"LIKE WATER AND ICE" captures the exhilarating world of elite figure skating with grace and precision. Set against the backdrop of the preparation for the Nagano Olympics, the novel delves into the lives of dedicated athletes, showcasing their unwavering commitment, complex relationships, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With vivid prose and authentic insights, the author expertly navigates the intricacies of competitive skating, immersing readers in a captivating tale of ambition, passion, and perseverance. Whether you're a fan of the sport or simply drawn to compelling human dramas, this book is sure to leave you inspired and moved.

I honestly couldn’t get into it. I don’t know what it was, usually I like books like this. Maybe it was just not the right time for me to read it, maybe it was the way it was written but this book just isn’t for me. However, even though I couldn’t get into it I know some people who would LOVE it.

I really wanted to like this one with sports fiction being some of my favorites,however the plot which this book tried to show was really good just that it was a bit too predictable throughout. But, even though the ending was predictable it was done quite well. I also sadly couldn't really connect with the story or it's characters at all. I did like the way you gained an insight into the behind the scenes of the mc's life and struggles outside his career in skating which was done well.

Set in the world of elite figure skating, Like Water and Ice is about a competitor's battle to win national, world and Olympic titles, and in particular to beat his nemesis, Grigoriy Arsenyev.

I struggled with Thad Moulton for a few chapters. At 26 he had won some titles but his introverted personality meant he hadn't connected with fans or the media. He avoided confrontation and did a lot of frowning, sighing and walking off. His reaction to his coach having an affair seemed a little over the top.

But he developed more resilience and character. We learned he had been living a regimented and disciplined life since the age of 10, and his skating didn't allow for friendship or girlfriends. His father had been a commercial fisherman and was a man of few words. Thad always felt his father didn't like his choice of profession.

The story is set in the 90s but there are very few illusions to the decade, except for watching VHS tapes.

Overall a pleasant, undemanding read.

As someone who has adored the figure skating world since I was a little girl I was so excited to see this title available for request. I’m so excited to read Thads journey and all the excitement, suspense, and controversy that usually follows the figure skating world. I look forward to sharing a full review soon and I know both fellow figure skating fans and Sounders sports are going to want to snap this one up!