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

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+

Ice Apprentices is about Oswin who is a young boy who had been abandoned by his biological parents. Oswin thought he had made a friend named Anastasia but she thought she was better than everyone because she was born a Barkmouth.

My favourite part is when Oswin and Anastasia challenged each other on who is the most stealthy. When Anastasia was hiding, a three leg monster came out, scaring them. As Anastasia had a spell book she fought the monster, who ran away from them and they never saw the monster again.

In my opinion the book is targeted at children aged 9-12 years old. There are lots of new words which make the vocabulary in the book very interesting. I thought the book was very insightful. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to expand their vocabulary whilst reading a book which is engaging.

352 pages

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Oswin Fields is a stray; he was saved from the Endless Expanse in the frozen world of Tundra. At the age of 14 he is summoned to Corridor, a school where he is to be trained as an ice apprentice. As a stray, Oswin is aware that he will never be considered a proper Tundran and so feels himself to be an outsider and finds it hard to fit in.

Soon after he arrives at Corridor, the school is plagued with attacks from dangerous beasts. Oswin, along with his fellow students, is drawn into a terrifying adventure as they attempt to find out what is behind these frightening events.

Ice Apprentices is an engaging and exciting story about finding your place in an unfamiliar world. It is full of intriguing characters, some of whom are transgender or gender fluid, or disabled. The author cleverly does not make a huge issue out of this, it is simply a part of who the character is, and each individual is accepted by their peers without question.

Oswin is brave, funny and curious about everything; scared of heights and with poorly functioning lungs, he throws himself into life at Corridor and becomes the perfect hero. He has never had a real friend and attempts to befriend Ennastasia Barkmoth, a member of an important Tundran family. Their developing relationship is one of the chief joys of this novel, and I was rooting for Oswin to break through Ennastasia's icy reserve!

As the story progresses, we are thrown into an icy world full of fearsome monsters, carnivorous roots and a new form of magic. The author introduces some quite complicated concepts which may be a little complicated for the younger reader, but are nonetheless interesting.

The Epilogue to the book is brilliantly clever - we are given a teasing insight into who was responsible for some of the strange occurrences we have read about and are also given hints as to what we can expect in book 2. I look forward to meeting Oswin and his friends again and can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced adventure story with a twist.

352 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Where do I begin? Ice Apprentices didn't fully capture my attention from the start but when I got into it, it was definitely worth it!

It included many twists and turns and secrets were revealed about otherwise unacknowledged characters. There is a prologue and an epilogue (the epilogue ended on a cliffhanger and enticed me to read the next book, even though it's not out yet) which are expertly written, props off to Jacob North. I guarantee all who read this whirlwind of a book will immediately fall in love with its unique style!

Suggested Reading Age 9+

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+