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Ice Crash Antarctica

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To come together, one family will have to survive a world coming apart.

A mother and scientist trapped in an earthquake-ravaged Antarctica. A daughter fleeing rising waters in Florida. A father and son escaping tidal waves in Boston.

When an earthquake sends the Thwaites glacier crashing into the ocean, the world begins a sudden, violent transformation. Kathryn, a seismologist wintering in Antarctica's McMurdo base, must survive the crumbling continent after discovering unprecedented seismic activity. Meanwhile, her family struggles to escape raging tsunamis and violently rising global seas halfway across the world.

Can Kathryn and her family find their way back together when the earth itself revolts beneath their feet and the oceans between them expand?

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2022

29 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Lynda Engler

7 books76 followers
When not reading or writing, I enjoy being outdoors, either walking, cycling, kayaking, or skiing; or indoors binge-watching sci-fi series. I came to writing late in life and still regret that none of my teachers in middle- or high-school ever told me to do some creative writing.

My first book, The Forgotten Isle (Middle Grade fantasy) came about as a project that my son, Colin, and I thought up while he was in middle school. My second book, Into the Outside, is a YA dystopian sci-fi. Into the Yellow Zone, and Under the Mountain (Books 2 and 3 in the trilogy) came out in 2017.

My time travel short story "Time's Anchor" (2016, Kindle and Audible) is a story of love, friendship and life’s joys and sorrows, set against the backdrop of a mystery that ranges from modern day Boston to Civil War Virginia to the casino building boom of Las Vegas.

I’m currently working on a post-apocalyptic thriller about a new ice age [working title: Ring of Fire: Volcanic Winter]; and an eco-disaster SF novel [working title: Antarctica: Ice Crash].

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5 stars
68 (54%)
4 stars
36 (29%)
3 stars
15 (12%)
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2 (1%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,590 reviews207 followers
March 14, 2023
I was glad of this book today as we were sailing Cape Horn and I could imagine the setting! It was an absolutely captivating read about one family’s fight for survival when an earthquake sent a glacier in Antarctica crashing into the ocean, setting off a chain reaction that disrupts half of the ice of Antarctica.

It’s a fast-paced, well-written, eco-disater/thriller/Sci-Fi book about a scientist, a seismologist named Kathryn, who has seen clues in her research that seismic activity is in the increase along the Antarctic plate. She decides, against her family’s wishes, to remain at the McMurdo base during the winter to finish her research. While she’s trapped in Antarctica, her family half way around the world is trying to escape raging tsunamis and violent seas. Inga, her college-aged daughter is fleeing rising waters in Florida and her husband, Nick, is left trying to organize the family’s safety. Can the family find their way back to each other?

It was an intelligent read and I loved learning as I read. I appreciated the three points of view, although Nick’s didn’t really add much to the story. The author managed to capture Inga’s entitled college mindset perfectly.

I was shocked to read about how big an impact an earthquake or calving glaciers in Antarctica could have on the rest of the world! This book had me researching Thwaites, aka the Doomsday Glacier, and I learned that in a worst-case scenario, it could raise sea levels by several feet and completely submerge many of our world’s low-lying coastlines. I recommend the November 1, 2022 issue of the Scientific American as it helped to put this book in perspective for me.


Profile Image for Kristin.
1,057 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
This was a look into a not-so-distant future where earthquakes, tsunamis and the ice in Antarctica breaks off, causing oceans to rise and countries to disappear below 150 feet of water. The action focuses on one family: Inga, a college student, vacationing during spring break in Miami; her mother, Kathryn, at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and father, Nick, at home in Boston with her younger brother.

The scientific facts surrounding Antarctica are fascinating and the plot feels all too realistic.
Profile Image for RedRedtheycallmeRed.
2,001 reviews49 followers
December 23, 2022
Disaster book plus it’s set in Antarctica, this sounded right up my alley. And I did like it though it got a bit lecture-y at times. It’s hard to make all the science data sound like believable conversation.

The story alternated between three POV: Inga, Nick and Katherine. Nick has the least interesting chapters, he added very little to the story, mainly there to worry or yell at the kids. Inga was an annoying teenager, and most of her chapters I felt like I was reading a YA rom-com. Katherine’s storyline was the one I found most compelling, I loved the arctic setting and if the entire book had just been about her I would have been good with it.
Profile Image for Melissa Scruggs.
567 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2023
This book 2012 meets The Day after Tomorrow. Set in 2030, this story hits too close to home; especially reading this with a strengthening hurricane in the gulf. I loved how this book balanced fact with fiction.
Profile Image for David Moyer.
Author 4 books15 followers
March 16, 2022
With a good hard edit, this will be a solid four star YA novel. A bit expository in parts, it seemed more focused on educating the reader than telling a story. This is not necessarily a bad thing, considering the dire nature of our climate situation, but all that educating could have been more elegantly woven into the story. I did like the quick facts at the head of each chapter, although the sun does not set twice in Antarctica, as one of them claims, but only once a year. Again, there is nothing wrong with this book that a good edit won't fix. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Philip Rutherford.
Author 2 books9 followers
May 29, 2024
Ice Crash: Antarctica is an exciting, realist and informative climate change novel. It is told from the point of view of three people: Kathryn, a scientist at Antarctica's McMurdo base, her daughter Inga holidaying in Florida and her husband Nick in Boston. A huge Antarctic glacier that has become unstable due to global warming collapses into the sea. If the ice it is holding back also slides in, there will be world wide tsunamis and the sea level will rise by 30 metres destroying most coastal cities. In a race against time, Kathryn, Inga, Nick and son Liam, together with their colleagues and friends must try to reunite and find a safe haven against the impending destruction.

The characters are very well drawn: Kathryn the brilliant dedicated scientist, 18-year-old Inga and her budding romance with Caleb, Zoe her fun loving friend and Nick the concerned father of 14-year-old Liam. I thought the dialog and situations were very realistic. Clearly the author has done extensive research and thought a lot about how such a global disaster might play out. Experiencing the individual characters' struggles painted a very vivid and relatable picture. The tension of the coming disaster made me want to keep turning the pages.

I also enjoyed learning a lot about Antarctica, the bases there, the glaciers, ice sheets, earthquakes, icequakes and how they all relate to each other. The fast facts at the start of each chapter were very interesting and kept the story anchored to the real world and our current situation while serving as a springboard to what might happen in the future. They gave the story a depth that few climate fiction I’ve read has.

Overall I really liked Ice Crash: Antarctica. It was a chilling reminder of the knife edge that we are living on due to climate change and a careful exploration of human relationships under intense pressure. The hope it gave was that when faced with the worst, people can still rise to the challenge.
Profile Image for Vanessa Lee.
Author 1 book3 followers
March 5, 2024
I don't think I have read a book as quickly as I have this one in a long time. The author is skilful in creating a hook and keeping the momentum moving at a cracking pace.

The narrative moves between the four members of a close and loving family who unfortunately find themselves separated in the aftermath of an earthquake in Antarctica which leads to massive coastal destruction worldwide. The main character, Kathryn, a seismologist based at Antarctica at the time of the disaster, had been predicting this event for months, if not years, and tips her family off to get to higher ground as soon as the earthquake has happened. She knows that the earthquake will destabilise the Thwaites glacier which will in turn lead to an unimaginable amount of ice sliding into the ocean. (This might sound like Sci-Fi; in reality, teams of scientists are in fact based at the Thwaites glacier and constantly monitoring it as it is known to be a massive risk factor for future sea level rises).

It's impressive but equally terrifying knowing that the author has obviously researched climate change and the corroding of the Thwaites glacier in Antarctica meticulously. At no point in the narrative did I think "Oh, that's too much to believe!" In fact, I think she was restrained in the projection of reality she has written. It could really happen. Her telling of the story through the eyes of a family living at sea level and their frantic race to get above the rising water makes for addictive reading, and is also thought provoking and unsettling.

I loved this book, and the author has taught me a lot with her useful inclusion of non-fiction snippets that explain why her story is not a fabricated piece of dystopia, but rather, a very valid near future projection of what could happen to us all.
Profile Image for David.
Author 4 books31 followers
October 20, 2022
A well-grounded eye-opening disaster sci-fi

Ice Crash Antarctica was a fun read! I enjoyed following Inga, a college student vacationing in Miami, and her mom Kathryn, a respected scientist (seismologist) who is based on the White Continent for some extended research project.

There were lots of interesting bits of research about melting glaciers and seismology, not only as part of the plot, but through some fact sheets wedged between chapters. Though I love reading about science myself online, I came upon several new interesting facts especially about Antarctica. It is mind-blowing to think how big of an impact this continent can have on the rest of the world were its ice to spill into the ocean.
Melting ice is NOT the only threat! The complex geology and dynamics of ice Down Under is worth learning and reading about.

Engler's writing style flows and it was a complete page-turner so much that my eyes were bouncing back and forth. It was a breeze to get immersed into the story and digest bite-sized science facts. Overall, I felt like the book was well grounded and an eye-opener on so many levels.

Engler definitely knows her stuff and how to thread a compelling story with solid science facts. A must-read!
Profile Image for Karen Holmes.
8 reviews
February 3, 2024
A sci fi / eco thriller/ disaster novel set in 2030 that I asked for for Xmas as it sounded interesting. Was pleasantly surprised, nice balance of actual current facts, science fiction and human interest. It follows 3 POV’s, (2 from different levels of science knowledge and different ages groups, which was nice). I was actually gripped for the last 150 pages and didn’t stop reading it except for short breaks to actually do essential stuff (pesky real life).
Anyway, if you like eco/science/disaster books or films you might like this as much as I did :). (4.5 stars out of 5).
This is, as you might guess, speculating on what might happen in the future with a warming earth and climate change, and specifically if an earthquake in Antarctica sets off a chain of events that could lead to global devastation. It follows the immediate actions and effects around one family. And despite the heavy subject the book still feels positive.
2,000 reviews39 followers
May 26, 2022
This global warming apocalypse story is both a compelling story and an informative backgrounder on worst case scenarios for the consequences of rising temperatures and the melting of the ice caps. Told from the points of view of three members of the same family - a father in Boston a college age daughter in Miami for spring break and a scientist mother attached to a team working on Antarctica - it takes the reader from ordinary day to day activities through the fear and panic as a series of unrelated weather events leads them to flee for their lives to higher ground.
Well researched and written, it's a nail-biter of a story that will send you looking for the nearest topographical map to see just how far above sea level your home town is.
Some readers may find the jumping from one character and location to another a bit jarring, but I enjoyed the different viewpoints.
Profile Image for Richard Rodriguez.
50 reviews
July 31, 2022
Global warming, tectonic quakes under the Antarctica ice shelf, and the threatening Thwaites — Doomsday Glacier —, create a persistent tension in this climate thriller by Lynda Engler.

The threat of climate related natural disasters as they relate to global warming is a present day reality that unfortunately is not taken as serious as it should be. This eco thriller, and other like it, paint grim yet all too possible near future realities. Engler’s Sci-fi thriller is both enthralling and exciting, in turn page turner fashion, while also providing a wealth of science knowledge. The Fast Facts at the start of each chapter are a great addition to a novel that prophetically explains the importance of the Antarctic continent and the global research done there.
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,829 reviews12 followers
May 13, 2022
This story grabbed me from the first page. a well written, slow build thriller with a topical subject. The writing is excellent, well described locations and great characters. I liked the pacing of the story which allow the tension to build nicely before the big climax. Lynda Engler is a new author to me and one I will read more from, I was impressed with her writing style. I enjoyed the fast facts at the front of each chapter. I also listened to the audiobook. the narration was very good Marina Kisley has a good ear for accents especially with the female characters. Highly recommended.
27 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2022
The climate change theme is what drew me to this book. It focuses on the collapse of the Twaites glacier, the "Doomsday" glacier. The book was well researched. And the eventual glacialogical outcome has a foundation in geology, math, and physics. Something very similar to what is described in the book is likely occur when "Doomsday" finally gives way. The story is straight forward, the characters are stock, settings were descriptively established. I'd like to have seen a significant climate event occur earlier in the story, a foreshadowing of things to come. When writing a climate change novel, we've got to get people talking and keep people talking. Life on Earth depends on us.
Profile Image for Richard Schneider.
Author 6 books30 followers
May 24, 2022
Very fun read (well, very fun if you can deal with cataclysmic climate change events!) about a family stuck in different parts of the world when an Antarctic earthquake causes ice shelves to break off into the water, raising sea levels catastrophically.

The main characters all tell their part of the tale from the first-person perspective, and all three are likeable, relatable and believable characters. They consist of the mom, the dad and the college-aged daughter. I liked them all.

The science is well presented and the "Fast Facts" section at the beginning of each chapter truly added to the experience.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,978 reviews66 followers
March 10, 2024
This is a different take on a disaster, set in our near future. The world is already dealing with the effects of climate change when disaster in Antarctica looms. I have always been interested in Antarctica (on my bucket list to visit and worth a star for the setting) and very much enjoyed the Fun Facts and science information presented. The map of seismic activity was excellent too. The story does bog down a bit in the early stages, especially with the spring break activities and sometimes the dialogue is not quite solid, but overall the writing and editing were fine. It is a nice standalone book that wraps up quite well. I enjoyed reading this.
Profile Image for Shel Calopa.
Author 7 books162 followers
March 4, 2022
What would happen if there were a sudden massive ice melt? Maybe a bit close to home? Don’t worry; this well-written book, which at times reads like non-fiction, actually has a hearty dose of fiction. You’ll love reading the story of a family spread across American cities as their mother predicts the climate crisis from her icy research station. My only complaint? I would have liked a more time devoted to the actual disasters, which come a little late in the book for my liking. An interesting read though - 4.5 stars.
598 reviews6 followers
Read
March 19, 2022
Action packed, quick read.

This story is only a little preachy regarding climate change. In general it is a good calamity drama. It could have easily been stretched into a much longer book, but is compact!y presented.

I prefer longer books, but admire the cleanliness of this writer's style. I wish individual characters had had more varied and unique dialogue given the many different nationalities, education, and social positions that are represented. Sadly they all sound alike.
Profile Image for 100 Books Yearly.
104 reviews
March 27, 2023
A mother and scientist trapped in an earthquake-ravaged Antarctica.
A daughter fleeing rising waters in Florida.
A father and son escaping tidal waves in Boston.

It is a compelling story with solid science facts, I loved learning as I read. A brilliant blend of climate science, family drama.

“You can’t predict an earthquake, and all this crap about climate change melting the glaciers, it’s just the Earth going through cycles. It’s not going to all happen at once.”

Themes: Climate Change Ecological disaster
10 reviews
February 25, 2022
Natural Disaster with world wide catastrophic results

Love how this story is told through the experiences of the characters in the story. This book is exciting from start to finish. Loved getting the story from the viewpoint of the different characters. The fun facts pages were very interesting to read. The details of the different locations make the story more interesting.
This story is fiction, let’s hope it doesn’t really happen like this book in the future.
Profile Image for Thomas Trimble.
Author 48 books2 followers
February 20, 2022
This book depicts a fictional disaster that man caused. The story reflects on what our ignorance of the problems of the environment may do. Lynda has presented a gripping story that will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see the fate of the main characters. A well-written book, I enjoyed it. Good job Lynda.
583 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2023
A couple of college girls meet a few guys in Miami on spring break. One of the girls mother is a scientist down in Antarctica, and decides to stay over winter down there because of the troubling seismic readings.
Then all hell breaks loose.
This book grabbed me a lot more than I thought it would.
You should read it.
Profile Image for shawn murphy.
428 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2024
Ice Crash: Antarctica excellent thriller by Lynda Engler. A family is in different locales and must co-ordinate to get to safety. Kathryn is a seismologist working in Antarctica and she is seeing some radical readings that could mean impending disaster around the world. Fascinating science and action related to possible danger.
Profile Image for Kim Kelley.
9 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2022
Enjoyed Thorougly

The book was quite interesting, and chocked full of facts. I would have given it 5 stars, but there was too much politico in it. Other than that, I truly did enjoy the book!
627 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2022
Ready to be made into a bad disaster movie!

I love disaster novels, you can see exactly they could me made into a bad disaster movie, lots of wringing of hands over "climate change" here also.
35 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2023
Great book, great author!!

This is my first time reading anything by Lynda Engle, and it was a great read! Her “fast facts” were super interesting and a great way to impart real information quickly. Super impressed by this author, and I’ll be looking for more books by her.
Profile Image for Rob Roy.
1,555 reviews33 followers
June 22, 2024
Most of us do, on occasion, enjoy a good disaster movie. This book is a disaster movie plot but is saved by excellent writing, and its details are factual. This book is about climate change, and how it will change the world we live in. This was a book; I could not put down.
5 reviews
March 27, 2022
Good book for what it was, hey disaster is coming and we gotta get out of here.
12.8k reviews191 followers
May 4, 2022
An amazing story that is extremely realistic. Ice melt in Antarctica. Scary, the book takes us through what could happen. Intriguing
32 reviews
July 4, 2022
A stirring story

This was a very realistic story of major disaster for the world ad a result of breakup of Antarctic ice. It felt like it really could happen. A great read.
Profile Image for Tammy.
329 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2022
Interesting premise, with some fun facts about geology. If you enjoy climate change theories you’ll like this book. The family story wrapped around all the climate stuff was of secondary interest to me, but does serve to hold it all together in order to encompass the sudden worldwide changes in snow, ice, waves, tides, earthquakes, and rain.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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