If you love richly imagined worlds and tense, sci-fi adventures, this book is a must-read! The story throws you into a chilling post-apocalyptic setting where humanity clings to survival far underground, with dangerous machines lurking in the frozen wastelands above. The blend of technology, magical power armor, and intricate worldbuilding feels fresh and immersive. This is perfect for fans of progression fantasy, dungeon-dives, and character-driven stories with real emotional depth. If you crave vibrant characters, high-stakes action, and mysteries that beg you to keep turning pages, you’ll be hooked from the first chapter.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Readers looking for fast-paced progression from the get-go may find the first book a bit slow, as the main character’s powers and the core systems only really start to emerge later in the story. Some might be frustrated by the slow unfolding of the world’s mysteries, or if you’re hoping for lots of immediate answers and explosive growth, this one asks for a little patience. Minor issues like occasional typos or characters seeming absent from scenes may distract some detail-oriented readers, but these don’t overshadow the story for most.

This is a fantastic start to a unique sci-fi series - gripping, atmospheric, and packed with depth. It might be a slow burn at first, but it’s well worth the read and sets the stage for an epic saga.

About:

'The Frozen Realm' in the series '12 Miles Below' by Mark Arrows is a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy elements set in a post-apocalyptic world. The story follows a protagonist who embarks on a journey filled with mystery, action, and emotional depth while navigating through underground ruins and facing challenges involving a mix of technology, magic, and ancient mythology. The writing style is described as immersive, with a well-executed progression fantasy dungeon dive at its core, veiled by a layer of sci-fi elements and intense, cliffhanging thrills.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and relatable, showcasing realistic flaws and growth throughout the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by high-quality prose, deep worldbuilding, and engaging character dialogue.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a unique post-apocalyptic environment with machines and magical elements, gradually unveiling its mysteries as the story progresses.

Setting:

The setting is a post-apocalyptic world where a frozen landscape contrasts with dangerous underground ruins.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow but builds momentum, leading to an engaging and emotional journey.

“Drugs.” I shrugged. “Painkillers are still in effect; I can’t feel a thing. There’s some grinding on my ribs that I still feel if I move the wrong way. Journey alerted me it’s a rib fracture. Other p...

Notes:

The story is set in a frozen wasteland where humans live underground.

Machines roam the ruins and can attack the characters.

Magic and technology blend in the form of power armor and runic carvings.

The protagonist is a young man who prefers engineering over becoming a knight.

The world-building is consistent and well-planned, making sense of its settings and technology.

The narrative reveals its backstory slowly, creating layers of mystery.

Characters are deeply developed and feel relatable, with their flaws explored.

The book has high stakes and intense action sequences that keep readers engaged.

It received positive comparisons to other well-regarded series like 'Mother of Learning' and 'Cradle'.

The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters' backgrounds.

Readers can expect emotional transformations in the characters over the course of the story.

The book poses questions about its world, enticing readers to want to know more.

While it starts slow in terms of progression, subsequent books pick up the pace.

It has a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, creating a distinct storytelling experience.

From The Publisher:

Icy death above. Monster-filled dungeons below. He must fight or freeze.

Extreme sub-zero temperatures suffocate the surface. Frozen structures of bygone eras span across massive ice-wastes. And the survivors closely guard any technology rediscovered within them.

The only escape from the deadly climate is beneath the surface, but that doesn't mean it's safe...

Monstrous machines lurk in the depths. Unhinged demigods war against them, dying over and over, treating it all like a game. The depths themselves shift over time, more contraption than rock.

When an expedition into the far uncharted north goes terribly wrong, Keith Winterscar and his father get trapped together in a desperate fight for survival. Stumbling upon an ancient war of titanic scale, the two will need to set their differences aside while they struggle against gods, legends, and the secrets of the realm that lies below.

Don't miss the start of this Progression Fantasy Epic set around a pseudo-medieval society clinging to existence on frozen post-apocalyptic Earth. Impossible odds, weak-to-strong progression, dungeon-delving, epic battles, scavenged tech, prophecy, magic, and mystery-12 Miles Below has something for everyone. Grab your copy today!

June 2023

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540 pages

Ratings (19)

Incredible (5)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (37):

Read It (20)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (10)
Did Not Finish (4)
Not Interested (2)

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The Frozen Realm

Mark Arrows

Book 1 in the series:12 Miles Below

Who Would Like This Book: