Shroud of Ice
Nov. 25, 2025
Praise for Shroud of Ice
​“A poetic, rich, imaginative journey, not just for Gaspare, the Iceman, but for the reader as well. Grim and compelling, it’s about so much more than survival in an age of primitive conditions. This novel speaks to the deep motivations of each of us: the search for freedom, redemption, and true brotherhood. Haunting.” - Maryel Stone, author of Child of the Scales
"Krasny's research and command of language urge us to walk alongside Gaspare and listen deeply to what is said and not said. Through the lens of the ancients, we come face-to-face with our strengths and vulnerability as a species. His journey, real and imagined, is a compelling lesson in the complexity of our roots, our innate drive to survive, and our profound need for safety, community, and freedom. Shroud of Ice is not just history, plot and character. It is epic poetry, extended metaphor, and a masterpiece of literary fiction for our age."
Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt, award-winning poet and author
Iceman Awakens
“Nine strikes and a few sparks. Thirteen strikes and a spark caught a little smoke, but I hurried and blew too much while jostling the needles. Focus Gaspare. I felt the call deep within where my blood retreated to stay close to my heart. Focus. My head felt sluggish and my movements dragged with effort. Slowing my breathing I rearranged the needles on the bark and struck again – five strikes and the little spark became an ember.”
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Gaspare, in the role of a young Ötzi the Iceman, desperate to confront his fate and honor his father, receives the ultimate sacrifice. At thirteen with a gifted calling and promise of prophecy, he must face his failures, fight the oppression from his brothers, and learn to live in a society that deemed him a curse. This is Gaspare, the reborn Iceman found murdered on the Ötzal mountains as he begins his tale that led him to that fateful day.
​
From questions surrounding the mystery of Ötzi’s mummy preserved from the Neolithic Era, this debut novel explores how he got some of his 61 tattoos, found his life’s purpose in his copper axe, and how he lived. Iceman Awakens speaks of the timeless voices of love, destiny, and betrayal.
Reviews
With an artist’s delicate touch, Sharon Krasny brings the Iceman alive. Krasny blends meticulous research with clear, accessible prose, and, through it, we are able to walk the paths he walked thousands of years ago. Historical fiction demands the discipline of an academic and the lyrical fire of a novelist. Few have done it as well as Sharon Krasny, who, with her first effort, now joins the ranks of Jean Auel, Philippa Gregory and Margaret George in showing that those who made their way our arcane collective past shared thoughts, emotions, ambitions, and joys that are common to us all.
Greg Fields, author, Arc of the Comet
2018 Kindle Book of the Year Nominee in Literary Fiction
Iceman Awakens is a riveting story that is nearly impossible to put down! The story is a fantastic, fictional account of the Iceman’s early teenage life. The book is so well written that you are left on the edge of your seat as you are waiting to dive into the next chapter.
- John Strunk, Spirit Longbow
Who hasn't wondered what mysteries are wrapped within a frozen mummy? With clues like tattoos and tools, Sharon weaves a tale that immediately immerses the reader and transports you to Neaolithic life. Readers will walk away enriched with an engaging glimpse into lifestyles, attachment to nature, and belief systems of that time period; thanks to Sharon's beautiful and engaging facility with words, you'll feel as if you were actually there with Gaspare and feeling his emotions.
As an educator, what strikes me is that I can see this story resonating with audiences of all ages--as a read-aloud for younger students, as a conversation starter for fitting in during middle school, and themes of love, grit, and resilience in the face of disappointment for older students. As an adult, I was hooked from the introduction, with the promise of fiction wrapped in a historical mystery.
Krasny delivers this promise with panache. I can't wait for the next book!!
- Wendi Pillars, Educator and writer for National Geographic
What a spectacular and well-written historical novel that quickly draws you into a vivid and heartfelt account of a time and civilization lost. Since historical fiction is my favored genre, I especially appreciate the detailed research that Sharon Krasny put into creating and developing not only the story itself, but gripping characters. As a youth, I used to stare at the mummies in the local museum wondering about who they were and what happened to them. This book was fascinating. And with all the historical accounts of renowned heroes, it is refreshing to read and learn about those who go unnoticed or are forgotten. I recommend it highly
- Gail Meath author The Perfect Sister
