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Antipodes
Antipodes is a unique work of fiction, set in present-day post-apocalyptic Australia. Aimed at young adults who are disillusioned with our world, and concerned for the ecological future of our planet, Antipodes focuses on the values our society lacks-sustainability, inclusion, community and friendship.
Cam Mackintosh is in his last year of a science degree at Melbourne University when he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to help establish an entirely sustainable community on an island off the coast of Australia following a deadly outbreak. The community is presented with a clean slate; a completely new eco-village, protected from the outside world, but with much of the knowledge and technology of today. The community on August Island thrives and is established on modern values of gender equality and cultural inclusion.
In their second year, Will overcomes his personal challenges and finds love with Freyja. Life is idyllic until Freyja goes missing. Will follows her to Scotland using Antipodes, an ancient secret, referenced by many cultures throughout history. There he connects with sustainable community on the island of Lewis, much like his own. Strangers become friends, and he realises he has found his forever home, the place where he is genuinely of the land. His new friends include Fraser, who shares his passion for sustainable agriculture and Laetitia, a psychologist turned teacher with a challenging past. Despite his contentment, his loyalty and commitment to Freyja continue to haunt him, and Will travels outside the protection of the communities in search of Freyja and other communities like theirs.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy the environment-centred work of Margaret Atwood such as Oryx and Crake, or work by Piers Torday, Frank Cottrell Boyce and Sarah Crossan's Breathe.
Cam Mackintosh is in his last year of a science degree at Melbourne University when he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to help establish an entirely sustainable community on an island off the coast of Australia following a deadly outbreak. The community is presented with a clean slate; a completely new eco-village, protected from the outside world, but with much of the knowledge and technology of today. The community on August Island thrives and is established on modern values of gender equality and cultural inclusion.
In their second year, Will overcomes his personal challenges and finds love with Freyja. Life is idyllic until Freyja goes missing. Will follows her to Scotland using Antipodes, an ancient secret, referenced by many cultures throughout history. There he connects with sustainable community on the island of Lewis, much like his own. Strangers become friends, and he realises he has found his forever home, the place where he is genuinely of the land. His new friends include Fraser, who shares his passion for sustainable agriculture and Laetitia, a psychologist turned teacher with a challenging past. Despite his contentment, his loyalty and commitment to Freyja continue to haunt him, and Will travels outside the protection of the communities in search of Freyja and other communities like theirs.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy the environment-centred work of Margaret Atwood such as Oryx and Crake, or work by Piers Torday, Frank Cottrell Boyce and Sarah Crossan's Breathe.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
4 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Simons
19 books111 followersT.S. Simons is an award winning Australian-based author of Scottish heritage. Living in the alpine region of Australia, she believes in the values of integrity, sustainability, and community in a world where we place greater value on possessions than people. She enjoys posing philosophical questions that make readers think and reflect on the world we live in.
The Antipodes series addresses the question—if we gave young people the opportunity to start over, would they replicate the mistakes of the past?
She holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees, post-graduate qualifications in governance and management, and is an accredited company director. She is an Australia Reads Ambassador and enjoys reading, traveling, mythology, and snow skiing while attempting to live as sustainably as possible with her partner and children. She is owned by a standard schnauzer, fox red Labrador and three rescue cats who co-manage her household.
The Antipodes series comprises the international award-winning Project Hemisphere, The Space Between, Infinity, Circle of Protection, and Sessrumnir. The 45th Parallel series comprises The 45th Parallel, Orenda, and Bifrost. She is working on the fourth book in this series, Triple Helix, and a prequel to Project Hemisphere - Crossroads.
The Antipodes series addresses the question—if we gave young people the opportunity to start over, would they replicate the mistakes of the past?
She holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees, post-graduate qualifications in governance and management, and is an accredited company director. She is an Australia Reads Ambassador and enjoys reading, traveling, mythology, and snow skiing while attempting to live as sustainably as possible with her partner and children. She is owned by a standard schnauzer, fox red Labrador and three rescue cats who co-manage her household.
The Antipodes series comprises the international award-winning Project Hemisphere, The Space Between, Infinity, Circle of Protection, and Sessrumnir. The 45th Parallel series comprises The 45th Parallel, Orenda, and Bifrost. She is working on the fourth book in this series, Triple Helix, and a prequel to Project Hemisphere - Crossroads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 12, 2021
Cam, a young college student, is chosen out of thousands of others to help establish a new community on an island outside of Australia. The result of a deadly viral outbreak worldwide, August Island quickly develops a community. Working hard, making friends, and finding love, Cam is content. Until Freyja, his partner, goes missing. Cam sets out on a journey to find her, in the process finding himself and discovering other communities. This story is wonderfully told, and was hard to put down. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Antipodes is realistic, funny at times, and heartbreaking at others. A must read for anyone who enjoys adventure novels, Antipodes is a fantastic story of rebuilding life from the ground up. Definitely a 5 star read!
December 28, 2020
Antipodes by T.S. Simons is YA dystopian story that isn’t your typical dystopian story. The book is richly creative and well written. TS’s passion shines through as she focuses more on the people and if the mistakes of others will be repeated when it comes to survival. As this is the first book in the series TS takes her time setting the scene and focuses on the details. Being set in Australia makes it easier to imagine the world in which she has created.
May 19, 2021
What a well thought out dystopian tale! I found this read to be fascinating; especially, at a time like this! It really made you think about how would we, as a society, cope with something more devastating than Covid. I felt like I was learning how to survive as I read and that kept me reading. I had to know how the characters dealt with everything!
Definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
May 19, 2021
First off needles to say I FREAKING loves this book is a undestatment. As I was reading there was an instant connection to the characters as well as where the book was taking place...
with the world how it is in current times, i felt so much relation with times of covid..mistakes of others make us pay for how we live in the world we do now. it made me truly think if we changed things we did would we be in in the situations or reality we currently are?
The characters, they were not just characters you loved or hated you undestood them. and that doesnt alwasys happen in novels. you got to feel their feelings and thoughts and undestand why they are the way they are and how they choose to be based on their own experiences.
And to add this book was a true eye opener for survival. Not just physically in a world that can greatly change but mentall survive in the changing world for what it is.
The book was very captivaiting. It wasa book that greatly provided a great distraction for me. It really gave me a great read as well as great enterainment.
This is a novel worth picking up and reading. If your anything like me you will yearn for more and want to see what happens to the characters next!
Again it was an amazing read and I loved it truly!
with the world how it is in current times, i felt so much relation with times of covid..mistakes of others make us pay for how we live in the world we do now. it made me truly think if we changed things we did would we be in in the situations or reality we currently are?
The characters, they were not just characters you loved or hated you undestood them. and that doesnt alwasys happen in novels. you got to feel their feelings and thoughts and undestand why they are the way they are and how they choose to be based on their own experiences.
And to add this book was a true eye opener for survival. Not just physically in a world that can greatly change but mentall survive in the changing world for what it is.
The book was very captivaiting. It wasa book that greatly provided a great distraction for me. It really gave me a great read as well as great enterainment.
This is a novel worth picking up and reading. If your anything like me you will yearn for more and want to see what happens to the characters next!
Again it was an amazing read and I loved it truly!
May 20, 2021
This novel l, while slightly different, is beyond great. Even though it is set in post-apocalyptic Australia, it touches on today's issues. This is a wonderful young adult read. T.S. Simons is a fantastic author and it shows.
May 9, 2021
Intriguing, thought-provoking and brilliant. This book had me questioning so much about how long the current world can keep existing. I really connected with the main character and was quickly emotionally vested. The setting (my backyard) was so easily visualised and the messages of survival, sustainable living and inclusion were so craftily interwoven in this dystopian sci-fi based in our own world. This book had me questioning so much, even when I wasn’t reading. There is a lot presented in the pages but being the first book in a series this is expected and by the end it will have you wanting to know even more.
May 11, 2021
This book was awesome. It is well written and an attention grabber. I took a chance on this book, being outside my comfort zone of reading. I am glad I did. I was taken on an amazing adventure. I could picture everything that was happening in my mind. I can’t wait to read more from T.S. Simons and this series.
June 13, 2023
I received an advance review copy of this book, and the review is my own.
This is a collection of genres, including dystopian, sci-fi, and time travel. But in the end, it is also a hard fought romance. The details around Cam's life are a great set up behind how he, and his views of life, change throughout the story. For an American, this read as a great introduction to everyday Aussie life, expressions, and the culture. The writing is smooth, like the sprinkling of sarcasm and how it fits the scenes. The protagonist is self-deprecating with his decisions and expectations, and nothing seems to surprise him.
The doomsday reaction to the virus, and breadth of it is detailed in conversation better than it could have been in straight text. The futuristic details throughout rang true. Things radically change direction with what they find by the stones.
The protagonist found that it was a choice to be on the island, but there was no choice about who else was on the island, which appears to be one of the main points of the plot. Another point of note; when it came to time and time zones, everything changed to a new “dimension.”
Favorite part? The final goodbye letter from Hugh was executed with perfection, and poignancy.
Favorite character? Blake and his sense of humor, especially when explaining time
In some respects, this was a love story, but it was meant to explore the basis of what you think your life is about. Recommended.
This is a collection of genres, including dystopian, sci-fi, and time travel. But in the end, it is also a hard fought romance. The details around Cam's life are a great set up behind how he, and his views of life, change throughout the story. For an American, this read as a great introduction to everyday Aussie life, expressions, and the culture. The writing is smooth, like the sprinkling of sarcasm and how it fits the scenes. The protagonist is self-deprecating with his decisions and expectations, and nothing seems to surprise him.
The doomsday reaction to the virus, and breadth of it is detailed in conversation better than it could have been in straight text. The futuristic details throughout rang true. Things radically change direction with what they find by the stones.
The protagonist found that it was a choice to be on the island, but there was no choice about who else was on the island, which appears to be one of the main points of the plot. Another point of note; when it came to time and time zones, everything changed to a new “dimension.”
Favorite part? The final goodbye letter from Hugh was executed with perfection, and poignancy.
Favorite character? Blake and his sense of humor, especially when explaining time
In some respects, this was a love story, but it was meant to explore the basis of what you think your life is about. Recommended.
December 28, 2020
Campbell Mackintosh starts his day with a hangover, he had been out drinking with his friends to celebrate his birthday and now the sun is streaming in, he has a headache and a distinct reluctance to getting up, all he wants is some more sleep, but his mum is vacuuming right outside his bedroom door as punishment. She doesn’t want him to sleep, he probably woke her up when he thought he was being quiet, so instead of sleeping longer, he resigns himself to the fact that he has to get up and face the music. He reminisces about his mum's wild scottish ways and how living in Australia for many years hadn’t dulled her fiery temper, staunch stubbornness or sense of adventure, she also hadn’t lost her wit, sense of humour or inability to help anyone or anything in need. As he slowly made his way from the bathroom to the kitchen, his extra chirpy interrogation started, so painkillers in hand, he managed to get himself some water, coffee and toast and faced his family. His sister was reading the weekend paper as usual and his dad was up at “The Block” a piece of land where they went to escape the world and be surrounded by nature, a place where they learned as children to live off the land and all the survival techniques they may need out there.
He reminisces some more about his parents, their lives, their knowledge which had been passed on to him, his life so far and what he wanted to do when he finished his degree, that is as well as considering the merits of another cup of coffee until he is interrupted by his sister who asks him if he has seen the news. She goes on to tell him about a virus which has started to infect and kill hundreds of people, plants, animals and aquatic life in europe, how it is transmitted through water and seems to be nothing which can stop it, it is spreading like wildfire and if it continues on its current path, then it will eventually reach the sea and nobody and nothing survive once infected. Cam’s mum decides at that moment to vacuum in the kitchen and until she is finished, he decides to make himself that second cup and also to make one for his sister at the same time, he hands it over to her as soon as his mum goes into the living room and he shuts the door behind her. His sister then asks him if he is going to apply and she tells him in no uncertain terms to check his email and see for himself, it turns out that everyone who is able to apply has already had the link sent to them so that they can fill in the online registration, the government is looking for people to go to a meeting in Melbourne and Cam fills the requirements, he fills out the forms and get’s a message to say he has been booked on a but at 08:30 monday morning, plenty of time for him to go there, come back and get to his afternoon classes.
When Cam gets to the facility, he is surrounded by hundreds of other confused applicants, in long queues to get onto the bus in the first place and as he sees the guarded facility and yet more people and more queues, he decides that he made the right decision going for the early slot, he sees that it looks like a military base and that everyone had a role to play, they are told to report for registration and yet again, join another queue, this one is to get to a computer screen and fill out pages and pages of information from medical history to education, religion and everything in between, next he hands in his phone and watch and he is told he will get them back when he leaves. To pass the time Cam watches the other people and tries not to get fried by the midday sun, his name is eventually called to go to the next stage which is in a room where he has to fill in a psychometric assessment and answer as many questions as he can in a set amount of hours. As he is told to finish, stand up and leave the room, he feels like he hasn’t answered enough questions, but that stops when he goes to wait in the next room until he hears his name being called, he is then ushered into another room in smaller groups and just left there. Eventually, they follow someone out sluggishly to a room where blood and cheek swabs are taken before being led into a dining hall and thankful for finally getting something to eat and drink, he strikes up his first conversation since he has been there. Cam is then led for more tests and finally into an amphitheatre where the reason for all the secrecy and the tests is revealed, the people in the room had all been chosen to take part in an experiment where they will be isolated on islands and covered with a dome before living on the islands for the foreseeable future in order to continue the human race. It turns out that they have been selected to live these sustainable and isolated lives while the rest of the world succumbs to the virus within the waterways, they now have the choice of whether to accept the invitation or not. When Cam returns home with this information, it turns out that he has been gone for three days and only has two to reach a decision, he discusses it with his family and decides to accept and this is where the adventure of a lifetime begins for him.
A couple of years have passed and the community he is now living in has succeeded in surviving and starting to grow, he has a steady job and on the anniversary of the founding of their community finds a partner in Freja, they have a loving relationship and a bright future, this is until Freja disappears and Cam is lost without her, until he follows her without realising it and discovers he has travelled to a new community on Lewis in Scotland and that way in which he got there is a portal and also that there are more of these Antipodes throughout the world, he makes the decision to leave the safety of the dome to find Freja after he discovers that she has done the same.
This is a dystopian adventure set in the present, but with a twist on the usual themes with the Antipodes, but what will Cam find when he sets off on his travels and will he be able to unravel the feelings he has to find out where his future lies?
He reminisces some more about his parents, their lives, their knowledge which had been passed on to him, his life so far and what he wanted to do when he finished his degree, that is as well as considering the merits of another cup of coffee until he is interrupted by his sister who asks him if he has seen the news. She goes on to tell him about a virus which has started to infect and kill hundreds of people, plants, animals and aquatic life in europe, how it is transmitted through water and seems to be nothing which can stop it, it is spreading like wildfire and if it continues on its current path, then it will eventually reach the sea and nobody and nothing survive once infected. Cam’s mum decides at that moment to vacuum in the kitchen and until she is finished, he decides to make himself that second cup and also to make one for his sister at the same time, he hands it over to her as soon as his mum goes into the living room and he shuts the door behind her. His sister then asks him if he is going to apply and she tells him in no uncertain terms to check his email and see for himself, it turns out that everyone who is able to apply has already had the link sent to them so that they can fill in the online registration, the government is looking for people to go to a meeting in Melbourne and Cam fills the requirements, he fills out the forms and get’s a message to say he has been booked on a but at 08:30 monday morning, plenty of time for him to go there, come back and get to his afternoon classes.
When Cam gets to the facility, he is surrounded by hundreds of other confused applicants, in long queues to get onto the bus in the first place and as he sees the guarded facility and yet more people and more queues, he decides that he made the right decision going for the early slot, he sees that it looks like a military base and that everyone had a role to play, they are told to report for registration and yet again, join another queue, this one is to get to a computer screen and fill out pages and pages of information from medical history to education, religion and everything in between, next he hands in his phone and watch and he is told he will get them back when he leaves. To pass the time Cam watches the other people and tries not to get fried by the midday sun, his name is eventually called to go to the next stage which is in a room where he has to fill in a psychometric assessment and answer as many questions as he can in a set amount of hours. As he is told to finish, stand up and leave the room, he feels like he hasn’t answered enough questions, but that stops when he goes to wait in the next room until he hears his name being called, he is then ushered into another room in smaller groups and just left there. Eventually, they follow someone out sluggishly to a room where blood and cheek swabs are taken before being led into a dining hall and thankful for finally getting something to eat and drink, he strikes up his first conversation since he has been there. Cam is then led for more tests and finally into an amphitheatre where the reason for all the secrecy and the tests is revealed, the people in the room had all been chosen to take part in an experiment where they will be isolated on islands and covered with a dome before living on the islands for the foreseeable future in order to continue the human race. It turns out that they have been selected to live these sustainable and isolated lives while the rest of the world succumbs to the virus within the waterways, they now have the choice of whether to accept the invitation or not. When Cam returns home with this information, it turns out that he has been gone for three days and only has two to reach a decision, he discusses it with his family and decides to accept and this is where the adventure of a lifetime begins for him.
A couple of years have passed and the community he is now living in has succeeded in surviving and starting to grow, he has a steady job and on the anniversary of the founding of their community finds a partner in Freja, they have a loving relationship and a bright future, this is until Freja disappears and Cam is lost without her, until he follows her without realising it and discovers he has travelled to a new community on Lewis in Scotland and that way in which he got there is a portal and also that there are more of these Antipodes throughout the world, he makes the decision to leave the safety of the dome to find Freja after he discovers that she has done the same.
This is a dystopian adventure set in the present, but with a twist on the usual themes with the Antipodes, but what will Cam find when he sets off on his travels and will he be able to unravel the feelings he has to find out where his future lies?
February 20, 2023
Wow, I was very surprised of how much I really loved this book. It made me think to present day as we are dealing with the COVID19 pandemic and this story is a long the lines of a epidemic that had a deadly outbreak in the water. The main character, Cam, really pulled at my heart strings, making the ultimate decision to leave this family to continue to live off of an island that had to be self sustaining. The emotions on his grief leaving his family, I could not imagine having to make that decision. Living among a selection of other people and building this new "world" that is self sustaining is intriguing. There is so much to this story and I am looking forward to continuing the series to see what happens next.
July 22, 2022
What a hidden gem of a book! I almost didn’t read this, I read the synopsis and thought it wasn’t my kind of story but there was just something that seemed a little interesting so I gave it a go and I am so glad that I did. The authors writing was just amazing and it didn’t take me long to be hooked on what I was reading. It was very obvious that the author had done a huge amount of research before writing the story and I think that made a huge amount of difference to what I read.
The character development was great and I really liked Cam!
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! I highly recommend Antipodes – it was a fantastic read!
The character development was great and I really liked Cam!
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! I highly recommend Antipodes – it was a fantastic read!
December 23, 2020
Antipodes is a young adult dystopian novel by T.S. Simmons that will interest teenagers concerned about building a sustainable and socially richer society.
If you’re looking for a bit of an escape from our current world with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, this is not it. The apocalyptic event that drives the initial plot is based around a disease that threatens all life on Earth. But if our pandemic has got you speculating and wondering – what if the disease was spread differently? If you were in a position of power, how might you manage the threat? This book will engage and fuel your imagination!
I was at times reminded of Lord of the Flies – this would make a particularly good read for young adults who’ve read Lord of the Flies and wondered about how the characters could have taken the opportunity to build a better society.
I really liked the links to both Australia and Scotland – it’s so fun to get to travel to different places through the pages of the book! Personally I found the way that the Scots was written out a bit exaggerated and jarring but I think that would be more effective for Australian readers who would otherwise imagine characters’ voices in their own accent.
This is an enjoyable, five-star book. It’s the first book in a series, with others to come (and a prequel already available) so it will give readers plenty to look forward to!
If you’re looking for a bit of an escape from our current world with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, this is not it. The apocalyptic event that drives the initial plot is based around a disease that threatens all life on Earth. But if our pandemic has got you speculating and wondering – what if the disease was spread differently? If you were in a position of power, how might you manage the threat? This book will engage and fuel your imagination!
I was at times reminded of Lord of the Flies – this would make a particularly good read for young adults who’ve read Lord of the Flies and wondered about how the characters could have taken the opportunity to build a better society.
I really liked the links to both Australia and Scotland – it’s so fun to get to travel to different places through the pages of the book! Personally I found the way that the Scots was written out a bit exaggerated and jarring but I think that would be more effective for Australian readers who would otherwise imagine characters’ voices in their own accent.
This is an enjoyable, five-star book. It’s the first book in a series, with others to come (and a prequel already available) so it will give readers plenty to look forward to!
May 16, 2021
Antipodes by T.S. Simons is an amazing book with romance. It has a thriller and even a form of dystopian. Many different kind of people can enjoy this book
Antipodes is a one-of-a-kind piece of fiction set in post-apocalyptic Australia today. Antipodes focuses on the qualities contemporary society lacks sustainability, inclusivity, community, and friendship and is aimed at young adults who are disillusioned with our world and worried for our planet's ecological destiny. Cam Mackintosh is in his last year of a science degree at Melbourne University when he is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help construct a fully sustainable society on an island off the coast of Australia after a devastating epidemic. The community is given a blank slate, a brand-new eco-village, shielded from the outer world yet equipped with much of today's knowledge and technology. August Island's community thrives and is built on current principles such as gender equality and cultural acceptance.
I loved every page of it. Every chapter was thrilling. I can’t wait to read more books from this author. Readers who appreciate Margaret Atwood's environmental fiction, such as Oryx and Crake, or work by Piers Torday, Frank Cottrell Boyce, and Sarah Crossan's Breathe, will love this book.
Antipodes is a one-of-a-kind piece of fiction set in post-apocalyptic Australia today. Antipodes focuses on the qualities contemporary society lacks sustainability, inclusivity, community, and friendship and is aimed at young adults who are disillusioned with our world and worried for our planet's ecological destiny. Cam Mackintosh is in his last year of a science degree at Melbourne University when he is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help construct a fully sustainable society on an island off the coast of Australia after a devastating epidemic. The community is given a blank slate, a brand-new eco-village, shielded from the outer world yet equipped with much of today's knowledge and technology. August Island's community thrives and is built on current principles such as gender equality and cultural acceptance.
I loved every page of it. Every chapter was thrilling. I can’t wait to read more books from this author. Readers who appreciate Margaret Atwood's environmental fiction, such as Oryx and Crake, or work by Piers Torday, Frank Cottrell Boyce, and Sarah Crossan's Breathe, will love this book.
December 28, 2020
3 Stars
Antipodes is the first book in the Antipodes series by T.S Simons. I really wasn’t sure of what to expect going into this book, as Ms. Simons is a new-to-me author, but the premise sounded quite intriguing, so I took the chance and dove in. This is a YA, post-apocalyptic, dystopian story; with some science fiction elements, drama, and tension- all wrapped around an underlaying commentary about pandemic/disease, society, culture, community, sustainability, inclusion, the environment, gender, and equality. There was quite a lot going on, and the synopsis held quite a lot of promise- and at times the story did shine- but unfortunately, for me, it fell a little short.
I felt that the story was a little slow to get going and really seemed to lag/drag a lot throughout the book. I also had a lot of trouble connecting with the characters and because there was no connection, I couldn’t invest in them or the outcome of the story.
This is the type of story that I would have expected to love, but Antipodes just missed the mark for me. But, I will revisit this book in a few weeks to re-read it just to see if I still feel the same way- or if maybe I was just having an ‘off’ reading day this time around.
Thank you, T.S. Simons!
Antipodes is the first book in the Antipodes series by T.S Simons. I really wasn’t sure of what to expect going into this book, as Ms. Simons is a new-to-me author, but the premise sounded quite intriguing, so I took the chance and dove in. This is a YA, post-apocalyptic, dystopian story; with some science fiction elements, drama, and tension- all wrapped around an underlaying commentary about pandemic/disease, society, culture, community, sustainability, inclusion, the environment, gender, and equality. There was quite a lot going on, and the synopsis held quite a lot of promise- and at times the story did shine- but unfortunately, for me, it fell a little short.
I felt that the story was a little slow to get going and really seemed to lag/drag a lot throughout the book. I also had a lot of trouble connecting with the characters and because there was no connection, I couldn’t invest in them or the outcome of the story.
This is the type of story that I would have expected to love, but Antipodes just missed the mark for me. But, I will revisit this book in a few weeks to re-read it just to see if I still feel the same way- or if maybe I was just having an ‘off’ reading day this time around.
Thank you, T.S. Simons!
May 24, 2021
Antipodes is a YA dystopian novel that has an interesting plot about building a sustainable and a civilized society post an epidemic.
It is around an apocalyptic event around a disease that threatens all life on Earth. We can relate to this story in the context of the current pandemic situation we have in this world.
Cam Mackintosh is in his last year studying at Melbourne University , he is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help construct a brand new society on an island off the coast of Australia after a devastating epidemic hits Australia. The community is given a fresh start, a brand-new eco-friendly village, isolated from the rest of the world yet up-to-date with today’s technology. August Island's community is built on inclusiveness, sustenance, acceptance and protecting the environment.
I really liked this story, it is about hope and new beginnings. Sometimes, I wonder how this world is going to be post this pandemic which is around us now. Would we be more kinder, compassionate to one another? Will we have more acceptance in our world after everything we went through? This book does make you think.
It is around an apocalyptic event around a disease that threatens all life on Earth. We can relate to this story in the context of the current pandemic situation we have in this world.
Cam Mackintosh is in his last year studying at Melbourne University , he is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help construct a brand new society on an island off the coast of Australia after a devastating epidemic hits Australia. The community is given a fresh start, a brand-new eco-friendly village, isolated from the rest of the world yet up-to-date with today’s technology. August Island's community is built on inclusiveness, sustenance, acceptance and protecting the environment.
I really liked this story, it is about hope and new beginnings. Sometimes, I wonder how this world is going to be post this pandemic which is around us now. Would we be more kinder, compassionate to one another? Will we have more acceptance in our world after everything we went through? This book does make you think.
December 13, 2020
Antipodes
By T.S. Simons
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Antipodes by T.S. Simons. It is a story that has mystery and romance. It is set in a present-day post-Apocalyptic Australia. The book is wonderfully detailed, and I felt like I was right there with the characters. The main character is Cam. He is a character that I grew to care about with each chapter that I read. What does the future hold for Cam? Read this book to find out. I also enjoyed reading about many of the additional characters who interact with Cam. Many are helpful and friends with him. Others are not. The author has don’t a wonderful job in making both the storyline and characters come alive. Don’t miss out on a story that is exciting and entertaining. I didn’t want to put it down once I started it. I highly recommend reading it.
By T.S. Simons
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Antipodes by T.S. Simons. It is a story that has mystery and romance. It is set in a present-day post-Apocalyptic Australia. The book is wonderfully detailed, and I felt like I was right there with the characters. The main character is Cam. He is a character that I grew to care about with each chapter that I read. What does the future hold for Cam? Read this book to find out. I also enjoyed reading about many of the additional characters who interact with Cam. Many are helpful and friends with him. Others are not. The author has don’t a wonderful job in making both the storyline and characters come alive. Don’t miss out on a story that is exciting and entertaining. I didn’t want to put it down once I started it. I highly recommend reading it.
December 23, 2020
This book is considered a Young Adult book, but I think any age will enjoy this book. I found that the attention to detail was amazing. I did not have any trouble visualizing any parts of the book. I felt that I could stand on August Island with the characters in the book. This island is off the coast of Australia. The setting of the book has the premise that they are in a post-apocalyptic Australia The characters are unique as well. Cam in the last year of his science. Then there is Freja who is the love interest of Cam. Then there is Lewis Island. Cam finds Fraser and Laetitia who become friends. Can Cam set up August Island to have a thriving society? Will Cam find Freja? I highly recommend this book as I feel you can enjoy the content and the personal relationships you may gain in the journey.
May 7, 2021
What a GREAT book! I loved this work, and can't wait to start on the others. Is there a better feeling when you finish an amazing adventure story only to discover there's more to the journey?
This dystopian post-apocalyptic novel features a group of young people tasked with potentially rebuilding the human race after a deadly virus threatens to bring the world to extinction. There are so many great characters and interesting relationships, I was totally hooked and invested in the world on their island. When magic is discovered, the story is brought to another level, and so many possibilities emerge for these characters and this storyline. I wondered if I would want to read this while in the middle of a global pandemic, but I quickly forgot that an outside world existed. Great writing, a must read!
This dystopian post-apocalyptic novel features a group of young people tasked with potentially rebuilding the human race after a deadly virus threatens to bring the world to extinction. There are so many great characters and interesting relationships, I was totally hooked and invested in the world on their island. When magic is discovered, the story is brought to another level, and so many possibilities emerge for these characters and this storyline. I wondered if I would want to read this while in the middle of a global pandemic, but I quickly forgot that an outside world existed. Great writing, a must read!
May 23, 2021
I read the second book in this series first and really enjoyed it so I thought that I would go back and read the first one, and I am so glad that I did. Funnily enough, reading books in order gives you a lot of context for things and gave the characters more depth. Also, more of Simon's work is never a bad thing.
In Antipodes, the world is going a little bit to crap following an outbreak and Cam Mackintosh is offered the chance to help build a sustainable community out of the way of the nasty that is doing its rounds on the earth. Jumping at the chance, the neat little community thrives, managing to effectively create their own little corner of paradise. Though struggling with his own weighty crap, Cam eventually finds love and gives himself over to the new way of life, finding a new meaning to his life. That is until his lady love goes missing and he is forced to go look for her.
I’ve got to say that I really enjoyed this book and it really gave me a new appreciation for the next book in the series. Simons as always writes fantastically, penning something that is truly unique and intriguing.
In Antipodes, the world is going a little bit to crap following an outbreak and Cam Mackintosh is offered the chance to help build a sustainable community out of the way of the nasty that is doing its rounds on the earth. Jumping at the chance, the neat little community thrives, managing to effectively create their own little corner of paradise. Though struggling with his own weighty crap, Cam eventually finds love and gives himself over to the new way of life, finding a new meaning to his life. That is until his lady love goes missing and he is forced to go look for her.
I’ve got to say that I really enjoyed this book and it really gave me a new appreciation for the next book in the series. Simons as always writes fantastically, penning something that is truly unique and intriguing.
December 18, 2020
Antipodes by T.S. Simons is a YA dystopian novel that is intriguing from start to finish. It is the kind of book that could appeal to anyone as it is a well written story with interesting characters. Although a dystopian novel it is the type of book that could easily be imagined as happening as it is based on values and concerns that are out in the world today.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I liked the style of writing they have. There is an attention to detail that you don’t always see in YA books which I think made it more accessible and engaging. It made me think more than I expected it would do which just kept my attention more easily. I do think this book would be suitable for a wide range of people and it is one I would certainly recommend.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I liked the style of writing they have. There is an attention to detail that you don’t always see in YA books which I think made it more accessible and engaging. It made me think more than I expected it would do which just kept my attention more easily. I do think this book would be suitable for a wide range of people and it is one I would certainly recommend.
December 23, 2020
4 Stars
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
I wasn’t sure what to expect exactly going in. This is a Young Adult Dystopian that is packed with mystery and romance and is set in a present - day post – Apocalyptic Australia. This isn’t my normal go to genre but im glad I picked up this wonderfully written story this author did a fantastic job with the details and the characters make you feel as if you are right there with them. Cam has finished his degree from Melbourne University and has been offered an opportunity to create a complete sustainable community near Australia on an island, along the way he meets Freyja and falls in love. Everything is going well until she goes missing. Will he find her? What does his future look like. Find out what happens next in this absolute must read.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
I wasn’t sure what to expect exactly going in. This is a Young Adult Dystopian that is packed with mystery and romance and is set in a present - day post – Apocalyptic Australia. This isn’t my normal go to genre but im glad I picked up this wonderfully written story this author did a fantastic job with the details and the characters make you feel as if you are right there with them. Cam has finished his degree from Melbourne University and has been offered an opportunity to create a complete sustainable community near Australia on an island, along the way he meets Freyja and falls in love. Everything is going well until she goes missing. Will he find her? What does his future look like. Find out what happens next in this absolute must read.
May 17, 2021
Antipodes by T.S. Simons is a young adult dystopian novel. This is definitely not your average dystopian story, but the synopsis left me intrigued!
Cam has found himself as one of the chosen ones to be a part of a population living away from the current virus that is essentially going to kill absolutely everything. People, creatures, wildlife, plants, it's all going to parish when the virus reaches it. They are thriving in their area when his lover, Freyja, goes missing. On Cam's search to find her, he comes across another village similar to his, but still no Freyja. Helpless, Cam leaves the safety of the civilization in hopes Freyja did the same.
What will they find in the outside world? Will he find Freya?
Cam has found himself as one of the chosen ones to be a part of a population living away from the current virus that is essentially going to kill absolutely everything. People, creatures, wildlife, plants, it's all going to parish when the virus reaches it. They are thriving in their area when his lover, Freyja, goes missing. On Cam's search to find her, he comes across another village similar to his, but still no Freyja. Helpless, Cam leaves the safety of the civilization in hopes Freyja did the same.
What will they find in the outside world? Will he find Freya?
May 27, 2021
This is a YA dystopian story that reimagines how the world might look like if we gave young people the chance to start over. The plot is creative and the characters are well-developed. I enjoyed the setting in Australia and Scotland, two places I love very much, and the details of the world-building make this book come alive. This was also a really interesting book to read in the middle of a pandemic and it had a lot of interesting commentary on inclusivity, sustainability, and equality. I don't really read a lot of dystopian fiction but these themes and the focus on character rather than plot made this an enjoyable read for me.
December 16, 2020
This young adult book is about a post apocalyptic world. In the beginning of the book, we meet Cam and his sister who live in Australia who are discussing a pandemic affecting Europe. The pandemic is spread through water, so the discussion is about how soon it will affect Australia and the people who live there.
What I really like about this book is that it isn’t your typical dystopian story, it has more depth because the story concentrates on the characters and how they survive. You really dig into their life and understand what life is like. I believe most people would really enjoy reading about this world.
What I really like about this book is that it isn’t your typical dystopian story, it has more depth because the story concentrates on the characters and how they survive. You really dig into their life and understand what life is like. I believe most people would really enjoy reading about this world.
December 7, 2020
I was given an ARC copy of this book after I read Crossroads.
There is some doubling up, as the initial story is told from a different point of view.
But then the story really takes off. The initial scene setting takes quite a long time, but when I realized that this was the first book of four, maybe more (not sure), that kind of makes sense.
My takeaway message was that this wasn't your typical dystopian YA novel. It isn't a knockoff of The Hunger Games, and most of them are in some form. Antipodes focusses on the people, not the pandemic that kills everyone. I'm not sure it is really dystopian, but unsure what genre it is. Coming of Age maybe. It is different, well written and I am looking forward to the next one.
There is some doubling up, as the initial story is told from a different point of view.
But then the story really takes off. The initial scene setting takes quite a long time, but when I realized that this was the first book of four, maybe more (not sure), that kind of makes sense.
My takeaway message was that this wasn't your typical dystopian YA novel. It isn't a knockoff of The Hunger Games, and most of them are in some form. Antipodes focusses on the people, not the pandemic that kills everyone. I'm not sure it is really dystopian, but unsure what genre it is. Coming of Age maybe. It is different, well written and I am looking forward to the next one.
December 24, 2020
This author is new to me and one that I look forward to reading more from. This particular work was a very interesting YA dystopian/apocalyptic work that was set in Australia. I appreciated the social awareness that immediately was present and felt that this story was very timely and relatable to our present day condition. I was invested into the storyline quickly and had difficulty putting it down before it was finished. I look forward to seeing how the author continues the series.
December 29, 2020
I am a child of the sixties, a conservationist, and a true believer in sustainability. I loved Antipodes by T.S. Simons. I loved the story of love, loss and guilt, (normal life) built around a world of sustainability. Saving the human race, (and we don’t know the end of that story yet), is an added bonus. The characters are all interesting and well defined. I loved the descriptions of the world that was left. In our year of Covid Fear this makes for a very timely story.
May 20, 2021
Antipodes is a unique young adult dystopian story set in and around Australia. Cam is a man in his 20s who lives in Australia with his mom, dad, and older sister. He attends college and is pretty content with his life until he hears about a deadly outbreak in Europe that will soon affect the entire world. Cam is chosen to go to an island with a few hundred other individuals and start a new community, safe from the outbreak. Cam is a very relatable character who struggles with survivors guilt. He finds friendship and companionship and does his best to contribute to the new society. One day, his girlfriend Freja disappears and Cam is left wondering where she could’ve gone. He eventually stumbles upon an antipode, which is a portal between two locations, and he finds himself in Scotland. He makes new friends and learns more about himself. But the memory of Freja still haunts him so he continues his search. This book is well written and I had a hard time putting it down. I’d definitely recommend it!
September 3, 2021
Wow…wow, wow, wow… WOW! Where do I even start with this?! Call it commitment issues, but I never look to read series, but I had to read this one. Brilliantly written, with impeccable focus on detail- the author did a fantastic job at both sensory and scientific explanations. Not only do you feel like you are in every scene, you had a true understanding for what the characters are going through. Although presented as a dystopian, suspense maybe even thriller, the author did an amazing job exploring deeper, emotional themes such as mental illness and grief, all within a fictional story. Needless to say, I’ve already purchased the other 3 in the series!
December 21, 2020
This story follows Cam as he finishes up his degree at Melbourne University and is offered a chance to create a completely sustainable community on an island near Australia. Cam falls in love with Freyja and all is well until she goes missing. He uses Antipodes to track her to Scotland and finds another sustainable community – Lewis Island. He soon realizes, this is where he belongs. Join Cam as he searches for Freyja and other communities such as theirs. Unlike other dystopian novels, this story focuses more on the characters, and I really enjoyed that.
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