What do you think?
Rate this book
Like Ice
Raz Wynn is an Ice baby. Part of a human race genetically altered to colonize a cold planet where survival dictates everything. But another colony lives in the warmth of the underground. The Kommons. The unaltered humans. Abandoned by their mother country on earth, the two colonies stand at odds over who will ultimately inhabit the planet. When Raz discovers the unfathomable sacrifice her colony expects her to make in order to secure the future of her race, she does the only thing she can do. Run.
266 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2013
713 people want to read
About the author
Sherry Torgent
8 books19 followersSherry serves as the Publishing Manager for Blue Ink Press. She's also an award-winning YA author. Her novel Dandelion on Fire won the Benjamin Franklin IBPA gold medal for teen fiction, and her novel The Curse of Viola was a Foreward Indies Book of the Year Finalist in teen fiction.
When she's not writing, she's looking for her next favorite thrift store find or binge-watching her favorite shows.
When she's not writing, she's looking for her next favorite thrift store find or binge-watching her favorite shows.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 11, 2013
First, let me just say that the cover is stunning, especially for a book categorized as dystopian. Between the book blurb and the cover, I was more than thrilled about winning this book on a GR giveaway.
After reading the novel, I now realize why books should not be judged solely by their covers. I really, REALLY wanted to love this book.
The story opens with Raz walking through the snowy woods reading poetry when she's suddenly attacked by a wolf. Okay, I thought, a little fairy tale-ish. I like fairy tales. But when the main character just gives up by page four, I was a bit disappointed.
"I waited for it to overpower me and sink its sharp teeth into my neck."
Raz runs home worried not about the savage wolf attack just minutes before, but about almost being 18 and not yet having undergone the "Change," whatever that means in this icy dystopian society. I was actually so intrigued by this "Change" and what it might entail that I overlooked the silly teen romance scene that followed.
"He started blowing raspberries into my neck. His cheeks were rough with stubble. I started squealing, despite the fact that he was scratching me."
I figured the story would evolve from this "Change," and Raz would somehow transform from a passive, flippy girl into a kick-a heroine like Katniss or Tris or any other strong female lead. I was sorely disappointed to learn the big "Change" was puberty... at 18. Really?
Instead, Raz is 18-going-on-14 and knee-deep in teen drama. I am so sad. Another weak female character. She's naiive, passive, whiny, and throws temper tantrums when the each of cute boy characters insult her. We don't even know why she's called Raz until Chapter 6, when she punches Elsa - whom Raz hates simply for flirting with Brice, the boy she likes.
I wanted to "see" more of this ice world and the underground caves; alas, there was very little description of either, and little to no explanation of how or why Raz does what she does. The answers to why the Iceans are no longer on Earth, why the Kommons are the Iceans' enemies, who her mother was, and how Raz plans to save her people are delivered to Raz in an examination room by the Chairman; all in three paragraphs.
Many of the details that create strong, well-developed characters and plots are simply absent. Much of the book is dialog heavy, and I felt as though I missed much of what the author intended when writing the story. I knew that Raz would run (the back cover said so), but I felt robbed of her motivation, her inner turmoil at leaving her home, her family. We don't see Raz packing to leave; she just shows up - with a gun that she conveniently packed - to a garbage transport that will take her to her destination - the underground caves of the Kommon, a.k.a. the enemy.
Ironically, she's kidnapped by Zane, a Kommon, and taken to - you guessed it - the Kommon underground. How is it kidnapping if she was heading there to begin with? But wait! She hates Zane for only a few pages before she's pretending to hate him to hide the fact she's attracted to him. She learns all about her mother, a revered scientist, and her father from a complete stranger. Keep in mind, there is little mention of her mother in the beginning other than she and Raz's Uncle Ax were siblings, and no mention of her father at all until halfway through the book when Zane, reveals her true parentage. Until then, Raz doesn't question it. Seriously? An 18-year old girl NEVER asked about her father? Never asked about what her mother was like?
I was hoping for an edgy dystopian novel, but instead found a cheesy, teen romance set in what could have been a really clever dystopian society, had it been developed. The plot is under developed, convenient, and predictable, the characters one-dimensional, the dialog contrived, and the heroine weak and superficial.
Did I mention the pretty cover?
After reading the novel, I now realize why books should not be judged solely by their covers. I really, REALLY wanted to love this book.
The story opens with Raz walking through the snowy woods reading poetry when she's suddenly attacked by a wolf. Okay, I thought, a little fairy tale-ish. I like fairy tales. But when the main character just gives up by page four, I was a bit disappointed.
"I waited for it to overpower me and sink its sharp teeth into my neck."
Raz runs home worried not about the savage wolf attack just minutes before, but about almost being 18 and not yet having undergone the "Change," whatever that means in this icy dystopian society. I was actually so intrigued by this "Change" and what it might entail that I overlooked the silly teen romance scene that followed.
"He started blowing raspberries into my neck. His cheeks were rough with stubble. I started squealing, despite the fact that he was scratching me."
I figured the story would evolve from this "Change," and Raz would somehow transform from a passive, flippy girl into a kick-a heroine like Katniss or Tris or any other strong female lead. I was sorely disappointed to learn the big "Change" was puberty... at 18. Really?
Instead, Raz is 18-going-on-14 and knee-deep in teen drama. I am so sad. Another weak female character. She's naiive, passive, whiny, and throws temper tantrums when the each of cute boy characters insult her. We don't even know why she's called Raz until Chapter 6, when she punches Elsa - whom Raz hates simply for flirting with Brice, the boy she likes.
I wanted to "see" more of this ice world and the underground caves; alas, there was very little description of either, and little to no explanation of how or why Raz does what she does. The answers to why the Iceans are no longer on Earth, why the Kommons are the Iceans' enemies, who her mother was, and how Raz plans to save her people are delivered to Raz in an examination room by the Chairman; all in three paragraphs.
Many of the details that create strong, well-developed characters and plots are simply absent. Much of the book is dialog heavy, and I felt as though I missed much of what the author intended when writing the story. I knew that Raz would run (the back cover said so), but I felt robbed of her motivation, her inner turmoil at leaving her home, her family. We don't see Raz packing to leave; she just shows up - with a gun that she conveniently packed - to a garbage transport that will take her to her destination - the underground caves of the Kommon, a.k.a. the enemy.
Ironically, she's kidnapped by Zane, a Kommon, and taken to - you guessed it - the Kommon underground. How is it kidnapping if she was heading there to begin with? But wait! She hates Zane for only a few pages before she's pretending to hate him to hide the fact she's attracted to him. She learns all about her mother, a revered scientist, and her father from a complete stranger. Keep in mind, there is little mention of her mother in the beginning other than she and Raz's Uncle Ax were siblings, and no mention of her father at all until halfway through the book when Zane, reveals her true parentage. Until then, Raz doesn't question it. Seriously? An 18-year old girl NEVER asked about her father? Never asked about what her mother was like?
I was hoping for an edgy dystopian novel, but instead found a cheesy, teen romance set in what could have been a really clever dystopian society, had it been developed. The plot is under developed, convenient, and predictable, the characters one-dimensional, the dialog contrived, and the heroine weak and superficial.
Did I mention the pretty cover?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2014
The genereal idea was really something new but the world building was so bad that I couldn't understand this world at all. You didn't know is it earth or is it planet. Then people are living in caves but still they have advanced technologies. They were hardly any descriptions for this world to make it easier to understand.
The plot itself was very simple and absolutely predictable. The characters were really dumb and annoying.
So not much left to like about this book.
The plot itself was very simple and absolutely predictable. The characters were really dumb and annoying.
So not much left to like about this book.
November 2, 2013
Like Ice, by Sherry Torgent, caught me off guard. It's incredibly illustrative and well-thought out introduction hooked, and captivated me immediately. What followed was a story that was far from typical, and I appreciated the Science Fiction highlights. It's not often Science is used as a tool to hook and please a Young Adult audience. Mix in a bit of politics, and suddenly we have a story!
However, after the introduction, I felt as though a different writer picked up the task of writing this book. The voice of the main character changed after that first set of asterisks, and a new story began. This is not to say that the book was in any way bad because of the sudden change - but what was evidence of a truly inspirational and captivating author was buried under the fast paced nature of the story.
Despite the change of voice, Like Ice continued to keep me in the setting. I absolutely adore arctic settings and Sherry Torgent depicted the landscapes well. Character development was clearly a priority with this author, and though each character had their own unique personality, I felt as though we still didn't get the chance to know them that well. Other interesting characters, such as Ax or Ray, who were definitely deserving of more 'screen-time' were left largely out of the book. It is my opinion that your main characters are only as good as your supporting cast. Another key to good development is understanding that each character thinks and believes they are the 'main' character. Sherry understands this - I just wished the story was longer, and allowed the characters to drive the story.
Finally - it is important to note that the quality of the writing is above average, and there were very few moments where I felt that the writing became an obstacle. However, this book could have benefited from an editor. I am not sure if the author hired an editing service, but in my opinion it read as though an editor was not involved. The writing is still better than average, however I noticed Sherry and I share a few writing habits. Useless additions of the words, "Had, That, and Seem" is a terrible, terrible habit of mine - so seeing this in someone else's writing struck a nerve with me. A writer is only as good as their editor, and writing books is not a solo effort. It takes a team.
My nit-picking aside (and it is nit-picking) - this is a very good book that'll leave you wanting just a bit more. Sherry Torgent did a masterful job in crafting this story and I look forward toward seeing more.
However, after the introduction, I felt as though a different writer picked up the task of writing this book. The voice of the main character changed after that first set of asterisks, and a new story began. This is not to say that the book was in any way bad because of the sudden change - but what was evidence of a truly inspirational and captivating author was buried under the fast paced nature of the story.
Despite the change of voice, Like Ice continued to keep me in the setting. I absolutely adore arctic settings and Sherry Torgent depicted the landscapes well. Character development was clearly a priority with this author, and though each character had their own unique personality, I felt as though we still didn't get the chance to know them that well. Other interesting characters, such as Ax or Ray, who were definitely deserving of more 'screen-time' were left largely out of the book. It is my opinion that your main characters are only as good as your supporting cast. Another key to good development is understanding that each character thinks and believes they are the 'main' character. Sherry understands this - I just wished the story was longer, and allowed the characters to drive the story.
Finally - it is important to note that the quality of the writing is above average, and there were very few moments where I felt that the writing became an obstacle. However, this book could have benefited from an editor. I am not sure if the author hired an editing service, but in my opinion it read as though an editor was not involved. The writing is still better than average, however I noticed Sherry and I share a few writing habits. Useless additions of the words, "Had, That, and Seem" is a terrible, terrible habit of mine - so seeing this in someone else's writing struck a nerve with me. A writer is only as good as their editor, and writing books is not a solo effort. It takes a team.
My nit-picking aside (and it is nit-picking) - this is a very good book that'll leave you wanting just a bit more. Sherry Torgent did a masterful job in crafting this story and I look forward toward seeing more.
December 2, 2013
A unique take on the dystopian future
Earth has become uninhabitable. Terraforming other planets to make them hospitable to humans is more costly than genetically modifying humans to survive harsh environments. LIKE ICE tells a romantic story of Raz--a human girl modified to live in an icy world--as she comes of age and starts to learn that the people she loved most have betrayed her. Yet finding true love never escapes her hope's reach.
Here are some of my thoughts: First, one slight negative, I wish the protagonist were a little more proactive; sometimes the secondary characters seem to steal the show. Now, to the good: The author, Sherry Torgent, uses color to paint the setting in a vivid way. The sci-fi concepts throughout (including genetic maturation that happens on a timer) are intriguing and inspiring. Motifs of a dystopian future where the government controls with a heavy hand has become commonplace, yet Torgent manages to revisit these themes while keeping it fresh and exciting. Also, Raz starts keeping a secret from the very first scene--intrigue like this keeps the story going throughout. Overall it's an excellent debut novel.
Earth has become uninhabitable. Terraforming other planets to make them hospitable to humans is more costly than genetically modifying humans to survive harsh environments. LIKE ICE tells a romantic story of Raz--a human girl modified to live in an icy world--as she comes of age and starts to learn that the people she loved most have betrayed her. Yet finding true love never escapes her hope's reach.
Here are some of my thoughts: First, one slight negative, I wish the protagonist were a little more proactive; sometimes the secondary characters seem to steal the show. Now, to the good: The author, Sherry Torgent, uses color to paint the setting in a vivid way. The sci-fi concepts throughout (including genetic maturation that happens on a timer) are intriguing and inspiring. Motifs of a dystopian future where the government controls with a heavy hand has become commonplace, yet Torgent manages to revisit these themes while keeping it fresh and exciting. Also, Raz starts keeping a secret from the very first scene--intrigue like this keeps the story going throughout. Overall it's an excellent debut novel.
October 22, 2013
Like Ice is one of the most well written young adult novels I've read in a while. The beginning of the book starts out by introducing the main character, Raz Wynn, who is a sensitive but stubborn 18 year old girl. Now from this point I could summarize the book without giving away any crucial details, or I could explain that the character development behind this point is phenomenal. Every character is well thought out, each with their own personality and background. By the end of the novel there are no loose ends hanging around, and the journey there is filled with emotion, excitement, and adventure. I'd have to say that my favorite part about this novel is that it is well written without the use of profanity or subjects of drugs and alcohol. YA novels today are riddled with the use of profane language when there's really no need for it. I was pleased to realize that the author of this book chose to write something that was appropriate for readers as young as sixth grade to young adult.
March 24, 2014
This adventure/romance follows a young teen girl named Raz. She struggles to understand the world where everything is ordered for the colony's survival. Choices are few, but she expects to marry her best friend Brice. When she accidentally learns that when she turns 18, the colony expects more from her than she is willing to give. Raz makes a life changing decision to leave and seek the underground colony - the enemy. She hitches a ride on a garbage transport, and makes two unlikely friends in the process. But someone is watching them, and it's not long before all her plans quickly evaporate.
The book takes you on a emotional ride of love, betrayal, and redemption. I'm not much of a reader but this book held my interest from beginning to end. An excellent read......
The book takes you on a emotional ride of love, betrayal, and redemption. I'm not much of a reader but this book held my interest from beginning to end. An excellent read......
August 6, 2016
Interesting and unique premise. Raz Wynn is an Icean, a very cool genetically altered human being. Iceans share a planet with an underground colony of unaltered humans from Earth. There are plenty of twist and turns as we see Raz forced to run from her own people, possibly into even greater danger.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews