What do you think?
Rate this book
Darwin Lacroix #1
Roman Ice
His rich discovery will make history… if someone doesn’t steal it first.
Darwin Lacroix wants to rewrite the story of the past. The archaeologist knows that a $10 million discovery of diamonds in Iceland is just a fraction of Emperor Nero’s fortune. He’s read the ancient scrolls buried beneath Mt. Vesuvius, and he’s about to prove that Nero lined the lava tubes with impossible amounts of gold. But when a powerful cartel seizes control of the hunt, Darwin’s quest becomes a race against time to reveal the mother lode first.
With a volcanologist and an unsavory diamond expert on board, the academic’s search for riches meets lethal obstacles at every turn. Deep underground, the choices Darwin makes could determine who in his party makes it out alive.
Roman Ice is a thrilling suspense novel in the tradition of Sahara, The Lost World, and Treasure Island. If you like alternate history, archaeological adventures, and complex characters, then you’ll love Dave Bartell’s action-packed tale.
Buy Roman Ice today to unearth the impossible.388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2018
1251 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Dave Bartell
15 books119 followersGet a FREE copy of Corsican Gold or to learn about upcoming novels, join my mailing list.
Imagine the wonder of being the first person to open King Tut’s tomb? Dave Bartell loves reviving lost history and his novels breathe thriller into archaeology.
As a kid, he was frequently found tinkering in his parent’s garage. His insatiable curiosity to understand how things work led him to study biochemistry and, later, fueled a career in high technology. His what-if mindset and life experiences combine to make his fiction plausible and feel realistic.
Dave lives in Los Gatos California, a small town tucked into the edge of Silicon Valley. He enjoys hiking in the hills behind his home, where beauty is still analog.
He hopes you enjoy his stories and invites you to share your thoughts at davebartell@gmail.com.
Imagine the wonder of being the first person to open King Tut’s tomb? Dave Bartell loves reviving lost history and his novels breathe thriller into archaeology.
As a kid, he was frequently found tinkering in his parent’s garage. His insatiable curiosity to understand how things work led him to study biochemistry and, later, fueled a career in high technology. His what-if mindset and life experiences combine to make his fiction plausible and feel realistic.
Dave lives in Los Gatos California, a small town tucked into the edge of Silicon Valley. He enjoys hiking in the hills behind his home, where beauty is still analog.
He hopes you enjoy his stories and invites you to share your thoughts at davebartell@gmail.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 21, 2025
A Long Walk Through Time
Men are motivated by diverse tasks. Gaining riches is often top of the list. Finding fame follows closely, along with power. Ah, yes, Power is usually the underlying factor behind most tasks. But then there are the dreamers, men who seek to find and complete a discovery just because they can. These men are a different breed.
Roman Ice by David Bartell is a magnificent clash of what happens when all the above types of people are drawn into a dreamer's plan. Dark intrigue, combined with greed, along with the heartless forward progress of the corporate world, creates chaos in what should have been a straightforward archeological project to solve a 2000-year-old mystery.
Our story begins at the dawn of the Christian era in 79CE. Against the background of an active Vesuvius, a Roman who has documented the length and breadth of the lava tubes throughout the Roman Empire is protecting his research in a specially made box designed to be fireproof. As he tries to get his box to the waterfront and to an awaiting boat, Vesuvius erupts and incinerates the city.
Roman Ice is a fascinating look at historical research handed down through a family, the lengths to which men will go to complete their dreams, and the nefarious characters who worm their way in, almost to the death of the group.
An Archeological Thriller must have great historical background and artifacts, Roman Ice checks off that box. A Thriller must keep you glued to the pages of the book, frantically hoping your favorite characters will make it through. Roman Ice has Thriller down pat.
I found myself vacillating between wanting to know more about the Roman exploration and rooting for the good people to carry the day. Roman Ice gets my vote for a top ten in Archeological Thrillers. 5/5 stars.
Men are motivated by diverse tasks. Gaining riches is often top of the list. Finding fame follows closely, along with power. Ah, yes, Power is usually the underlying factor behind most tasks. But then there are the dreamers, men who seek to find and complete a discovery just because they can. These men are a different breed.
Roman Ice by David Bartell is a magnificent clash of what happens when all the above types of people are drawn into a dreamer's plan. Dark intrigue, combined with greed, along with the heartless forward progress of the corporate world, creates chaos in what should have been a straightforward archeological project to solve a 2000-year-old mystery.
Our story begins at the dawn of the Christian era in 79CE. Against the background of an active Vesuvius, a Roman who has documented the length and breadth of the lava tubes throughout the Roman Empire is protecting his research in a specially made box designed to be fireproof. As he tries to get his box to the waterfront and to an awaiting boat, Vesuvius erupts and incinerates the city.
Roman Ice is a fascinating look at historical research handed down through a family, the lengths to which men will go to complete their dreams, and the nefarious characters who worm their way in, almost to the death of the group.
An Archeological Thriller must have great historical background and artifacts, Roman Ice checks off that box. A Thriller must keep you glued to the pages of the book, frantically hoping your favorite characters will make it through. Roman Ice has Thriller down pat.
I found myself vacillating between wanting to know more about the Roman exploration and rooting for the good people to carry the day. Roman Ice gets my vote for a top ten in Archeological Thrillers. 5/5 stars.
May 27, 2020
This is a different archaeological mystery. Thousand kilometer (~650 miles) long lava tubes under the ocean from Iceland to Scotland is an interesting concept. However, this same lava tube with breathable air for the entire length is a bit of a stretch. Add in eight people, two gasoline powered ATV's, and assorted support hardware (stoves, lights, etc.) makes it a bit questionable that the three week trip from Iceland to Scotland can be made without separate air supplies. The intrepid explorers also have different agendas (not necessarily compatible) that must be factored into the final outcome.
When all is said and done, Darwin Lacroix and his comrades leave several loose ends.
When all is said and done, Darwin Lacroix and his comrades leave several loose ends.
January 9, 2022
This book was a disappointment. It was either aimed at a YA audience or just written sloppily. Lots of padding, plot arranged too neatly, and it needed a thorough edit. The idea is intriguing but everything is based on the premise that there are lava tubes all over Europe. Since there’s no hard evidence and only likelihood for each end of the story, I have a hard time giving any credence to it. You might as well believe in fairies. Darwin is alternately brilliant and stupid. I can’t believe that an expedition like this could take off in a few days without the authorities noticing. But true love, miraculous intervention and a medical miracle tie everything up with a bow.
November 20, 2019
I can't believe I finished this. No cliché left unturned.
The plot was good enough to rate two overall, though.
The plot was good enough to rate two overall, though.
July 2, 2022
disappointing- not that
Good idea but the writing style didn’t deliver after the initial prologue. Lacks depth, no real substance to the plot, characters.
Good idea but the writing style didn’t deliver after the initial prologue. Lacks depth, no real substance to the plot, characters.
October 24, 2022
Great Read!
Fact or fiction? Dunno! But it's definitely original and a wild ride of a read. On to the next Bartell adventure!
Fact or fiction? Dunno! But it's definitely original and a wild ride of a read. On to the next Bartell adventure!
January 3, 2023
too long
The book went on and on and nothing thrilling happened. I gave up after about a third of the way.
The book went on and on and nothing thrilling happened. I gave up after about a third of the way.
July 4, 2023
I hate to give bad reviews but this is one of the worst books I ever read. There was no mystery, the writing was fourth grade level, and I guess I’m just not that into cave exploration.
June 19, 2019
One of the most exciting books I've read this summer. Roman Ice: An Archeological Thriller by Dave Bartell is terrific. Archeological (and Techno) thrillers are my favorite genre. Bartell is a new author to me and I'm looking forward to reading many more from him, soon I hope!
Lots of historical background helps us to understand the LaCroix Curse and leads us to the sudden discovery of an entrance into a lava tube under Iceland. For generations the LaCroix family has been trying to prove their theory that the Romans used lava tubes under Europe to aid their efforts to conquer areas far from the heart of their empire. The LaCroix family suspected that the tubes even stretched under the ocean. The discovery of an entrance under Iceland could provide proof as a jar was found there wih a wealth of diamonds along with some Roman coins which matched some found in tubes under France and England.
Plenty of individuals were also interested with thoughts of exploiting the potential find for the diamonds, for use of the tunnels for research and even for potential energy transmission. Complications arise which could delay or even prevent exploration of the Iceland tube. So a small group decides to enter and potentially travel through the tubes to Scotland before they are stopped by the government. The group is lead by Darwin LaCroix, a teacher of archeology from Berkley in California. What ensues is absolutely thrilling and hair raising. Hopefully claustrophobic readers will not hesitate to dive right in!
Lots of historical background helps us to understand the LaCroix Curse and leads us to the sudden discovery of an entrance into a lava tube under Iceland. For generations the LaCroix family has been trying to prove their theory that the Romans used lava tubes under Europe to aid their efforts to conquer areas far from the heart of their empire. The LaCroix family suspected that the tubes even stretched under the ocean. The discovery of an entrance under Iceland could provide proof as a jar was found there wih a wealth of diamonds along with some Roman coins which matched some found in tubes under France and England.
Plenty of individuals were also interested with thoughts of exploiting the potential find for the diamonds, for use of the tunnels for research and even for potential energy transmission. Complications arise which could delay or even prevent exploration of the Iceland tube. So a small group decides to enter and potentially travel through the tubes to Scotland before they are stopped by the government. The group is lead by Darwin LaCroix, a teacher of archeology from Berkley in California. What ensues is absolutely thrilling and hair raising. Hopefully claustrophobic readers will not hesitate to dive right in!
October 9, 2024
Ex-tutor Martinus Saturninus finds a scroll describing a tunnel of gold on the island of Pompeii. Years later, he's kept all his notes and finds in a special chest. Then the mountain of Pompeii erupts and everything’s lost.
Darwin Lacroix’s family has been searching for a lost Roman treasure since the late 1860s after their ancestor Pasquale found (tomb robbing?) an ancient box of scrolls during an archeological dig of the buried town of Herculaneum on Pompeii. Now Darwin has found some new information beneath London, then in Iceland? (BTW: 20 kilometers= about 12 ½ miles. The Oraefajokull glacier is about 10 miles wide.)
The first half of the book consists of a lot historical and technical information (letters, etc.) as he searches. Later comes the action suspense part.
Footnote: 1) Nero was born in 37 AD. The Roman general Marcus Agrippa was born in 63 BC. They were not contemporaries. There was a Herod Agrippa, King of Judea that lived from 11 BC to 42 AD, but that doesn’t work either. Pompeii blew up in 79 CE/AD so that is correct. Except Agrippa would have been 142. 2) The plot sounds like the ‘National Treasure’ movies.
Fave scenes: the Exchange tunnels under London, Darwin & Zac’s tunnel trip, Darwin & Eyrun’s underground picnic and Darwin’s ‘sorry’ speech.
Darwin Lacroix’s family has been searching for a lost Roman treasure since the late 1860s after their ancestor Pasquale found (tomb robbing?) an ancient box of scrolls during an archeological dig of the buried town of Herculaneum on Pompeii. Now Darwin has found some new information beneath London, then in Iceland? (BTW: 20 kilometers= about 12 ½ miles. The Oraefajokull glacier is about 10 miles wide.)
The first half of the book consists of a lot historical and technical information (letters, etc.) as he searches. Later comes the action suspense part.
Footnote: 1) Nero was born in 37 AD. The Roman general Marcus Agrippa was born in 63 BC. They were not contemporaries. There was a Herod Agrippa, King of Judea that lived from 11 BC to 42 AD, but that doesn’t work either. Pompeii blew up in 79 CE/AD so that is correct. Except Agrippa would have been 142. 2) The plot sounds like the ‘National Treasure’ movies.
Fave scenes: the Exchange tunnels under London, Darwin & Zac’s tunnel trip, Darwin & Eyrun’s underground picnic and Darwin’s ‘sorry’ speech.
November 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book which has such an unusual and interesting premise, which is why I was quite forgiving for several basic grammar mistakes (such as using commas in the correct places) and some quite ridiculous lack of research, for example of the Icelandic naming system and culture... which is a shame and always distracts from the story.
However, the story, the character interactions and the historical aspects are all interesting enough to (mostly) forgive all that and keep reading. I will most likely be picking up the next book in the series.
However, the story, the character interactions and the historical aspects are all interesting enough to (mostly) forgive all that and keep reading. I will most likely be picking up the next book in the series.
October 26, 2024
3.5*
An okay way to pass a bit of time, but hardly edge-of-the-seat intrigue or action.
Umm, I know the lava tunnels were massive in length but I almost ossified from boredom waiting for the group to arrive at the other end. Enjoyed the Iceland snippets but the characters were a tad flat and I didn’t care overly much whether or not they survived or ended up forever lost in the innards of the Earth.
I’ll probably give the next in the series a go in the hope that it’s a little more compelling.
An okay way to pass a bit of time, but hardly edge-of-the-seat intrigue or action.
Umm, I know the lava tunnels were massive in length but I almost ossified from boredom waiting for the group to arrive at the other end. Enjoyed the Iceland snippets but the characters were a tad flat and I didn’t care overly much whether or not they survived or ended up forever lost in the innards of the Earth.
I’ll probably give the next in the series a go in the hope that it’s a little more compelling.
August 16, 2019
A different kind of historical fiction
Loved the book and it's premise. The characters of Robert and maybe Karl could have been expanded to get their motive s other than greed.
Who would have ever thought to base most of the book in Iceland? Utterly brilliant.
So the new adventure Darwin goes on is based in the Sahara. Can't wait and as soon as the review is finished I'll be offering it.
Wish I could give 5 1/2 stars. That's how much I enjoyed the book
Loved the book and it's premise. The characters of Robert and maybe Karl could have been expanded to get their motive s other than greed.
Who would have ever thought to base most of the book in Iceland? Utterly brilliant.
So the new adventure Darwin goes on is based in the Sahara. Can't wait and as soon as the review is finished I'll be offering it.
Wish I could give 5 1/2 stars. That's how much I enjoyed the book
August 22, 2019
Roman Ice
I bought this book due to my interest in archeology. I though about getting a degree in it but quickly learned that cannot tolerate working in hot weather. It's strange to say this since I live in the south. So I now read any book that deals with archeology. This book wasn't full of too much science and the mystery wasn't too hard to figure out. It was a good book to read.
I bought this book due to my interest in archeology. I though about getting a degree in it but quickly learned that cannot tolerate working in hot weather. It's strange to say this since I live in the south. So I now read any book that deals with archeology. This book wasn't full of too much science and the mystery wasn't too hard to figure out. It was a good book to read.
June 25, 2020
A little Roman
I had never heard of lava tunnels and still am trying to wrap my mind around them. This story takes you to several countries and tries to connect numerous characters. I loved Darwin, his family and friends but had a hard time connecting g the "bad guys" to the story. How they got so tightly involved so quickly was hard for me to follow. I enjoyed this book but it wasn't a page turner for me and that's why it gets a 4.
I had never heard of lava tunnels and still am trying to wrap my mind around them. This story takes you to several countries and tries to connect numerous characters. I loved Darwin, his family and friends but had a hard time connecting g the "bad guys" to the story. How they got so tightly involved so quickly was hard for me to follow. I enjoyed this book but it wasn't a page turner for me and that's why it gets a 4.
September 8, 2023
An Ancient Roman Sci-Fi Tale
Darwin LaCroix stumbles on a newspaper story about Roman coins and raw diamonds at archeological site in eastern Iceland. His family curse comes from his grandfather’s discovery of a scroll describing how lava tubes connect all of Europe and how “easy” it is to get around. Sure enough the archaeologists have in their site a lava tube. Thereby hangs a tale of adventure.
Darwin LaCroix stumbles on a newspaper story about Roman coins and raw diamonds at archeological site in eastern Iceland. His family curse comes from his grandfather’s discovery of a scroll describing how lava tubes connect all of Europe and how “easy” it is to get around. Sure enough the archaeologists have in their site a lava tube. Thereby hangs a tale of adventure.
July 17, 2024
Almost didn't read due to some surprisingly hypercritical reviews. This will not be a classic, but it's more than an adequate thriller and worth the read. It had the potential to be even better. It missed a higher rating from me due to the fact that the action was slow in the beginning third of the book. Once they get into the lava tubes, it really gets interesting and moves quickly with action and suspense. I'll read another Darwin Lacroix thriller.
November 26, 2018
Who knew there could be massive lava tubes running under our feet. Throw in some valuable gems & the bad guys come running. Add strong characters who engage in clever, convincing dialog and you have a realistic feeling tale.
It's just my kind of adventure: stretch the imagination, brisk action, a few heady moments, and people I would invite over for a beer. In fact, I think I have. ;-)
It's just my kind of adventure: stretch the imagination, brisk action, a few heady moments, and people I would invite over for a beer. In fact, I think I have. ;-)
July 16, 2019
Great book!
I really enjoyed reading this book! The story line, while fantastic, was remotely possible! I'm fact, we watched a special on TV about Iceland and the volcanic lava tubes found there. The book really came to life with the visual references in the show. After that, I finished the book with...who knows what might be going on deep underground!
I really enjoyed reading this book! The story line, while fantastic, was remotely possible! I'm fact, we watched a special on TV about Iceland and the volcanic lava tubes found there. The book really came to life with the visual references in the show. After that, I finished the book with...who knows what might be going on deep underground!
September 8, 2019
Archeological (shouldn't that be archaeological?) and thriller are two words you don't often see in the same sentence. However, this book brings them together in an exciting tale of mystery, exploration and treachery.
At times I had to suspend my disbelief (navigable lava tubes running over several hundred miles!), but I found this story an enjoyable read.
At times I had to suspend my disbelief (navigable lava tubes running over several hundred miles!), but I found this story an enjoyable read.
November 3, 2019
Exciting and Imaginitive
For a first book it is wonderfully absent the spelling and grammar errors that plague some authors. The plotting, character building,
And exciting cave action work well to create an implausible idea coming to life. Awaiting Darwin’s next adventure, well done
For a first book it is wonderfully absent the spelling and grammar errors that plague some authors. The plotting, character building,
And exciting cave action work well to create an implausible idea coming to life. Awaiting Darwin’s next adventure, well done
July 12, 2021
Good read
Every t
Everything in this novel seemed to hang together for me with no glaring, that doesn't make sense moments. Granted, I have very limited knowledge
of geology or vulcanology.
Characters were believable and well developed.
Wondering if Jules Verne had some influence on the author.
Every t
Everything in this novel seemed to hang together for me with no glaring, that doesn't make sense moments. Granted, I have very limited knowledge
of geology or vulcanology.
Characters were believable and well developed.
Wondering if Jules Verne had some influence on the author.
July 31, 2021
Good read.
The book is a show read till the middle of the book.
The use of French is fine but I don’t understand French and he doesn’t give a translation.
It’s advisable to read prior books by the author, he refers to episodes of prior novels.
It took awhile to get through the book but it was a good read.
The book is a show read till the middle of the book.
The use of French is fine but I don’t understand French and he doesn’t give a translation.
It’s advisable to read prior books by the author, he refers to episodes of prior novels.
It took awhile to get through the book but it was a good read.
September 18, 2022
Eye opener
Never have I ever even thought about this, or considered the possibility that this sort of thing existed. It made me look into it as much as one can on Google but I was amazed and full of wonder.
Then on top of learning about lava flows here comes this amazing adventure involving both facts and fiction and brilliantly done.
Thank you Dave Bartell!
Never have I ever even thought about this, or considered the possibility that this sort of thing existed. It made me look into it as much as one can on Google but I was amazed and full of wonder.
Then on top of learning about lava flows here comes this amazing adventure involving both facts and fiction and brilliantly done.
Thank you Dave Bartell!
September 14, 2023
Suffered through 300 pages worth of this badly written drivel before giving up - life is too short to force myself to carry on. The editing is terrible with whole passages repeated and sentences regularly contradicting themselves from one to the next. Dialogue is worse than stilted, zero character development and the plot, already ludicrous, is just plain ridiculous as well. All in all - awful!
May 21, 2024
Roman Ice
Dave Bartell loves reviving lost history and his novels breathe thriller into archaeology. True Dave Bartell revived Roman history in this book. Interesting concept of Lava tubes connecting Iceland and Rome. A thrilling ,suspenseful travel in the underground tube , a non stoppable read.
Dave Bartell loves reviving lost history and his novels breathe thriller into archaeology. True Dave Bartell revived Roman history in this book. Interesting concept of Lava tubes connecting Iceland and Rome. A thrilling ,suspenseful travel in the underground tube , a non stoppable read.
July 16, 2024
Great read!!!
I enjoyed this book! The author developed the characters, storyline and added in a measure of suspense that brought it all together. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys adventure stories that move along quickly. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I enjoyed this book! The author developed the characters, storyline and added in a measure of suspense that brought it all together. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys adventure stories that move along quickly. I look forward to reading more by this author.
May 29, 2025
Seemed interesting enough at first. When they get to the lava tube, it went on for too long. Didn’t hold my interest. Too far fetched for me. I couldn’t suspend disbelief enough to enjoy this book.
The AI reader for Amazon Audible is so dreadful that it destroyed the book. I’m shocked they released it!
The AI reader for Amazon Audible is so dreadful that it destroyed the book. I’m shocked they released it!
October 15, 2019
Exciting concept. Well written
Darwin is the quintessential anti hero. The saga of finding a network of lava tubes connecting Europe to Iceland is compelling. Loved the characters, action and adventure.
Darwin is the quintessential anti hero. The saga of finding a network of lava tubes connecting Europe to Iceland is compelling. Loved the characters, action and adventure.
November 4, 2019
Interesting & Exciting
This book had me hooked from the start. I enjoy a great adventure add in archaeology and geology and I’m hooked. Great characters and a truly original idea makes this a fantastic book.
This book had me hooked from the start. I enjoy a great adventure add in archaeology and geology and I’m hooked. Great characters and a truly original idea makes this a fantastic book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews