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The Last Outpost
A dystopian science fiction novel that unravels a great secret of the most mysterious continent in the world.
Scott "Buck" Buckley, an environmental scientist, accepts the position of general overseer at the McMurdo Antarctic research station. After signing a secrecy declaration, Scott becomes privy to the existence of Geyser Valley, an area with a unique warm microclimate, which is home to the mysterious indigenous Anai people. In an outrageous conspiracy, the world governments are keeping the existence of these people a secret, to avoid limitations on the division of land for natural resources.
Scott is fascinated by the unique culture of the Anai, visiting them and learning from them as much as he can. In the meantime, the world becomes more and more unstable as global war is about to break out. Just before darkness sets over Antarctica, warfare tears the world apart, and the research station finds itself completely isolated for the long and sunless winter.
In the loneliness of the winter, Scott remains facing difficult questions all alone: who are the Anai, and how did they come to Antarctica? How much truth is there in their legends about giant ancient reptiles frozen in ice, waiting to come back to life? How is McMurdo going to hold on until the communications and supply lines are restored? And where are the limits one is not allowed to cross, not even in the name of survival?
Reminiscent of Avatar and The Lost World by Conan Doyle, this book takes the reader on a journey of discovery one will not forget.
Scott "Buck" Buckley, an environmental scientist, accepts the position of general overseer at the McMurdo Antarctic research station. After signing a secrecy declaration, Scott becomes privy to the existence of Geyser Valley, an area with a unique warm microclimate, which is home to the mysterious indigenous Anai people. In an outrageous conspiracy, the world governments are keeping the existence of these people a secret, to avoid limitations on the division of land for natural resources.
Scott is fascinated by the unique culture of the Anai, visiting them and learning from them as much as he can. In the meantime, the world becomes more and more unstable as global war is about to break out. Just before darkness sets over Antarctica, warfare tears the world apart, and the research station finds itself completely isolated for the long and sunless winter.
In the loneliness of the winter, Scott remains facing difficult questions all alone: who are the Anai, and how did they come to Antarctica? How much truth is there in their legends about giant ancient reptiles frozen in ice, waiting to come back to life? How is McMurdo going to hold on until the communications and supply lines are restored? And where are the limits one is not allowed to cross, not even in the name of survival?
Reminiscent of Avatar and The Lost World by Conan Doyle, this book takes the reader on a journey of discovery one will not forget.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2018
About the author
Hannah Ross
36 books58 followersHannah Ross wrote her first story at the age of six and hasn’t stopped since. Wishing to have a steady profession, she trained as a nutritionist, but the writing bug was too strong and Hannah continued to write fiction in the form of short stories, novels, poetry and plays, as well as many non-fiction essays and articles.
Hannah enjoys a quiet life in the country with her husband, four children, two cats and a flock of chickens.
Hannah enjoys a quiet life in the country with her husband, four children, two cats and a flock of chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 17, 2018
This was my first book by this author, so was not sure what to expect. Wow, was I very pleasantly surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, as well as getting to know the characters. By the time the book was over, I was so enmeshed with the location, the people, and the tale of their lives, that I hated to see it end. The author did a wonderful job of providing amazing and descriptive details, that you could picture the place in your mind, as well as the people and how they felt and thought. It was an exciting adventure set in a research facility in Antartica - which is all I will say, as I don't want to put any spoilers in my review. Honestly, a well thought out book - and well researched too. I would have no problems recommending this for young adults and adults alike!!
In closing, I wish to say that I received this book as an ARC edition in exchange for an honest review. I wish to thank the author for the opportunity to read her book, and share in the stories of some amazing, fascinating people as they face the challenges of their lives, the elements, and some surprises.
In closing, I wish to say that I received this book as an ARC edition in exchange for an honest review. I wish to thank the author for the opportunity to read her book, and share in the stories of some amazing, fascinating people as they face the challenges of their lives, the elements, and some surprises.
June 1, 2018
THE LAST OUTPOST by Hannah Ross
I totally loved this exciting and fascinating novel. True, it'd be difficult not to love any story set in Antarctica, but THE LAST OUTPOST is just too good not to totally admire! Feeling "as if I was there," I immediately became wrapped in the story: the setting, the human involvement, the imminent worldwide chaos. And the SECRETS! Yes, in this novel Antarctica has a plethora of secrets, and some rival Star Trek First Contact episodes. There's a lot of anthropological philosophy, social commentary, and really well-written heroes and villains.
I totally loved this exciting and fascinating novel. True, it'd be difficult not to love any story set in Antarctica, but THE LAST OUTPOST is just too good not to totally admire! Feeling "as if I was there," I immediately became wrapped in the story: the setting, the human involvement, the imminent worldwide chaos. And the SECRETS! Yes, in this novel Antarctica has a plethora of secrets, and some rival Star Trek First Contact episodes. There's a lot of anthropological philosophy, social commentary, and really well-written heroes and villains.
September 17, 2019
This is an excellently written and well thought out story about the Antarctic and possibilities that could exist.
The characters are interesting and engaging.
It was a bit slow, but that happens when describing a new atmosphere and while developing characters.
My only problem was some of the political references that were included in the story.
Otherwise, I look forward to reading the next book, which is queued up on my Kindle.
The characters are interesting and engaging.
It was a bit slow, but that happens when describing a new atmosphere and while developing characters.
My only problem was some of the political references that were included in the story.
Otherwise, I look forward to reading the next book, which is queued up on my Kindle.
March 2, 2019
Easy read
Enjoyed the book, but at times it was slow. Looking forward to the next book. It is though provoking. Read it.
Enjoyed the book, but at times it was slow. Looking forward to the next book. It is though provoking. Read it.
June 15, 2024
Review to come.
November 10, 2026
Overall, not my cup of tea. While the summary sets the stage for what could have been a riveting sci-fi /end-of-the-world novel, the storytelling falls short. There are two parallel events taking place. One, a world war that seems to be the precursor to a dystopian Hunger Games-type novella, and the other is the discovery of a new world and indigenous people in the middle of the Antarctic.
Outside of using the "Great War" storyline to justify some of the main character's decisions, the primary storyline regarding the discovery of the "Anai" has no impact on the war and life back home for the main Character.
A few things I didn't like in particular:
The main character is given a wife who remains largely 2-dimensional and is primarily written in a negative light (self-centered/selfish/etc), which acts as justification when the main character later has an emotional affair with the chieftainess from the Anai. This really gives the impression, "Well, his wife is a b*tch, so it's okay."
It feels like this great world war exists only to provide a clean ending to all of the main characters' family ties and reasons to return home. His wife is dead, and he gets to move on. His parents are dead; no reason to return.
This is all exacerbated by the short timeline (not a full calendar year) and the reality set in the storyline where the main character is not free to visit the Anai people very often, or for very long when he can. The assumed 'developing' relationships are just unrealistic given the timeline and pace set up.
I think this story has a great premise, but the execution falls short. I think the book is almost too short. Not enough detail went into each part individually, and the characters remain formulaic, with no progression or character growth arcs.
Outside of using the "Great War" storyline to justify some of the main character's decisions, the primary storyline regarding the discovery of the "Anai" has no impact on the war and life back home for the main Character.
A few things I didn't like in particular:
The main character is given a wife who remains largely 2-dimensional and is primarily written in a negative light (self-centered/selfish/etc), which acts as justification when the main character later has an emotional affair with the chieftainess from the Anai. This really gives the impression, "Well, his wife is a b*tch, so it's okay."
It feels like this great world war exists only to provide a clean ending to all of the main characters' family ties and reasons to return home. His wife is dead, and he gets to move on. His parents are dead; no reason to return.
This is all exacerbated by the short timeline (not a full calendar year) and the reality set in the storyline where the main character is not free to visit the Anai people very often, or for very long when he can. The assumed 'developing' relationships are just unrealistic given the timeline and pace set up.
I think this story has a great premise, but the execution falls short. I think the book is almost too short. Not enough detail went into each part individually, and the characters remain formulaic, with no progression or character growth arcs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2024
The problems with this story are so numerous that I hardly know where to start.
A: After over a thousand years of isolation a small group of people would become to inbred to survice in those conditions.
B: Scientists would never agree to keeping that big a secret, and it definitely would not be able to keep that knowledge secret from others at the station.
C: The creature in the ice would be dead for sevearl reasons.
1: Ice crystals from in cells when being frozen and destroy the cells.
2: It would have to be warmed up to awaken and being under water it would drown.
3: Should it somehow survive being released from the watery prison, it would take time for it to awaken and be active.
Those are just the grossest errors. The author claims to have read a lot before writing the story, but he needs to read more and probably consult with others before trying to publish.
A: After over a thousand years of isolation a small group of people would become to inbred to survice in those conditions.
B: Scientists would never agree to keeping that big a secret, and it definitely would not be able to keep that knowledge secret from others at the station.
C: The creature in the ice would be dead for sevearl reasons.
1: Ice crystals from in cells when being frozen and destroy the cells.
2: It would have to be warmed up to awaken and being under water it would drown.
3: Should it somehow survive being released from the watery prison, it would take time for it to awaken and be active.
Those are just the grossest errors. The author claims to have read a lot before writing the story, but he needs to read more and probably consult with others before trying to publish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this! Everything for me was spot on, a really good storyline with interesting ideas & characters, then a completely unexpected surprise in the plot! I liked everything really, so I thought this was a really great read! I will look for more by this writer! I do recommend!
February 26, 2024
Antarctica
The continent is a fascinating area of wonder and intrigue. But when you place a dystopian novel that involves Native Antarcticans, a detestable villain, and Dinosaurs all together during a world crisis,...? Very good book!!
The continent is a fascinating area of wonder and intrigue. But when you place a dystopian novel that involves Native Antarcticans, a detestable villain, and Dinosaurs all together during a world crisis,...? Very good book!!
September 2, 2024
Scott Buckley takes a position at McMurdo Antarctic Research Station, but it turns out to be much more than he ever imagined. As the world erupts in war, he is taken to meet the Anai, a secluded indigenous people living in a village in a geyser heated valley.
January 3, 2026
An Incredible wonderful imaginative story
Scott is sent to a remote station in Antartica that harbors a great mystery.
Unknown to all there is even a greater mystery to be discovered.
Scott is sent to a remote station in Antartica that harbors a great mystery.
Unknown to all there is even a greater mystery to be discovered.
November 13, 2023
This book was good, with a fresh setting. One fault I noted is that the main character acted a bit like a hormonal teenager. He should be more mature is he was qualified for the job he has.
January 21, 2024
Hot and Cold.
Enjoyable read and the idea of a warm liveable area within a freezing environment and anon discovered tribe of people interesting.
Enjoyable read and the idea of a warm liveable area within a freezing environment and anon discovered tribe of people interesting.
May 20, 2026
Pure Escape
This was a fast read and fun escape to the mysterious continent of Antarctica. Great summer read! It will delight you and maybe even help you keep cool.
This was a fast read and fun escape to the mysterious continent of Antarctica. Great summer read! It will delight you and maybe even help you keep cool.
August 15, 2026
I thought that this was an ordinary read. A sedate pace and a sedate story about something. The story had a number of themes, but I am not sure what the story was actually about. Was it just a love story set in a very complex scenario?
February 12, 2024
The Last Outpost is a book I thought was good, but not great. It had an interesting plot, and the blurb introduced a compelling idea, but didn’t quite live up to its promise. The plot feels torn in two, attempting to balance the mystery of an unknown culture and the conflict occurring in the wider world. It had characters worth rooting for, but they weren’t stand-outs. The writing was good and it was an easy read. It was a fun story overall, but I’m not sure how memorable it is.
My full review can be found here
My full review can be found here
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews