks a reader in.... In Cassie, she creates a really kick ass heroine that any girl can relate to."
-- Ticket to Anywhere (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE was an magical, adventurous, and lovely fairy tale. From Cassie's trek through the icy Arctic, to running through a magical forest where all the trees want to stop her from escaping, or a magical palace made of ice, Ice sure takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure."
-- Pop Culture Junkie (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE tells the story of a strong, smart, young woman, as she struggles to figure out the world around her, and Cassie is a heroine well-worth the trek across the Arctic ice."
-- BookGeeks (Read full review)
* * *
"I highly recommend this book, it's lovely, and such an great page turner."
-- Once Upon a Bookcase (Read full review)
* * *
"Her words capture the danger, the excitement, and the exhilaration of adventure and true love, making for a spectacular, unusual read you will never want to finish. I simply adored this book, and cannot wait for Durst's next one."
-- The Compulsive Reader (Read full review)
* * *
"The book is also fiercely romantic, strangely real and not without moral purpose, read in the context of a frightening modern world facing the extinction of polar bears."
-- My Fluttering Heart (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst is a talented storyteller, weaving a vibrant and beautiful tale of fantasy, love, and family."
-- SciFiChick.com (Read full review)
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst took a unique spin on the classic tale and truely made it feel like something new, but familiar all at the same time."
-- The Tainted Poet (Read full review)
* * *
"Cassie's dedication to polar bears is a brilliant fire beneath the story and Ms. Durst's depiction of the rigors and hazards of research was a fascinating component of the story."
-- Supernatural Fairy Tales (Read full review)
* * *
"I would absolutley suggest ICE to anyone. It's highly original and sets itself apart from every other YA title out there, and it leaves you with that nice feeling in the pit of your stomach all fairy tales should."
-- Opinionated? Me? (Read full review)
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst's lyrical tale is enchanting, an icy miracle from start to finish."
-- Mrs. Magoo Reads (Read full review)
* * *
"Fans of fairy tale retellings and supernatural romances won't want to miss ICE. It's an engaging blend of modern science and magical fairy tale, with a memorable setting. ICE is the perfect book to sweep the reader away on a cold winter's night."
-- Jen Robinson's Book Page (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE was a magical and spellbinding novel from the very first page to the last."
-- Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf (Read full review)
* * *
"The shift from gritty Arctic realism to the dazzling magic of the Polar Bear king's palace is just perfectly handled... I loved how fierce and strong she [Cassie] was, and this book was just a joy to read. Really, really fun and recommended!"
-- Stephanie Burgis, author of A Most Improper Magick (Read full review)
* * *
"Have a cup of steaming hot chocolate and curl up in your couch with ICE. You will be captivated by it within minutes."
-- Read This Book (Read full review)
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst's adaptation of the Scandinavian fairytale East of the Sun and West of the Moon has the power to enchant faster than you can say Aurora Borealis. What starts out as a dangerous journey to save Cassie's mother, quickly turns into something more surprising in an achingly beautiful story of hope, love and loss."
-- Total Sci-Fi (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE is a unique, enchanting and beautifully written tale of science, magic and love colliding to form an utterly magical story that will stay with me for a very long time."
-- So Many Books, So Little Time (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE by Sarah Beth Durst did everything right... I grew to love every single character especially Cassie!"
-- Litter Box... Scoop Daily (Read full review)
* * *
"I'd recommend ICE to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings in general, but also to anyone who's looking to try the genre for the first time. It's one of the best."
-- I was a teenage book geek (Read full review)
* * *
"I love retellings of fairy tales, and this one's a honey. It would have to be frozen honey, though -- there's more snow in this book than you'll find anywhere but in a biography of Admiral Peary."
-- Kate Coombs, author of The Runaway Princess (Read full review)
* * *
"It is a great book with magic, mystery, excitement, action, romance and a talking polar bear. What more could you ask for?"
-- Young & Un:Bound (Read full review)
* * *
"This one of a beast and his beauty about knocked my socks off….no I take that back I was so cold reading through all the snow and ice I needed my toasty socks on... this was a fabulous absolutely wonderful fantasy story."
-- TinasBookReviews (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE is a magical, compelling story that is perfect for reading in the middle of a snow-filled winter. It draws you in to Cassie's world, and takes you on a journey through an Arctic different to how you or I have ever imagined it."
-- Wondrous Reads (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE by Sarah Beth Durst was pure bliss. Paranormal romance at its best."
-- Rhiannon Hart on The Book Smugglers (Read full review)
* * *
"5 of 5 stars. Wow. This book has been the most creative book I've ever read. More outside of the box, beyond compare. I've never read a fairytale so convincingly unique and attractive in all aspects. The writing was gorgeous, the characters so colorful, and intriguing the plot completely out of the books."
-- Design Comma (Read full review)
* * *
"Sarah's fairy tale is beautifully written and visually inspiring, throughout the book we are taken on a whirlwind adventure across the arctic north, through the Boreal Forest and farther to the ends of the earth. Cassie's determination to find The Polar Bear King after he is captured is heart wrenching and exciting all at once, a never ending fight to reach her destination her journey is much like that of Homer's Odysseus."
-- A Simple Love of Reading (Read full review)
* * *
"Cassie is a fierce heroine who practically jumps off the page. She's smart, brave, and resourceful. She isn't always likable, but she's always dynamic. She strikes bargains, takes death-defying risks, tells lies, tricks people, and never gives up. In YA fantasy, there have been a lot of passive heroines lately. This is NOT one of them."
-- Fantasy Literature (Read full review)
* * *
"I have three words for you: Must Read Now."
-- Denise Madness Reviews (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE is a fun sweet fairy tale that had me smiling."
-- Teens Read and Write (Read full review)
* * *
"Read this great retelling of an old, classic Scandinavian fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon for a fun, light read this winter. The cold outside will definitely place you in the right mood for this tale. Adventure, fairy tale, fantasy, and romance are all rolled in to this read. Enjoy!"
-- Busy Bookworm Blogger (Read full review)
* * *
"A story that is opposite of a prince saving his princess as a girl goes out to save her true love. Such a good read and it really should get onto one of the top 'Gotta read this' list."
-- Emma's Book Corner (Read full review)
* * *
"Lovely, magical, romantic... Cassie and Bear are one of the most chemistry filled couples that I have ever had the pleasure to read about. They are realistic, sweet, fire and ice, and I loved every minute of their time together. Durst is an amazing storyteller who fills the novel with so many realistic details that I actually forgot I was reading half the time."
-- The Neverending Shelf (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE is a novel that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you breathless."
-- The Sweet Bonjour (Read full review)
* * *
"I thought this was a fantastic adaptation of the Norwegian fairytale 'East of the Sun and West of the Moon'. She successfully brought the story into a modern setting while creating a world full of beauty and magic."
-- A Book Dork (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE is a beautifully written thrill ride with in a well-crafted world of fantasy and wonder."
-- Sophistikatied Reviews (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE was a magical tale that captures your imagination and holds it from the beginning to the end."
-- Dreaming of Books (Read full review)
* * *
"This romance adventure fantasy is an interesting and intriguing mix that delivers a fast-paced read."
-- The Goddess of YA Literature (Read full review)
* * *
"I really adored reading ICE and look forward to reading more books by Durst. So far, this has probably been one of my favorite books, teen or otherwise, in the past couple of seasons."
-- A Backwards Story (Read full review)
* * *
"The writing was wonderful, the characters loveable and believable."
-- Reading the Best of the Best (Read full review)
* * *
"What a captivating, magical tale! I loved it! Ice was a truly unique story that was vastly different from anything I've read in a very long time. It was a perfect 'bed time' story, full of adventure, romance, and wonderfully unusual characters."
-- Lost In Literature (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE is an excellent story, period. It definitely doesn't rely on previous knowledge of East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon to be enjoyed. It's a flat out fantasy adventure story, that turns a few tropes on their heads, with a dash of romance for good measure. Highly recommended."
-- Bookish Blather (Read full review)
* * *
"ICE is a beautiful tale combining science, fantasy, and romance into something I can only call brilliant... Durst’s amazing creativity and skill at structuring this story make ICE one of the most unique and original fairy tales out there."
-- The Book Muncher (Read full review)
* * *
"Beautifully woven, this fairy tale retold has been done splendidly... Durst's gorgeous descriptions in this story weave a beautiful, magical fantasy world that is so neatly juxtaposed with the stark reality of Cassie's scientific modern life. Excellently done!"
-- Provo City Library (Read full review
* * *
"My verdict - FASCINATING."
-- Book Journal (Read full review)
* * *
"The story grabs you and pulls you in. It was so different from anything I've ever read. And the concept of munaqsri will be imprinted in your mind, leave you pondering about them long after you finish the book."
-- MandyCanRead (Read full review)
* * *
"Beautiful writing and a beautiful story. A wonderfully romantic tale of True Love you would go past the ends of the earth for."
-- Sonder Books (Read full review)
* * *
"So whether you are a fan of fantasy or not, I really think you should give ICE a try. It's a fast paced adventure that will keeping you turning the pages into the night."
-- A Few Good Books (Read full review)
* * *
"I LOVED this book! It is a magical, beautiful tale of love, sacrifice, honor and hope."
-- My Book Summary (Read full review)
* * *
"Ice is a wonderful tale of sacrifice and devotion. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the beautiful world of the Arctic and enchanted by magical castles and talking bears. For those of you that enjoy a romantic, fantastical read, this is your book."
-- Reading Addict (Read full review)
* * *
"Out of all the books I've read this year, I think this has been my favourite. Kick-ass female character? Check. Incredible setting I just wanted to sink right into? Check. Engrossing, believable, beautiful romance? Double-check."
-- Nerd Girl Reads & Writes (Read full review)
Available now from Simon & Schuster / Margaret K. McElderry Books
Buy from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Powell's Books,
or your local independent bookseller
Order UK edition
View more information
Read the first two chapters
US ISBN: 978-1-41698-643-0
UK ISBN: 978-1-84738-657-1
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is VERY cool, with a unique look at the great fairytale characters. I couldn't put it down until I knew how this brave, extraordinary girl could face such powerful magic!"
-- Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author of Terrier (Beka Cooper) and The Will of the Empress
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst's INTO THE WILD is fabulous in the oldest, truest, and best sense of the word, harking back to fables, wonder, and magic unleashed. It's bold, sassy, and utterly engaging. I can't wait to see what she does next!"
-- Bruce Coville, author of The Unicorn Chronicles and Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher
* * *
"INTO THE WILD's fairy-tale characters are fascinating, and Julie is everything one could want in a heroine -- she's intelligent, practical, determined and brave; at once more ordinary and more extraordinary than she herself thinks she is. I'll be keeping an eye out for more work from Sarah Beth Durst."
-- Patricia C. Wrede, author of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst kept me reading because she's so inventive with her take on fairy tales' relevance to our world... The fun of INTO THE WILD is in recognizing the iconic figures from fairy tales and seeing them in this new light that Durst has provided for us. You'll breeze through this book and you'll have a fine time while doing so."
-- Charles de Lint, author of Wolf Moon and Blue Girl, in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction
(Read full review - It's the second review of three in the Books To Look For column.)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is an entertaining, introspective, clever remixing of traditional fairy tales with a Labyrinth edge and a self-aware sensibility, and it signals a strong debut from Sarah Beth Durst."
-- Michael Jones, Realms of Fantasy Magazine (Read full review)
* * *
"Deeper than most rewritten fairy tales, this existential story is chunked with big ideas about the fairy-tale genre, yet the story is lightened with touches that will connect with its audience."
-- Kirkus (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst takes readers on a grand adventure involving candy houses and ogres, providing plenty of opportunities to watch for favorite fairy-tale characters and chances to spy traditional story traps before Julie becomes caught up in them... Julie's imaginative quest and the presence of some mainstream names (Cinderella, Snow White) will [keep young readers'] attention and, perhaps, send them back to the shelves in search of additional stories, or those they may have forgotten they knew and loved once upon a time."
-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (Read full review)
* * *
"There have been many fairy tale related books lately, but don't overlook this one. The personalities of the characters are fresh and fun and the story is original... INTO THE WILD is fast moving and fun as the characters pull together to defeat the Wild while trying not to get trapped in any of its stories."
-- Alyson Del Vecchio, Baker & Taylor's CATS Meow Newsletter (Read full review)
* * *
"The story is peppered with sly allusions, and Julie is an appealingly reluctant heroine, one whose goodness and bravery come with plenty of wry, contemporary sarcasm."
-- Booklist (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is a creative romp through the fairy tale genre, highlighting the strength of the female characters whose stories we all know so well."
-- Kliatt (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst pulls you in on page one and takes you on a wild adventure that's in parts hilariously funny, seriously thoughtful, depressing, and still filled with love, hope, and family. She plays on our knowledge of the standard fairy tales and turns them upside down and inside out."
-- Gayle Surrette, SFRevu (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is an amazing, wild, romp of an adventure... What really sets it apart is that Durst truly gets - and truly conveys to the reader - the darkness in the old fairy tales, not only the obvious darkness of having to dance in red-hot iron shoes, but the darkness of happily ever after."
-- Sheila Ruth, Wands and Worlds (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst reads between the lines of our favorite fairy tales to unearth the truth that lies within. It is a refreshing escape from our stereotypes. It is entertaining, funny, suspenseful and moving."
-- Mikaila Baca-Dorion, Worcester Magazine (Read full review)
* * *
"I found myself chapter by chapter enmeshed in a tale of free will, the very definition of happiness, self-sacrifice, and out-and-out good storytelling... Durst has a style entirely of her own that bears watching. Consider this an intense debut."
-- Betsy Bird, School Library Journal blogger (A Fuse #8 Production), librarian (NYPL Donnell Children's Room), and 2007 Newbery Judge (Read full review)
* * *
"This is Durst's debut novel, a fantasy adventure both smart and, at times, irreverently funny. Best of all, Durst knows her fairy tales, even the minor ones, and she manages to embrace the darker elements of these tales while at the same time not scaring the pants off the junior high readers at which the novel is aimed."
-- Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is a fantastic story with a spunky main character and a fast-paced plot. The author weaves all of the well-known fairy tales into her book with an ease and clarity that makes the reading of the book a delight. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fairy tales, or is just in need of a good story."
-- Miss Erin's Blog (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is a great pick for younger fantasy readers as well as for older fans of fairy tales and fairy tale re-tellings (especially fans of Fables and of Labyrinth). It's about family and friends, temptation, betrayal and redemption, love and sacrifice and trust. It's a coming of age story and, of course, a fairy tale. Fairy tale lovers will recognize both well-known and lesser-known stories, but it isn't at all necessary to be familiar with them all to enjoy the book. It's funny, sad, and, at moments, scary."
-- Leila Roy, Bookshelves of Doom (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is a terrific read. The fact that it lends itself to so many other stories children know is a plus. Kids who have wanted something new, yet something playful, will enjoy this one a lot."
-- Mel Odom, Blogcritics Magazine (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is a thoroughly imaginative debut novel. Rather than simply retelling stories we all know, Durst brings the stories to life, with real people, real settings, and real problems. Julie is a great protagonist, whose greatest strength, surprisingly, is that she is a normal girl... An excellent and absorbing read for reluctant readers, fantasy fans, or anyone really. This is sure to be a fit with most readers, and I eagerly await the next book, due out in June 2008."
-- Alyssa Feller, Young Adult Books Central (Read full review)
* * *
"This book is a great twisty ride through fairy tales... The writing here is straight-forward and welcoming. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of a modern teen into the frightening and often horrifying world of fairy tales... Julie is a wonderful heroine, filled with spunk, humor and angst. Her reluctance to be a hero is wonderfully portrayed as are all of the little fairy tale touches."
-- Tasha Saecker, Kids Lit (Read full review)
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst has written a quirky, heartwarming novel full of surprises, humor, and fairy tale characters aplenty... I really enjoyed every character, every imaginative depiction of their backstories in the Wild and out of it, and Julie is a feisty and determined protagonist. I love re-imagined fairy tales when they're done right, and this is a great one to add to my collection."
-- Sarah Stevenson, Readers' Rants (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is one of the most original fantasy books I've read in ages. These fairy tales aren't what you think they are. Rather than changing a fairy tale like is often done in books, Sarah Beth Durst takes every fairy tale you've ever heard and makes it real, and dangerous. And she does so brilliantly! I can't even find the words I'm really looking for to describe how amazing this book is. Run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore or library and get a copy today!"
-- Teen Book Review (Read full review)
* * *
"Who hasn't wished that they could live in a fairy tale? Marry the handsome Prince or Princess and live happily ever after? Sounds great to me. Except when "happily ever after" means repeating the same story, over and over, with no end, and no choices... INTO THE WILD is hilarious in parts, sad in parts, and surprisingly honest. A great book. I enjoyed it immensely!"
-- Carrie Spellman, TeensReadToo (Read full review)
* * *
"This was a fabulous book. I think I knew it would be; so many people have absolutely loved it. But it's hard to convey in a review how wonderfully clever it is, how enjoyable it is to read. Durst takes every single fairy tale character and uses them in new and unexpected ways, making the old stories come alive again. I loved the struggle for free will and how the Wild uses character's choices... I can't wait to read the sequel."
-- Book Nut (Read full review)
* * *
"One of YA's new classics... This novel is witty (at times, downright hilarious), full of references to all our favorite childhood stories, and also kind of heartbreaking."
-- YA New York (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is an entertaining read and an intriguing puzzle to crack."
-- Alexis Burling, KidsReads (Read full review)
* * *
"What I like best about the book is the way Julie is a real 12-year-old girl, albeit living in unusual circumstances. She isn't some sort of idealized fairy tale princess... But she's loyal to her family and to her best friend, and she's capable of making huge personal sacrifice for people she loves."
-- Jen Robinson, Jen Robinson's Book Page (Read full review)
* * *
"The author blends a variety of genres, and fairy tales in a intricate and engaging read... The novel, though entrenched in fantasy, offers up some very real messages and themes, and is so enjoyable, you'll hope the "ever after" never comes."
-- Bri Meets Books (Read full review)
* * *
"I loved everyone in this book. Sarah did a great job of expanding on the typical fairytale characters, but still keeping them true to their standards... I'd recommend this book to anyone, adult or child, that likes fairytales. Reading it was a very enjoyable experience."
-- Cassandra Richoux, Bookwyrm Chrysalis (Read full review)
* * *
"Why, o why, did I wait so long to read this book? It was fantastic, no phenomenal, just all around great. I got sucked into Julie's story by the end of the first sentence and couldn't tear myself away from the story. I loved how the author took a bunch of fairy tales and pulled them into the story and made them so exciting. I was so envious of Julie through the whole book that she got to go on this amazing adventure with fairy tale creatures and I didn't. The whole story just felt so real and I just couldn't get enough of it. For anyone who loves fairy tales this is a must read, or if you're just looking for an amazing book to read, run to your library or bookstore and pick up a copy of INTO THE WILD. You will not be disappointed in the least. Truly there aren't many words to describe this book, but I managed to find a few! Also the sequel, OUT OF THE WILD, hits stores June 19, and you know I will be first in line to go get a copy!!"
-- And Another Book Read (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD by Sarah Beth Durst combines realistic fiction with fantasy to come up with an extraordinary tale of fitting in and courage."
-- Debbie Shoulders, The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle
* * *
"I LOVE IT! It's one of the most rollicking good times I've had with a book in ages! And yet, the author also puts some really dark things under the microscope there--our assumptions about fairytale life, about family relationships, about finding our true paths... All with humor, magic, and jaw-dropping writing. Grab it in June! You're in for a wonderful, thought-provoking read!"
-- Tiffany Trent, author of Hallowmere
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst's debut, INTO THE WILD, is a sweet, fun book that turns everything you thought you knew about fairy tales on its ear. Join Rapunzel's daughter Julie on a quest to save the world from the Wild--the dark and dangerous woods-with-a-life-of-its-own that feeds off of fairy tales... and has escaped into Julie's hometown, turning mundane objects, buildings, and people into fairy tale versions of themselves. Brilliantly conceived and perfectly executed. Durst knows her landscape well. Brava!!"
-- Elizabeth C. Bunce, author of A Curse Dark as Gold (Read full review)
* * *
"I loved INTO THE WILD. It's so inventive, suspenseful, and action-packed. Julie is a wonderful character. I was so drawn in to the story, I got really emotional when she had to... [spoiler removed]. Also, the ending is so perfect! I'm so looking forward to the sequel."
-- Leslie Margolis, author of Fix and Price of Admission
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst brings a compelling new angle to the fairy tale genre, and does it in a manner that will draw in readers of all ages. Younger readers will find INTO THE WILD and OUT OF THE WILD an excellent introduction to the complexities of fairy tales, and older readers will enjoy this fresh new take on some very old ideas."
-- Navah Wolfe, Cabinet des Fees (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is a fun romp through classic fairy tales by a talented and brilliant author, Sarah Beth Durst... Full of adventure, excitement, and humor, INTO THE WILD is a book you'll want to read again and again!"
-- Bookworm Readers (Read full review)
* * *
"Fairy tale fans will love INTO THE WILD's unusual look at fairy tales from an outsider's perspective. This light-hearted fantasy-adventure will be familiar and new at the same time to most middle school readers."
-- Tandem Insights (Read full review)
* * *
"So, in case I hadn't mentioned it yet, INTO THE WILD just plain rocks. Like the best books for young readers, it works on many levels. It's fun and the characters are believable and engaging. It's also very original. As much as I love retold fairy tales, this isn't one of them. This is fairy tale land completely re-imagined - but with a great number of familiar characters. On top of all that you get all the nice layers that make for the kinds of "oh. oh! OH!" moments that come only when you re-read at age sixteen the book you loved at age eleven. It's one of those books that's both enjoyable and easy to read, but still makes you want to pick it apart into tiny pieces and then put in back together again."
-- The True Confessions of an Hourly Bookseller (Read full review)
* * *
"I just finished reading INTO THE WILD. What a creative, fun, and well-written book! Just looking at the other author raves all over the cover got me excited about it and the premise is just awesome. This is the most innovative twist on fairy tales I've seen in a long time."
-- Your Friendly Librarian (Read full review)
* * *
"I really enjoyed this book... It's modern, it's hip, and it's nostalgic. Who hasn't wanted to be the princess in a fairy tale? Who hasn't wanted their own Prince Charming? Sarah Beth Durst shows us the other side of the fairy tale coin. I look forward to any more works from her!"
-- The Reading Zone (Read full review)
* * *
"I almost cried while reading INTO THE WILD, not because of the plot, but because it was so good! It was such a wonder to find this book!"
-- Squeaky Books (Read full review)
* * *
"Ever have a strange occurence where you've judged a book by its cover, and it turned out to be a wonderful book? That was what INTO THE WILD was like for me. I love the cover! I love how creative it is--and I especially like the walking cat. You don't see too many walking cats on book covers now, do you? And the book proved to be as interesting and thought provoking as its cover."
-- Over My Head (Read full review)
* * *
"Once upon a time, fairy tale characters were the prisoners of a being called The Wild... Fans of the Grimm brothers and Hans Christian Andersen will enjoy this book, which references tales popular and obscure. It is the most recent of many young adult novels based on fairy tales, and is one of the best and least predictable."
-- Daphne Lee Mei Lin, The Places You Will Go (Read full review)
* * *
"The story of how Julie rescues her mother, and learns a little something extra about herself and her family, is beautifully told. The adventures are fast-paced and enthralling. The support characters are supportive (Julie's best friend, who valiantly blows her trumpet for hours to help Julie, and her "brother," Puss-in-Boots, are among the most memorable of these) and multi-dimensional. I highly recommend this book. My thoughts upon finishing it were, "Wow! I can't wait to read about Julie's next batch of adventures." I hope there will be a next batch of Julie adventures, because I like the characters, and I like Sarah's writing style."
-- Faith Stencel, ChaucerianGirl (Read full review)
* * *
"The cleverness of both Durst's story telling and her character Julie's actions, is in their breadth of knowledge about fairy tales. They know them all, and use each one to maximum impact."
-- April Erwin, Projecting A (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD was definitely one of the best and most unique books I have read recently, and one that I most recommend, especially for fans of fairytales or just fast and fun stories."
-- Book Muncher (Read full review)
* * *
"This novel is humorous, original, and a thrilling adventure -- definitely something everyone should read."
-- Book Chic (Read full review)
* * *
"I love Julie as the heroine of this story - she has a great mix of self-doubt, courage, and resourcefulness. I enjoy the dynamics between mothers and daughters in the story... Finally, I think there is a great message in this book, especially for younger readers: a great story awaits you, if you're brave enough to write it."
-- Paper Diet Books (Read full review)
* * *
"Ms. Durst's use of the stories is inventive and very smooth, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading not just the sequel but more of her work in the future."
-- Someone's Read It Already (Read full review)
* * *
"This tale is of family, love and friendship will have you on the edge of your seat the entire ride. It's imaginative and exquisitely done, especially when you look at how many different fairy tales are incorporated into this one tale."
-- Bethany Lutheran College Library (Read full review)
* * *
"I loved the way this story took every fairy tale convention and turned it on its head... This was a quick, fun, energetic story, and the characters were so compelling, I can't wait to read the sequel."
-- Lux Aeterna (Read full review)
* * *
"This book was gripping. Nearly every chapter had a cliffhanger ending. The plot is convincing, the intermixing with twists on traditional fairy-tales intriguing, and the characters well-drawn."
-- Books With Wings (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD was a very creative novel! I loved how different classic fairytale characters were given new personalities and included into this great plot! INTO THE WILD was a very fun and action-packed adventure that made for a very enjoyable read that I would recommend to all fantasy lovers!"
-- The Book Vault (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst's book is written in an easy to read, compelling style. It immediately catches your attention and makes you curious about Julie and her journey."
-- Estella's Revenge (Read full review)
* * *
"A charming and really well written story. I love that the characters were ambiguous."
-- My Mother Is a Fish (Read full review)
* * *
"INTO THE WILD is a great choice for anyone that enjoys a good fairy tale."
-- Karin's Book Nook (Read full review)
* * *
"This is more than just an ironic spoof of fairy tales. It is a full-blooded, warm-hearted, dramatically intense adventure across an entire genre of well-known stories, stories we may know a bit differently once we see them from the inside out."
-- A Fort Made of Books (Read full review)
* * *
"This book was fun and entertaining. The story was unique and remarkable; the views were insightful as readers could, for the first time, think about how fairytale characters might feel trapped in their own stories." -- Book Crumbs (Read full review)
* * *
"Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst is a wonderfully creative story that blends characters from today with characters from fairy-tales." -- Book Bloggin (Read full review)
* * *
"Funny, suspenseful and original." -- Libramom's Blog (Read full review)
* * *
"Really, really well done. I loved this. I'm a sucker for fairy-tale characters in new settings, but this one is above the cut." -- Biblio File (Read full review)
* * *
"Magical storytelling with a delightful modern twist, a heroine who is easy to love and a terrific cast of characters."
-- Bookfoolery and Babble (Read full review)
* * *
"A book equal parts fun and angst, pumpkin-colored cars and hard life-lessons wrapped in sugar." -- So Very Dark (Read full review)
* * *
"This book, in short, rocks!"
-- Mrs. Magoo Reads (Read full review)
Other Opinions...
"INTO THE WILD is full of lies! Lies, lies, lies! The portrayal of Goldilocks is particularly offensive. Just because I think it's important to look one's best does not mean I am self-absorbed and shallow." -- Goldilocks
* * *
"Please do not read INTO THE WILD. The truth about fairy tales must remain secret. Everything you and I hold dear depends upon it." -- Rapunzel
* * *
"Single male cat (orange with a penchant for fine clothing) seeks female feline companion. Must enjoy long conversations and chasing mice." -- Puss-in-Boots
Available now from Penguin Young Readers / Razorbill
Buy from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Powell's Books,
or your local independent bookseller
View more information
Read the first chapter
ISBN: 978-1-59514-185-9
"An enchanting romp full of adventure, humor and cleverness!"
-- Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of The Spiderwick Chronicles and Tithe
* * *
"An amazing, wild ride with very high stakes, and the fate of humans and fairytale people alike on the shoulders of one determined girl. This is even better than the first book!"
-- Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author of Terrier (Beka Cooper) and The Will of the Empress
* * *
"Head-spinning fun! Any book that mixes fire breathing dragons and Elvis Presley is a rare treat."
-- Michael Buckley, New York Times bestselling author of The Sisters Grimm series
* * *
"This is one of those rare occasions when the sequel is as good as the first book, if not better. Though, in my estimation, they make two halves of one story, and what a wonderfully entertaining story it is."
-- Charles de Lint, author of The Blue Girl and Widdershins, in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction (Read full review)
* * *
"This puzzle-like yarn seamlessly spans time and space, reality and fantasy. Fairy-tale-savvy readers will enjoy the inside jokes and be impressed by the overall intelligence of the writing."
-- Kirkus (Read full review)
* * *
"Clever and highly inventive, this sequel to INTO THE WILD is full of heart and depth as it re-imagines the old, familiar stories and breathes new life into the characters and tropes."
-- Michael Jones, Realms of Fantasy Magazine
* * *
"Expands on the theme [of INTO THE WILD] while providing plenty of humor and some roller-coaster (or magic carpet) thrills."
-- Carolyn Cushman, Locus Magazine
* * *
"Much more than just a wild adventure with a juvenile protagonist. There's a lot of serious issues amidst the wild ride of adventuring hero off to save the princess, the Wild trying to take over the world, and the fairy tale creatures trying to maintain the lives they've made for themselves OUT OF THE WILD. Julie is an amazingly strong character and I'm glad to have met her in these pages."
-- Gayle Surrette, SFRevu (Read full review)
* * *
"It is, pardon the pun, a wild ride, with lots of action and tons of fun fairy tale references... Durst's imagination has no restraints."
-- Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast (with TadMack of Finding Wonderland) (Read full review)
* * *
"I loved INTO THE WILD a whole lot, but you know what? OUT OF THE WILD was even better... I suspect this duo will turn a whole lot of kids on to old fairy tales, urban fantasy and the power of story in general."
-- Leila Roy, Bookshelves of Doom (Read full review)
* * *
"This is a fresh and fun sequel that's every bit as good as the original, maybe better. The plot is exciting, engrossing, and well-paced, with a dash of humor for good measure."
-- Sheila Ruth, Wands and Worlds (Read full review)
* * *
"OUT OF THE WILD is one of those incredibly rare sequels that is even better than the first book...What an accomplishment -- to create a complete tale and then create another book that makes the first even more complete and powerful.
Durst's books are very friendly, filled with humor, and will be enjoyed by many types of readers."
-- Tasha Saecker, Kids Lit (Read full review)
* * *
*Gold Star Award* "I loved this book [OUT OF THE WILD] even more than the last title, INTO THE WILD! This one is non-stop from page one. I felt almost breathless reading it! And nearly as exhausted at the end as I imagine Julie was. As unreal, and hilarious, as pretty much all of the situations are, you still feel like you're right there experiencing all of it."
-- Carrie Spellman, TeensReadToo (Read full review)
* * *
"The plot is lively and suspenseful, with a surprise twist that leads to a heartwarming, thought-provoking conclusion, giving us a great read that is magical on many levels."
-- Terry Miller Shannon, KidsReads (Read full review)
* * *
"Durst fractures fairy-tales in an inventive way and has penned two books that carry readers around an intriguing array of twists and turns."
-- Susan Fichtelberg, Encountering Enchantment (Read full review)
* * *
"A fun and fast-paced sequel to last summer's INTO THE WILD, Sarah Beth Durst's OUT OF THE WILD careens wildly through the countryside, turning the old stories onto their heads, and writing a new story -- about family, trust, hope, and the real business of 'happily ever after.'"
-- Readers' Rants (Read full review)
* * *
"While INTO THE WILD is a wonderful, brilliant idea in its own right, OUT OF THE WILD takes everything to a more complex, deeper, more fascinating (and scarier) level... The real enjoyment here is that it can be enjoyed on more than one level: there's some great adventure going on here (chasing a fire-breathing dragon on a flying bathmat, or being eaten by a wolf to name a couple) in addition to all the thought- and discussion-provoking issues. It's a perfect mix."
-- Book Nut (Read full review)
* * *
"With a colorful set of characters, an intriguing and well-written plot, and enchantment, fun, romance, and adventure, OUT OF THE WILD by Sarah Beth Durst, (the author of INTO THE WILD) has created yet another fantastic fantasy masterpiece."
-- Bookworm Readers (Read full review)
* * *
"I'm happy to report that OUT OF THE WILD is another tremendously fun, fairytale-filled book... As always, all of the fairytale allusions, from the well-known stories to the lesser-known ones, were wonderful. I would recommend these books to any lover of fairytales and adventure."
-- Miss Erin (Read full review)
* * *
"OUT OF THE WILD is a rollicking good read. Durst masterfully combines classical fairy tale images with modern moments."
-- Navah Wolfe, Cabinet des Fees (Read full review)
* * *
"There are a few books in my life that stick out in my mind as being 'wonderful' in the most basic sense of the word--filling me with wonder... On that short list I'd put Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub, A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle, and now... OUT OF THE WILD. It reminded me why I love fantasy -- its ability to transport me to a new world and shed light on our own. Plus, it's hilarious."
-- Jeri Smith-Ready, author of Wicked Game (Read full review)
* * *
"OUT OF THE WILD by Sarah Beth Durst is wildly outstanding. This twist of fairy tale people living in the modern world is clever, exciting and fun. If it's possible, OUT OF THE WILD was even better than the first book, INTO THE WILD. Readers of all ages will find these books as delicious as their favorite dessert. They're modern classics and deserving of big awards."
-- Linda Joy Singleston, author of Dead Girl Walking (Read full review)
* * *
"Reading this book is like being on the magic carpet with Julie -- a roller coaster ride of twists and turns and near-misses and surprises. With lots of laughs all the way."
-- Mary Lee at A Year of Reading (Read full review)
* * *
"I must say that I loved the first book but I think I loved this one even better. It is quite a fun novel with lots of fairy tale characters that we know ... The perfect combination of fun, action, and great characters!"
-- Franki at A Year of Reading (Read full review)
* * *
"OUT OF THE WILD by Sarah Beth Durst is even better than INTO THE WILD... Each chapter either had me laughing or clutching the pages in anxiety for Julie (and a certain other nameless person!)."
-- Look Books (Read full review)
* * *
"Fairy tales spring to life in unexpected ways in this charming tale geared toward the preteen audience. Julie provides a suitably strong female role as she confronts family secrets, copes with the trials of growing up and begins to realize what she is capable of."
-- Monsters and Critics (Read full review)
* * *
"I absolutely loved OUT OF THE WILD, which won't disappoint the fans of the series."
-- Mrs. Magoo Reads (Read full review)
* * *
"It's a fantastic read, and I heartily encourage you all to rush out and gobble it down."
-- Sabrina Banes, YA New York (Read full review)
* * *
"OUT OF THE WILD is simply amazing, and a perfect followup to INTO THE WILD... Durst has created a wonderful, original, and slightly darker twist on the classic fairy tale and it's great fun to follow Julie along in her quest to defeat the Wild."
-- Book Chic (Read full review)
* * *
"Sarah Beth Durst has woven another fun and fantastical tale in OUT OF THE WILD that was just as good, if not better, than its prequel INTO THE WILD."
-- Rachael Stein, Reader Views (Read full review)
* * *
"This is just as exciting and filled with adventure as the first one! People are turned into pumpkins, frogs, are returned to their fairy-tale fates, rescued from their fates all the while trying to outsmart dragons and villains and learning how to navigate a flying carpet. Oh yeah, there's magic carpets, beanstalks, castles in clouds, flying brooms and so much more!"
-- Bethany Lutheran College Library (Read full review)
* * *
"This was a wonderful book. I devoured it... The plot was beautiful and sweet, and the other characters-some new, some old-were fantastic."
-- Books With Wings (Read full review)
* * *
"OUT OF THE WILD is actually better than INTO THE WILD... OUT OF THE WILD is such an original novel." -- Book Gazing (Read full review)
* * *
"A must-read for anyone who loves fairy tales! These are going to become part of my read-every-year shelf."
-- Bluestocking (Read full review)
* * *
"I liked this one even better than the first. Such a great couple of books! Fairy tale fans need to check them out!" -- Biblio File (Read full review)
* * *
"Even better. That's what I have to say. Sarah Beth Durst took the Wild to a higher step in Out of the Wild." -- Book Crumbs (Read full review)
* * *
"Adventure, fantasy and romance all rolled together... Both books by Sarah Beth Durst are a fantastic and complex adventure woven into a world of fantasy and the modern headed by a spunky heroine who just won't give up." -- Tales from the Treehouse (Read full review)
* * *
"What treasures. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of both of these books." -- Simply Put (Read full review)
Available now from Penguin Young Readers / Razorbill
Buy from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Powell's Books,
or your local independent bookseller
View more information
Read the first chapter
ISBN-13: 978-1-59514-159-0
ISBN-10: 1-59514-159-6
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