Blood and Ice

LOVED IT! I've read all of Robert Masellos' books and I feel that this one was by far his best! I had a very hard time putting it down once I started it! At points I was so tempted to skip ahead to see what happened! (But I refrained!) Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen, something else did! It really kept you guessing all the way through!
I think it will make a really great movie too if the right director gets it. I don't want to give anything away in my review. But if you are a fan of Sci-Fi, fantasy, horror, etc., you will love this book. It had so many of the elements I enjoy. Parts reminded me of The Thing (not the original, John Carpenters remake) and parts reminded me of the Underworld movies. Better yet, parts reminded me of the British series, "Sharpes Rifles" with Sean Bean.
Masello did his usual best at utilizing character development. A concept that seems lost to some shallow minded readers. You not only get to know the characters in the book, you understand why they are the way they are and act the way they act. Masello does this by bringing in their friends and their deeds throughout the story. You really get an in depth feeling for them all. Again and unfortunately, some shallow minded readers can't seem to grasp this concept. (Their loss!)
In closing I'll say again that this was Masellos best book I have read to date. Hopefully a competent director will get their hands on it and turn it into a great movie. God knows with the continued stream of remakes we have been seeing, Hollywood seems to have officially run out of ideas! Well here is a great one!

A somewhat different take on vampires. Michael Wilde is a journalist on assignment in Antarctica to take pictures and write a documentary for Eco-Travel magazine. While diving they discover two people frozen in ice. The story bounces back from the life the couple led in the 1800s, how they ended up in the frigid ocean, to present day at the South Pole. Sometimes the back stories drag the book down. Although the history and science are intriguing, things for me didn't get interesting until the couple thaw out. Full Moon-Bloody Moon The Good Die Twice (Chase Dagger Mysteries)

Robert Masello came up with an interesting variation on that most overused of paranormal creatures in fiction today, vampires, and then proceeded to all but ruin it in the execution. Interestingly, unlike some reviewers I applaud Mr. Masello for avoiding the obvious cliche of following in the footsteps of The Thing; I just wish he had managed to tell his story better! Instead he gives us a clinic on how NOT to write a thriller

THE BACK STORY: It is tough to write a thriller without providing some back story to set up the premise, but 200+ pages, almost half the book is insane! Even if you make it interesting, that's asking a lot of your readers, and Mr. Masello for the most part fails to make it interesting. Unlike some reviewers I actually preferred the shorter 19th Century sections. True, they are little more than boilerplate historical romance novel riffs, but at least they made me like the characters, which is more than the longer and far more tedious modern sections did. Compared with the saga of a photojournalist still wallowing in grief and (undeserved IMHO) guilt for the tragedy that claimed his lover, an arrogant paranoiac of a smart aleck scientist, and a dedicated and caring African-American female doctor with no more depth than a piece of cardboard, a couple of Victorian escapees from Harlequin seemed positively fascinating, and I found myself simply enduring the modern storyline while I waited impatiently to get back to the romance novel. Oddly enough this flipped around towards the end of the back story. The discovery of the mysterious ice block finally started to make the present day storyline interesting while the 19th Century storyline bogged down amidst the waste and stupidity of Crimea.

THE LITERARY PRETENSIONS: Robert Masello is by no means the first author to lard up his work with references to The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, but he may have outdone everyone else in sheer scale. No occasional quote to pique the interest here, Mr. Masello wallows in it from start to finish. Not satisfied with cramming quotes in at every opportunity, he shoves an albatross in our faces every chance he gets, including a grotesque freak accident on the Coast Guard cutter, which serves no story purpose whatsoever.

This might have been less offensive if Mr. Masello hadn't managed to miss a major point of the poem: the ancient mariner is cursed for consciously and deliberately (not to mention pointlessly) killing an albatross and his crew members are condemned for approving of his crime after appearing to benefit from it. In contrast NONE of the allegedly cursed characters in this novel were cursed for any wrongdoing of their own; rather, they are all victims of cruel fate or the actions of others. Now Coleridge can be (and has been) criticized for a story that details a punishment all out of proportion to the crime committed, but it is not an improvement to repeatedly reference this poem in a story detailing the punishment of the innocent.

THE AXE GRINDING: An additional annoyance is that Mr. Masello takes the opportunity to express politically correct opinions on a number of only marginally related topics for which he seems to believe he is entitled to credit. For example he bravely comes out against whaling. (Ooh, that took some guts.) For another he boldly contends that war is terrible. (If only someone had this epiphany earlier in human history, how the world could have been changed for the better.) I'm only surprised he missed the opportunity to courageously come out against slavery while he was at it, but thanks to a couple of characters transported straight out of the 1850's, he DOES get the opportunity to condemn racism and sexism. (Hats off to a real hero.)

To my surprised relief there was relatively little crisis mongering about the hoax of global warming. Perhaps the decade plus of actual global COOLING is starting to sink in; more likely, unfortunately, is that the author is so ill informed that he thinks the question has been settled. In another pointless aside the author seems to favor pulling the plug on the persistently vegetative. Well, fine if he's talking about himself; that's what living wills are for, but why condemn those who prefer to waste their hope (and their money) waiting for a miracle? If you honestly believe, as the in the author's clear opinion more praiseworthy characters do, that such a person has truly "gone on", then who cares if others want to keep trying futilely to resurrect the dead? It is no skin off your nose or the "dead" person's.

Finally, other reviewers have accused the author of what amounts to anti-Christian bigotry, and as someone arguably overly sensitive to the topic, I made a point of keeping an eye out for it. However, while I concede that the charge has merit, I don't consider the author guilty of it. IMHO the trouble is that with a single exception all of the major characters are either atheists or lapsed believers of one kind or another, but that sole exception must be acknowledged. A fairer accusation might be that because of his presumed own lack of any real religious belief, the author has no clue how to portray it; the one allegedly supernatural incident in the entire book reeks of ignorance of the basic tenets of Christianity.

THE SWITCH ENDING: My objection is less with the (only somewhat) unexpected final twist, but rather with the fact that this twist makes a couple of likable characters entirely superfluous. One who has literally been phoning it in for most of the book is discarded rather easily, but the other presents a real obstacle to this ending so the author removes him. Mr. Masello tries to make what he does to this character more palatable to the reader (who has no doubt grown to like him) by having him suddenly (and with little justification) start behaving badly, but it comes off as a betrayal, not to mention several unresolved problems short of a satisfying ending.

Too bad, it was a good idea poorly executed. Given the popularity of vampires perhaps some future author will take up the premise and do it justice.

"Blood And Ice" by Robert Masello is two stories, the first the love story of a doomed Victorian couple from two hundred years ago and the other, a scientific expedition to the South Pole. One journalist Michael Wilde finds the frozen bodies of the couple chained together in the ice, the adventure begins. But when the ice melts and they become alive again, terror takes over. This isn't really a horror story and I wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat. But the story unfolds nicely to keep one's interest in what would happen next. It was an enjoyable weekend read.

Creepy and scary at some point, the iced couple .
A photographer from a magazine make a discovery from the deeps of the Antarctic ocean , a chained couple surrounding by ice he can only see a beautiful woman but he knows that she is not in it alone.

Masello has created a truly attention-getting novel. Leaping back and forth between the time of the Crimean war and the present, he keeps you turning the pages in suspense. I was fascinated with both the historical tale he wove and the present-day adventure to Adelie in the South Pole. I especially enjoyed reading about the journey the main character, Michael Wilde, took to get there on board an icebreaker. With likeable characters and a great story line, this supernatural thriller gives a big impression.

I almost put this book down around page 100. The plot hadn't developed, the writing style was dry and was overly detailed about technical aspects of living at the south pole. Around page 140 the plot finally began to unfold. Other than the action scenes the writing style continued to be very dry and technical. As the book came to a conclusion the 'cure' and the side effects of that cure were ridiculous. Even though this is fiction and revolves around the story of a legendary creature, the cure and side effect didn't have any roots in modern science. The writer is obviously trying to tie science into the story like Michael Crichton did but it is clear he lacks the scientific background to do it. I loved Bestiary and Vigil. But I do not like this book.

Combining the stories of a photojournalist documenting Antarctic research (with lots of authentic scientific detail) and a Victorian army officer and his sweetheart, the author skillfully combines the two timelines into a compelling story with a novel twist on a well-known theme (which I will refrain from mentioning, as it would be a spoiler). The characters are well-defined and interesting, and there are lots of exciting events, making for a terrific read.

Here is a fantastic, incredibly atmospheric, suspense-thriller (and love story) for people who aren't afraid of a dash of poetry, science and history. Mr. Masello has come up with amazing twists as well as a brilliant new take on an age-old demonic problem. Others have talked about the plot and I will just add that many days after finishing this rapid-read the characters and the story still haunt me. If you're prepared to stay up late .... then start reading this page-turner.

I do like books on the supernatural, but this book just didn't ever let me get to the point where I could suspend my disbelief, this coming from a person who devoured every Anne Rice novel ever published.

It seemed too contrived and he seemed to be trying to give a scientific explanation for the impossible. I'd rather he'd left it at unexplainable.

I tried several times, but never got more than halfway through the book before putting it down in disgust.

The characterizations were shallow and therefore, I had a hard time really caring what happened to them. The violence seemed gratuitous.

Even when I was out of books to read for a couple of days, I couldn't manage to work my way through this one, sorry.

There aren't enough words to describle how interminable this book seemed to me. I expected it to be similair to the story line in "The Thing", but rather than an alien thawing out, it was going to be a vampire. I expected, terror and an exciting page turner and got a two stories in one, both slow and boring. The first is of a freelane journalist who can't get his comatose girlfriend out of his head and the second is a story of how two 1800 types became to be frozen in ice. (there was more information about the time they spent in the Crimean War than I cared to read about)The two stories finally merge and they meet each other in present time. If takes 200 plus pages for this meeting to finally happen and it still is boring. It was more a tale of lives of both living and undead intersecting, rather than a horror novel. (which I expected.) Instead of holding my attention and scaring me, it just put me to sleep

Nice pace, good plot but predictable and therefore disappointingly low on suspense. I appreciate the novel twist on the vampire legend, but became very predictable and cliche once the body count started to rise. Felt like a B horror movie... Was it really necessary to kill off all the doggies?.

Touted in the product review as being a "supernatural thriller", Masello's "Blood and Ice" explores territory Stephen King covered much more effectively and spookily in "'Salem's Lot" among other novels.

Sinclair Copley and Eleanor Ames - lovers in 19th Century England - are hurled into the icy seas from a sailing ship in Antarctic waters. Michael Wilde is a 21st Century journalist visiting a research station near the South Pole to write an article for an ecology publication. Michael discovers the bodies in a block of ice, and the tale moves forward from there. You can read the the store product description for a fuller synopsis.

Where, oh where, to begin?

First and foremost, as mentioned earlier, this book just never manages to build up any dramatic tension at all. None. Maybe, given Masello's background as a screenwriter, he heard dramatic background music in his head while writing this, and thought it would convey itself in the pages of the story. It doesn't (though it's badly needed).

Compounding this problem is the way the 19th Century story of the lovers is intertwined with the 21st Century story of Michael. The 19th Century story is given WAY too much space, and reads more like a Harlequin Romance bodice-ripper than anything else. The 21st Century story was somewhat interesting, though not compelling in any way; more as an insight into life in the frozen wastes.

After plodding through over 2/3 of this tome, we finally reach the point where the conflict between the lovers and the Antarctic scientists starts evidencing itself, and again there's no real sense of danger, because by this time we've established that in spite of their "affliction" Sinclair and Eleanor are pretty sympathetic characters. Yes, a couple of people end up dying, but these events are portrayed as being more on the level of unfortunate accidents than anything else; the unavoidable byproduct of their "condition".

It's kinda like Rhett and Scarlet accidentally causing a traffic pileup and a couple of people dying. Gee, that's sad, but what are you gonna do? Bummer.

For this kind of book to be successful, there has to be some malevolent evil somewhere. Again, think of King's "The Shining". The central characters were all good people who were overcome, through no fault of their own, by a malevolent supernatural force. Now THAT'S a "thriller"!

Two stars, for the somewhat interesting look at Antarctic life. I think that's generous.

This truly original work is captivating. It is a twist on time travel, which I think is becoming a bit over used recently. I do love the setting-Antarctica. I learned so much about this relatively unkknown environment that is fascinating. Many bizarre events.

In 1856 British 17th Lancers Lieutenant Sinclair Copley and Florence Nightingale's Harley Street Hospital Nurse Eleanor Ames are in love. However, on the 28th of December the pair falls overboard from the HMS Coventry sloop in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. Neither body is found.

In November of the present in Seattle, writer Michael Wilde needs time away from to escape a tragedy that haunts his sleep since he lost his beloved Kristin who lies in a coma; her residence being that ward of Tacoma General Hospital. Whereas her parents believe she will soon come home; he knows she is no longer there as in his mind her soul moved on. Thus he accepts an assignment from Eco-Travel Magazine to write an article on Point Adelie Research Station in Antarctica. Michael finds two bodies frozen in a block of ice; each chained. Shockingly once the ice is melted, Sinclair and Eleanor are alive.

This excellent paranormal thriller hooks the audience even before the rescue as both the present and past rotate somewhat perspective with each subplot fascinating. The story line is fast-paced and filled with chills; not all from the weather conditions as readers and Michael need to know the facts re the mysterious nineteenth century couple for personal reasons perhaps more than simple curiosity.

Harriet Klausner

I really enjoyed this book. Writing is well done- one knows a lot of research was part of the plot. It took some turns I might not have chosen to read about but made good sense in the resolution of the story. I will read more written by Robert Marsello!

I had just finished reading, in one glorious sitting, Robert Masello's Blood and Ice and I was about to post a very very positive review when to my astonishment I came across two snarky reviews from people who apparently read a much different book than myself or any of the other enthusiastic reviewers. This is a captivating novel that while it can scare the bejeesus out of you (try not to look fearfully at your freezer when you first encounter that slab of ice in the water) also carries you along, as all good fiction should do, so that you care and worry and root and go through all those emotions that separate mediocre from exceptional novels. If you are considering purchasing Blood and Ice don't hesitate. If you have just discovered it read all the other reviews to get a sense of how a novel that seemingly fits into a category (suspense/horror) can expand the category and, like Stephen King's best works, enter the realm of good, very good, fiction.

The story really sucked me in from the beginning. While there is some romance it does not dominate the book which is good. It was actually quite creepy at times. Give it a shot. If you don't like the mass paperback edition then perhaps invest in the UK edition which sports quite a nice cover.

Robert Masello is a clever writer. The book works (and it DOES work) because he spends the first 222 pages writing a sane, rational novel intertwining the lives of a self-indulgent English nobleman and a dedicated nurse (she worked for Florence Nightingale) in Edwardian London with that of a present-day American adventurer/journalist. On the next page, when all hell breaks loose and the novel goes sci-fi, we have already developed a bond and identification with the characters.

For those readers who think the book is preposterous, what sci-fi isn't at times? My main objection is the denouement (which occurs in Miami Beach; Miami Beach?). It's difficult to imagine that Eleanor, while cured of her predilection (gentile description) could survive long given the prevalence in modern culture of what could instantly kill her. The issue of saliva and blood being transferred between Michael and Eleanor is a specific one: what about sweat passing into an open wound or sore? Can they even hold hands? (Nail biting here is not only unsightly, it's deadly.)

However, if both share the contagion (two serio-positives living together), then all they really have to worry about is a trip to the frozen food section of Publix or a waiter coming too close to them with an ice bucket.

My first review!... The book started off interestingly enough. I did like the parallel story lines. However, it degenerated into the basic zombie movie plot. It struck me on page 350 that this was "John Carpenter's The Thing". Now I feel compelled to finish it. I just checked the other reviews to see if others thought the same. Accepting the fact that vampires/zombies are running amok, what really is unbelievable is how the characters at this small research station don't even tell each other what is happening, which allows the trouble to spread.

I couldn't put this book down. This wonderfully researched thriller had me riveted. Compelling characters and an absorbing story that jumped from the Crimean War to the present day South Pole make me hope there will be a sequel. Even though there are horror elements to the novel, it's a perfect read for mystery and thriller fans. It would also make a terrific movie.

and Blood and Ice doesn't disappoint. Just a fun read that will keep you glued to the page as the plot unfolds and the two time periods come together. Here's hoping for a follow-up to see how Eleanor and Michael survive in today's world.

This contains various howlers such as the assertion that a character who has been immersed in salt water for some indefinite period of time, then somehow migrated from salt water into a glacier, can after some 150 years pull his gleaming sabre from its scabbard, and the claim that on the solstice at the pole, the sun stands directly overhead. There are others. Clearly the "author", a TV-writer, and the editors (if there were any) are either just plain stupid or else get some bizarre satisfaction from idiocies such as the above.
This alleged book is a written-to-be-made-for-tv-movie, which should have Roy Sheider as Sinclair (I know, he's dead, but so more or less is Sinclair, and the rest of the cast is too cardboard to be called living), since Roy Sheider was one of the worst actors to possibly exist, making any movie he blighted really, really bad.
Really, really bad.

I really enjoyed this book. Writing is well done- one knows a lot of research was part of the plot. It took some turns I might not have chosen to read about but made good sense in the resolution of the story. I will read more written by Robert Marsello!

Robert Masello has written yet another amazing novel! But the talented author is the only predictable aspect of the book. Indeed, Blood and Ice is completely unpredictable, a complete rollercoaster ride, great characters... You name it, it's got it!! Don't miss the book -- and please someone out there, make the movie!!

This book is pointless. I finished reading it in case something suprprising would eventually happen, but it doesn't. There is no story to tell. The characters are not believable. There isn't even what you could expect (romance, vampire-action). It is terrible and boring.

At first I wondered how the Crimean War and Antactica were going to come together.Then I got this feeling of foreboding-oh no-don't let it be vampires! Of course, it did turn out to be vampires-how silly! The descriptions of both the war and the Antactic scene were compelling but the plotting was too awful!

Robert Masello is a clever writer. The book works (and it DOES work) because he spends the first 222 pages writing a sane, rational novel intertwining the lives of a self-indulgent English nobleman and a dedicated nurse (she worked for Florence Nightingale) in Edwardian London with that of a present-day American adventurer/journalist. On the next page, when all hell breaks loose and the novel goes sci-fi, we have already developed a bond and identification with the characters.

For those readers who think the book is preposterous, what sci-fi isn't at times? My main objection is the denouement (which occurs in Miami Beach; Miami Beach?). It's difficult to imagine that Eleanor, while cured of her predilection (gentile description) could survive long given the prevalence in modern culture of what could instantly kill her. The issue of saliva and blood being transferred between Michael and Eleanor is a specific one: what about sweat passing into an open wound or sore? Can they even hold hands? (Nail biting here is not only unsightly, it's deadly.)

However, if both share the contagion (two serio-positives living together), then all they really have to worry about is a trip to the frozen food section of Publix or a waiter coming too close to them with an ice bucket.

Masello has created a truly attention-getting novel. Leaping back and forth between the time of the Crimean war and the present, he keeps you turning the pages in suspense. I was fascinated with both the historical tale he wove and the present-day adventure to Adelie in the South Pole. I especially enjoyed reading about the journey the main character, Michael Wilde, took to get there on board an icebreaker. With likeable characters and a great story line, this supernatural thriller gives a big impression.