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Icebreaker: A Fantasy Naval Thriller
To the north, the ice
To the south, the enemy
In the middle, her Republic…
Coral Amherst is the middle child of a wealthy family, with fingers throughout the politics and laws of the magical Dalebloods and the Republic they lead. Skill and connections alike have propelled her to the highest ranks of the Republic’s Navy.
Now, duty inexorably drags her into a mission to learn the fate of a long-lost magical city, once home to many of the people the Dalebloods rule. Storms of dark magic drove the Seablood from their ancient city and to the shores of the Republic—and those same storms now assail the Republic itself!
An ancient threat rises beyond the ice of the northern waters and Coral Amherst will need every scrap of courage, honor, and magic she commands if she is to save the Republic!
To the south, the enemy
In the middle, her Republic…
Coral Amherst is the middle child of a wealthy family, with fingers throughout the politics and laws of the magical Dalebloods and the Republic they lead. Skill and connections alike have propelled her to the highest ranks of the Republic’s Navy.
Now, duty inexorably drags her into a mission to learn the fate of a long-lost magical city, once home to many of the people the Dalebloods rule. Storms of dark magic drove the Seablood from their ancient city and to the shores of the Republic—and those same storms now assail the Republic itself!
An ancient threat rises beyond the ice of the northern waters and Coral Amherst will need every scrap of courage, honor, and magic she commands if she is to save the Republic!
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2022
About the author
Glynn Stewart
114 books1,778 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 1, 2025
Energetic sf adventure - starts as a sort of fantasy with magic, guns and icebreaker battleships on a planet with a habitable belt running from some 15 degrees north - above being too cold - to some 25 south - below being too hot - though it slowly morphs into sf of the advanced technology as magic type.
The Dales Republic inhabiting the only habitable continent of Albion has two human races- the native Dalebloods who have blood magic and are longer lived and genetically dominant when partnering with the Seabloods who had come across the sea some centuries back, fleeing from some unknown enemy who destroyed their advanced civilization centered on the mythical City of Spires of high magical powers.
Opposing them is the theocratic union of Stelforma based in a southern archipelago with some high magic of their own but behind the technology of the Republic. Unfortunately, the theology of Stelforma is unyielding on one point, namely that the Dalebloods are Cursed and have to be exterminated, though Seabloods are to be spared if they convert to the Stelforma religion.
So far there were three wars initiated by Stelforma and won by the Republic which maintains a technological advantage, while signs pointing towards an imminent fourth war have been multiplying recently. But powerful hellstorms which freeze the ocean in instants and are deadly for almost any ship caught in them have been moving south from the icy north beyond the 20th parallel and started hitting the isolated northern settlements of the Republic harder and harder - a few cruisers have been supposedly lost to such but battleship Songwriter commanded by Coral Amherst a Scion of a powerful Daleblood family managed to survive a hellstorm and find refuge in an isolated fjord settlement - there they find also a Stelforma cruiser taking refuge and Coral applying the principle that against the sea all humans are to be protected, spares it and helps it refuel and depart in peace when the storm abates and the icebreaker battleship charts a path to the open sea from the frozen fjord.
Reporting home, Coral finds out that the Republic leaders are extremely concerned about the increase in hellstorm activity and have commissioned a special new icebreaker battleship equipped with powerful armor salvaged from the Seablood armada of centuries ago, armor much stronger than anything the Republic can manufacture. With a reasonable guess where the City of Spires is located, Coral has to take the new battleship imaginatively named Icebreaker through the frozen sea and try and find out what or who sends the hellstorms and what if anything can be done about them.
And so it goes with the secrets found overturning everything Coral thought she knew about her world, though one thing still remains - if nothing is done humanity will soon become extinct on Albion
Very good stuff though it becomes fairly predictable from some point on, but energetic with great world building and quite a few emotional moments.
The Dales Republic inhabiting the only habitable continent of Albion has two human races- the native Dalebloods who have blood magic and are longer lived and genetically dominant when partnering with the Seabloods who had come across the sea some centuries back, fleeing from some unknown enemy who destroyed their advanced civilization centered on the mythical City of Spires of high magical powers.
Opposing them is the theocratic union of Stelforma based in a southern archipelago with some high magic of their own but behind the technology of the Republic. Unfortunately, the theology of Stelforma is unyielding on one point, namely that the Dalebloods are Cursed and have to be exterminated, though Seabloods are to be spared if they convert to the Stelforma religion.
So far there were three wars initiated by Stelforma and won by the Republic which maintains a technological advantage, while signs pointing towards an imminent fourth war have been multiplying recently. But powerful hellstorms which freeze the ocean in instants and are deadly for almost any ship caught in them have been moving south from the icy north beyond the 20th parallel and started hitting the isolated northern settlements of the Republic harder and harder - a few cruisers have been supposedly lost to such but battleship Songwriter commanded by Coral Amherst a Scion of a powerful Daleblood family managed to survive a hellstorm and find refuge in an isolated fjord settlement - there they find also a Stelforma cruiser taking refuge and Coral applying the principle that against the sea all humans are to be protected, spares it and helps it refuel and depart in peace when the storm abates and the icebreaker battleship charts a path to the open sea from the frozen fjord.
Reporting home, Coral finds out that the Republic leaders are extremely concerned about the increase in hellstorm activity and have commissioned a special new icebreaker battleship equipped with powerful armor salvaged from the Seablood armada of centuries ago, armor much stronger than anything the Republic can manufacture. With a reasonable guess where the City of Spires is located, Coral has to take the new battleship imaginatively named Icebreaker through the frozen sea and try and find out what or who sends the hellstorms and what if anything can be done about them.
And so it goes with the secrets found overturning everything Coral thought she knew about her world, though one thing still remains - if nothing is done humanity will soon become extinct on Albion
Very good stuff though it becomes fairly predictable from some point on, but energetic with great world building and quite a few emotional moments.
December 15, 2022
I ended up enjoying the book quite a lot, but reading Penitent by Dan Abnett in parallel really brings to fore the difference in the quality of writing. This book has a slow start and some inconsistencies in its storytelling (the timeframe for the world is ridiculously compressed, and the author's explanations are not strong enough, though it is commendable that he tried). The ending wraps things up quite neatly, but it feels terribly rushed, including the tacked on references to the main character's sexuality that seemed to be an afterthought and a formulaic nod to the progressiveness of the author's work (where it is generally better integrated). Despite the average length (for the author), I feel that the story would have been better served by one final (albeit predictable) episode of conflict with a proper denouement, which the story could have accommodated quite well with existing characters and situations. At least this one can be said to have an ending. Another one-off, Excalibur Lost, that was just as enjoyable, practically begged for a full length sequel that never arrived despite the great worldbuilding.
So Glynn Stewart fans will find a lot to like here, and even the flaws in the book are so typical for the author that you can write them off as his personal quirks, like David Weber's signature style.
So Glynn Stewart fans will find a lot to like here, and even the flaws in the book are so typical for the author that you can write them off as his personal quirks, like David Weber's signature style.
January 19, 2023
Read it for the plot/action not the characters
The story and world building are excellent, details spooled out as necessary without becoming clunky. Only a few descriptions I skimmed out of personal preference.
Given that this is military (naval) fiction and most of the military folks go by their last names it was a bit confusing keeping track of which officers and NCOs were female--and there were an unusually large number of them compared to most military organizations. A similarly high percentage of them seemed to be homosexual, which felt more like a nod to current cultural trends than anything relevant to the story. The female characters could just as easily have been male and/or straight. The fact that they weren't was a little jarring/confusing as it wasn't something I was expecting, nor was it critical to the plot. There was no "sex on screen," so it was not a big deal but it struck me as odd enough (and occasionally distracting enough) that I found it worth mentioning.
Additionally, it is worthwhile to note that this is an action-adventure/mystery story with a bit of "save the world" thrown in. Strong themes are duty, loyalty, fortitude and determination. What the characters do is more important than who they are. You can be excused for forgetting every name except the main character's and still follow 90%+ of the story. It is obviously better if you don't, but my point stands: This is not a character-driven story, nor one with much character development. The main character's background is more convenient than critical; she has strongly established convictions & priorities that remain largely unchanged. She is sufficiently unoffensive as to be a decent vessel for the telling of the story, but save for a propensity to view things in person whenever possible and a tendency to allow impatience to overtake caution, she isn't particularly well-defined or memorable.
The story is interesting enough that one doesn't really notice what is lacking in the moment; the pacing and action move things along. The revelation of the past and how it shapes what must be done to save the future is intriguing and well executed.
If you have kindle unlimited, this is definitely worthwhile as a free read.
If you are considering paying for it, consider whether you are in it for the action/plot or the characters. If the answer is characters, pass this one by. If it's the plot/action, this is a unique story that will definitely take you for a ride.
The story and world building are excellent, details spooled out as necessary without becoming clunky. Only a few descriptions I skimmed out of personal preference.
Given that this is military (naval) fiction and most of the military folks go by their last names it was a bit confusing keeping track of which officers and NCOs were female--and there were an unusually large number of them compared to most military organizations. A similarly high percentage of them seemed to be homosexual, which felt more like a nod to current cultural trends than anything relevant to the story. The female characters could just as easily have been male and/or straight. The fact that they weren't was a little jarring/confusing as it wasn't something I was expecting, nor was it critical to the plot. There was no "sex on screen," so it was not a big deal but it struck me as odd enough (and occasionally distracting enough) that I found it worth mentioning.
Additionally, it is worthwhile to note that this is an action-adventure/mystery story with a bit of "save the world" thrown in. Strong themes are duty, loyalty, fortitude and determination. What the characters do is more important than who they are. You can be excused for forgetting every name except the main character's and still follow 90%+ of the story. It is obviously better if you don't, but my point stands: This is not a character-driven story, nor one with much character development. The main character's background is more convenient than critical; she has strongly established convictions & priorities that remain largely unchanged. She is sufficiently unoffensive as to be a decent vessel for the telling of the story, but save for a propensity to view things in person whenever possible and a tendency to allow impatience to overtake caution, she isn't particularly well-defined or memorable.
The story is interesting enough that one doesn't really notice what is lacking in the moment; the pacing and action move things along. The revelation of the past and how it shapes what must be done to save the future is intriguing and well executed.
If you have kindle unlimited, this is definitely worthwhile as a free read.
If you are considering paying for it, consider whether you are in it for the action/plot or the characters. If the answer is characters, pass this one by. If it's the plot/action, this is a unique story that will definitely take you for a ride.
January 4, 2023
I would describe it as very-soft science fiction, rather than fantasy.
There are two warring polities on the planet Albion - and the planet is become less inhabitable. The protagonist commands a ship that has been sent to seek the cause of the deteriorating conditions. She finds the answer - and a potential solution.
The book was a pleasant stand-alone novel. The plotting was a bit mechanistic, in that the protagonists keep encountering obstacles which are serious enough to create tension, but not quite enough to be defeat them. (The medium has limitations which are difficult to avoid. The author of a 400-page book does not have the option of defeating the protagonist at page 250 and walking away.)
A point in the book's favor is that the hero doesn't play cowboy. At a key point she decides to do something that might save the day - and carries major political and military risks. And she goes through channels to ask for permission.
There are two warring polities on the planet Albion - and the planet is become less inhabitable. The protagonist commands a ship that has been sent to seek the cause of the deteriorating conditions. She finds the answer - and a potential solution.
The book was a pleasant stand-alone novel. The plotting was a bit mechanistic, in that the protagonists keep encountering obstacles which are serious enough to create tension, but not quite enough to be defeat them. (The medium has limitations which are difficult to avoid. The author of a 400-page book does not have the option of defeating the protagonist at page 250 and walking away.)
A point in the book's favor is that the hero doesn't play cowboy. At a key point she decides to do something that might save the day - and carries major political and military risks. And she goes through channels to ask for permission.
December 12, 2022
Glynn Stewart tells us of Captain Coral Amherst whose destroyer finds shelter from a horrible ice storm. Unfortunately she has to share the shelter with one of her country’s enemy’s ship from Stelforma. Coral is one of the magical Dalebloods with greater agility and ability to handle heat and cold far better than the seabloods, who two centuries before had come as refugees. The locals tell her that the storms have been increasing. The admirality of Daleland promotes Coral to Admiral and sends her flotilla, headed by her flagship Icebreaker (ebook from Faolan's Pen Publishing ) to the abandoned city at the far north to stop the evil magic destroying her world and forcing a war between Daleland and Stelforma. It is there she finds the truth of her world and the journey she has to make to save it. Lots of fun. Why this is planned independent, I would love a sequel.
August 20, 2025
Sadly, I couldn't finish this.
I love, Glynn Stewart's work. I've read almost everything he has written, and routinely give them top marks. This one though, just drags! It's well written, but not enough happens, quickly enough. Yeah, I get they are travelling thousands of kilometers to the north ice pack, but does it have to take so long?
The MC is mildly interesting, but she doesn't really stand out to me. It's been 12 days since I stopped and I can't recall much about her except she had some magic that kept her warm in the freezing cold, and she was well connected to the movers and shakers of the world.
I ended up starting another book, and just couldn't make myself pick up this one again. I'm just not that interested anymore. So, yeah. Not a good sign.
I love, Glynn Stewart's work. I've read almost everything he has written, and routinely give them top marks. This one though, just drags! It's well written, but not enough happens, quickly enough. Yeah, I get they are travelling thousands of kilometers to the north ice pack, but does it have to take so long?
The MC is mildly interesting, but she doesn't really stand out to me. It's been 12 days since I stopped and I can't recall much about her except she had some magic that kept her warm in the freezing cold, and she was well connected to the movers and shakers of the world.
I ended up starting another book, and just couldn't make myself pick up this one again. I'm just not that interested anymore. So, yeah. Not a good sign.
February 28, 2023
This story was quite interesting though hard to figure out the bigger picture of what went on historically, both in the current history and in the older history. There’s enough to figure out the overall gist of what happened, but it also raises a whole lot of questions. I liked the main character but most other characters were surface level characters. In short, I liked the premise and would have enjoyed a much more thorough background on all of the main characters and also on how and why they got to be exactly where they are (starting with what exactly happened on Earth).
December 6, 2022
One of the best books of the year. You start out thinking its steampunk fantasy, then magic and other anomaly's get introduced and you think pure fantasy in a alternate universe, then you get to the long endgame and realize its actually science fiction in a not too distant future. Well developed protagonist in the H.H. tradition. Could be a stand alone or could be a continuing series. I vote for the series as it could be as good as the Starship Mage one.
December 9, 2022
excellent world building
Just the right amount of mystery about the world and the people who inhabit it to tantalize without frustrating. Lots of interesting characters, and great action scenes. The only disappointment of this book was the knowledge that there are no sequels planned.
Just the right amount of mystery about the world and the people who inhabit it to tantalize without frustrating. Lots of interesting characters, and great action scenes. The only disappointment of this book was the knowledge that there are no sequels planned.
December 9, 2022
Great Entertainment That Tantalizes and Surprises
A rollicking adventure in which nothing is as it first seems. Hats off to Mr. Stewart for his endless inventiveness--he never takes the easy road of cranking out the same stuff. Lots of room to expand this into a great new series. 🤗
A rollicking adventure in which nothing is as it first seems. Hats off to Mr. Stewart for his endless inventiveness--he never takes the easy road of cranking out the same stuff. Lots of room to expand this into a great new series. 🤗
January 28, 2023
Cracking story that has lots of twists and turns.
Hard to put this down . Glynn is a fine story teller. Great story, great characters and a very interesting subject. Leaves you wondering right to the end. But, no spoilers. If you like sci fi and faux historical fiction, you will love this. Well recommended.
Hard to put this down . Glynn is a fine story teller. Great story, great characters and a very interesting subject. Leaves you wondering right to the end. But, no spoilers. If you like sci fi and faux historical fiction, you will love this. Well recommended.
December 21, 2022
A very different story. It was very entertaining and and absorbing. I enjoyed it very much.
I hope Mr Stewart is going to consider continuing the story. It was a very entertaining book. I enjoyed it very much. What is next?
I hope Mr Stewart is going to consider continuing the story. It was a very entertaining book. I enjoyed it very much. What is next?
December 27, 2022
I got what I expected, a really good story!
Glynn Stewart did not disappoint with this new series😊. I eagerly await the next book.😊 .it's not earth and the whole world is trying to kill them.
Glynn Stewart did not disappoint with this new series😊. I eagerly await the next book.😊 .it's not earth and the whole world is trying to kill them.
January 29, 2023
An interesting and well written book
This was an interesting book. It was well written and the characters were well rounded. The path of the story was wide open till midway. Then everything became clear.
This was an interesting book. It was well written and the characters were well rounded. The path of the story was wide open till midway. Then everything became clear.
April 11, 2023
Riveting
This is a very, very engaging tale. Glynn's world building for Albion and the principle characters of Icebreaker is excellent. It's a shame that this is a stand alone novel, there's enough hints of the larger universe that Albion was a part of to whet my curiosity.
This is a very, very engaging tale. Glynn's world building for Albion and the principle characters of Icebreaker is excellent. It's a shame that this is a stand alone novel, there's enough hints of the larger universe that Albion was a part of to whet my curiosity.
August 17, 2023
A great stand alone thriller!
Glynn Stewart can tell a story that you just cannot put down. You’re going to wish this wasn’t a stand alone as the ensemble’s very compelling and well, you just want more…
Glynn Stewart can tell a story that you just cannot put down. You’re going to wish this wasn’t a stand alone as the ensemble’s very compelling and well, you just want more…
Read
December 7, 2022It says stand alone, but I'm hoping for a start of a new series.
Good characters, universe building and lots of action.
Military, magic and mayhem - what else do you want?
Good characters, universe building and lots of action.
Military, magic and mayhem - what else do you want?
December 7, 2022
Glynn's best for a while.
December 15, 2022
New blood
A faccinatingxwell written. Examine your creation myths there may be more t et OTH there than you are willing to admit, and more falsehood.
A faccinatingxwell written. Examine your creation myths there may be more t et OTH there than you are willing to admit, and more falsehood.
December 15, 2022
Excellent story. A real departure from his other stories.
December 20, 2022
No way "standalone"
Mr. Stewart! Glynn! Don't you dare say this is a standalone novel, all right?
This is too good for not having a follow-up. And not in a future life 🙂.
Mr. Stewart! Glynn! Don't you dare say this is a standalone novel, all right?
This is too good for not having a follow-up. And not in a future life 🙂.
December 27, 2022
Excellent
Another excellent book by Glynn Stewart. As far as I can tell it is in a new "universe". I hope we see more of Coral et al.
Another excellent book by Glynn Stewart. As far as I can tell it is in a new "universe". I hope we see more of Coral et al.
January 8, 2023
Excellent book and great to read a novel done and dusted in one volume!
January 8, 2023
Excellent read
Fascinating mix of old and new . can't wait for next in the series.
With this new, to me, author.
Fascinating mix of old and new . can't wait for next in the series.
With this new, to me, author.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews