Wow. That was intense.
Rachael is a scientist, wife and mother. She’s been living the normal life and it’s driving her crazy. Then, her friend Guy shows up and asks her to help save the world. How can she say no? It means going to Antarctica, and in winter. She’s been there but never in winter but figures it’s important. Then she finds out details were left out. It’s not the expedition she thought it was. Then things get worse. And then…….yeah, it gets bad. Can’t give details though.
Some of the book dragged a bit but I was rooting for Rachael and really wanted to see how things went. And then just as things were looking up, bam! Did not see that coming.
Holy Mackerel, this is a debut novel. Went to look for other books and found out it’s his first. Wow. Very strong beginning. Looking forward to more from Mr. Burnett.
I received this as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review Whiteout by R.S. Burnett. All opinions are my own.

Rachel was a researcher and now is a stay-at-home mom. She's somewhat unfulfilled in this role she has found herself in. This is affecting her marriage. A former colleague presents her with a research project in Antarctica that will take her away for several months, and she jumps at the chance to do something different and fulfilling. Obviously, her husband is not really happy with the decision, but she goes anyway. Upon arrival things start going south pretty fast and she finds herself volunteering to go alone into the dangerous blizzard like conditions to save the project and maybe the world. After going out alone she finds herself cut off from base camp communications for a couple of months. Base camp is miles and miles away, but she has to try. From here one problem after another occurs. Will she make it?

This is one of those adventure stories where one thing after another goes wrong. A survival adventure/thriller. Loneliness, starvation, temperatures way below zero, and so much more. I did get frustrated with some of the decisions that Rachel made throughout the book, but boy does she have grit. There should be a wide audience for this one. Whiteout will be available February 11th from all major book retailers. Happy Reading!!

The synopsis compares this book to The Martian, and it’s spot on. The Antarctic could as well be another planet that is trying to kill any human who goes there. Rachael braved the perpetual darkness and unspeakable cold of the continent in winter to try to save the world. When the novel starts, she’s alone and her only contact with the world is a transmission that says that there was a nuclear war, and she may be the last person alive. Then everything that can go wrong does, and she finds herself alone and starving, just trying to survive. These parts were insanely suspenseful, when everything seems lost, she can only rely on her wits to get herself out of trouble. There is a little too much deus ex machina, but I was invested enough in the story that I didn’t mind. That said, I didn’t like Rachael, didn’t connect with her and, while her reactions are understandable under the circumstances, all her internal monologues about being a good mother and her relationship with her husband were a little tiring. I am not the type of reader who enjoys that content, so maybe that was my problem. One of the main twists seemed too absurd, and the final reveal was not unexpected. I still enjoyed it.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books.

This was such an interesting and intriguing story! It's was really intense and had me on the edge of my seat a lot of times. The plot was very different to other thrillers I have read and I really enjoyed the whole survival thing, while diving into mentally challenge of being totally caught off from everyone.
This is a perfect thriller for winter and I will definitely recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The first half had me racing through the pages... The pacing was so quick, and I enjoyed how the information was revealed. But as things progressed it became way too predictable, and I felt disconnected from the main character. The dialogue felt flat, and I kept waiting for something surprising that never came. The political commentary was a strong point, though! relevant and well-executed.

Read in: 5 days & 🇬🇧 & 📱

I like the premise of the novel, a researcher stranded in the Antarctic following a nuclear devastation. However, I did not engage with the narrative or the characterisation and did not finish.

Whiteout by R. S. Burnett is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Rachael Beckett is stuck in the middle of the Antarctic winter—freezing, starving, and totally alone—after hearing the worst news imaginable: nuclear war might have wiped out everyone she loves. It’s bleak, intense, and full of heart-pounding moments as Rachael fights to survive the brutal cold and her own grief. And just when you think things can’t get worse, she realizes she’s not as alone as she thought—and not in a good way. The mix of isolation, mystery, and sheer terror makes this a gripping survival thriller that’ll leave you breathless.

If you are looking for an edge of your seat winter survival thriller then this is the book for you. Not content with her so called perfect London life with her husband and baby daughter , Glaciologist Rachel Becket has been called back to the Antarctica by her former mentor. Despite staunch objections from her husband, as well as the dangerous and harsh conditions of Antarctica in the winter, Rachel sets forth on her journey. It quickly turns harrowing and she must fight for survival, facing unimaginable odds.

Read this if you like:
-tense atmospheric thrillers
-unforgivable chilly winter environments-absolute darkness, treacherous blizzards, hazardous crevasses, fear of frostbite upon exposure
-life or death fight for survival despite insurmountable challenges
-duo timelines
-fascinating world of Antarctic research teams
-themes of isolation, reflection of marriage and life choices, resilience, sanity vs madness
-big twists and satisfying ending

My rating : 4.75 out of 5

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this eARC that will be published February 11 2025.

3.5/5

As thrillers go, this one was so unique and I could mentally picture all of the scenes taking place. There were a few unrealistic moments and a lot of repetitive threats happening that could make the book drag a little, and aspects of the ending were a little predictable, but overall this was a really good environmental thriller that kept the reader on their toes!

Unique premise - a lone research scientist must fight for survival in the Antarctic amidst a global nuclear event while grappling with the grief of those there were lost. This story sucked me in as it flashed back and forth between past and present. The pacing was a bit odd, slow start with a rushed ending. All in all, a very entertaining story! Looking forward to more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was a fun book but had a few faults. I generally enjoyed the story. I was desperate to find out what was going on and if Rachel survived. It was an interesting survival story that I really enjoyed. I never really read anything quite like it before because it was set in Antarctica in the winter. The book was very atmospheric, and I loved how immersive it was. I do have a few things that were drawbacks though. Rachel felt a little off. The connection between her and her baby was…not what I would expect. It just didn’t jive correctly for me. I also found the book long despite not having a lot of pages. The middle drug on quite a bit, however the ending was very propulsive and great. This was my first book by this author, and I am looking forward to reading more books by them.

If you’re looking for an immersive tale of survival, then check this one out.

The novel, while ambitious, ultimately falls short due to its predictability and length. From the moment the central mission is introduced, it quickly becomes evident where the story is heading, leaving little room for suspense or surprise. The plot’s trajectory feels almost too obvious, and it’s hard to stay engaged when the outcome feels like a foregone conclusion.

The book’s length is another issue. Despite being a relatively short read, the story is dragged out far too much. It’s as if every little detail, no matter how trivial, is over-explained. This makes for a drawn-out reading experience that could have been far more concise and impactful. One of the most frustrating elements of the novel is the way certain concepts are hammered home, particularly regarding the difference between Antarctica in a usual season versus its harsh winter conditions. The dialogue repeatedly forces this point onto the reader, leaving you with the feeling of being "mansplained" to rather than being shown or discovering the information organically. It detracts from the immersion and feels more like an instruction manual than a narrative.

The biggest flaw, however, is the portrayal of the female protagonist, especially in a story written by a male author. Fictional stories told from a woman’s perspective often lose their authenticity when written by someone who doesn't seem to fully grasp the nuances of female experience. In this case, the character’s voice feels off, and the dialogue often falls flat, making it hard to empathize with her.

The book’s final chapters are riddled with plot holes that are almost too glaring to ignore. At several points, the main character could have easily solved problems or avoided danger by making simple, logical choices—like locking a door. These missed opportunities for tension or resolution only serve to irritate, undermining the narrative’s credibility. It was as if the author needed to meet a minimum word requirement.

On the plus side, the depiction of an oil-hungry American president risking the fate of the world felt eerily relevant and timely. The political commentary on global greed and power dynamics was well done and added a layer of realism to an otherwise lackluster story. It was one of the few moments where the author captured a compelling, authentic moment.

Ultimately, this book may appeal to those who enjoy high-stakes, mission-driven plots, but for anyone looking for a tightly-written, thoughtful narrative, it leaves much to be desired. The predictability, excessive length, and missed opportunities for character development make it a disappointing read.

“Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, driest, most remote, most desolate, most inhospitable place on the entire planet.”

An apocalyptic survival thriller set in the middle of a raging blizzard in Antarctica, <u>Whiteout </u> makes for a gripping winter read. If you’re looking for something exciting, chilling (quite literally), and heartfelt, look no further. And aren’t books set in the winter, especially thrillers, always the best?

Rachael, an ambitious glacier scientist, leaves behind her husband and daughter for an urgent research trip, only to find herself trapped alone in a fierce storm. Rachael is left with no way fo to contact her at base, with an emergency radio broadcasting stating that a nuclear war has broken out and all connections are disconnected. Through alternating past and present timelines, we see Rachael’s fight to survive begin — against not only the harsh terrain of the South Pole, but also a growing sense of regret and hopelessness knowing everyone she knows/loves is most likely dead.

While the pacing of the book lags a bit during the first third, it ultimately made up for in the intense final portion. I mean, that ending? Wow. Besides the intriguing premise of a nuclear war with the MC simultaneously being cut off from the rest of the world, the author also incorporates meaningful themes of family and understanding oneself.

Overall, I’d say this is definitely worth a read!

I’m looking forward to reading more by R.S. Burnett.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Chilling, atmospheric, tense, and riveting, Whiteout: A Thriller wowed me with this tale of isolation, survival, reflection, relationships, and science. Whew! I love, love, love books set in cold and snowy places. I also love books that have a 'trapped' feeling and a quest for survival. R.S. Burnett nailed it with Whiteout: A Thriller and it's the freezing, dark, and bitter cold setting in Antarctica!

Glaciologist Rachael Becket decided to leave the warmth of her home with her husband, Adam and their baby daughter, Izzy. Her husband warns her about the horrific winters in Antarctica. How darkness and isolation play with one's mind. He doesn't want her to go, but Rachel is determined to do so. She is a scientist and when presented with alarming data, knows she can weather any storm.

Antarctica in the summer is not walk in the park, but in winter.... Well, it's no winter wonderland. It is unforgiving, deadly, dark, and so very cold. When she loses contact with the outside world and with a BBC emergency radio broadcast reporting a nuclear war, she knows that she just might be one of the last people on earth. It's cold, she's lonely, she's hungry, and then things go from bad to worse.

I loved how atmospheric this book felt. I could feel the chill and Rachel's desperation jumping from the pages. The loneliness and her reflections back on her life when she was spending time with her daughter and husband were palpable. She has only her research to cling to as she has no idea what the fate of her family and the world might be. Survival becomes the name of the game!

Holy Moly! I can't even imagine the cold and unforgiving winter conditions that she was enduring. Antarctica is very much a character in this book as well. I thought the author nailed the effect that isolation, lack of light, and contact with others has on individuals. The vivid descriptions and scenes in addition to Rachel's fight to stay alive, there were some intense scenes which had my heart beating quite fast a few times while reading.

I loved the tension, the twists, the quest for survival, the descriptions, and the way Rachel reflected on her life and the days leading up to her leaving to go to Antarctica. Her journal entries were also a very nice touch, and I loved reading them as a means to get into Rachel's mind and inner thoughts.

Chilling, dark, tense, and atmospheric!

A tense page turner.

Rachael was a spitfire. Confused about her marriage and motherhood, she realizes work is very important to her and when it appears she’s needed to help prevent a global catastrophe, she goes for it. The plot is driven by Rachael and her work, with secondary characters that come and go as needed. The writing was full of suspense and kept the reader engaged throughout. My only complaint was that at times, the author came across preachy about certain social issues, such as global warming. Other than that, the book was very good.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.

When Rachael’s mentor asks her to join an urgent research trip to Antarctica, she jumps at the chance. Rachael is a glaciologist who put her career and research on hold when she and her husband started their family. Rachael is stationed alone at a remote outpost during the dark and unforgiving Antarctic winter. Her research may be the only thing to prevent oil companies from drilling in Antarctica and save the earth from climate change destruction. As the brutal polar winter rages on and her supplies run low, Rachel begins to think all is lost. The only communication she’s had has been a radio transmission saying a nuclear war has broken out. As Rachel worries about her husband and young daughter, she realizes she could be the last person left alive. Rachael soon discovers the most hostile environment in the world isn’t the only thing trying to kill her.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book. I loved the location. I liked that Rachael is a scientist committed to her field of study. Her struggle with being a stay home mom really added some dynamic her character. If you’re looking for a survival thriller featuring a strong female main character, this one is a good choice. The pace moves along quickly, and I loved the descriptions of the harsh yet beautiful landscape of Antarctica.

It’s the matter of survival!
The only thing I would change about this book is that the focus would stay on the survival part (I’m here for it) and less on the political aspects going on. The author created a harrowing and chilling experience. It makes you reflect and ponder what you would do if you were in Rachel’s shoes.

What a debut thriller of a book! I was sold from the synopsis. I just didn't want to put this book down.

Rachael is persuaded by her old boss Guy to head back to Antarctica to carry out some vital research, but after months alone, with no human contact, except a radio message that a nuclear war has broken out, Rachael fears the worst for her husband and daughter who she left behind and is battling to survive a harsh winter storm, when things start going from bad to worse.

Is Rachael the only survivor? Will she survive a winter storm in Antarctica? Has she got the resilience and ability to survive?

This is an atmospheric and gritty, page turner. the writing is brilliant and I felt like I was there with Rachael witnessing it all unfold, with clever use of flashbacks to give a fuller picture as to what led Rachael to this point, you can't help but root for her.

There are so many twists and turns, you don't see coming and catch you off guard, but keep you hooked to find out what's going to happen next.

From the premise to the execution this is hands down one of my favourite reads of the year!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers Crooked Lane for this ARC.

Okay this is so different from what I usually read. BUT I LOVED IT!! So atmospheric and the stranded in Antarctica aspect was perfect. 5 stars!!

With a premise that hooked me from the start, Whiteout is an Antarctic survival thriller set during the end of the world, that makes you question how much you’d be willing to fight to survive even in the most dire of circumstances.

I love thriller and horror set in the cold barren wastes of the Antarctic, since it makes every little thing that happens much more deadly and serious. In most survival scenarios, the main protagonist could, in theory, leave to go somewhere else. Not so, when doing so will almost guarantee their death within a few hours in subzero weather. This raises all the stakes when things go wrong, since our main character has to determine how to survive both her current circumstances - as well as the unforgiving polar night.

The one thing that didn’t quite work for me in this book was the family drama that was interspersed throughout the book, as I personally couldn't care less about the potential fracturing of our main character’s marriage or her missing her daughter. While this is important for the motivations of our main character, I just am not someone who cares about family drama in novels, and so when these chapters were spread throughout I will admit to only half-paying attention to them. I don’t think the book would have been any different had the main character and her husband not had some issues, as in both scenarios she’s mourning their potential death during a potential nuclear war.

However, the main overall intensity and pace of this book kept me interested until the last page, and there were quite a few twists that I did see coming - and one I only realized before the last page during its reveal. If you were looking for a quick survival thriller, with a main character who does everything she can to survive despite both the circumstances and the bleak reality she’s found herself in, I would recommend picking up this book.

A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.