Bears of the Ice #2: The Den of Forever Frost by Kathryn Lasky

My name is Jytte, and Stellan and I are determined to save the cubs from the Roguer bears. We must figure out a way to destroy their false idol, and our first step is to find a father we've never met. Our mother, now a Roguer prisoner, has told us many stories about him and how he once led the rebels. However, we've learned he was captured and tortured, and Stellan thinks he may be dead. My brother may be losing faith, but I'm sure our father is alive. He has to be! We've asked others about the Den of Forever Frost, but they all say it's a myth. It's the key to everything, so we can't stop searching for it. We're discovering lands and creatures we never imagined, and we've met unexpected allies. We must continue facing the dangers of the ice world, or the survival of all polar bears may be lost.

You should read The Quest of the Cubs first. The interesting aspect of Den of Forever Frost is how it's mostly based on the qualities of real polar creatures. You can actually learn about this habitat by reading the adventure, although it's not in-your-face information. The cubs face natural perils and must constantly be on the lookout for food, shelter, and other predators. They're often reminded that polar bears may be the largest predators, but other animals are capable of injuring and killing them. I'm not crazy about changes introduced later in the book. Weapons are included, which strays from the natural feel of the story. The cubs don't typically do things that real bears couldn't do, other than Stellan can pense the thoughts of others and Jytte can sense connections with the ice. Overall, the series has been entertaining, and this book has created a transition to a dramatic conclusion. I enjoyed the first book a little better, but I recommend you give the series a shot.