Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood follows NASA scientist Dr. Hannah Arroyo as she navigates the challenges of space exploration and personal relationships. Set against the backdrop of the Svalbard Islands in Norway, the story intertwines themes of ambition, vulnerability, and the quest for connection. As Hannah faces professional scrutiny and unexpected emotional turmoil, she must confront her past and the choices that shape her future. This novel is perfect for fans of contemporary romance and science fiction, exploring the intersection of love and ambition in a high-stakes environment.

Key Points

  • Explores the life of Dr. Hannah Arroyo, a NASA scientist facing personal and professional challenges
  • Set in the picturesque yet harsh environment of the Svalbard Islands, Norway
  • Intertwines themes of ambition, vulnerability, and the quest for human connection
  • Perfect for fans of contemporary romance and science fiction
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Ali Hazelwood
114 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Biology
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Ali Hazelwood
114 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Biology
207
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Prologue
Svalbard Islands, Norway
Present
I dream of an ocean.
Not the Arctic, though. Not the one right here in Norway, with its close-
packed, frothy waves constantly crashing against the coasts of the Svalbard
archipelago. It’s perhaps a bit unfair of me: the Barents Sea is perfectly
worth dreaming of. So are its floating icebergs and inhospitable permafrost
shores. All around me there is nothing but stark, cerulean beauty, and if this
is the place where I die, alone and shivering and bruised and pretty damn
hungry... well, I have no reason to bitch.
After all, blue was always my favorite color.
And yet, the dreams seem to disagree. I lie here, in my half-awake, half-
unconscious state. I feel my body yield precious degrees of heat. I watch the
ultraviolet morning light reach inside the crevasse that trapped me hours
ago, and the only ocean I can dream of is the one on Mars.
“Dr. Arroyo? Can you hear me?”
I mean, this entire thing is almost laughable. I am a NASA scientist. I
have a doctorate in aerospace engineering and several publications in the
field of planetary geology. At any given time, my brain is a jumbled
maelstrom of stray thoughts on massive volcanism, crystal fluid dynamics,
and the exact kind of anti-radiation equipment one would need to start a
medium-size human colony on Kepler-452b. I promise I’m not being
conceited when I say that I know pretty much all there is to know about
Mars. Including the fact that there are no oceans on it, and the idea that
there ever were is highly controversial among scientists.
So, yeah. My near-death dreams are ridiculous and scientifically
inaccurate. I would laugh about it, but I have a sprained ankle and I’m
approximately ten feet below the ground. It seems better to just save my
energy for what’s to come. I never really believed in an afterlife, but who
knows? Better hedge my bets.
“Dr. Arroyo, do you copy?”
The problem is, it calls to me, this nonexistent ocean on Mars. I feel the
pull of it deep inside my belly, and it warms me even here, at the icy tip of
the world. Its turquoise waters and rust-tinted coastlines are approximately
200 million kilometers from the place where I’ll die and rot, but I cannot
shake the feeling that they want me closer. There is an ocean, a network of
gullies, an entire giant planet full of iron oxide, and they’re all calling to
me. Asking me to give up. Lean in. Let go.
“Dr. Arroyo.”
And then there are the voices. Random, improbable voices from my
past. Well, okay: a voice. It’s always the same, deep and rumbling, with no
discernible accent and well-pronounced consonants. I don’t really mind it, I
must say. I’m not sure why my brain has decided to impose it on me just
now, considering that it belongs to someone who doesn’t like me much—
someone I might like even less—but it’s a pretty good voice. A+. Worth
listening to in a death’s door situation. Even though Ian Floyd was the one
who never wanted me to come here to Svalbard in the first place. Even
though the last time we were together he was stubborn, and unkind, and
unreasonable, and now he seems to sound only...
“Hannah.”
Close. Is this really Ian Floyd? Sounding close?
Impossible. My brain has frozen into stupidity. It must really be all over
for me. My time has come, the end is nigh, and—
“Hannah. I’m coming for you.”
My eyes spring open. I’m not dreaming anymore.
OceanofPDF.com
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FAQs

What happens to Hannah Arroyo in Svalbard?
Hannah Arroyo finds herself trapped in a crevasse in Svalbard after a snowstorm hits during her mission for AMASE. She sprains her ankle while trying to escape and is unable to call for help, leading to a dire situation where she faces the possibility of dying alone in the cold. Ian Floyd, a NASA engineer, ultimately comes to her rescue despite the dangerous conditions.
How does Ian Floyd's character develop throughout the story?
Ian Floyd is initially introduced as a competent and serious NASA engineer who has a complex past with Hannah. As the story unfolds, his character reveals layers of vulnerability, especially when he risks his safety to rescue Hannah from the crevasse. His feelings for her deepen, showcasing a blend of professionalism and personal connection, which contrasts with his earlier aloof demeanor.
What is the significance of the AMASE expedition in the novel?
The AMASE expedition serves as a critical backdrop for the story, highlighting the challenges of space exploration and the risks involved. It is during this expedition that Hannah's research on Mars rovers is put to the test, and her near-death experience in the crevasse emphasizes the dangers scientists face in extreme environments. The expedition also facilitates the rekindling of Hannah and Ian's relationship.
What themes are explored in 'Below Zero'?
'Below Zero' explores themes of resilience, the complexities of professional relationships, and the emotional toll of scientific endeavors. It delves into the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of knowledge and the impact of interpersonal connections in high-stress situations. The juxtaposition of danger and intimacy is a recurring motif, particularly in Hannah and Ian's evolving relationship.
How does Hannah's past influence her actions in the story?
Hannah's past, particularly her experiences during her Ph.D. and her interactions with Ian Floyd, shape her character and decisions throughout the story. Her initial reluctance to accept help and her feelings of inadequacy stem from her past rejections and struggles in academia. These experiences contribute to her complex emotional landscape, influencing her interactions with Ian and her approach to challenges.
What role does the setting play in 'Below Zero'?
The setting of Svalbard, with its harsh Arctic conditions, plays a crucial role in 'Below Zero.' It not only creates an atmosphere of isolation and danger but also serves as a catalyst for character development. The extreme environment challenges the characters physically and mentally, highlighting their strengths and vulnerabilities, particularly during Hannah's ordeal in the crevasse.

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