BelEdit Book Reviews
Whiteout is an intense survival thriller that grabbed me from the very first page. Set mainly in an unforgiving landscape (Antarctica in winter), the sense of isolation and danger is palpable, and Burnett does a fantastic job of building tension throughout the book. No less than the fate of the planet is at stake when Rachael sets out on a research mission, where she ends up alone and cut off from the world, with no communication other than a repeated radio message telling her that the worst has happened.
The characters are well developed and relatable, especially Rachael, who is thrust into a dire situation where every move and every decision she takes is a matter of life or death. The harsh environment feels like a character in itself — ruthless, unpredictable, and relentless — and this constant threat heightens the stakes and makes for an adrenaline-filled experience. As the story unfolds, so the tension mounts.
What stands out the most is the pacing. Burnett blends moments of quiet reflection and backstory with bursts of intense action, keeping you on edge throughout the entire book. The twist towards the end took me by surprise but felt completely right.
If you’re a fan of survival thrillers with vivid landscapes, tough decisions and high stakes, Whiteout is a must-read. I hesitated to read it because it’s compared to The Martian, which I found very boring, but Whiteout turned out to be much better! It’s an edge-of-your-seat read that I 100% recommend.
Thanks to the author, publisher @HarperCollins and Netgalley UK for the ARC. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
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