Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick Review: Snowy problematic thriller

January 21, 2015 by Jeann @ Happy Indulgence | 2 stars, Books, Reviews

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick Review: Snowy problematic thrillerBlack Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick
Published by Simon and Schuster Australia on October 7, 2014
Source: Publisher
Genres: Thriller, Young Adult
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Danger is hard to resist in this sexy thriller from Becca Fitzpatrick, theNew York Times bestselling author of the Hush, Hush saga.

Brit Pheiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants;but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.

Britt is forced to guide the men off the mountain, and knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there and in uncovering this, she may become the killer's next target.

But nothing is as it seems, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally?

Black Ice is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick's riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous.

Black Ice is a chilling thriller set in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. After reading Hush, Hush, the first book I’ve ever wanted to throw across the room, I thought I’d give Becca Fitzpatrick another chance in a different genre.

Black Ice had a thrilling, foreboding atmosphere, with Britt and Korbie hiking through the mountains in the dead of winter. With bears, blizzards, and a constant need to battle hunger, dehydration and exhaustion, the scene was set really well. The thriller aspect of the book was also done really well, with the girls being held hostage by two sinister men. I honestly didn’t know how it was all going to turn out and if they were going to escape. Although I predicted the killer, there were some great twists and turns.

“I trained hard, but I always thought I’d have him to rely on. Because that’s what I do – I expect the men in my life to rescue me.” – Britt

Unfortunately, there were many problems I had with the rest of the book, especially when it came to the competitive ‘friendship’, the forced romance, and Britt herself. Britt was a decent character to follow, as she’s calm, cool, able to think on her feet and level-headed in every situation. She kept it so cool however, that I found it unrealistic given what she was facing – finding dead bodies, danger, starvation, bears. In the face of danger, she spends most of her time daydreaming about her ex-boyfriend Calvin which was frustrating because he didn’t seem like a nice guy.

While Britt comes across as smart and capable, she loved having other men take care of her and loved rubbing it in our faces at every turn – a cry against feminism. She also can’t judge people’s character for the life of her, surrounding herself with people who can’t be trusted and even falling in love with her captor.

I had always let Calvin take care of me. When we used to go out, even if we took my car, Calvin drove. Calvin paid for dinner. If it was raining and I’d forgotten my coat, I pestered him until he gave me his. I’d wanted him to adore me, protect me, and bend over backward for me. When he didn’t measure up, I acted helpless to force him to pay attention to me. 

The romance was unbelievable, and a typical case of Stockholm syndrome – even though Britt notes this herself multiple times throughout the book. Mason doesn’t seem like an evil guy, he was just shifty, dangerous and unpredictable with many secrets, which sounds like an ideal partner (not really). Just because he shows Britt some kindness once in a while, he’s still holding her hostage, so I wasn’t really convinced.

More than ever, I resented any attraction I might be feeling to him. He was my captor. He held me against my will. His recent kindness didn’t change that. I had to remind myself of who he really was. 

The ‘best friend’ Korbie annoyed the crap out of me.  In just a few pages, she managed to bitch, whine, guilt trip and flirt with the intention of cheating on her boyfriend. It’s clear that there’s a ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’ thing going on, because they’re really bitchy and competitive towards each other. I just couldn’t understand it and it made me cringe. Thankfully, Korbie is only present in a small part of the book.

epiloguepink

Although I ended up enjoying Black Ice and its snowy, thrilling landscape, it’s not a book I can rate highly because of the many issues I had with it, from the bitchy competitive friendship, unbelievable romance and unrealistic main character. If you can look past these issues however, Black Ice offers a snowy, scary thrilling read.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

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Thank you to Simon and Schuster Australia for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. 

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Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

Owner at Happy Indulgence Books
Jeann is an Aussie YA blogger and mum who loves to read and recommend books! You can usually find me fangirling about books on my various social media channels including Twitter @happyindulgence, Instagram and Youtube.

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74 responses to “Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick Review: Snowy problematic thriller”

  3. Frannie Pan

    Unfortunately I didn't like this book at all. the characters seemed so childish. the Stoccolma syndrome didn't seem believable, since it developed too fast and not under such difficul and horrendous situations so… it didn't work for me 🙁

    Ps. I have a blog as well, if you want to stop by I'd appreciate it so much! It's both in Italian and in English :3 -> http://frannieinthepages.blogspot.com/

  4. Val Langlois

    Yeah I'm a little iffy on this book, I've seen it at the library, and as much as it's a new release, I don't think I would read it. Also, the friendship you mentioned doesn't sound cool either 🙁

    Awesome review Jeann! I hope your next read is better!
    My recent post Top Ten Tuesday #41

  5. Siiri

    I have a love hate relationship with predicting things in a mystery novel, because if I guess the killer right, it's an Eureka moment, but if not, it's like HOW DID I NOT SEE THIS COMING??? I'M DISAPPOINTED IN MYSELF. But then again, if I do guess it right, it's all WHY DID YOU NOT MANAGE TO SURPRISE ME????? I'm glad you got some twists you didn't see coming. Though ughhh! I don't really love how the "a cry against feminism" sounds =/ I'm not excited about this. Tbh this novel in general doesn't excite me at all and the Stockholm syndrome romance is kinda off-putting. Ew. I don't like those kind of friendships and I'm definitely staying the hell away from this novel, because hells no for a book where girls act like this towards each other. No thank you. Sorry that Becca's books don't seem to be for you, Jeann.
    My recent post Mini Reviews: Perfect Couple, Finding It, Trial by Fire, Sinner

  7. Ana @ Read Me Away

    Ooh, catty friendships in books just aren't for me. I would probably be cringing too. :/ Stockholm's Syndrome is just NOT one of the things I find so ~*~romantic~*~ in books. Bleaugh!

  9. Braine-Talk Supe

    Tsk I was so disappointed when I didn't get approved for the galley because I loved Hush, Hush so naturally I want to give this a go. From the reviews I've seen looks like I'm not missing out on something great. You echo problems that other readers have with this book too so I guess I saved me a reading day.
    My recent post Loved It: Burned by Karen Marie Moning

  10. cristinasbookreviews

    This author has totally been on my radar but this will be a book I'm steering clear from. Clearly the author undelivered on so many levels. Totally frustrating. Seriously. And I hope the next book you read is 10x's better. 😉
    My recent post Looking for Associate Reviewers

    • Jeann

      Yeah, it\’s so incredibly weird with the characterisation and I\’m still surprised that I enjoyed it! Thank you lovely.

  12. Nick

    I've heard a lot of mixed things about this book which is why I still haven't picked it up just yet. I've heard about the annoying and bitchy best friend and I think she would really put me off. The romance doesn't sound all that great either! Sorry this was such a disappointment for you, Jeann! Great review!
    My recent post Review : Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

  13. Francoise

    I totally understand you on this one but for some reason I loved it. Despite the flaws and all, I just loved the storyline. I couldn't stand Korbie either! I don't understand how you could be friends (let alone best friends) with someone who's so competitive. It wasn't even the playful kind! You have to give Britt credit for keeping her calm but the constant longing for her boyfriend was so annoying!

    Great review Jeann, I can totally understand your opinion.
    My recent post {Review} The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

    • Jeann

      I know, the snowy thrilling storyline was kind of intriguing you know, even despite all of it's flaws. Britt was okay, but the longing was annoying! Thanks Francoise 🙂

  16. Zoe N

    Okay, I'll be completely honest here. I wasn't going to read this anyway because of all the negative hype surrounding Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush, and I think your review has solidified my decision. I'm not a fan at all of competitive friendship (how is it friendship if you're constantly competing against each other?) and the unbelievable romance and characterization. *sighs* Thanks for sharing though Jeann and, as always, fantastic review! <3 I'm glad you at least found yourself somewhat entertained despite the flaws.

    • Jeann

      Yeah, the girl on girl hate was a bit problem with the book. Thank you Zoe! I was actually quite surprised with my overall enjoyment and not frustration of this.

  17. Aimee

    Ugh, this one sounds like a really frustrating read, Jeann! I'm definitely not fond of heroines who are into not-so-awesome guys, and Stockholm syndrome is not something I want to read about, thank you very much.

    I'm probably going to want to throw Korbie out of the story, which is, sadly, not possible.
    My recent post Review: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

  18. Sophia Lin

    I'm agreeing with Faye – the romance and the friendship is already causing me to run away… not from Happy Indulgence of course!

    I thought I would actually take a stab at Fitzpatrick's books since compared to Hush, Hush, Black Ice just seems more aimed toward me than her other series (I'm a Thriller person aside from the usual Fantasy and Paranormal I love reading).

    Fab review, Jeann! I'll make an attempt to remember that should I actually see this in the library.
    My recent post Blog Tour: Perfect Escape – Guest Post + Giveaway

  20. quinnsbo

    I couldn't get into this book. I DNFed it. I didn't like Britt at all. And, like you mentioned, the "friendship" between Britt and Korbie. Ugh!

    • Jeann

      Oh I didn't like Britt or Korbie, but it's frustrating because I can see Britt was meant to be a smart girl! Oh well.

  21. Pili

    I'm still so torn about this book!! I read Hush Hush and liked it okay but then the sequel was one of my first DNFs…
    So this one sounds like a fantastic thriller with great atmosphere but annoying characters… so maybe not my thing again…
    Thank you for the great honest review Jeann!
    My recent post Waiting On Wednesday #78!!

  22. Wattle

    Have you ever actually thrown a book across a room? Just…randomly. I have. It was very satisfying, I stormed out of the room and everything. And then grudgingly went back to pick the book up and went 'oooh I hope I didn't break the spine even if you are terrible!'

    This sounds like the sort of book I would end up throwing across a room. "A cry against feminism" I pulled a face at that. I cannot stand characters that have their attitudes back in the 40s. Ugh. They also sound like irritating characters to begin with too 🙁

    I'm sorry this one wasn't great, though I like the fact you found some good qualities about it too. 🙂
    My recent post Book Review: Emma by Alexander McCall Smith

  23. Lauren

    Initially the premise sounded interesting going in, but I was also extremely wary because of my dislike of Hush, Hush. However, I couldn't stand the book for multiple reasons…but somehow I actually made it through the whole thing. It was just so absurd and predictable, and Britt and Korbie were so stupid. Haven't those two ever watched a D-list horror movie?

    Here's my review of Black Ice if you're interested.

    • Jeann

      That was the same thoughts as well, but yeah it was predictable and I just had to suspend my disbelief in some parts.

  24. Jess@MyReadingDress

    I read Hush Hush when it first came out, thought it was ok and never really gave it much thought. I reread it last year, hated it with an intense passion. It just goes to show how your own experiences and personal believes can foster over time and change all your previous experiences. Black Ice however is something that I'm going to avoid. I just don't think it's for me. Well actually, seeing as it's a thriller, it probably is for me, BUT I don't like the sound the characters and their portrayal in this one. That bit will overweigh everything. Thank you for the honest review, Jeann! x
    My recent post Red Queen #1: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

  27. Amir

    The premise does sound like something I would enjoy but I'm not liking the characters based on your review I think I'll have the same problems with the characters as you did, especially Britt. I guess I can look at her as someone who's psychologically damaged and disturbed but I understand your frustrations! I stayed away from Hush Hush because it felt like a book that I won't enjoy but I'll add this in my Maybe shelf. I just have to keep in mind your review when it comes to the characters so I'll be ready for it. Lovely review Jeann! 😉
    My recent post Audiobook Review: Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop

  29. Jules

    Is it mean to say that no matter what I may have a distaste for her books? huhuhuhu.

    Seriously tho, Hush Hush was just. UGH. I love romance, but that was just annoying and crappy. I wish she would make a much more better novel because honestly? I'm not really liking the plot and from review, I may get pissed a lot more.
    My recent post Book Review: The Vanishing Girl by Laura Thalassa

  30. thebigfatf

    Thought the exact same thing! I haven't read Hush Hush but I read the back of it, once and it sounded stupid.Reading your comment about it, I'm glad I didn't give it a chance. Excellent review, so accurate!!!

  31. books for a delicate eternity

    Ugh my *lord* I couldn't stand every aspect of this book, which is why i promptly gave it away with no remorse once I finished it *cheering*

    It also actually annoyed me that the term "Stockholm Syndrome" was used, because this book took place over a matter of hours, and SS takes several days to actually occur. I think the term was just used as an excuse for Britt's irrational and lust driven behaviour, which pissed me off to no end. SS is serious, and it's not a plot device for a poorly planned out romance.

    This books makes me wary of reading the HUSH, HUSH series because Britt was one of the most unlikeable characters I have ever read about, and the storyline was predictable and completely left me completely unenthused.
    My recent post Review: Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

    • Jeann

      Lol I'll have to offload mine too Chiara XD Yeah, that's an interesting way to put the Stockholm Syndrome, I'm like why does she keep on mentioning it yet goes against it anyway? Please don't pick up the hush, hush series *shudderS*

  32. karawrites15

    You've hit the nail on the head with this review, Jeann. Oh my gosh, Korbie. I disliked her from the first few chapters, I think–she was just awful! I don't even know why someone would want to be friends with someone like her. Yeah, another one of my issues with the book was that it was really predictable. Which I don't really like in a mystery / thriller, but I guess I can't have everything! Great review. 🙂
    My recent post Writerly Post Wednesday: This Is What Happens When Kara Gets Bored

  34. Cait @ Paper Fury

    That's EXACTLY why I'm worried about it. *gulps* I read Stolen with all the Stockholme syndrome and I just…do. not. get. it. I guess I'm not empathetic enough? But how the heck can you love someone who's abusing you? OR, you know, kidnapping or what not. *sigh* SO I WILL READ THIS because I won it, but I'm too nervous to try it right now. >.> I've rated so many books 3-stars this year that I need some really epic reads to get my mood up. XD
    My recent post Survey Results || So Many Pineapples

    • Jeann

      I KNOW. How does Stockholm Syndrome happen? I'd love to read more about it some day, but more explanations behind it and not just seeing it happening. Sounds like you need some pretty awesome reads to pick you up!

  35. IngesBR

    This has kind of automatically gone in the "nope" pile for me because of the author – I just don't think her books and I will get along. And these reviews make me believe that I am right (love it when that happens!) I really don't like the sound of this book, and one of my best friends has read it and just… you've mentioned a lot of the problems, she found even more. I like that you managed to stay objective and give the author another try, though! Nice review 🙂
    My recent post Hi, My Name Is Inge and I Have Anxiety

  36. Joy @ Thoughts By J

    I thought the exact same things about this book Jeann. I found Britt to be a lot less charming than you did, and a bit stupid to be honest. Even with all her 'training', she still manages to go straight out into the snow without ANY supplies. Goddamn woman. And the romance was quite stupid wasn't it. It was definitely very forced, but still better than the relationship between her and Korbie. Sigh, Becca Fitzpatrick is just not for me.

    • Jeann

      Yeah, Britt is made to sound like an intelligent, capable woman but she does make some pretty dumb decisions. Oh well.