HARD WINTER: THE NOVEL

by Neil Davies

Narrated by: Kevin E. Green

Production by: Neil Davies

Review by Rox Burkey

Frightening Destruction Barely Survivable!

Author Neil Davies builds a view of the world in a future destroyed by an unstoppable glacier. The power of Mother Nature to take over mankind’s creations and obliterate them with ice is terrifying. Survivors who remain in the icy city face unbelievable challenges that push them to death's door. Some enter without a prayer. Some lose trust in all others.

The onslaught of the flowing ice from the obliterated Scotland to England abruptly changes living conditions, unless one can escape. The author does a great job of building tension and terror with the sights, sounds, and condition-driven experience. When the sounds of the ice roar there is only one choice for our main characters.  When Norman loses the hand of his wife and partner Chrissy all hope seems to go with her. Norman is pushed south and sustains serious injuries. He is forced to shore near an encampment of other survivors.

Horrifying threats of Norsement, wolves, and trolls kill the inadequately armed humans, forcing Norman to continue his journey and find the will for survival. The obstacles Norman faces from the environmental conditions could break anyone. Many times, I felt the sensations experienced by the Norman. His survival depends on his changing his perspectives on the possibilities.

The narrator, Kevin E. Green, delivered this story interjecting some emotion. The accents were perfect. I felt it dragged in places and sounded raspy in areas that I found distracting. The overall quality was acceptable.

This is a powerful story for those who enjoy dystopian worlds that allude to hell on earth. The world-building and growth of the character is a fascinating story of endurance and faith in others.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.