In Labyrinth of Ice, Buddy Levy (River of Darkness) has created a gripping account of historical adventure and horror that maintains tension from beginning to end, despite the conclusion having been known for more than 130 years.
In 1881, Lieutenant Adolphus Greely set out on a United States Army expedition, leading 24 men with the goal of exploring the Arctic and breaking the British record Farthest North. Working tirelessly to record scientific measurements, the crew drove off wolves and grappled with the mental health effects of cramped quarters in the continual night of the Arctic winter. When the ship meant to resupply them the following year failed to arrive, Greely followed the agreed-upon plan to begin the trek south before winter in 1883. Then they became trapped for the season by the weather and managed to find only a small emergency cache of supplies left by the ship Proteus, which had sunk on its way to resupply them. There were whispers of mutiny, the mental health of many crew members deteriorated further and starvation became a looming threat.
Levy takes a generally favorable view of Greely, focusing on his adaptation to the unbearable circumstances and his growth in leadership as he balanced seeking the advice and consent of his men with enforcing military command. Levy also highlights the devotion of Henrietta Greely, who campaigned tirelessly for the army to rescue her husband. This compelling true drama will impress readers with the human capacity for survival. --Kristen Allen-Vogel, information services librarian at Dayton Metro Library