Reviews

Girl in Ice by Erica Ferencik

agutherman's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was brilliant. It was stunningly atmospheric, and the mystery plot line was tense, gripping, and emotional. Though the cast of characters was very small, everyone in the book was compelling. I will definitely be checking out Erica Ferencik's other books; this one was fantastic.

redingtonjm's review against another edition

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5.0

My God. This book.

Equal parts thrilling and touching. Anxiety-inducing and tender. Horrifying and beautiful.

Erica Ferencik has a way with writing. This is the third book I've read by her, and each one has left behind vivid images in my mind. In each one, it is plainly evident just how much research she puts into the region in which the book is set. The landscapes she describes, the culture, the weather, the flora, and the fauna.

Each book unfolds in completely unexpected, yet deeply moving and satisfying ways. I've loved each one, but this may be my favorite yet.

soapy's review against another edition

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3.0

i really enjoyed this book but at the same time a lot of it was like, HUH?

like sigrid was pretty clearly gonna be from an ancient time and i was like oh sweet supernatural thriller and then it’s science and i was thinking alright …. sure ………. plus the lack of decorum abt how insane that is was jarring

and then there were a couple whiplashy moments like w raj and nora being majorly gaslighty to val and then in the next moment being totally convinced they could thaw that baby out alive? also them unceremoniously dying was a bit much but im not emotionally ready to discuss that

the part that got me the most is that i definitely realized halfway thru that andy probably purposefully froze as some kind of arrogant test, and i thought that was interesting even guessing it ahead of time, but pairing it with wyatt needlessly killing him? huh? weren’t they bffs ?? he JUST brought him back to life from freezing to death and he kills him? and even if he truly wanted him dead, wouldn’t he want to keep him alive for the secret he clearly knows that he’s desperate to learn? it’s so confusing. the story still would’ve been a good thriller with wyatt not being aware of jeanne’s sabotage AND not being able to resuscitate andy a second time (maybe jeanne’s sabotage again?) but the book decides to be vaguely sympathetic to her despite five pages ago her absolutely not stuttering for a second to freeze a child and a woman to death ? HUh?!!!

i also feel like wyatt being some evil mastermind is kinda simple bc why is he so obsessed with helping people…….. there’s this pall cast over the mystery by blaming it on this rogue rage he apparently has that goes against the face of the character that was established, which is an uncouth but deeply logical and calm person?

im saying all this having given four stars bc i genuinely VIBED it was a great read and i loved the etymological mysteries and everything going on there but dang i wish i had someone to discuss it w lol. the writing is truly lovely and you can feel the heart put into the story. just a little hectic maybe?

still recommend nonetheless!

vlwelser's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

2.75

mcnallyswife's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bookph1le's review against another edition

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2.0

I guess I'd call this book a mystery/thriller with sci-fi elements.

To be honest, I don't really have strong feelings about it one way or another. It was okay. I think I would have preferred to see some things trimmed and others elaborated on more.
SpoilerI definitely would have liked a much clearer answer as to whether Wyatt and Jeanne killed Nora and Raj, though I suspect this is what did happen.


One general remark I have is I found it rather far-fetched that everyone but Raj goes along with Wyatt so willingly, and when Raj does stand up to him, he gives too much away. I kept wondering why none of these smart people figured out it would be better to be craftier when it comes to Wyatt. I guess Val does keep things from him, but the whole dynamic between her and Wyatt was exceedingly weird.

SpoilerI think I would also have liked to better understand why Val's dad blames Wyatt for Andy's death. I get that it was meant to come across as him just lashing out at the person who was there, but I think it would have served things had there been something at least a bit solid to reinforce the dad's suspicions, especially since it seems weird that he suspects Wyatt without having at least some shred of evidence.

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition

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2.0

I will share my review soon.

nizzzzzzzi's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

thepagelady's review against another edition

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4.0

Val Chesterfield has spent her life building a successful career as a linguist learning dead languages. But she lives a very quiet and sheltered life. She has spent her life living in her twin brother Andy's shadow. But when she finds out that Andy is gone from suicide she doesn't believe he would have killed himself.
While still grieving for the lost of her brother Val receives a phone call from her brothers mentor Wyatt. He has made an amazing discovery and needs her expertise as a linguist. You see Wyatt has found a young girl frozen in the ice and by some miracle she is alive!

I really liked the relationship between Val and the little girl! Here Val thinks she is teaching the girl to speak but really the girl was teaching Val that it's ok to feel and express what you feel. The setting is a remote island off Greenland’s coast and just adds the creepy feel. The desolation, the freezing temperatures and the sound of the howling wind. The stories pace does seem drawn out in some places but not unnecessarily! A lot of the elements that make up the story are very different but I enjoyed the differences! Overall a very enjoyable read! Definitely one you'll want to curl up with a blanket and snuggle down for a nice freezing read!

graciesmom's review against another edition

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5.0

Powerful. Felt "cold" just reading it. Don't understand the lower ratings.