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pgentry's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
reeyabeegale's review against another edition
3.0
It's been so long since I last read a thriller book, and I was so excited when I got recommended this because it's a romance-thriller.
Thriller-wise, it was awesome. There's nothing more exciting than political conspiracies, I find them often than not mind-blowing especially when done well and this book delivered exactly that. It was an aspect I highly looked forward to, I kept guessing on what the bigger picture is behind everything that happened.
The romance aspect was also really good! It made me swoon a lot of times, though it was a bit uncomfortable given their situation but it was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience, knowing not a lot of books have similar set-ups.
Now, what disappointed me (which mostly happened for the books I've read this year) is the length. I don't mind reading long books, but it takes a lot for me to focus because I try to find new books to read everyday and seeing all the interesting synopsis is too tempting. I almost stopped this book but I knew that if I did, I would've never finished it. So even if it was a good book in general and it delivered on all its promises, it wasn't something that had a hold on me. I felt that this book dragged out a bit much, it could've shed a few pages less and still provide the same story line.
And also, I got put off a few times with the scenes in Antartica that I couldn't picture. I mean, I've never been there and the country I live in doesn't resemble anything close to it so it was very hard to imagine the landscape. I struggled most during the hideout in the crevasse (which by the way, I had to search what it looked like) because I knew it was supposed to make me nervous for everything that's happening but all it made me feel was confused and wanting to catch up on how the setting is. So I guess, that was just another thing why the book couldn't hold all my attention, because the setting (Antartica), though beautiful, is something I couldn't imagine especially growing up in a tropical country.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel, and knowing more about the conspiracy of it all. I recommend this book for readers who would love to read about a thriller in isolation, and who love outdoors because you'd appreciate the landscape the author used in the book.
Thriller-wise, it was awesome. There's nothing more exciting than political conspiracies, I find them often than not mind-blowing especially when done well and this book delivered exactly that. It was an aspect I highly looked forward to, I kept guessing on what the bigger picture is behind everything that happened.
The romance aspect was also really good! It made me swoon a lot of times, though it was a bit uncomfortable given their situation but it was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience, knowing not a lot of books have similar set-ups.
Now, what disappointed me (which mostly happened for the books I've read this year) is the length. I don't mind reading long books, but it takes a lot for me to focus because I try to find new books to read everyday and seeing all the interesting synopsis is too tempting. I almost stopped this book but I knew that if I did, I would've never finished it. So even if it was a good book in general and it delivered on all its promises, it wasn't something that had a hold on me. I felt that this book dragged out a bit much, it could've shed a few pages less and still provide the same story line.
And also, I got put off a few times with the scenes in Antartica that I couldn't picture. I mean, I've never been there and the country I live in doesn't resemble anything close to it so it was very hard to imagine the landscape. I struggled most during the hideout in the crevasse (which by the way, I had to search what it looked like) because I knew it was supposed to make me nervous for everything that's happening but all it made me feel was confused and wanting to catch up on how the setting is. So I guess, that was just another thing why the book couldn't hold all my attention, because the setting (Antartica), though beautiful, is something I couldn't imagine especially growing up in a tropical country.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel, and knowing more about the conspiracy of it all. I recommend this book for readers who would love to read about a thriller in isolation, and who love outdoors because you'd appreciate the landscape the author used in the book.
lynguy1's review against another edition
3.0
WHITEOUT by Adriana Anders is the first book in the Survival Instincts romantic suspense and adventure series and is set mainly in Antarctica. The author brought this reader an intense and action-filled adventure story.
Angel Smith has spent the summer as a chef at a remote research station and is ready to leave before winter sets in when the station is attacked. She and glaciologist Ford (Coop) Cooper barely escape, but there are few places to go. They have no power, no way to contact the outside world, and a team of mercenaries chasing them. Can Angel and Coop get to safety? Can they take enough food and essentials to survive the trek? Who attacked the research station and what was the impetus for the attack? Was it successful? What follows is a suspenseful survival story with a romance weaved into the story line.
Angel is a character that you definitely can root for, but Coop is rather reserved and harder to get to know. However, the progression of their relationship made sense as a partnership for survival and some initial attraction was tested by the need to survive.
The author brought a strong sense of place to light in this novel. The subzero temperatures, harshness and inhospitableness of Antarctica was balanced with its beauty, isolation and peacefulness. However, the book was short on dialogue in places. Some of this was necessary due to the circumstances. Instead, there is a lot of introspection by both Angel and Coop which added depth to their characters. Additionally, there is some insight into the villains in this story and we get perspectives from a couple of them which enriches the tale. Running from the past, danger, action, steamy scenes and much more kept this reader entertained and wondering what could happen next.
Overall, this novel kept me engaged and made me grateful that I was not enduring the stark reality of wind, snow, and cold that Angel and Coop faced. I have read other books set in Antarctica, but this one is by far the best. I felt somewhat let down by several loose ends. I know the epilogue set up the next novel, but I would have preferred that the information was put at the beginning of the next book in the series. What a cliffhanger! Despite, this, I am looking forward to reading book two which is currently slated to be published August 31, 2021.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was January 28, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Angel Smith has spent the summer as a chef at a remote research station and is ready to leave before winter sets in when the station is attacked. She and glaciologist Ford (Coop) Cooper barely escape, but there are few places to go. They have no power, no way to contact the outside world, and a team of mercenaries chasing them. Can Angel and Coop get to safety? Can they take enough food and essentials to survive the trek? Who attacked the research station and what was the impetus for the attack? Was it successful? What follows is a suspenseful survival story with a romance weaved into the story line.
Angel is a character that you definitely can root for, but Coop is rather reserved and harder to get to know. However, the progression of their relationship made sense as a partnership for survival and some initial attraction was tested by the need to survive.
The author brought a strong sense of place to light in this novel. The subzero temperatures, harshness and inhospitableness of Antarctica was balanced with its beauty, isolation and peacefulness. However, the book was short on dialogue in places. Some of this was necessary due to the circumstances. Instead, there is a lot of introspection by both Angel and Coop which added depth to their characters. Additionally, there is some insight into the villains in this story and we get perspectives from a couple of them which enriches the tale. Running from the past, danger, action, steamy scenes and much more kept this reader entertained and wondering what could happen next.
Overall, this novel kept me engaged and made me grateful that I was not enduring the stark reality of wind, snow, and cold that Angel and Coop faced. I have read other books set in Antarctica, but this one is by far the best. I felt somewhat let down by several loose ends. I know the epilogue set up the next novel, but I would have preferred that the information was put at the beginning of the next book in the series. What a cliffhanger! Despite, this, I am looking forward to reading book two which is currently slated to be published August 31, 2021.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was January 28, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
talkflowers2me's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm it was… fine? This wasn’t the book for me. I like more romance and the payoff that happens when characters share what makes them tick and things that they struggle with with each other. That never happens in this book. This felt like they were attracted to each other but avoided it, they were forced proximitied to each other, suddenly they love each other? Naw man. There was also a lot of setting up stuff for the next book and that felt super clunky.
nourbey's review against another edition
4.0
There is something about characters being on the verge of death that makes them so much more fun. Honestly SO entertaining. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat or anything but super engaged. I cheered so much when Angel finally pummeled the face off the bad guys. The thing is once they survived and were no longer at risk of death the story could’ve closed off right there. But the first 70% was phenomenal. And the final 30% wasn’t bad either but just a little aimless (?) I guess.
deetour8's review against another edition
I found this book to be really disappointing because I've loved all of Anders previous books.
msjenne's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I picked this up mainly because I once considered applying to be a cook in Antarctica, but sadly that part of the story is over pretty fast!
As for the romance aspect, it was not for me. I just don’t get the appeal of this “man who can’t string 3 words together and just scowls at people instead” kind of hero. I don’t care what deep formative trauma he went through, this is not an acceptable way for an adult to behave and certainly not what I look for in a love interest, fictional or otherwise!
As for the romance aspect, it was not for me. I just don’t get the appeal of this “man who can’t string 3 words together and just scowls at people instead” kind of hero. I don’t care what deep formative trauma he went through, this is not an acceptable way for an adult to behave and certainly not what I look for in a love interest, fictional or otherwise!
nmcchristy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0