Summer Reading Assignment Pt 1

This year for my summer reading assignment I read Midwinter Blood by Marcus Sedgwick. There is a remote island called Blessed where no one ages, and no children are born, this is where our stories take place. On this mysterious island seven stories unfold: the story of the archaeologist, an airman, a painter, a ghost, a vampire and that of a Viking King. They are stories of mystery, horror, tragedy and a love so powerful and passionate it shatters time. This is Midwinterblood.

There are seven stories but only a few main characters. There is Eric the protagonist throughout the book. Since the book is comprised of several different stories he doesn't have one specific goal other than to be reunited with his wife Merle. Although the book doesn't go into depth on his character he is seen as the kind King who will do what he needs to for his people. Merle along with Eric shows up several times and even has a story told from her point of view as she helps one of Eric's reincarnated selves as a young girl aiding an old man in his final hours. Merle is seen as the loving wife and Queen that any king could ask for. As always the antagonist in a story like this is someone who wants the power and life that the King has. That person in this story is Tor. Tor is the one tries to separate the lovers at every turn and it is he who they must escape from to really be happy.

Something that I really like is how the author uses small short stories to eventually come together as on large story. Another writer that does this is Isaac Asimov who wrote a short story in 1956 called The Last Question. Unlike Isaac, Marcus Sedgwick goes back in time with each new story instead of progressing toward an eventual conclusion.
That is all I have to say on the book for now. Other than that I do recommend it its a great read until next time.