Infinity

Antipodes #3

by T.S. Simons

What value do YOU place on friendship?
Some cultures say the ouroboros symbolizes infinity. Others claim the snake or dragon depicted eating its own tail represents the cyclic nature of life and death. But just as Cam Mackintosh and Freyja Jorgensen's lives are experiencing their own rebirth, their sustainable community is threatened. The ex-lovers are unexpectedly thrust together again to defend those they care about.
In the third installment of this romantic dystopian series, friendships are tested when the survivors finally learn the horrifying truth about why they were chosen. Facing a diabolical plot that makes them question everything they value--will their relationship survive? Or will Cam and Freyja find themselves repeating the same mistakes?

Genres: Romance, Dystopia

430 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2022

About the author

T.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.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Ouroboros is the third book in the Antipodes series by T.S Simons. It is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian story with some science fiction elements, romance, drama, discovery, friendship, trials, twists, tension, mystery, and adventure.
I thought this third addition to the series felt more “grown up” than the previous two, which makes it my favourite of the series so far. I have really enjoyed the series, but this book takes things up a few notches for me.
Quite a lot has happened since we started back in book one. But things aren’t about to get easier in this book. This will see friendships tested, discoveries made, and danger threatens.
I really think the Antipodes series would make a great television series too. I can see it coming to life on the small screen.
Another intriguing and thought-provoking read.

Thank you, T.S. Simons!

[Jaimee C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first two in this series, and this is usually where they start to go downhill. Well not here. The author switches to writing this from Freya's perspective and I LOVE THIS SO FREAKIN MUCH! Now I want to go back and see it all from her POV. Strong women rock. Nothing annoys me more than whingy female characters. Love a chick that kicks ass. Maybe she was named after a goddess for a reason?
Ok, back to the book. This series has evolved into something else. What started about one community is now about many. When I first saw this was a series, I just assumed that it would focus on different worlds. But that isn't what happens. Characters come back from previous books, and there is this wonderful tapestry of people and places and you get to grow with these people. There is some dark stuff in this one, but a HEA for people who like that.

This book wraps up neatly so I am hanging to see what happens next.

[Betsy Melano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ouroboros is the 3rd book in the Antipodes series written by T.S. Simons. You will definitely want to read the books in the order they were released to have the best experience. The book is about a dystopian world interspersed with love, finding a family away from your own family, adventure, and so much more. It also makes you think about your own life and what is important. The search for answers may not always lead you to a happy ending but may make you find things about yourself that you don’t like. I hope you enjoy reading what Cam finds as this journey of discovery and challenges continues.

[Ashley Denno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one knocked out of the park! This is such an excellent series. Each book so well written. You will laugh. You will cry. You will wait on the edge of your seat for the next book.

[ChocolatePanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know where this third book was going to go, especially after the events in book 2.

But wow - love story, trials and triumphs and plot twists I NEVER saw coming. TS Simons is a genius. She takes tiny threads of storylines from two books ago and weaves them back into the narrative.
Characters you thought were insignificant become main characters, and some of them you grow to love. The character development is superb, as is the storytelling. I'm left feeling kind of numb because now I need to know what happens next.

I received an ARC copy of this book and voluntarily leaving a review.

[LuJac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, Simons pulls this out of her hat.
A lot more romance in this one, (no longer YA), and very well written and appropriate for the storyline/plot/character development. I like Illyria and Luca's story, and minor characters returning to the storyline.

I really like the way this writer writes - nothing ever goes where I think it will. So many books are formulaic and predictable. There is nothing predictable about this series, and this book is no exception. Well researched, and wholly believable, I have enjoyed this entire series. Looking forward to the next one, but will re-read the first three first as I suspect there are tiny storylines waiting to emerge.

Netflix! You need to pick these books up as a series!

[Fairlie Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a day!! And once again it didn’t disappoint! Those layers keep getting peeled back (in more ways than one 😉) there is some major plot twists in this one as Simons flexes some different muscle - I couldn’t help but draw connections to Game of Thrones and a bit of Handmaid’s Tale at times! We learn a lot in this books, and see the story through different eyes. What’s to come for our characters in book 4?

[Jerricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It is a great way to continue the series. I couldn’t put it down. There were so many different elements in this story. From friendship to romance to mystery and adventure.I felt like I was there searching, wanting more. I am so happy that I found this awesome series by such an awesome, talented author.

[Ashley Dover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeking a way to get over the loss of his second love, Mackenzie Campbell is on a journey again. This time by sea he travels to overcome his loss and then to Edinburgh to find information on Laetitia’s family for when Louis, his son, gets older. Along the way, Freya, Cam’s first wife, joins him.
Traveling to Clava, they discover that this community has so much more technology than either the communities of August and Lewis. Fascinated, they return home to Lewis.

Then Di, Sorcha’s partner, becomes sick during her pregnancy. Tests reveal that she has cancer and will need treatment in Clava. Isla, one of the people that were part of the Australian testing sites, arrives just before they leave and provides them with some super-sensitive information about the communities.

What was the real reason that people were tested and chosen for these sites during the Pandemic? Can these problems be solved so that their communities can live in peace?

What a thrilling final book in the Antipodes series!! T.S. Simons astounds me with her creative ability to write such an outstanding series. I’m truly sad that this is the last book.

[Erica S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this third book in the Antipodes series. More like Book 1, there was a ton of adventure, and new plot points were brought in that really deepened the story to another level. Cam is dealing with a serious loss, and embarks on a quest to fulfill promises, honour his grief, and hopefully get some closure. He also starts to peel back the layers of deception in another community's attempts to dominate those left surviving. We meet some great new characters, and see some old favourites as they find new challenges in their life on Lewis. Ouroboros might be my favourite of the 3 books I've read in this series so far. Lots of drama and action, keep it coming Ms. Simons!

[Mike McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better. Just when I think I know what will happen next - BOOM! Plot twist. I don't think I have read another series that is so unpredictable. There is nothing formulaic about the way Simmons writes, which makes it challenging and unique. I read somewhere that there is another book in this series and I can't wait to see where it ends up.

As a science major I love the science concepts littered throughout the series - all based on fact. This writer clearly researches the subject before writing, making it a pleasure to read.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the Antipodes series. I love it so so very much. Now that I've invested myself in the characters and their plights, this book is even more good as you look between the different trials and tribulations facing our protagonists. The way the author conveys feeling in these novels is truly inspirational, and you will deefinitely need to have some tissues handy. I can't wait to see how much more is done for this series, and continue on this journey with the survivors.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ouroboros by T.S. Simons is the third book in the Antipodes series. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order so that you get the full experience. I think this book has to be my favourite of the series so far. I really got into this book and found myself getting completely lost in the story. There was much in this book, it had such an attention to detail and so much going on.
I really enjoyed getting to see more about these characters and the journey they are on. Even more so with this book it felt like I was going on the same journey with them, even with it being a dystopian future. I could imagine everything the author was writing and I felt immersed in the book as a whole.
This is a brilliant series and this book is excellent. I would highly recommend reading them.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! This is getting better and better with every book!! Imagine that the world has ended..... A virus spreading that was unstoppable. Scary right?! It's in the water and it kills everything! Plants, animals, and of course humans. You can't drink it. You can't cook with it. There is no filter to take it out. It is in the water, so it kills the planet! It's a post apocalyptic world now. Scientists have made bio-domes throughout the earth to help save the human race from the virus. These bio-domes start with roughly 300 people and are all separated. They have to start everything right away to make sure there is food and shelters for everyone. Planting for food later on, breeding animals, and building house are top priority in those first five or so years. You only have so many resources to start with after all. Most of these domes are on coasts or islands that have a natural water source that is closed off before the virus spreads to it. Some of these domes are linked with portals (read book 1 & 2 for more information on that!), but most are cut off from the rest. It is later discovered that there are some inland domes and even some survivors without domes! Imagine how all that is! Now let's get to Cam. He is the main character throughout these wonderful books. He has had a horrible go at all this so far. Of course everyone has with the world ending!! But he just can't keep away from being thrust into situations that are so life changing. How much worse can it be since the world ended? Oh boy, don't even ask that! You will jinx it!! Just read these books asap! I don't want to give away ANYTHING from the other books (so you HAVE to read them!!!!), but boy does he go through some stuff! Finding love, being poisoned, finding loved ones (from before), losing loved ones, traveling in the dangerous virus reddened world, and all the stuff in between has Cam spiraling head first more than once in this series! In this book Cam finds out even more about the way the scientists choose people to survive, how and with whom they'd be placed them with in said domes, what they could and couldn't have, and so so so much more!! Hard to believe that a few short years ago they thought they were alone on this world, but now they find out that there are others and they're more connected than they know! Will this new knowledge threaten his life? His family? His friendships? Friendships will defiantly be and are tested! Some relationships might not last through all the lies and omissions. The book does shift to Freyja's point of view and it finishes that way. Freyja is Cam's 1st & 3rd wife (read the other books for those details!!). Man oh man do you have to read this set of books! This is the first bio-dome post apocalyptic series that I have read and I can't wait to finish it!! I am loving it so much! This book will have you staying up all night, on the edge of you seat, gripped in, and sometimes even crying! The characters and the world are put together so well. You can see the heart and soul put into this book the more you read. I'm off to read book 4!!!!

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Book 3 of The Antipodes Series things become intense for Cam and everything he values is put at risk. Freyja is not only back in his life but they have been thrown together in the hopes that together they can save everything they hold dear to them. Cam is still reeling from the loss of his one true love and his on his own journey to discover who she was and where she came from. Now he is tasked with facing the feelings he has kept suppressed for his first love Freyja when they join forces to save their community.

Along their journey Cam and Freyja make some horrifying discoveries about the truth of their community and why they were chosen to rebuild. As secrets are revealed and the truth comes to light, they are shocked at what they learn. The real reasons each of them was chosen were purely evil and were part of a much more sinister plan. The survivors are now pitted against each other, communities are divided, and friendships are tested as they decide what to do.

This series has captured my attention from the first book and it has been impossible to put down. The storyline is brilliant and as the story unfolds it becomes more intense. There have been some twists and turns that I did not see coming. Freyja returning came as a surprise to not only me as the reader, but to Cam as well. He had suppressed his feelings for her so long that it was eating him up inside. I was surprised that Freyja had been pining away for him and that she had not moved on with her own life. Her love for Cam almost came across as obsession, in a way. In other ways, it was sappy and romantic and you could not help but feel sad for her that she had still loved Cam after all that time apart. The revelation behind the real reasons each of the individuals was chosen was mind blowing! A must read!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book of this romantic dystopian series, and it’s just as gripping as the first two. We are back with Cam Mackintosh, who was left heartbroken at the end of the previous book, and this story follows his adventures, as he decides to leave his home in search of answers. During his journey he faces new challenges and opportunities, and makes new friends. Cam is also reunited with his ex lover, Freyja Jorgensen, making Cam believe that their lives have come full circle. However, Just as Cam and Freyja are settling into their new life, they are forced to defend those they love when their sustainable community is threatened.
Friendships are tested when Cam and the others finally learn the horrifying truth as to why they were all chosen. Cam and Freyja’s relationship is put to the test when faced with a diabolical plot, that makes them question everything they value. Another exciting and entertaining read, which had me hooked from page one. I would suggest reading this series in order, as the storyline does continue in each book. The characters yet again made me feel engaged with them, and the descriptive narrative brought them and the setting vividly to life. An enjoyable and engaging read, and I am looking forward to book four.

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ouroboros is the third book in T.S. Simons’ Antipodes series. I would really recommend reading this exciting dystopian sci-fi series in order to get the full story and feel the impact of the various developments and twists as they happen.
Following on from the events of the previous book, Cam is hurting and seeking answers. Never one to stay still for very long, he travels between the dispersed communities of survivors to have some conversations – sharing ideas and hoping to find resolution. It gets pretty emotional at times – may be worth having a box of tissues handy!
This is a great series for a modern audience, drawing on fears of the possibility of a disease spreading around the world and threatening all life. It questions what constitutes an ideal society, with survivor communities built around values such as sustainability.
For me, this is a five-star book and I’m eagerly anticipating the fourth instalment! I would recommend to Young/New Adult readers who enjoy speculative dystopias. For me, one of the best things about the series is getting to “travel” around the world without worrying about restrictions and quarantines!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the story from the second book, this third installment, Ouroboros, finds Cam on a journey to find closure following a harrowing series of events. Freyja joins him on the second part of his journey, and this is where things take a surprising turn. Freyja and Cam find themselves reconnected and happy, only to be thrust into more terrifying situations than anyone should ever have to endure. They arrive safely to their destination but begin to learn the real truth behind the selection of the survivors. This Antipodes Series continues to shock and amaze me. Not only does it explore friendships, love, survival, and community, but also touches on death, disease, science and the sometimes misguided truth behind why things are the way they are. I find myself conflicted on what I would do if thrust into a situation such as this. There are still such realistic, believable characters in Ouroboros as there are in the first two books. T. S. Simons also continues with amazing world building and scene development. On par with the first two books for sure, added with some heavy twists and turns!

[Jennifer P Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third installment of this amazingly addicting series continues the story with Cam seeking answers to his own personal life to help him bring closure as well as further investigation into these antipodes around the world. As a young adult, many will pose questions of their own lives and their significance in the world. This is Cam’s version of his own personal quest in his post-pandemic world. This pattern tends to be cylindrical as an old life pans out and a new one emerges hence the symbolic title of this installment. There is also the significance of relationships and friendships as circumstances of strength, weaknesses, limitations and challenges are brought forth.
Simons is quite a gifted author in this series as this story keeps its readers captivated not only about the love story surrounding the chaotic world but in colliding the past and the future purposes of these transportation portals. As mentioned previously, this is a great read for those wanting a good romance story as well as the science fiction and dystopian fans alike.

[Nelly N · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot thickens. They say confession is good for the soul. I could not stand Freyja, however, let me just say she redeemed herself continuously throughout this novel. I like that this book told the perspective of Freyja and through this, I understood her more as a character and could appreciate her experiences. T.S maintained the same level of authenticity and creativity and produced a wonderfully graphic engrossing novel. It was interesting to see how various individuals or communities dealt with being left behind, being members of the chosen few and those in charge of the allocation of resources. There were some scenes that I lost myself in and let us just say that I am thankful that this is a figment of T.S’ imagination. Ouroboros is captivating as it is intriguing. In addition to this, it is thought-provoking in that it propels one to think about sustainability and about how we can more so care for our environment.

[Danielle Dando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Simons does not disappoint and where so many series lose something as they go on, this only seems to gain. The writing is as ever sophisticated and takes the reader on a thrilling journey.
Cam is reeling after the loss of his wife and decides to leave the home he has found and his new friend in order to find answers and of course, hoping that somewhere on his travels he will find the healing he so desperately craves. His journey takes him far from everything he thought he knew about his reality and the truth of the world he now inhabits.
This is a really great read and honestly, I would recommend the entirety of the series. I have gotten addicted to Simon’s writing that is well above much of what I have read recently. she takes you on a rollercoaster of feels, all whilst revealing a vivid and extraordinary world, that feels so real. You should read this, you will not regret it.

[Susan Ratchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ouroboros
Antipodes Series book 3
By: T.S. Simons
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars



Ouroboros is my favorite installment of the Antipodes series so far. The intensity never stops! I absolutely love it! So far each book has upped the Ante and Ouroboros was no different! T.S. Simons has kept me on the edge of my seat for all three books and I can’t wait for more! She creates such a vivid and unique world, with a journey through romance and friendship, that just keeps you glued to the pages. Book 3 Ouroboros is a flawless continuation of Cam and Freyja’s story. It has everything you want in a book: tension, adventure, tests of friendship, danger, and romance. I can totally see this series being a big hit on Netflix! I highly recommend reading the Antipodes series in order to get the best experience possible from this amazing series! I can’t wait for what book 4, Caim, has in store!

[Erica Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Antipodes series. I would recommend reading the first two books. Just as before, this book is set in post-apocalyptic times with romance, drama, tension, and dystopian story tones throughout. The story is moving and has me thinking about my friendships and if they are solid or if they are just there on the surface. The characters are what make this book so good. I really felt connected through this story. I can relate to the hardships of friends. There are friends who will lay down their life for you, and there are those who would not even take a paper cut for you. Cam is finding out right now about her friends. Will she defend her friends and take the heat or will she find out she is all alone with no one standing behind her? I highly recommend this book. Don’t be surprised if you start looking at your friends a little differently after reading this book.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ouroboros is the third book in the Antipodes series by T.S. Simons. I joined this series with the second book. In the second book, I spent time lost in the characters and trying to figure out who was who. This time, having read the 2nd, I spent much less time confused. I would highly recommend starting with the first book in the series. The books can be read alone but are much better read in a series. This book picks up Cam’s story where we left off in the 2nd. Campbell is grieving the loss of his wife. He goes on a solo journey tracking down Laetitia’s family and their past. Ultimately, he ends up back together with his first wife, Freyja. Together, they discover a plot that threads through all of the communities, affecting every facet of their life. Once again, T.S. Simons weaves a wonderful story of overcoming and love. This book is thought provoking and worth the read.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow where to even start with Ouroboros, the third book in the Antipodes series? Cam once again ventures from his safe home underneath the dome protecting people from a world-wide deadly protozoa. Seeking more answers but finding shocking answers that lead to even more questions, Cam and his family must prepare to face the one force they never expected.

I have not been this invested in the characters of a story in a long while. Cam, Lae, Freyja, Sorcha, Di....all are relatable, realistic, and wonderfully developed. This series has had me laughing, crying, being angry, heartbroken, and excited to see where the story leads next. There are so many good, terrifying, and unexpected aspects to these stories. T.S. Simons knows how to write a novel that engages the reader, entertains, and leaves you wanting more. This series would be rated higher than 5 stars if I could!

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead for the previous book, the Liminal Space. Do not read if you have not finished! Highly recommend reading them in order!

Ourobororos starts with Cam needing to be alone with his loss of Lae. Cam sets off on a journey to discover more about Lae’s past to be able to share Lae with their son, Louis. Freyja comes looking for Cam to potentially be able to rekindle their relationship. The viewpoint switches to Freyja and we get to experience what she went through in Antipodes and Liminal Space. Her viewpoint is extremely refreshing and brings new life to the series! The stakes are higher than ever when the true reason why they get selected is revealed! This ending is the most closed in the whole series but is still open for mystery, I still needed to know what was going to happen next. Again, I love this series so much and this book is one of my favorites!

[Chrissy Spulak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of the Antipodes series, Ouroboros by T.S. Simons, is a heart-wrencher. This one hits right where it hurts - in a good way!! I LOVE this story and its characters. The reader definitely needs to read these three books in order to get the full effect and understand all of the backstory and nuances. But, I can recommend the previous books just as much as this one, so it will not be a hard thing to do. This series is jam-packed with action and emotion, and you will grow to love Cam’s character and continue this journey along with him. Not only does this book contain characters that are relatable and endearing, but the post-apocalyptic theme is eerily relevant in today’s world of Covid. This book really is an entire world in the palm of your hand. 5 out of 5 stars!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam has been through hell up to this point. He has suffered tragedy, loss and endless drama and surprises. Reunited with his first wife, Freya, and their children, Cam embarks on a journey for closure on how his second wife, Lae, died. Talk about Pandora’s box, many secrets of the geodome societies come to light. Everywhere you turn there are secrets. Cam is completely overwhelmed by this. There are so many decisions to be made by him and by the community he lives with. This book has not disappointed me at all. The final book in the antipodes series, the author has woven the characters together nicely. You can easily feel them and what they are feeling. The plot ran fairly smooth. I did get lost a couple of times but that smoothed out as I went along. Definitely a series you have to try.

[Breanne Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam decides that he needs closure and embarks on a journey by himself to find more about Laetitia’s life before Lewis. Freyja, wanting to reconnect with Cam, follows him. After meeting with Cam, and Cam agreeing to her tagging along, their relationship sparks once again. The story switches to Freyja’s viewpoint as she describes what she went through travelling with Angus and losing Cam as her husband. As always, trouble is brewing. What new terrors do they find, and can they make it out? Find out in Ouroboros.
Once again, T.S. Simons created a story that I did not want to put down. The characters remain relatable, and the descriptions are impeccable. I cannot wait to read more in the series. You do not want to miss this installment.

[Rayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this series. This is just blowing me away and I am so enthralled it is scary. I am so excited to know that there is still more to come. Each of the books so far has just exceeded my expectations. These are not quick, easy reads. Each book must be read in order, savoured and understood. The world building is exceptional and it reads so much like a movie playing in my head. In this book we get to hear from Freyja’s point of view and it was an eye opener. Connections and assumptions that I had made in the previous books were shattered. I can’t wait to see where the author takes Cam and Freyja’s story next.