Ice Apprentices - by Jacob North (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Oswin Fields, a foundling in the icy settlement of Tundra, must prove his worth as a new magic apprentice while battling monsters and confronting a dark legacy tied to his infamous adopted uncle"--

Book Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Skandar and Wilderlore, this "chilling page-turner" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) follows a magical apprentice in a land of ice and snow who must uncover why strange monsters are attacking his fellow apprentices...or else suffer the tragic consequences.

Tundra is the last settlement in a world of ice. Oswin Fields is its only stray--a foundling rescued from the ice who many think is a drain on scarce resources meant for Tundrans. Then Oswin is summoned to Corridor by Grandmaster Yarrow to learn magic, finally giving him a chance to prove his worth.

But Oswin barely has time to embrace his new role before his fellow apprentices start being attacked by monsters. Perhaps even worse, he learns his deceased adopted uncle is considered the most infamous Tundran to ever have lived and might have left followers behind who want to destroy the settlement.

Now grappling with an unwanted legacy and mysterious foes, Oswin must look deep inside himself for the strength to prove he belongs in Tundra.

Review Quotes

As a stray, or outsider, living in Tundra--the last human community in a world of ice and snow-- transgender 13-year-old Oswin Fields faces "resentment no one has dealt with since the Great Freeze" and is considered a drain on resources best left for native Tundrans. Nevertheless, he's invited to study magic in Corridor, an institution in which ice apprentices train to protect Tundra and ensure the community's survival. There, Oswin discovers that his uncle was an infamous traitor. Worse still, there's no mercy for strays at the already dangerous school, which is beset by bizarre monster attacks shortly after Oswin's arrival. Tentatively befriending gender-fluid gadgeteer Maury Craftwright and prickly, privileged Ennastasia Barkmoth, Oswin attempts to unravel the mysteries surrounding Corridor, the attacks, and his own shadowed heritage, including why a disembodied voice keeps commanding him to "steal the ghost." Gritty atmospheric prose by debut author North renders inventive elemental magic alongside Tundra's lore and challenging living conditions, for strays and natives alike. The easy and much-needed camaraderie Oswin finds among the memorable characters, who are described as having varying skin tones, adds heart to this chilling page-turner. Ages 8-12. Agent: Silvia Molteni, Peters Fraser + Dunlop Literary. (Feb.)--Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW "1/27/2025"

In a world of unforgiving ice and cold, Tundra is the only place of stability in a struggling universe. Oswin Fields--a stray from the outside--has been summoned into this community for an apprenticeship at Corridor, the renowned academy of magic. Just as he begins to make inroads among the school's pupils and lessons, magical monsters begin attacking, taking a toll on the student population. Who's behind this upheaval, and will the young magicians be able to overcome these additional challenges to their survival? This first book of a new trilogy by debut author North has all the makings of a popular academic fantasy, combining mystery, monsters, and magic threaded with machinations. The frenemies relationship between Oswin and Ennastasia injects an interesting dynamic to the unfolding events, as they and the other students emerge as a force to be reckoned with. Additionally, the fast-paced writing gives an inventive nod to Norse influences, which adds depth. A tale of survival that will have middle-grade readers on the edge of their seats awaiting the next installment. --Booklist "02/01/2025"

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. VERDICT This first book in a new series is distinct and enjoyable for its worldbuilding, and is for fans of magic academy tales and mystery.-Janet S. Thompson--School Library Journal "1/1/25"

In the icy land of Tundra, an outcast with a mysterious past enrolls at a school for ice apprentices, where he seeks the truth about his family, fights to prove his worth, and confronts the monstrous dangers threatening the school.

Day after day, white transgender boy Oswin Fields toils away, planting splinters (which grow into logs) and harvesting logs for his harsh and humorless adoptive mother, Lullia. But that's all a stray like him deserves, or so he's always been told. Strays are treated as worthless burdens on the true Tundrans, who struggle for survival in their frigid homeland. Oswin expected to spend his whole life working in the fields until the grandmaster of Corridor, a school that teaches Tundrans skills of survival and magic, requests his attendance. Although Oswin is thrilled to join the ice apprentices and reunite with his adoptive brother, the stakes are high--the other students don't like him, his adoptive family has a dubious legacy, he must pass his exams or be expelled, and monsters from beyond the Tundra are attacking the school. Fantastical mystery, suspenseful intrigue, and looming danger abound in this debut. Oswin, who's an endearingly quirky and insatiably inquisitive protagonist, has a health condition resembling asthma and is cued as neurodivergent. The characters in the world around Oswin reflect diversity in skin tones, gender identity, and disability. A cliffhanger ending sets up an enticing hook for future installments.

An immersive and page-turning adventure. (map) (Fantasy. 8-12)

--Kirkus "1/15/2025"

About the Author

Jacob North was born in South England and grew up with a longing for magical adventures that centered LGBT+ characters. When he's not butchering the Dutch language or holding out for a snowy winter, he's crafting whimsical worlds with characters who happen to be diverse.