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Antarctica
Ten extraordinary women. A year-long assignment to Antarctica.
Meteorologist Jo Peterson enjoys her life as a loner hopscotching her way around the world chasing extreme weather events. When her best friend and mission leader, Ty Blackwell, asks her to join a mission to Antarctica, she balks. Staying in one place isn’t her thing, but how can she turn down the one person who’s stood by her or a golden trip to winter over at the South Pole?
The situation quickly spirals out of control as the team grapples with sabotage, internal conflicts, and a maze of misunderstandings. It doesn’t help when the mission doctor with a mysterious past pulls on feelings Jo has spent a lifetime avoiding.
In this unforgiving landscape, these women must navigate not only the physical dangers—but all the complexities of their intertwined lives.
Meteorologist Jo Peterson enjoys her life as a loner hopscotching her way around the world chasing extreme weather events. When her best friend and mission leader, Ty Blackwell, asks her to join a mission to Antarctica, she balks. Staying in one place isn’t her thing, but how can she turn down the one person who’s stood by her or a golden trip to winter over at the South Pole?
The situation quickly spirals out of control as the team grapples with sabotage, internal conflicts, and a maze of misunderstandings. It doesn’t help when the mission doctor with a mysterious past pulls on feelings Jo has spent a lifetime avoiding.
In this unforgiving landscape, these women must navigate not only the physical dangers—but all the complexities of their intertwined lives.
308 pages, Audiobook
Published March 19, 2024
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83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 23, 2024
4⭐️
After reading several great romances, Antarctica was a welcome change. I liked this adventure/thriller mix with a hint of romance.
An all-female group of ten highly qualified professionals with various specialties, form one of three groups who are to spend thirteen months in total isolation in Antarctica. Ty Blackwell is their leader and she had convinced her best friend, meteorologist Jo Petersen, to participate too. Jo is a lone fighter who prefers to run away from problems rather than confront them. She only reluctantly agrees, mainly because Ty asked for her help but also because it’s a great opportunity to do research in Antarctica. Will she be able to survive with no place to run?
After a few training camps, where they got to get to know each other better, the big adventure begins. Ten totally different, smart, and strong women, in a brutal, harsh environment with no possibility of leaving the place and temperatures that make you freeze just reading about it. Will the women grow together as a team or will they fall out and the mission will fail?
The story grabbed me from the beginning. It is told from Jo's point of view, which was a bit surprising, but I have to say it was a good fit. Things happen right from the start, such as destroyed sensors or no replacement elements, which do not appear strange on their own, but become suspicious as they accumulate. What is going on? Is it sabotage? Or are they just stupid coincidences?
What I liked best and found fascinating was the changing dynamics between the women. How different they react in challenging situations. Groups form, friendships develop and a possible romance takes shape. A tragedy, communication problems, and discovering dangerous exhibits lead to mistrust, suspicions, and arguments. The uncertainty as to what the incidents are all about makes things difficult for the women. The isolation also takes its toll, it becomes increasingly difficult to remain calm and focused, and the women reach their limits. But each of them is determined not to give up, and they want to know what is going on and who is behind all the threats.
The plot is well constructed and the tension is kept high with a few twists and turns. The interesting and strong-willed Alpha women, who have such different personalities, make the story an entertaining and exciting stay in Antarctica. It's very well written and I almost felt like I was one of them.
Thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
After reading several great romances, Antarctica was a welcome change. I liked this adventure/thriller mix with a hint of romance.
An all-female group of ten highly qualified professionals with various specialties, form one of three groups who are to spend thirteen months in total isolation in Antarctica. Ty Blackwell is their leader and she had convinced her best friend, meteorologist Jo Petersen, to participate too. Jo is a lone fighter who prefers to run away from problems rather than confront them. She only reluctantly agrees, mainly because Ty asked for her help but also because it’s a great opportunity to do research in Antarctica. Will she be able to survive with no place to run?
After a few training camps, where they got to get to know each other better, the big adventure begins. Ten totally different, smart, and strong women, in a brutal, harsh environment with no possibility of leaving the place and temperatures that make you freeze just reading about it. Will the women grow together as a team or will they fall out and the mission will fail?
The story grabbed me from the beginning. It is told from Jo's point of view, which was a bit surprising, but I have to say it was a good fit. Things happen right from the start, such as destroyed sensors or no replacement elements, which do not appear strange on their own, but become suspicious as they accumulate. What is going on? Is it sabotage? Or are they just stupid coincidences?
What I liked best and found fascinating was the changing dynamics between the women. How different they react in challenging situations. Groups form, friendships develop and a possible romance takes shape. A tragedy, communication problems, and discovering dangerous exhibits lead to mistrust, suspicions, and arguments. The uncertainty as to what the incidents are all about makes things difficult for the women. The isolation also takes its toll, it becomes increasingly difficult to remain calm and focused, and the women reach their limits. But each of them is determined not to give up, and they want to know what is going on and who is behind all the threats.
The plot is well constructed and the tension is kept high with a few twists and turns. The interesting and strong-willed Alpha women, who have such different personalities, make the story an entertaining and exciting stay in Antarctica. It's very well written and I almost felt like I was one of them.
Thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
May 27, 2025
I had a great time listening to this book. Ten women, a mix of scientists and engineers, start a research project in Antarctica. Due to the logistics, they’re expected to stay there non-stop for 13 months. Since the situation is supposed to simulate a Mars mission, they are to remain isolated from McMurdo Station and Houston HQ. The story is told through the eyes of Extreme Meteorologist Jo Peterson. She’s observant and a good judge of character so her pov is usually spot on. On the flip side, Jo can be impulsive which works great when she is searching for her next adventure but can be detrimental in a dangerous place like Antarctica with a team depending on her.
The tension ebbs and flows with things going wrong during their time there. Sabotage or just normal wear and tear is the big question. Fears and a touch of paranoia are exacerbated by the claustrophobia of being locked into one building for so long. The dynamics of their group feels authentic. I would have appreciated more detail about their scientific experiments. Just me personally. The ending seems a little too quick as well but answers the necessary questions. Overall, I had a lot of fun listening to this one. No romance in case any one is wondering but hopefully in a future installment. The narrator, Angela Dawe, does a wonderful job of infusing each and every character with personality. I could see more books starring Jo and Dr. Christina Sohn on other scientific missions and I’m definitely reading them. Thanks to my GR friend, Sandra, for recommending this book.
4.5 stars rounded up.
The tension ebbs and flows with things going wrong during their time there. Sabotage or just normal wear and tear is the big question. Fears and a touch of paranoia are exacerbated by the claustrophobia of being locked into one building for so long. The dynamics of their group feels authentic. I would have appreciated more detail about their scientific experiments. Just me personally. The ending seems a little too quick as well but answers the necessary questions. Overall, I had a lot of fun listening to this one. No romance in case any one is wondering but hopefully in a future installment. The narrator, Angela Dawe, does a wonderful job of infusing each and every character with personality. I could see more books starring Jo and Dr. Christina Sohn on other scientific missions and I’m definitely reading them. Thanks to my GR friend, Sandra, for recommending this book.
4.5 stars rounded up.
June 27, 2024
Meteorologist Jo Peterson could never imagine herself sharing twelve hundred feet of living and working space with eight strangers and her best friend. She is only going because Ty, her bestie, really needs her on the mission. And maybe because it is in Antartica, for a year. The scientific mission is to simulate the isolation and inhospitable environment on Mars and to answer the question if a team of women could adapt and thrive.
Rupley had her hands full creating a cast of ten characters all interacting in a closed setting. To me, this is on par with playing three dimensional chess, blindfolded! Yet she pulls it off to give us a thrilling and suspenseful story of possible sabotage and murder. For Rupley’s second novel, she has left nothing on the table.
I received an advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rupley had her hands full creating a cast of ten characters all interacting in a closed setting. To me, this is on par with playing three dimensional chess, blindfolded! Yet she pulls it off to give us a thrilling and suspenseful story of possible sabotage and murder. For Rupley’s second novel, she has left nothing on the table.
I received an advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2025
4.5 stars
While I generally gravitate towards romances, I decided to give this a listen because the Legendary Angela Dawe narrated it. I’m glad I did.
This isn’t a romance per se, but there are a few love stories going on behind the main plot - which is a team of ten accomplished women being sent to Antarctica to live for a year in a small, secluded environment to study living conditions similar to what there would be on Mars.
And as women in the sciences know, there are many that don’t want them to succeed.
You don’t have to be interested in STEM to enjoy this book but I would imagine those that are would find this especially fascinating. While I am no scientist, I found the detail awe inspiring and felt like I was there watching the whole thing play out.
Dawe had to voice 10 different female characters - some of different nationalities. Very few narrators could pull that off well, but as is usual for her, she nailed it.
I recommend the audiobook version for sure!
While I generally gravitate towards romances, I decided to give this a listen because the Legendary Angela Dawe narrated it. I’m glad I did.
This isn’t a romance per se, but there are a few love stories going on behind the main plot - which is a team of ten accomplished women being sent to Antarctica to live for a year in a small, secluded environment to study living conditions similar to what there would be on Mars.
And as women in the sciences know, there are many that don’t want them to succeed.
You don’t have to be interested in STEM to enjoy this book but I would imagine those that are would find this especially fascinating. While I am no scientist, I found the detail awe inspiring and felt like I was there watching the whole thing play out.
Dawe had to voice 10 different female characters - some of different nationalities. Very few narrators could pull that off well, but as is usual for her, she nailed it.
I recommend the audiobook version for sure!
March 24, 2024
This is a story about 10 women who set out on an scientific expedition to Antarctica. From the start there was sabotage to the mission. Jo Peterson is the mc and she’s a meteorologist and best friends with the team leader Ty. The team doctor Christina and Jo have a mild romance.
For me there were a lot of characters to keep track of. And the bad guys weren’t developed enough and their plan to take out the women was never fully explained.
I wanted to like this book, I liked the adventure and the mystery but I needed more character development.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and enjoy the ARC.
For me there were a lot of characters to keep track of. And the bad guys weren’t developed enough and their plan to take out the women was never fully explained.
I wanted to like this book, I liked the adventure and the mystery but I needed more character development.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and enjoy the ARC.
March 16, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
who would say no to an expedition to the south pole.... not jo peterson when she is approached by her best mate ty blackwell.... the only drawback is that it is for a year, could jo manage a year with strangers in close proximity and in such harsh conditions..... but she agrees
from the very first day at the base camp things dont go well...two of the sensors that jo wanted installed into the ice arent working and her spares are not to be found....
communication becomes an issue with the outside world and could there really be someone in their group that doesnt want this experiment to work
as the days get closer to total blackout. when the planes can no longer come and get them can their group really survive in these harsh condtions when there could be someone close to them that has designs to end their mission before its even begun
interesting read though i didnt feel very close to any of the characters and i missed that closeness....
who would say no to an expedition to the south pole.... not jo peterson when she is approached by her best mate ty blackwell.... the only drawback is that it is for a year, could jo manage a year with strangers in close proximity and in such harsh conditions..... but she agrees
from the very first day at the base camp things dont go well...two of the sensors that jo wanted installed into the ice arent working and her spares are not to be found....
communication becomes an issue with the outside world and could there really be someone in their group that doesnt want this experiment to work
as the days get closer to total blackout. when the planes can no longer come and get them can their group really survive in these harsh condtions when there could be someone close to them that has designs to end their mission before its even begun
interesting read though i didnt feel very close to any of the characters and i missed that closeness....
March 16, 2024
After just having returned from cruising through parts of Antarctica I jumped into this story. Jo Peterson is a meteorologist and is invited to be part of an elite team of ten women for a year long scientific research mission in Antarctica. The idea behind the mission is preparation for future trips to Mars. So regular communications and supplies are to be extremely limited. Right from the beginning there are issues with some supplies that were ordered but not delivered.
After a death there is suspicion amongst the team and a bit of paranoia sets in. Is it a murder? Is someone trying to sabotage the mission and to what end? Their very lives may depend on if they can trust each other. Jo came on this bucket list mission to support her longtime friend Ty who is mission leader. Christine is the team's medical doctor. There are some potential romantic sparks between Jo and Christine but they need to keep the relationship professional. This is a good mystery that gets mostly resolved by the ending. The author is excellent at increasing the tension along the way but with several characters it takes a while to set up the story.
After a death there is suspicion amongst the team and a bit of paranoia sets in. Is it a murder? Is someone trying to sabotage the mission and to what end? Their very lives may depend on if they can trust each other. Jo came on this bucket list mission to support her longtime friend Ty who is mission leader. Christine is the team's medical doctor. There are some potential romantic sparks between Jo and Christine but they need to keep the relationship professional. This is a good mystery that gets mostly resolved by the ending. The author is excellent at increasing the tension along the way but with several characters it takes a while to set up the story.
March 4, 2024
This wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. I didn't expect first person POV at all considering the blurb.
Ten women volunteer for a year long assignment in Antarctica and the POV is in Jo Peterson's who is a meteorologist and never stays in one place for long until her best friend asks her to join the expedition. Staying in one place isn't her idea of fun nor is being stuck with ten woman in a small space.
There were a lot of time jumps in the beginning of the book and then throughout the assignment which I liked. There was also a layer of suspense with the sabotage, harsh environment and etc. that fights them almost every step of the way. It did keep me reading because I wanted to know how it ended.
There was a hint of romance between Jo and another on the team, but it was mostly flirting as they knew it would be a bad idea to get involved when they were stuck together.
Overall, this was a pretty good book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ten women volunteer for a year long assignment in Antarctica and the POV is in Jo Peterson's who is a meteorologist and never stays in one place for long until her best friend asks her to join the expedition. Staying in one place isn't her idea of fun nor is being stuck with ten woman in a small space.
There were a lot of time jumps in the beginning of the book and then throughout the assignment which I liked. There was also a layer of suspense with the sabotage, harsh environment and etc. that fights them almost every step of the way. It did keep me reading because I wanted to know how it ended.
There was a hint of romance between Jo and another on the team, but it was mostly flirting as they knew it would be a bad idea to get involved when they were stuck together.
Overall, this was a pretty good book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2024
ARC for review. To be published March 14, 2024.
A group of ten women are on a thirteen month scientific assignment, wintering over in Antarctica. Meteorologist Jo Blackwell is invited along by her best friend and team lead Ty Blackwell. Jo usually likes to travel from place to place so committing to a year is a tough sell for her but she’ll do it for Ty….plus the chance to be in Antarctica. And the expedition offers many challenges besides living with nine other women, including possible sabotage of their mission.
Set pretty much anything in Antarctica and I’m going to want to read it (and I’ve read some real crap that way.) I liked this fine. Would have preferred more focus on the day to day living and less on the adventure, but I’m guessing that is just me. Oh, and there’s a BIG plot hole that as a lawyer really jumped out at me.
A group of ten women are on a thirteen month scientific assignment, wintering over in Antarctica. Meteorologist Jo Blackwell is invited along by her best friend and team lead Ty Blackwell. Jo usually likes to travel from place to place so committing to a year is a tough sell for her but she’ll do it for Ty….plus the chance to be in Antarctica. And the expedition offers many challenges besides living with nine other women, including possible sabotage of their mission.
Set pretty much anything in Antarctica and I’m going to want to read it (and I’ve read some real crap that way.) I liked this fine. Would have preferred more focus on the day to day living and less on the adventure, but I’m guessing that is just me. Oh, and there’s a BIG plot hole that as a lawyer really jumped out at me.
June 10, 2024
Antarctica was an excellent read! I loved all the characters and the premise. The mystery was very intriguing. I would definitely go on another expedition with this crew!
April 21, 2024
I really enjoyed the story line!
December 17, 2024
3 stars. That was pretty intense but not as satisfying as I hoped it would be.
March 10, 2024
The blurb sums it up well! Sapphic suspense and mystery. Not a romance, but does have subtle romantic threads.
10 women from various backgrounds embark on a year long mission in Antarctica. Their goal
Is to prove a group of women can live and work together under extreme conditions. Ty and Jo are the best of friends and Ty has mentored Jo through really difficult times in her life. She invites Jo to go on the journey with her as the weather monitoring person. At first she balks at the idea of being stuck in one place for that length of time, but quickly agrees.
In addition to the below freezing climate, they deal with a death, sabotage, infighting and learning how to lean on each other and become a family in order to survive the extreme stress.
The story was quickly engaging and kept the mystery flowing throughout. Who can they trust? What outside groups are working against them?
I enjoyed this sapphic mystery and will read more from this author.
Thank you to Bella books and MetGalley for the arc.
10 women from various backgrounds embark on a year long mission in Antarctica. Their goal
Is to prove a group of women can live and work together under extreme conditions. Ty and Jo are the best of friends and Ty has mentored Jo through really difficult times in her life. She invites Jo to go on the journey with her as the weather monitoring person. At first she balks at the idea of being stuck in one place for that length of time, but quickly agrees.
In addition to the below freezing climate, they deal with a death, sabotage, infighting and learning how to lean on each other and become a family in order to survive the extreme stress.
The story was quickly engaging and kept the mystery flowing throughout. Who can they trust? What outside groups are working against them?
I enjoyed this sapphic mystery and will read more from this author.
Thank you to Bella books and MetGalley for the arc.
January 31, 2025
Unique and spectacular setting, edge-of-your-seat tension up until the last page. Very dynamic, really engaging. It came to life in my head thanks to the flawless narration by Angela Dawe -- who manages not only 10 women in isolation for one year, but also a host of men in high places. A really good experience.
March 24, 2024
Antarctica is the first novel I’ve read by Katherine Rupley, and I am very impressed. She had me on pins and needles, turning the pages as fast as I could during a good part of this book.
In this story, ten unique, intelligent women scientists will spend thirteen months isolated in one of the most inhospitable places on earth…the South Pole in Antarctica. Ten women, placed in a building of about twelve hundred feet. This is about the same size as a small three bedroom suburban home, and this is where they must work and live for more than a year. This sounds like it could be a boring tale, but believe me, it is anything but that. Not only do these ladies have to overcome the harsh realities of where they are, there are influences that want the mission to fail.
We see the story through the eyes of Jo Peterson, the meteorologist of the group. She is a distinct individual, haunted by her past and on the mission mostly because her friend and leader of the mission, Ty Blackwell, asked her to join. Jo is a runner whenever things become too stressful in her life, but that’s not going to be possible in this situation.
The author did an amazing job creating the character of Jo. In fact, all of the ladies on the mission are individuals with quirks and histories that make living and working in such close quarters anything but calm. Add in the harsh climate, almost total isolation from the outside world, and possible sabotage and you have an exciting intrigue-filled thriller.
I only had one problem with the book. The author had a great attention-getting beginning, but after that, the story slowed down and didn’t pick back up until the characters got to their habitat at The South Pole. Once there, the action picked back up and I couldn’t put the book down. There is a lot of information that is needed for the overall plot, though.
I truly enjoyed this story of intrigue, mystery and survival. If you are into adventures in exciting and dangerous places, then definitely try this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for giving me the chance to read and review this novel.
In this story, ten unique, intelligent women scientists will spend thirteen months isolated in one of the most inhospitable places on earth…the South Pole in Antarctica. Ten women, placed in a building of about twelve hundred feet. This is about the same size as a small three bedroom suburban home, and this is where they must work and live for more than a year. This sounds like it could be a boring tale, but believe me, it is anything but that. Not only do these ladies have to overcome the harsh realities of where they are, there are influences that want the mission to fail.
We see the story through the eyes of Jo Peterson, the meteorologist of the group. She is a distinct individual, haunted by her past and on the mission mostly because her friend and leader of the mission, Ty Blackwell, asked her to join. Jo is a runner whenever things become too stressful in her life, but that’s not going to be possible in this situation.
The author did an amazing job creating the character of Jo. In fact, all of the ladies on the mission are individuals with quirks and histories that make living and working in such close quarters anything but calm. Add in the harsh climate, almost total isolation from the outside world, and possible sabotage and you have an exciting intrigue-filled thriller.
I only had one problem with the book. The author had a great attention-getting beginning, but after that, the story slowed down and didn’t pick back up until the characters got to their habitat at The South Pole. Once there, the action picked back up and I couldn’t put the book down. There is a lot of information that is needed for the overall plot, though.
I truly enjoyed this story of intrigue, mystery and survival. If you are into adventures in exciting and dangerous places, then definitely try this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for giving me the chance to read and review this novel.
March 14, 2024
We’re frequently cautioned not to judge a book by its cover, but the cover of ‘Antarctica’ by Katherine Rupley caught my eye immediately. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from those southern lights! The blurb stood out, too. It’s not often we’re treated to an ensemble cast of strong-willed women who willingly isolate themselves so far from help in a land that can kill the unwary in minutes. We all know that Antarctica is cold, but at the same time, it is unfamiliar enough to be exotic. This was a feature I greatly appreciated.
Rupley’s characters are varied and unique. They each have their reasons for signing up for the mission. A few have secrets, and each is so different from one another in skillsets and personalities, that it’s just a matter of time until sparks fly. This potential powderkeg explodes when it becomes obvious that not all is as it should be. The blurb of this book mentions potential sabotage, and we’re constantly questioning who could be behind it. Their isolation limits the number of suspects while at the same time reducing their resources for assistance. Each of the women responds differently to stress, and it didn’t take long for me to distinguish between the characters. It’s a talented author indeed who can pull off juggling ten different personalities!
While Rupley was ramping up the interpersonal pressure, she didn’t let us forget that the snow and cold are also a grave and immediate danger. I could feel the cold after hiking across frozen drifts with two of the characters. (I won’t tell you why, I’d ruin the story.) You can sense the danger, smell the diesel fuel, and feel your stress levels rise in response. The group’s isolation adds a “locked room” element to this adventure tale, making it the perfect read for those who enjoy a well-written adventure/mystery.
All told, this tale kept me riveted and questioning right up until the very end.
If you’re looking for something different and unpredictable, this is the book you’ll want to read next!
Rupley’s characters are varied and unique. They each have their reasons for signing up for the mission. A few have secrets, and each is so different from one another in skillsets and personalities, that it’s just a matter of time until sparks fly. This potential powderkeg explodes when it becomes obvious that not all is as it should be. The blurb of this book mentions potential sabotage, and we’re constantly questioning who could be behind it. Their isolation limits the number of suspects while at the same time reducing their resources for assistance. Each of the women responds differently to stress, and it didn’t take long for me to distinguish between the characters. It’s a talented author indeed who can pull off juggling ten different personalities!
While Rupley was ramping up the interpersonal pressure, she didn’t let us forget that the snow and cold are also a grave and immediate danger. I could feel the cold after hiking across frozen drifts with two of the characters. (I won’t tell you why, I’d ruin the story.) You can sense the danger, smell the diesel fuel, and feel your stress levels rise in response. The group’s isolation adds a “locked room” element to this adventure tale, making it the perfect read for those who enjoy a well-written adventure/mystery.
All told, this tale kept me riveted and questioning right up until the very end.
If you’re looking for something different and unpredictable, this is the book you’ll want to read next!
March 6, 2024
Challenging: A female team wintering in Antarctica
There are many challenges when wintering in Antarctica close to the South Pole: extreme temperatures, darkness, very close quarters, a lot of science. Add to this the possible sabotage of your habitat and suspicions - and you are about to read Antarctica.
10 female scientists are to prove that not only all male teams are fit to survive without outside support under difficult conditions. The future prize is that female astronauts are declared fit and will be considered as viable options to be send on a mission to Mars.
It shows that the author has done a trip to Antarctica (as have I): There is a lot of realism and I totally enjoyed her descriptions of the setting and the everyday life on station. The mysterious happenings add a sense of adventure to the otherwise maybe quite boring wintering where nothing much can happen (13 months in isolation!). And despite there being lesbians in the mix and some tentative, budding relations are seen the focus is not on hot romantic pursuits which are highly improbable under those harsh conditions.
I really liked how the author inserts the deeper issues into the story. The resolution and the end could have been a bit more elaborate. In my opinion the end could have been fleshed out more and felt rushed. Since as a reader I was invested in those women I would have liked some „closure“.
To sum it up: a good, realistic read in a captivating and interesting setting. For all who want a bit of adventure and feel the lure of Antarctica you might enjoy this book.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
There are many challenges when wintering in Antarctica close to the South Pole: extreme temperatures, darkness, very close quarters, a lot of science. Add to this the possible sabotage of your habitat and suspicions - and you are about to read Antarctica.
10 female scientists are to prove that not only all male teams are fit to survive without outside support under difficult conditions. The future prize is that female astronauts are declared fit and will be considered as viable options to be send on a mission to Mars.
It shows that the author has done a trip to Antarctica (as have I): There is a lot of realism and I totally enjoyed her descriptions of the setting and the everyday life on station. The mysterious happenings add a sense of adventure to the otherwise maybe quite boring wintering where nothing much can happen (13 months in isolation!). And despite there being lesbians in the mix and some tentative, budding relations are seen the focus is not on hot romantic pursuits which are highly improbable under those harsh conditions.
I really liked how the author inserts the deeper issues into the story. The resolution and the end could have been a bit more elaborate. In my opinion the end could have been fleshed out more and felt rushed. Since as a reader I was invested in those women I would have liked some „closure“.
To sum it up: a good, realistic read in a captivating and interesting setting. For all who want a bit of adventure and feel the lure of Antarctica you might enjoy this book.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
April 26, 2025
As someone interested in the sciences and the natural world this was right up my alley. The location of Antarctica is one of the most inhospitable places on earth and it makes for such a great place to put a group of characters to test their mettle-how they adjust to the conditions, the lack of support, to one another and how they face the challenges that arise as individuals and as a group. I enjoyed the tension caused by the mystery of the missing sensors and the other calamities that befell them. Were these innocent accidents and occurrences or something more sinister? If they were not innocent, was their cause internal or external? I also felt that the interpersonal dynamics rang true for a set of mostly strangers thrown together in isolation.
Reading other reviews I saw some criticisms I tepidly agree with. Yes, our main character was a bit of a horn dog who often evaluated those around her through their physical appearance and her level of attraction towards them. But hey, I know several people that do the same. Were there plot holes and times where the story wasn't as clear as it could be? Yep, I noticed those too. BUT, overall, for me the merits of the story and my personal enjoyment of it makes this an audiobook that I would consider listening to again as I was certainly riveted the first go around. Especially with Angela Dawe doing the narration.
Reading other reviews I saw some criticisms I tepidly agree with. Yes, our main character was a bit of a horn dog who often evaluated those around her through their physical appearance and her level of attraction towards them. But hey, I know several people that do the same. Were there plot holes and times where the story wasn't as clear as it could be? Yep, I noticed those too. BUT, overall, for me the merits of the story and my personal enjoyment of it makes this an audiobook that I would consider listening to again as I was certainly riveted the first go around. Especially with Angela Dawe doing the narration.
May 7, 2025
The premise is that ten women (scientists, engineers, doctor, etc) take on a scientific mission to the South Pole to winter over (i.e. stay there isolated for just over a year) while doing science (not exactly sure WHAT they were actually doing, but they apparently needed to work 12-hour shifts every day to do it) and giving their sponsors useful data for what to expect during a mission to Mars. It's not long before sabotage, conflicts, kidnappings(??) occur and try to rip order apart.
This should feel much more tense and claustrophobic than it actually does. From the moment the sabotage leads the women to look out versus in, the tightness and tension of their situation were lost for me. It's hard to feel tense when the "monster" is thousands of miles away and shadowy at best. I still don't quite understand the logic behind the evil plot. There are also a lot of characters to try to keep track of and for the author to fully develop. Unfortunately, many of them mesh together, and you have laziness in giving them actual personalities--one character's entire personality is beer. It's difficult to tell them all apart or what their areas of expertise are.
There are still moments where the author captures the feeling of isolation in a freezing, yet pristine environment. However, this story just needed to be a little smaller in scope and much tighter.
This should feel much more tense and claustrophobic than it actually does. From the moment the sabotage leads the women to look out versus in, the tightness and tension of their situation were lost for me. It's hard to feel tense when the "monster" is thousands of miles away and shadowy at best. I still don't quite understand the logic behind the evil plot. There are also a lot of characters to try to keep track of and for the author to fully develop. Unfortunately, many of them mesh together, and you have laziness in giving them actual personalities--one character's entire personality is beer. It's difficult to tell them all apart or what their areas of expertise are.
There are still moments where the author captures the feeling of isolation in a freezing, yet pristine environment. However, this story just needed to be a little smaller in scope and much tighter.
April 20, 2024
The story involves ten women scientists who are to spend a year at a station in Antarctica working through various experiments on survival in extreme conditions. Our main point of view comes via Jo who is a meteorologist with commitment issues. She’s best friends with the expedition leader who persuades her that the experience is not to be missed.
From the day they arrive, there are issues and Ms Rupley cleverly uses the tension of ten strangers in a tense, slightly scary environment to ratchet up the angst. Are the ‘bad guys’ internal or external? There are certainly strains within the ten because they are very different people.
The plot is different from the usual formulaic lesfic and that is to be applauded. Having so many characters with ‘similar’ roles made the beginning slow as we had to get them all sorted out. But overall this is a good read and I was happy with the ending and the wrap up. No spoilers here and I can see why the decisions would have been taken as they were for the overall good of the mission and any future female led expeditions.
I’ll certainly be looking out for the next book by Ms Rupley.
From the day they arrive, there are issues and Ms Rupley cleverly uses the tension of ten strangers in a tense, slightly scary environment to ratchet up the angst. Are the ‘bad guys’ internal or external? There are certainly strains within the ten because they are very different people.
The plot is different from the usual formulaic lesfic and that is to be applauded. Having so many characters with ‘similar’ roles made the beginning slow as we had to get them all sorted out. But overall this is a good read and I was happy with the ending and the wrap up. No spoilers here and I can see why the decisions would have been taken as they were for the overall good of the mission and any future female led expeditions.
I’ll certainly be looking out for the next book by Ms Rupley.
March 12, 2024
Interesting details about Antarctica mixed with a mystery. Know that this is front loaded with info about Antarctica but once this group of ten women are on the continent, it shifts to a suspenseful story. Jo, who narrates, is an expert on extreme weather and she throws in with the experiment to see how a team would cope in isolation- in preparation for future trips to Mars- when she's asked along by her friend Ty. The other nine women each have their own expertise. No spoilers but know there's a death, that there have been threats to the project that begin to manifest, and that Jo's right not to trust everyone. This is more than a little implausible in spots (no spoilers) and there are leaps in time (suddenly they've been there 277 days) but it did keep me turning the pages. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I'll read anything set in Antarctica- this was a good one.
May 23, 2024
Jo Peterson is going to Antarctica for a year with a group of 10 women and their survival skills will be put to the test while researching weather patterns. This book did not completely meet my expectations since I expected a story about how to survive the extreme weather, isolation and how the research was being done combined with what happens when 10 women need to live together for a year with no escape.
Instead the story turned more into political intrigue, still interesting and it was well written but not really what I was expecting.
Nevertheless it was an interesting plot in a beautiful setting and worth your time if you like a bit of intrigue. If you want to pick this one up for the romance, don't do it. There is a romantic plotline, but that's about it.
***Thank you Netgalley and Bella Books for the chance to read and review this book ***
Instead the story turned more into political intrigue, still interesting and it was well written but not really what I was expecting.
Nevertheless it was an interesting plot in a beautiful setting and worth your time if you like a bit of intrigue. If you want to pick this one up for the romance, don't do it. There is a romantic plotline, but that's about it.
***Thank you Netgalley and Bella Books for the chance to read and review this book ***
September 26, 2024
I’m so glad I took a chance on this thrilling novel! Set on an all-female science expedition in Antarctica, the story is packed with suspense, political intrigue, and sapphic drama. From the extreme temperature setting to the intense character dynamics, I couldn’t put this book down.
Jo, the lead character, is compelling and relatable, and her journey through the unfolding mystery kept me hooked. The plot twists and tension between the characters made for an exciting and unpredictable read.
The combination of mystery, hint of romance, and political intrigue felt fresh and unique, a true standout in the genre. I really hope the author writes a sequel! There could be so much more to explore, and I’d love to see what’s next for Jo. If you’re looking for a gripping, entertaining read, this book delivers!
Jo, the lead character, is compelling and relatable, and her journey through the unfolding mystery kept me hooked. The plot twists and tension between the characters made for an exciting and unpredictable read.
The combination of mystery, hint of romance, and political intrigue felt fresh and unique, a true standout in the genre. I really hope the author writes a sequel! There could be so much more to explore, and I’d love to see what’s next for Jo. If you’re looking for a gripping, entertaining read, this book delivers!
March 21, 2025
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe!
Ten women on a journey to spend one year in a habitat doing scientific experiments. Each woman had a different expertise. The mission was really to see how the women would adapt and could women handle working together. Some were lesbians, but it wasn’t a romance novel other than two women who were strongly attracted to each other, but made a rule not to complicate things and risk damaging the expedition. There were constant things disrupting the everyday life, conflicts, sabotage, misunderstandings and more.
The story was told by Jo, the weather expert. Each character’s distinct personality added to the story.
I really enjoyed this but felt it was too rushed towards the end with all the loose ends getting wrapped up so quickly. I’m giving this 5 stars because of how much I loved it, and Angela Dawe’s narration.
Ten women on a journey to spend one year in a habitat doing scientific experiments. Each woman had a different expertise. The mission was really to see how the women would adapt and could women handle working together. Some were lesbians, but it wasn’t a romance novel other than two women who were strongly attracted to each other, but made a rule not to complicate things and risk damaging the expedition. There were constant things disrupting the everyday life, conflicts, sabotage, misunderstandings and more.
The story was told by Jo, the weather expert. Each character’s distinct personality added to the story.
I really enjoyed this but felt it was too rushed towards the end with all the loose ends getting wrapped up so quickly. I’m giving this 5 stars because of how much I loved it, and Angela Dawe’s narration.
April 20, 2025
This was an excellent book! I loved the mystery and was surprised at multiple turns. It was perfectly balanced with romantic charge, intrigue, science, and suspense. I was concerned at first by how many characters were in the book (because sometimes it’s hard to follow multiple key characters), but they were all developed really well and it was easy to remember who was who. The main character Jo had realistic flaws and I love how she was portrayed and how her character developed over the course of the book. Also loved the female empowerment with having an all-female research team! The author captured that dynamic really well, with the characters learning to trust each other and rely on one another in the face of a potential sabotage of their mission. Easily 5 stars.
April 30, 2025
Antarctica is a gripping and emotional journey that’s about so much more than just survival in the harshest environment on Earth. The themes of trust, teamwork, and personal growth are woven seamlessly into a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Angela Dawe’s narration adds another layer, bringing each character’s voice to life and making it impossible not to get invested in their journeys. Whether you’re drawn to the mystery, the relationships, or the fierce resilience of these women, this book offers something for everyone—and it’s impossible not to be swept up in it all.
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
March 12, 2025
Wow, I am EXHAUSTED! 😃 What a great story. There is romance, but it is not a romance, per se. The spice level fits the story. You'll see why. I suck at writing reviews, however I HIGHLY recommend this read/listen. I thought I'd listened to it previously, but either I was sleepwalking or this is not the same book. 😂 I was completely captivated the entire time. Great research, or experience, all of the details seem authentic, even though I've never been to Antarctica. 🤣
Angela Dawe does an excellent job bringing these characters and this story to life. It was a wonderful distraction.
Angela Dawe does an excellent job bringing these characters and this story to life. It was a wonderful distraction.
April 27, 2024
This was a refreshing read. A group of ten women go on a year-long Antarctica assignment where lots of interesting things happen.
I liked how the author described the setting; I feel like I went on a tour of the South Pole while reading this book. The story progressed smoothly so it was a very entertaining read.
I will keep an eye out for more books from this author, I liked this adventure.
I liked how the author described the setting; I feel like I went on a tour of the South Pole while reading this book. The story progressed smoothly so it was a very entertaining read.
I will keep an eye out for more books from this author, I liked this adventure.
July 2, 2024
I am mixed on this. I loved the Antarctic setting and the premise, but many other things fell short. There is a large cast of characters and while the main ones do stand out, the rest end up as a background blob. Honestly, the MCs could have used some more development as well. One character came off as so wooden, I kept waiting for her to be revealed as an android.
The story would make a great limited TV series.
#NetGalley
The story would make a great limited TV series.
#NetGalley
July 30, 2024
I expected an adventure story and I got it, plus a lot more. Other than possible romances and the natural friction between characters who are isolated together in a small habitat in below freezing temperatures, I never knew what would happen next.
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