This is an exciting children’s minster and magic adventure. A boy is taken, from being an outcast having been found in the outer expanses of the Tundra, to a school for ice apprentices. There he finds danger, new friends, excitement and a lot more about his family. Things he was not told about before he arrives. But Oswin Fields is bright and observant, with lots of questions continually springing into his mind, and he’s ready to overcome the difficulties and solve the puzzles thrown in his way. Thank you to Simon and Schuster UK Children’s and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Ice Apprentices is a refreshing and fast-paced adventure that centers on Oswin, a determined young boy with a dream of becoming an ice apprentice. What sets this book apart is how it handles Oswin’s identity—he’s a trans character, but the story isn’t about his experience being trans. Instead, it focuses on his experiences at Corridor (a magical school where you learn ice magic) bravery, curiosity, and ambition, which makes him an incredibly relatable protagonist.

The magic system is unique and exciting, offering a fresh take on the familiar "magic school" trope. The world-building feels new and intriguing, with a focus on the craft of ice magic.

The pacing is spot-on, keeping you engaged from start to finish. Oswin’s journey is one of growth, challenge, and self-discovery, and you’ll quickly find yourself rooting for him every step of the way. Ice Apprentices is a heartwarming reminder that all kids—no matter who they are—can have grand adventures.

Right away this was an exciting book full of little mysteries that needed solving. An unusual world encased in ice and snow, where even the animals are made of snow.
The characters themselves are diverse without it being made to be a big thing (ie the main character is a transboy, and there is another character who gender fluid. Neither of these things are made into a big deal, they don't cut into the story or feel forced in. It's just a case of that's who they are, which I love.)
All the characters are very different, with distinct personalities too.
The story had me completely hooked from start to finish and I cannot wait to read more in this series!

Poor Oswin! I felt really sorry for him the whole way through and then something happened that made him happy. Yay! AND THEN there was the epilogue and now I'm feeling sad for him again. This was a truly fantastic story and I really can't wait for the next 2 to answer all my questions (maybe not as many as Oswin would have!). This has everything: monsters, magic, friendships, secrets and bad choices. It was a page turner that I couldn't put down.

Talk about being hooked, I could not put this book down!

You very quickly grow attached to Oswin, and you’ll find yourself rooting for him at every turn. He has a lot to prove but he’s brave, inquisitive and determined to become an ice apprentice. Despite his disadvantage of being a much maligned ‘stray’, he is set on breaking out of his small town life working endlessly in timber, to become an asset to the Tundra.

It was a really well weaved story and I loved the plot itself, not to mention the great characters. It was great navigating this story world with Oswin, and his encounters with Ennastasia were always entertaining!

It’s set itself up so well as a series and after this one, I can’t wait to rejoin the adventure with Oswin again in the next one!