The Age of Ice by J.M. Sidorova is a novel that weaves in science, supernatural, history, and fantasy together brilliantly. It spans a long period of time, and includes memorable characters that could perhaps chill you to the core. If you are looking for a good novel to read by a debut author, be sure to read this book!
“The Empress Anna Ioannovna has issued her latest eccentric order: construct a palace out of ice blocks. Inside its walls her slaves build a wedding chamber, a canopy bed on a dais, heavy drapes cascading to the floor—all made of ice. Sealed inside are a disgraced nobleman and a deformed female jester. On the empress’s command—for her entertainment—these two are to be married, the relationship consummated inside this frozen prison. In the morning, guards enter to find them half-dead. Nine months later, two boys are born.
The Age of Ice is a hauntingly beautiful novel. I am very surprised that such a good book is the debut novel by the author. I honestly cannot wait to read more from this author in the years to come. This is definitely one author to watch.
The main character, Alexander, has a condition with cold which makes him a very unique character to read about. His personality is icy, but so is he, literally. When his emotions are too much (for the good or bad), his body temperature drops so low that he won’t even melt snow. His relationships suffer from this, and his character’s journey is a long and icy one.
I really enjoyed how Sidorova was able to weave into this novel historical fact while still keeping the supernatural element very much alive throughout the story. This novel will consume you like a blizzard, so be prepared to have some time off when reading this novel. I definitely recommend it.
* Thank you to the publisher of The Age of Ice, Scribner, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.