Terminal Freeze

By: Lincoln Child

Narrated by: Scott Brick

A breathtaking discovery at the top of the world . . .
A terrifying collision between modern science and Native American legend . . .
An electrifying new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lincoln Child.


Two hundred miles north of the Arctic Circle lies Alaska’s Federal Wildlife Zone, one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth. But for paleoecologist Evan Marshall and a small group of fellow scientists, an expedition to the Zone represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study the effects of global warming.

Everything about the expedition changes, however, with an astonishing find. On a routine exploration of a glacial ice cave, the group discovers an enormous ancient animal, encased in solid ice. The media conglomerate sponsoring their research immediately intervenes and arranges the ultimate spectacle—the creature will be cut from the ice, thawed, and revealed live on television. Despite dire warnings from the local Native American village, and the scientific concerns of Marshall and his team, the “docudrama” plows ahead . . . until the scientists make one more horrifying discovery. The beast is no regular specimen—it may be an ancient killing machine. And they may be premature in believing it dead.

In this riveting new thriller, Lincoln Child weaves together a stunning Arctic landscape, a terrifying mythic creature, and a pervasive mood of chaos—and fear. With Terminal Freeze, Child demonstrates why he has become a major bestselling author, and why his novels electrify and enthrall so many.©2009 Lincoln Child; (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

Praise for Lincoln Child’s New York Times bestselling DEEP STORM

“Few writers do it better than Child.” Booklist

“Fast paced . . . Page-turning action.” Denver Post

“Lincoln Child has a well-earned reputation for writing solid thrillers.” Tampa Tribune

“Clever . . . A sci-fi mystery thriller.” San Jose Mercury News

“Child whips up a tasty thriller.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“Lincoln Child’s novels are both thrilling and tantalizing, always managing to stay one step ahead of readers’ expectations.” Vince Flynn

“Child’s thriller will be remembered as one of the best of the year. Highly recommended.” Library Journal

“Child delivers a well-crafted and literate science-fiction thriller.” Publishers Weekly

“Top-notch science fiction.” Texas Star

“Harrowing and brilliantly conceived.” Clive Cussler

“Child combines the page-turning action of a thriller with science-fiction tropes.” Rocky Mountain News

“This is a page turner for sure, and the conclusion is a wild and crazy shocker.” Kingston Observer

“You won’t want to stop reading until the last word.” Chatham Courier

“A tale of growing paranoia and fear.” Mystery News

“The plot is as fast-paced as a riptide, and the ending will have the readers’ hearts drumming in their chests.” Free Lance-Star

“A fascinating story that grabs you and won’t let go.” Spectrum

“A slick, savvy, intelligent thriller with a scary, sticks-in-your-brain climax.” Steve Berry

Not a strong Child Novel - Pass

What if a creature was frozen in the arctic ice and it thawed and terrorized a nearby military base. Yawn! Unfortunately, Child does not quite make the argument in Terminal Freeze. It is hard to connect with any possible hero of the story, the group of people terrorized are unremarkable and even the occasional death is ho hum. In this novel you guess what is going to happen at almost every turn and, unfortunately, you aren't wrong. I found the wrap-up at the end especially annoying and pedantic.

Scott Brick narrated and did his usual great job, so there is that. The character development was superficial and interpersonal character development was not present. I am a huge fan on both Child and Brick so I was very disappointed with this novel. I guess every work can't be great; but this novel doesn't even make it as good. This book just is not worth the time to listen - pass.

Suspense, Horror and Supernatural

When the science team at Fear Base makes an unlikely discovery, a documentary crew descends upon them, changing both their routine and the overall objective of the mission. When the discovery, renamed by the film director as "the asset" disappears, everyone's focus turns to survival. Except for the director who is intent on filming the horror as it occurs. Once "the asset" begins to hunt people, the action picks up. When it is determined who and what is being hunted, the mystery of book is abandoned by the author. If you are a listener who wants to be really scared by a story, this book won't get you there. If you like a really complex mystery, this book won't do it for you, either. The spiritual/supernatural aspect of the story is very small, so if you have that kind of interest, this book will not satisfy. It attempts, but falls just short. Character development is weak. The listener will find it difficult to identify with anyone, although it is easy to dislike the film director, Conti. Nevertheless, Child is a good writer. The plot moves along and isn't difficult to follow. Most listeners would find it easy to finish the book and simply say it isn't Child's best work. It's just okay.

The Thing re-visited

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes.

What do you think your next listen will be?

do not know.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

None were outstanding.

Could you see Terminal Freeze being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No. Been done as TF closly resembles "The Thing".

Any additional comments?

Writer needs more imagination for better stories.

A bit of Sci-Fi, mystery, suspense

What did you love best about Terminal Freeze?

I listen to Lincoln Child's books while working out and I must say he keeps my attention and has me looking forward to each session. The book touched a bit on climate change, science, greed vs. good, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love Scott Brick's voice. I have listened to numerous of his audiobooks and found them pleasant to listen to, pleasant and enjoyable. This guy could read a cookbook and I'd be happy. Oh, but back to the book, enjoyable, riveting, strange creatures in frozen lands.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I actually answered this before, but I shall repeat. Yes, it kept me on the edge of my workout. I looked forward to my walks and gym time because I knew that Dr. Jeremy Logan was waiting there.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to many of Scott Brick's performances, and this one did not disappoint. A very enjoyable voice, his inflections are spot-on. I could hear the excitement in his voice when exciting things were happening. Love this guy's voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I cannot listen to audiobooks while sitting, I fall asleep. Audiobooks keep me moving, improve my overall health, and steps up my workout.

Beware the monster from he ice!

I found that this book reminded me very much like the 1951 movie: The Thing from Another World; with the setting of it being set in the ice and that there was a monster lurking around. It also reminded me a little of a slasher movie with how there were people mysteriously being gruesomely murdered. I think that this would make a good movie if it had the right director. Terminal Freeze is not an orginal idea but it was a good story and I recommend it