Ice Apprentices: A breathtaking new children's fantasy series: Volume 1

By Author / Illustrator
Jacob North
Genre
Fantasy
Age range(s)
9+
Publisher
Simon & Schuster Children's Books
ISBN
9781398533936
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
30-01-2025
Synopsis
A frozen world, mighty monsters and spellbinding magic. Journey to the very edge of the world in this BREATHTAKING fantasy trilogy. Perfect for fans of Skandar and Philip Pullman . . . "The Ice Apprentices is an extraordinary fantasy debut." A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series.
Tundra is the last settlement in a world of ice. Oswin Fields is its only stray, rescued from the Endless Expanse. So, when he's summoned to the school for ice apprentices, he sets out to prove his worth.
But all isn't as it seems in this enchanted place. When the beasts begin to strike, Oswin has to risk everything he holds dear. Can he look deep within himself to find the strength to prove that he belongs?
Praise for Ice Apprentices: 'An enchanting debut, sparkling with adventure and magic.' Natasha Hastings, author of The Miraculous Sweetmakers. 'Spine-tingling monsters, unlikely friendships and a hero to root for from page one. North's debut is bursting with adventure and vivid characterisation.' Fran Gibbons, author of A Clock of Stars. 'Take me to Tundra! Jacob North has created a sparkling triumph of a world, with a hero readers will want to be best friends with. I loved it.' Rachel Morrisroe, author of Felix and the Future Agency. 'Chills and thrills in this fantasy epic that brims with frosty magic! We're in great hands with Oswin: fantasy's most exciting new hero.' Alex Foulkes, author of Rules for Vampires.
Reviews
Hayley
Ice Apprentices by Jacon North is an epic magical debut set in the fantasy world of Tundra. This enchanted place with is memorable hero will ignite many children's passion for reading.
We are first introduced to Tundra - the world of Ice - through the eyes of a foundling called Oswin Fields. Oswin is a stray and he is found by the Tundrans and placed under the guardianship of Lullia - who shows a pure resentment of his existence, making his life hard. When Oswin is reunited with his brother, life seems to take a positive turn, as Oswin has been summoned to the school for ice apprentices, Corridor. Although strays like Oswin are not usually allowed into the school, the Grandmaster Yarrow has requested his presence.
Oswin decides that this is his best chance to prove his worth. However, he has barely had time to immerse himself into his new role when he discovers that his fellow apprentices are being attacked by monsters. When the beasts begin to strike, Oswin learns about an unwanted legacy and must find strength within to prove that his heart lies in Tundra and that he belongs there.
I love this book because the characters are so diverse and unique that they literally leap out of the page and pull you into a world of magic and mystery. Oswin's pure curiosity to uncover his own past and unleash the skills he has been born with is captivating and he is a truly unforgettable hero. Children will love this exciting new world and it would be an excellent class read for Upper KS2.
352 pages / Reviewed by Hayley Summerfield, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 9+
Jenny
Prepare to be whisked away this Winter to the bitterly cold Tundra and the harshest winds, ice and snow. Surviving life is tough and requires the inhabitants of the settlements there to stand together, using skills, stamina and (more importantly) ice magic, to make it through the big Freeze.
At Corridor, the School for Ice Apprentices, stray foundling Oswin Fields has his chance to become an ice apprentice and be part of the next generation who will ensure life can go in in the Tundra. As a 'stray', however, Oswin is despised, discriminated against and treated like an unwanted outcast by many. A blossoming but fiery friendship with fellow apprentice Ennastasia (from the legendary Barkmoth Tundra family) gives Oswin a burgeoning sense of belonging and self confidence and so, when monsters and beasts strike at the ice school and its students, Oswin is determined to help save this new found community and prove his worth.
Ice Apprentices is a frosty fantasy adventure with the most modern, magical cast of characters; diversity and differences are to be celebrated and admired here as amidst the apprentices is a range of genders, relationships and individual choices.
The feisty friendships in the storyline and heartwarming exchanges cut through the icy, frozen surroundings, engaging and entertaining the reader. A brilliant plot that builds in tension - icy chills, dramatic gasps and heartfelt humour!
352 pages / Reviewed by Jennifer Caddick, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 9+