Voyage of the Frostheart (Frostheart #1)

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. 

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. (Nov.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

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

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Voyage of the Frostheart

* The enthralling dawn of an unmissable voyage.—Kirkus, starred review

Littler's world is vivid and evocative, filled with bizarre creatures, lost technology, and dark secrets, as well as colorful characters.—Publishers Weekly

Ash's quest to accept himself is relatable, the journey across this freshly envisioned world is intriguing, and the fluid monochromatic illustrations animate the story with quirky hairdos but still leave plenty of room for readers' imaginations.—BCCB