Trans boy Oswin leads this immersive and creatively imagined sequel set on a harsh ice world where magic holds the key to survival. This volume picks up as Oswin starts his second year as an Ice Apprentice, learning how to wield magic in order to survive in the frigid land and be a contributing member of society. He had never dreamed that as a stray, found as a child on the Endless Expanse of ice, he’d have such a chance, but his determination to prove himself is offset by deep doubts about his self-worth, after years of hearing that strays are just a drain on Tundran resources. He’s made some friends at the school, though (including one who is genderfluid), and his adopted older brother (an actual Tundran) is there to support him as well.
Dangers threaten the school from within and without, however, as the period of the Great Freeze approaches, monstrous trees threaten the school, and one master attacks another. The last leads to the uncompromising High Watcher Greyheart, who is in charge of all of Tundra, to take charge at the school. Greyheart institutes a harsh policy that kicks students out if they get too many demerits or fail their tests—and the next test that Oswin must face is also one of his greatest fears. But if he’s kicked out of the school, will he be able to work with his friends to piece together the clues they’ve discovered and halt the pending disaster?
Author Jacob North has created a compelling and original world that keeps the story from feeling like a tired rehash of the “magic school” trope. The magic system is wielded first and foremost to create needed resources and protect the community.
Oswin is an original protagonist, too, irrepressibly curious and questioning, with a quirky sense of humor, yet still struggling with his sense of worth. And Oswin’s classmate Ennestasia, who plays an important role, again gives us a nice twist on the “student from an important and wealthy family” trope which I won’t spoil, except to say her character is more nuanced than one might expect.
Notably, though, Oswin’s trans identity is a non-issue, as is the genderfluid identity of another student and the nonbinary identity of a professor. There’s a definite message about belonging here, but refreshingly, it doesn’t center around queer identities. At the same time, we do see how being trans impacts Oswin; he wears a binder, for example, and is envious of the stubble and lower voices that the other boys will soon experience. In this volume, though, he learns that there are magical treatments that can stop his body from changing and then shift it into the body he wants. North is careful to frame this as happening only “once everything had been talked through and triple-checked”—in line with real-world gender affirming care—and he also weaves in some advice about safe binder use. It feels both helpful for readers and authentic for the characters and setting.
Readers who liked the first volume should love the continuing adventures of Oswin and friends, as North continues their story and deepens the environment and politics of Tundra. Those who haven’t read the previous one are advised to do so first, however, so that the complexities of the plot make more sense.
The story wraps up well, but is clearly leading into a third volume. Make a warm beverage and curl up with this exciting and recommended tale.
Content warning: Parental emotional and physical abuse.
Oswin is White; Ennestasia is Black, but other students and teachers reflect a range of skin tones.
