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Dane Maddock #5
Icefall: A Dane Maddock Adventure
When the bones of the Magi are stolen from their resting place in a German cathedral, the whispered words of a dying priest catapult Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake into the midst of a deadly race to solve a centuries-old conspiracy. Danger lurks at every turn and no one knows where the clues will lead... or what they will uncover. From ancient cathedrals, to hidden temples, to icy mountain peaks, Dane and Bones must outrun and outwit their enemies in the thrilling adventure- Icefall!
Paperback
First published December 12, 2011
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328 people want to read
About the author
David Wood
100 books309 followersDavid Wood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Dane Maddock Adventures and many other titles and series. He also writes Science Fiction under the pen name Finn Gray and fantasy as David Debord. He is also a book reviewer, podcaster, and a member of International Thriller Writers and The Horror Writers Association. David and his family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit him online at www.davidwoodweb.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 24, 2019
4,75 stars -English Ebook - 🦅🦅🦅
Quote from book : Must see the father, he gasped. “Dreihasenbild”, he addded for emphasis.- 🦎🦎🦎
An Adventure of two friends while on holiday. One with his girlfriend, one with his sister. A short story with a beginning, middle and end. With twist and turns. And in every story about this two a little more background and character. David Wood, I am a fan. 🐺🐺🐺🐺
Quote from the book: as the lion roadster for the king, the peacock be your guide into the dephts of the well. The kings point the way to falling ICE that hides eternal L.....- 🐳🐳🐳
Quote from book : Must see the father, he gasped. “Dreihasenbild”, he addded for emphasis.- 🦎🦎🦎
An Adventure of two friends while on holiday. One with his girlfriend, one with his sister. A short story with a beginning, middle and end. With twist and turns. And in every story about this two a little more background and character. David Wood, I am a fan. 🐺🐺🐺🐺
Quote from the book: as the lion roadster for the king, the peacock be your guide into the dephts of the well. The kings point the way to falling ICE that hides eternal L.....- 🐳🐳🐳
February 12, 2019
A Vacation-Turned-Adventure, The Maddock Way
4.5 out of 5 stars
I usually don’t read books out of order but I seem to have a bunch of Wood’s books that are just all over the place. I’ve been trying to get caught up and I’m probably still more than 10 books behind. I was glancing through my library and stumbled across this book. I’ve enjoyed every one of his Maddock-related books to date so I figured I was in for a blast.
I was right, Icefall was right up my alley. It starts with what seems to be a vacation but Bones and Dane stumble across a murder in a church and a long-held secret is let out by a dying priest. They are off on another adventure.
I can’t tell if this is Bone’s sisters’ first book or not (I have not read the book before this to know for sure) but I really liked her characters. She’s basically an MMA fighter who is built similarly to her gigantic brother Bones and also knows how to kick some butt.
The story jumps around in Europe a bit but each place they went to served its purpose and sounded fascinating to visit. Every time I read one of these books I wish that I traveled more… but not like these guys – they are always finding trouble everywhere they go.
Near the very end – a new creature is featured and it was a pretty awesome few minutes while they met, exchanged idols, and they were shown the way out of the caves. It was a weird but interesting scene that I enjoyed.
Icefall is definitely one of the shorter books in this series but it is not missing the action and adventure that you’re used to if you’ve read the other books. I enjoyed it and if you’re a fan of the Dane Maddock series, I think you will too.
4.5 out of 5 stars
I usually don’t read books out of order but I seem to have a bunch of Wood’s books that are just all over the place. I’ve been trying to get caught up and I’m probably still more than 10 books behind. I was glancing through my library and stumbled across this book. I’ve enjoyed every one of his Maddock-related books to date so I figured I was in for a blast.
I was right, Icefall was right up my alley. It starts with what seems to be a vacation but Bones and Dane stumble across a murder in a church and a long-held secret is let out by a dying priest. They are off on another adventure.
I can’t tell if this is Bone’s sisters’ first book or not (I have not read the book before this to know for sure) but I really liked her characters. She’s basically an MMA fighter who is built similarly to her gigantic brother Bones and also knows how to kick some butt.
The story jumps around in Europe a bit but each place they went to served its purpose and sounded fascinating to visit. Every time I read one of these books I wish that I traveled more… but not like these guys – they are always finding trouble everywhere they go.
Near the very end – a new creature is featured and it was a pretty awesome few minutes while they met, exchanged idols, and they were shown the way out of the caves. It was a weird but interesting scene that I enjoyed.
Icefall is definitely one of the shorter books in this series but it is not missing the action and adventure that you’re used to if you’ve read the other books. I enjoyed it and if you’re a fan of the Dane Maddock series, I think you will too.
March 23, 2021
While travelling for the Christmas holidays, the group becomes involved in the theft of the bones of the Magi. Their pursuit of the bones takes them to some dangerous places and brings them into contact with some dangerous people. This story was fast-paced and intense, and once again I was enthralled. I cannot say enough about the narration by Jeffrey Kafer and how he brings the story and characters to life. I have already downloaded another book in the series and plan to start listening as soon as I finish this review.
July 15, 2022
4 stars - English Ebook
The bones of the Magi have been stolen, and it's up to Dane Maddock to get them back!
A dying priest's last words catapult Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake into the midst of a deadly race to solve a centuries-old conspiracy. Danger lurks at every turn and no one knows where the clues will lead... or what they will uncover.
From ancient cathedrals, to hidden temples, to icy mountain peaks, Maddock and Bones must outrun and outwit the Dominion in the pulse-pounding adventure- Icefall!
It’s Christmas and Dane’s current girlfriend, Jade, convinced him to go to Germany for the holiday. Bones and his sister, Angel get invited to join them. Their first night there they have a private tour of a cathedral.
When they get to the cathedral they find the priest has been attacked. They follow the clues to a shrine hidden deep under the church. From there, they travel around Germany gathering more clues and end in a mountain city.
This is a very interesting story that discusses the antithesis of Saint Nicholas and a hidden power source buried under the ice.
It is an enjoyable story. A lighthearted adventure with suspense that is a good read, especially around Christmas time, which is when I read it!
The bones of the Magi have been stolen, and it's up to Dane Maddock to get them back!
A dying priest's last words catapult Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake into the midst of a deadly race to solve a centuries-old conspiracy. Danger lurks at every turn and no one knows where the clues will lead... or what they will uncover.
From ancient cathedrals, to hidden temples, to icy mountain peaks, Maddock and Bones must outrun and outwit the Dominion in the pulse-pounding adventure- Icefall!
It’s Christmas and Dane’s current girlfriend, Jade, convinced him to go to Germany for the holiday. Bones and his sister, Angel get invited to join them. Their first night there they have a private tour of a cathedral.
When they get to the cathedral they find the priest has been attacked. They follow the clues to a shrine hidden deep under the church. From there, they travel around Germany gathering more clues and end in a mountain city.
This is a very interesting story that discusses the antithesis of Saint Nicholas and a hidden power source buried under the ice.
It is an enjoyable story. A lighthearted adventure with suspense that is a good read, especially around Christmas time, which is when I read it!
July 9, 2025
“Icefall” was originally intended to be a short novella but ended up being expanded - it wasn't the best idea the author has ever had.
Dane has taken a Christmas holiday with his on/off girlfriend Jade.
But, unbeknownst to him, Jade has invited Bones and the rest of the crew to join them.
It's just as well because, during a private night-time tour of a cathedral, they come across the immediate aftermath of a slaughter.
Two priests are dead, but one lives long enough to give the usual unfinished and cryptic clues.
And, strewn on the floor, are three skulls (allegedly those of the Magi) which are not human.
What follows is the usual guff (a small amount is true, the rest a motley mix of fable, legend and imagination), bullets whizzing about, kidnapping, secret passages, and a revelation or two almost beyond imagination.
It didn't quite grip my imagination and I think it would have worked better had it been shorter.
3 Stars.
Dane has taken a Christmas holiday with his on/off girlfriend Jade.
But, unbeknownst to him, Jade has invited Bones and the rest of the crew to join them.
It's just as well because, during a private night-time tour of a cathedral, they come across the immediate aftermath of a slaughter.
Two priests are dead, but one lives long enough to give the usual unfinished and cryptic clues.
And, strewn on the floor, are three skulls (allegedly those of the Magi) which are not human.
What follows is the usual guff (a small amount is true, the rest a motley mix of fable, legend and imagination), bullets whizzing about, kidnapping, secret passages, and a revelation or two almost beyond imagination.
It didn't quite grip my imagination and I think it would have worked better had it been shorter.
3 Stars.
May 10, 2020
Another rip roaring Maddock and Bones adventure
Book 4 in the series which have all been excellent thus far. This time Dane and Bones are spending Christmas in Europe with Jade and Angel, Bones' sister when once again mystery comes a calling.
An interesting take on the 3 Wise Men stories of the bible, our fabulous foresome find themselves on the trail of the bones of the Magi. Packed with adventure and intrigue, this relatively short story is a must for fans of the archaeology adventure genre
Book 4 in the series which have all been excellent thus far. This time Dane and Bones are spending Christmas in Europe with Jade and Angel, Bones' sister when once again mystery comes a calling.
An interesting take on the 3 Wise Men stories of the bible, our fabulous foresome find themselves on the trail of the bones of the Magi. Packed with adventure and intrigue, this relatively short story is a must for fans of the archaeology adventure genre
January 30, 2018
Story captures your attention but book length leaves alot to be desired
I was following the sequence of the Dane Maddock Adventures curious about the title, paid my $2.99 and like always started reading a captivating tale and finished it in a day. Shocked at the quick read, I checked the page count, 120 pages. Come on Mr. Woods, all the others in the series average around 260 pages. Let the reader know they are paying for a short story and not a full length book.
I was following the sequence of the Dane Maddock Adventures curious about the title, paid my $2.99 and like always started reading a captivating tale and finished it in a day. Shocked at the quick read, I checked the page count, 120 pages. Come on Mr. Woods, all the others in the series average around 260 pages. Let the reader know they are paying for a short story and not a full length book.
January 6, 2019
Interesting
The concept is definitely of a sci-fi nature, but is presented in a manner that is easy to read and comprehend. My first read of this author, even though it is #4 in this series, but I’m certain it won’t be the last.
At 120 pages it still packs a lot of action and mystery to keep you guessing and reading. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
The concept is definitely of a sci-fi nature, but is presented in a manner that is easy to read and comprehend. My first read of this author, even though it is #4 in this series, but I’m certain it won’t be the last.
At 120 pages it still packs a lot of action and mystery to keep you guessing and reading. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
February 16, 2025
Christmas novelette 4.5. between Quest and Buccaneer.
Maddock, Jade, Bones and Angelica spend Christmas in Germany. During a private night tour of a famous cathedral, they come across a triple murder, a sacred robbery and an ancient puzzle involving the three magi.
Fave scenes: Jimmy’s puzzle, Angel’s attacker and the pointing stones.
Maddock, Jade, Bones and Angelica spend Christmas in Germany. During a private night tour of a famous cathedral, they come across a triple murder, a sacred robbery and an ancient puzzle involving the three magi.
Fave scenes: Jimmy’s puzzle, Angel’s attacker and the pointing stones.
January 3, 2019
Good Holiday Read
I was really absorbed in reading this story. It's the first in the series i have read and i will certainly bee reading the rest of them!! Really enjoyed the tale,the characters and look forwards to reading more.
I was really absorbed in reading this story. It's the first in the series i have read and i will certainly bee reading the rest of them!! Really enjoyed the tale,the characters and look forwards to reading more.
June 10, 2019
Icefall, what a great book!
What a page turner. The characters were entertaining and funny. The story was unique, kept me laughing while guessing what would come next. I hated to see it end
What a page turner. The characters were entertaining and funny. The story was unique, kept me laughing while guessing what would come next. I hated to see it end
August 8, 2019
You know.. I really did like this story. Read it in a day, it was that good. Right to the end.. which I thought just kinda fizzled. So. 3 stars instead of four because the end was just.. meh.
October 12, 2019
This is another good Dane Maddock adventure, David Wood has assembled quite a foursome to solve this mystery. Mr. Wood is fast becoming my second favorite author (behind Clive Cussler) and I truly have enjoyed the few books of his that I have read so far.
July 3, 2020
I enjoy these plot, in which ancient bones from a holy place / cathedral have been taken. Friends visiting Europe over Christmas holidays hearing the words of the priest. It takes readers on the adventure of other places in the world to find and return. Good Narration added to this by Kafer.
December 12, 2022
Maddock & Bones are off on another dangerous race, following clues and trying to uncover centuries old secrets. The mysterious Dominion seems to be everywhere and a constant threat.
Great adventure with lots of excitement and fun!! Excellent audio narration.
Great adventure with lots of excitement and fun!! Excellent audio narration.
December 10, 2024
A fun little Dane Maddock adventure. The gang traipses around germany, solving clues to find the 3 wise men while pursued by the dominion. Would have appreciated some more holiday scenes of the group just spending tike together, but overall it was a good read.
January 3, 2019
Definitely imaginative
Wild imagination runs this novel. Makes the expression, nonfiction make sense. A very fast read through improbable events with little shift.
Wild imagination runs this novel. Makes the expression, nonfiction make sense. A very fast read through improbable events with little shift.
February 1, 2019
Enlightening
Totally ended this trip through Germany..... Loved the characters and the description of the cathedrals.... Very good read for a sleepless night.
Totally ended this trip through Germany..... Loved the characters and the description of the cathedrals.... Very good read for a sleepless night.
February 12, 2019
Great book!
This story never slowed down! It was full of thrills, chills and adventure from the get-go! I also loved the way Maddock and Bones played off each other.
This story never slowed down! It was full of thrills, chills and adventure from the get-go! I also loved the way Maddock and Bones played off each other.
May 13, 2019
Good read
Not the ending that I expected. Good read though. Will definitely read more from this author and more in this series.
Not the ending that I expected. Good read though. Will definitely read more from this author and more in this series.
September 19, 2019
Great story!
This book will keep you in suspense and have you wanting more. Good clean reading with plenty of action and characters.
This book will keep you in suspense and have you wanting more. Good clean reading with plenty of action and characters.
January 23, 2020
Entertaining read!
June 22, 2021
Without a doubt my go to modern adventure guide to tales and mystery. Well worth getting into. I look forward to the next book.
February 11, 2013
Icefall by David Woods
The fourth installment of the Dane Maddock series happens to be a novella, how this came to be only the author can say. Although this book is short in length it manages to be large in tale.
Dane Maddock and Uriah (Bones) Bonebreak are two ex navy seals who find themselves in the business of marine archaeology which just so happens to lead them on various wild adventures, although the high seas is of little importance on many of there treks including this particular undertaking which takes place in Europe (Germany).
It appears David Woods relies heavily upon biblical scripture for inspiration. This could be a short coming for the author considering there are those who lack faith and could be off-put by the authors assumption of the validity of such tales. Icefall has the reader searching for the Three Wise Men but the prize becomes something unique unto itself, a slight twist if you will.
The problem I have with David Wood as a writer is his awkward handling of humorous interactions between Bonebreak and whoever his target may be. I rarely find Bonebreak to be truly funny, most of the situations which are meant to be funny seem a bit stilted and I become quickly annoyed. The humorous dialogue rarely rings true, perhaps this is something Mr. Woods will become better at in future novels.
The fourth installment of the Dane Maddock series happens to be a novella, how this came to be only the author can say. Although this book is short in length it manages to be large in tale.
Dane Maddock and Uriah (Bones) Bonebreak are two ex navy seals who find themselves in the business of marine archaeology which just so happens to lead them on various wild adventures, although the high seas is of little importance on many of there treks including this particular undertaking which takes place in Europe (Germany).
It appears David Woods relies heavily upon biblical scripture for inspiration. This could be a short coming for the author considering there are those who lack faith and could be off-put by the authors assumption of the validity of such tales. Icefall has the reader searching for the Three Wise Men but the prize becomes something unique unto itself, a slight twist if you will.
The problem I have with David Wood as a writer is his awkward handling of humorous interactions between Bonebreak and whoever his target may be. I rarely find Bonebreak to be truly funny, most of the situations which are meant to be funny seem a bit stilted and I become quickly annoyed. The humorous dialogue rarely rings true, perhaps this is something Mr. Woods will become better at in future novels.
January 5, 2015
I found this book very "Meh". It was difficult to get into, but mildly enjoyable once I got into it. The joy didn't last very long though, because pretty soon my reading session for the day ended. The next time I picked it up, it took me just as long to get back into again - it just wasn't that interesting, I guess.
It's a novella-length piece, and I guess the plot is good enough, but the problem is that the author tries to cram too many characters, too many plot twists, into such a small piece. Had he cut one or two of them, I think it would've gone much smoother.
Of course, it probably didn't help that I picked this book up thinking it was the FIRST in the series, and now I realise it's actually the FOURTH. My fault, but I think I would've gotten a lot more enjoyment out of it had I gotten some of the references to previous instalments in the story. Too late now, though.
The final thing I want to relay here is something that stuck with me from the very beginning of the story: I found it difficult to BELIEVE at times. So our heroes come across a room full of dead people. One person is still alive, and gives them a few words before expiring himself. There's no shock or horror, or grief, from our heroes (whom I take it are supposed to be regular people with regular lives). There's a shrug, and an "Oh, well. Now we have a mission. Let's go!"
It's a novella-length piece, and I guess the plot is good enough, but the problem is that the author tries to cram too many characters, too many plot twists, into such a small piece. Had he cut one or two of them, I think it would've gone much smoother.
Of course, it probably didn't help that I picked this book up thinking it was the FIRST in the series, and now I realise it's actually the FOURTH. My fault, but I think I would've gotten a lot more enjoyment out of it had I gotten some of the references to previous instalments in the story. Too late now, though.
The final thing I want to relay here is something that stuck with me from the very beginning of the story: I found it difficult to BELIEVE at times. So our heroes come across a room full of dead people. One person is still alive, and gives them a few words before expiring himself. There's no shock or horror, or grief, from our heroes (whom I take it are supposed to be regular people with regular lives). There's a shrug, and an "Oh, well. Now we have a mission. Let's go!"
July 6, 2013
In Icefall by David Wood Maddock and Jade are spending Christmas in Germany. Surprise! Bones shows up with his sister, Angel. Let the adventures begin and begin they do. The friends go into a Cathedral that contains the skulls of the Magi or Wise Men. They find the priest have been attacked are either dead or dying and the skulls have been removed from their sacophagus. The dying priest gives them a cryptic clue that they must decode to solve the mystery.
As they follow the clues, they go from Cathedral to Cathedral to find the hidden skulls. Some of these skulls contain an orb that pulsates. They are finally led to the Icefall when they once again must confront Dominion. This time the German branch of the evil organization.
Icefall is very well developed for being a long novella.
Must read series.
As they follow the clues, they go from Cathedral to Cathedral to find the hidden skulls. Some of these skulls contain an orb that pulsates. They are finally led to the Icefall when they once again must confront Dominion. This time the German branch of the evil organization.
Icefall is very well developed for being a long novella.
Must read series.
November 26, 2025
In this book Maddock and Bones stumblemupon a murder in snowy Germany, which sets off a treasure hunt through Europe. It is a little bit weird that I like these books as much as I do, but I think they are a kind of guilty pleasure. Also, they are potato chips books, as in you always want one more. The characters of Maddock and Bones are very, very stereotypical ex navy seals, and somewhat one dimensional. Each book is based on a historical myth, and they are sometimes a little bit repetitive. But the action and adventure is great and very fast paced, and the books are enjoyable.
February 5, 2015
Icefall is the third in the Dane Maddock series by David Wood.
It’s Christmas and Dane’s current girlfriend, Jade, convinced him to go to Germany for the holiday. Bones and his sister, Angel get invited to join them. Their first night there they have a private tour of a cathedral. When they get to the cathedral they find the priest has been attacked. They follow the clues to a shrine hidden deep under the church. From there, they travel around Germany gathering more clues and end in a mountain city.
This is a very interesting story that discusses the antithesis of Saint Nicholas and a hidden power source buried under the ice. This is an enjoyable story. A lighthearted adventure with suspense that is a good read, especially around Christmas time, which is when I read it.
It’s Christmas and Dane’s current girlfriend, Jade, convinced him to go to Germany for the holiday. Bones and his sister, Angel get invited to join them. Their first night there they have a private tour of a cathedral. When they get to the cathedral they find the priest has been attacked. They follow the clues to a shrine hidden deep under the church. From there, they travel around Germany gathering more clues and end in a mountain city.
This is a very interesting story that discusses the antithesis of Saint Nicholas and a hidden power source buried under the ice. This is an enjoyable story. A lighthearted adventure with suspense that is a good read, especially around Christmas time, which is when I read it.
March 21, 2018
Quick, overnight read with decent adventure, but not very fast paced
Maddox spending a Christmas in Germany with his wife and guess who shows up but Bones and his little sister. Searching for the light the three wise men followed in the Bible, they run into the Dominion, but the fighting is not the typical fashion you've gotten used to with Maddox and Bonebrake. More of a fast mystery Scooby-Doo style characters and, as usual, a happy ending.
Maddox spending a Christmas in Germany with his wife and guess who shows up but Bones and his little sister. Searching for the light the three wise men followed in the Bible, they run into the Dominion, but the fighting is not the typical fashion you've gotten used to with Maddox and Bonebrake. More of a fast mystery Scooby-Doo style characters and, as usual, a happy ending.
January 17, 2015
More a novella than a novel, this book deals with Dane and Bones tracking the relics of the Three Wisemen of the Bible. The Dominion is back and they think that the gift of myrrh (spelling) will give eternal life. The conclusion is interesting and I'm looking forward to hitting Buccaneer in a few days.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews