Ice's End

by P. Finian Reilly

"Reilly twists today's climate crisis into a future environmental thriller. Through it all, he maintains suspense, humor, and plenty of heart. Ice's End is a propulsive read that responds to our times."
—Adrian Horton, arts writer for Guardian US

"A page-turner from the get-go, with a sense of urgency that resonates in a warming world."
—Gwen Florio, award-winning author of the Lola Wicks and Nora Best mysteries and Silent Hearts

A climate fiction thriller of survival, discovery, and reckoning—with two timelines, one deadly secret, and Earth's last frontier.

In the year 2123, Earth is parched, privatized, and dying. Roscoe Slake thinks he's found his escape when he's accepted into a prestigious internship at StarCross Corporation. But instead of joining the elite in orbit, he's sent to the company archives—where Earth's last secrets are buried, not broadcast.

There, Roscoe uncovers logbooks from the 19th-century Ross Antarctic Expedition. The journals suggest the expedition uncovered something extraordinary in the polar ice. Something powerful. Something dangerous. If true, this discovery could change everything about humanity's fight for water—or doom it completely.

Shifting between the expedition's perilous past and Roscoe's unraveling present, Ice's End is a gripping eco-thriller and survival story that probes the edges of climate fiction, corporate conspiracy, and what we owe to both history and the future.

Perfect for fans of Blackfish City, The Water Knife, and Waste Tide, this speculative fiction debut combines near-future dystopia, Antarctic adventure, and a lost expedition mystery that may hold the key to Earth's survival.

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

[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.

[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!

[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!

[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.

[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…

[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)