Nyx and the gang are back in book 2 of the Moonfall series. The story picks up a little after the happenings in The Starless Crown. Nyx and her compadres are headed across the Ice Shield in search of more like Shiya while Kanthe and group travel to Klashe to gather information about the prophecies. The epic journeys are wrought with action, conflict, and urgency as both groups are being hunted. Fans of book 1 will love this follow up. Rollins is a wonderful wordsmith creating worlds and characters that are unique and engaging. His world building is absolutely devine. In Cradle of Ice, the characters are fleshed out even further. With the groundwork set in The Starless Crown, Rollins is able to further develop the world, politics, and even magic system. New characters and places are added to the story making it even more rounded and robust. This is a definitely a 'to be read' for my patrons who adore fantasy. I recommend it often and have had very positive response from our library readers.

Overall, a wonderful read. Fans of epic fantasy will love the feel of the books as they harken back to some of the classic fantasy through history. The story and world building will suck you in, but the tension, action, and characters will keep you there.

This ragtag group of misfits have decided to stick together for the sake of the world but it also means splitting up. Most will go to the region of ice and cold while the other to a big capital city. It is amazing what this group will do and go through for their world even when the rest of the world seems against them, but they seem to find help in some of the least likely places.
This series is really good and I hope I get to read and review the third part as well. The characters are so inviting, well most of them anyways. The action is non-stop and the suspense will grab you from the start and not let go until the end, if then. I really enjoyed the series so far and hope everyone else does too.

I read The Starless Crown (thank you NetGalley and Tor Books for the opportunity to read both books in this series) and struggled to get past the world and character building for about the first third of it, but I did finish it and, in the end, I was intrigued enough to read The Cradle of Ice. It moves along at a much faster pace, probably because of all of the foundational work in the first book. Rollins has created what I would call an epic fantasy here, as there is a huge saga taking place with complicated characters thrown into almost impossible situations, struggling with which path to take. Overall, it is quite a story that I imagine took Rollins a long time to figure out all of the details for. Much like the first book in the series, though, there are descriptions I found pretty graphic, and the treatment of the female characters to me left me unsatisfied. I felt like their characters weren't believable well-developed, which I found discouraging. In the end, it is an entertaining series, though, and I'm sure it will find quite a following with readers of dystopian fantasy.

The Cradle of Ice is the 2nd book in the Moon Fall Series from James Rollins.
This book picks up where the previous book stopped. A group goes one way to do some stuff. Another group stays behind to do some different stuff. Other groups in other places do some stuff that may or may not overlap another groups stuff.
So many characters and so many things going on. I love Rollins's writing. The first book in this series was full of great stories and fantasy and an enjoyable read. I'm not sure what happened to this book. There are too many storylines and too many characters. It's almost 700 pages and it drags. It drags because the world is so unfamiliar that a reader has to think about what they're reading - constantly. It does not make for fast-paced fiction. It would've worked much better as two or even three books. And you cannot read this without reading the first one.
Not sure what happened but I had high expectations for this book that were not met. This jumble of fantasy was not an enjoyable read for me.

If you read mainly fantasy, this is probably the book for you.

Thank you to Tor and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Cradle of Ice as an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler free with only mild hints at plot and themes. 4.5/5 stars.

James Rollins continues to deliver an intriguing and mystical world in this book. The Starless Crown was thoroughly enjoyable, and now Cradle expounds upon the lore of this world, the political intrigue, and the ever approaching danger. Rollins once again is able to write characters which feel real. They each feel like they have their own lives, their own personalities. I love that we continue to learn more about the world and the catastrophes which have come before and the apocalyptic events which could be looming. This book takes us to varying extremes of new locations, all of which seem to have been well thought out, and likely even researched. The story of this book continues to enthrall me. Starless Crown had me intrigued, and now Cradle has me hooked.

This series is going to be for the adult fantasy reader who loves a spicy political climate. Also if you like animal companions. While it is not grimdark, this series does not shy away from violence. And there is more to this book than a simple fantasy novel.

Source: DRC via NetGalley (Tor Publishing Group, Tor Books) in exchange for an honest review
Publication Date: February 7, 2023
Synopsis: Goodreads
Purchase Link: Amazon

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Why did I choose to read this book?

The Cradle of Ice was actually the first book that caught my eye from this series. When I requested it from NetGalley as an advanced digital reader copy, I knew I had to read book 1 first (and you do by the way, if you don’t, you’ll be very confused in book 2). I chose to read and review this book because The Starless Crown was so good, and I was so invested in the characters that I needed to know what happened to them.

What is this book about?

Our intrepid crew breaks into two groups. One is headed into the Klashe to find a hidden Sleeper (no spoilers as to what this is) and the other is flying into the Ice Cradle, the side of the Urth that is always facing away from the sun and so is now completely ice. Both groups are following the direction of Shiya, the bronze woman who is a living metal being (think an AI-type machine that is very human in its appearance and behavior), in order to save the Urth from being obliterated by its own moon.

What is notable about this story?

The Cradle of Ice explores other cultures outside Halendii, and as the reader you have to think about what the consequences would be if Nyx and her followers are successful. If the ice melts or the molten lava of the other side of the Earth begins to flow around many people will die and there isn’t anything they can do about that. Averting a tragedy that would cause everyone to die (Moon Fall) with an action that would cause most but not all people/creatures to die is a heavy burden to carry. I am working very hard to avoid spoilers in this review and it’s so difficult!

I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the Klashe and its politics. I love Rami (4th son of the emperor). He’s a lovely trickster/flirt to play against Prince Kanthe’s prudish blushing. It was adorable and I’m here for it. The intrigue and tension happening in the Klashe definitely out-shined Nyx’s group’s journey. Mikaen (Kanthe’s older twin brother) continues to grow more and more unhinged as he makes the war with the Klashe reality. He’s losing his mind and the consequences of that are going to be very impressive.

Was anything not so great?

This book took forever to read. It’s a good book, but it’s not “on the edge of your seat” good, so I didn’t feel like I had to get back to the story right away. Add this to the fact that it’s an absolute unit like its predecessor, and you get a book that takes over a month to read. For a regular reader this isn’t a big deal. For me, having to get this review out on a deadline, it was very stressful. I felt like I had to read the book instead of wanting to read the book, which may have made me enjoy it a little less.

So if you’re going to read this series, be patient with yourself and read when you want to. It’s an excellent story, but you’re not going to want to feel rushed because you might give up on it, and you shouldn’t, because it’s a great series so far.

If I had to pick one thing to lightly critique it would be the bridle-song mechanic in the magic system. The number of times I had to read the word song or harmony rivals only Sarah J. Maas’ later books for the use of the words mate and feasting: it’s too much!! And the entire plot relies on using it ALL THE TIME and even with the addition of a new type of creature (on top of bats, dogs, and everything in the Crown) it’s just “they sang louder,” “she harmonized,” and “the song” over and over and over. The lack of diversity in the magic system is disappointing but understandable since this is basically Medieval Times on the top of the world. I wish there was something else, like rhythm or shouting or spellcasting to distract from the singing.

What’s the verdict?

I’m not letting how long it took affect my rating: 4 stars on Goodreads and I’ll be waiting for book 3 to pop up on NetGalley so I can grab it asap and take my time. If you’re in the market for a HUGE fantasy epic series, definitely pick this one up.

This is a large book. There are a lot of pages (672), a lot of characters, a lot of plot, a lot of world building, a lot of violence, a lot of bloodshed. There is just a lot to this book. At times, it all seems to be too much and begins to feel frenzied.

This is a big story, a very big story, and at times, I felt very overwhelmed by it’s telling. I didn’t like that feeling because it is such an exciting adventure that I’m truly enjoying. Maybe, I’m just not used to this kind of epic storytelling and the fault lies with me. Just be aware going in, this is big-time fantasy done on a huge scale and done exceptionally well. But, at times, it does feel like the author is trying to cram too much story into the book.

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

A continuation of the Moonfall series that picks up right after the first book ends and continues to follow Nyx and her crew as they attempt to stop the catastrophe of the moon falling into earth. This sequel has a lot going on, it expands on the prophecy of the first book, while delving more into the politics of the world and introducing many new characters who are all tied together in some way. As with many world-building fantasy books, it is long and there's are a lot of people to keep track of, but Rollins does a good job at keeping the pace moving. Overall, another good entry into Rollins' foray into fantasy fiction and fans of the first book should be interested in the twists and turns of this one.

The end of the world is coming, and our heroes continue their struggle to prevent it against the sinister foes set against them and the very forces of nature itself in this exciting sequel to The Starless Crown.

The Cradle of Ice introduces great new characters like Aalia and Rami and fascinating explorations of the wider world that James Rollins has created, with enough intrigue and action to keep the story moving quickly without getting bogged down in the details. Going to new places and encountering new cultures added a lot to my enjoyment of the book, and while this is definitely a book which benefits from a reread of the previous entry in the series I was fully along for the ride about a third of the way through even with only hazy memories of what happened in the last book.

Fans of the series will be well served with this book, and if this entry is any indication readers are in for a wild ride.

If you enjoyed The Starless Crown, you will love Cradle of Ice! The combination of incredible worldbuilding and thrilling action is gripping and will keep you reading long into the night. Speaking of long, parts of this book do feel overly long and slow, but I think that is to be expected with an epic like this. Those slower moments do give you time to really get to know the characters which is good since there are so many of them and even more get introduced in this story. Overall, I would recommend this book and series!

This is the second book in the Moonfall series. The moon is falling to earth and a mixed bunch of characters is trying to prevent it. The group includes a bronze woman, a young girl and her childhood friend, a thief, a disgraced knight, a giant bat, and a fierce wolf like creature. There is a lot going on and I enjoyed it. I did go back and reread the first book in the series, Starless Crown, before beginning this one. I do think you need to read them in order. James Rollins has done a great job of world building.
Thanks to NetGalley for an eGalley of this book.

Awesome sequel! I really like this not much talk about series by James Rollins and would recommend it to every fantasy readers out there!

Fast paced and plot driven this book does not stop. The beginning of the book will blow you out of the water. I will be very interested in seeing what comes next.

I throughly enjoyed this second book of the Moonfall series. As we left our heroes at the end of the Starless Crown, the group was splitting up. Our spare, his majesty, prince Kanthe, heads off to the southern Klashe to marry princess Aalia, the illuminated rose of the Imri-Ka. He is joined by the alchemist Frell and Chaaen Pratik on their journey to find another bronze artifact hidden deep in the Klashean empire. The other half of our group, Nyx, Graylin and Jace have joined the pirate Darant on his ship the Sparrowhawk, leading the bronze artifact, Shiya and Rhaif across the ice shelf to the great unknown. As we follow their stories, we meet countless new allies and enemies across undiscovered and far flung lands. Naturally, plans go awry and entire nations are affected by these two groups as they fight to prevent Moonfall. The world building and fantasy elements are quite intriguing and book three promises to introduce more new lands to round out this world on the brink of war.
I want to thank NetGalley and James Rollins for the arc of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

This book takes place right after the events of the first book, (I definitely think this series should be read in order)
and it was action-packed from the very beginning. Our group which spent the whole first book coming together has split up again to hopefully cover more ground in the mission to stop Moonfall. One is going into the frozen wastes with no idea of what will await them there... and boy are they surprised by what they find and the events that eventually lead them to their goal, and the other head to the Southern Klashe, where Kanthe and the others are hoping to find another ancient Sleeper like Shiya who can hopefully shed some answers about how to stop what's coming... or at least what they should do next.

This is a great sequel, we get a bit more background on a few of our favorite characters, and meet some new ones. There is action, adventure, political intrigue, betrayal, epic battles that take place both on the ground and in the air, and a whole new world to discover in the Frozen Wastes... Also, who would have thought that one of my favorite characters was going to be Bashalia... a Giant Bat!

While the entire book, is pretty action-packed and full of edge-of-your-seat tension about who will survive, the ending was totally ramped up and had me unable to set the book down until I reached the end. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!

This story picks up right where the other book left off and I'm so glad I read them back to back. I like the fast pace and the deep dive into the characters. The world is rich and I feel emersed in it whenever I open the pages. Must read for fantasy fans.

The story continues with an apocalypse destined to occur. An unlikely group has been thrown together and they don’t know what awaits them in this constantly changing world. There are new forces as well as old foes causing trouble from all sides. What losses will they need to overcome? Will they be able to continue their quest once they are forced to separate?

The Cradle of Ice is the second book in the Moonfall series. This fantasy adventure was long and rambling and I found myself wondering why I was still in the pages. I didn’t see an easy dividing section, but this book would have been better if it was split into two. Goodreads doesn’t have a third book listed (yet), but the ending leaves readers knowing that there is more to come. I don’t recommend everyone rush to this book; probably wait and see what the next volume holds.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Tor Publishing Group for an advance copy of the second book in the Moonfall fantasy series.

The second book in a fantasy series is when things start rolling. The action gears up, characters start taking on defined roles, the plot starts to become clearer, the stakes apparent. Also second books give authors a chance to make slight changes, altering a character, adding or subtracting traits, maybe making the bad guy more grayer, or even darker. Authors get that same feeling for characters that readers get, the more time they spend together the more they understand them, and want more for and from them. This also makes second books hard to write, aimless wanderings or characters who haven't progressed just makes for aimless readings about ciphers walking around. James Rollins is much to skilled to have this problem. The Cradle of Ice, book two in the Moonfall series, continues the story of Nyx and her companions, and the problems of the planet Urth and the forthcoming apocalypse.

The novel begins a little bit after the first one ended, with an introduction to what happened before. Our brave companions have decided to split their party and travel to almost opposite ends of the Urth from each other. Nyx and her group will cross the Ice Shield and into the frozen wastes, a place that few have ventured to but none have shared what they found. Prince Kanthe, known for his love of spirits in bottle form, will venture with a group to the Kingdom of Klasha, and enter a battle not only of arms and armor, but of wits and words engaging in politics and diplomacy in efforts to find out more of who and what their enemies are planning. However both groups are being watched from enemies known and unknown, all with different reasons for stopping them, and their own feelings about the coming catastrophe.

A strong follow-up to the first book, with Rollins in solid control of his large cast, his increasing large world and the kingdoms and places that live on it. And of course the apocalypse that Nyx can see happening. The world building continues with again more kingdoms, more people, and more ideas. The science and the ideas of magic are handled well, and fit together with the plot quite well. Rolllins is also good at action, which helps as there is quite a bit of it. Rollins is also good at descriptive writing, making places and people seem more lifelike, and giving readers a better sense of perspective. The narrative seems tighter, in the first book there was a lot of extra story, the writing seems more focused, as things really don't have to be introduced.

Recommended again for big fantasy fans, ones who enjoy big stories, lots of characters and lots of pages and plot. Also I think I suggested this before role playing fans will enjoy this for ideas on how to build campaigns and handle large casts with player characters and non-player characters. I am excited for the next book in the series, and eagerly look forward to it.

Nyx and her ragtag bunch of companions have split into two groups at the start of The Cradle of Ice, which starts shortly after The Starless Crown. Nyx, Graylin, Shiya, and Rhaif, accompanied by Darant and his crew, journey to the mysterious Frozen Wastes in the hopes of finding another bronze sleeper like Shiya. Kanthe, Frell, and Pratik have traveled to the kingdom of Klashe to learn more about the ancient prophecies foretelling the planet's doom in the royal library, and Kanthe has become affianced in an attempt to get closer to the library. As both parties pursue their respective MacGuffins, they are hunted in turn.

Once again, this harkens back to fantasy of previous decades with few exceptions (for example, same-sex relationships are not unusual in the Klashean kingdom, though it's just mentioned a couple of times when a character hits on Kanthe). If you enjoyed the first novel, you'll likely enjoy this one too. Similarly, if you didn't care for the first novel, I suggest passing on this because it's more of the same but with higher stakes and more characters (the best of whom, in my opinion, are Kanthe's betrothed Aalia and her brother Rami, neither of whom get nearly enough screentime). Aalia, in particular, is a good example of where the book falls short for me. She's an interesting character with a backstory, but those details are delivered through hurried exposition, diminishing the impact and failing to flesh her out as a well-rounded character.

Wow!!! Mesmerizing, fantastical, exciting,and absolutely wonderful is the 2nd book in the Moonfall series!!!!!!
Nyx and her group leave for the next part of their quest, across the Ice Shield and into the frozen wastes. No one knows what lies ahead for only a few have ever ventured beyond the Shield and none had returned. They must persevere and push on in their quest to stop the Moonfall from destroying the Urth. They are bound for the next site of a sleeper- a bronze person like Shiya and whatever challenges it holds.
Also Prince Kanthe and his group embark on their quest through betrayals , battles, friendships, marriage proposals, bombs, and many trials to complete their search for the other sleeper and what adventures that holds.
The reader is taken on an interchanging roller coaster of a ride with no guarantees that any of their quest will be successful enough to slow the inevitable. The book is of course a cliffhanger and I will anxiously await the third book in the trilogy. The characters in the book are well developed and you become attached to them and the outcome of their story. The book is Fantasy/science fiction and will be enjoyed by readers of both!!! This is an excellent read!!!!!