1 / 2Ice by Jacek Dukaj — English-language science-fiction novel
Jacek Dukaj: Ice is a science-fiction novel set in an alternate 1924, where an alien winter has transformed Siberia and history. This English-language print edition is listed at 1,200 pages, making it a substantial read for buyers drawn to speculative world-building and intricate ideas.
At a glance
- An alternate-history setting keeps Tsarist Russia and the Belle Époque in place after the First World War never occurs.
- The plot sends Polish mathematician Benedykt Gieroslawski across Siberia aboard the Trans-Siberian Express.
- The listing describes themes spanning politics, science, philosophy and romance, with a strange physics arising from the extreme cold.
Reference price: £29.99
Price checked: 14 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Its alternate-history premise links a changed political landscape with speculative science and a Siberian journey.
- The listed length offers room for an expansive narrative rather than a short standalone read.
Cons
- At 1,200 pages, it is a long commitment and the listed 1.23 kg weight may be less convenient for extended handheld reading.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Head of Zeus -- an AdAstra Book |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 6 Nov. 2025 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 1200 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1786697289 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1786697288 |
| Weight listed | 1.23 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.64 x 5.72 x 24.38 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers who enjoy elaborate alternate history and speculative science-fiction settings.
- Readers willing to take on a long novel with a Siberian expedition and multiple thematic strands.
Less suited to
- Readers prioritising brisk pacing or a short, easily finished novel.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
57% 57% - 4 stars
10% 10% - 3 stars
12% 12% - 2 stars
9% 9% - 1 star
12% 12%
Customer feedback is divided on readability and plot. Some describe the novel as exceptional, while others find it dull or disappointing. Pacing also draws criticism for being slow. For readers considering a 1,200-page book, that reported disagreement makes tolerance for a leisurely pace and demanding speculative storytelling especially relevant.
Positive themes
- Some customers praise the book as highly accomplished science fiction.
Negative themes
- Some customers find the book dull, and feedback criticises its slow pacing.
Mixed feedback
- Readers disagree about both readability and the plot, with reactions ranging from strong praise to disappointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ice about?
In an alternate 1924, Polish mathematician Benedykt Gieroslawski travels by Trans-Siberian Express to find his exiled father, against the backdrop of an alien winter spreading across Siberia.
How long is this edition?
The listing gives a print length of 1,200 pages.
Is this an English-language edition?
Yes. The listed language is English, and the publisher is Head of Zeus -- an AdAstra Book.
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