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Ice Tomb
The year is 2015. Deep within the Antarctic Ice Sheet a hotspot suddenly appears on satellite tracking. The US science team that is sent from McMurdo Station to investigate finds an icy graveyard. Minutes later, their transmission is cut off. The last sounds heard over the radio are their screams. NASA lures volcanologist Erica Daniels to a conference in Houston by promising to consider her for their upcoming mission--establishing the first moon base. Instead, her archrival and ex-lover, David Marsh, gets the plum assignment, while she’s sent to Antarctica to lead a new team beneath the ice. Even worse, she’s sent in blind. They told her about the thermal signature, but not about the bodies. Where did they come from? They don’t belong to the missing investigative team, so what had become of her fellow scientists? Is the activity under the ice the remnants of an ancient civilization or is there a more sinister explanation? The answer could mean the very survival of the human race. To find out, Erica will have to join forces with the man she despises--a man who’s on the moon.
328 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
60 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Jackson
9 books30 followersDeborah Jackson grew up in the Toronto region, received her undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa and worked for many years in the healthcare field before beginning her writing career. She is the author of several science fiction and historical fiction novels. Deborah is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and Speculative Fiction Canada. Articles about Deborah and reviews of her books have appeared in the Ottawa Citizen, MORE Magazine, the RT Bookclub Magazine, Canadian Teacher Magazine, SF Site, Neo-opsis Science Fiction Magazine and many more.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 6, 2014
Originally posted on Simple Joys in Life:
A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I went to BookSale and purchased five books which cost ten pesos each. Pretty cheap right? One of the books we bought was Ice Tomb, a science fiction written by Deborah Jackson.
I am not a sci-fi fan so I didn’t expect that this book would excite me and make me want to read inside a moving vehicle. I don’t normally do that (no-no for our eyes!). But Ice Tomb is just worth all the trouble. It is sooo good.
Ice Tomb is a story about Erica and David, scientists ⎯ rivals and ex-lovers. Erica Daniels is a volcanologist whose dream was to set foot on the moon. She thought she had a chance a this dream when NASA invited her to a conference. Instead, she was sent to Antarctica where a “hotspot” suddenly appeared. Worse, David Marsh was the one who got sent to the moon.
Erica soon discovered that the “hotspot” wasn’t only about the unusual thermal activity in the Antarctic Ice Sheet. There are bodies trapped in ice. David, on the other hand, discovered something equally unusual on the moon.
Ice Tomb, at ten pesos, is a rare find. It is totally gripping. I found myself hooked after the first chapter and as I went on further, I didn’t want to stop reading. It gets exciting with every chapter; it almost felt like I was watching a mystery-slash-suspense-slash-romantic movie. Yes, there’s a romantic element, too. What’s good about this book is that its romantic twist didn’t take the focus off the suspense. It has just the right balance between Erica and David’s love story and their mysterious quest.
I must commend Deborah Jackson for writing a gem. The book is really well-researched. You’d feel as if you’re really in Antarctica or on the moon once you’ve read this. I also love Erica’s character. All that women empowerment fits the story. Plus, this book clearly shows that behind every man’s success is a woman. Literally.
The novel may have weaknesses but I barely noticed them because the good points are just overpowering. I really loved this book and I hope more people gets to read this.
A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I went to BookSale and purchased five books which cost ten pesos each. Pretty cheap right? One of the books we bought was Ice Tomb, a science fiction written by Deborah Jackson.
I am not a sci-fi fan so I didn’t expect that this book would excite me and make me want to read inside a moving vehicle. I don’t normally do that (no-no for our eyes!). But Ice Tomb is just worth all the trouble. It is sooo good.
Ice Tomb is a story about Erica and David, scientists ⎯ rivals and ex-lovers. Erica Daniels is a volcanologist whose dream was to set foot on the moon. She thought she had a chance a this dream when NASA invited her to a conference. Instead, she was sent to Antarctica where a “hotspot” suddenly appeared. Worse, David Marsh was the one who got sent to the moon.
Erica soon discovered that the “hotspot” wasn’t only about the unusual thermal activity in the Antarctic Ice Sheet. There are bodies trapped in ice. David, on the other hand, discovered something equally unusual on the moon.
Ice Tomb, at ten pesos, is a rare find. It is totally gripping. I found myself hooked after the first chapter and as I went on further, I didn’t want to stop reading. It gets exciting with every chapter; it almost felt like I was watching a mystery-slash-suspense-slash-romantic movie. Yes, there’s a romantic element, too. What’s good about this book is that its romantic twist didn’t take the focus off the suspense. It has just the right balance between Erica and David’s love story and their mysterious quest.
I must commend Deborah Jackson for writing a gem. The book is really well-researched. You’d feel as if you’re really in Antarctica or on the moon once you’ve read this. I also love Erica’s character. All that women empowerment fits the story. Plus, this book clearly shows that behind every man’s success is a woman. Literally.
The novel may have weaknesses but I barely noticed them because the good points are just overpowering. I really loved this book and I hope more people gets to read this.
January 6, 2013
Ice Tomb by Deborah Jackson is one of very few books which I disliked so much, I couldn't finish them. In this case I gave up after struggling through about one-third of the book.
The premise of "Ice Tomb" might be fine, but the writing is definitely inadequate, and the end result is a novel, which is boring and irritating at the same time. One of its many annoyances is the eyes fetish permeating the writing. For each and every person appearing in the book, no matter how insignificant, their eyes are described. The reader is constantly bombarded with "startling sea-green eyes", "mahogany eyes", "intriguing mossy eyes", "almond-shaped eyes", "hazel eyes", "slate-gray eyes" and eyes that "had a Medusa quality that had made Cathy shiver more than once". It's so weird and unnatural, that I couldn't stand it.
In my opinion such style might be acceptable in romances sold at the grocery checkout line, but in case of "Ice Tomb", it ruined the book.
The premise of "Ice Tomb" might be fine, but the writing is definitely inadequate, and the end result is a novel, which is boring and irritating at the same time. One of its many annoyances is the eyes fetish permeating the writing. For each and every person appearing in the book, no matter how insignificant, their eyes are described. The reader is constantly bombarded with "startling sea-green eyes", "mahogany eyes", "intriguing mossy eyes", "almond-shaped eyes", "hazel eyes", "slate-gray eyes" and eyes that "had a Medusa quality that had made Cathy shiver more than once". It's so weird and unnatural, that I couldn't stand it.
In my opinion such style might be acceptable in romances sold at the grocery checkout line, but in case of "Ice Tomb", it ruined the book.
March 6, 2017
I could suspend my disbelief for a lot of the wackier versions of the story, which I will not mention so I can avoid major spoilers.
But two things I can't forgive: 1. On my version of the book, there was a polar bear on the cover. This takes place in Antarctica. (Probably a failure on the publisher's/book designer's part but still). 2. How did David manage to successfully steal Erica's thesis? Yes, he took the printed copy and wiped all the backups she had saved on computers. But surely during the time of writing her thesis, she had consulted with professors and other professionals in her field? Surely this was not her one and only draft that she kept secret until ready to turn in? And then what of David presenting it? Wouldn't the panel or whoever he had to share 'his' thesis with have seen that he obviously didn't know what the paper was talking about???
But otherwise, a light and entertaining read.
But two things I can't forgive: 1. On my version of the book, there was a polar bear on the cover. This takes place in Antarctica. (Probably a failure on the publisher's/book designer's part but still). 2. How did David manage to successfully steal Erica's thesis? Yes, he took the printed copy and wiped all the backups she had saved on computers. But surely during the time of writing her thesis, she had consulted with professors and other professionals in her field? Surely this was not her one and only draft that she kept secret until ready to turn in? And then what of David presenting it? Wouldn't the panel or whoever he had to share 'his' thesis with have seen that he obviously didn't know what the paper was talking about???
But otherwise, a light and entertaining read.
July 31, 2012
This story grabbed my interest right from the start - it’s fast paced and interesting, and I had a hard time putting it down. I especially liked the main character, Erica. She’s not particularly likable, but that just made her more realistic and interesting to me. I also liked the way author Deborah Jackson captured the competitive (and often ruthless) nature of the academic world. I live and work in that world every day and the events in this book were entirely believable to me. Also, the science seemed well researched and credible. The storyline was really unique and the ending was unexpected - something that always appeals to me.
Read the full review on "Have you read this?" at http://indiepicks.wordpress.com/2012/...
Read the full review on "Have you read this?" at http://indiepicks.wordpress.com/2012/...
January 6, 2016
Empecé el año 2016 con mal pie, y es que no me ha gustado nada este libro. Me ha resultado pesado, aburrido, y encima con la típica historia romántica de chica que, a pesar de ser un genio en su trabajo y tener supuestamente un carácter fuerte, necesita tener al chico dominante a su lado. Puafff .
Está catalogado como libro de ciencia ficción, con suspense, pero con tanto toque romántico no se yo.
Para darle más "empaque" al libro, la autora se pierde en explicaciones científicas que creo que sólo Einstein puede entender. Así que hay páginas del libro que para el común de los mortales son infumables.
Está catalogado como libro de ciencia ficción, con suspense, pero con tanto toque romántico no se yo.
Para darle más "empaque" al libro, la autora se pierde en explicaciones científicas que creo que sólo Einstein puede entender. Así que hay páginas del libro que para el común de los mortales son infumables.
March 18, 2021
Decent read
The overall idea for this novel was good, but the writing was juvenile at times. I found the characters unbelievable. Erica was irritating. Having said that, it would make a good movie.
The overall idea for this novel was good, but the writing was juvenile at times. I found the characters unbelievable. Erica was irritating. Having said that, it would make a good movie.
November 20, 2021
I had this book in my kindle since 2013! Don’t know why I didn’t read it sooner. This was a great book and I just didn’t want to stop reading. Loved how it moved between Antarctic and the moon. So many surprises in between. A really great story. Recommend.
May 13, 2019
Great near future sci-fi on things that could happen, or will happen. Very believable.
February 19, 2013
This book had a little bit of everything from volcanos, a trip to the moon, a trip to Antarctica, Atlantean myth, romance and disappearing scientists. It seems like a wide variety, but it does tie together to form a cohesive story. Not exactly plausible, particularly the later part of the book, but it is certainly entertaining.
There were scientific explanations provided for everything that happened along the way. While this makes sense since the story has all scientist characters, it was a bit much at times. The full details did not need to be laid out every time; it just didn’t enhance the story.
The romance of the story was exciting, and a welcome break from all the science. The tension between Erica and Allen was great. They seemed to toe the fine line between attraction and hatred very well. David, Erica’s ex-boyfriend, who plays an active role in the book, was not one of my favourite characters. He was a stuck-up jerk who lied and cheated his way through life. It was impossible for me to like him, no matter how much he “seemed” to want to change. It just didn’t feel genuine given his past behaviour.
Overall, this was a exciting, conspiracy based story that sometimes delved a little beyond plausible. It contained some interesting mythology and theories, and it was fun to see everyone reacted to the intense action.
There were scientific explanations provided for everything that happened along the way. While this makes sense since the story has all scientist characters, it was a bit much at times. The full details did not need to be laid out every time; it just didn’t enhance the story.
The romance of the story was exciting, and a welcome break from all the science. The tension between Erica and Allen was great. They seemed to toe the fine line between attraction and hatred very well. David, Erica’s ex-boyfriend, who plays an active role in the book, was not one of my favourite characters. He was a stuck-up jerk who lied and cheated his way through life. It was impossible for me to like him, no matter how much he “seemed” to want to change. It just didn’t feel genuine given his past behaviour.
Overall, this was a exciting, conspiracy based story that sometimes delved a little beyond plausible. It contained some interesting mythology and theories, and it was fun to see everyone reacted to the intense action.
August 18, 2013
This an interesting read. Jackson did a good job blending portions of hard sc-fi with fantasy sc-fi. The action takes place in 2 brutal unforgiving environments, the moon & Antarctica. There are mysteries about the disappearance of teams sent out before Daniel's team. Also mysteries that require a volcanologist.
Some of my favorite reads about people pitted against tremendously dangerous environments that they have to battle for survival. Sometimes the objective is accomplished sometimes it's not. Woundering who if any will make it back to safety.
Some of my favorite reads about people pitted against tremendously dangerous environments that they have to battle for survival. Sometimes the objective is accomplished sometimes it's not. Woundering who if any will make it back to safety.
August 19, 2012
"He gazed up into Erica's enormous cobalt eyes, frothing with concern, or was it pity?"
If it weren't for the gems like the one above I would consider giving the book three stars. I liked the first half, it was a solid set-up to an Antarctic mystery, but the second half was too technobabbly and the romantic suspence was just meh.
If it weren't for the gems like the one above I would consider giving the book three stars. I liked the first half, it was a solid set-up to an Antarctic mystery, but the second half was too technobabbly and the romantic suspence was just meh.
December 18, 2015
Futuristic thriller.
I like how Deborah Jackson used the story of Atlantis for part of her plot. Strong female characters enrich a typically male driven plot involving Antarctica and the moon. Writing is excellent. I loved the teleportation and the physics review. This made for a good reread 3 years after I bought it.
I like how Deborah Jackson used the story of Atlantis for part of her plot. Strong female characters enrich a typically male driven plot involving Antarctica and the moon. Writing is excellent. I loved the teleportation and the physics review. This made for a good reread 3 years after I bought it.
May 18, 2015
No, Just NO!! Could not even finish it. Started out great, just got worse and worse. It seems a lot is going to happen, but it just did not get there. I waited and read what seemed like the same thing over and over - still waiting. Never happened. Life is too short - I gave up and put it away. Maybe one day.. doubtful
December 3, 2012
This one goes in some in some strange directions in the beginning only to take some twists and turns that bring things back around in some unexpected ways. Then everything ends with a conclusion that I didn't anticipate.
February 21, 2013
This book was packed full of adventure, well written, had characters you invested in and was fast paced. This was the first time I read anything by Deborah Jackson and I will be reading her again. Very entertaining.
September 11, 2016
Really good
I was surprised by this book. I had a hard time putting it down so I could sleep a little. The ideas in it caught me by surprise. I really liked it. I hope her other books are just as good. I will find out.
Ruby
I was surprised by this book. I had a hard time putting it down so I could sleep a little. The ideas in it caught me by surprise. I really liked it. I hope her other books are just as good. I will find out.
Ruby
November 30, 2012
Really enjoyed this book and was very disappointed the next book is not available.
March 19, 2014
A fun read.
February 26, 2013
A very creative and interesting book. I really enjoyed this one.
September 23, 2013
I enjoyed the tale and didn't want to put it down.
October 18, 2013
Very interesting story line yet lacks depth in literacy maturity and shows an over maturity in scientific content.
March 23, 2014
Loved it
great read, kept me hooked till the end. it did get a little technical at times for my tastes, though
great read, kept me hooked till the end. it did get a little technical at times for my tastes, though
June 13, 2014
The story was unique enough to keep me interested, but the author needs to give her characters more to do to express themselves other than raising eyebrows, biting lower lips, and traipsing all over.
August 7, 2014
Fun book, interesting storyline.
September 27, 2014
No. Just ... no. The concept, excellent. The writing, so-so. The bloody swooning-and-submitting-to-the-strong-male bits?
Bucket-worthy.
Bucket-worthy.
January 16, 2015
Great Book
Just sit back and enjoy a good adventure. It's a good what if story. You get a good feeling for how things could happen.
Just sit back and enjoy a good adventure. It's a good what if story. You get a good feeling for how things could happen.
July 21, 2015
Ancient aliens, apocalyptic end of the world thriller
November 3, 2015
Thrilling
Great read I loved the science and archaeology aspects of this book.
I highly recommend it, I couldn't put it down.
Great read I loved the science and archaeology aspects of this book.
I highly recommend it, I couldn't put it down.
October 25, 2012
Can't believe I wasted time reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews