Freezing Point

From Publishers WeeklyThe battle for control of Antarctica's ice quickly turns into a fight for survival in this uneven debut thriller. Idealistic and controversial (but corporate) environmentalist Ben Maki wants to bring fresh water to millions by melting the Antarctic icebergs. As Maki's trial run progresses, a group of scientists studying the icebergs begin falling prey to a deadly illness and to packs of vicious Antarctic rats. Maki and his colleagues must abandon their efforts, hoping only to get out of Antarctica alive. While the scientific and ethical themes are fascinating and timely and the remoteness of the Antarctic makes an ideal thriller setting, readers will find it difficult to suspend their disbelief long enough to find the rats scary rather than silly. Dionne would have done better to stick to the human capacity for monstrosity—something she touches on, but never fully explores—and the surprisingly complex and overlapping motivations of the characters. (Oct.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ReviewDionne is going to be an author to be reckoned with if her debut novel is any indication. A fascinating blend of science fiction and fact, it weaves a great deal of information into a complex story of environmentalism, greed and potential Armageddon. Its ingenious plot, genuine characters, superlative writing and nail-biting suspense will change the way you look at a bottle of water.

Summary: Environmentalist and engineer Ben Maki sees the possibilities for Earth's future in a mountain-sized iceberg. If the Soldyne Corporation can tap into the ice, it can provide clean drinking water for millions, and if the company's vision isn't all philanthropic, well, there are always trade-offs. But environmental terrorist Rebecca Sweet lives for her cause -- free, fresh water for everyone -- and she will do anything to stop Soldyne.

As their private battle escalates, a group of researchers on a frozen tundra are drawn into that private war. As the body count rises, the terror escalates and, ultimately, it's up to Maki and two brilliant and plucky scientists to put the clues together to prevent worldwide disaster. --Pat Cooper --Romantic Times Book Review, October 2008 "Top Pick"