Storming The Black Ice by Don Brown, Book review

• Series: Pacific Rim Series
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (February 25, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0310330165
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:

When British geologists discover the world's largest oil reserves under the desolate, icy tundra of Antarctica, Britain and Chile form a top-secret alliance for control of petroleum resources that will rival the economic power of OPEC. But when their discovery is uncovered by an Argentinean intelligence officer, a surprise-attack against a secret British outpost in Antarctica triggers a war. 

Britain and Chile are in a military standoff against Venezuela and Argentina, and when the war escalates, Britain asks America for help. For two couples separated by the battle, the outcome will be either love reunited or devastating heartbreak. For a young British boy living with his mother in London, his father's life is on the line. And for Pete Miranda, an American sub commander detailed on a special military assignment to his father's homeland of Chile, will his fate be a crushing death under the icy-cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean, or a future of life, light, and a second chance for love? '

 . . the realistic scenes of submarine warfare and daring escapes, along with family, love, and romance make this a surefire hit for fans of military, war, and suspense novels.' ---CBA Retailers and Resources


My thoughts:


This is not the first time I read one of Don Brown's novels (see here for 'Thunder In The Morning Calm). His books are hard to pass (in this family, we eagerly line up!)

Storming The Black Ice is yet again a great adventure prodding us to think of 'What If?', this time set against the frigid backdrop of Antarctica and Drake Passage. Rocks, ice, wind and snow makes up a landscape seemingly forsaken by God yet it holds a treasure only He could create.

'Black Ice' is the code name for the discovery of vast amounts of oil under the ice at Camp Churchill,  a British research base in Antarctica. 
Allies Britain and Chile's aim to develop the rich oil fields secretly once military troops have secured the grounds is soon compromised when the prodigious discovery is uncovered by an Argentine intelligence officer and rapidly involves military action from not just Argentina, but also Venezuela and Russia. As expected, the USA's involvement soon follows! 

As is his characteristic, Don Brown weaves an action packed story with underwater action and naval engagements, this time set against the often brutal elements of the Antarctic, whilst showing the human side of warfare and its flip side. 
His protagonists are straight God fearing men whose allegiance encompass patriotic duty, loyalty to their loved ones and gives credence to his arresting plot. Hair raising challenges are often required from the military and not for fair hearts as we know. The hint of romance and the perception of good guys versus bad guys is prevalent but never dull under Brown's penmanship.

Finally, a faultless plot line reminds us that twice in the past Mr. Brown's intriguing novels have in fact predicted headline events.

5 Stars!


About the Author:

BESTSELLING AUTHOR DON BROWN,a former US Navy JAG Officer who served in the Pentagon, where he provided legal advice to the Secretary of the Navy and the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, now pens legal and military thrillers about the Navy. In so doing, he has developed an uncanny track record for prognosticating future events in his novels.

Visit his website (HERE)


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book courtesy of BOOKLOOK as part of this book promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.