Darwin Lacroix Adventure · Book 1
Roman Ice
Buried scrolls. Cutthroat rivals. A discovery that rewrites history.
About the Book
Buried scrolls. Cutthroat rivals. A discovery that rewrites history and…sparks a saga readers never want to end.
Darwin Lacroix has one shot to clear his family’s name. For decades, academia mocked the idea that a Roman treasure convoy vanished in the far north—right up until a scroll recovered from beneath Vesuvius hinted otherwise. When a diamond cache surfaces in Iceland, Darwin jumps on the first flight to Reykjavik, determined to finish what his ancestors started. But he’s not the only one chasing the treasure.
A ruthless cartel wants it first, and they play for keeps.
Forced into an alliance with Eyrún Stefansdóttir—a fearless volcanologist with her own ghosts—and a diamond expert who thinks “ethics” is a type of pasta, Darwin plunges into Iceland’s fire-scarred underworld. Beneath glaciers and hardened lava, a maze of tubes hides the prize.
As rivals close in, trust frays, and every choice becomes a gamble with no do-overs. Down in the dark, Darwin discovers that survival isn’t just about the treasure—it’s about the people you’d risk everything to protect.
ROMAN ICE launches an archaeological thriller series praised for its relentless pace, vivid detail, and surprising heart. Perfect for fans of Steve Berry, Clive Cussler, Daniel Silva, and Ernest Dempsey.
What Readers Say
Bartell introduces readers to Darwin Lacroix, an energetic and inquisitive young archaeologist who seems destined to find adventure wherever he goes.
Matt, Goodreads
One of the most exciting books I’ve read this summer. Bartell is a new author to me and I’m looking forward to reading many more from him.
Margaret, Goodreads
Once they get into the lava tubes, it really gets interesting and moves quickly with action and suspense. I’ll read another Darwin Lacroix thriller.
M. Sprouse, Goodreads
Continue the Series
This is where the series begins. New readers can also start with Roman Ice.
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