Beyond the Frozen Horizon

Beyond the Frozen Horizon by Nicola Penfold

The earth is thriving – with wilderness status protecting land and wildlife, and scientific organisations researching new ways to support human life sustainably. Rory’s mum is a geologist on one of these projects, and Rory is beyond excited to join her on a work trip to the Arctic. But the project isn’t all that it seems, and Rory soon learns what’s at stake for the people and animals that live there…
Read this as an adult , before passing on to an 11 year old . We enjoyed the discussion which was about the many subjects the book covered . The relationship between a working mother and son , the environment , climate change and growing up in an ever changing world.
A perfect book for children and a great introduction for modern day problems.

This was a quick and easy read that was completely gripping right from the start and engaging all the way through. It was an atmospheric and descriptive read that was thrilling. It was an incredibly evocative and powerful read with such an important message. A great book for children.

Nicola Penfold's story telling is brilliantly evocative. Each book so far has a strong environmental message and Beyond the Frozen North is no exception. Set in 2030, during a time where there are strict Global Climate Laws and areas of the world have become designated wilderness zones and only the few can take an aeroplane and low impact living is compulsory, Beyond the Frozen North once again is a glorious opportunity for Nicola to demonstrate her understanding of the Climate Crisis and share this with readers of all ages.
In Beyond the Frozen North, we join Rory, on an adventure of a life time, as she accompanies her mum, an environmental geologist to the Svalbard archipelago where Rory's mum has to  write a report on Greenlight demonstrating that their extraction of rare earth elements won't impact on the designated wilderness zones.
There is a darkness within the pages of this story; both in terms of Penfold's thoughtful consideration of the future to come if the Climate Crisis is not impacted on now and as we venture with Rory we, the reader, discover that all is not what it seems in Pyramiden.
Penfold always teaches the reader something too. Explaining why icebergs look blue and that whales carbon sponges as well as sharing the existance of the Svalbard seed vault.
This is another thought provoking, conversation starter of a book.
A truly stupendous 5 star read
Thank you to Little Tiger and NetGalley for early access to this incredible book.

In the year 2030, world leaders pledged a coordinated and unprecedented response to the Climate Crisis. There are strict Global Climate Laws. Low impact living is no longer optional – it has to be compulsory if the world has any chance of recovery. Large areas of the Earth have been made into designated World Wilderness Zones that will act as wildlife refuges and absorb carbon. One of these zones is the High Arctic.

Rory’s mum is an environmental geologist. When she gets a new job with Greenlight, a company aiming to extract rare earth metals from the Arctic using special bacteria, they are given the chance of a lifetime – to travel to the Svalbard archipelago. Mum must write a report about the impact of the company’s plan while Rory is keen to avoid the loneliness of trying to fit in at school and see the northern animals she’s always dreamed of.

In the High Arctic Wilderness Zone, it’s essential visitors only. The animal population is finally increasing but it won’t take long before the wilderness isn’t really wild anymore. Every time a new person arrives, the natural balance is in greater danger. Local people in the town of Pyramiden are very suspicious of the intruders working with Greenlight. Old mining families, they know what can happen when everything goes wrong and can see the impact of Greenlight’s plans on the people, animals and the land. As truth is revealed, Rory tries to make friends with the local children and takes it upon herself to investigate their claims about the company. She wants to help and bring peace to the ghosts of the past.

Nicola Penfold’s understanding of the Climate Crisis and the human response to it is stunning. Even when the world is approaching the point of no return and people are forced to change their way of life, selfishness and a lack of respect for the wilderness take control. It seems that humans will never learn. Despite this bleak dystopian outlook, Rory proves that “Perhaps a child understands better than any of us.” She sees the impact of wrong choices and fights to prevent further damage that could last thousands of years.

The setting of this gripping story is a true celebration of the wild north. The land of bears, ice and lights, the description of its beauty is compelling. Having grown-up in Canada where winters get extremely cold, I shivered along with Rory. I recognised the shock of the cold air in her lungs, the heart-breaking power of a starry sky on an icy night and the majesty of the aurora borealis. Rory is desperate to see Arctic animals: seals, whales, reindeer, foxes, and the mighty polar bear. These animals are treated with the greatest respect and portrayed with realistic danger. They are as important as the humans who make their home there and their presence is the yard stick by which any environmental impact is measured.

Beyond the Frozen Horizon is a lesson for us all. Humans must change their ways. We must look beyond our own needs and think about impact on the world as a whole. The High Arctic is precious and something that can never be replicated if we allow it to disappear. Rory experiences this first hand and takes her readers on a high stakes adventure that will leave them thinking about their place and impact on the world for a very long time.

**I was so pleased to see the Svalbard Seed Vault mentioned when Rory and her mother first arrive in Norway. This is an incredible project – absolutely huge in its undertaking – that will have an impact years into the future. I have included an article about the Millennium Seed Bank in the UK and the Svalbard Seed Vault in my Years 5-6 Non-fiction book in the Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series.

Thank you to Little Tiger and NetGalleyUK for an early copy of this incredible book! It will be published 1.9.22

Nicola Penfold has written an exciting and highly educational novel for YA adults and older primary readers. Rory and her mum journey to the Arctic circle where her mum is employed to carry out research on the feasibility of mineral extraction in a designated reserve. Rory befriends the local community whilst learning about life in the area and the impact on the wildlife . As the story progresses, a growing understanding that all is not as it seems .A slow burner of a novel which builds up and pulls the reader in to Rory’s awareness that the need for local and indigenous communities to preserve their lives against the voice and manipulation of big business. The reader will learn so much as well as being gripped by the storyline . Highly recommended.

Beyond the frozen horizon was a beautiful story about friendship, trust and doing what’s right. I loved the makings of Rory’s character and seeing the way she grows and develops throughout the story was such a pleasure to read. The scenery in the book and the underlying themes of bravery and discovery can really open the eyes of the reader and relate to these characters.

I would definitely recommend this for children to read, there are some very strong morals that can be learnt for this book.

I love Nicola Penfold's work, and this did not disappoint. Beyond the Frozen Horizon transports us to a future where the north of Norway (and other parts of the world) have been declared Protected Wilderness, to help save nature and support species to thrive without human intervention. However, Greenlight Company, part of the new wave of Green commercial companies, is investigating extracting minerals from the far north. But is everything as it seems?

This is a thrilling read, intertwining ghost stories with reality (and Nicola cleverly draws upon the trend of unsettling stories set in the far North) but getting young people to consider the Eco future, and what that might look like, good and bad. There are universal themes of friendship, loneliness and courage which will resonate with all. All in all, a cracking read.

Beyond the frozen horizon by Nicola Penfold.

Thank you Netgallery UK for a ARC for an unbiased review.

Although a children's book, this was easily one others could read. It is set in the future, where Environmental practices have eased the impact of climate change.The story revolves around Rory, and his mum going out to Svelbard for his mother's job on environmental impact. Even early on, a line stood out for me, about though environmental protections have worked, standards are reduced over time, as greed and wanting to work around restrictions grows.

It was a tale that didn't feel as if it was lecturing at all, but highlights an important issue in ways that made it extremely accessible.
What I particularly enjoyed was the premise was written in such a way, that the intrigue and mystery was nicely balanced with hope, with action, with family. It was a lovely, well rounded book.
I'd not only say if you need a great children's book, this is one to include, if you're an adult and have a copy, don't be put off reading it either. I would certainly would buy it for kids in our family and tell the adults to read it as well.
I have no hesitation in saying this book is 5/5 stars ✨️

Wow! What a beautiful magical read. I was glued, a world described to perfection. I yearn to go. My goodness the author works her magic and weaves a beautiful tale. This is a story for all ages, I absolutely adored it. A tale of a Geologist and her daughter traveling on a scientific expedition. I am going to buy every book by this author, I love how she writes. Thank you Netgalley, what an amazing way to fill my day!

And Nicola has done it again, another dystopian future that feels so very realistic and possible.
I am so thankful to #Netgalley for the preview ebook.
Rory travels with her mum to the North. Her mum works for a green company who have found a clean way to remove rare minerals that are necessary for batteries, etc.... But if all as it seems?
From the start you get the impression that even though this is a future where climate laws have helped reclaim wild areas.... There are still those with the means to bypass such laws. Is Greenlight one of these companies?

The North is different and who is it that is watching Rory? Get ready for some spooky encounters too!

Looking forward to getting a copy for the school library!

Beyond the frozen horizon
By Nicola Penfold
Published by Little Tiger Press

A futurist view of what might be just over the horizon for us if we don’t take note and make some serious environmental changes. The earth, land and wildlife are protected thanks to the scientific organisations researching new ways to support human life sustainably. A geologist and her son Rory are beyond excited to join a mining project and take a trip to the Arctic. But thanks to some smart investigations uncovering that the project isn't all that it appears. Rory learns what's at stake for the people, the wildlife and the future and it is his responsibility to prove this so changes can be made.

A powerful story of hope, mixed with action and intrigue giving a glimpse into the future, a world where we need to take action to protect our fragile planet.

This gripping adventure story is both a warning telling us what might happen to threaten nature. Along side a celebration, but only if we all work together, proving that every single person’s behaviour is both important and necessary.

Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of books
#Netgallery
#littletigerpress

Set in the not too distant future, Nicola Penfold has imagined a world where certain parts of the planter are conservation areas to enable to world to heal.
Flights do not happen. Many people live a vegan lifestyle. Nature is protected.
Rory and her mum (a climate scientist) travel by plane and boat to Svalbard and further north to enable the mum to check that the mining for precious metals and minerals will be acceptable and non-invasive to this conservation area. The accommodation is bleak and the few children in the area shun Rory as a threat to their area and lifestyle.
This is a thought-provoking book about our impact on the planet, and how everyone has a significant role to play to ensure that individuals and big corporations do not destroy our world.

This book was enjoyed by me (55) and my son (12)

Is a very interesting book which had many elements in which were unexpected. Rory and her mam are going in an adventure to the Artic upon discovery the trip is now what it seems and the local inhabits don't seem very happy for them to be here. Rory encounters some scary things as well. There a very important element of climate through this book.

Beyond the Frozen Horizon is a wonderful ecological adventure - beautifully evocative with a fantastic cast of characters and, as always, an important yet lightly told message about the necessity of caring for our precious environment. I read it in one go and loved it. I'm looking forward to being able to buy it for my niece and nephew when it's out in September!

It’s the future and various parts of the planet have been reclaimed as Wilderness Zones. People have been relocated and travel is limited. So when Rory is offered the chance to accompany her mother on a work trip to the Arctic, she’s excited. They take planes and boats and see the world from the air and the sea, but when they get there – to Svalbard and the mining town of Pyramiden – the excitement is replaced with a deep uneasiness. Rory’s mother, Laura, is there to write a due-diligence report about the area’s suitability for mining the rare earths required for green energy, but the small resident community is far from welcoming. It’s suspicious of the mining company, Greenlight, resentful of the intrusion, fearful of the consequences. They make their disgust known, and even Rory is shunned by the handful of children who play in the square and run through the corridors of their strange Soviet-style lodgings. Rory feels quite alone – literally out in the cold – missing her father and confused by the hostility. But she is soothed by a presence in her room: an apparition (that’s all I’ll say about that as I don't want to give spoilers). As the days pass, Rory begins to attract the interest of the children and an encounter with a polar bear brings her closer to a boy called Mikkal, who opens up to her about why they hate the visitors. She learns of what Mikkal’s family endured at the hands of previous mining companies, and then, on hearing that the reindeer are dying of some unknown cause, probably linked to Greenlight’s activities, Rory is propelled to make a decision: should she do what’s right and risk getting her mother in deep water, or do nothing and risk seeing the people and animals of the frozen north suffer? And so begins a dog-sled trek across the ever-darkening winter land to find out what Greenlight is really up to.

I cannot do the plot justice in a handful of words. It’s rich and interesting, packed with whales and wonder, fluffy animals and fascinating real-life facts – for Pyramiden is a real place, empty and with a tragic history (but here it is creatively re-imagined by Nicola Penfold as an isolated and detached community that never got relocated). The overarching themes are hard-hitting and cold as ice, unflinching and desperately important. It’s not the first middle-grade book to look at climate change, but it’s one of the few that depicts the real problem we face in fighting it: the persistence of human greed. Big business and greenwashing might be difficult concepts to deliver in a children’s book, but she tackles this brilliantly. Penfold doesn’t talk down to children, but instead builds an understanding of it by weaving the stories of the Greenlight’s employees and the local community through Rory’s adventure. As a result, we see the impact of the past and how clearly how it might always threaten to repeat itself in one way or another if we aren’t vigilant. Truly, this is about the fragility of the state of conservation, and how we must rely on the clear thinking of the next generation, unpolluted by corporate ambition and financial bribes, to follow the right path.

Plot and themes aside, the characters are tremendous – the personalities shine through their dialogue and mannerisms. As for the worldbuilding, Penfold constructs the frozen north with colours and temperatures of sky, sea and land; it’s exciting, chilling. I could feel the cold, smell the sharpness of the night, sense the presence of a polar bear. And there is an air of eeriness, too. There’s a reference to the spooky novel, Dark Matter by Michelle Paver at the beginning, and indeed, this has a touch of the supernatural, although it’s not frightening. Rather, it’s tender. Which reflects this story itself. Beneath the cold winds and apparent iciness of the locals, there is a softness and warmth to be found. Something that can’t be drilled down to but released by listening, understanding and connecting.

I feel as if I haven’t written this review very well. It comes across as monochrome and stark. But really that’s just the environment. Within the pages of you’ll find a colourful story that’s brilliantly crafted and shaped with passion; a love-letter to the world. Beyond the Frozen Horizon is a stunning book for environmentalists and explorers, animal lovers, adventurers and humanists. It is important and compelling; a great children's story and a call for real action, with a little sprinkle of magic.

Beyond the Frozen Horizon feels like a slightly different tone to Nicola’s previous books and introduces us to the Earth in the year 2030 where the world is thriving.

Rory’s mum is an environmental geologist on a scientific project researching new ways to support human life sustainably. He’s excited to join her on the work trip but soon discovers what’s at stake for the humans and animals that live there.

There’s a great dynamic of mother and son, looking at the environment and climate change in a world that is constantly changing.

This is a great book that really should have a place in all school libraries. Such an important topic and one that many children are already much more adept at talking about than adults.

It’s such a stunning book, full of beautiful imagery and a strong message for readers of all ages, to respect the world we are in, both a thrilling and thought-provoking story, and one that of we take action now then we could have hope for the future of our world.

Beyond the Frozen Horizon feels like a departure from Nicola Penfold’s usual style. Environmental awareness and the fragility of nature are certainly prevalent themes, but rather than being set in a dystopian future, this tale is set against the backdrop of a world where nature is thriving. Although there are certainly many environmental challenges, the overall tone feels more hopeful. I was gripped from the first page to the last by this story. I loved everything about it - the characterisation, the mystery and intrigue, and the idea of a future world where nature take precedent over human desire. I will certainly recommend this to my Year 6 readers. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

A beautiful book and a powerful story of hope - a glimpse into a brighter future, a world where we have taken action to protect our fragile planet.

It’s 2030 and the Climate Crisis has hit the world at full force. New ‘Climate Laws’ have been laid out, completely banning the extraction & burning of fossil fuels and the production of single-use plastics, whilst heavily reducing the consumption of meat and dairy across the globe. World Wilderness Zones were established, acting as safe havens for wildlife - areas of conservation and rewilding.

The world has finally come together to stop destroying ecosystems and to protect what little is left of the natural world. But, as Rory discovers, all is not as it seems…

Rory’s Mum, an environmental geologist, is bringing her along on a 6 week long work trip to Svalbard in the Arctic. Her Mum has just landed a new job with a sustainable energy company called Greenlight, and is carrying out research on the rare earth materials found in one of the Wilderness Zones in Pyramiden.

They arrive to find a community of Sami people still living in the abandoned houses, refusing to leave the land they love and care for.

After befriending some of the local children, Rory learns that the island’s Reindeer are dying and that Greenlight are not at all as sustainable as they claim to be…

Beyond The Frozen Horizon is an absolutely beautiful introduction to so many important and relevant topics such as greenwashing, the exploitation of nature, the climate crisis & the importance of indigenous communities. Although quite heavy topics, Penfold incorporates them into the story in an exciting way, making it the perfect adventure read for kids.

It reminded me a lot of Islands Of Abandonment by Cal Flyn, as if it got written into a fiction book.

I highly recommend this to anyone with little ones in their life - or, if you’re like me and love cosying up with a light hearted children's book every now and then. I know I’ll be saving this one for if I ever have children of my own.

Thank you to NetGalley & Little Tiger for sending me this review copy - I loved it!

This is a truly lovely ecological tale of Rory and her geologist Mother and their adventure to the Arctic which has become an environmentally protected zone.


It concerns massive global environmental issues and much smaller personal themes such as loneliness and how to find your own way in the world, and I have to say the author has given both themes equal importance.


Rory follows her mother to the Arctic to escape her loneliness after her best friend moves away. She finds her problems have followed her there too as she again finds herself alone. I thought the paradoxical relationship between Rory and her mother was wonderfully written. Rory desperately wants to spend time with her mother but at times feels her smothering her. Her sadness over her parents separation, although not explicitly discussed, hangs over her like a dark shadow.


I liked Rory, she was intuitive and her compassion for the panet and it's animals was admirable. I did however struggle with the chapter when Rory ventured passed the allowed boundaries in town alone and unarmed in spite of many warnings about polar bears. It did not ring true to me that a girl who had researched and cared so much for the local wildlife would risk a bear getting shot (if it approached her) on a whim.


The author did a wonderfully job of describing the landscape, I could vividly picture the epic icy wonderland which was also tinged with the sad emptiness of a previous tragedy.


The story was interesting if a little generic (big bad corporation vs locals)and I loved the supernatural element to the tale.


The book had a very important message but told in an entertaining way for younger readers.


My favourite quote "Perhaps a child understands better than any of us" will ring true for any young reader with an interest in protecting our planet.


Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.

This is an excellent book because it talks about the environmental crisi in way that can be understood by children but it can also help adults.
I liked the style of writing and the well plotted story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is another wonderful addition to Nicola Penfolds catalogue of novels.
Great storyline & well written characters,
I wouldn’t limit this as a children’s novel, I’d recommend this to everyone.