Rebecca Stead's first novel is the most original I've read since I've immersed myself in constant reading again. First Light is the story of a boy who accompanies his scientist father and mysterious mother to Greenland for two months, just as he begins to get the headaches which have been plaguing his mother as well. It is also the story of a girl who lives underground, surrounded by ice, wolf-dogs, and the fear of the outside world.
Both Peter and Thea are looking for answers, both to concrete and abstract questions. Peter wants to know what will stop his headaches, what his parents are searching for, and what the mysterious items are that he's found hidden in the ice. Thea want to know how to find a way to the surface, despite her society's fear of witchcraft accusations, as they are running out of space and supplies. When the two finally meet, there are both questions and answers.
Stead's fantasy blends magical realism, folklore, modern issues, and the discoveries of coming of age in a truly unique way. The descriptions of the people dwelling under the ice alone are worth reading the book, but there are many other reasons. While First Light is completely different from Stead's other works, it is just as appealing.
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