Ice Apprentices

Gr 3-7–In a world where seeds come from metal and trees are grown from splinters, amidst ice, monsters, and an Endless Expanse, Ice Apprentices are trained to use magic. They learn to sustain their community called Tundra, a haven within a frozen world where no one can survive beyond this enclave. Oswin, 13, is amazed that he, a stray and a drain on the slim resources reserved for legitimate inhabitants, is invited to study at Corridor. He has never been told about the types of magic, the possibilities of this world, or the evil his surname represents. North has put students in a stunning and unforgiving world that is vastly different than Hogwarts but uses recognizable tropes. Oswin is a clueless but relentless questioner who will stop at nothing to gain the truth. Because he doesn’t understand the politics of her station, he befriends Ennastasia, an entitled girl who is both privileged and burdened by her family’s position. Their pursuit of explanations for strange occurrences reveals more mysteries as Ennastasia and Oswin attempt to save themselves and their classmates.