Title: Ice Storm
Author: Anne Stuart
First published September 1, 2007
347 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780778325000 (ISBN10: 0778325008)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
In Ice Storm, Anne Stuart introduces us to Isobel Lambert, the leader of The Committee, a covert mercenary organization. Isobel is a master of disguise who always keeps her cool, even when dealing with the world’s most dangerous people.
But lurking beneath her composed exterior is a dark secret that threatens to destroy her. When Serafin, a deadly assassin and the man Isobel shot seventeen years ago, resurfaces seeking revenge, Isobel must use all her cunning to keep her past from catching up to her.
In this high-stakes game of cat and mouse, Isobel must navigate a web of lies and deceit to keep her cover and stay alive.
About the Author
Anne Stuart is a highly acclaimed author in the romance genre. She has been recognized with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America and has thrived in the industry for over 35 years.
Her literary career began in 1974 when her first novel, Barrett’s Hill, a gothic romance, was published by Ballantine. Since then, she has written a diverse range of books, including gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal, and mainstream contemporary romance.
Her works have been published by major publishers, such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books, and Fawcett.
Anne Stuart has won several awards and has appeared on numerous bestseller lists. She has been featured in national newspapers and magazines, including Vogue, People, USA Today, and Women’s Day.
Her bold personality has also landed her on Entertainment Tonight.
When she’s not traveling, Anne resides in Northern Vermont with her husband, whom she has been married to for 36 years, and her furry companions – three cats, one Springer Spaniel, and four sewing machines. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese), and indulging in her passion for quilting.
Aside from writing under her own name, Anne Stuart also writes under a pseudonym.
Editoral Review
Anne Stuart’s “Ice Storm” is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Published on September 1, 2007, the book is a perfect example of the author’s skills in weaving intricate plots, creating intense characters and raising the stakes of the story.
As a writer of romance, suspense, and mystery novels, Ms. Stuart has won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The novel is set in Maine, during the aftermath of an ice storm, which left the town without power, phone or internet.
The main character, Bastien Toussaint, is cold, calculating, and aloof. He works as a mercenary interrogator, traveling the world to extract information from dangerous criminals.
But in this case, Bastien must uncover the truth about his ex-girlfriend, journalist Sophie Jeanroux, who has stumbled upon a dark conspiracy that threatens to shake the foundations of America’s political establishment. Sophie has learned too much, and now she’s on the run from powerful forces that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets safe.
Bastien must find Sophie before these forces do or risk losing her forever. “Ice Storm” is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat right until the end.
The author has done an excellent job in creating intense, complex characters, each with their own motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. The dialogue is crisp and the action scenes are expertly choreographed, taking readers on a heart-pumping roller coaster ride.
The novel’s setting also plays an essential role in the story. The town of Maine is the perfect backdrop for this tale of political conspiracy and intrigue.
The ice storm serves as an excellent metaphor for the story’s themes of deception, betrayal, and survival. Stuart’s writing is so descriptive and vivid that readers can almost feel the cold, biting wind of the storm.
However, despite the novel’s strengths, some aspects could be improved. Bastien’s character can come across as too stoic and unfeeling at times, which can make it challenging for readers to connect with him emotionally.
Additionally, some of the plot twists and revelations seemed a bit too convenient, making the story feel slightly contrived. Overall, though, “Ice Storm” is a book that will appeal to fans of suspense, mystery, and romance novels.
Anne Stuart has given readers a thrilling ride through the world of political intrigue and conspiracy, expertly crafting a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. For those in search of pulse-pounding excitement and expert plot twists, “Ice Storm” is a must-read.
Rating: 4.0/5.0 stars.
