Fantastic premise: a glaciologist working alone on an isolated arctic base hears a BBC broadcast announcing the end of the world through nuclear war - and things just get worse for her from there.

Lots of action, lots of questionable choices leading to more action, crevasses, endless wind and snow, some hallucinations, more crevasses, some solid commentary on climate change and oil drilling and foreshadowing the many ways we’re generally all fucked unless things change (and how they are just going to get worse thanks to the dummies who voted to elect the biggest dummy), additional crevasses, and a shocking amount of upper body strength from a lady who hasn’t eaten much for weeks. Didn’t love the ending and thought things dragged a bit in the middle - but I think this was an entertaining enough audiobook with excellent narration by Billie Fulford Brown that fans of T.J. Newman may also enjoy.

Aside from an unlikeable main character and jarring timeline shifts, this story managed to take the vast expanse of Antarctica and shrink it down to a movie set. One must suspend belief to follow along through 7-8 hours of walking through a blizzard just to happen upon a life-saving shack, which is then again found by a rescuer. Along with feminism and climate change this book also has a dose of anti-American climate fearmongering. At least it was short.

This was such a fascinating thriller! I felt like I was right there with the FMC (Rachel) trying to survive, wondering right there, along with her, if she was the only one alive. This had some wild turns and twists. I was truly on the edge of my seat reading this. I loved it so much! I can't discuss much of it, as it'd spoil it, but it was shocking yet so intriguing! The ending felt rushed/quick, but otherwise, it was such a riveting ride! The narrator truly made this reach that much more interesting. I felt the character's emotions, fear, and loneliness through the narrator.

I received this ARC in audiobook from NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

Whiteout was one of the scariest books I have read in a long time. It might seem slow and boring to begin with but believe me that is just so you have time to totally relax before the nonstop action. It was scary because of the unbelievable dangerous conditions of Antarctica in the wintertime and because of the mission impossible scenarios Rachel went through to try and survive. And it was scary because it was way too believable that all the scenarios presented in the book: a nuclear attack, what was happening because of climate change, and politicians and greedy oil barons disregarding what drilling for oil would do to the earth, could really happen in the not-too-distant future.

Whiteout
A Thriller
by R. S. Burnett
Narrated by Billie Fulford Brown

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

Trigger warnings: Suicide, murder, allusions to rape but not the act.

This is one of the best books I have ever listened to. If you are a fan of dystopian futures such as a nuclear fallout, or enjoyed The Martian by Andy Weir (book and movie), or the movie Cast Away, or the movie I Am Legend - then this book might be up your alley.

There is so much good science fiction here that is likely more of a seemingly accurate prediction of the future than most science fiction thrillers. Maybe not the nuclear fallout part (hopefully).

Climate change is happening. Several ice shelves have broken off and others have collapsed entirely. Larsen A collapsed in 1995, Larsen B collapsed in 2002, Antarctica’s Brunt Ice Shelf had a large break off in May 2024, Conger ice shelf collapsed in March 2022, etc. There is a lot of information online about Antarctic ice shelves and Canadian as well.

There is mention of a US president ordering a tariffs. I finished reading this book the day after President Biden gave his farewell address from the oval office.

There is talk in the book about politicians caring more about immediate politics than climate change and leaving today’s problem to screw up tomorrow’s world.
The Inflation Reduction act was signed in May 2022. It is the first of it’s kind.

I find all of this equally intriguing and terrifying.

This book explores a very important what if: What if the world has a crisis ot apocalypse and you are alone?

Definitely highly recommend this one!!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for an early release audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Rachael Beckett leaves her toddler and husband at home to do important research at the south pole where she has been many times. However, this is the first time she goes over winter. All she knows is that there has been a worldwide disaster and she is all alone and running out of supplies.

I always enjoy survival stories.

I enjoyed Billie Fulford Brown's narration.

All I can say is wow! If you’re looking for a book to bolster you out of your winter doldrums, then look no further. This claustrophobic thriller centers around a scientist stranded alone in Antarctica. She has no communication to the outside world, and only knows that a nuclear war has occurred by a loop of continuous feed from her radio. The information she’s gathered during her research, leads her to believe that she may have the answers to a climate catastrophe. But is there anything even out there to save anymore? This is definitely the most exciting book. I’ve listened to in a long time. An absolute must read.