Ring-Rise, Ring-Set

Elizabeth St Jacques is the author of Dance of Light and Around the Tree
of Light.

Liza, 15, can’t bear the thought of another winter inside the tightly
shuttered City in the Hill. Only the men get to work on “really
important things, like how to get rid of the ring and stop glaciers
growing before they cover the whole world.” When Liza is told that
“women aren’t strong enough to stand the terrible conditions”
outside, she is determined to stow away on a scheduled scientific
expedition. Her adventures take her deep into a strange world where many
dangers await.

This fast-paced tale will have you squirming in your seat. Characters
are given distinct outline, events unfold smoothly, and life in the high
North is portrayed accurately (although some credibility is lost when
the Ekoes, who apparently have never encountered a white person before,
instantly communicate with Liza in her own language). This gripping
story of love, friendship, understanding, and environmental abuse
contains many important messages. Highly recommended.