Antarctica Station

by A.G. Riddle

In Antarctica, a groundbreaking experiment will change everything.

Dr. Laura Reynolds had it all.

A job she loved. The respect of her peers. Student debt she was slowly chipping away at.

And one day, she lost everything.

She saw the wrong thing—a colleague’s mistake. And to escape, he framed her.

To avoid prison, Laura reluctantly agrees to join a secretive research project in Antarctica, where she hopes to keep practicing medicine and someday get her life back. But soon after arriving, she realizes that things at this advanced facility aren’t what they seem. And perhaps something strange is happening in the world outside.


Welcome to Antarctica Station, A.G. Riddle’s first new sci-fi thriller in almost a year. It’s a deep dive into the science and history of Antarctica—with a twist few will see coming.

NOTE: This is a standalone novel.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Thriller, Adventure, Book Club, Audiobook, Young Adult

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2024

About the author

A.G. Riddle spent ten years starting internet companies before retiring to pursue his true passion: writing fiction.

His debut novel, The Atlantis Gene, is the first book in The Origin Mystery, the trilogy that has sold a million copies in the US, is being translated into 19 languages, and is in development at CBS Films to be a major motion picture. The trilogy will be in bookstores (in hardcover and paperback) around the world in 2015.

His recently released fourth novel, Departure, follows the survivors of a flight that takes off in 2014 and crash-lands in a changed world. The hardcover will be published by HarperCollins in the fall of 2015, and 20th Century Fox is developing the novel for a feature film.

Riddle grew up in a small town in the US (Boiling Springs, North Carolina) and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. During his sophomore year of college, he started his first company with a childhood friend. He currently lives in Florida with his wife, who endures his various idiosyncrasies in return for being the first to read his new novels.

No matter where he is, or what's going on, he tries his best to set aside time every day to answer emails and messages from readers. You can reach him at: ag@agriddle.com


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Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am definitely a fan of author A.G. Riddle and, as with his other works that I've read, thoroughly enjoyed the journey. There are a few circumstances that are too quickly integrated into the plot, such as a long lost sister almost magically reappearing, but not enough to distract from the entertainment. Recommended. Enjoy!

[Hunter Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure, after reading this, why we can't leave negative reviews. The lead character is less than intelligent (despite supposedly being a doctor although Riddle doesn't seem to know the progress of medical training: med school 4 years, then residency, then only if you are specializing within your specialty would you do a fellowship which he says she and Samir are in) and the plot is driven mostly by her ridiculous and inane decisions.
There are massive plot holes, inconsistencies and things that make no sense. I wonder if this was written on a deadline and not reread or edited? There will be spoilers from here on out so stop reading if you want but I want to illustrate some of the absurdities.
The lead (Dr. Laura) is supposed framed for drugs after the author obviously telegraphed Samir framing her before hand. It was so painfully obvious what was happening I almost stopped the book because Laura was being ridiculous and it is Scooby Doo level of mystery. So if you are being framed for stealing drugs you should: 1. check the logs of who was working when the drugs went missing if possible (all drugs are controlled by password so they know who logs them out). 2. How about blanking fingerprints? Any? They were not done? Why the heck not? 3. How about a blankety-blank drug test???? Would a doctor think of this? If she is a drug addict wouldn't she have drugs in her blanking system?? She keeps getting stupid plea deals and they keep changing and apparently FBI gives her another plea deal but nothing was written down? Nothing signed???? Why? How can they threaten to invalidate the other plea deal?
The people at Aurora said they listened to everything so why not assume it is a trap. Why in the fudge would not Aurora just tell everyone about the solar flares who is in stasis so they would know what they are in there for? Why did they tell some and not others? What is the reasoning? There is no logic to this. Samir doesn't tell her the truth to protect her? WHAT? So stupid. Samir was the drug addict and was in stasis for TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS AND THEY DID NOT THINK TO WEAN HIM OFF THE DRUGS UNTIL HE WAS TAKEN OUT OF STASIS BY INTREPID LAURA? He was JAUNDICED BUT HAD NORMAL LABS? THAT IS NOT THE WAY THAT WORKS AT ALL. BILIRUBIN WOULD HAVE TO BE AT LEAST 5+ TO CAUSE YELLOW EYES AND IF YOU HAVE DONE ENOUGH DRUGS YOUR LFT'S WOULD BE ABNORMAL (unless your liver is trashed and can't make them-i.e. end stage liver failure). Riddle says "bloviating" I am 99% sure all authors must sign a contract to not use that word, it is a sin not only against humanity but against THE master, Shakespeare. At the end Dr Laura condemns EVERYONE IN AURORA TO AN ETERNITY IN STASIS???? WTF? SERIOUSLY WTF? THE VAST MAJORITY DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RIDICULOUSLY "EVIL PLAN" TO WIPE OUT ALL SURVIVORS OUTSIDE THOSE IN STASIS AT AURORA AND SOME LIKE RIDICULOUS LAURA HAD NO IDEA THEY WERE EVEN IN A SIMULATION. Who thinks that is justice? This book left me shaking mad, it was soooo bad and soooo poorly written. Booo!!! Hisssss!!! Tomatoes thrown!

[Wes O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closer to 2.5 than 3 stars. Felt like a step back for an author whose writing has gotten better with each book. Actually feels like this one was written at very different times — the first third in particular — and the book reads more like an old draft that was picked up and started again with hopes of just finishing it.

Riddle writes a lot of awesome stuff, and pretty frequently, so don’t let this dissuade any of you newcomers away from his material. This one is simply not his best book. I still look forward to whatever he turns out next.

[Ally · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book gave me second-hand embarrassment for how bad it was

[Faux · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this negative stars, I would. It's absolutely the worst book I've ever read.

[Sarah B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Fun Read

So after some careful thought on this one I will say it was a fun read but not anything spectacular. I did correctly guess what the "Event" was rather easily before it was revealed. If I can guess it so easily than others can too probably.

I will say that cover image is utterly amazing! But we don't read books for cover images.

I did devour the first half of the book super fast. If I would have started it earlier yesterday I would have read the whole thing in one sitting... This is supposed to be a thriller but for me the thrills never really happened? I mean I never actually felt that Laura was in danger even when she was racing across the ice?? Weird, right?? But that is how it was reading this. I kept reading to find out what would happen but I didn't feel any suspense or danger.

And then when I got maybe 3\4 of the way through and a few things had been revealed, well, suddenly I didn't like this book too much.. I saw it as "gloomy". And my interest then was waning but I finished it anyway.

Oddly enough my favorite character in here was Transport. Yes, Transport. It wasn't Laura or Samir or anyone else. I think that says a lot too. Because Laura is the main character we are supposed to relate to her but for whatever reasons I couldn't. I don't know why. I guess she was too different?

[Alie James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Outstanding idea, in my opinion too many plot holes and inconsistencies and the lead character comes across as incomplete/underdeveloped somehow and certainly unrealistic in her actions and lack of actions. The story really does not make any sense from the crappy framing job which somehow everyone believes to kill all the people in Antarctica Station even the ones who had no knowledge of the plot to kill survivors? Even the ones who didn't even know (like Laura) that they were in a simulation? There is foreshadowing and then there is obviousness and this book is super obvious (like you didn't know the beau was going to show up at the station? Like you didn't know her sister would show up again? Like you didn't know Samir was going to frame her? Seems like a poorly written rough draft that needs some tough love editing to become the great story it should have been.

[A.B. Levin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Riddle, but the last two books have felt very forced. It’s as if on paper the conflict points and goal posts for crafting a story arc are reasonable, but they just stretch when put to paper. Information is kept from the reader and not really dripped in to keep the pacing reasonable, then there is a huge information dump that includes lots of science and pseudo real world detail. The plot is good, but the characters are just super one dimensional and seem to be a vehicle to relay what feels like the findings of high school research paper to the reader. In a great story the characters come first, and at the bare minimum share the spotlight with the plot. I write this with a heavy heart, because I don’t like writing critical reviews given how much work goes into writing a book. That said I was less than thrilled with the time spent reading this one, especially given I’m a big fan of much of Riddle’s work. I hope he gets back to the characters in the next one and makes them less of an afterthought.

[Sarah ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antarctica Station - A.G. Riddle



الدكتورة لورا رينولدز تملك كل شيء تقريبًا، مستقبل مشرق في مهنتها كطبيبة تخدير، واحترام أقرانها وأساتذتها، ولكنها تفقد كل شيء في لحظة، ثمّ يأتي الإنقاذ عبر عرض غريب ومغري وهو مشروع سري في القارة القطبية الجنوبية.
توافق لورا على مضض لأن هذا هو الأمل الأخير لاستعادة حياتها والعودة لممارسة عملها في المستقبل، لكن من اللحظات الأولى لوصولها تشعر لورا أن هناك خطب ما في هذه المنشأة المتقدمة.

رواية إثارة وخيال علمي سريعة وممتعة مع الكثير من المنعطفات عن مشاكل المستقبل القريب، سيطرة الذكاء الصناعي والمليارديرات وأفكارهم المجنونة ومحاولاتهم العبثية لحل أزمات الكوكب.
قراءة سريعة واللقاء الأول مع مؤلف روايات الخيال العلمي الشهير أ.ج. ريدل.

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Modern Sci-fi

A very enjoyable science fiction novel. The plot was futuristic enough for the reader to realize it couldn't happen today but well within the possibilities of tomorrow - the "sweet spot" for sci-fi. Two very likeable main character with romantic tensions, unmitigated action, and a satisfying conclusion tying the storyline together nicely. An added bonus is that there is zero political views jammed down the reader's throat - sadly becoming harder to find in modern fiction so kudos to the author on that point.

[William de_Rham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A.G. Riddle’s “Antarctica Station” is an apocalyptic, sci/fi adventure tale. I found it to be a three-star read, meaning I liked some aspects but had problems with others.

Dr. Laura Reynolds is an anesthesiologist working in a North Carolina hospital. She loves her work, which is fortunate because it’s pretty much all she has left. Her mother is dead. Her father is dying. Her fiancée is history because he cheated on her. Then her best friend and fellow doctor sets her up to take the fall for drug and patient-abuse crimes that he committed. According to her lawyer, it’s certain she’ll have to trade her white coat for an orange jumpsuit.

But then corporation Epoch Sciences comes to the rescue, arranging a plea deal whereby she’ll avoid jail time if she agrees to live and work for three years at an Antarctic research facility on a project studying human stasis (i.e., putting people to sleep for long periods). She’ll earn a million dollars per year but be completely cut off from the rest of the world—no trips home, phones, internet, etc. Dedicated to developing “the next world,” Epoch is guarded and secretive, and just a little bit sinister. Seeing no other option, Laura accepts. Only to be accosted by federal agents who tell her she must deliver to them Epoch’s secrets or her plea deal will be canceled and she’ll be sent to prison.

Arriving at Epoch’s ultra-modern, ultra-swank research facility, Laura sets about finding a way to steal Epoch’s secrets, escape undetected, and deliver herself and the materials to a far-off American station before permanent night sets in for the next six months. And she has only several weeks to do it, during which time she'll be closely watched and severely restricted to certain sections of the complex.

The first half of the novel was, for me, problematic. I had trouble believing it. For example, Laura is supposed to be a strong, determined woman. Yet when her lawyer, at only their first meeting, opines that the D.A.’s case is “open and shut” and that she can forget going to trial, she accepts it without argument or even looking for a second opinion. Indeed, the entire process by which author A. G. Riddle gets Laura from practicing at a North Carolina hospital to researching in Antarctica seemed contrived and lacking depth.

Once Laura gets to Antarctica, however, the novel becomes more enjoyable. Mr. Riddle does a commendable job “building” Epoch’s research facility, treating us to a complex reminiscent of the underground laboratory in Michael Crichton’s “The Andromeda Strain” and/or any of “Star Trek’s” Federation flagships. There’s a suspense-filled chase across the frozen wastes of Antarctica, featuring a very likable, very hi-tech Sno-Cat-type vehicle controlled by AI. Indeed, Mr. Riddle shows us a variety of technological developments that may be coming our way. And there are some pretty good plot twists.

All in all, a mixed bag. Not the best post-apocalyptic story I've ever read. But certainly not the worst.

[Henrik Evjen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am resisting the urge to say something like, "I can't believe the positive reviews" or "Did I read the same book as everyone else?" So, I won't but I will say this is very poorly written and constructed. The plot holes are absolutely enormous. Almost nothing makes any sense. If this was a first draft I could understand, and with some good editing this could be great but there was none. Other reviewers have already pointed out what I also discovered. That this is predictable and makes no sense. The ending is the worst of any book I have ever read. Death sentences (or stasis sentences) without trial or discovery of what they knew and what their thoughts were is one of the most deranged things I have read and that the author (and apparently a ton of readers) don't care is disturbing.

[Carolyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overwrought. This reminds me of the stories I used to dream up when I was in high school. The premise sounded interesting, but the execution is overly dramatic for me. Half the book is one long (repetitive) chase scene. I saw the big surprise--Laura has been in stasis for decades--coming a long way off. Once that reveal happened, the author seemed to have trouble keeping track of which events actually happened and which happened in her imagination while she was in stasis. Not sure why the Epoch wold have allowed her to have an experience of planning an escape from Antarctica Station--counter-productive. No reason Epoch would have kept Samir addicted to drugs for 27 years. Lots of logical problems. Needed an editor.

[Sachi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A. G. Riddle’s Antarctica Station presents a thrilling journey into the icy depths of Antarctica, combining elements of suspense, scientific intrigue, and personal redemption. The novel starts strong, pulling readers in with a gripping premise and a relatable protagonist, Dr. Laura Reynolds. Riddle’s engaging writing style makes the book easy to read and hard to put down, especially in the first half.

One of the standout features of the book is the detailed map of Antarctica included at the beginning. It provides a fascinating overview of the various bases and the surprising number of people inhabiting the frozen continent, setting the stage for the adventure that follows. This attention to detail enriches the narrative and immerses the reader in the setting from the very start.

The plot of *Antarctica Station* is fast-paced and captivating, with Laura Reynolds’ struggle to rebuild her life after a colleague’s betrayal driving much of the tension. The story’s progression from her initial desperation to her cautious hope and determination is compelling. The cold, isolated environment of the research facility is vividly depicted, making it an ideal backdrop for the story. As a fan of cold settings, I found this aspect of the book particularly enjoyable.

The first half of the novel excels in maintaining suspense and developing the plot. Riddle skillfully builds anticipation and keeps the reader hooked with each chapter. I found myself deeply attached to Laura and eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. This part of the book is a testament to Riddle’s ability to craft an engaging and dynamic narrative.

However, as the story progresses into the second half, some of the initial momentum begins to wane. The novel shifts focus to lengthy transport scenes through the snowy landscape, which tend to drag on and diminish the excitement. This change in pace felt like a missed opportunity to further explore the mysteries and dynamics within the Antarctica Station itself. While the plot picks up again around the 80% mark, the prolonged transport sequences detract from the overall experience.

Moreover, the character development in the latter half of the book leaves something to be desired. Despite a strong start, the characters, including Laura, seem to lose some of their depth and complexity. More emphasis on their interactions and growth within the station could have strengthened the narrative. Instead, significant portions of the book are devoted to the logistical challenges of traversing the Antarctic terrain, which, while realistic, do not provide the same level of engagement.

In conclusion, *Antarctica Station* by A. G. Riddle begins as a promising and exhilarating read with a strong protagonist and an intriguing premise. The first half of the novel delivers on its potential, offering a captivating and immersive experience. However, the second half's focus on extended transport scenes and weaker character development ultimately detracts from the overall impact. Despite these shortcomings, the book remains a worthwhile read for its engaging start and unique setting.

[Qui2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this 2.5 stars if I could have. The book kept my interest, and the writing style was pretty good. However, it got pretty convoluted and complicated at the end, and the end felt somewhat rushed. It wasn’t bad, but definitely could have been better. The audible narration was good. I also had a good visual of the dark and frozen Antarctica tundra and the stations

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK✶REVIEW

Antarctica Station by A.G. Riddle is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that can be read in one sitting. Riddle is one of my favorite science fiction writers and I cannot get enough of his books.

Anesthesiologist Dr Laura Reynold’s life is falling apart. Betrayed by those closest to her and with her dad recently dying, she’s at the end of her rope. When she is set up and facing jail time an opportunity appears at the perfect time.

The choice is hers: A top secret research center in Antarctica or time behind bars. There’s really no choice. But not everything is as it appears.

I loved the details of Antarctica, you can feel the ice, snow, and cold as you read this book. You root for the FMC and want to figure out what is happening here just as much as she does.

I loved the fleeing for your life parts but they could have been a little more suspenseful. However I fully enjoyed this one despite the flaws. Also the narrator clearing her throat at one point ?? Whaaaaat was that? Listened while I read along.

Couldn’t put this book down, but it did feel that too much of the plot was spent building up to the main plot- instead of being the entire focus of the story. But once we get to the station the plot takes off and delivers a five star read.

Love this author! I love the science fiction mixed with suspense and themes that are of the times. It’s possible this could happen!

[Mark Von Rohr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love A.G., but this was not good. He creates a lot of tension in the book, especially with Laura’s frame job, deciding if she should escape, and then the whole running from your enemies in a freezing wasteland thing. And, none of it was believable nor paid off. Laura is kind of an idiot. The majority of the book was wasted on stupid conversations with Samir or Transport. There is no way Samir would be dealing with withdrawals after being in stasis. He just slept, sweated, and never even gave a hint about what’s going on. I wanted to kick him out of the transport and move on. The book should have trimmed down the escape, and built a bigger story with the Survivors…so much was there, and just glanced over. And the simple speech to the enemy who had a complete change of heart at the end was just corny. Everyone got a nice ending to their story, even the AI car…so sweet I got cavities. Not the best book, but hoping the next one is like the author’s previous ones.

[Kia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the worst book I’ve read so far this year. World building was poorly done, plot was super predictable (like the sister magically being the rebel who finds the MC), and the characters were embarrassingly underdeveloped. Almost DNF but I’m stubborn.

[Alexandre Frohlich · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worst Riddle's book

This book reminded me of the Mickey Mouse Club House I used to watch with my daughter when she was a toddler.

[Shernell Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

That is it?

Look, this man is my favorite science fiction author. I read all his books, and this one kind of disappoints me.

Oh well, I still love his writing style and the world ending scenarios.

[Barbara Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Antarctica

Mr riddle, I can't believe you wrote and published this story .seems like 2 or 3 different writing styles. I usually love your work. But this was your worst.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5

This book was longer than it should've been and too short at the same time. Of course, not in a good way, lol.

I'll start off by saying what I liked because it won't take long. I liked the core idea of the book and I liked the vehicle that transported the main character through Antarctica.

With that being said, what I didn't like.

The first part of the book was... fine. Nothing interesting happens besides Laura being framed and her going to Antarctica Station.

The second part of the book? It could've literally been an email. This part brought everything down to such low points I kept asking myself - how is she a doctor and so generally stupid? The whole trek through Antarctica after escaping could've been a single longer chapter and it would've been fine. Why did homegirl change destination 3 times? Why was she overthinking like hell? She had no reasons to be so paranoid. Absolutely NOTHING indicated that Epoch ever wanted to kill her. She was just so messy all-around and honestly I rolled my eyes so many times at her stuff. I was glad that their vehicle's AI was quite honestly funny. That was the only good thing of this part of the book.

Part 3 was TOO short. If rushing were an olympic sport, this author would be a gold medal winner. I really think that he wasted all the words needed for this book on part 2 and had to wrap it up quick on part 3. We only learned what happened to the world in this part, which is WAY WAY WAYYYY too late. And the fact that it wasn't anything crazy or wild like they made it out to be.... girl. The finale stand-off was underwhelming, the bad guy gave up too easily and the sisters reunion between Laura and Rachel was forced as hell.

To sum it up, how are you writing a post-apocalypic book and the only good thing that comes out of it is the AI of the transport that the main character uses?

[Massimo Pigliucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant sci-fi novel with a few unexpected twists and a heroine who is easy to get behind. The scenario is apocalyptic, and the bad guys are a bunch of self-entitled billionaires who don't give a crap about the rest of the world, just as their real life counterparts. The heroine is betrayed more than once, and yet finds the moral strength and will power to get back on top and keep fighting. There seem to me to be a number of major plot holes, beginning with the fact that the alleged cause of the apocalypse is not really believable. Neither is, on a psychological level, the radical transformation of one of the minor characters. Nor do I buy the explanation for the quasi-magical achievement of consciousness by an otherwise cute and very helpful AI. Finally, the conclusion is a bit too tidy and feel-good. Despite all of the above, I enjoyed the pace, the narration, and the two major course changes of the plot. Recommended as light reading / listening.

[Pranam Shankar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me hooked till the end

A.G Riddle captures the audience with an engaging thriller. The travel journeys across Antarctica in the book are described so well that you can vividly picture it in your mind. "A Thriller" is the perfect subtitle for this book because I couldn't put it down for a long time. Futuristic tech, AI, a remote location - perfect combo for the Sci-fi lover. Highly recommend it!

[Anwesh Ganguli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book thinking the story would be about the myths and urban legends surrounding Antarctica. But none of those were mentioned but talked about. However, the storyline redeems itself, by the way, it talks about the unwavering human spirit, the power of forgiveness, and the perseverance we show in the face of adversity. I would say it's a one-time read, which is well written from the perspective of human relationships and how you handle yourself in tough situations.

[Brandon Arthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was aight. the potential for a good story was intriguing. i like that it involved antarctica because it allows for basically anything to happen because i feel like little is known about antarctica generally. it’s this vast land of cold and unknown so it could kind of go any direction and definitely piques interest. the solar apocalypse was a cool scenario.

i had a hard time caring about any of the characters. none of them stood out very much at all. they were boring. even though samir has a comeback from being a drug addict to a good helpful person, who cares that’s not anything crazy or interesting. joe was boring and of course they end up together. laura was the standard kind wants to do the right thing protagonist. there just wasn’t anything to cling to. no juicy development or arcs. the conversations between them were all the same. rachel and laura only talked about antarctica. samir and laura only talked about his drug addiction and how she was betrayed. laura and joe talked about.. i don’t even know nothing of value or interest at all. it was all just one noted and didn’t have any depth or meaning. it was all small talk. the way information was presented wasn’t interesting either. it was just one character interrogating the other until a point was made.

i didn’t like that the writing seemed cheesy and very predictable at times. i had also watched the matrix like a week before i started reading this and i couldn’t help but notice very similar themes and ideas, almost felt like they swiped the idea from the matrix. being in a stasis like state with a simulation being fed to you, i mean how is that not the matrix.

again pretty predictable plot overall, the 2 people get together with a happily ever after and the tie in with the previous character, rachel, wow so genius. it was also frustrating that the whole time laura was asking questions it was just everyone spamming ‘im afraid i cant answer that’ ’laura, you know that’s classified’ ‘im telling you all i can.’ if laura says ‘who is aurora’ it would be like ‘laura we dont have time for that right now’ or ‘you’ll find out soon enough’ and then you dont ever really find out any answers to anything? it just goes on with a bunch of random shit and the thoughts you had just kind of fade off because they aren’t really relevant anymore. just feels like a lot was said and never expended on, lots of holes never filled.

some things were just silly. i found myself kind of sighing or rolling my eyes and thinking ‘really’ and just moving on. lots of cheesy moments and bad dialogue. samir took a few opioids off the top in the OR, is in controlled stasis for 27 years and then suddenly is in severe opioid withdrawal? half the book she talks to the car and he sweats and passes out. repeat. i didn’t really follow the multitude of changing plea deals with multiple different organizations and i dont know bro the dialogue was just bad.

in a way i couldn’t explain, just something about the book feels unfinished or just not well wrapped up. sometimes you read something and you can’t help but get the sense of like yes this is just well-done, high quality, speaks for itself just a good book and something about it hits the spot, scratches that itch, and begs you to keep going. and i just didn’t get that with this. i suppose the story just wasn’t very good, didn’t tie together hardly anything, didn’t make very much sense at times, in that you read part of it and think ‘ill keep in mind how that ties in later’ and the. nothing is ever mentioned of it again. just felt unsatisfying.

also i don’t really understand why epoch and albright just gave up so easily. they’re this multi trillion dollar corporation with seemingly unlimited resources, able to construct a vessel with hundreds of thousands of stasis chambers able to support them all for 27 years and all it takes is a computer virus and a threat for him to give up on his new world vision? someone like that wouldn’t just put his tail in between his legs and fuck off to antarctica cause some dyke and her cronies show up to his office to threaten them. like it said, they bombard the building all day with grenades and it only changes the paint color; they have fucking AI cars that can carry out meaningful conversation and upgrade themselves and navigate across continents, autonomous submarines, and a global network of satellites, and they just give it all up cause some bitch says hey you’re doing the wrong thing. omg you’re so right here’s my satellites and all my cool technology let me just take myself and my army back to antarctica cause yeah i have been mean :( and somehow laura could get a simulation where she escapes the simulation? why would they allow that. i dont know seems a little some type of way i wasn’t a fan of. they should’ve fought and rachel got killed, make her choose between joe and rachel, something like that. like of course a fuckin apocalypse happens and she goes back to the us and immediately runs into her sister? it all seemed a bit generic and predictable but i think it was interesting to play on a potential apocalypse and mystery of antarctica. mediocre. 42/100.

[robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. AG hits it out of the park again. I love his books. If you like dystopian or post-apocalyptic books, this is the author for you.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it. Thought I'd read some good stuff by this author in the past. This one was a bit of a flop.

[EPendleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books starts out awfully slow and threatens you with boredom. Laura finds herself in a pickle, she’s been betrayed by her best friend and her ex-fiance (which is a constant “issue” through the entire novel). I desperately wanted Laura to just get over it, move on, for god’s sake it didn’t do her any good to hold on to it…. Or me for that matter (it gets mentioned even at the end, where honestly, it’s just not needed). Somewhere around a quarter into the book, things start to get a little better, almost like you’re about to get rolling on something good. The escape, the trek through Antarctica, and arriving back “home” were interesting enough for me to continue, but then - just like that - the entire evil plan by Epoch to kill off the remaining survivors of the world is foiled by Laura and her sister (who she never once thought of while in Antarctica). I will say, the extermination plan, pretty crafty. But just as quickly as the plan is foiled, peace is created, Laura gets married, and we’re “off to see the Wizard” with our newly upgraded Transport.

This book should be called, “wandering around Antarctica teaching my newly stolen Transport while I just so happen to nonchalantly save the world.”

[PotatoSoup · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot setup was an intriguing idea but ultimately was held back through one-dimensional characters and convenient technology that seemed to do exactly what the story required of it.
The book definitely had some strong sections but wasn’t enough to raise it above 3 stars, a shame.

Transport was my undeniably my favourite character..