Book was ok. Unfortunately it didn’t grab me. I am not the biggest fan of political thrillers and this one hasn’t done anything to change my mind. There wasn’t much that drew me to Rake and I couldn’t really like him very much. It was well written and to the right reader would probably be a great book.

Humphrey Hawksley has a good track record as a thriller writer and Man On Ice is another easy flowing and exciting novel. The story involves a Russian takeover of a small Alaskan community on the border between Russia and America. The military action takes place on the eve of the inauguration of a new American President and the story moves between the complex diplomatic manoeuvring in Washington and the on-the-ground action on the Alaskan island of Little Diomede. Fortunately island native Rake Ozenna, a member of an elite infantry unit known as the Eskimo Scouts, happens to be visiting Diomede with his fiancé when the military action starts and soon plays an important role in combating the Russians. Some of the book strains credibility, especially the manoeuvring in Washington involving the new President - a slightly exaggerated version of Trump. Nevertheless it moves quickly and makes for an interesting light read

Man on Ice is set against a back drop of political intrigue and change.

The premise, that a foreign power would try to leverage the narrow time between the outgoing and newly elected president, is not one that I've seen before. The writing was on point and the hero was human not a superman and his actions felt real.

I found myself pleasantly surprised by the story and the way in which it was told and think the readers will engage wirh it.

A good addition to anyone's bookshelf.

Explosive invasion of Alaska by the Russians!

Captain Rake Ozenna and Dr Carrie Walker flew by helicopter to Little Diomede, Alaska for an emergency evacuation. The district nurse helped pregnant Akna whose waters broke.

The helicopter was delayed returning to its base by the bad weather. Carrie was worried about Akna who could die (in the cold conditions) as they were stranded.

The UK ambassador to Washington, D.C. hosted the dinner for the Prime Minister, Kevin Slater, and the US President-elect, Bob Holland. The outgoing President, Christopher Swain, summoned them to the White House after they heard about the situation in Alaska.

After invading Alaska, the Russians claimed that the local population were maltreated, and Alaska was mis-sold to the US for peanuts in 1867. Admiral Alexander Vitruk, the invading commander told Carrie that the Russian would make the world a better place to live while threatening to kill Ozenna.

I like this book as two world’s superpowers clash, threatening new nuclear world war. Good work by Humphrey Hawksley.

Caesar 13

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

Did not really enjoy this book, the plot involves the Russians trying to take over Alaska and their army being stopped by an Eskimo warrior. The book moved being political White House arguments and the seemingly impossible odds of one man stopping the Russians. A fairly predictable end.