School Library Journal
12/01/2020
Gr 5 Up—For the past few years, the people of Arendelle have despised the Northuldra for taking away their king and breaking their treaty. Sixteen-year-old Iduna knows this better than most. While she appears to be nothing more than a young Arendellian orphan and best friend to Crown Prince Agnarr, she is secretly a Northuldra separated from her family on the same fateful day that tore their people apart. As Agnarr faces the pressures of his crown weighing upon him, he and Iduna begin to realize that their bond is stronger than friendship; but will the secrets and ambitions around them tear them apart? This charming love story about Anna and Elsa's parents is told from the perspective of Iduna, with a few chapters from Agnarr. All characters present as they did in the film; predominately a white cast with occasional characters of color. VERDICT Disney fans and lovers of magical romances will find this book worth melting for!—India Winslow, Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, MA
Kirkus Reviews
2020-08-28
Before Elsa and Anna from Frozen (2013) were born, their parents—Iduna, a Northuldra, and Agnarr, prince of Arendelle—faced their own trials and tribulations.
When Iduna was 12 she selflessly saved her enemy, which inadvertently led to her being separated from her family and trapped in Arendelle. Growing up alongside Agnarr, the two naturally became friends and, after some years, inseparable. Slowly, Iduna began to make a life for herself in Arendelle, knowing that she must keep her true identity a secret. All the while, Iduna and Agnarr’s chemistry grew undeniable, but as crown prince, Agnarr faced heavy pressure from the council to find a royal bride. Told mainly through Iduna’s first-person perspective, with a few chapters from Agnarr’s, the story of their friendship-turned-romance will swell readers’ hearts. Filled with tidbits from the movies and building upon Frozen lore, this simple love story is filled with all the things fans adore about the franchise: wholesome characters, love, and a little magic. Descriptive writing, two interesting and independent leads, and a warm cast of background characters enhance the story. Iduna and Agnarr’s relationship is one built on trust, equality, support, and kindness. Characters’ ethnicities are the same as the movies; Iduna and Agnarr are both White.
Frozen fans and romance lovers will fall for this endearing tale. (Fantasy. 12-18)
