by Giles Kristian
SYNOPSIS
Erik Amdahl and his spirited daughter, Sofia, have embarked on a long-promised cross-country ski trip deep into Norway's arctic circle. For Erik, it's the chance to bond properly with his remaining daughter following a tragic accident. For Sofia, it's the proof she needs that her father does care.
Then, far from home in this snowbound wilderness, with night falling and the mercury plummeting, an accident sends them in search of help - and shelter. Nearby is the home of a couple - members of Norway's indigenous Sami people - who they've met before, and who welcome them in. Erik is relieved. He believes the worst is over. He thinks that Sofia is now safe. He could not be more wrong. Because he and Sofia are not the old couple's only visitors that night - and soon he and his daughter will be running for their lives . . .
And beneath the swirling light show of the Northern Lights, a desperate fight ensues - of man against man, of man against nature - a fight for survival that plays out across the snow and ice.
REVIEW
Erik is grieving after the tragic death of his older daughter when his wife needs to travel to Troms in Northern Norway for work. He suggests they all go as a family to try and spend some quality time together but his teenage daughter Sofia is desperate to go on the 'long ski'. This skiing trip is a right of passage and a way for Sofia to prove to her father that he doesn't need to constantly try and protect her from everything. Erik is reluctant to go on this challenging journey with Sofia, not wanting to take any risks but he eventually gives in.
After a small accident, Erik and Sofia find shelter with Lars and Karine Helgeland, a local Sami couple who are friends with his wife. Lars and Karine have been making waves in their community in an attempt to preserve their land and culture, and in the process have made enemies with some dangerous people. One fatal error puts all of their lives at risk and Erik and Sofia are forced into a gruelling chase through the mountains in freezing arctic conditions.
Where Blood Runs Cold is a fast-paced survival or action thriller but what is really interesting about this story is the element of spirituality woven into the narrative, the references to Nordic Gods, traditional Sami beliefs and some of the history of the indigenous Sami people. With no way of using modern technology to help them escape from these ruthless killers, Erik and Sofia are forced to turn to more traditional techniques and this juxtaposition is a fascinating twist on a typical high octane thriller.
I was completely transported to the mountain landscapes of Norway's arctic circle by the author's fantastic descriptions of Erik and Sofia's ice-filled journey, and the emotional aspect of the story really shone through. Behind all of the fighting, danger and violence is a story about grief. It is about a father and his struggle to process the loss of his child, how he has to deal with the guilt over her death and the way this is impacting on the relationship he has with his surviving daughter.
I love a winter thriller and this was no exception. The bond between Erik and Sofia and their determination to fight for each other until the very end was completely heart wrenching in this dramatic and emotional adventure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Giles Kristian's first historical novels were the acclaimed and bestselling RAVEN Viking trilogy – Blood Eye, Sons of Thunder and Odin’s Wolves. For his next series, he drew on a long-held fascination with the English Civil War to chart the fortunes of a family divided by this brutal conflict in The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury. Giles also co-wrote Wilbur Smith’s No.1 bestseller, Golden Lion. In God of Vengeance (a TIMES Book of the Year), Winter’s Fire, and the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown shortlisted Wings of the Storm, he returned to the world of the Vikings to tell the story of Sigurd and his celebrated fictional fellowship. Lancelot, was published to great acclaim and hit The Times bestseller charts at No. 3. It was also a Sunday Times bestseller. His latest novel, Camelot, is out now, and his next novel, a thriller called Where Blood Runs Cold, will be published February 2022. To find out more about Giles: www.gileskristian.com. Follow Giles on Facebook and Twitter: @GilesKristian
Thanks to @DoubleDayUK, @midaspr and Giles Kristian @GilesKristian for the opportunity to read and review.
Fiction: Adventure Thriller / Crime Thriller
Publisher: Bantam Press
ISBN: 978-1787635173
Pages: 336pp
Комментарии