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Deception Island
When a rescue team arrives at Deception Island to evacuate scientists from an erupting volcano, they discover everyone has vanished without a trace. Cut off from the outside world and trapped on an island with deadly secrets, Abbie must uncover the truth before the volcano – or something far more sinister – claims her life.
Deception Island, a sunken volcano, is about to blow – and the scientists studying it need evacuating. It’s a race against time, and nature.
But when they land on the island they find it completely deserted.
As they search for signs of life other strange things start to the radio is cut-off and then their boat disappears…
Deception Island holds many secrets, but Abbie is worried about just one
Will she make it off it alive?
Deception Island, a sunken volcano, is about to blow – and the scientists studying it need evacuating. It’s a race against time, and nature.
But when they land on the island they find it completely deserted.
As they search for signs of life other strange things start to the radio is cut-off and then their boat disappears…
Deception Island holds many secrets, but Abbie is worried about just one
Will she make it off it alive?
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
3 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Burnett
2 books45 followersRob Burnett is a journalist/writer from Stanley, Falkland Islands.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 20, 2026
A Navy ship is sent to Deception Island to evacuate a small team of scientists from an erupting volcano. When the rescue team arrive the island seems deserted - or is it? Distinct signs of sabotage happen when the power is cut to the base, & the rescue boat disappears, so now the team are trapped with no way of signalling to their ship. Will they make it off alive?
I requested this one as I really enjoyed the previous book 'Whiteout' written by the author. Unfortunately, for me this one didn't live up to the initial promise. Whilst entertaining & fast-paced, it was OTT with highly trained Marines easily picked off whilst a lesser-trained sailor manages to fight back. Way too much 'suspend your disbelief' for me. Overall entertaining & pacy but ultimately disappointing.
SUMMARY:
Plot: OTT, with highly trained Marines picked off easily whilst an ordinary sailor fights back.
Writing Style: Good - author can write well as previous book 'Whiteout' shows, but this is disappointing.
Enjoyment Level: Moderate - entertaining but a reader only has so much disbelief to suspend.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins/ HarperFiction, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I requested this one as I really enjoyed the previous book 'Whiteout' written by the author. Unfortunately, for me this one didn't live up to the initial promise. Whilst entertaining & fast-paced, it was OTT with highly trained Marines easily picked off whilst a lesser-trained sailor manages to fight back. Way too much 'suspend your disbelief' for me. Overall entertaining & pacy but ultimately disappointing.
SUMMARY:
Plot: OTT, with highly trained Marines picked off easily whilst an ordinary sailor fights back.
Writing Style: Good - author can write well as previous book 'Whiteout' shows, but this is disappointing.
Enjoyment Level: Moderate - entertaining but a reader only has so much disbelief to suspend.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins/ HarperFiction, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
February 21, 2026
A very enjoyable read, which having thoroughly enjoyed this author's last (first) book, did not surprise me.
Definitely an action thriller, although with a lot of suspense. Some great action, and good research, which is always of benefit to novels!
The author obviously knows the area, and I did enjoy the short explanation at the end.
For me, the bit I liked least was the politics.
However, the bit I thought was great, was the heroine - a very believable character.
And the graveyard twist - excellent!
If the author carries on like this, I will definitely be looking out for further books.
Definitely an action thriller, although with a lot of suspense. Some great action, and good research, which is always of benefit to novels!
The author obviously knows the area, and I did enjoy the short explanation at the end.
For me, the bit I liked least was the politics.
However, the bit I thought was great, was the heroine - a very believable character.
And the graveyard twist - excellent!
If the author carries on like this, I will definitely be looking out for further books.
February 17, 2026
Deception Island is a sunken volcano. The island is located somewhere in the Antarctic Circle and is a real place. Abby and her crew receive information that the volcano is about to erupt and that a team of scientists are to be rescued. However, when she and a colleague arrive, there are no scientists to be found. But something else is going on on this creepy island. Abby soon finds herself in an extremely dangerous situation and is confronted with a tragedy from her past.
I read this book because I enjoyed the author's previous book, Whiteout. Deception Island starts quite strongly. The island itself is a character and is rather eerie. However, the book soon turns out to be more of a military action thriller. It's an engaging read, despite its verbose nature. Abby often has to make split-second decisions, but there are pages and pages about her thoughts on said decisions. This slows down the pace. There are also a lot of flashbacks at random moments. Abby herself is a likeable character, but I don't think she would make a good Marine. She has experienced personal trauma, she is claustrophobic and she takes a long time to make decisions.
Overall, it's a good story with a fantastic location, but the flow and pace could be better. It's still a solid action thriller though.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book because I enjoyed the author's previous book, Whiteout. Deception Island starts quite strongly. The island itself is a character and is rather eerie. However, the book soon turns out to be more of a military action thriller. It's an engaging read, despite its verbose nature. Abby often has to make split-second decisions, but there are pages and pages about her thoughts on said decisions. This slows down the pace. There are also a lot of flashbacks at random moments. Abby herself is a likeable character, but I don't think she would make a good Marine. She has experienced personal trauma, she is claustrophobic and she takes a long time to make decisions.
Overall, it's a good story with a fantastic location, but the flow and pace could be better. It's still a solid action thriller though.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from HarperFiction and NetGalley.
I read White Out by this author last year and really enjoyed it. This novel is set on Deception Island, which I did not realise was a real location until I started reading! It is a perfect setting for a claustrophobic story, with the added pressure of hot lava flying down the mountain at any moment.
Our main character Abbie has had a tough few years after losing her husband at the hands of a man with a messiah complex. Abbie and her crewmates are told they are needed to assist evacuation for the volcanology team stationed on the island ahead of the imminent eruption but when Abbie and Brewster arrive, the island is seemingly empty.
What follows is a cat and mouse chase around debris and derelict buildings and mountainsides to try and outwit those with the intention to kill. I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. There were some real moments when all seems to be lost, but I found myself fascinated by the armed forces training to always be assessing the situation and finding solutions. No, I could not be one of the 0.01%!
I'm already looking forward to the next novel by this author. Same time next year?
I read White Out by this author last year and really enjoyed it. This novel is set on Deception Island, which I did not realise was a real location until I started reading! It is a perfect setting for a claustrophobic story, with the added pressure of hot lava flying down the mountain at any moment.
Our main character Abbie has had a tough few years after losing her husband at the hands of a man with a messiah complex. Abbie and her crewmates are told they are needed to assist evacuation for the volcanology team stationed on the island ahead of the imminent eruption but when Abbie and Brewster arrive, the island is seemingly empty.
What follows is a cat and mouse chase around debris and derelict buildings and mountainsides to try and outwit those with the intention to kill. I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. There were some real moments when all seems to be lost, but I found myself fascinated by the armed forces training to always be assessing the situation and finding solutions. No, I could not be one of the 0.01%!
I'm already looking forward to the next novel by this author. Same time next year?
February 12, 2026
No way off. No one to trust. No time left.
I was minding my own business last week when Harper Fiction slid into my emails with a link to R.S. Burnett’s new book, Deception Island, via NetGalley. I had never read anything by him before, but as soon as I read the synopsis, I couldn’t resist.
Deception Island is absolutely incredible. It’s fast-paced, no-holds-barred, claustrophobic, race-against-time brilliance. I read it in two sittings. I simply couldn’t stop. The stakes are sky-high and Rob sets the scenes with effortless precision. I was on the edge of my seat throughout; I could feel the claustrophobia and fear creeping in from the very first page and never letting up.
There’s so much I want to say, but I fear that revealing too much would give away key plot points — and this is a book that deserves to be experienced for the first time with fresh eyes. What I will say is that the potential foreshadowing is chilling. Possibly even more chilling than discovering that Deception Island is a real location with an active volcano rumbling beneath it.
Huge thanks to Harper Fiction for the early read. Deception Island is out today and I highly recommend adding it to your baskets immediately. Thank me later.
I was minding my own business last week when Harper Fiction slid into my emails with a link to R.S. Burnett’s new book, Deception Island, via NetGalley. I had never read anything by him before, but as soon as I read the synopsis, I couldn’t resist.
Deception Island is absolutely incredible. It’s fast-paced, no-holds-barred, claustrophobic, race-against-time brilliance. I read it in two sittings. I simply couldn’t stop. The stakes are sky-high and Rob sets the scenes with effortless precision. I was on the edge of my seat throughout; I could feel the claustrophobia and fear creeping in from the very first page and never letting up.
There’s so much I want to say, but I fear that revealing too much would give away key plot points — and this is a book that deserves to be experienced for the first time with fresh eyes. What I will say is that the potential foreshadowing is chilling. Possibly even more chilling than discovering that Deception Island is a real location with an active volcano rumbling beneath it.
Huge thanks to Harper Fiction for the early read. Deception Island is out today and I highly recommend adding it to your baskets immediately. Thank me later.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Deception Island completely pulled me in from the start. The concept of a rescue mission turning into a chilling mystery on a remote volcanic island is just brilliant—and it delivers. From the moment the team arrives to find the island deserted, I was hooked. The sense of isolation and creeping dread is so vivid that I felt like I was right there with Abbie, wondering what on earth happened and if she’d make it out alive.
The pacing is spot-on: tense, urgent, and full of twists that kept me guessing. I loved how the setting almost becomes a character in itself—harsh, beautiful, and terrifying. Abbie is such a strong and relatable lead; I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
I couldn’t put this book down. If you enjoy thrillers with survival stakes, eerie atmospheres, and secrets that unravel in the most unexpected ways, this one is for you. It’s the perfect mix of suspense and adventure, and it left me thinking about it long after I finished.
With thanks to RS Burnett, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
The pacing is spot-on: tense, urgent, and full of twists that kept me guessing. I loved how the setting almost becomes a character in itself—harsh, beautiful, and terrifying. Abbie is such a strong and relatable lead; I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
I couldn’t put this book down. If you enjoy thrillers with survival stakes, eerie atmospheres, and secrets that unravel in the most unexpected ways, this one is for you. It’s the perfect mix of suspense and adventure, and it left me thinking about it long after I finished.
With thanks to RS Burnett, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher. This was a fast-paced and intense thriller. It had a fantastic setting to bring a bit of adventure and a sense of racing against the clock. A volcano is about to blow on Deception Island and our main character is on a ship nearby that’s going to rescue the researchers stationed there. However things don’t go at all to plan and she finds herself in a deadly situation. The volcano added something so fascinating to the story, it ramped up the sense of jeopardy.
The isolation of the island was also incredibly effective. Our main character has limited assistance, they are in an extremely remote place and there’s very few avenues to ask for help.
I don’t want to say too much to avoid spoilers because the reveals were a big part of the fun in this book. But the plot was exciting, full of action and intrigue.
I enjoyed this thriller. I enjoyed that it was a female led story. The way everything was brought together, the unexpected surprises, the great setting.
The isolation of the island was also incredibly effective. Our main character has limited assistance, they are in an extremely remote place and there’s very few avenues to ask for help.
I don’t want to say too much to avoid spoilers because the reveals were a big part of the fun in this book. But the plot was exciting, full of action and intrigue.
I enjoyed this thriller. I enjoyed that it was a female led story. The way everything was brought together, the unexpected surprises, the great setting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love a thriller but I was unsure what to expect as it's not very often I read survival thrillers, if at all but Deception Island pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me hooked the whole way through.
Set on a volcanic island, Abbie and her partner are instructed to rescue a group of scientists before the volcano erupts, still grieving her husband, she vows that the mission will be successful but when they arrive, the island is desolate, or so she thinks. Before long, she realises that she's cut off from the outside and trapped in a place where deadly secrets will unfold.
Prepare to stay up very late reading this heart-pounding, fast-paced thriller. I genuinely couldn't put it down. There's so much action, and it's so tense I was on the edge of my seat.
I loved Abbie so much. Her courage and resilience really made this story, and I was so invested in her as a character. I'd definitely recommend Deception Island, especially if you're looking for something unique. I really need to read more by this author and can't wait for what he does next.
Set on a volcanic island, Abbie and her partner are instructed to rescue a group of scientists before the volcano erupts, still grieving her husband, she vows that the mission will be successful but when they arrive, the island is desolate, or so she thinks. Before long, she realises that she's cut off from the outside and trapped in a place where deadly secrets will unfold.
Prepare to stay up very late reading this heart-pounding, fast-paced thriller. I genuinely couldn't put it down. There's so much action, and it's so tense I was on the edge of my seat.
I loved Abbie so much. Her courage and resilience really made this story, and I was so invested in her as a character. I'd definitely recommend Deception Island, especially if you're looking for something unique. I really need to read more by this author and can't wait for what he does next.
February 17, 2026
I picked up Deception Island because I'd enjoyed RS Burnett's previous thriller,
Whiteout,
but this was a disappointment. It's misleadingly marketed as the story of a rescue team who arrives on a deserted island in the South Shetlands to save a team of scientists from an erupting volcano, but it's actually a military thriller about tracking down an escaped fugitive, which is so much less interesting to me. Even on its own terms, the pace is very slow for this kind of novel; we're about a quarter of the way in before anything happens at all, and about a third before the real stakes of the book are revealed. Burnett tries hard this time to give Abbie internal motivations while avoiding the flashbacks that broke the pace of Whiteout, but they're super clunky (we're told over and over again that she's mourning her husband and wants to apply for the Marines). Not one for me.
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
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December 22, 2025During a nightime operation to capture the UK's most wanted man, Marine Commando Drew is shot and killed by the terrorist he was arresting. Four years later, his widow Abbie, is on board HMS Northumberland which is taking part in exercises in the Atlantic. The ship is told to leave the exercise and head for Deception Island in the South Atlantic to evacuate the Marines and research scientists based there due to an imminent volcanic eruption.
However, Deception Island is well named as it's not a research facility at all but an isolated prison for the man who was believed to have been captured and killed four years ago. He's now escaped and is planning to return to the UK and cause death and destruction in a wave of attacks.
This was a bit of a slow burner but all in all an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins and R S Burnett for an eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
However, Deception Island is well named as it's not a research facility at all but an isolated prison for the man who was believed to have been captured and killed four years ago. He's now escaped and is planning to return to the UK and cause death and destruction in a wave of attacks.
This was a bit of a slow burner but all in all an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins and R S Burnett for an eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Deception Island had me hooked from the very first pages. What starts as a straightforward rescue mission quickly turns into something far more sinister when the team arrives on a remote volcanic island… and finds it completely deserted. From that moment on, the sense of unease never lets up.
The setting is such a standout. The isolation, the brutal beauty, the looming threat of a volcano about to erupt - it all adds a constant, nerve-shredding sense of danger. I loved how the island feels almost alive, working against Abbie at every turn. She’s a strong, capable lead, and I found myself rooting for her the whole way through.
Fast-paced, tense, and packed with twists, this is one of those thrillers that’s impossible to put down. I won’t say too much because the reveals are half the fun, but if you enjoy survival stakes, eerie atmospheres, and stories where everything can unravel in seconds, this one is well worth the ride.
The setting is such a standout. The isolation, the brutal beauty, the looming threat of a volcano about to erupt - it all adds a constant, nerve-shredding sense of danger. I loved how the island feels almost alive, working against Abbie at every turn. She’s a strong, capable lead, and I found myself rooting for her the whole way through.
Fast-paced, tense, and packed with twists, this is one of those thrillers that’s impossible to put down. I won’t say too much because the reveals are half the fun, but if you enjoy survival stakes, eerie atmospheres, and stories where everything can unravel in seconds, this one is well worth the ride.
February 12, 2026
Deception Island, a sunken volcano, is about to blow - and the scientists studying it need evacuating. It's a race against time and nature. But when they land on the island they find it completely deserted. As they search for signs of life, other strange things start - the radio is cut off and their boat disappears. Deception Island holds many secrets, but Abbie is worried about just one - will she make it off alive?
This was another page turner that I could not put down. What we get is a chilling mystery that's set on a remote volcanic island. Filled with twists, this is a tense read that has been well-developed characters. The pace is perfectly set with a great mix of eerie atmosphere and mystery.
Published 12th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #RSBurnett for my ARC of #DeceptionIsland in exchange for an honest review.
This was another page turner that I could not put down. What we get is a chilling mystery that's set on a remote volcanic island. Filled with twists, this is a tense read that has been well-developed characters. The pace is perfectly set with a great mix of eerie atmosphere and mystery.
Published 12th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #RSBurnett for my ARC of #DeceptionIsland in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A definite page turner set on an atmospheric island where a volcano is set to blow. Time is of the essence. Abbie is a well-developed character who is still mourning the death of her husband, her soulmate. She is interesting but I felt her feelings and trauma were rather over-egged and repetitive. As she and her superior officer, Brewster, land on this remote island to rescue scientists they find everyone has disappeared and all is not as it seems. When joined by a London spook, Ridley, far too much time is wasted talking - Ridley demanding obedience, Abbie demanding information. The actual situation comes to light and then there is a cat and mouse game all over the island.
Would make a good film with all the action. Three and a half stars for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley/R.S. Burnett/HarperCollins UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Would make a good film with all the action. Three and a half stars for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley/R.S. Burnett/HarperCollins UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 19, 2026
Deception island - a volcanic island off Antarctica
"Alert state: RED. Major explosive eruption is expected within twenty-four hours. Large ash plumes expected to exceed ten thousand metres above sea level."
Naval ship Northumberland heading for a military training exercise is diverted to evacuate a team of researchers that needed to be pulled off the island fast. Initial Radio communication with the island advises that the first tremors have been noted and then the next radio contact is met with silence. When they arrive they are met with a situation far from what they were expecting.
I'll be honest, based on the blurb this wasn't quite what I was expecting either but it was a good read nonetheless. A fast paced action thriller that once started was very difficult to put down.
"Alert state: RED. Major explosive eruption is expected within twenty-four hours. Large ash plumes expected to exceed ten thousand metres above sea level."
Naval ship Northumberland heading for a military training exercise is diverted to evacuate a team of researchers that needed to be pulled off the island fast. Initial Radio communication with the island advises that the first tremors have been noted and then the next radio contact is met with silence. When they arrive they are met with a situation far from what they were expecting.
I'll be honest, based on the blurb this wasn't quite what I was expecting either but it was a good read nonetheless. A fast paced action thriller that once started was very difficult to put down.
February 20, 2026
As a report comes in of an imminent volcanic eruption on a remote antarctic island, Abbie finds herself leading an evacuation team, however things are not as they seem. The island appears deserted and then a Government bigwig arrives and explains that the island is a prison for a terrorist, presumed killed. this is the same terrorist who killed Abbie's husband four years earlier. Now Abbie has to find a way to escape Deception Island and stop a major terrorist plot.
As thrillers go, this is quite a good one. It moves along at a pace, there's a decent enough plot and the action never really lets up. I wouldn't say that it's excellent literature but it really entertains!
As thrillers go, this is quite a good one. It moves along at a pace, there's a decent enough plot and the action never really lets up. I wouldn't say that it's excellent literature but it really entertains!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Widely believed to be a volcano research facility, Deception Island lives up to its name, and hides its secrets well. As a volcanic eruption threatens, the rescue mission sent discovers that there is no one there. So where have all the scientists gone?
The answers to that question will reveal the exact nature of the facility on Deception Island, which is not what it seems to be.
This is a fast paced and action packed survival story. Likely to be enjoyed by most thriller readers, it gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The answers to that question will reveal the exact nature of the facility on Deception Island, which is not what it seems to be.
This is a fast paced and action packed survival story. Likely to be enjoyed by most thriller readers, it gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 14, 2026
First things first, thank you Netgalley and also HarperCollins for this ARC!
The blurb did sound really good - an island with an erupting volcano, all the people there vanished, and a race against time. I do really love myself a good survival thriller from time to time, and this one did deliver what it promised. The claustrophobic feeling did send shivers down my spine, and the fast pace the story was moving forward in made it impossible for me to put the book down. I simpy had to know what was going on, or what I should believe, or whom I should trust. Very much recommended!
The blurb did sound really good - an island with an erupting volcano, all the people there vanished, and a race against time. I do really love myself a good survival thriller from time to time, and this one did deliver what it promised. The claustrophobic feeling did send shivers down my spine, and the fast pace the story was moving forward in made it impossible for me to put the book down. I simpy had to know what was going on, or what I should believe, or whom I should trust. Very much recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Not what it describes to be and needs some serious editing work. Same point made multiple times during a sentence was a fast track to me falling asleep while reading this. I enjoyed the premise of it and the character development, though overdone, was well thought out. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be carrying on with this author's work unless some serious changes are made in the editing process.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Deception Island is a volcano, the group of scientists who are studying it need to be evacuated quickly before it erupts. When the boat arrives, there is no-one there, the island is deserted. What has happened to the scientists?
A race against time, and you can feel the tension as Abbie try’s to work out what is happening, this was a good read and my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
A race against time, and you can feel the tension as Abbie try’s to work out what is happening, this was a good read and my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
February 26, 2026
Action packed to set the adrenaline pumping. The drama builds from the very first page and you’re caught up in a world of danger; miles away from help. That’s not all; you’re not just fighting a dangerous human enemy, the very ground you’re walking on is about to be swallowed up in fire and flood of biblical proportions. So there’s not a lot of time.
This is a punchy psychological thriller and one not to be missed.
This is a punchy psychological thriller and one not to be missed.
February 9, 2026
I was intrigued by the premise of this novel. A heart pounding survival thriller with deadly secrets - what’s not to love. I found myself engrossed pretty quickly and the book is quite hard to put down. Short, punchy chapters that leave you wanting more. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and the author for the chance to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. It was a departure from the books I would normally read but I am so glad that I read it. The characters were well drawn and I was absorbed by the story from the first page, I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 12, 2026
Really liked this book. The pacing is awesome and the setting is very immersive. The atmosphere was almost claustrophobic. I loved the twists. I flew through it on the edge of my seat pretty much the entire way through. Best book I've read so far this year.
February 18, 2026
I enjoyed it, was hard to put down. Not overly predictable, glad I gave it a chance.
February 10, 2026
Deception Island is a fast paced, atmospheric thriller. I started reading it and literally could not put it down. The sense of place is so vivid that you felt like you were really there with Abbie throughout the novel. Burnett plants the seeds of mystery and intrigue in the early stages of the novel which sit at the back of the mind throughout. A fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews