The Ice War

The year is 1940. In Europe Czech and German republicans have been fighting for years against the Habsburg Emperor's oppressive rule. Rebel spy Johnny Bornewald is dispatched to the southern-most continent of Alba, the home of the non-human ursines, to gather technological intelligence about the enemies. However, war unexpectedly erupts there, too, so Johnny and his native guide Linda Connor must flee for their lives through icy wastelands. But more than cold and gunfire imperil their lives when they get entangled in a conspiracy that may wreck much of Alba. Will Linda and Johnny be wily enough to evade their enemies’ schemes?

The Ice War is a dieselpunk science fiction thriller is set in an alternate history inspired by the societies, technology and aesthetics of the interwar era. The story offers more than action, because the protagonists face serious moral issues during their flight. How do they retain their humanity in the maelstrom of battle? There is no easy way out and nobody escapes the war zone unhurt.

The Ice War is based on the author's experience as a civilian specialist in multinational peace-making operations in the Balkans in the 1990s and Afghanistan after 9/11.