Stranded alone in Antarctica after losing contact with her team, glaciologist Rachael Beckett battles extreme cold, dwindling supplies, and psychological isolation while a radio broadcast warns of nuclear war and the possible end of humanity. As she fights to survive and clings to hope for her family, she uncovers unsettling truths about her mission and faces both environmental and human threats, exploring themes of resilience, climate crisis, and the cost of scientific pursuit.

Reader Review Summary

Set in the harsh, unrelenting environment of Antarctica, the novel follows glaciologist Rachael Beckett, who leaves her husband and young daughter to join a critical research expedition during the polar winter. After losing all contact with her team and the outside world, Rachael is left isolated, running out of supplies, and haunted by a BBC emergency broadcast reporting a nuclear war that may have wiped out humanity. The narrative alternates between her present struggle for survival and flashbacks that reveal her motivations, family dynamics, and the events leading up to her isolation. The plot incorporates themes of climate change, political interference, and the psychological toll of extreme isolation, with Rachael’s research potentially holding the key to preventing global catastrophe if there is still a world left to save. As she battles the elements and her own deteriorating mental state, Rachael discovers she may not be as alone as she thought, introducing further suspense and danger into her ordeal.

Readers praised the book’s atmospheric and immersive depiction of Antarctica, often describing the setting as a character in itself. The survival elements, including the challenges of perpetual darkness, extreme cold, and dwindling resources, were highlighted as particularly gripping and realistic. Many found the pacing fast and the plot filled with twists and suspenseful moments, with several reviewers noting that the story kept them on edge and emotionally invested in Rachael’s fate. The dual timeline structure and use of journal entries were appreciated for adding depth to Rachael’s character and providing insight into her internal struggles. The audiobook narration by Billie Fulford Brown received positive feedback for enhancing the tension and emotional impact of the story.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the book, including a perceived lack of depth in character development, particularly with Rachael, whom some found unrelatable or unlikeable. The plausibility of certain plot points, such as the survival feats and the villain’s actions, was questioned, with some finding the story far-fetched or the antagonist overly exaggerated. The ending was a common point of critique, with several reviewers describing it as rushed, abrupt, or insufficiently resolved. Additionally, some readers felt the political commentary was heavy-handed or unrealistic, and a few noted issues with pacing, repetitiveness, or predictability, especially regarding the survival scenarios and the twist.

The book is a debut thriller that blends survival, psychological, and dystopian elements, and has drawn comparisons to works like The Martian and The Last Murder at the End of the World. It explores themes of motherhood, professional ambition, and the conflict between personal and global responsibilities. The narrative includes commentary on climate change, oil drilling, and political obstruction, with the American and British governments playing significant roles in the backstory. The novel has been released in both print and audiobook formats, with a publication date set for early 2025, and has generated a wide range of responses, from high praise for its tension and atmosphere to criticism of its execution and character portrayal.