With the 2014 Winter Olympics fast approaching, figure skating fans are getting ready to see their favorite skaters perform. Author and figure skating insider Kent Castle is excited not only for the competition, but for the release of his debut novel, "Ice Dance: A Figure Skating Novel" (published by AuthorHouse), a story of romance, and competition both on and off the ice.
"I am a recreational skater and have served as an officer in a figure skating club," says Castle. "I have followed figure skating competition for years, and I researched the topic thoroughly for this book."
"Ice Dance" follows a pair of Houston based figure skaters, Dean Steele and Shannon Foster. After a rocky start, the two skaters prepare to work their way up the competition ladder toward the US National Championships and eventually the Olympics. But Shannon's immaturity, coupled with a crush on her decade-older partner, take their toll. More seriously, Shannon's mother, Millie, has unspoken plans of her own for Dean. As beautiful as she is manipulative, the "Ice Queen" is both supportive and destructive, placing severe emotional strain on Dean and crossing swords with her daughter as well. Dean has difficulty resisting Millie's charms as her deep desires push them closer to disaster for the skating project. It will take all of Dean's strength to keep the project on track.
"The book accurately describes the artistic sport of figure skating and the workings of figure skating competition," explains Castle. "The details regarding figure skating and competition are accurate. Each character's behavior is fully motivated by their individual personality."
Castle plans to release the second book in the Ice Dance series, "Ice Dance: On the Ice," in the near future.
"Ice Dance"
By Kent Castle
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 232 pages | ISBN 9781491801796
E-Book | 232 pages | ISBN 9781491801802
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Kent Castle is a retired NASA engineer and a figure skating insider who lives in Houston. He has written three college textbooks and over 60 scientific articles. Castle has served on the faculty at four major universities and as an advisor to government agencies.
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