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Beyond the Frozen Horizon
The earth is thriving – with wilderness status protecting land and wildlife, and scientific organisations researching new ways to support human life sustainably. Rory’s mum is a geologist on one of these projects, and Rory is beyond excited to join her on a work trip to the Arctic. But the project isn’t all that it seems, and Rory soon learns what’s at stake for the people and animals that live there…
308 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 26, 2022
Disfruté mucho esta historia.
Primero por el conflicto que tenía rory de no encajar del todo en la escuela y ese viaje tan jodidamente genial que tuvo que hacer gracias al trabajo de su mamá.
Es que, imagina que pueda ir al polo norte 🥹 mames, the dream sin dudas.
Pero, vimos el desarrollo de rory y cómo fue éste gracias a este lugar.
Aparte que, el tema principal de cómo una empresa (qué raro lol) quería extraer minerales de una manera más verde en ese lugar solo nos recuerda del cagadero que siempre es y serán las minas destinadas a esto y el impacto que tienen en el planeta :c
Pero, la historia termina de una menta muy bonita y ah, amé mucho 🫶🏻✨
Aparte que no pensé que el lugar del que hablaban, Pyramiden, fuera algo real 👀
Primero por el conflicto que tenía rory de no encajar del todo en la escuela y ese viaje tan jodidamente genial que tuvo que hacer gracias al trabajo de su mamá.
Es que, imagina que pueda ir al polo norte 🥹 mames, the dream sin dudas.
Pero, vimos el desarrollo de rory y cómo fue éste gracias a este lugar.
Aparte que, el tema principal de cómo una empresa (qué raro lol) quería extraer minerales de una manera más verde en ese lugar solo nos recuerda del cagadero que siempre es y serán las minas destinadas a esto y el impacto que tienen en el planeta :c
Pero, la historia termina de una menta muy bonita y ah, amé mucho 🫶🏻✨
Aparte que no pensé que el lugar del que hablaban, Pyramiden, fuera algo real 👀
July 15, 2024
Thought-provoking climate crisis adventure set in Svalbard in the near future.
Climate damaging behaviours are now strictly limited. Mining of the earth's resources is controlled by committee. Very few flights are allowed and only for special reasons.
Rory has been given permission to fly with her mum to Svalbard for a few weeks while she works on a report for a mining company seeking to extract resources for use in technology such as mobile phones.
She is looking forward to seeing snow as she has only experienced it once in her life but she was very little and doesn't remember it now. She is surprised to find that there is only a light dusting of snow. Nothing like they'd expected. And even more surprisingly, the supposedly deserted former mining town is home to a number of families and their children. They were supposed to leave when the mine closed but instead they stayed and have been living an off the grid existence.
Already, it starts to become clear that the mining company have not been forthcoming with the truth and her mother is met with hostility from the locals who oppose further mining.
Even more alarmingly, it seems that the mining company may be trying to cover up the effect their mining is already having on the reindeer in the area.
Rory feels compelled to uncover the truth and obtain evidence, but it is easy to forget this is a dangerous place which can quickly succumb to violent snow storms and polar bears are a constant threat.
Climate damaging behaviours are now strictly limited. Mining of the earth's resources is controlled by committee. Very few flights are allowed and only for special reasons.
Rory has been given permission to fly with her mum to Svalbard for a few weeks while she works on a report for a mining company seeking to extract resources for use in technology such as mobile phones.
She is looking forward to seeing snow as she has only experienced it once in her life but she was very little and doesn't remember it now. She is surprised to find that there is only a light dusting of snow. Nothing like they'd expected. And even more surprisingly, the supposedly deserted former mining town is home to a number of families and their children. They were supposed to leave when the mine closed but instead they stayed and have been living an off the grid existence.
Already, it starts to become clear that the mining company have not been forthcoming with the truth and her mother is met with hostility from the locals who oppose further mining.
Even more alarmingly, it seems that the mining company may be trying to cover up the effect their mining is already having on the reindeer in the area.
Rory feels compelled to uncover the truth and obtain evidence, but it is easy to forget this is a dangerous place which can quickly succumb to violent snow storms and polar bears are a constant threat.
October 26, 2023
7/10
A thought provoking book about climate change - pretty sad too.
A thought provoking book about climate change - pretty sad too.
May 17, 2023
A brilliant read - a great concept, cleverly built up across the story. I loved the adventure and the drama - it was all very believable with engaging characters.
Good messages about the environment and history as well. This book really brought Svalbard to life and provoked lots of conversation at bed time and beyond!
Good messages about the environment and history as well. This book really brought Svalbard to life and provoked lots of conversation at bed time and beyond!
August 31, 2022
This is a well thought-out future world, if only our governments would move this fast. Thirty years hence, wilderness lands have full protection, oil and other fossil fuel projects no longer exist. But it seems the world’s desire for more electricity hasn’t gone away. Sufficiency didn’t get into the sustainability paradigm, obviously.
Rory (a girl, which confused me – is it common in the US to use traditional boys’ names for girls?) is more her father’s child than her mother’s. She loves the outdoors and wilderness things. But Dad lives isolated in the wilderness, and Mum works for a new corporate determined to extract oil in a biodegradable way. And Mum and Dad may not be formally together any more anyway. This is one of the things Rory is battling against. She also strives to settle among the hostile indigenous population, who did not leave when the wilderness was ‘cleared’ as the politicians would have it. They are still there, living in the remains of the settlement surrounded by ghosts. Figurative ghosts of course. Anything else must be a figment of Rory’s overstretched and overstressed imagination. Mum is really stressed of course.
Beyond the Frozen Horizon is a well-written suspense story, full of the flavour of Arctic Svalbard if a little off on some of the detail. The characters are extremely well drawn, and ring true, not only in their mixed emotions towards friendship to newcomers, but also in their antagonism to the oil company. It’s not just the big business ousting the locals, it’s more the protection of their pristine land, and the need for it to remain so. In fact underlying the whole story is a warning that even if we get big business to act now, we can’t rely on them to stay acting in the earth’s interests if their profits are at stake.
It’s a really good envisioning of one aspect of a climate changed future that most people could do with reading, let alone middle grade readers. I just had to dock half a star because of the Svalbard mistakes; the author did her research at the wrong time of year. But at least she did some research.
Rory (a girl, which confused me – is it common in the US to use traditional boys’ names for girls?) is more her father’s child than her mother’s. She loves the outdoors and wilderness things. But Dad lives isolated in the wilderness, and Mum works for a new corporate determined to extract oil in a biodegradable way. And Mum and Dad may not be formally together any more anyway. This is one of the things Rory is battling against. She also strives to settle among the hostile indigenous population, who did not leave when the wilderness was ‘cleared’ as the politicians would have it. They are still there, living in the remains of the settlement surrounded by ghosts. Figurative ghosts of course. Anything else must be a figment of Rory’s overstretched and overstressed imagination. Mum is really stressed of course.
Beyond the Frozen Horizon is a well-written suspense story, full of the flavour of Arctic Svalbard if a little off on some of the detail. The characters are extremely well drawn, and ring true, not only in their mixed emotions towards friendship to newcomers, but also in their antagonism to the oil company. It’s not just the big business ousting the locals, it’s more the protection of their pristine land, and the need for it to remain so. In fact underlying the whole story is a warning that even if we get big business to act now, we can’t rely on them to stay acting in the earth’s interests if their profits are at stake.
It’s a really good envisioning of one aspect of a climate changed future that most people could do with reading, let alone middle grade readers. I just had to dock half a star because of the Svalbard mistakes; the author did her research at the wrong time of year. But at least she did some research.
January 8, 2023
Gripped from page one! What a book!
August 17, 2023
The Arctic island of Spitzbergen in 2030. Extractive rare earth elements mining. Local people who have never seen leafy trees. Dogs, whales, bears, and much snow and ice. Great world for a young girl to explore, on a trip with her mom. But her mom works for the miners, and some locals are opposed to any more extraction.
This story incorporates a lot of realism and danger, adventure and fact-finding. For sure, young readers will learn a great a deal. They'll also be riveted to the story.
The heroine's name is Rory, which is a boy's name, but it might be short for Aurora - but I think in the far north, somebody would have mentioned that if it was.
I read an ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
This story incorporates a lot of realism and danger, adventure and fact-finding. For sure, young readers will learn a great a deal. They'll also be riveted to the story.
The heroine's name is Rory, which is a boy's name, but it might be short for Aurora - but I think in the far north, somebody would have mentioned that if it was.
I read an ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
August 12, 2022
Wow! What a beautiful magical read. I was glued, a world described to perfection. I yearn to go. My goodness the author works her magic and weaves a beautiful tale. This is a story for all ages, I absolutely adored it. A tale of a Geologist and her daughter traveling on a scientific expedition. I am going to buy every book by this author, I love how she writes. Thank you Netgalley, what an amazing way to fill my day!
August 23, 2022
I adore Nicola Penfold's previous two dystopian climate books and this one had similar vibes but was more uplifting and hopeful. It gave me shivers reading it - both the icy setting and the murky corporation as well as the ghostly elements. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
August 20, 2022
In the near future, English girls have names like Betty and Rory. Betty’s gone away, leaving Rory with her mother, and tagging along on her lengthy expedition to Svalbard. It gets her away from all the less friendly people at school, and her off-the-grid forest warden dad. The world has turned into one of draconian laws about fossil fuels, meat eating and nature reserves – reforesting Britain has shoved people back into new, low-energy high-rises. But there is still the urge for the next best thing, which is what Rory’s mum is looking to provide – checking out the old mines at Pyramiden to see if rare earth metals can be extracted for all the electric cars and greener gizmos the world is turning to. It’s just nobody told her that the company is ignoring the locals who are still living in Pyramiden – the project was supposed to be reviving a ghost town, when it’s not one – and they’re certainly not given the freshest of welcomes...
If anything, the thing about Rory being isolated at school and being dragged away for a break in the northernmost town on the planet, replete with the world’s most northerly empty swimming pool, grand piano, and so much more, is a problem. The book takes us almost a third of its time before really fixing what it is in our minds. It’s not really about Rory’s solitude, even when she does find connections later on. It certainly is about something else, and that’s the environmental message. And I found this masterfully done. It’s not a lesson, it’s not a harangue, it’s not a “you’re the last generation to kill off the bla bla bla and do something!!” shriek. This is a world where rewilding has forced humans back into tower blocks, and the Sami away from their flocks. This is a world where meat consumption is limited for Rory, but essential for people tied to reindeer and fishing; people on a remote corner of a remote island in a remote archipelago, not going to school, and never given the chance to go tree-hugging. There are neither rights nor wrongs to any side of the green argument – while it does clearly come down against historical whaling and hunting/trapping, it knows there are few solutions to the current problem, other than To Buy Flipping Less.
So, before I pretend you should not buy this book – I’m not saying that, yet, at least – what else is this? It’s essentially, but only eventually, a ghost story. Rory finds a Michelle Paver ghost book, she hears voices, she is gifted a book about the whales by supernatural hand, and eventually the story proves that if you break the circle of life as much as we did in this isolated sector of the globe, there will be ghosts remaining as a result. The town has seen disaster, both fictional and very real. People have wanted to leave. In the world of this novel, given the few decades it has between us and its timeline, some haven’t, and their memories are still living in the soil there with them.
Ultimately that’s perhaps a strand of too rich a soup for the target audience, which is declared to be the nines-to-twelves. The vocab, both of the book and of Rory, is too mature for that audience, for one, and even with the freshness of the first person present tense narration, the delay the book has in telling us what it’s really about is too much. On the flip-side, age-wise, this is too obvious about who is a goodie and who a baddie given this situation. And yet it ultimately comes down as a success – the obvious happy ending is never in doubt, but highly satisfactory when it comes. It’s a heart-warming drama, in the finish, with mostly likeable and real characters, and a rarefied environment used very well. I did feel I had an advantage having seen youtube videos recording Pyramiden, but all told this was a distinctive, and very visual, drama, using very serious issues and circumstances for a strong entertainment.
If anything, the thing about Rory being isolated at school and being dragged away for a break in the northernmost town on the planet, replete with the world’s most northerly empty swimming pool, grand piano, and so much more, is a problem. The book takes us almost a third of its time before really fixing what it is in our minds. It’s not really about Rory’s solitude, even when she does find connections later on. It certainly is about something else, and that’s the environmental message. And I found this masterfully done. It’s not a lesson, it’s not a harangue, it’s not a “you’re the last generation to kill off the bla bla bla and do something!!” shriek. This is a world where rewilding has forced humans back into tower blocks, and the Sami away from their flocks. This is a world where meat consumption is limited for Rory, but essential for people tied to reindeer and fishing; people on a remote corner of a remote island in a remote archipelago, not going to school, and never given the chance to go tree-hugging. There are neither rights nor wrongs to any side of the green argument – while it does clearly come down against historical whaling and hunting/trapping, it knows there are few solutions to the current problem, other than To Buy Flipping Less.
So, before I pretend you should not buy this book – I’m not saying that, yet, at least – what else is this? It’s essentially, but only eventually, a ghost story. Rory finds a Michelle Paver ghost book, she hears voices, she is gifted a book about the whales by supernatural hand, and eventually the story proves that if you break the circle of life as much as we did in this isolated sector of the globe, there will be ghosts remaining as a result. The town has seen disaster, both fictional and very real. People have wanted to leave. In the world of this novel, given the few decades it has between us and its timeline, some haven’t, and their memories are still living in the soil there with them.
Ultimately that’s perhaps a strand of too rich a soup for the target audience, which is declared to be the nines-to-twelves. The vocab, both of the book and of Rory, is too mature for that audience, for one, and even with the freshness of the first person present tense narration, the delay the book has in telling us what it’s really about is too much. On the flip-side, age-wise, this is too obvious about who is a goodie and who a baddie given this situation. And yet it ultimately comes down as a success – the obvious happy ending is never in doubt, but highly satisfactory when it comes. It’s a heart-warming drama, in the finish, with mostly likeable and real characters, and a rarefied environment used very well. I did feel I had an advantage having seen youtube videos recording Pyramiden, but all told this was a distinctive, and very visual, drama, using very serious issues and circumstances for a strong entertainment.
June 19, 2022
I was delighted to receive an e-proof of this stunning new novel from acclaimed author Nicola Penfold, which takes her established reputation as an author of thought-provoking, lyrical, relevant, heartfelt, exceptionally plotted and ultimately *hopeful* stories featuring environmental themes to new heights. It's memorable and beautiful - as all her books are - but the story here felt real enough to step into, and for me it's the best of all her brilliant novels (so far!)
This book begins in a world where, at least on the surface, humanity has solved some or all of the problems it's currently dealing with, in terms of the climate crisis. It is 2030, and laws have been passed to control carbon emissions, pollution levels, and fossil fuel usage. Parts of the world have been designated as Wilderness Zones, and we follow Rory, whose mother Laura (an employee of a company called Greenlight, the name of which is a stroke of genius) has received an assignment in one of these Wilderness Zones, inside the Arctic Circle. Laura is doing research and preparatory work for Greenlight's expansion into the region in search of rare earth minerals to power electric cars and 'sustainable' tech, which will enable the rest of the world to live more cleanly. She and Rory arrive in a place called Pyramiden, which (the author's note at the back tells us) is a real place, though vastly reimagined in Penfold's novel. They find people living there, which is unexpected, as Wilderness Zones are supposed to have been cleared of any human population, and Rory tries to get along with the children while dealing with their hostility, the challenging environment, her absent mother, and a disturbance in her room which she finds intensely upsetting. There are also beautiful pieces of art pinned to the walls, drawings of whales, which Rory finds deeply comforting, but also confusing: who put them there? And what were they for?
Rory becomes friends with a boy named Mikkal, who shows her some of Pyramiden's past and helps her to put together some of the puzzles surrounding Greenlight's presence there and what it means for the population. Eventually, Rory has to make a choice: whether to stand with her mother and Greenlight, or with the people, whose lives are being endangered by greenwashing, corporate greed, and secrecy. The race-against-time she and Mikkal go on at the novel's conclusion is genuinely white-knuckle, and wonderfully done.
This is a book filled with large themes, expertly handled. From the moment I began to read I knew I was in the hands of a master storyteller, who would shepherd me through her tale with deftness and skill, and so it proved to be. An exceptional, memorable, and vitally important book for readers of 8+, which deserves to be widely read - and, as with all of Penfold's work, I hope its warnings are widely heeded.
Beyond the Frozen Horizon is a profoundly moving love-letter to the Arctic, to its people and wildlife, and a clarion call to all of us to protect the bounty and beauty of the world around us.
This book begins in a world where, at least on the surface, humanity has solved some or all of the problems it's currently dealing with, in terms of the climate crisis. It is 2030, and laws have been passed to control carbon emissions, pollution levels, and fossil fuel usage. Parts of the world have been designated as Wilderness Zones, and we follow Rory, whose mother Laura (an employee of a company called Greenlight, the name of which is a stroke of genius) has received an assignment in one of these Wilderness Zones, inside the Arctic Circle. Laura is doing research and preparatory work for Greenlight's expansion into the region in search of rare earth minerals to power electric cars and 'sustainable' tech, which will enable the rest of the world to live more cleanly. She and Rory arrive in a place called Pyramiden, which (the author's note at the back tells us) is a real place, though vastly reimagined in Penfold's novel. They find people living there, which is unexpected, as Wilderness Zones are supposed to have been cleared of any human population, and Rory tries to get along with the children while dealing with their hostility, the challenging environment, her absent mother, and a disturbance in her room which she finds intensely upsetting. There are also beautiful pieces of art pinned to the walls, drawings of whales, which Rory finds deeply comforting, but also confusing: who put them there? And what were they for?
Rory becomes friends with a boy named Mikkal, who shows her some of Pyramiden's past and helps her to put together some of the puzzles surrounding Greenlight's presence there and what it means for the population. Eventually, Rory has to make a choice: whether to stand with her mother and Greenlight, or with the people, whose lives are being endangered by greenwashing, corporate greed, and secrecy. The race-against-time she and Mikkal go on at the novel's conclusion is genuinely white-knuckle, and wonderfully done.
This is a book filled with large themes, expertly handled. From the moment I began to read I knew I was in the hands of a master storyteller, who would shepherd me through her tale with deftness and skill, and so it proved to be. An exceptional, memorable, and vitally important book for readers of 8+, which deserves to be widely read - and, as with all of Penfold's work, I hope its warnings are widely heeded.
Beyond the Frozen Horizon is a profoundly moving love-letter to the Arctic, to its people and wildlife, and a clarion call to all of us to protect the bounty and beauty of the world around us.
January 17, 2023
I'm not really sure what you can say to this book. I hope that certainly some of this comes true when the politicians of this world stop dithering about climate change and something to stop it.
The background to this story tells us that it is set beyond 2030, when the governments of the world banned fossil fuels, set targets for reducing meat and dairy products, banned single use plastic, and stopped people from flying unless they had a good reason (and a holiday wasn't one of them).
More importantly, wilderness zones have been created where wildlife is prioritised and humans are moved for the good of nature.
Rory is in year 8, she doesn't like school, she's seen as different and she's bullied. Mum thinks she doesn't try hard enough, but she'd like to run away to teh woods and live with dad in the cabin he moved to when her parents split up. They'd been happy in their old home, which is not a wetland area with wildflowers, but Dad couldn't live in their new build box like two bed home. So they split and he moved to a cabin, where Rory has a little annex bedroom.
At the start of the story though she's escaping school for 6 weeks, and going to Svalbard, to the very north of the island, where her Mum has a new job as a geologist with Greenlight, a mining company. Rory has never been on a plane. She wants is to be able to see the wildlife, the Aurora Borealis and to get away from school. Mum's making it seem like they'll be having a nice holiday, but will she have that much time?
Rory meets Katerina, a student who is interested in the Rare Earth's Project Greenlight are running. She helps Rory when she is faced with a menu full of meat and fish dishes, it's environmentally friendly in Svalbard because it lives there, but fish and reindeer aren't part of Rory's diet. Also, Pia, who seems to be friends with, and trusted by the local people. Rory, and her mum, soon realise Greenlight aren't very welcome, there are still families from the old mining company living there, her Mum wasn't told this. There are children that eye her with suspicion, until she finds a friend a blue fox called Kaiku - belonging to one of the boys, Mikkal.
Their accommodation is basic, an old building, with lots of noises and a voice that calls her! Is it real? Is she the person that drew the whales on Rory's bedroom wall? How can Rory find out about her?
Slowly, Rory gains Mikkal's trust, despite almost getting attacked by a polar bear - she ignored the rules of the town! As she gains an insite into the world of the children, she realises why they are not welcome. But how can they find out what is going on? Can Rory explain to her Mum why she shouldn't be agreeing this mine.
The way the islanders live is natural, ours is not. What can we do to help our world, do we need to be doing this in our future?
I loved this story. Will be looking for more of Nicola's books.
The background to this story tells us that it is set beyond 2030, when the governments of the world banned fossil fuels, set targets for reducing meat and dairy products, banned single use plastic, and stopped people from flying unless they had a good reason (and a holiday wasn't one of them).
More importantly, wilderness zones have been created where wildlife is prioritised and humans are moved for the good of nature.
Rory is in year 8, she doesn't like school, she's seen as different and she's bullied. Mum thinks she doesn't try hard enough, but she'd like to run away to teh woods and live with dad in the cabin he moved to when her parents split up. They'd been happy in their old home, which is not a wetland area with wildflowers, but Dad couldn't live in their new build box like two bed home. So they split and he moved to a cabin, where Rory has a little annex bedroom.
At the start of the story though she's escaping school for 6 weeks, and going to Svalbard, to the very north of the island, where her Mum has a new job as a geologist with Greenlight, a mining company. Rory has never been on a plane. She wants is to be able to see the wildlife, the Aurora Borealis and to get away from school. Mum's making it seem like they'll be having a nice holiday, but will she have that much time?
Rory meets Katerina, a student who is interested in the Rare Earth's Project Greenlight are running. She helps Rory when she is faced with a menu full of meat and fish dishes, it's environmentally friendly in Svalbard because it lives there, but fish and reindeer aren't part of Rory's diet. Also, Pia, who seems to be friends with, and trusted by the local people. Rory, and her mum, soon realise Greenlight aren't very welcome, there are still families from the old mining company living there, her Mum wasn't told this. There are children that eye her with suspicion, until she finds a friend a blue fox called Kaiku - belonging to one of the boys, Mikkal.
Their accommodation is basic, an old building, with lots of noises and a voice that calls her! Is it real? Is she the person that drew the whales on Rory's bedroom wall? How can Rory find out about her?
Slowly, Rory gains Mikkal's trust, despite almost getting attacked by a polar bear - she ignored the rules of the town! As she gains an insite into the world of the children, she realises why they are not welcome. But how can they find out what is going on? Can Rory explain to her Mum why she shouldn't be agreeing this mine.
The way the islanders live is natural, ours is not. What can we do to help our world, do we need to be doing this in our future?
I loved this story. Will be looking for more of Nicola's books.
January 19, 2025
A middle grade speculative eco-thriller that builds and builds and has you in its icy grip throughout. Svalbard in the High Arctic is the sort of remote, hostile environment, which would be the perfect setting for a nordic noir series. Add an uncertain future where climate breakdown has Earth on the brink and you’ll see the initial source of tension.
This is one of those books that you can’t put down and yet, you don’t want to end.
We meet Rory and her mum, Laura, some time after the Global Climate Laws were brought in (2030) in response to the climate crisis rapidly accelerating.
Their lives have been upturned for all sorts of reasons and the consensus is that this is a great professional opportunity for Laura (a geologist brought in to put together a report for a green energy firm called Greenlight) and that the change will do Rory good as she’s been struggling socially at school.
Reaching their destination, Pyramiden, they soon suspect that this trip will not be an easy one: the locals are suspicious and actively hostile with anyone associated with Greenlight; elsewhere, it seems the high stakes deal Greenlight hopes to complete is taking its toll on the firm’s personnel, some of whom are less than welcoming.
The characters are interesting and their motivations, behaviours and complexities make them entirely credible, even in this most incredible landscape. And a mysterious subplot adds even more interest to the proceedings and connection to place.
There’s loads of fabulous setting-specific language and action. I loved the descriptions of wildlife, an intrinsic part of the setting. Sadly, we come to reflect, that these creatures- the hardiest, & having sometimes survived centuries, dodging the hunter, harpoon and blubber town* are at risk from us now.
There’s frustration, regret, dismay but also, hope- a reminder that little people still have power. Hope that given half a chance, wildlife can pick up and even help right our wrongs. And hope that maybe one day soon, those who can will take steps towards keeping the planet habitable.
*think Smeerensberg from the film Klaus
This is one of those books that you can’t put down and yet, you don’t want to end.
We meet Rory and her mum, Laura, some time after the Global Climate Laws were brought in (2030) in response to the climate crisis rapidly accelerating.
Their lives have been upturned for all sorts of reasons and the consensus is that this is a great professional opportunity for Laura (a geologist brought in to put together a report for a green energy firm called Greenlight) and that the change will do Rory good as she’s been struggling socially at school.
Reaching their destination, Pyramiden, they soon suspect that this trip will not be an easy one: the locals are suspicious and actively hostile with anyone associated with Greenlight; elsewhere, it seems the high stakes deal Greenlight hopes to complete is taking its toll on the firm’s personnel, some of whom are less than welcoming.
The characters are interesting and their motivations, behaviours and complexities make them entirely credible, even in this most incredible landscape. And a mysterious subplot adds even more interest to the proceedings and connection to place.
There’s loads of fabulous setting-specific language and action. I loved the descriptions of wildlife, an intrinsic part of the setting. Sadly, we come to reflect, that these creatures- the hardiest, & having sometimes survived centuries, dodging the hunter, harpoon and blubber town* are at risk from us now.
There’s frustration, regret, dismay but also, hope- a reminder that little people still have power. Hope that given half a chance, wildlife can pick up and even help right our wrongs. And hope that maybe one day soon, those who can will take steps towards keeping the planet habitable.
*think Smeerensberg from the film Klaus
August 30, 2022
This is a truly lovely ecological tale of Rory and her geologist Mother and their adventure to the Arctic which has become an environmentally protected zone.
It concerns massive global environmental issues and much smaller personal themes such as loneliness and how to find your own way in the world, and I have to say the author has given both themes equal importance.
Rory follows her mother to the Arctic to escape her loneliness after her best friend moves away. She finds her problems have followed her there too as she again finds herself alone. I thought the paradoxical relationship between Rory and her mother was wonderfully written. Rory desperately wants to spend time with her mother but at times feels her smothering her. Her sadness over her parents separation, although not explicitly discussed, hangs over her like a dark shadow.
I liked Rory, she was intuitive and her compassion for the panet and it's animals was admirable. I did however struggle with the chapter when Rory ventured passed the allowed boundaries in town alone and unarmed in spite of many warnings about polar bears. It did not ring true to me that a girl who had researched and cared so much for the local wildlife would risk a bear getting shot (if it approached her) on a whim.
The author did a wonderfully job of describing the landscape, I could vividly picture the epic icy wonderland which was also tinged with the sad emptiness of a previous tragedy.
The story was interesting if a little generic (big bad corporation vs locals)and I loved the supernatural element to the tale.
The book had a very important message but told in an entertaining way for younger readers.
My favourite quote "Perhaps a child understands better than any of us" will ring true for any young reader with an interest in protecting our planet.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
It concerns massive global environmental issues and much smaller personal themes such as loneliness and how to find your own way in the world, and I have to say the author has given both themes equal importance.
Rory follows her mother to the Arctic to escape her loneliness after her best friend moves away. She finds her problems have followed her there too as she again finds herself alone. I thought the paradoxical relationship between Rory and her mother was wonderfully written. Rory desperately wants to spend time with her mother but at times feels her smothering her. Her sadness over her parents separation, although not explicitly discussed, hangs over her like a dark shadow.
I liked Rory, she was intuitive and her compassion for the panet and it's animals was admirable. I did however struggle with the chapter when Rory ventured passed the allowed boundaries in town alone and unarmed in spite of many warnings about polar bears. It did not ring true to me that a girl who had researched and cared so much for the local wildlife would risk a bear getting shot (if it approached her) on a whim.
The author did a wonderfully job of describing the landscape, I could vividly picture the epic icy wonderland which was also tinged with the sad emptiness of a previous tragedy.
The story was interesting if a little generic (big bad corporation vs locals)and I loved the supernatural element to the tale.
The book had a very important message but told in an entertaining way for younger readers.
My favourite quote "Perhaps a child understands better than any of us" will ring true for any young reader with an interest in protecting our planet.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
September 25, 2022
It was the setting of this novel in a future world decimated by climate change that drew me to this novel .It’s set not too far in the future and what has occurred due to climate change seems plausible
The book is mostly a naturalistic story of a journey taken by a young girl to the Arctic regions with her mother a geologist who is studying the possibility of opening up mining in the area that has been turned over to nature to protect the Enviroment .The initial sections of the story are possibly more suited to a young adult audience than general readership ,not all stories with young principal characters fall into this category but I felt this one did .The story itself is quite simple initially and was an easy read
In later sections there are some ghostly occurrences which I did not feel were as well covered .The ghost itself was not really necessary to the story I personally would rather have read more about why there were young children living in a supposedly banned area after the area was turned over to nature .We are never really given a reason or explanation
The setting of the story in a frozen world gives the story a claustrophobic atmosphere which helps the story a lot .I loved the descriptions of the place itself and the wildlife .
I prefer novels with more character development and felt this was touched on but not developed as far as it could have been
The author has an easily read prose style I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend for a teenaged readership
I read an copy on NetGalley Uk the book was published in the Uk 1September 2022 by Little Tiger group
The book is mostly a naturalistic story of a journey taken by a young girl to the Arctic regions with her mother a geologist who is studying the possibility of opening up mining in the area that has been turned over to nature to protect the Enviroment .The initial sections of the story are possibly more suited to a young adult audience than general readership ,not all stories with young principal characters fall into this category but I felt this one did .The story itself is quite simple initially and was an easy read
In later sections there are some ghostly occurrences which I did not feel were as well covered .The ghost itself was not really necessary to the story I personally would rather have read more about why there were young children living in a supposedly banned area after the area was turned over to nature .We are never really given a reason or explanation
The setting of the story in a frozen world gives the story a claustrophobic atmosphere which helps the story a lot .I loved the descriptions of the place itself and the wildlife .
I prefer novels with more character development and felt this was touched on but not developed as far as it could have been
The author has an easily read prose style I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend for a teenaged readership
I read an copy on NetGalley Uk the book was published in the Uk 1September 2022 by Little Tiger group
August 19, 2022
Beyond the frozen horizon by Nicola Penfold.
Thank you Netgallery UK for a ARC for an unbiased review.
Although a children's book, this was easily one others could read. It is set in the future, where Environmental practices have eased the impact of climate change.The story revolves around Rory, and his mum going out to Svelbard for his mother's job on environmental impact. Even early on, a line stood out for me, about though environmental protections have worked, standards are reduced over time, as greed and wanting to work around restrictions grows.
It was a tale that didn't feel as if it was lecturing at all, but highlights an important issue in ways that made it extremely accessible.
What I particularly enjoyed was the premise was written in such a way, that the intrigue and mystery was nicely balanced with hope, with action, with family. It was a lovely, well rounded book.
I'd not only say if you need a great children's book, this is one to include, if you're an adult and have a copy, don't be put off reading it either. I would certainly would buy it for kids in our family and tell the adults to read it as well.
I have no hesitation in saying this book is 5/5 stars ✨️
Thank you Netgallery UK for a ARC for an unbiased review.
Although a children's book, this was easily one others could read. It is set in the future, where Environmental practices have eased the impact of climate change.The story revolves around Rory, and his mum going out to Svelbard for his mother's job on environmental impact. Even early on, a line stood out for me, about though environmental protections have worked, standards are reduced over time, as greed and wanting to work around restrictions grows.
It was a tale that didn't feel as if it was lecturing at all, but highlights an important issue in ways that made it extremely accessible.
What I particularly enjoyed was the premise was written in such a way, that the intrigue and mystery was nicely balanced with hope, with action, with family. It was a lovely, well rounded book.
I'd not only say if you need a great children's book, this is one to include, if you're an adult and have a copy, don't be put off reading it either. I would certainly would buy it for kids in our family and tell the adults to read it as well.
I have no hesitation in saying this book is 5/5 stars ✨️
December 23, 2023
I am always drawn to books in cold, snowy settings which is why I chose this one of this author’s books to bring home. All of the books have beautiful covers and have an adventurous, ecological feel about them. In this one, set in a near future where plane travel is rationed to only essential journeys, Rory is lucky enough to accompany her geologist mum to the Arctic Circle while she compiles a report for a green mining company looking to reopen a bigger mining operation. There are more than the buildings and ghosts of these operations here, in fact there are whole communities of mining families left behind after a mining accident closed the mine and they resent the company rather than celebrate the return of jobs and livelihoods. This isn’t a climate change adventure, more an animal welfare issue and animal loving children will enjoy looking up these creatures and locations.
There is definitely adventure and danger here but what made it a 3 instead of a 4 was that it took a little too long for me to get to the real adventure, too long was spent building the adventure that came near the end. Many of my readers complain about this with books they would love but need to be pretty dedicated to get to the real gripping stuff. A good mystery though too with the spooky side story.
There is definitely adventure and danger here but what made it a 3 instead of a 4 was that it took a little too long for me to get to the real adventure, too long was spent building the adventure that came near the end. Many of my readers complain about this with books they would love but need to be pretty dedicated to get to the real gripping stuff. A good mystery though too with the spooky side story.
January 1, 2024
Brilliant and thought-provoking, Penfold creates yet again a middle-grade full of life and hope. She writes children with such passionate personalities who are such a joy to follow. Strong, brave individuals with so much compassion and sympathy for others. Rory’s love for animals was fantastic to read, and it was great seeing her relationships forming with the other children. Also Kaiku!? What a cutie😭
I absolutely loved the setting for this one and felt like I could really imagine how it looks, and what society is like here. It was interesting to learn a little about Sami culture too.
Penfold delivers strong messages on the environment in such a careful way as always and I love this central theme throughout all of her books. Despite the story sometimes taking sad turns, there is still hope that transcends to our world today, inspiring the reader to read into the topic of environmental crises more and take action.
A pleasure to read as always 💓
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Nicola Penfold for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved the setting for this one and felt like I could really imagine how it looks, and what society is like here. It was interesting to learn a little about Sami culture too.
Penfold delivers strong messages on the environment in such a careful way as always and I love this central theme throughout all of her books. Despite the story sometimes taking sad turns, there is still hope that transcends to our world today, inspiring the reader to read into the topic of environmental crises more and take action.
A pleasure to read as always 💓
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Nicola Penfold for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2022
Rory is excited to travel with her geologist mum to the Arctic, not only is it rare to be able to fly somewhere in 2030 but to visit such sparse location that is protected is something very special and Rory is determined to make the most of it. But the company that has hired her Mum has angered the locals and this trip is not quite what it seems.
I found the way that the novel set up the environment of 2030 to be very interesting, it gives younger readers a notion of what climate change can do to our world and how we can react to it. Taking Rory into a new setting and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes was a lovely way of showing the contrasts that can exist in society, depending on our needs. The thriller aspect is cleverly wrapped around the ecology message with wonderful descriptions of stark but beautiful locations.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I found the way that the novel set up the environment of 2030 to be very interesting, it gives younger readers a notion of what climate change can do to our world and how we can react to it. Taking Rory into a new setting and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes was a lovely way of showing the contrasts that can exist in society, depending on our needs. The thriller aspect is cleverly wrapped around the ecology message with wonderful descriptions of stark but beautiful locations.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
July 29, 2022
Beyond the frozen horizon
By Nicola Penfold
Published by Little Tiger Press
A futurist view of what might be just over the horizon for us if we don’t take note and make some serious environmental changes. The earth, land and wildlife are protected thanks to the scientific organisations researching new ways to support human life sustainably. A geologist and her son Rory are beyond excited to join a mining project and take a trip to the Arctic. But thanks to some smart investigations uncovering that the project isn't all that it appears. Rory learns what's at stake for the people, the wildlife and the future and it is his responsibility to prove this so changes can be made.
A powerful story of hope, mixed with action and intrigue giving a glimpse into the future, a world where we need to take action to protect our fragile planet.
This gripping adventure story is both a warning telling us what might happen to threaten nature. Along side a celebration, but only if we all work together, proving that every single person’s behaviour is both important and necessary.
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of books
#Netgallery
#littletigerpress
By Nicola Penfold
Published by Little Tiger Press
A futurist view of what might be just over the horizon for us if we don’t take note and make some serious environmental changes. The earth, land and wildlife are protected thanks to the scientific organisations researching new ways to support human life sustainably. A geologist and her son Rory are beyond excited to join a mining project and take a trip to the Arctic. But thanks to some smart investigations uncovering that the project isn't all that it appears. Rory learns what's at stake for the people, the wildlife and the future and it is his responsibility to prove this so changes can be made.
A powerful story of hope, mixed with action and intrigue giving a glimpse into the future, a world where we need to take action to protect our fragile planet.
This gripping adventure story is both a warning telling us what might happen to threaten nature. Along side a celebration, but only if we all work together, proving that every single person’s behaviour is both important and necessary.
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of books
#Netgallery
#littletigerpress
October 7, 2022
Rory is a quiet but adventurous girl, who struggles to make friends at home, but who quickly finds confidence in herself, on the island.
There is so much adventure and intrigue in this fab story of a girl’s experience living in the arctic, in Svalbard, whilst her mother plays the role of geologist to a green energy company who want to extract valuable metals from the land.
The townsfolk are against the company’s plans and suspicious of the work required. Rory becomes a key player in helping the townsfolk.
Set in the near future when global climate laws have been set in place, to address the environmental crisis, which includes the protection of certain wilderness regions around the world.
The message of the story told through Rory’s experience, is about protecting those wildernesses, as they are vital resources in the fight against climate change.
There is so much adventure and intrigue in this fab story of a girl’s experience living in the arctic, in Svalbard, whilst her mother plays the role of geologist to a green energy company who want to extract valuable metals from the land.
The townsfolk are against the company’s plans and suspicious of the work required. Rory becomes a key player in helping the townsfolk.
Set in the near future when global climate laws have been set in place, to address the environmental crisis, which includes the protection of certain wilderness regions around the world.
The message of the story told through Rory’s experience, is about protecting those wildernesses, as they are vital resources in the fight against climate change.
July 22, 2022
And Nicola has done it again, another dystopian future that feels so very realistic and possible.
I am so thankful to #Netgalley for the preview ebook.
Rory travels with her mum to the North. Her mum works for a green company who have found a clean way to remove rare minerals that are necessary for batteries, etc.... But if all as it seems?
From the start you get the impression that even though this is a future where climate laws have helped reclaim wild areas.... There are still those with the means to bypass such laws. Is Greenlight one of these companies?
The North is different and who is it that is watching Rory? Get ready for some spooky encounters too!
Looking forward to getting a copy for the school library!
I am so thankful to #Netgalley for the preview ebook.
Rory travels with her mum to the North. Her mum works for a green company who have found a clean way to remove rare minerals that are necessary for batteries, etc.... But if all as it seems?
From the start you get the impression that even though this is a future where climate laws have helped reclaim wild areas.... There are still those with the means to bypass such laws. Is Greenlight one of these companies?
The North is different and who is it that is watching Rory? Get ready for some spooky encounters too!
Looking forward to getting a copy for the school library!
September 9, 2022
Nicola Penfold has written an exciting and highly educational novel for YA adults and older primary readers. Rory and her mum journey to the Arctic circle where her mum is employed to carry out research on the feasibility of mineral extraction in a designated reserve. Rory befriends the local community whilst learning about life in the area and the impact on the wildlife . As the story progresses, a growing understanding that all is not as it seems .A slow burner of a novel which builds up and pulls the reader in to Rory’s awareness that the need for local and indigenous communities to preserve their lives against the voice and manipulation of big business. The reader will learn so much as well as being gripped by the storyline . Highly recommended.
December 7, 2022
Beyond the Frozen Horizon. A book that penetrates with cold, the incredible landscapes of Svalbard, the fate of the near future world beset by the consequences of climate change and newly imposed global climate laws.
A perfect book for the middle grade reader connected so intrinsically to their environment and with obvious concerns for the future of the planet.
Nicola Penfold has written a story that is salutary tale of the greed of corporations to plunder the planet's resources, at the expense of those who have to live in that environment. And of the bravery and curiosity of a young girl determined to find the truth before it is too late.
But it is also a wonderful tale of friendship, trust and loyalty. Highly recommended for the younger and older reader alike.
A perfect book for the middle grade reader connected so intrinsically to their environment and with obvious concerns for the future of the planet.
Nicola Penfold has written a story that is salutary tale of the greed of corporations to plunder the planet's resources, at the expense of those who have to live in that environment. And of the bravery and curiosity of a young girl determined to find the truth before it is too late.
But it is also a wonderful tale of friendship, trust and loyalty. Highly recommended for the younger and older reader alike.
May 2, 2023
If I was ever given a prompt that had the words younger readers, horror/thriller, adventure and a dash of mystery thrown into life-threatening situations, I would be hard-pressed to come up with an appropriate storyline. This book is a combination of all of them.
When I started the book, I was unsure what I expected. We have Rory, who is tagging along with her mother on an Arctic expedition to Svalbard (I had never heard of this place until last year and since have been seeing it on such a regular basis). The latter is a geologist who has been hired by a company who have devised an eco-friendly way of generating energy in the Arctic and needs her expertise to confirm that it is a viable project.
Rory's a vegetarian and a child of the 'enemy' once she gets to the site, both of which do not help her in her new situation. The locals who have lived in the area, in a sort of makeshift arrangement, are connected to the mine that was closed. They dislike the company that seems to be dodging true questions about its purpose in the area.
There are natives who know to live off the land in some ways, and the children have taken their parents' fear and dislike and made it their own.
Rory is a good girl. She believes in her mother and thinks that they mean to achieve something good at the end of the day.
The lonely child tries to reach out, fears she is haunted and is also sure there are details her mother ought to know about the situation in the location.
The pacing is not the usual one for an adventure, and the darkness that starts to seep into the story helps build the suspense. The combination of factors makes this a unique book. I would highly recommend this to the more adventurous junior reader, and even adults can enjoy the depth of the book. I would love to read another book by the author.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
When I started the book, I was unsure what I expected. We have Rory, who is tagging along with her mother on an Arctic expedition to Svalbard (I had never heard of this place until last year and since have been seeing it on such a regular basis). The latter is a geologist who has been hired by a company who have devised an eco-friendly way of generating energy in the Arctic and needs her expertise to confirm that it is a viable project.
Rory's a vegetarian and a child of the 'enemy' once she gets to the site, both of which do not help her in her new situation. The locals who have lived in the area, in a sort of makeshift arrangement, are connected to the mine that was closed. They dislike the company that seems to be dodging true questions about its purpose in the area.
There are natives who know to live off the land in some ways, and the children have taken their parents' fear and dislike and made it their own.
Rory is a good girl. She believes in her mother and thinks that they mean to achieve something good at the end of the day.
The lonely child tries to reach out, fears she is haunted and is also sure there are details her mother ought to know about the situation in the location.
The pacing is not the usual one for an adventure, and the darkness that starts to seep into the story helps build the suspense. The combination of factors makes this a unique book. I would highly recommend this to the more adventurous junior reader, and even adults can enjoy the depth of the book. I would love to read another book by the author.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
September 12, 2022
I really love the concept and idea of this book, a little something for everyone. Beyond the Frozen of Horizon give glimpse world condition when we finally reach enviroment and energy global crisises at 2030. That's condition make world applies new laws to prevention and solve some problems. Our MC Rory are a quiet young girl that grew misses her old life expecially her father and best friend. She love nature so much, a quality rare we found at kids nowdays. A long journey at Artic with her mother filled with so much adventures and hope.
I instantly draws to the detail about the energy crisis at here because the author successfuly make it flesh out and relatable. The early plot is interesting but walk with slowly pace and angsty. I almost curious why Rory can't fit in at school? When the pace start going faster, the story start offer many wonders. For the young targeted readers I think this book offers many topics. Personal issues, enviroment issues, mysteries and mission, animals and supernatural additional. For me it is maybe feel too busy make it less focused, but my son so far enjoyed our reading together session with this one. So I think that's more important. Totally will recommend it.
Thank you Netgalley and Little Tiger Group, Stripes Publishing for provided the copy. I am grateful and my thoughts are my own.
I instantly draws to the detail about the energy crisis at here because the author successfuly make it flesh out and relatable. The early plot is interesting but walk with slowly pace and angsty. I almost curious why Rory can't fit in at school? When the pace start going faster, the story start offer many wonders. For the young targeted readers I think this book offers many topics. Personal issues, enviroment issues, mysteries and mission, animals and supernatural additional. For me it is maybe feel too busy make it less focused, but my son so far enjoyed our reading together session with this one. So I think that's more important. Totally will recommend it.
Thank you Netgalley and Little Tiger Group, Stripes Publishing for provided the copy. I am grateful and my thoughts are my own.
September 22, 2022
This is book to get both kids and adults thinking about just what we need to do to protect our environment so that both the land and those that inhabit it can thrive.
I knocked a star off as for me the protagonist didn't quite act her age, she sometimes came across as too young whilst in others was far more grown up.
Over all, I think this is an important book. I'll be taking it in to read to my class at school that's for sure.
I knocked a star off as for me the protagonist didn't quite act her age, she sometimes came across as too young whilst in others was far more grown up.
Over all, I think this is an important book. I'll be taking it in to read to my class at school that's for sure.
November 5, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. The book focuses on a world in the future where some of todays modern problems have been solved. We follow the main protagonist Rory whose mum is in charge of a zone protecting wildlife. If your like me and are passionate about protecting the environment and have a love of nature than this is the book for you
July 30, 2022
An absolutely stunning story that I didn’t want to end! Nicola has done it again with her fantastic story plot and characters that I grew to love! An important message runs through the book which highlights climate change and the pressing matter of trying to save our lovely planet! I cannot wait to share this book with the children in my class!
August 14, 2022
Is a very interesting book which had many elements in which were unexpected. Rory and her mam are going in an adventure to the Artic upon discovery the trip is now what it seems and the local inhabits don't seem very happy for them to be here. Rory encounters some scary things as well. There a very important element of climate through this book.
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