Slices of Life

Ice Planet Barbarians #Includes 7,1, 7.2, 8.5, 9.5

by Ruby Dixon, Hollie Jackson (Narrator), Mason Lloyd (Narrator)

A compilation of several short stories from the bestselling series, Ice Planet Barbarians.

Book 7.1: Having the Barbarian's Baby

Megan's ready to give birth, but she's not ready to let her mate leave her side. When Cashol must go hunting to feed the tribe, they're separated for the first time since resonance. Not a problem, except the baby's ready to be born and there's a storm brewing...

Book 7.2: Ice Ice Babies

It's hard being a new mom on a barren, wintry planet. How about a mom... times two? Nora has to find a way to juggle babies, her mate, and friendships while catching the occasional nap. Can she get her groove back?

Book 8.5: Calm

One morning, gentle Maylak wakes up and feels a sense of oncoming dread. As the tribe's healer, it is her job to ensure that everyone is safe, happy, and healthy... and they are. So what can be threatening her people?

Book 9.5: Aftershocks

On the day the world shook, everything changed for the barbarian tribe. This short story goes back to the event and gives additional insight. How do Rukh and Harlow fare through the disaster? How does the chief handle the destruction of everything he's ever known?
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To get the most reading pleasure from this sought-after series -- start at the beginning of the series . . .

The Ice Planet Barbarians series:
Book 01.0 - Ice Planet Barbarians
Book 01.5 - Ice Planet Honeymoon (Vektal & Georgie)
Book 02.0 - Barbarian Alien
Book 02.5 - Ice Planet Honeymoon (Raahosh & Liz)
Book 03.0 - Barbarian Lover
Book 03.5 - Ice Planet Honeymoon (Aehako & Kira)
Book 04.0 - Barbarian Mine
Book 04.5 - Ice Planet Honeymoon (Rukh & Harlow)
Book 05.0 - Ice Planet Holiday
Book 06.0 - Barbarian's Prize
Book 07.0 - Barbarian's Mate
Book 07.1 - Having the Barbarian's Baby
Book 07.2 - Ice Ice Babies
Book 08.0 - Barbarian's Touch
Book 08.5 - Calm
Book 09.0 - Barbarian's Taming
Book 09.5 - Aftershocks
Book 10.0 - Barbarian's Heart
Book 11.0 - Barbarian's Hope
Book 12.0 - Barbarian's Choice
Book 13.0 - Barbarian's Redemption
Book 14.0 - Barbarian's Lady
Book 15.0 - Barbarian's Rescue
Book 16.0 - Barbarian's Tease
Book 16.5 - The Barbarian Before Christmas
Book 17.0 - Barbarian's Beloved
Book 17.1 - A Gift for Drenol
Book 17.5 - Barbarian's Valentine
Book 18.0 - Barbarian's Seduction
Book 19.0 - Barbarian's Treasure
Book 20.0 - Barbarian's Bride
--
Series Notes:
>> Books 1 and 2 were originally released as 6-part serials:
"Ice Planet Barbarians" [Parts 1.1 - 1.6]
"Barbarian Alien" [Parts 2.1 - 2.6]

>> Compilations of shorter stories:
"Ice Planet Honeymoon" (Books #1.5, 2.5, 3.5 & 4.5)
"Slices of Life" (Books #7,1, 7.2, 8.5 & 9.5)
..............................................................................
Listening Length ➜ 5hrs. and 42mins.
Narrators: Hollie Jackson, Mason Lloyd
©2015 Ruby Dixon (P)2020

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Aliens, Science Fiction, Novella, Fantasy, Science Fiction Romance

Audible Audio

First published October 16, 2016

About the author

Ruby Dixon is an author of Science Fiction Romance. She likes fated mates, baby-filled epilogues, and cinnamon roll heroes. She also likes to write biographies of herself in the third person, because it feels more important that way.

Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)

Reviews

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have noticed how much I have started to like Asha so I was happy that here we got more of her. It seems that not all characters are that memorable because I had to think if I had read about some of them earlier or not.

Two first stories were really cute and light. It was interesting to see how Maylak started to feel that something was going to happen soon. I think the last story was the one I liked the least.

This was again something light to read.

[Kayla (onthefritz) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of 4 (kinda 5) of short stories set in the IPB world. These stories are 6.5, 6.6, 7.5, 8.5 in the regular series, so if you have not read certain books in the series, there will be spoilers.

Having the Barbarian's Baby (Megan and Cashol) - 2 Stars
A quick inside into Megan and Cashol's relationship. (This was written before their prequel/present day book) Megan is almost due to have her baby, but Cashol has been tasted to go out on a long hunt in preparation for the Brutal Season.

Ice Ice Babies (Nora and Dagesh) - 2 Stars
We follow Nora and Dagesh a bit and their life adjusting to having twins. This sets up Asha's story and the start of their friendship and her helping with the twins.

Calm (Maylak) - 3 Stars
Maylak has a gentle unease and goes throughout the camp checking in on everyone while hours away from giving birth. A small set up for Barbarian's Heart. It was cute to get a pov from Maylak and see a quick peek at the entire tribe. There was also a second part to this "story" that is just Farli helping Maddie movie into the single ladies cave with Asha. That is all that happens.

Aftershocks (various) - 3 Stars
A great earthquake happens and changes the tribe's life forever. We follow Harlow + Rukh, Stacy + Pashov, and Georgie + Vektal. This is the main event/set up for Barbarian's Heart.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if we necessarily needed a novella collection for the Ice Planet Barbarians, but I'm glad it exists.

I love these characters, so I'm happy to read about any random goings-on that Dixon will give us. Some novellas were stronger than others, Aftershocks was the best one by far. Anything that features Rukh will always get high marks from me though. He's my absolute favorite in the series!

This collection is a quick and fun little read. Especially so if you're curious about what happens to certain characters after they've settled and started a family. Again, I wouldn't call this a necessary read, but it was still nice to get these little snippets.

[Selenity Jade (Coffee Addicts Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of these stories separately and loved each and every single one! I definitely recommend the Slices of Life to any Ice Planet Barbarian fans!

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://celebrityreaders.com/2021/04/...

OVERALL: 4 stars — Usually when I read a set of short stories, they are by different authors so they’re inconsistent. But these were all unique but great!

HAVING THE BARBARIAN’S BABY
4 stars — Okay, Cashol was adorable. Like, start to finish adorable. I loved the way he would tease Megan and do everything in his power to get her to smile. At first I thought I’d get annoyed with Megan’s anxiety, but I got it…especially considering what had happened to her in the past. I forgot what happened to her when she was kidnapped. I loved the whole treasure hunt thing, and it was just an adorable story.

ICE ICE BABIES
4 stars — It’s kind of fun to get a glimpse of the other couples who didn’t get a full story. I was a bit slower to get into this one, just because I couldn’t feel the connection between Nora and Dagesh as easily. But it was funny how it ended up showing how just because they’re on an ice planet, doesn’t mean parents don’t struggle through the same stuff (insecurities, exhaustion, worry). I loved the side bit with Ashe, I feel pretty sad for her and hope this helps her connect with more than just Nora.

CALM
4 stars — I loved getting to see inside Maylak’s head, since she is such an integral part of the tribe. I could feel how much she cared for EVERYONE, and how upsetting this “bad feeling” was. It has me curious for sure. But mostly it was just an interesting way to see the tribe from a different perspective.

MOVING DAY
3.5 stars — This was truly just a teeny tiny story from Farley’s POV, but it was cute. It was fun to see things from her perspective.

AFTERSHOCKS
4.5 stars — This was an interesting little short story, b/c it was like a compilation of vignettes. Because of how big this event was, I really appreciated seeing these different perspectives. I think my only complaint is that I kind of wanted that middle part from Rukh’s POV, but otherwise I just loved seeing glimpses of Rukh/Harlow and Vektal/Georgie dealing with the motherload of craziness.

[Zimmy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

overall: 5/5 stars

having the barbarian’s baby: 5/5 stars

Missed opportunity for them to have twins so they were both right about the gender lmao, but alas (also Casan would've been a cute name too, but the name chosen is good too). I hope we get a prequel novel with these two though because oh my gosh I love Megan.

ice ice babies: 5/5 stars

I love them and want a full novel omg.

calm: 5/5 stars

fun to read from maylak’s pov! but the stress i feel omg now i’m nervous to read maddie’s book lol

moving day: 5/5 stars

can’t wait for asha’s book <3

aftershocks: 5/5 stars

okay WOW stacy and pashov’s book is gonna wreck me isn’t it

[Sydney (sydneysshelves) West · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. But most of the stories weren't like life changing. Which they weren't supposed to be. They're literally just a slice. But I just love some of the other books so much more.

[Hannah Petrukovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good group of short stories. Wish I read this in order. But ended up circle back after IBP was complete. Looking forward to starting Icehome. I like thease books as audible reads.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5 stars] I liked having the multiple perspectives and smaller events leading up to and around a bigger event.

[Marith-Elisa Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

*audiobook

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and the narrators do a great job. This is a compilation of short stories.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SciFi Alien Serial Romance by Ruby Dixon is good. Not sure what to say but Sci Fi, blue alien erotica. Apparently, it is a thing and apparently, I like it. I am not sure how I stumbled upon Ruby and her books, but I love it and am rereading thewhole series and het other series.

Humans being abducted by aliens and badly mistreated only to find themselves crashed on an alien planet with other aliens. It makes for an interesting read where there are mates, language barriers, horned horney blue aliens and a severe lack of women. It is fun and witty and at times heartbreaking, but it is certainly something different and I now find myself strangely addicted.

[Iva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting.

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one but if you don't like a story with very little plot, then this isn't for you. There's low stakes and it's mostly just a cozy story.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as singles in order.

[Tomina · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stories, and 4 couples. The first starts around a month after Josie’s book, and my precious girl is already eager to be a mama. That sweetheart.. 🥹

___________

1- Having the Barbarian’s baby:

3.5/5 ⭐️ Megan and Cashol. 🩵

I cried when these two resonated, so of course I wanted more of them.

Megan is a clingy mate, but Cashol needs to go out hunting, just like the others. It’s only fair. To keep her racing, pregnant mind busy, Georgie and Farli help him set up a treasure hunt, WITH SIX GIFTS, just to distract her. Too cute. 🥹

⭐️ Favourites:

• Cashol is horrible with names. He genuinely suggested Goof. 😂

• Him and Haeden go hunting together. They plan it so that they would get back faster to their mates. How precious.. ❤️‍🩹

• Megan and Josie miss them, but they can be sad together + They are closer friends than I thought!
I love that. ❤️

• Three weeks pass!!! But, he made it back. Just in time! 😭💙

• “Is he trying to tell me that I am priceless to him? I suddenly love each ugly coin, and every awkward painted doddle on them.” 🪙

🔺 Story, feels and writing style get 0.5

___________

2- Ice Ice Babies

3.5/5 ⭐️ Nora & Dagesh + Ana & Elsa 🩵

Dagesh is stressing himself out with all the hunting.. Too busy for Nora who is feeling insecure, especially with 2 fussy babies, being sleep deprived, and not having any sexy time in months! Yuickes.

Asha finally gets to shine too! I felt bad for her.. that.. was new. 🥲 Hemalo and her resonated, but they don’t love one another, and she lost her baby girl (Shamelo) very recently.. She feels completely left out, so she isolates herself. The humans never really tried to include her like they did with Farli.. Nora is too sweet for fixing that. 😭❤️‍🩹

⭐️ Favourites:

• Asha is so good with kids, and she is happy to help. She has the motherly instinct.. 😭❤️‍🩹

• Asha: “If you want to mate, tell him so. Dagesh is like any other male, he will be more than happy to mate if a female asks.” — EASY 😂

• Sexy massage went wrong. Poor guy was too exhausted and he rightfully fell asleep. Both need sooo many naps. 🥲

• The communication. 🤌🏼 Then 🌶️

🔺 Story, feels and writing style get 0.5
___________

🌍 World building:

• Cashol’s father died from Khui sickness. His mom died giving birth. He was all alone before Megan.

• Rokan has a sixth sense for sure. He said Megan will have a boy and she did!

• Stacy and Pashov’s baby boy finally has a name! Pacy!

• Megan and Cashol’s son is the most Sakhui yet! Named Hulvak, after his late father! ❤️😭
___

• Maelak’s belly is finally dropping! Also, Asha is her cousin! Interesting.

• Ariana, the cry baby, gave birth to the fussiest baby in the caves. A little boy, Analay. Ah, the irony. 😂

• Dagesh’s parents have a similar story to Cashol. Explains his fears over his family. Sickness and hunger terrify him.
___________

Continue later~~

[Ashmiya Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving Day:

Moving Day was very short and a small slice of the life of unmated females. I believe its purpose was to shine light on the coming couples in this wonderful series, Maddie, Asha and Farli. Maddie was to move in with the unmated females of the tribe and become roommates with the other two. There were also some funny and adorable details about some of the other tribe-mates and staples of everyday life.

Aftershocks:
Aftershocks is a short story that really zeros in on the hardships of the unorthodox earth shake felt by all. It focuses on the perspective of both Vektal/Georgie and Ruhk/Harlow. I believe that Georgie is given too much credit in this series and especially in this story. Her only standing is that she is the chief’s mate and that is where all of her authority comes from. She is not as righteous and heroic as she is painted, as the other ladies of the tribe have suffered just as much (or more) and done just as much to help one another. I truly believe that she is not as special or a leader as she is made out to be and her only true “power” in diplomacy is whispering in Vektal’s ear. Moving on to Ruhk and Harlow, it was pleasant getting a small glimpse into our favourite caveman’s life with his mate. He is a wonderful, primal father and an even more dedicated mate. Their role in this short story was to offer another perspective on the tragic uprooting of the Elders’ Cave. I think Ruby also did a wonderful job incorporating Ruhk’s primitive problem-solving skills along with his blatant disregard for decency; it was a welcome piece of comedic relief. As for Harlow, she still downplays her concerns, pains and weakness, which hasn’t changed from her book with Ruhk (Barbarian Mine). That does get a bit annoying and I’m sure frustrating for our beloved Ruhk, but they work. All will be well and progressing in the next book, which this short story helps segue!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audiobook combines four short stories that take place mixed into the series. If you want to read all at once, I definitely recommend reading Barbarian’s Taming first to avoid spoilers or confusion.

---

Book 7.1: Having the Barbarian’s Baby
⭐️ Rating: 2.75

This story follows Megan and her mate, Cashol. Honestly, I couldn’t warm up to Megan. She’s clingy, controlling, and won’t even let her mate go out to hunt, basically keeping a capable provider from helping the tribe. She reminds me a lot of Maddie, where everything seems to revolve around her wants and needs.

The plot revolves around her worrying about giving birth while he’s away hunting (which is kind of her own doing, since she never let him leave before). The ending was cute, but overall, big nope for me.

---

Book 7.2: Ice Ice Babies
⭐️ Rating: 3

This one focuses on Nora and Dagesh and their relationship issues, mainly the lack of intimacy. I completely forgot she named her babies after the Frozen sisters, which honestly made me cringe a bit and distracted from the story.

What I did like was seeing more of Asha and the friendship forming between her and Nora. It adds some warmth, and we get to see that Asha isn’t a bad person, just someone still grieving.

---

Book 8.5: Calm
⭐️ Rating: 3

Not a lot happens here. The story is told through Maylak’s perspective as she senses something off and checks on various tribe members. It feels a bit like a roll call for the reader to remember who’s who, but it does highlight how powerful her healing abilities are.

There’s also a short “Moving Day” section with Farli and Maddie that feels randomly tacked on, I’m not sure why it’s even included.

---

Book 9.5: *Aftershocks
⭐️ Rating: 3

Set right after the earthquake, this story gives us perspectives from Harlow, Georgie, and Vektal. It’s essentially a recap of events from Barbarian’s Taming, not bad, just not much new to add.

[mck · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read all of these according to the book order and so i took longish breaks in between each so here’s what i remember/liked about each:

1 (having the barbarians baby): cashol and megan are so cute!! they were so flirty and loved up. josie and haeden were super cute too. one of my fav couples for sure and i was super glad to see more crumbs of them💗💗

2 (ice ice babies): this one is nora and dagesh’s story. the kinda miscommunication with dagesh always being out hunting because he’s scared he’s not providing enough was so sad and sweet. i’m glad they figured it out! don’t know how to feel about the twins being named elsa and anna tho… i also really loved seeing someone embracing asha. i feel so bad for her and i’m really interested in her and hemalo’s story.

3 (calm): this one was a little disappointing. i know it was setting up for the next book with maylak sensing something was up, but nothing really happened. kashrem and maylak were super cute tho🥹 seeing all the crumbs of other couples as maylak went around checking on everyone was everything!!! i love getting to see more of my favs like liz & raahosh and georgie & vektal ofc😍😍

4 (aftershocks): this wasn’t nearly as happy/easygoing as the rest, but i did like seeing more about the tribes reaction to the earth shake. poor vektal so stressed out and rukh’s reaction to harlow being hurt was so sad. still super excited for stacy and pashov!!!!

[♥ I’d Rather Be Reading ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of stories about some of the Ice Planet Barbarian characters living life on Not-Hoth.

Book Playlist (Ice Planet Barbarians Book Series Playlist)

You can see my review for each book below:

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7.1: Having the Barbarian's Baby (3 stars)
(Read 3/3/2023 to 3/3/2023)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

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7.2: Ice Ice Babies (2.5 stars)
(Read 3/3/2023 to 3/4/2023)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

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8.5: Calm (3 stars)
(Read 5/18/2023 to 5/18/2023)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

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9.5: Aftershocks (3 stars)
(Read 7/14/2023 to 7/14/2023)
You can read my review for this story on it's individual book page here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Mindfly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am using this book to review the whole saga.✊🏻😔

Reading this series feels like blacking out and suddenly you're on book #20 and don't remember how you got there.

Three days ago I was on book #6. Like, where did the time go? How did I get here?💀💀 I don't even remember half the plot. I feel like I just woke up from a trance and I am now allowed to live. This books are super stupid and the plot is non-existent, but they have literally abducted me for the last week and a half.

I cannot tell you a single plot detail. It's like I was possesed and woke up afterwards.
I just know that If I was the one in the fmc situation, unless I resonated with the alien equivalent of Henry Cavill, I would throw myself off a cliff.

I literally can't get over the fact that I read 20 books in a week and a half. I am going to stop writing this review and never speak of this again🤡 I am so ashamed of myself it's not even funny. I need to go now and keep reading The Stormlight's Archive (by Brandon Sanderson, aka the best) to purify myself with a complex plot and good characters.

I hope I forget about this saga😔

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Total-4.25 Stars
Having the Barbarian's Baby- 4/5. It was a really cute story and I loved how in sync Cashol and Megan were that he made it back in time for the birth. but she annoyed me the whole time. What do you mean you won't let you HUNTER mate go HUNT?? Do his literal job for the tribe...
Ice Ice Babies- 5/5. I loved that Nora included Asha and did such a simply thing to make her feel like a friend and a part of the tribe. I also love that Dagesh was so worried about Nora and the Babies, it's sweet.
Calm- 3/5. While I felt this was a good interlude between stories, it felt weird that literally nothing happened and it was a book about nothing happening. I know in the end it was a set up for how wrong things will go in the next book, but it just felt weird to include this story.
Aftershocks- 5/5. I really appreciated the look into what was going on with the other Characters while Maddie and Hassan were out gathering supplies and checking on the hunter's caves. Also I think it sets up the next book really well with Pashov waking up but not remembering Stacy and Pacy

[Doodle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having the Barbarian's Baby by Ruby Dixon

5 stars

After the MMC's treasure hunt and his gifts to the FMC, I do not see how I can rate this any less than five stars. How freaking SWEET!

Ice Ice Babies by Ruby Dixon

3 stars

This was a nice little story to give some insight into the tribe. I liked Nora befriending Asha. The MMC is highly responsible and protective and I look forward to reading the book about him and the FMC.

Calm by Ruby Dixon

3 stars

If you like this series, this is a nice little novella to read between novels. It's not a "can't miss" novella but it's a bonus addition if you're interested in the daily life of the tribe.

After Shocks by Ruby Dixon

4.5 stars

While this isn't a necessary read to understand the novels, it covers a lot of happenings after the earthquake with the tribe. It's engaging and, if you like the characters of the Ice Planet Barbarian novels, you will probably like this novella as well.

[Jeana Cheque · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on Libby, Vegas card. This one was ok. It was little novellas that gave us bonus material for the novels. It was mostly about the babies. I liked the story about Harlow and Rukh. Harlow got hurt during the earthquake and Rukh lost his sh*t to the point that he turned feral. She had to wrangle him back to his senses once she regained consciousness. He was so far gone that he just sat around naked and snarling and petting her hair while their baby crawled around on his own. Luckily, Vektal and some hunters went to the Elder's cave to look for them and helped them.

[Epeeblade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This concludes the Ice Planet Barbarians series for me. These are all the books available on Hoopla. I am a little sad to be at the end of this series...BUT I discovered the Ice Home series! I don't think it's all available on Hoopla, but at least I won't have to quit the series cold turkey.

This was a nice little compilation of stories, a good way for me to say good-bye to the series. Not essential unless you are attached to this world and these characters.

[MGaby P-M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love getting the little slices of life between the books and during the books when the couples are away from the tribe.
I love to see more and learn more details about the tribe and their lives. It makes this world feel more real. Like all the characters are out there in space living in Not-Hoth and while our couples are coupling they don't stop and wait, they live.
Whe. I look up at the sky, I like to pretend they're out there.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a series of cute short stories that takes place in the gaps between books, and mostly focuses on new mothers in the tribe. Often the books leave off right at the start of resonance or pregnancy, so it was interesting to see these women navigate the stresses of pregnancy and new motherhood on the ice planet.

They were all a solid 4 star read, though Aftershocks did feel like it ended virtually mid-sentence....probably more a 3.5 for that one!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a dedicated fan of the series, this adds interesting depth, especially for some of the background characters who had not gotten to be the center of attention up to this point. My heart breaks for Asha in both of the stories in which she is featured prominently. The last story adds the least, in my opinion. It’s a bit disjointed, jumping between characters in the lead-up to and just after the big shakeup.

[GiGi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 7.1: Having the Barbarian's Baby ⭐⭐⭐

Book 7.2: Ice Ice Babies ⭐⭐⭐

Book 8.5: Calm ⭐⭐⭐ (⭐)

Book 8.7: Moving Day ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yes yes, kids are the results of all the banging that's been going on but I don't wanna read about motherhood no more 😅

Book 9.5: Aftershocks ⭐⭐⭐
I want more world building, and don't really care about the dude's head trauma 😅 but like, be real. Secret ancient civilization that was more advanced than our barbarians? Tell me more

[Narelle Semesi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slices of Life is the nice filler needed for the series. I read this after I read the entire series and I'm telling you this makes me want to read the ice planet series all over again!

You can always rely on Ruby Dixon to dig you out of a reading slump! Definitely recommended read for all the fans of planet Not-Hoth!