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The White Darkness, a contemporary adventure story written by Geraldine McCaughrean, boasts one of the most interesting narrative voices that I have read in a long while. The storytelling is also masterful, with characterization not far behind—it was so precise, and so entertaining, I was surprised that I had not come across it before. After reading this stellar book, I will be looking for  Ms. McCaughrean's other works, as this one was really so breathtakingly good.

The story follows the journey of Sym, a fourteen-year-old in love with the beautiful, but deadly Antarctic. She travels with her eccentric uncle to the southernmost reaches of the Earth, and encounters what she had previously only dreamed about.

Sym, the narrator, is intelligent, charming, and observant. Her passion for something markedly odd would resonate with any teen, or adult for that matter, who has loved something considered “geeky” or maintained a steady passion for anything at all.

The White Darkness is much more than an adventure story—Sym  must also do battle with herself. Readers who appreciate survival stories, or books by Jack London would enjoy this one immensely.

This book is really for any teen, or any grown-up who suddenly must confront the object of their most fervent dreams headlong.