*This review was read and written honestly and voluntarily. Possible spoilers ahead.

This book hit me with a KER-PLOW from the moment I looked at the front cover—you’ll get that reference once you read this novel.

Howl of the Ice is the kind of fun-spooky book to read when Halloween comes around or when you want to feel an extra chill in your bones come winter. The story is set in the north (I’m guessing Michigan or Wisconsin), so I immediately felt at home, especially with the mere mention of tip-ups, ice shanties, and bitterly cold winters.

I’m taking an icy dive into this young adult fantasy thriller by author Christian Raymond. Keep reading for my honest review and recommendation.

About “HOWL OF THE ICE”

Falc is a shy teenager recently traumatized after being found hypothermic near a mountain lake on his way home from school. Regardless, he goes on a trip to the frozen Lake Blackbird with his grandfather, Rikkar, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. In this town of ice shanties near the lake, he falls in with an interesting group of fisherpeople, including Aiyanna, a girl from school he has a crush on.

In the middle of the night, Rikkar and his ice shanty friends mysteriously disappear, leading Aiyanna and Falc on a thrilling quest to find them again. On their search, they fall—literally—into icy portals that take them to another reality more unpleasant than their own.

There, they find things other than their ice-shanty friends. Terrible things.

Kelly’s Honest Book Review

A fast-paced action adventure thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. This compelling story can easily be read in one evening.

Christian Raymond’s Howl of the Ice grabs your attention from the beginning when the main character Falc finds himself in danger of hypothermia at age 14. This young adult fantasy thriller is perfect for those wanting to put on a detective cap, and although the dialogue isn’t driving the story along, there is great detail to help you visualize the chilling terrain and the creatures within it.

Howl of the Ice reminded me of the upside-down from Stranger Things, but with an icy twist. And the incorporation of so many possible ways to describe the cracking and popping noises of ice was impressive. Another highlight of the book was the heart-warming relationship between Falc and his Grandfather.

However confusing the tele-shanties were, his Grandfather’s lack of memory, and the whole “hunting a creature” quest, Falc ultimately finds peace in the inevitable fate of Grandpa Rikkar. 

And his relationship with brave adventurer, and detective partner, Aiyanna, was a kickass addition to Falc’s journey. 

In the end, I was left wondering if this were a dream or if this were a reality, and that was just half the fun. Overall, a great book I would probably read it again. 

Kelly’s Favorite Quote

“Don’t be such a southerner!”

“Wingo, your mother can’t see the big picture out here, the connection between water, ice, and sky.”

“Time, as you know, is perceived differently here. So in a way, I’ve always been here and there since I first came. Sometimes impressions sneak over a bit. That day, part of me saw you above the ice… somehow in my excitement, I busted up, didn’t mean to scare you. Just missed you and wanted to chat with you.”

Book Cover Rating

The cover was intriguing at first glance. I thought it did well incorporating what the book would entail without actually giving anything away. 

I also loved the multi-colored Aurora Borealis floating above, and yet somehow, it didn’t take away from the mysterious green glow from beneath the ice—a detail that will make more sense once you read the book. I also appreciated the phantom-like wisps that hover around the hole in the ice. Another great detail.

A simple, readable, pleasing, and captivating cover.

Overall Rating: A

Other Publishing Information

• March 8, 2022
• First Edition
• Self-Published
• ISBN: 979-8797091851
• YA Fantasy Thriller
• Cover by Sergiu Lupse

About Christian Raymond

Christian Raymond is an award-winning writer, media maker, screenwriting professor, and program developer for creatives. 

From auspicious beginnings as a seven-year-old hawking, homemade comic books at a lemonade stand in Detroit, his adventures have run the gamut from writing screenplays at Disney to designing collaborative digital storytelling projects with communities in Transylvania. 

Raymond’s creative/community work has been recognized by the likes of SXSW Interactive, CEC ArtsLink, and the National Endowment for the Arts. He can often be found lost in the wilderness with a furry friend.

Learn more about Christian Raymond on his website.

Read the HOWL OF THE ICE Kirkus Review.