African Ice

This was a difficult book to rate, but I decided to go purely on entertainment factor, which is why I gave a high number of stars. This book wasn't particularly deep or well-written but I did enjoy reading it - not, however, for the reasons intended.

I'm a geologist and have worked in diamond exploration (which is why I nabbed the book from the sale bin), and for the portion of the book in Africa I had severe difficulties concentrating on the plot... because the wildly incorrect geology and techniques were absolutely hilarious! I'm sorry to say that Buick's research was either woefully cursory or his consultant was lying about passing his degree. While the ghost of the correct concept was there, the details belied someone who either totally got the wrong end of the stick or just plain made stuff up. I am completely willing to go for "suspension of disbelief" in fiction but when an author inserts information that ultimately isn't crucial to the plot and is clearly attempting to show off some basic scientific knowledge... he should at least get it right! (Dan Brown, I am lookin' at you, too.)

From what I recall, the plot was predictable but enjoyable, and the characters were a bit clichéed but didn't grate. This book provided many a giggle for myself and a handful of my geo friends. I suspect that if you didn't have the added entertainment of the factual inaccuracies, this book might be a little lacklustre.

Highlight of the entire book: Sam packing up her portable laser ablation ICP-MS into her bag and carting it around the Congo. A state-of-the-art LA ICP-MS is the size of a camper van and would hardly be liftable by helicopter. Awesome mental images! :D

Someone here on the community recommended this book to me and I'm very glad I picked it up. I'll definitely be reading more Jeff Buick in the future.

Samantha Carlson is a geologist known for going anywhere and taking any chances in order to find the stones. She gets hired to find a very special diamond site in the Congo - with a side trip through Rwanda - where the last expedition disappeared. It is a dangerous area of the world and she is teamed up with ex-Navy SEAL Travis McNeill and his team. His only goal - keep them alive. It turns out that things are not as simple as they seem and there may be many more forces against them than the elements, pygmies and corrupt officials.

It was a fun thrill ride that had lots of action and a satisfying ending. I'd recommend it to people who enjoy Douglas Preston, James Rollins, Matthew Reilly or Clive Cussler. It was a fun book.

4.5 stars!

A smart, savvy thriller that will keep you up at night until the last page has turned, Jeff Buick's African Ice is an adventurous tale of conspiracies, murder and the search for treasure. I read this novel while traveling from Alberta to Pennsylvania, and it kept me in its grip.

The characters are interesting and multi-faceted, exploring their pasts and weaknesses. The foreshadowing was solid, the plot twists kept me on my toes and the ending had a quiet justice about it.

If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure through the jungles in search of the motherlode of diamonds while the characters are being hunted by aborigines, hitmen and a deceitful employer, pick up African Ice. You won't be disappointed. I wasn't.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling author of Whale Song