Terra Electrica: The Guardians of the North

Terra Electrica sets up a fascinating and realistic end-of-times novel appropriate for Middle-Grade audiences. Our main character, Mani, lives in a near future where the ice caps have melted, many animals we know today are extinct, and when the ice melted, something was released that sent a virus through electricity to infect the world, and most are dead. In this bleak landscape, Mani is near starvation, waiting for her father to return. She tries to stay put as he told her to, but her survival depends on her leaving to try to find him.
Her nationality is never disclosed, but her skill set and beliefs seem to indicate an indigenous background that makes it possible for her to navigate and hunt the wilds on her own and to distrust science men at a nearby research station. She also has a magical mask that helps her connect with the spirit world and her spirit animal.
She meets a scientist, Leo, who is infected. Through their contact, it is discovered that her touch cures people of the sickness. She looks infected, but is healthy. Leo convinces her to go towards the ARK research station to find her father and save humanity with her special ability. Leo’s character gives her someone to interact with and the courage to travel. He is the adult, but she is clearly the one keeping them alive. The ending is a bit rushed after journeying so long towards their destination, but a big bad is established if there are more books in the series.
The challenges they face keep the pace moving and the action steady. This works well as a standalone, although at first it was advertised as being the first in a series. The publisher that printed this book is now closed, so I do not know the future of more books in this world. Fans of Hatchet, Island of the Blue Dolphin, and Julie of the Wolves should consider this story of survival as a good next read.

What worked:
The plot features two characters as a highly contagious, deadly disease has killed everyone in Mani’s village. She’s been told the scientists at the nearby laboratory are evil and she should never go near them. However, circumstances drive her to desperation and Mani finds herself inside the building searching for food. She meets a scientist and discovers they have something strange in common. They are both infected with the illness but they haven’t died, yet. They soon form a partnership and venture off on an adventure to find help.
Mani inherits a wooden mask from her mother that transports her to a frigid world where she meets a polar bear guardian guide. Ooshaka offers her counsel although many of Mani’s questions go unanswered. Her mother never taught Mani about the mask so readers are left to wonder what other secrets it might hold. This relic is a spiritual connection to memories of Mani’s indigenous ancestors. Mani also meets Crow who offers more information about her situation but still causes leaves her with more uncertainties.
The plot presents an interesting blend of science and faith as the characters strive to survive an apocalyptic melting of the ice caps. Leo and Mani encounter evidence of flooding, devastation, and death while trying to make their way to other scientists at the Ark. They find red bones of those who’ve died from the disease and Leo’s map is inaccurate due to lands that are now underwater. Unmoving, broken cars sit where they finally stop, and random, desperate survivors are willing to kill to stay alive. The disease makes everyone paranoid and anybody showing symptoms is seen as a threat. Mani faces danger from every stranger due to their terrifying fear of the illness.
What didn’t work as well:
The introduction of Mani’s character seems to imply she’s somewhat unaware of how things work in the modern world but she doesn’t seem as naïve as the story moves along. Her background story is a bit fuzzy. However, the epilogue reveals more about Mani’s origins so the sequel should have more clarity.
The final verdict:
This book establishes the scenario for the series so readers should be prepared to continue with the second book. The last fourth of the book reveals the underlying conflict with some twists as nature and humanity try to strike a balance. Overall, I recommend this inventive story for your reading pleasure.