ICE - a novel by Kevin Tinto
Reviewed By: Editorial Board
The Editorial Board of The Columbia Review accepts submissions from authors, publishers, directors, agents, producers and fans. www.TheColumbiaReview.com
“ICE” by Kevin Tinto is an archeological thriller, spiced up with sci-fi and romance, encased in plot lines that are authentic, accurate, and highly engaging.
The story’s protagonist is Leah Andrews, an archaeologist who stumbles upon something inexplicable in southwestern New Mexico: inside a dark cavern lies an undiscovered, Native American cliff dwelling abandoned for 800 years. While exploring one of the narrow underground passageways, Leah’s flashlight illuminates the remains of a violent massacre. Ancient human remains cover the cavern floor, along with a number of brilliantly colored, granite crystals. The rare crystals are native to only one place on earth: a frozen mountain range in central Antarctica. Had ancient Native Americans traveled to the frozen continent of Antarctica? And if so…how? And why? There’s only one person who can get Leah to those mountains in Antarctica: her estranged husband and climbing guide, Jack Hobson. At their destination, they make a stunning discovery that changes historical assumptions and science forever. But Leah’s expedition and discoveries ignites an international crisis that brings the world to the brink of nuclear conflict.
Author Kevin Tinto brings an engaging level of authenticity and realism that gives the reader a thrilling glimpse into what it’s like to be a pilot, mountaineer, and self-taught archeologist. Like a GoPro camera, the reader is sucked into an intense story, enriched by the author’s commendable wealth of detailed knowledge. At the same time, the pace of the story makes it impossible to put the book down.
This book is an excellent choice for anyone stimulated by an expedition into uncharted realms, survival sequences in the most extreme outdoor conditions, an authentic friction between a man and woman, who love one another, but can’t get along, a seeming scientific impossibility whose enigma drives the protagonist to obsession, a conflict between superpowers that threatens humanity’s survival, characters willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in solving a most unique mystery relating to historical first-contact between extra-planetary visitors and our ancestors.
In summary, “ICE” is a gripping novel that combines archeological, historical, scientific, and romantic elements to create a thrilling, strong story. The novel does not disappoint with the authenticity of its characters, the complexities of their all-too human relationships, the adventures and mysteries that keep the reader guessing, and the intense adventures and conflicts. It’s a stimulating story that transports readers into past, present, and future events—a wonderful discovery for this reader, who cannot wait for more.