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What a GREAT young adult fantasy! I loved everything about this book! Although it is almost 500 pages, it is a quick read. (Short chapters, larger print.) The story is based on the Norwegian fairytale "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" which I didn't know until I read the author's notes at the end. I liked that even though it was a fantasy, it took place in a real time and place-16th Century Norway. (Read the glossery in the very back for modern names) I loved the mother's superstition, her brother, Neddy- their love and close relationship, Rose, of course was a brave, smart girl, The White Bear-it's amazing how you can start to love an animal in a book, Thor (didn't think I'd like him but I did!) Malmo, to whom Rose owes her life in the artic, and Tuki, sweet boy. The author titled each chapter after a character to piece together the story from different perspectives. She rotated these characters so you really got to "know" them. That, to me, always makes a book more interesting! This is a great book for all ages. I love stories that come to a nice clean end, no questions, no pieces left unturned. I am going to read more by this author, and soon!