Bookworm's Reviews > Empire of Ice and Stone: The Disastrous and Heroic Voyage of the Karluk

If you love polar exploration stories, don’t miss Empire of Ice and Stone. Seriously add this one to you tbr list! It was an in-depth, astutely researched account of what happened to the crew of the Karluk.

Polar explorer Stefansson was backed and funded by the Canadian government in 1913 to carry out an expedition to the Arctic in search of a passage and new land to be colonized. As it turned out, however, Stefansson’s flagship the Karluk, ended up being an unsuitable ship for the arctic and his expedition preparation rushed and disorganized. As a result, the Karluk ended up in the middle of an ice block floating aimlessly in the ocean.

The book details the harrowing adventure and the tragic consequences that ensued because of Stefansson’s rush and I’ll preparedness. It also highlights the story of Captain Bartlet’s selfless leadership and heroic efforts. It is a tale of strength, greed, heroism, mutiny, perseverance and incredulity. It was a story that kept me reading into the wee hours of the night. Highly recommend!

Thank you to publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.