This breath-taking, thrilling debut totally enchanted me with its rich storytelling, incredible world-building, and compelling cast of characters led by orphans Maudie and Arthur. Arthur has to be only one of a handful of disabled characters that I have seen featured in children’s fiction, but interestingly it’s his lack of self-belief that is his weakness and challenge rather than his disability. Maudie’s inquisitive mind and her wondrous inventive spirit make for a remarkable heroine. At the heart of this story is the need for courage and bravery in the darkest of times as incredible bonds of friendship are forged in the most unexpected of places. A story of truly epic proportions, it will sweep you away through the skies across frozen plains to unknown lands on a voyage of discovery.