Jorie and her sister Brenna live in a frozen wasteland, which attracts treasure hunters who think they can survive the nearby icy, treacherous Flats. When Brenna is held hostage by an evil Rover who thinks the girls have scavenged an item from the dead body of a treasure hunter, Jorie must venture forth into the Flats to rescue her, accompanied by Cody, an ill-equipped scholar from the South who may have helpful information. The two battle mystical creatures and beasts to reach Brenna and form an unexpected relationship. This fast-paced adventure story, suitable for a genre study or literature circle choice, explores survival, familial bonds, perseverance, bravery, and friendship.