Voyage of the Frostheart

September 1, 2019
Exiled from his home among the Fira people, young Ash braves the wild Snow Sea and the ferocious Leviathans in pursuit of his long-lost parents. Ash's status as a Song Weaver rouses fear and dread throughout the Fira Stronghold, where rumors of the potentially destructive power of Song Weaving abound. After all, a Song Weaver can communicate with the deadly Leviathans, making them vulnerable to the loathsome creatures' influence. When an aggressive Leviathan assault forces the Frostheart, a massive sleigh crewed by traders known as Pathfinders, to take momentary refuge in the Fira Stronghold, Ash spots an opportunity to embark on his quest. Accompanied by his stoic guardian, a powerful yeti named Tobu, the young Song Weaver joins the Frostheart's peculiar crew, including a feisty, walruslike captain named Nuk, a bold, young Drifter named Lunah, and a mysterious archeomek expert named Shaard. Full of intriguing worldbuilding details, as well as a cast of memorable, enchanting characters, Littler's saga offers oodles of thrilling moments of danger interspersed with an acute understanding of heartfelt storytelling. The inclusion of striking illustrations, which heighten reader immersion, further delineates each character's charm. (Ash is depicted with pale skin; some others have darker skin.) Equipped with a song left to guide him along the way, Ash uncovers secrets about his parents and powers in equal measure while new friends and foes--human-kin and Leviathan alike--join him on his adventure. The enthralling dawn of an unmissable voyage. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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September 16, 2019
In this frosty fantasy debut, a young man with a forbidden ability sets forth across a frozen world to unfurl the mystery behind his parents’ disappearance and find a place where he can be accepted. Growing up in the remote Stronghold of the reclusive Fira people, Ash has always been an outsider because of his desire to sing; when he reveals his ability to communicate with the monsters dwelling in the snowy wastes, he’s dubbed a Song Weaver and exiled, accompanied by his yeti guardian Tobu. Luckily, he finds passage aboard the Frostheart, a great sleigh crewed by misfits and oddballs such as Captain Nuk, a walrus, and Shaard, an enigmatic scholar. As the Frostheart makes its perilous passage between Strongholds in an ever-deadly landscape, Ash’s new friends repeatedly risk life and limb as things continually go wrong, and their only hope is for Ash to master his powers. Littler’s world is vivid and evocative, filled with bizarre creatures, lost technology, and dark secrets, as well as colorful characters. Ash’s journey of self-discovery and maturation is satisfying, while the underlying sense of mystery and excitement keeps the story moving forward. Littler’s interior spot illustrations depict the scenes with a gentle energy that further brings his vision to life. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jodie Hodges, United Agents.

October 1, 2019

Gr 4-7-In a future world where climate change has wrought its worst, Ash lives in a frozen society that prohibits music-specifically singing, which is kind of a problem when you're a Song Weaver. Banished from his wintry home after he breaks into song (even though it saves the lives of everyone on the traveling sleigh Frostheart), Ash joins its crew in a quest for his long-lost parents and the fabled city of the Song Weavers. On the way, he learns that people don't have to be blood relatives to be your family. The downside? Others want to control him, and his gift, to take over the world. Illustrator Littler has created a tale filled with adventure, humor, and unusual characters: talking yetis, anyone? But it's the appealing graphic novel-style artwork that makes this fast-paced story stand out and helps readers visualize the strange creatures and places described. The first round of evildoers is dealt with by story's end, but the main quest is unfulfilled, leaving it wide open for future installments. VERDICT Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school readers.-Elizabeth Friend, Wester Middle School, TX

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