A fresh, new direction for the dystopian novel

 

 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ I am a huge fan of Tom Rob Smith, based on his previous Child 44 series, so went into this novel already onboard. I didn't even read the full blurb in my haste to grab this book, so excited for a new novel from this talented writer.

Cold People didn't disappoint. It gets points for style with a fresh dystopian story of a mass migration of people to Antarctica following unforeseen events. A real rollercoaster of a journey as we follow a number of people on this, seemingly, impossible trek to the bottom of the Earth. It illustrates beautifully the duelling sides of human nature under stress and feels authentic as we, the reader, undertake this heroic feat alongside.

The scope of world-building as the novel progresses from journey to Antarctic settlement is astounding. The creativity of thinking that went into a technologically deprived existence stands out. What comes of the technology they do have to hand was inspired. This is a novel that captivated me and proves, oddly, that like the cockroach, people can thrive just about anywhere. But, it is the next step that transforms this story and takes it in a wholly unexpected direction. It may have gone a fair bit sci fi but that felt right for this narrative and the people struggling to survive in such a hostile environment.

All in all, Cold People is a novel I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. It is original and thought-provoking. It's an adventure story that will take the reader on a journey he/she will not expect.