When Trystan first meets Summer in the flying tent, he asks if she’s on Spacebook. Since there are no computer networks in Wintermire, what is Spacebook?
Spacebook is a video messaging system that works by connecting to the magickal particles that radiate off the Warlock. These particles permeate the entire country of Wintermire like floating clouds or waves of energy. Video messages “ride” these energy waves until they reach the intended recipient.
To join, individuals must purchase Spacebook, which is an actual book. A separate sheet of paper comes with the book. To transfer your face onto the book, press the sheet of paper tightly against the top of your head, ears and face, being careful to include the edges around your nose and chin. Then, rub the sheet of paper onto the first page of Spacebook and your 3D picture will appear (after about 12 hours).
On the second page of the book is an empty square, saved for incoming messages or whoever you want to speak with next. The rest of the book is filled with tiny pictures of those “Winterites” (residents of Wintermire) who participate on Spacebook.
Because the particles that power video messages are based on Warlock magick, the further away you are from the castle (the heart of Wintermire), the longer your message will take to be received. In remote areas of the country, the Warlock’s magickal essences are few and far between, simply because he rarely leaves the castle.
If a family lives in the backcountry and their son is drafted as a cadet, the parents may send a video message to him at least three weeks before they depart, just to be sure he receives it within a day or two of arriving at the castle. Of course, they can wait until they arrive in the city of Wintermire to send the message (but since their son will be traveling with them, he will probably hear the message they’re sending, taking away a little of the fun of receiving it).
To speak to someone on Spacebook, simply press their picture and begin speaking. All communications on Spacebook are 3D videos that pop off the page.
If you have a message waiting, a stamp (of an ornate ‘W’ for Wintermire) will appear across the face of the person sending you the message. Simply touch the picture of the person who sent the message. The stamp will disappear and the 3D video message will begin.