Ice's End

by P. Finian Reilly

A deadly place. A dying planet. A secret frozen in time.

In 2123, Antarctica is the last water source for a planet running dry—controlled entirely by StarCross Corporation, which decides who gets water and who doesn't. When Roscoe Slake arrives as a company intern, he expects bureaucracy. What he finds in the archives is something far older: logbooks from a 19th-century Ross Antarctic Expedition that suggest the ice holds a secret StarCross has buried for decades.

If the logbooks are accurate, the discovery could break the corporation's global monopoly on water—and give a dying civilization its last real chance. If StarCross finds out what Roscoe knows, he won't survive long enough to share it.

Shifting between Roscoe's unraveling present and the expedition's perilous past,
Ice's End is a propulsive dual-timeline eco-thriller about corporate power, climate survival, and what buried history can still change.

2025 INDIES Book of the Year Award, Science Fiction, Finalist.

2025 IBPA Book Award, Gold Award Winner, Science Fiction & Fantasy

"A propulsive read that responds to our times."—Adrian Horton, arts writer for Guardian US

"Original and quietly powerful—a haunting excavation of the frozen past and the glittering, fractured future."—J.M. Ledgard, author of Submergence

"A compelling read, offering a chilling look at a bleak future starved of resources that feels frighteningly plausible."—Mike Lucibella, former editor of the Antarctic Sun

For fans of The Water Knife, Blackfish City, The Ministry for the Future, and Waste Tide.

Genres: Fiction

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2025

About the author

P. Finian Reilly earned his B.A. in History at the University of Chicago, then got a different kind of education working as a local newspaper reporter in Montana. In that job, he learned to drive a motorboat alongside a burning lakeshore, interview antigovernment militia leaders, and appreciate just how complicated humanity’s relationship with the natural world can be . He earned his J.D. at Georgetown and now lives and works as an environmental attorney in New Jersey. His debut novel ICE’S END is scheduled for publication by 12 Willows Press in June 2025.

Reviews

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a privilege to get to read an advance copy and be the first to give this book a glowing review!

[Sabrina Lourie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Backed up by scientific and historical research, the author weaves together two distinct but interconnected timelines: one in the far future and one in the not-so-distant past. Perfect for fans of both historical fiction and dystopian/climate science fiction.

I read an early copy from the author.

[Tracy Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley‘s debut novel is set in the coldest place on earth, Antarctica, in the year 2123 with the chilling reality that Earth is running out of freshwater. Those who control the water have all the power and anyone who crosses them puts themselves in danger. But that’s just what our protagonist, Roscoe Slake, unwittingly does. The dystopian future caused by climate change, runs parallel to the story of the Ross Antarctic expedition of 1839~1843 with startling parallels. A fast paced, enjoyable, eco~adventure.

[Mike Muldoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interested in historical fiction and sci-fi? That's me, and it's combination that is not easy to find in one book. Ice's End, however, does the trick -- alternating between the 1840s Ross expedition to Antartica and a dystopian Antarctica of 2124. The novel shows clear attention to historical details, as well as a plausible (though dark) future. The primary characters are nicely developed and relatable. Pretty impressive work for a first novel by this author. I hope he will come out with a sequel!

[Brooke Van Ackooy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a great time reading this!! I highly recommend even if you aren’t obsessed with Arctic/Antarctic exploration like I am. Had phenomenal world-building, well researched historical aspects, great twists and turns throughout, and the way Yule and Roscoe’s chapters merged together at the very last moment was phenomenal.

Only lost a star (and frankly I think this is more of a 4.5) for some issues I had with the pacing. Some sections could have been cut down so a lot of the plot points and characters introduced at the end could have been done more in-depth.

[Jake Rossini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written, creative take on a possible dystopian future rooted in an all too real feeling world. The historical references elevate the story beyond the standard sci-fi novel and allows the reader to draw connections through history. This is a page turner that keeps the reader thinking throughout, and makes the reader want to know where things go.

[Bri Cort · Rating 5 out of 5]

I burned through this book so quickly, I couldn't put it down! The way P. Finian builds such an incredible future world, that feels both surreal yet inevitable. Then in the next chapter I'm imagining myself in the middle of the Antarctic alongside the expedition crew. Just a really, really cool book, and I hope they do it justice when it becomes a Major Motion Picture.

[Adrian Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book — deeply researched, imaginative, propulsive, it imagines a possible dystopian future where Antarctic ice is a tightly controlled, highly sought resource in a water-scarce world. This is a fun read for fans of adventure, sci-fi, nautical history, or just a good page-turner!

[Emmeline Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading P. Finian Reilly’s first novel! It’s been years since I’ve read a dystopian story like this and I couldn’t put it down. I’d recommend for anyone who wants a hot read to cool off this summer.

[Keelin Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading P. Finian’s debut novel! Engaging storyline, interesting characters, an exciting setting, overall a great book! If you enjoyed The Ministry of the Future or the Patrick O’Brien novels, this book is a great mix of those two worlds!

[Elise Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uniquely written page turner, that toggles back and forth between the 1840’s and a desperate world set in 2120’s. The reader is left guessing as the current world intertwines with the past to reveal a game changing secret. I am an avid reader, and this sci-fi dystopian novel was a treat for me!

[Lynn Lubbe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel had a vibe similar to The Hail Mary Project. I didn’t always understand some terms but overall it was an interesting read. Learned lots about the Antarctic. I get to have a book club now with the author! 3.5 ✨

[Evelyn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story line with interesting characters and high adventure. Ready for the sequel…

[Allen W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two stories woven together well into a terrific novel.

[Harrison Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blends 2 stories across vastly different timelines. Fun pacing bouncing back and forth between stories, and a good way to tie them in at the end.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. The pacing could have been a bit better in some sections of the book but the ending came together nicely. Looking forward to a future read already.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot and pacing of this book. The dual timelines were done really well and I found myself losing track of time while reading it. I’m really impressed that this is their first book, and I look forward to more. (I know the author, no big deal)

[Michael Rutkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you tina very cool!