Ice Apprentices

by Jacob North

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Pub Date 29 Jan 2025 | Archive Date 8 Feb 2025

Simon and Schuster UK Children's | Simon & Schuster Children's UK

Children's Fiction | Middle Grade | OwnVoices

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Description

A frozen world, mighty monsters and spellbinding magic. Journey to the very edge of the world in this BREATHTAKING fantasy trilogy.
Perfect for fans of Skandar and Philip Pullman . . .

“The Ice Apprentices is an extraordinary fantasy debut.” A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series

‘Spine-tingling monsters, unlikely friendships and a hero to root for from page one. North's debut is bursting with adventure and vivid characterisation.’ Fran Gibbons, author of A Clock of Stars

Tundra is the last settlement in a world of ice. Oswin Fields is its only stray, rescued from the Endless Expanse. So, when he's summoned to the school for ice apprentices, he sets out to prove his worth.
But all isn’t as it seems in this enchanted place. When the beasts begin to strike, Oswin has to risk everything he holds dear. Can he look deep within himself to find the strength to prove that he belongs?

Praise for the Ice Apprentices:
‘An enchanting debut, sparkling with adventure and magic.’ Natasha Hastings, author of The Miraculous Sweetmakers

‘Take me to Tundra! Jacob North has created a sparkling triumph of a world, with a hero readers will want to be best friends with. I loved it.’ Rachel Morrisroe, author of Felix and the Future Agency

‘I loved the Ice Apprentices, it is a thrilling adventure. The cast of characters leap off the page and pull you into a world rich in magic, monsters and the ever-present threat of the icy world they inhabit. Oswin is brave, curious and seeks to uncover the mysteries of his own past and the skills he has been born with. Such an exciting novel, I am excited to keep reading and can’t wait for the next book!’ Nazima Pathan, author of Dream Hunters
‘It has all the ingredients of a perfect middle grade fantasy – epic magic, brilliant monsters and a completely unforgettable new hero. Jacob’s a really exciting new writer and as soon as I finished the book I wanted to read more.’ Zohra Nabi, author of The Kingdom over the Sea
‘Chills and thrills in this fantasy epic that brims with frosty magic! We're in great hands with Oswin: fantasy's most exciting new hero.’ Alex Foulkes, author of Rules for Vampires

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Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781398533936
PRICE	£7.99 (GBP)
PAGES	352

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Additional Information

Average rating from 5 members

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Featured Reviews

Educator 1030049

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.

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Nicola W, Reviewer

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!

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Lottie S, Reviewer

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.