Apr 2025 Book Recommendation: Of Giants and Ice by Shelby Bach

Intro

In my opinion, there is no middle-grade series that is more underrated than Shelby Bach’s Ever Afters series. With the adventure and spirit of Percy Jackson and the magic and fairytale roots of the School for Good and Evil, it’s easily one of the best middle-grade series that I’ve ever read, but I’ve never in my life seen anyone online talk about it. So I guess I’ll do the talking.

If you’re a fan of either of—or both of, if you’re like me—the series I mentioned above, you’ve got to check this book out. It’s a funny, light read, with enough action and adventure to keep you hooked until the end. The pacing is fast, and the characters are interesting and relatable. Basically, there’s nothing not to love.

So let’s get into more detail, shall we?

Of Giants and Ice by Shelby Bach Overview

Genre(s): Middle-grade, urban fantasy

Series: Book 1 of 4 of the Ever Afters

POV: First-person past

Length: 354 pages

As the daughter of a movie star mother and a famous director father, sixth-grader Rory Landon has never been recognized for her own talents and achievements. So, when her family moves to a new town where no one is yet aware of her identity, she realizes that this may be her chance to step out of her parents’ shadows.

When her mother signs her up for a mysterious new after-school program at the Ever After School, Rory doesn’t really know what to expect—and she certainly doesn’t expect to meet a staff of fairytale characters and to fight a fire-breathing dragon all on her first day.

It isn’t long after her arrival at the school that she’s asked to accompany a classmate on a quest—-a classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, in which they are expected to journey to a giant’s castle in the clouds. But things are not as straightforward as they seem, and danger lurks around every turn. If Rory and her companions are going to make it through the tale alive, they will have to give it their all.

Personal Thoughts

Possibly one of the best things about this book—and this series as a whole—was the perfect blend of fantasy adventure and realistic pre-teen existence. Although Rory goes on fantastical journeys, fighting monsters and seeing magical lands, she’s still very obviously an eleven year old who’s dealing with regular eleven year old things, like school and family tension. This is a balance that I don’t think I’ve ever seen another writer pull off nearly as well as Bach did in this series.

One of the funnest parts of pretty much any story that includes fairytale characters, places, etc., etc., is seeing how the author chooses to portray those iconic elements. And the versions in this series are among my favorites. I won’t go into too much detail—part of the fun is being surprised—but I will say that Rapunzel, who had a sort of mentor-type role, was easily one of the best characters in the series. I’ll let you see why for yourself.

Outro

So, that’s all for today. I hope I’ve sparked your interest in this book and that you’ll check it out. Or, as always, if you’ve already read this one, make sure to look into the similar titles that I’ve listed below. Thank you for reading!