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Ice Child
The long-awaited sequel to DEAD MEN.
"They do say you have to be prepared to let your children go because they were never yours to begin with, but that doesn't stop the pain, nor the memories of someone you love no longer being there. I should have seen the darkness coming."
It’s over twenty years since Birdie and Adam went to the Antarctic, and barely survived. Their daughter, Emily, has grown up admiring Shackleton, much to her mother’s displeasure. Just out of university, Emily disappears, only to resurface in New Zealand, on her way to the Antarctic, to retrace the route of Shackleton’s forgotten expedition in 1909, when he got to within 97 miles of the South Pole. And now she's missing, presumed dead.
When Birdie and Adam illegally go onto The Ice in the desperate hope to find Emily still alive, they discover the US and New Zealand governments have been keeping a secret which could endanger the whole planet.
Interspersed with reimagined episodes from Shackleton's expedition, Ice Child asks if adventure and exploration always exact too high a price.
"They do say you have to be prepared to let your children go because they were never yours to begin with, but that doesn't stop the pain, nor the memories of someone you love no longer being there. I should have seen the darkness coming."
It’s over twenty years since Birdie and Adam went to the Antarctic, and barely survived. Their daughter, Emily, has grown up admiring Shackleton, much to her mother’s displeasure. Just out of university, Emily disappears, only to resurface in New Zealand, on her way to the Antarctic, to retrace the route of Shackleton’s forgotten expedition in 1909, when he got to within 97 miles of the South Pole. And now she's missing, presumed dead.
When Birdie and Adam illegally go onto The Ice in the desperate hope to find Emily still alive, they discover the US and New Zealand governments have been keeping a secret which could endanger the whole planet.
Interspersed with reimagined episodes from Shackleton's expedition, Ice Child asks if adventure and exploration always exact too high a price.
346 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 29, 2026
For transparency, the author is a friend of mine, but I’ll do my best to give a fair and balanced review.
Friendship aside, RP is a truly gifted writer with a remarkable ability to capture the humanity of his characters. His work often lingers with me long after I’ve turned the final page, which is something I value deeply in a book.
The first novel in this series, Dead Men, quickly became a favourite of mine. It not only introduced me to Richard’s writing, but also sparked a connection that led to our friendship. The story felt fresh and original, weaving in fascinating historical elements that fed my long-standing interest in polar exploration.
The second book, Ice Child, revisits the same characters twenty years later. I began reading with expectations of continuing that polar theme, and while the historical focus shifts to Shackleton rather than Scott (and I’ll admit I tend to favour one over the other), I was still drawn in by the incredible resilience and endurance of these explorers.
That said, for me, this story goes far beyond exploration. At its core, it’s about the courage and sacrifice involved in parenting. While I’ve never crossed the globe in search of my children, I deeply relate to the struggle of letting them find their own path, and the instinct to shield them from painful truths, even when it’s not always the right thing to do.
This is a story that speaks to the imperfect reality of parenthood, the doubts, the sacrifices, and the emotional weight that comes with it.
I did find some of the supernatural elements, particularly toward the end, a little difficult to fully embrace. At times, they felt slightly overextended, especially given how strong and compelling the central relationships already were. That said, I can understand the author’s intention in taking the story in that direction.
Ultimately, this didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment. The characters are once again vividly drawn, with both strengths and flaws presented in a deeply authentic way. It’s a story that is heartwarming, unsettling, and inspiring all at once.
Friendship aside, RP is a truly gifted writer with a remarkable ability to capture the humanity of his characters. His work often lingers with me long after I’ve turned the final page, which is something I value deeply in a book.
The first novel in this series, Dead Men, quickly became a favourite of mine. It not only introduced me to Richard’s writing, but also sparked a connection that led to our friendship. The story felt fresh and original, weaving in fascinating historical elements that fed my long-standing interest in polar exploration.
The second book, Ice Child, revisits the same characters twenty years later. I began reading with expectations of continuing that polar theme, and while the historical focus shifts to Shackleton rather than Scott (and I’ll admit I tend to favour one over the other), I was still drawn in by the incredible resilience and endurance of these explorers.
That said, for me, this story goes far beyond exploration. At its core, it’s about the courage and sacrifice involved in parenting. While I’ve never crossed the globe in search of my children, I deeply relate to the struggle of letting them find their own path, and the instinct to shield them from painful truths, even when it’s not always the right thing to do.
This is a story that speaks to the imperfect reality of parenthood, the doubts, the sacrifices, and the emotional weight that comes with it.
I did find some of the supernatural elements, particularly toward the end, a little difficult to fully embrace. At times, they felt slightly overextended, especially given how strong and compelling the central relationships already were. That said, I can understand the author’s intention in taking the story in that direction.
Ultimately, this didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment. The characters are once again vividly drawn, with both strengths and flaws presented in a deeply authentic way. It’s a story that is heartwarming, unsettling, and inspiring all at once.
Displaying 1 of 1 review