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Ice Fall
It started with tremors, aftershocks of an event that no one was left to report on. Then the snow came, slow and steady, and it didn't stop. Day by day, inch by inch, everything disappeared beneath a crushing mass so deep that only the tops of the tallest trees remained. Saved by some fluke of elevation and wind patterns, Peter's cabin was spared while the rest of the world drowned beneath an ocean of solid water. Or so he thought. Driven to the brink of insanity by terrible isolation, he survives long enough to see the skies clear and the sun return. As the snow melts, it reveals an almost alien world, a barely recognizable landscape littered with the remnants of civilization. Together with a handful of survivors, Peter sets out to discover the cause of the event that broke humanity's hold on the world, and to learn whether it will strike again.
271 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2016
474 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 1, 2017
Michael Edelson has put together a well-crafted post-apocalyptic novel. It shows a believable “end of the world as we know it” scenario, and focuses on a small cast of believable characters. The main player is Peter Anderson, a loner who is suffering the aftereffects of personal failure. He almost made it into the navy Seals—but didn’t. He is licking his wounds from a divorce. He is in seclusion in a cabin in the Catskill Mountains, when an earthquake (and a tidal wave, though he does not learn about that for some time) signals the end of civilization.
To be honest, I was not expecting much from the book. I am interested in post-apocalyptic novels, and this one was on sale. The cover did not particularly impress me and I was prepared for a less-than-stellar read. Boy, was I wrong.
This novel is really quite good. The author obviously knows something about guns, military tactics and ship-handling. I am retired Army myself, and usually can find something to nit-pick in novels of this type. I could not find anything to quibble with here.
The means by which the world ended was also clever. I don’t know much about modern physics, but his writing was clever enough to sell me. It sounded scary and all-to-believable. But I don’t want to be more specific and spoil it for anyone.
There were a few weaknesses. Some of the minor characters could have been better crafted, and I am not so sure that cannibalism would be all that likely. Peter seemed a bit inconsistent, in that he was super competent at times and a total klutz in some other situations. But he does come across as a real human being. My only other complaint is that the book was too short. There was a lot of good material and the author could have done more with it. But perhaps a sequel is in the works.
Overall, I liked the book and am sure that readers of the adventure genre will find it enjoyable.
To be honest, I was not expecting much from the book. I am interested in post-apocalyptic novels, and this one was on sale. The cover did not particularly impress me and I was prepared for a less-than-stellar read. Boy, was I wrong.
This novel is really quite good. The author obviously knows something about guns, military tactics and ship-handling. I am retired Army myself, and usually can find something to nit-pick in novels of this type. I could not find anything to quibble with here.
The means by which the world ended was also clever. I don’t know much about modern physics, but his writing was clever enough to sell me. It sounded scary and all-to-believable. But I don’t want to be more specific and spoil it for anyone.
There were a few weaknesses. Some of the minor characters could have been better crafted, and I am not so sure that cannibalism would be all that likely. Peter seemed a bit inconsistent, in that he was super competent at times and a total klutz in some other situations. But he does come across as a real human being. My only other complaint is that the book was too short. There was a lot of good material and the author could have done more with it. But perhaps a sequel is in the works.
Overall, I liked the book and am sure that readers of the adventure genre will find it enjoyable.
August 30, 2019
The story itself was pretty good and pulled me in. Peter got a bit self-pitying there for a while and I kept wanting to tell him to buck up and just ASK people instead of assuming, but then I guess there wouldn't have been the conflict. Decent apocalyptic book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2020
Great story! Not sure that one person could hold all the skills of the main character, but that doesn’t stop the reader from enjoying the book. I read it in three days...which should tell you a lot, since I’m not a very fast reader and don’t really have a lot of time to read as of lately. Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.👍👍
March 20, 2020
Excellent story.
December 27, 2018
Excellent post-apocalyptic book! Something happened that caused a global catastrophe. There were earthquakes, months of snowfall, and severe flooding with sea levels rising over 400 feet! This may sound like something similar to Water World, but I assure you, it isn't. I'd definitely like to check out more by this author. Excellent narration by John McLoughlin!
September 4, 2020
2.5 rounded up to 3. I enjoyed the start of this book, the isolation, the spiral toward possible madness, the mystery of why things were so wrong; then the chance discovery of another person and all that entailed. However it then devolved into some Clive Cussler-esque clash with a disaster flick. I lost the characters at that point. Peter was so self absorbed with his own perceived inadequacies, Penny became a source of dialogue info dumping about physics. Most other female characters were there to be saved or threatened or raped. Peter always had exactly what he needed to prevail, pulling items seemingly out of thin air and suddenly knowing how to do just about everything. Find a 100 foot yacht...of course he can sail it and save the day. Need to salt some fish...Peter just happens to have several buckets of salt in his supplies. Need to threaten to tie someone up...Peter pulls a zip tie out of the inside of his jacket. Penny did the same, suddenly becoming a dab hand with firearms after minimal verbal instruction and working out how to make a semi auto weapon full auto because unbeknownst to everyone else, she once fancied robotics.
The cause of the disaster also seemed rather far fetched to me. A lot of the middle of the book is spent trying to explain it, with Peter and Penny happening to come across one of the scientists who had done the research that caused the event...complete with a fully equipped science research vessel. Everything just seemed too contrived.
I didn't really feel anything for the characters. If things are written well, I will often cry when reading. With this book I spent a lot of time rolling my eyes. Their emotions seemed contrived to move the plot forward. A lot of the dialogue was stilted, the characters had a habit of asking What? all the time and it got annoying. Peter, for all his miraculous knowledge of poetry, survival, fighting, sailing, etc was thick as two short planks when it came to recognising the simplest of emotions, appearing to almost purposefully misunderstand or purposefully not bother to find out the reasons behind someone's actions just so the truth can be revealed later. That feels like lazy writing.
I think this could be improved with a developmental edit and a thorough line edit. There were some errors. If we could be shown more of the emotion, drop the info dumps, tighten up the dialogue, and get rid of the deus ex machina stuff then it would be a lot better read.
The cause of the disaster also seemed rather far fetched to me. A lot of the middle of the book is spent trying to explain it, with Peter and Penny happening to come across one of the scientists who had done the research that caused the event...complete with a fully equipped science research vessel. Everything just seemed too contrived.
I didn't really feel anything for the characters. If things are written well, I will often cry when reading. With this book I spent a lot of time rolling my eyes. Their emotions seemed contrived to move the plot forward. A lot of the dialogue was stilted, the characters had a habit of asking What? all the time and it got annoying. Peter, for all his miraculous knowledge of poetry, survival, fighting, sailing, etc was thick as two short planks when it came to recognising the simplest of emotions, appearing to almost purposefully misunderstand or purposefully not bother to find out the reasons behind someone's actions just so the truth can be revealed later. That feels like lazy writing.
I think this could be improved with a developmental edit and a thorough line edit. There were some errors. If we could be shown more of the emotion, drop the info dumps, tighten up the dialogue, and get rid of the deus ex machina stuff then it would be a lot better read.
January 25, 2019
Different take on EOW
I enjoyed this book. The character development, how the chapters started out with quotes from classic poets and writers, and the build up to what happened to cause the extinction event. I really enjoyed Mark and Penny’s characters. Getting to know them, their stories, trials, and past stories. I always like to see how an author will flesh out how people would act if such an event were to happen. The “survivors” as it were. I believe Edelson gets it right here. These characters hit the mark in the believability factor for me (good, bad, indifferent) as to how humanity (sadly) would probably play out. However, there is good in the world, and this author has a grasp on a variety of subjects; sailing, physics, literature, weapons, military lingo and rank structures, survival, geography and more. This is the second book I’ve read. Seed is the first book I read and he covered a wide and varying range of topics in that (must read) book as well. Michael Edelson is an up and coming author. One to definitely keep your eye on! I’m a bibliophile in the first order. I don’t like to compare authors and throw around names, but already he can compete with some heavy hitters. Give his novels a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I enjoyed this book. The character development, how the chapters started out with quotes from classic poets and writers, and the build up to what happened to cause the extinction event. I really enjoyed Mark and Penny’s characters. Getting to know them, their stories, trials, and past stories. I always like to see how an author will flesh out how people would act if such an event were to happen. The “survivors” as it were. I believe Edelson gets it right here. These characters hit the mark in the believability factor for me (good, bad, indifferent) as to how humanity (sadly) would probably play out. However, there is good in the world, and this author has a grasp on a variety of subjects; sailing, physics, literature, weapons, military lingo and rank structures, survival, geography and more. This is the second book I’ve read. Seed is the first book I read and he covered a wide and varying range of topics in that (must read) book as well. Michael Edelson is an up and coming author. One to definitely keep your eye on! I’m a bibliophile in the first order. I don’t like to compare authors and throw around names, but already he can compete with some heavy hitters. Give his novels a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
August 8, 2018
Have it in audio
This audio storie provided a great surprise of a great listen . First time I listened to the author , who writes fantastic and the narrator, John , who’s voice was strong , clear and did the characters fantastic. .
What happens when your stuck in the mountains for a long time and with no where to go .
Hero is Peter Peter has some personal setback . He is also suffering from a divorce. . He feels useless
Peter tried for the Navy seals but wS turn away .
Peter has been in the mountains for a long time . He notices that there is no one around for a very long time . He has to learn to survive without every day necessary. Back to nature.
A strange women shows up half dead , but Peter nurtured her back to heath .
He doesn’t know that earthquakes and total waves eliminate everything. When more people show up that’s when Peter leaves the truth .
Grab it and see how Peter handles the catastrophe.
John was a great narrator. His voice was strong , clear
This audio storie provided a great surprise of a great listen . First time I listened to the author , who writes fantastic and the narrator, John , who’s voice was strong , clear and did the characters fantastic. .
What happens when your stuck in the mountains for a long time and with no where to go .
Hero is Peter Peter has some personal setback . He is also suffering from a divorce. . He feels useless
Peter tried for the Navy seals but wS turn away .
Peter has been in the mountains for a long time . He notices that there is no one around for a very long time . He has to learn to survive without every day necessary. Back to nature.
A strange women shows up half dead , but Peter nurtured her back to heath .
He doesn’t know that earthquakes and total waves eliminate everything. When more people show up that’s when Peter leaves the truth .
Grab it and see how Peter handles the catastrophe.
John was a great narrator. His voice was strong , clear
October 18, 2018
Scientists/military/college student world disaster
So one night of insomnia reading recommendations from amazon brought me to this story. This is a genre I don’t normally read, read the reviews about the science and naively thought it would help me sleep ;) instead it’s nearly 6am , I’ve been up all night u able to put this down , literally unable to stop reading. Hard to leave a review with spoilers , but a depressed veteran survived a global disaster, with knowing what it was , struggling to cope managed to save others, and possibly help forge the new society. The disaster was truly unique, I’ve read a few apocalyptic stories and I’m pretty sure no one has done this story line :) very impressive, military, science and world building to bring this story alive . I can’t recommend this book enough and I sincerely hope that a series will happen
So one night of insomnia reading recommendations from amazon brought me to this story. This is a genre I don’t normally read, read the reviews about the science and naively thought it would help me sleep ;) instead it’s nearly 6am , I’ve been up all night u able to put this down , literally unable to stop reading. Hard to leave a review with spoilers , but a depressed veteran survived a global disaster, with knowing what it was , struggling to cope managed to save others, and possibly help forge the new society. The disaster was truly unique, I’ve read a few apocalyptic stories and I’m pretty sure no one has done this story line :) very impressive, military, science and world building to bring this story alive . I can’t recommend this book enough and I sincerely hope that a series will happen
February 10, 2019
A good thoughtful story about the apocalypse inside ourselves
I can’t say I had hopes of reading anything more than another PA yarn, but the story had some profound moments of self discovery you don’t usually find in this genre.
As a story, it wasn’t perfect and I would normally have given it 4 stars at the most. Sadly, amazon reviewers tend to use the star system as an on/off switch and I didn’t want to demerit this worthy effort too much.
I really enjoyed reading it and sympathized with the protagonist struggle.
Sure, some moments came together a bit too easily, but it was a unique take on PA and well written. It played well in my head.
I can’t say I had hopes of reading anything more than another PA yarn, but the story had some profound moments of self discovery you don’t usually find in this genre.
As a story, it wasn’t perfect and I would normally have given it 4 stars at the most. Sadly, amazon reviewers tend to use the star system as an on/off switch and I didn’t want to demerit this worthy effort too much.
I really enjoyed reading it and sympathized with the protagonist struggle.
Sure, some moments came together a bit too easily, but it was a unique take on PA and well written. It played well in my head.
June 3, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. The plot was great, the action was awesome, it had some suspense and mystery and the ending was pretty good albeit perhaps a little predictable. The characters were for the most part believable and relatable , although I must admit Penny was just a little too good to be true for my liking. No-one is that perfect and knows that much especially at that age! Old soul or not that irked me just a little. I really really love the way Edelson writes; it makes for effortless reading and this will definitely not be the last of his books that I read.
August 23, 2019
Another great book from Mr Edelson! This one is similar to a few of his others where in there's a sci-fi element, worldwide endangerment as well as a protagonist with military training. It is well-paced, very well written and my favourite part was the little snippets of poetry at the beginning of each chapter. I loved that. I won't go into the story as the synopsis does a fair job already, I will say that it is a plausible sci-fi story that also focuses on the change in behaviour of humans when faced with such calamity and how we may revert to our primal selves. It has action, suspense, some adult aspects as well as hope. Personally felt that the love portion of the book was overdone, that's just because I don't really like romance in books (or TV for that matter). An engaging story that is well worth a read.
May 27, 2019
Can The Apocalypse Have A Happy Ending.
Man, l'm on a reading roll, several five star reads from the Kindle Free Zone. So much of the free stuff sucks but this one is a winner, with two strong and mostly believable main characters plowing through a battered landscape full of danger and ultimately redemption. It was a gripping and exciting read.
Man, l'm on a reading roll, several five star reads from the Kindle Free Zone. So much of the free stuff sucks but this one is a winner, with two strong and mostly believable main characters plowing through a battered landscape full of danger and ultimately redemption. It was a gripping and exciting read.
June 2, 2019
A great book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book to the last page. The story is a totally different Twist on the apocalypse. I can't say more without giving away parts of the story. I strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy post-apocalyptic stories especially a story with A New Perspective of the Apocalypse!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book to the last page. The story is a totally different Twist on the apocalypse. I can't say more without giving away parts of the story. I strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy post-apocalyptic stories especially a story with A New Perspective of the Apocalypse!!
September 26, 2019
I can say I wish there was more or was a sequel, but this novel was just the right length. While it takes place in a post apocalyptic setting, it’s more a story of human nature, love, and forgiveness. Very enjoyable read.
April 17, 2020
Absolutely unputdownable!
Please let there be a sequel. I am in love with these characters. They are real. Flawed. Courageous. I was rooting for them the whole time. Don’t leave us hanging. I felt as if I was just getting started on this adventure and it is over too soon.
Please let there be a sequel. I am in love with these characters. They are real. Flawed. Courageous. I was rooting for them the whole time. Don’t leave us hanging. I felt as if I was just getting started on this adventure and it is over too soon.
July 21, 2017
Good read.
Really enjoyed this book. Very informative in an understandable way. The cast of characters was easy to lose myself in, loved them all.
Really enjoyed this book. Very informative in an understandable way. The cast of characters was easy to lose myself in, loved them all.
December 7, 2018
Great Book
I really enjoyed this book. A different approach to an apocalyptic story. I will be reading this author’s other books.
I really enjoyed this book. A different approach to an apocalyptic story. I will be reading this author’s other books.
March 3, 2019
A.new Micheal Criton
Well writen, a good,story line supported with strong science and military genre. I enjoyed every page. A clean crisp suspense story!
Well writen, a good,story line supported with strong science and military genre. I enjoyed every page. A clean crisp suspense story!
March 10, 2019
Decent story
Good story line, decent character development and constant excitement. This is an author to keep a watch out for. Good
Good story line, decent character development and constant excitement. This is an author to keep a watch out for. Good
April 1, 2019
Great read
This was a very good book. Easy read. Hard to put down and get myself busy with daily work. Will read this author again.
This was a very good book. Easy read. Hard to put down and get myself busy with daily work. Will read this author again.
April 3, 2019
Excellent
Love love this book! Enjoyed all the poetry each verse was so appropriate. If you don't enjoy poetry, the book stands alone!
Love love this book! Enjoyed all the poetry each verse was so appropriate. If you don't enjoy poetry, the book stands alone!
April 30, 2019
I just love these post apocalyptic stories but this book was great! Easy to read, believable characters and enough detail about the changed world to satisfy my curiosity. I will be reading another one of his books soon.
June 10, 2019
Very entertaining! Kind of a far fetched story line, but I mainly read for entertainment. Truth be told I've never actually written a book review.
August 10, 2019
Well written tale
I really enjoyed Ice Fall, very well developed characters and descriptive sense of place. It was a good change from so much post-AP fiction, probably because it was so character driven..
I really enjoyed Ice Fall, very well developed characters and descriptive sense of place. It was a good change from so much post-AP fiction, probably because it was so character driven..
September 27, 2019
Fascinating book!
Talk about mind-blowing!!! On an apocalyptic scale!!! Peter is an every day man who is caught up in a "world of hurt". Follow along with his life and adventures in a new world.
Talk about mind-blowing!!! On an apocalyptic scale!!! Peter is an every day man who is caught up in a "world of hurt". Follow along with his life and adventures in a new world.
October 22, 2019
Awesome!
Nice change to look at the end of the world from another point of view! Could not put this book down!
Nice change to look at the end of the world from another point of view! Could not put this book down!
February 15, 2020
Intense reading
Very good book by a very good author. It grabbed your attention from the first page and kept you enthralled.
Very good book by a very good author. It grabbed your attention from the first page and kept you enthralled.
February 3, 2019
Poetry
I enjoyed this book. It is well written and the plot engaging . I enjoyed the quit quotations from poems at the top of each chapter
I enjoyed this book. It is well written and the plot engaging . I enjoyed the quit quotations from poems at the top of each chapter
July 30, 2019
Amazing story! The characters are very well developed and realistic. The story had my attention from the beginning. Not your typical post apocalyptic fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews