Ice Hunt

The book looks good just slightly worn I have not read it yet as I am reading a different book at the moment

This book has sat inconspicuously next to my computer desk on it's shelf for two years and I don't know what exactly propelled me to pick it up but I'm glad I finally did! I tend to collect adventure stories that reach all corners of the Earth, even go between the layers and I especially love all the ice stories such as this one. The good news is that this book is fantastic, it reads like a movie and sometimes goes in opposite direction of reality and belief but it makes for a heck of a read. The bad news, it's long, well only 505 pages but Rollins could use a good editor and chop off about a hundred because he loves to write about ever single step everyone takes, especially when it comes to fighting and explaining how to maneuver submarines, helicopters and all sorts of vehicles. Maybe it's a dude thing, maybe if I was a guy I'd love it little more, not sure, but I am patient and still enjoyed the book because the main idea was excellent.Most of the story revolves around an ice island that has frozen over and over in the Earth's polar ice cap, sharing waters with Alaska, Russia, Finland, Canada and Greenland. Scientists and naval powers haven't seen it in decades but life is being brought back to the island, all because a shape that has moved and caught on the submarine's sonar, all within the abandoned ice station inside, named Ice Station Grendel. Those who read enough and watch fantasy movies will be familiar with the name, but the author has planned more than a cool name for a station, it's not as much of a moniker as a foreshadowing what caused its demise and what will bring terror back into the icy waters. The station looks like an upside down cone, spiraling levels with labs, a cave and even a submarine gate, all encased in clear blue ice, with people running though it once again. I loved reading how the tunnels in an ice island felt like, the eerie cold and quiet one felt when alone, probably the loneliest place to be, deep under water, but not really alone, there's something else down there...There are good guys, bad guys, and those who simply cannot make their minds up as the reader is catapulted into a journey of fighting governments, secret project cover ups and tons of action. My head was spinning from the armaments and mental battles going on and I felt like I was reading a movie, it was an amazing experience, but like I said little lengthy. After reading Ice Hunt I'm ready to tackle more of Rollins, but after my toes unfreeze, I feel as if I have been dipping them in ice water the whole time, because that's all there is.Great ending, lots of twists and turns and some nasty surprises crawling throng those quiet tunnels. Those who love action, science and adventure with a little mystery threw in will enjoy this tremendously. What starts of as a scientific mission turns into a tale that takes a bite out of the reader, a rather good bite too, so enjoy and watch that water...it only appears safe.- Kasia S.

Having read a few of James Rollins' books [Map of Bones, Amazonia, Deep Fathom, Excavation], I ordered three [Sandstorm, Ice Hunt, Subterranean] from Amazon to read on a short trip to the beach. I polished off Sandstorm in less than two days, enjoying it immensely... and then I picked up Ice Hunt. Let's just say I wasn't as interested. The exotic settings of Amazonia, Excavation, and Sandstorm had really peaked my interest, and the icy cold Arctic didn't do much for me... at first. After setting up the plot and creating some of the most lovable (and despisable!) and well-developed characters of all his novels, the pace quickens and soon becomes an all-out race to an explosive and amazing ending. Plot-twist after plot twist shake up the tale, making sure you're always on your toes. Political intrigue, scientific discovery, bloodcurdling enemies, a touch of romance and non-stop action drive this novel to the top of my favorites list. If you like James Rollins, or thrillers in general, do yourself a favor and pick up this book!James Rollins never ceases to amaze me with detailed plots, well-planned twists and turns, and deep characters, but this one takes first place in all of those arenas.Before my books had come in, I had picked up a used copy of Michael Crichton's Sphere, having enjoyed the movie. Similar in nature (a bunch of people trapped under the sea, fighting known and unknown enemies), I think that Rollins' Ice Hunt definitely topped Crichton's novel. You can actually BOND with the characters in Ice Hunt, understand how they're thinking, how they feel.Anyways, this is my first review of a novel on Amazon. I've written reviews and have been too lazy to post them anywhere, but this novel blew me away and I had to encourage every fan of thrillers to pick this one up. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and a warm blanket, because you're about to enter a world of cold weather and even colder predators... you'll want to keep warm on this thrill ride through the Arctic!

Overall another good story from Rollins. The only problems I ever have with his stuff is the lack of knowledge with respect to the military side of things. I think and hope this is mostly due to trying to get things to fit his storyline because it is too easy for an author of his stature to contact an SF unit and get access to someone in order to get it right. I'm talking basic things like the use of an M-16. The US military has gone away from the M-16 for a while now and the standard rifle is the M-4. Same cartridges in both weapons but the M-4 is smaller and better suited to close quarter combat, which this book has in abundance. There are other things too. But to fit the storyline I can give him a pass there but it happens a lot in his books.The overall story is great and the twists keep on coming. I had a feeling all along about one of the main characters as being not exactly who they claimed to be and it came true. The emergence of the frozen creatures was outstanding and the premise of the book, as it unravels, seems pretty plausible given where science and existing animals are today. The science is definitely not my forte but love the action sequences.

I found James Rollins from searching for Arctic adventures. Ice Hunt was the first book I read from James and he didn't disappoint. This is my type of story where science meets military, meets civilian, meets monster.The story itself is a rip-roaring action packed adventure, with some heart-warming moments, just the right amount of humour and plenty of science mixed with action. James has suppressed my addiction for this type of novel and after reading the first 70 pages, I then went on and bought 8 more of James' books. All of the Stand-a-lone novels and a few of his Sigma Force novels too.I hope the sigma books are as good as his stand-a-lone stories. His website just shows more Sigma novels and a few collaborations, but If you ever read this James, I hope you write a lot more individual stories in the future. These books are just what I need on these cold and stormy nights.I will write a review when I get to the Sigma novels. I have just finished Excavation (which was excellent) and I have just started Deep Fathom.James is now my favourite author. I hope his books just continue to get better and I recommend his books to anyone who loves the sciences and has a sense of adventure, wonder and excitement.10/10

A cracker , just keeps rolling . A value for money read unlike some of the multi book series which start out reasonably ( 99p ) then costing circa £30 to reach a conclusion with the price ramping up with almost each book. I’m more careful now , books like this will be my forward reading.

Great book, couldn’t put it down. What a story you have a great imagination James. Going to search for anything else you have written.

I have read all of James Rollins books and have now started to re read his earlier books which began my enjoyment of his novels. He is so inventive in his stories and he takes you through a maelstrom with his characters.

Interesting book with good ideas. I rarely read these type of stories, but being a bit of a conspiracy theorist (although I don't like the word 'theorist' as there are generally a lot of actual facts to back up claims that a lot of world events are false flag attacks) I found the plot, although fictional, plausible...! Very enjoyable.