Anthony Eaton

I loved this book!!! It was such a compelling read that I couldn't put it down but at the same time I didn't want it to end. At first I didn't think I would enjoy it as it read like non-fiction, but after a few pages I was hooked. I was so totally engrossed in Downes' journal as he recounted his involvement in Edward Rouke's expedition to Antarctica aboard the Raven in 1922.

With a list of personnel, diagrams of the ship, family trees of Rouke and Downes, and the author's introduction at the show more beginning of the book I was wondering if this was actually based on a true story or a mix of fact and fiction. Regardless, it was a book full of adventure, intrigue, horror, greed and despair, and could so easily have been true.

Eaton's descriptions of the ice, the wind, the climatic conditions and the utter desolation of Antarctica are brilliant. This is a book I'm going to add to my own library at home. show less

I loved it. The descriptions of obsession and its consequences in all its manifestations are handled with dexterity and confidence and the narrative is such that the story might really have happened. I hope it wins CBCA Book of the Year.

Enjoyed this book a lot more than expected. Picked it up from a free library.

Had enough mystery left by the end I decided to go to the second one.

Like the characters and the pacing in this one. And how it sets up the world for us. Could also tell it was written by an Australian from a km away. Has certain writing qualities that make it a dead give away.

Would recommend for anyone whose into scifi with a hint of old world magic and post apocalyptic seasoning.

Positioned in outback Australia after some kind of holocaust or destructon of the society and enviroment as we know it, the setting has a slight Mad Max feel about it. The reader is kept as much in the dark as the main character, Saria, and as she comes to terms with her gifts and background so do we become more informed. I do not mind this style of writing but some readers may find it frustrating.
Not a lot actually happens in this first book of the series. Various incidents reveal more of show more the themes and characters and position the reader for the upcoming events. Characters are well developed but don't be surprised if you find Saria and Dariand to be frustrating and at times difficult to like. I was sufficiently tantalised to read the rest of the series. show less