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mommar24's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Cannibalism, Suicide, and Death
captaincocanutty's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A unique and engaging book about an ill - fated women's expedition to the Arctic in the 1850s. The book opens with the expeditions leader Virginia standing trial in Boston for the murder of one of the women who died on the expedition, and then alternating between the trial and the course of the expedition.
Despite not always enjoying dual timelines, the two in this book were very well integrated and propelled the story forward. Some aspects of the plot felt a little contrived, but over all the obstacles the characters had to deal with felt very realistic and pressing.
While not a mystery in the traditional sense, what actually happened on the expedition, and the perception of what happened on it in Boston area two very different, interesting things.
Despite not always enjoying dual timelines, the two in this book were very well integrated and propelled the story forward. Some aspects of the plot felt a little contrived, but over all the obstacles the characters had to deal with felt very realistic and pressing.
While not a mystery in the traditional sense, what actually happened on the expedition, and the perception of what happened on it in Boston area two very different, interesting things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Miscarriage
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual harassment, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Racism
Minor: Slavery and Cannibalism
allisonmeyette's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Cannibalism, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Violence, Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, and Pregnancy
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-paced
3.75
This was a book club pick for April. It's possibly one I would have grabbed on my own, although it was a little slow (I wonder if I would have stuck with it). With book club, I've been trying to get to the book quickly (audiobook) as soon as the month starts, then try to re-read the Kindle copy in preparation for discussions. First review (here) on initial thoughts, updated (below) after book club.
Looking at the kindle copy, readers get a couple things audiobook listeners do not ... a list of the women in the expedition, and their roles (helpful in keeping track as we are quickly introduced to these 11 ladies) and a map ... which wasn't that helpful, I didn't feel the need to refer to it (as with some fantasy reads where it's almost essential).
Alternating timelines, mainly 1854 (the book "present" told in present tense) and 1853 (the "before" told in past tense). Although the chapters were clearly marked with the POV, the date, and the location, it's easy to miss it in audio (especially if distracted at all). The alternating tenses helped me know immediately if we were in the current/courtroom discussion, or in the backstory buildup. There were a few chapters that went even further back. Most of the chapters were from Virginia's POV (3rd person throughout), although sprinkled between these, is one chapter here and there from several of the other women (from all of them? I'll need to double check, yes, one chapter for each). I wish on the main TOC it actually listed the POV/Date rather than just "Chapter 11" ... then if one did want to go check back for something specific, it would be fairly easy. I'll often glance at a TOC and while I don't care for spoilers, having the slightest idea of the format (alternating timelines, a few flashbacks further back, a change in POV) will prep me for the read (perhaps more important in an audio edition. The change in POV and the earlier date caught me off guard a couple of times and I had to stop and restart the chapter to make sure I was catching the chapter heading.)
After my initial, easy/entertainment listen of the audiobook, I feel I caught all the nuances of the storyline, although there are a couple things I'm a little fuzzy on and could do with a more in depth review of the print (Siobhan, Lady James reasoning). I plan to do that.
While I'm NOT at all an extreme outdoors enthusiast, I have read a number of books about people climbing high mountains in frigid conditions, I read [book:Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors|401514] which told the story of survival in against all odds in a snow/ice setting. If one is familiar with that story and this one ... you know there is more in common than just the cold and ice when it comes down to ethical issues of eating to survive ...
It took me a while to get into the story, but I did. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. While we have some of the information up front (we know only six of the 12 came back, and there's a little list of how some died early on) it requires continued reveals to let the reader know the full story. And even in the "present" with the full knowledge of all the transpired, Virginia doesn't really know everything.
Although I did like this, and will likely appreciate it more after a more in-depth read and discussion, I don't know that it's one I'd rave about or recommend. Only if one is really interested in the historical setting. I'll try to come back and update at the end of the month.
I borrowed this from Audible, part of their Plus program. It was also available at the library (Libby/Hoopla) in both audio and ebook.
Looking at the kindle copy, readers get a couple things audiobook listeners do not ... a list of the women in the expedition, and their roles (helpful in keeping track as we are quickly introduced to these 11 ladies) and a map ... which wasn't that helpful, I didn't feel the need to refer to it (as with some fantasy reads where it's almost essential).
Alternating timelines, mainly 1854 (the book "present" told in present tense) and 1853 (the "before" told in past tense). Although the chapters were clearly marked with the POV, the date, and the location, it's easy to miss it in audio (especially if distracted at all). The alternating tenses helped me know immediately if we were in the current/courtroom discussion, or in the backstory buildup. There were a few chapters that went even further back. Most of the chapters were from Virginia's POV (3rd person throughout), although sprinkled between these, is one chapter here and there from several of the other women (from all of them? I'll need to double check, yes, one chapter for each). I wish on the main TOC it actually listed the POV/Date rather than just "Chapter 11" ... then if one did want to go check back for something specific, it would be fairly easy. I'll often glance at a TOC and while I don't care for spoilers, having the slightest idea of the format (alternating timelines, a few flashbacks further back, a change in POV) will prep me for the read (perhaps more important in an audio edition. The change in POV and the earlier date caught me off guard a couple of times and I had to stop and restart the chapter to make sure I was catching the chapter heading.)
After my initial, easy/entertainment listen of the audiobook, I feel I caught all the nuances of the storyline, although there are a couple things I'm a little fuzzy on and could do with a more in depth review of the print (Siobhan, Lady James reasoning). I plan to do that.
While I'm NOT at all an extreme outdoors enthusiast, I have read a number of books about people climbing high mountains in frigid conditions, I read [book:Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors|401514] which told the story of survival in against all odds in a snow/ice setting. If one is familiar with that story and this one ... you know there is more in common than just the cold and ice when it comes down to ethical issues of eating to survive ...
It took me a while to get into the story, but I did. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. While we have some of the information up front (we know only six of the 12 came back, and there's a little list of how some died early on) it requires continued reveals to let the reader know the full story. And even in the "present" with the full knowledge of all the transpired, Virginia doesn't really know everything.
Although I did like this, and will likely appreciate it more after a more in-depth read and discussion, I don't know that it's one I'd rave about or recommend. Only if one is really interested in the historical setting. I'll try to come back and update at the end of the month.
I borrowed this from Audible, part of their Plus program. It was also available at the library (Libby/Hoopla) in both audio and ebook.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cannibalism
historybabe's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This story was a masterful telling of 13 women who choose not to conform to the rules placed on women in the 1850s. These fierce ladies set off on an Arctic expedition. Not everyone returns, however, setting off a murder trial. I loved this book! ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Child death, and Death
sextance's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
If you like historic fiction, you might pass on this novel. It’s very loosely based on history and does a disservice I think to the premise.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cannibalism and Rape
annieliz's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexism
Moderate: Miscarriage, Pregnancy, and Cannibalism
Minor: Confinement
kelly_e's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Title: The Arctic Fury
Author: Greer Macallister
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: December 1, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Adventurous • Fierce • Riveting
📖 S Y N O P S I S
1853: Virginia Reeve is commissioned by Lady Jane Franklin to lead an expedition of 12 women into the hazardous Arctic in search of her lost husband, Lord Franklin, and his lost expedition. Many parties have tried before them, all failing, so Lady Franklin is putting women in charge. Each member of the party brings a different set of strengths and skills to the expedition. What no one knows is Virginia boasts some unsettling secrets. A year later, Virginia stands trial for murder. Told is alternating timelines this is a story of survival and despair, of friendship and betrayal, of bravery and hope with the goal of answering the question: what happened out there on the ice?
💭 T H O U G H T S
The Arctic Fury is not at all what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised with the thrilling journey, filled with rich and atmospheric detail, this book took me on. The slow developing plot breaks new ground in the historical fiction genre. Alternating between an expedition into the cold, dark arctic and a court room setting, each chapter unfolds building mystery and suspense. The cast of remarkable characters were developed with the finesse and poise of a seasoned storyteller. Macallister's depiction of the cold, unforgiving landscape transported me into the story, and her pacing for this type of story was spot on. While the alternating scenes played well, as a reader I did find myself wanting more of the expedition, and wishing the courtroom scenes would speed up.
The mix of mystery/suspense and historical accounts made this a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience, although at times it did feel like it was going to last forever.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of historical fiction
• readers looking for strong female protagonists
• anyone looking to go down a Google rabbit hole
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"A leader who could only take her flock through the good times was no leader at all."
Author: Greer Macallister
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: December 1, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Adventurous • Fierce • Riveting
📖 S Y N O P S I S
1853: Virginia Reeve is commissioned by Lady Jane Franklin to lead an expedition of 12 women into the hazardous Arctic in search of her lost husband, Lord Franklin, and his lost expedition. Many parties have tried before them, all failing, so Lady Franklin is putting women in charge. Each member of the party brings a different set of strengths and skills to the expedition. What no one knows is Virginia boasts some unsettling secrets. A year later, Virginia stands trial for murder. Told is alternating timelines this is a story of survival and despair, of friendship and betrayal, of bravery and hope with the goal of answering the question: what happened out there on the ice?
💭 T H O U G H T S
The Arctic Fury is not at all what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised with the thrilling journey, filled with rich and atmospheric detail, this book took me on. The slow developing plot breaks new ground in the historical fiction genre. Alternating between an expedition into the cold, dark arctic and a court room setting, each chapter unfolds building mystery and suspense. The cast of remarkable characters were developed with the finesse and poise of a seasoned storyteller. Macallister's depiction of the cold, unforgiving landscape transported me into the story, and her pacing for this type of story was spot on. While the alternating scenes played well, as a reader I did find myself wanting more of the expedition, and wishing the courtroom scenes would speed up.
The mix of mystery/suspense and historical accounts made this a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience, although at times it did feel like it was going to last forever.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of historical fiction
• readers looking for strong female protagonists
• anyone looking to go down a Google rabbit hole
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"A leader who could only take her flock through the good times was no leader at all."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Confinement, Sexism, and Pregnancy
Minor: Cannibalism, Animal death, and Domestic abuse
accidental death, stillbirth, death from exposuresarah984's review
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a really hard book for me to rate. There were parts of it I loved, but other parts I sort of hated in equal measure.
The Arctic expedition chapters were interesting and while some actions the characters took were ridiculous they were at least understandable. The characters were mostly great though I wish they were developed more. Some of the diversity elements were handled well and some were not - I thought the Black characters were competently written and did the best they could with what they were handed but the gay character was written in a really weird way and while the trans character herself was fine, the way she was written required another character to "become" a trans man against her will which is certainly A Choice in today’s political climate.
I loved the last courtroom chapter but every single other courtroom chapter was boring and repetitive and could have been replaced with a short "court transcript" without losing anything of value.
The author clearly did a lot of research and feels fondly toward the people the characters are based on. There is one connection that the main character has with a separate historical event (I won't spoil it) which felt kind of sensational and unnecessary, and the ultimate scheme behind everything that was happening was way too convoluted.
On the whole I'm happy I read it but it's kind of hard to recommend.
The Arctic expedition chapters were interesting and while some actions the characters took were ridiculous they were at least understandable. The characters were mostly great though I wish they were developed more. Some of the diversity elements were handled well and some were not - I thought the Black characters were competently written and did the best they could with what they were handed but the gay character was written in a really weird way and while the trans character herself was fine, the way she was written required another character to "become" a trans man against her will which is certainly A Choice in today’s political climate.
I loved the last courtroom chapter but every single other courtroom chapter was boring and repetitive and could have been replaced with a short "court transcript" without losing anything of value.
The author clearly did a lot of research and feels fondly toward the people the characters are based on. There is one connection that the main character has with a separate historical event (I won't spoil it) which felt kind of sensational and unnecessary, and the ultimate scheme behind everything that was happening was way too convoluted.
On the whole I'm happy I read it but it's kind of hard to recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Death
Moderate: Cannibalism, Suicide, Sexual harassment, Racism, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Medical content, and Grief
Minor: Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Colonisation, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Slavery, Sexual assault, Infidelity, Homophobia, Domestic abuse, Deadnaming, and Death of parent
camillessi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Suicide
Minor: Cannibalism, Child death, Domestic abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
Just general trigger warnings for people with depression and/or suicidal ideation. There's very much a bleak, hopeless atmosphere for much of the book that was unhealthy for me as I was reading during a depressive episode.