Ice

In this modern retelling of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon," eighteen-year-old Cassie lives at an Arctic research station with her scientist father. Her mother's absence is explained by a family fairy tale involving the North Wind, a polar bear king, and a fateful bargain. Cassie pursues her dream of becoming an Arctic researcher until she encounters a mysterious polar bear who upends her understanding of reality. The bear reveals himself as a supernatural being and offers her a deal that connects to her missing mother. Their arrangement takes Cassie to an ice castle where she discovers a hidden world of magic and soul-keepers known as munaqsri. She must navigate her new role while untangling the truth about her family's past. This reimagining blends Arctic science with mythology, exploring themes of sacrifice, duty, and the complex nature of love against a backdrop of environmental balance and generational responsibility.

Readers describe Ice as a modern retelling of "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" that blends fantasy with Arctic survival. Many found the polar research station setting unique and appreciated the incorporation of Inuit mythology. Readers liked: - The atmospheric Arctic descriptions - The protagonist's determination and growth - Scientific details about polar bear research - The romance's slow build - Creative adaptation of the fairy tale Common criticisms: - Repetitive internal monologue - Uneven pacing in the middle - Some found the ending rushed - Character relationships needed more development - Young writing style for YA audience Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (89 reviews) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (280+ ratings) "The Arctic setting felt like its own character" appears in multiple positive reviews. Critical reviews often mentioned "too much time spent on internal thoughts" and "needed more showing versus telling."

East by Edith Pattou A young woman follows a mysterious white bear to an enchanted castle in this Norse-inspired tale that draws from the same fairy tale source as Ice.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden Set in the Russian wilderness, this tale weaves folklore with reality as a young woman confronts ancient spirits and winter magic.

Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer A girl strikes a bargain with a mysterious wolf to save her father and finds herself in an enchanted house filled with secrets and magic mirrors.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey An Alaskan couple's life transforms when a mysterious girl appears in the wilderness, blending fairy tale elements with harsh Arctic reality.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George A Norwegian girl called the lass accepts a polar bear's bargain to live in his ice palace for one year in exchange for wealth for her family.

🐻‍❄️ The Norwegian fairy tale "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" was first published in 1845 by folklorists Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, and has inspired numerous retellings across different cultures. ❄️ Sarah Beth Durst conducted extensive research on Arctic research stations and polar bear behavior to create an authentic backdrop for her fantasy narrative. 🌟 The author has written over twenty fantasy novels and won the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature for her book "The Girl Who Could Not Dream." 🏰 Ice castles, a key element in the story, are real phenomena - natural ones can form in glaciers, while artificial ice castles are created as winter attractions in several cold-weather locations worldwide. 🔬 Modern Arctic research, which features prominently in the book, plays a crucial role in understanding climate change, with scientists studying everything from sea ice thickness to polar bear migration patterns.