Book Review: The Arctic Fury by Greer Macallister

“What a vulnerable vessel the human body makes for the human soul.”

Greer Macallister, The Arctic Fury

Review:

Tasked with leading a twelve-women expedition to the Arctic in search of the missing Franklin Expedition, Virginia Reeve, though an experienced guide, quickly realizes that she’s taken on more than she intended. As if the sub-zero temperatures and having to share a ship with a crew of men (who are none too thrilled to be sharing their expedition) weren’t enough, Virginia is constantly at odds with her crew. In particular, she struggles with Caprice who all but forced her way into the female crew. 

The book jumps back and forth between the expedition and Virginia’s trial a year later. She is brought to court for the death of Caprice, and consequently, the other women who did not return with her and a handful of other survivors. On the stand, Virginia is forced to face not only her fated voyage but also her past. 

Honestly, this story was wild. There were a lot of characters/identities/stories to keep track of. I struggled to discern who was who outside of Virginia and Caprice who were the main focus. It didn’t feel super authentic to the time, either. Not so much the elements themselves, but the way they were addressed and handled. There is just no way some plot points would have been dealt with so matter-of-factly. (I think these tread on spoilers or else I’d go deeper into the details.) Nevertheless, as a whole it was certainly an exciting and haunting read. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Mysterious and adventurous.
• A unique plot.

What I didn’t like:

• Didn’t feel (socially) historically accurate.
• Way too much going on.

Afterthoughts:

Thanks to my friend Skylar for gifting me this book (forever ago)!

Where to buy the book: