Voyage of the Frostheart

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.

Narrator Joshua McGuire lends his voice to the motley crew of a giant sleigh in this immersive fantasy adventure. Banished from his community for his forbidden song-weaving abilities, young Ash and his yeti guardian, Tobu, are taken aboard the Frostheart, a huge sleigh crewed by a colorful group of explorers. As the Frostheart journeys across the monster-filled tundra, Ash strives to master his song-weaving and uncovers clues leading to his missing parents. McGuire excels at vocal characterization, using both accents and intonation to create distinct voices for everyone Ash encounters--from gruff Tobu to a good-natured walrus named Captain Nuk. During the thrilling action sequences, McGuire keeps the pacing tight and suspenseful. Rapt listeners will be left eagerly awaiting the next audiobook in this engrossing series. R.A.H. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine