Stefan Ahlers Muller – From Ice (novel) • review on metal.de

A science fiction horror novel with a little bit of “thing”but also “unknown files” or Lovecraft “Mountains of Madness”? interesting. The hypothesis of finding bacteria in thawing permafrost as an objective background also arouses curiosity. But what does Stefan Ahler Muller’s “Aus dem Eis” offer in the end?

Entertaining and entertaining

Readers who tend to use the short description can “swarm” By Frank Schatzing comes to mind. Compared to such a book, the novel is easier to understand, both in scope, language and depth of research. Short and pure, told in the first person, simple and linguistically interesting. The movie pulls quickly into the story and is easily readable over the weekend as an alternative evening entertainment.

Of course, the first novel cannot be expected to be of the same standard as well-established writers, and it would be excessive to approach a review with such an attitude and compare it to books of the caliber and scope of the “swarm” mentioned above. However, there are some points of criticism.

Expandable in many ways

For one thing, some of the characters or wooden tropes in the story that grew a bit out of Hollywood concepts, like the residents of Grizzly Creek, are disturbing. On the other hand, one syllable or the other is grammatically too long or uninteresting. Daily descriptions of coffee consumption are not necessarily something to spend time with.

Another example: the frequent use of the word “doesn’t matter” as a filler is equal throughout the book. Fun common language is definitely good for ease of reading and comprehension, but there is still room for improvement.

The main character’s personal relationship problems may not interest every reader, especially in a thriller, and it may be possible to dismiss them. This does not serve an additional emotional element in the book, nor will it be necessary to understand the characters or expand the story. Therefore, this aspect seems somewhat artificial and not really important.

Stephan Ahlers-Möller offers a solid horror start with room for improvement

The fun introduction to the story with a fast-paced midsection looks good from a dramatic point of view. However, the peak of expectations created earlier faded slightly. The ending at least keeps the option open for a sequel, as the created world and plot building can be approached in a bit more detail. Maybe with new characters.

Despite the criticisms of language, character drawing, and story development, “Aus dem Eis” is a recommendation for mystery and entertaining stories and is certainly material to build upon.

Whether fans of horror novels or readers who wait for a “swarm” in terms of scope and demands should put “Aus dem Eis” in the closet is somewhat doubtful, whether it is fans of long-serving horror novels or readers who expect a “swarm” In terms of scope and demands they should put “Aus dem Eis” in the treasury. A solid and entertaining first novel, with room for improvement in some aspects.

Stefan Ahlers Muller: “From the Ice”, novel, Books On Demand (self-published), 250 pages, paperback €10.99