In a world coated in ice, the various Strongholds must do what they can to survive: trading goods with Pathfinders, hunting on the treacherous ice while avoiding Leviathans, and absolutely no singing. This proves to be harder for Ash whose only connection to his missing parents is a lullaby they used to sing to him. One day his urge to sing overwhelms him, and he and the rest of the Fira community realize he is a Song Weaver, one who can communicate with the deadly Leviathans living outside of their walls. Ash’s newfound abilities leave him exiled from his Stronghold, and he finds a place on the Frostheart, a ship full of fantastic characters that Ash hopes will help him to find his parents. 

I was inspired to read this book after the many many praises that Gavin (@gavgav7) has given to the entire series. And I am absolutely hooked! The icy world-building in this narrative is just so sophisticated. Made up of Strongholds with their own cultures and societal rules, the world is vibrant through Littler’s attention to detail. Not to mention the book’s author and illustrator are one and the same. The illustrations are gorgeous and plentiful. I loved that I was able to see the setting and events exactly as the author imagined them as he created the story. The characters are so lovable that I immediately became invested in the many perilous adventures they go on and, while Ash is our main character and his storyline is compelling, I am also very much looking forward to the growth and personal development of his friends aboard the Frostheart.

I enjoyed this book immensely as an adult, and I think you can enjoy this read at any age. Specifically, I can easily imagine middle grade readers seeing Ash as a relatable character. His internalized insecurities – and his simple wish to be accepted by his peers – are things many of us deal with, especially during our middle grade years. If you are an adult, I recommend you read this book. If you are a parent, aunt/uncle, older sibling, or grandparent, I recommend you buy this as a lovely present for a younger reader who I guarantee will love this title.