Recommend by: Riley
When microorganisms cause the death of two people at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, microbiologist Brynn McMichaels is called. Currently stationed at South Georgia Island, Brynn has his own colony of microorganisms that are also acting abnormally. Odd that this abnormal activity occurred simultaneously in two isolated places, Brynn decides to investigate. That is how he ends up on the Russian research vessel Vladimir with Dr. Kayna Quan, both headed for McMurdo Station.
Dr. Kayna Quan is headed to a new job at McMurdo. When she hears that Brynn is bringing his strange cultures with him, she gets a bad feeling. Kayna’s psi talents give her uncanny intuition, so this feeling will not be ignored. As soon as they meet, there is a powerful attraction between Kayna and Brynn – also not to be ignored.
The backdrop for Icy Passage is a shiver-inspiring, frigidly cold environment. It takes place during an alternative history when the US/Russian cold war still rages. In the meantime, there are mysterious illnesses, turbulent seas, and mutating cultures. Then, when Kayna’s dead father appears in a vision, things get really interesting. I liked that there were several mysteries to investigate. Brynn and Kayna are two intelligent characters that need to be kept busy to avoid going stir crazy on the ship.
I would call this book a mystery with ‘wee beasties’. I like the nickname of wee beasties, as Harold Markham, 2nd in command of the Russian ship, calls Brynn’s microorganisms. There are many questions to be answered. Why are the beasties changing? How are they related to the beasties at McMurdo Station? Why is Kayna’s dead father demanding she help him? What about the mysterious illnesses? And will Brynn want to have anything to do with Kayna when he learns all about her psi talents?
A lot of the Sci Fi Romance I post about is in the Space Opera category. Or at least, there is a space element to it. A different planet, or a space ship. Sci Fi that takes place on Earth with a current day setting is not usually something I would pick up. And if what makes it Sci Fi is really sciency, I might dissuaded. I’m more of an earth science girl. What do I know about microbiology?
But Ann Gimpel’s interest in Antarctica must be infectious – though not caused by any bacteria or virus. Her research and her appreciation of the pristine icy beauty of Antarctica led me to Icy Passage. You can read about her trip to Earth’s coldest continent on her website.
Icy Passage is a unique combination of an amazing setting, science, paranormal happenings, political events, and romance. It would appeal to you if you are a reader of Science Fiction or Paranormal fiction. Especially if you are sitting in front of a warm fire and have a glass of Irish Whiskey close by.
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