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Cold People
The world has fallen. Without warning, a mysterious and omnipotent force has claimed the planet for their own. There are no negotiations, no demands, no reasons given for their actions. All they have is a message: humanity has thirty days to reach the one place on Earth where they will be allowed to exist… Antarctica.
Cold People follows the perilous journeys of a handful of those who endure the frantic exodus to the most extreme environment on the planet. But their goal is not merely to survive the present. Because as they cling to life on the ice, the remnants of their past swept away, they must also confront the urgent challenge: can they change and evolve rapidly enough to ensure humanity’s future? Can they build a new society in the sub-zero cold?
Original and imaginative, as profoundly intimate as it is grand in scope, is a masterful and unforgettable epic.
Cold People follows the perilous journeys of a handful of those who endure the frantic exodus to the most extreme environment on the planet. But their goal is not merely to survive the present. Because as they cling to life on the ice, the remnants of their past swept away, they must also confront the urgent challenge: can they change and evolve rapidly enough to ensure humanity’s future? Can they build a new society in the sub-zero cold?
Original and imaginative, as profoundly intimate as it is grand in scope, is a masterful and unforgettable epic.
354 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2023
About the author
Tom Rob Smith
27 books2,110 followersTom Rob Smith (born 1979) is an English writer. The son of a Swedish mother and an English father, Smith was raised in London where he lives today. After graduating from Cambridge University in 2001, he completed his studies in Italy, studying creative writing for a year. After these studies, he worked as a scriptwriter.
His first novel, Child 44, about a series of child murders in Stalinist Russia, appeared in early 2008 and was translated into 17 languages. It was awarded the 2008 Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for Best Thriller of the year by the Crime Writer's Association. It was recently a Barnes & Noble recommended book. On July 29, 2008 the book was named on the long list for the 2008 Man Booker Prize. In November 2008, he was nominated for the 2008 Costa First Novel Award (former Whitbread).
Child 44 followed-up by The Secret Speech (2009)and Agent 6 (2011).
Japanese: トム ロブ スミス
His first novel, Child 44, about a series of child murders in Stalinist Russia, appeared in early 2008 and was translated into 17 languages. It was awarded the 2008 Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for Best Thriller of the year by the Crime Writer's Association. It was recently a Barnes & Noble recommended book. On July 29, 2008 the book was named on the long list for the 2008 Man Booker Prize. In November 2008, he was nominated for the 2008 Costa First Novel Award (former Whitbread).
Child 44 followed-up by The Secret Speech (2009)and Agent 6 (2011).
Japanese: トム ロブ スミス
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 789 reviews
October 8, 2023
A supreme alien race has driven mankind to choose life in a cold and harsh climate, or a less than desirable fate awaits if they stay…
We follow a multi-perspective story as humanity comes into question and how people will either come together to survive…or possibly perish.
I ultimately liked a majority of the story, pulled into the lives of the characters trying to make a new life under this new world order. I did feel a little disconnected from the story as it seemed to traverse characters so quickly and I couldn’t get a good anchor in their lives. I also didn’t like that we don’t learn the purpose of the alien takeover and the complete surrender of humankind without question. I felt like character development could be improved but the writing was pleasurable and I appreciated the journey!
The book ends leaving us with the feeling there is another novel coming to shore up this story. A solid 3.5 rounded up.
This was a GoodReads giveaway win. My review is honest and provided freely.
We follow a multi-perspective story as humanity comes into question and how people will either come together to survive…or possibly perish.
I ultimately liked a majority of the story, pulled into the lives of the characters trying to make a new life under this new world order. I did feel a little disconnected from the story as it seemed to traverse characters so quickly and I couldn’t get a good anchor in their lives. I also didn’t like that we don’t learn the purpose of the alien takeover and the complete surrender of humankind without question. I felt like character development could be improved but the writing was pleasurable and I appreciated the journey!
The book ends leaving us with the feeling there is another novel coming to shore up this story. A solid 3.5 rounded up.
This was a GoodReads giveaway win. My review is honest and provided freely.
February 7, 2023
3.5 Stars. I was anxious to read this book, recalling that Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith was one of my favourite crime novels. The concept of Cold People appealed to me as it featured topics I enjoy, including survival in a post-apocalyptic world, mysterious alien contact, the Antarctic, and establishing new societies under challenging circumstances. The time is late 2023 when mystifying, futuristic spaceships hover overhead in the sky. A message is sent to humankind that they have thirty days to remove themselves to the Antarctic. Most people are scrambling, desperate to get passage by plane or ship as they have only a limited time to set foot on the Antarctic continent. There are age limits, and those lucky enough to travel will journey in cramped and uncomfortable conditions. On arrival, they face the grim task of finding ways to exist in the frozen, barren land with few resources.
We first meet an American woman on holiday in Portugal with her family. She is beguiled by a handsome local fisherman. The messages from the alien entities arrive shortly after they meet. They both arrive in the Antarctic. How do they and the thousands of other refugees manage to live in this chilly, desolate new world and form communities? We know three separate societies were established on the Antarctic Peninsula. We do not learn how this was done or the problems associated with strangers cooperating and surviving in this bleak, cold, uninhabited wilderness. Suddenly, the time abruptly jumps to 2043. The couple we met at the beginning now has a genetically engineered daughter, a teenager who can comfortably withstand sub-zero temperatures biologically. We learn a little about life in their community.
Now the story goes back again to 2023, where a young Israeli soldier, Yotam, is trying to get a flight to the Antarctic. The airport is in chaos. His destination is McMurdo Station, far inland and an actual scientific centre today. During the evacuation of humankind from their former countries, the foremost scientists, thinkers, generals, and world leaders were assigned to McMurdo station. The former Israeli soldier is recruited to assist a leading woman scientist. There are experiments in human engineering being carried out. Much is secret, as it would have been considered illegal, immoral, and unethical in former times.
Now we have a quick jump forward to 2043. McMurdo station has now grown into a thriving city. Yotam is a lonely and troubled man. He oversees creatures that have been so genetically altered they no longer look human. He loves the mutant's leader and wants to see all these highly intelligent creatures freed. Most of the scientists involved fear the outcome of the experiments and consider the creatures dangerous. The goal was to develop powerful beings that could withstand the cold and perform jobs that humans could not do in extreme climate. They have been locked up throughout their life for the safety of the scientists, staff and the entire McMurdo City.
Although each chapter was headed with the place and time period, I would have preferred a more linear timeline. The 20-year gap in the storyline omitted facts about the struggles in the development of communities. There were some thought-provoking moral and ethical issues. The finale concludes with difficult decisions and erupts with conflict, danger and destruction.
On a personal note, I took a break from reading to walk to the nearest store for groceries today. It was minus 30 Celsius at the time, with the wind chill at minus 42. Cold People indeed! I turned back, deciding I didn't want to eat badly enough to continue and spent some time thawing out my painful gloved hands in warm water. There seems to be room for a sequel that I would definitely read. The ending led the way to further character interaction, storyline, and resolution.
We first meet an American woman on holiday in Portugal with her family. She is beguiled by a handsome local fisherman. The messages from the alien entities arrive shortly after they meet. They both arrive in the Antarctic. How do they and the thousands of other refugees manage to live in this chilly, desolate new world and form communities? We know three separate societies were established on the Antarctic Peninsula. We do not learn how this was done or the problems associated with strangers cooperating and surviving in this bleak, cold, uninhabited wilderness. Suddenly, the time abruptly jumps to 2043. The couple we met at the beginning now has a genetically engineered daughter, a teenager who can comfortably withstand sub-zero temperatures biologically. We learn a little about life in their community.
Now the story goes back again to 2023, where a young Israeli soldier, Yotam, is trying to get a flight to the Antarctic. The airport is in chaos. His destination is McMurdo Station, far inland and an actual scientific centre today. During the evacuation of humankind from their former countries, the foremost scientists, thinkers, generals, and world leaders were assigned to McMurdo station. The former Israeli soldier is recruited to assist a leading woman scientist. There are experiments in human engineering being carried out. Much is secret, as it would have been considered illegal, immoral, and unethical in former times.
Now we have a quick jump forward to 2043. McMurdo station has now grown into a thriving city. Yotam is a lonely and troubled man. He oversees creatures that have been so genetically altered they no longer look human. He loves the mutant's leader and wants to see all these highly intelligent creatures freed. Most of the scientists involved fear the outcome of the experiments and consider the creatures dangerous. The goal was to develop powerful beings that could withstand the cold and perform jobs that humans could not do in extreme climate. They have been locked up throughout their life for the safety of the scientists, staff and the entire McMurdo City.
Although each chapter was headed with the place and time period, I would have preferred a more linear timeline. The 20-year gap in the storyline omitted facts about the struggles in the development of communities. There were some thought-provoking moral and ethical issues. The finale concludes with difficult decisions and erupts with conflict, danger and destruction.
On a personal note, I took a break from reading to walk to the nearest store for groceries today. It was minus 30 Celsius at the time, with the wind chill at minus 42. Cold People indeed! I turned back, deciding I didn't want to eat badly enough to continue and spent some time thawing out my painful gloved hands in warm water. There seems to be room for a sequel that I would definitely read. The ending led the way to further character interaction, storyline, and resolution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2022
There is an aphorism that every person has a novel in them. There perhaps should be a new aphorism that every novelist also has a post-apocalyptic or dystopian novel in them. Plenty of ‘mainstream’ novelists have tried this genre on recently including Derek Miller (Radio Life), Robert Harris (The Second Sleep), Inga Simpson (The Last Woman in the World) and Noah Hawley (Anthem). For Tom Rob Smith, known for his series of historical Russian thrillers, which started with his break out debut Child 44, that novel is Cold People.
Cold People opens with a couple of historical vignettes about Antarctica before moving to the present day. Medical student Liza is on holiday with her family in Portugal when she meets-cute local fisherman Atto. The two form an instant bond which is immediately tested when aliens arrive in the skies and give humanity an ultimatum: humankind has 30 days to migrate to Antarctica or die. The bulk of the narrative is the story of this journey and then of the survivors, twenty years on from this event, eking out an existence in the most inhospitable continent on Earth and trying to find new ways to survive. About two thirds of the way through it becomes something else again.
It is hard to know what to make of Cold People. The narrative rarely stays with one character long enough for readers to become invested. Every character is introduced with the story of how they survived the invasion. So that even close to the end, Smith is still introducing new characters with multi-page backstories before moving back to the action. The premise of an alien invasion is never really explored, the aliens are never seen and the reason for sending humankind to Antarctica is only ever assumed. It is the deus ex machina that drives the plot but to no particular end.
If Cold People is about anything it is an exploration of humanity’s will to survive. In particular, what steps we might take if pushed, literally to an extreme. And what then happens when the cure might be worse than the disease. But it is unclear why the whole alien invasion was required. If this was the story Smith wanted to tell there were possibly more elegant and less contrived ways of getting there.
In the end though, where Cold People falls down is in its failure to deliver an engaging, propulsive narrative to drive its ideas. Smith has shown he can write thrillers but he brings none of those techniques to Cold People which is heavy on exposition and light on surprises or revelations.
Cold People opens with a couple of historical vignettes about Antarctica before moving to the present day. Medical student Liza is on holiday with her family in Portugal when she meets-cute local fisherman Atto. The two form an instant bond which is immediately tested when aliens arrive in the skies and give humanity an ultimatum: humankind has 30 days to migrate to Antarctica or die. The bulk of the narrative is the story of this journey and then of the survivors, twenty years on from this event, eking out an existence in the most inhospitable continent on Earth and trying to find new ways to survive. About two thirds of the way through it becomes something else again.
It is hard to know what to make of Cold People. The narrative rarely stays with one character long enough for readers to become invested. Every character is introduced with the story of how they survived the invasion. So that even close to the end, Smith is still introducing new characters with multi-page backstories before moving back to the action. The premise of an alien invasion is never really explored, the aliens are never seen and the reason for sending humankind to Antarctica is only ever assumed. It is the deus ex machina that drives the plot but to no particular end.
If Cold People is about anything it is an exploration of humanity’s will to survive. In particular, what steps we might take if pushed, literally to an extreme. And what then happens when the cure might be worse than the disease. But it is unclear why the whole alien invasion was required. If this was the story Smith wanted to tell there were possibly more elegant and less contrived ways of getting there.
In the end though, where Cold People falls down is in its failure to deliver an engaging, propulsive narrative to drive its ideas. Smith has shown he can write thrillers but he brings none of those techniques to Cold People which is heavy on exposition and light on surprises or revelations.
January 22, 2024
I’m picky when choosing science fiction novels to read, I try to avoid scenarios I can’t simply envisage and for me this includes alien beings, particularly those with superpowers. So why pick this one, which tells of the invasion of Earth by aliens so powerful that they are able to force humans to scurry away from their homes to the only space they’re allowed to occupy – Antarctica, the most inhospitable place on the planet! Well, my reasons are twofold: firstly, I have previous with Tom Rob Smith, having much admired his novel Child 44; secondly, I have a bit of a thing for apocalyptic novels and this one looked like it would certainly tick that box.
I’m not going to delve into the details of the plot except to say that for me it comprises four elements:
The event: sudden and uncompromising; a statement is made and a timeframe is given.
The People: we’re introduced to a select few whose adventures we’ll follow, notably an American family on holiday in Lisbon, a boy the family meet there and an Israeli soldier (of course we’ll meet others as the story progresses) .
The Journey: chaotic and often heartbreaking.
Arrival and Survival: those who successfully reach their destination have to find a way to live in this virtually uninhabitable place.
I don’t like cold places, so the whole thing gave me the shivers (quite literally at times). But the story is very well told and as a result I quickly became invested in the fate of the key players, though curious as to how this tale would retain my interest for the many pages remaining – I hoped it wasn’t going to become a grim battle of attrition with nothing more interesting to impart. I needn’t have worried, there’s a lot more depth here than the elements I’ve described would suggest. Foremost amongst them is an underlying discourse suggesting that humans might well have been deserving of their fate and, whether this is accepted or not, what could they do to overcome a challenge which presents a real threat to the very future of Homo sapiens on this planet.
It would be easy to pick a few holes in the narrative, but I found that I really enjoyed the story and found some of the science (there’s quite a bit here) and particularly the intrinsic moral debates really interesting and thought provoking. It’s most definitely a piece that I believe will continue to prick my conscience and cause me to re-evaluate how I live my life, the good things and the bad.
My thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for providing an early copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not going to delve into the details of the plot except to say that for me it comprises four elements:
The event: sudden and uncompromising; a statement is made and a timeframe is given.
The People: we’re introduced to a select few whose adventures we’ll follow, notably an American family on holiday in Lisbon, a boy the family meet there and an Israeli soldier (of course we’ll meet others as the story progresses) .
The Journey: chaotic and often heartbreaking.
Arrival and Survival: those who successfully reach their destination have to find a way to live in this virtually uninhabitable place.
I don’t like cold places, so the whole thing gave me the shivers (quite literally at times). But the story is very well told and as a result I quickly became invested in the fate of the key players, though curious as to how this tale would retain my interest for the many pages remaining – I hoped it wasn’t going to become a grim battle of attrition with nothing more interesting to impart. I needn’t have worried, there’s a lot more depth here than the elements I’ve described would suggest. Foremost amongst them is an underlying discourse suggesting that humans might well have been deserving of their fate and, whether this is accepted or not, what could they do to overcome a challenge which presents a real threat to the very future of Homo sapiens on this planet.
It would be easy to pick a few holes in the narrative, but I found that I really enjoyed the story and found some of the science (there’s quite a bit here) and particularly the intrinsic moral debates really interesting and thought provoking. It’s most definitely a piece that I believe will continue to prick my conscience and cause me to re-evaluate how I live my life, the good things and the bad.
My thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for providing an early copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2023
3.5 If we are invaded by aliens from another planet, I certainly hope it doesnt go as it is depicted in this book. Then again I guess that our mistreatment of the planet and subsequent climate change wont matter. In a way we may just deserve the fate depicted, a different species only allowing mankind to live in the coldest continent on earth. Of course many of us would die, not all will be able to travel in the allotted time and many more will die, not being used to or unable to prepare for the extreme weather.
Then doesnt it figure that we, as a species, have learned nothing and in our hubris not accept well enough, but push things to extremes. Just like in our world today, there are some, like Echo and her family, that try to thrive. That say enough is enough, nut many dont want to hear or believe that truth.
Quite a scary world 🌎, but makes for thrilling reading. Such an interesting premise for a novel, not to center it on the aliens but on the humans left and how they will live and create with what is left.
Then doesnt it figure that we, as a species, have learned nothing and in our hubris not accept well enough, but push things to extremes. Just like in our world today, there are some, like Echo and her family, that try to thrive. That say enough is enough, nut many dont want to hear or believe that truth.
Quite a scary world 🌎, but makes for thrilling reading. Such an interesting premise for a novel, not to center it on the aliens but on the humans left and how they will live and create with what is left.
March 27, 2023
Methinks there will be a sequel... or two!
That ending.... hmmmm!
Did I love this? Hmmmm! I liked bits and pieces of it. I think this book needed a bit more editing.
There was a fair amount of repetition. For example, the phrase: "everyone liked him" was used in reference to several different characters, through a few decades and time leaps.
I couldn't really connect to many of the characters - especially the Cold People!
You did feel sorry for Cold People, and there's the rub: they are often described as being unemotional. And yet..... there are scenes where Eitan is loving, euphoric, and even expresses grief.
So? Are the cold people unemotional, or aren't they? Was this a continuity issue in the writing process?
Did the scientists succeed in creating a hybrid human that will perpetuate the human race, or did they simply create yet another monster of ambition, vainglorious selfishness and greed? Nothing changes, it seems.
I kept thinking of Spock of the Star Trek series. Logical…. everything had to be logical. If we look at the various premises and themes in this novel, we see that the author has created a world where the various humans and their governments believe that: change and freedom of thought/belief will ultimately lead to chaos and revolution; fear of change and of cultural differences cause distrust and alarm - all the knives come out in defense; and aliens and scientific mutations are NEVER to be trusted - because they just want to take over the planet and toss us humans into the freezing ocean, or just plain exterminate us.
Okay, okay... I hear you. History has proven that we humans find it difficult to peacefully co-exist with anything, much less another race or species... turn the page! Nothing new here!
There are many insightful passages in this novel. I was interested to find out how this all would work out. (Pretty predictably, in fact, but like I said, there is going to be a sequel if that ending has anything to do with it.) My beef: serialized novels tend to have a ton of filler, and there was plenty of that here too. (I should have guessed that this might be a series just from the author's bio: he is famous for them!)
I liked this book, but I didn't connect with the characters or much of the story. Antarctica is always fascinating to read about, and that is why I ordered this from my local library. A good read, even entertaining at times. A 3.4 rolled back to a 3 because Goodreads does not allow fractions.
That ending.... hmmmm!
Did I love this? Hmmmm! I liked bits and pieces of it. I think this book needed a bit more editing.
There was a fair amount of repetition. For example, the phrase: "everyone liked him" was used in reference to several different characters, through a few decades and time leaps.
I couldn't really connect to many of the characters - especially the Cold People!
You did feel sorry for Cold People, and there's the rub: they are often described as being unemotional. And yet..... there are scenes where Eitan is loving, euphoric, and even expresses grief.
So? Are the cold people unemotional, or aren't they? Was this a continuity issue in the writing process?
Did the scientists succeed in creating a hybrid human that will perpetuate the human race, or did they simply create yet another monster of ambition, vainglorious selfishness and greed? Nothing changes, it seems.
I kept thinking of Spock of the Star Trek series. Logical…. everything had to be logical. If we look at the various premises and themes in this novel, we see that the author has created a world where the various humans and their governments believe that: change and freedom of thought/belief will ultimately lead to chaos and revolution; fear of change and of cultural differences cause distrust and alarm - all the knives come out in defense; and aliens and scientific mutations are NEVER to be trusted - because they just want to take over the planet and toss us humans into the freezing ocean, or just plain exterminate us.
Okay, okay... I hear you. History has proven that we humans find it difficult to peacefully co-exist with anything, much less another race or species... turn the page! Nothing new here!
There are many insightful passages in this novel. I was interested to find out how this all would work out. (Pretty predictably, in fact, but like I said, there is going to be a sequel if that ending has anything to do with it.) My beef: serialized novels tend to have a ton of filler, and there was plenty of that here too. (I should have guessed that this might be a series just from the author's bio: he is famous for them!)
I liked this book, but I didn't connect with the characters or much of the story. Antarctica is always fascinating to read about, and that is why I ordered this from my local library. A good read, even entertaining at times. A 3.4 rolled back to a 3 because Goodreads does not allow fractions.
December 26, 2022
This book begins with a couple of historical vignettes about Antarctica then moves to the present day in Lisbon where Liza and her family are on holiday. What happens next made this book quite the page turner for me. Aliens have taken the earth and told humanity to make its way to Antarctica. So it becomes a survival story and this was interesting enough but then in the middle it also becomes a Sci-fi story .
This was an engrossing read. It was interesting that the author chose to follow relatively ordinary people in his narrative rather than world leaders or more traditional hero type characters. I enjoyed this choice, the characters feel real (but of course, it leaves lots of stuff to think about like who made decisions and how did they decide, etc) . The ending suggests there will be a sequel.
This was an engrossing read. It was interesting that the author chose to follow relatively ordinary people in his narrative rather than world leaders or more traditional hero type characters. I enjoyed this choice, the characters feel real (but of course, it leaves lots of stuff to think about like who made decisions and how did they decide, etc) . The ending suggests there will be a sequel.
January 30, 2023
Bought this on the back of hearing the author talking about it on Scala Radio.
I gave up about 20% in. It’s really, really bad - almost criminally lazy writing from an author who can be better.
Characters are not even remotely fleshed-out doing stupid things for stupid reasons.
Society has collapsed, millions trying to escape yet none of the characters have trouble finding each other amidst the chaos. What should be dramatic beyond belief is just written with such a lack of excitement, peril or believability. The premise is great but I was getting so angry at the lack of interest by the author in exploring any of this.
They then sail to Antarctica in an oil tanker full of hundreds of thousands of people. Which then bumps into a cruise liner, which they zip line down to, then walk across a nuclear submarine on to the beach. I’ll let you digest that for a minute.
OK, I wonder how these people will survive, it seems incredibly unlikely that they won’t all die, but I’m interested in seeing how they manage it.
No, we don’t get a single word about this, instead we skip to twenty years later and we get a few pages about the handsome Portuguese fella catching a whale in his fishing net and cutting it loose.
Ok, I’m out.
I gave up about 20% in. It’s really, really bad - almost criminally lazy writing from an author who can be better.
Characters are not even remotely fleshed-out doing stupid things for stupid reasons.
Society has collapsed, millions trying to escape yet none of the characters have trouble finding each other amidst the chaos. What should be dramatic beyond belief is just written with such a lack of excitement, peril or believability. The premise is great but I was getting so angry at the lack of interest by the author in exploring any of this.
They then sail to Antarctica in an oil tanker full of hundreds of thousands of people. Which then bumps into a cruise liner, which they zip line down to, then walk across a nuclear submarine on to the beach. I’ll let you digest that for a minute.
OK, I wonder how these people will survive, it seems incredibly unlikely that they won’t all die, but I’m interested in seeing how they manage it.
No, we don’t get a single word about this, instead we skip to twenty years later and we get a few pages about the handsome Portuguese fella catching a whale in his fishing net and cutting it loose.
Ok, I’m out.
January 27, 2023
An alien invasion takes over Planet Earth and banishes the human race to the Antarctic where they struggle for survival. This book takes patience as the author slowly develops the plot. Ultimately I found it worth reading and hope the author follows up with a sequel.
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks to them. My review is voluntary and opinions expressed are my own.
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks to them. My review is voluntary and opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2023
Fair warning: I won a free ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a fun read. The action flows nicely. The characters are memorable. The premise is that alien ships appear in the skies over Earth, and broadcast to the world that humanity has 30 days to make it to Antarctica. Every last one of them. Those who manage to make the journey find the climate as inhospitable as ever. Humanity struggles to survive in the subzero temperatures. Scientists race to genetically engineer a new breed of human who can not only survive but thrive on the planet's coldest continent.
Honestly, the book reminded me of my teenage years in the 80's, when I was a huge fan of X-Men comics. The themes of persecution and distrust of mutants, and apocalyptic global threats are definitely echoed in this novel. I don't mean that in a bad way. It was great fun.
The justification for moving all of humanity to Antarctica is pretty weak, very deus ex machina. The inscrutable aliens get the job done. But if you're expecting a reason behind their actions, you won't find it in this book. Also, the book's view of genetic engineering seems to owe more to magic than science.
But it's definitely a heck of a ride. If you take those caveats in stride, the result is a highly entertaining read. Recommended!
This was a fun read. The action flows nicely. The characters are memorable. The premise is that alien ships appear in the skies over Earth, and broadcast to the world that humanity has 30 days to make it to Antarctica. Every last one of them. Those who manage to make the journey find the climate as inhospitable as ever. Humanity struggles to survive in the subzero temperatures. Scientists race to genetically engineer a new breed of human who can not only survive but thrive on the planet's coldest continent.
Honestly, the book reminded me of my teenage years in the 80's, when I was a huge fan of X-Men comics. The themes of persecution and distrust of mutants, and apocalyptic global threats are definitely echoed in this novel. I don't mean that in a bad way. It was great fun.
The justification for moving all of humanity to Antarctica is pretty weak, very deus ex machina. The inscrutable aliens get the job done. But if you're expecting a reason behind their actions, you won't find it in this book. Also, the book's view of genetic engineering seems to owe more to magic than science.
But it's definitely a heck of a ride. If you take those caveats in stride, the result is a highly entertaining read. Recommended!
March 1, 2023
This book is a mess. I think it has a lot of potential, but desperately needs a re-write. The pacing is truly awful. I can't tell what kind of story this author is trying to tell. Thriller? Romance? Sci-fi? It's all there but it doesn't fit together. The beginning was pretty strong. I really enjoyed the initial alien invasion and the desperate attempts of everyone across the globe to reach Antarctica before the mysterious deadline. That was pretty thrilling, despite not feeling very connected to the characters. But now they have to figure out how to survive in Antarctica with few resources and I'm IN. Except no. We don't get to see that. We jump 20 years and SOMEHOW they've managed to create human-animal hybrids that can withstand the cold. TWENTY YEARS PEOPLE. In the antarctic. With nothing. We don't even follow any scientists or government officials to see how this shit happened. We follow boring ass everyday people. It's truly impressive how bad that transition was. Our introduction to Echo's character was when I knew I was going to hate this book. Unbelievable. This is definitely not what I was expecting, some weird romance between a giant sixteen year old girl with scales and a regular dude as boring as her father.
November 8, 2022
Driven by the cold.......
When you have to deal with the cold, you strive for action in order to keep warm and that is what Tom Rob Smith gives us. His story is driven by continuous action over a period of 2o years. Unfortunately for me it never delves deep into the characters who remain skimming the surface. I kept trying to rewrite the story to try and put my finger on why I was not comfortable on my reading sofa which I do not think is a good sign.
I wanted to read this because I've heard good things about his Child 44 which I still intend to try just to see what he did with the characters there.
An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Netgalley
When you have to deal with the cold, you strive for action in order to keep warm and that is what Tom Rob Smith gives us. His story is driven by continuous action over a period of 2o years. Unfortunately for me it never delves deep into the characters who remain skimming the surface. I kept trying to rewrite the story to try and put my finger on why I was not comfortable on my reading sofa which I do not think is a good sign.
I wanted to read this because I've heard good things about his Child 44 which I still intend to try just to see what he did with the characters there.
An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Netgalley
June 29, 2023
Early into the narration of “Cold People “ I became aware of the magnificent creation of a brand new world by author Tom Rob Smith, and I found myself mentally living within its shadow. I felt a part of this community of characters. A part while apart. The main characters were well drawn but also separate from the rest of their society, a fact that was not blatantly expressed. There was a fine line of tension from the first page to the last. Unexpected, but not impossible to imagine. A fabulous story with not a hint of religion expressed yet similar to one found in the Bible. Highly recommended, and I can’t stress this enough.
July 3, 2023
Cue: REM’s “It’s the end of the world as we know it…"
I found this novel to be a highly imaginative conceptualisation of a world thrown into utter chaos by the freak invasion of a mysterious alien species. We don’t get to learn much about the aliens, but we examine in fine detail the consequences of their takeover of Earth.
All of humanity is ordered to evacuate to Antarctica within 30 days, which leads to a frenzied scramble worldwide. In 2023 the global population is about 8 billion, and there’s no way the ice desert of Antarctica could support all of humanity. The rush to the frozen wasteland is a desperate, vicious one. It causes a lot of stress and grief for the characters of the novel.
After those humans who did not make the deadline are vaporised by the aliens, the remainder, a couple of million people, must make a new home in a hostile environment with what they have brought and what they can adapt from their surroundings. I was intrigued by the author’s scenarios of how the survivors created habitations, workplaces, social structures, and developed food sources in such bleak circumstances. Who would have thought that lichen could be so useful?
Tom Rob Smith’s vision of a desperate society struck me as an interesting variation on a commonly used dystopian/post-apocalyptic scenario, which concentrates on a small-ish number of survivors battling against the odds.
After the exodus and re-settlement of the survivors, the author addresses the profound issue of how humans might adapt to living and continuing in a frozen environment not fit for their biology. This introduces a major theme of the novel – the use of genetic engineering to create a truly cold-tolerant type of human.
Again I was impressed by the imagination that Smith brings to bear on the conceptualisation of the various hybrids that scientists working in the “capital city” at McMurdo station have engineered. Many of them are seriously abhorrent and need to be kept in secure quarters, deep in the ice below the surface. As the story progresses it dawns on the reader that these monsters, with their high intelligence and superior physiques, signify a need to reassess what it is to be human. Do they represent the evolution of humans in response to the environment, or are they something new and different? Will humanity survive, or does this represent our ultimate extinction?
The final section of the novel examines this question in dramatic detail, and this reader was left with a very clear message that experimenting with genetic codes is fraught with moral and practical dilemmas.
When I reached the end of the book I felt a little frustrated because I wanted to know what the aliens were doing with the rest of Earth. After they zap everyone who did not get onto the Antarctic mainland, what happens? Do they land and establish their own colonies? Do the animals, insects, fish etc survive or have they been vaporised too? All we are told is that a few people set off from Antarctica to reconnoitre with the aliens and are never seen again. I wonder if a sequel is planned in which the remnants of humanity make contact with their alien usurpers. The situation at McMurdo at the end of the novel also suggests that there is more to the story, which may come to light in a second instalment.
A really well written science fiction/dystopian novel should prompt the reader to think about ethical and social issues, and on that score Tom Rob Smith gets 5 stars from me for his exposition of a terrifying scenario.
I found this novel to be a highly imaginative conceptualisation of a world thrown into utter chaos by the freak invasion of a mysterious alien species. We don’t get to learn much about the aliens, but we examine in fine detail the consequences of their takeover of Earth.
All of humanity is ordered to evacuate to Antarctica within 30 days, which leads to a frenzied scramble worldwide. In 2023 the global population is about 8 billion, and there’s no way the ice desert of Antarctica could support all of humanity. The rush to the frozen wasteland is a desperate, vicious one. It causes a lot of stress and grief for the characters of the novel.
After those humans who did not make the deadline are vaporised by the aliens, the remainder, a couple of million people, must make a new home in a hostile environment with what they have brought and what they can adapt from their surroundings. I was intrigued by the author’s scenarios of how the survivors created habitations, workplaces, social structures, and developed food sources in such bleak circumstances. Who would have thought that lichen could be so useful?
Tom Rob Smith’s vision of a desperate society struck me as an interesting variation on a commonly used dystopian/post-apocalyptic scenario, which concentrates on a small-ish number of survivors battling against the odds.
After the exodus and re-settlement of the survivors, the author addresses the profound issue of how humans might adapt to living and continuing in a frozen environment not fit for their biology. This introduces a major theme of the novel – the use of genetic engineering to create a truly cold-tolerant type of human.
Again I was impressed by the imagination that Smith brings to bear on the conceptualisation of the various hybrids that scientists working in the “capital city” at McMurdo station have engineered. Many of them are seriously abhorrent and need to be kept in secure quarters, deep in the ice below the surface. As the story progresses it dawns on the reader that these monsters, with their high intelligence and superior physiques, signify a need to reassess what it is to be human. Do they represent the evolution of humans in response to the environment, or are they something new and different? Will humanity survive, or does this represent our ultimate extinction?
The final section of the novel examines this question in dramatic detail, and this reader was left with a very clear message that experimenting with genetic codes is fraught with moral and practical dilemmas.
When I reached the end of the book I felt a little frustrated because I wanted to know what the aliens were doing with the rest of Earth. After they zap everyone who did not get onto the Antarctic mainland, what happens? Do they land and establish their own colonies? Do the animals, insects, fish etc survive or have they been vaporised too? All we are told is that a few people set off from Antarctica to reconnoitre with the aliens and are never seen again. I wonder if a sequel is planned in which the remnants of humanity make contact with their alien usurpers. The situation at McMurdo at the end of the novel also suggests that there is more to the story, which may come to light in a second instalment.
A really well written science fiction/dystopian novel should prompt the reader to think about ethical and social issues, and on that score Tom Rob Smith gets 5 stars from me for his exposition of a terrifying scenario.
February 22, 2023
3.5 stars
A pretty easy read with an interesting premise. It unfolds like a movie, so there was perhaps not quite as much character development as I usually prefer, but the story was engaging.
The whole notion of genetic engineering of people adapted to living in Antarctica isn’t even mentioned in the book summary, but that is the major element of the entire story. It’s much more about that than about the everyday survival of a displaced population.
A pretty easy read with an interesting premise. It unfolds like a movie, so there was perhaps not quite as much character development as I usually prefer, but the story was engaging.
The whole notion of genetic engineering of people adapted to living in Antarctica isn’t even mentioned in the book summary, but that is the major element of the entire story. It’s much more about that than about the everyday survival of a displaced population.
December 9, 2022
I have really enjoyed the previous novels I have read by Tom Rob Smith, so was keen to try his stand-alone, ‘Cold People.’ It was more than a little out of my comfort zone, but, having finished it, I feel that there were some things I really liked and some things I struggled with.
The premise is that aliens suddenly arrive in the sky and humans receive messages, though televisions, phones and other tech devices, that they need to go to Antarctica within thirty days or else…. Well, you never really know what will happen at the time, but we follow our main characters, Liza and Atto, as they join the rest of humanity fleeing to the coldest and most inhospitable part of the world. Liza is an American, on holiday in Portugal, when she meets Atto, and their relationship is interesting, and we watch it develop through this crisis.
Smith concentrates on humanity, how they respond to this unforeseen challenge. However, it is humanity through the eyes of individuals, rather than the response from governments and countries, which seems lacking. If it happens, if there even is a response, it happens away from our characters. We then follow what happens to the humanity who makes it to Antarctica and how they adapt to this new world.
My problem with this was that really, I felt confused about why humanity just accepted this sudden order to leave for a desolate part of the country. There seemed there no real response and then, when we arrived there, you lost sight of some characters, as the story jumped ahead. Some of the writing and the unravelling of the plot was wonderfully done, but I struggled with the storyline at times. Still, overall, a very interesting read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
The premise is that aliens suddenly arrive in the sky and humans receive messages, though televisions, phones and other tech devices, that they need to go to Antarctica within thirty days or else…. Well, you never really know what will happen at the time, but we follow our main characters, Liza and Atto, as they join the rest of humanity fleeing to the coldest and most inhospitable part of the world. Liza is an American, on holiday in Portugal, when she meets Atto, and their relationship is interesting, and we watch it develop through this crisis.
Smith concentrates on humanity, how they respond to this unforeseen challenge. However, it is humanity through the eyes of individuals, rather than the response from governments and countries, which seems lacking. If it happens, if there even is a response, it happens away from our characters. We then follow what happens to the humanity who makes it to Antarctica and how they adapt to this new world.
My problem with this was that really, I felt confused about why humanity just accepted this sudden order to leave for a desolate part of the country. There seemed there no real response and then, when we arrived there, you lost sight of some characters, as the story jumped ahead. Some of the writing and the unravelling of the plot was wonderfully done, but I struggled with the storyline at times. Still, overall, a very interesting read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
April 19, 2023
3.5 stars Thank you to Goodreads for my review copy.
Dystopian novel of aliens overtaking the world and forcing the current population to relocate to Antarctica. Only a small fraction of ordinary people - or the population as we now know it - make it in time. Over years the diverse population builds a number of communities and things seem to progress well. The story jumps from 2023 to 2043 and back again a number of times.
We end up with four subcultures. The originating aliens, a group of genetically engineered beings (read monsters here) with mega super powers, the cold people, who can withstand the Antarctic cold weather and also have some super powers, and the ordinary every day people. The race is on to see who wins out as the new reigning population, and who they will take under their wing, and who they will banish to a lessor portion of the frozen world. And in the end will it remain status quo or will more changes be seen in the future?
I don't read dystopian very often. I was ready for a great dystopian novel. This novel was good, not great, much to my dismay. I felt it drug in a few places and would become very slow moving. It was predictable in places and repetitive too often for my liking. Not a great novel, but good - still worth the read.
Dystopian novel of aliens overtaking the world and forcing the current population to relocate to Antarctica. Only a small fraction of ordinary people - or the population as we now know it - make it in time. Over years the diverse population builds a number of communities and things seem to progress well. The story jumps from 2023 to 2043 and back again a number of times.
We end up with four subcultures. The originating aliens, a group of genetically engineered beings (read monsters here) with mega super powers, the cold people, who can withstand the Antarctic cold weather and also have some super powers, and the ordinary every day people. The race is on to see who wins out as the new reigning population, and who they will take under their wing, and who they will banish to a lessor portion of the frozen world. And in the end will it remain status quo or will more changes be seen in the future?
I don't read dystopian very often. I was ready for a great dystopian novel. This novel was good, not great, much to my dismay. I felt it drug in a few places and would become very slow moving. It was predictable in places and repetitive too often for my liking. Not a great novel, but good - still worth the read.
June 1, 2023
‘Cold People’, by Tom Rob Smith, is an epic science fiction story based on the plight of humanity who are desperately trying to survive a fleet of alien occupants with their orders that the world’s population is to be banished to inhospitable Antarctica.
Does humanity survive? I’ll leave that up to you to find out, but I will say a second novel would easily follow this one. Oh, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a motion picture based on this novel is created – the scenery, nostalgic landmarks and special effects would be amazing.
This is an epic story. The research that would have gone into creating this novel is unbelievable and the result is fantastic. There are quite a few themes throughout ‘Cold People’, and some are quite relevant to present day – like global warming, the ethics of genetic modification, capitalism, animal cruelty, egotism etc. Also the novel reflects on the ideology of love; what it is to be in love, to love in the romantic sense and also with familial love.
I give ‘Cold People’, by Tom Rob Smith, 4 stars out of 5. We never find out why the aliens banished humans to Antarctica. And although the story is amazing, the research that went into this novel is fantastic, I take away one star because there isn’t really a main character that was focused on long enough for me to attach to. Perhaps this was due to the jumps in time or because there was so much story here to unpack, the real hero was the science fiction.
Does humanity survive? I’ll leave that up to you to find out, but I will say a second novel would easily follow this one. Oh, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a motion picture based on this novel is created – the scenery, nostalgic landmarks and special effects would be amazing.
This is an epic story. The research that would have gone into creating this novel is unbelievable and the result is fantastic. There are quite a few themes throughout ‘Cold People’, and some are quite relevant to present day – like global warming, the ethics of genetic modification, capitalism, animal cruelty, egotism etc. Also the novel reflects on the ideology of love; what it is to be in love, to love in the romantic sense and also with familial love.
I give ‘Cold People’, by Tom Rob Smith, 4 stars out of 5. We never find out why the aliens banished humans to Antarctica. And although the story is amazing, the research that went into this novel is fantastic, I take away one star because there isn’t really a main character that was focused on long enough for me to attach to. Perhaps this was due to the jumps in time or because there was so much story here to unpack, the real hero was the science fiction.
Read
January 25, 2023I enjoyed this book, but it left me wanting. The whole premise of the book is that alien ships in the sky force civilization to go to Antarctica. Not near Antarctica, ON Antarctica. Okay, I'm into it, but how in the heck are they going to learn to survive in such a cold climate? I'm excited to read the next chapter to find out how.
The next chapter is 20 years later. Wait, what???
The book moves through several POVs which was interesting - but a little hard to keep track of the timeline with each. But like I said in the beginning, I was still interested in continuing to read this one. I thought there was some amazing moments and some important parallels to current times, but in the end, I felt like this book was fine. Oh, did I mention that the aliens are never mentioned again? Ugh, that annoyed me. The story was really about genetic modifications and the ramifications of same. So that part was indeed interesting.
Pick up or pass? You decide - if you love science fiction then maybe you'll love this one. If you don't, I suggest pass - there are tons of other more successful science fiction reads.
The next chapter is 20 years later. Wait, what???
The book moves through several POVs which was interesting - but a little hard to keep track of the timeline with each. But like I said in the beginning, I was still interested in continuing to read this one. I thought there was some amazing moments and some important parallels to current times, but in the end, I felt like this book was fine. Oh, did I mention that the aliens are never mentioned again? Ugh, that annoyed me. The story was really about genetic modifications and the ramifications of same. So that part was indeed interesting.
Pick up or pass? You decide - if you love science fiction then maybe you'll love this one. If you don't, I suggest pass - there are tons of other more successful science fiction reads.
December 10, 2023
A huge suspension of disbelief will be needed for this book. If you have trouble with unrealistic science, give this one a pass. Not only that, but it starts with an invasion by aliens in spaceships, which one might think would be part of the plot. Wrong. It follows the reactions of various humans as they attempt to figure out what to do. They are told by the alien presence that they must relocate to Antarctica or be destroyed. So, the plot follows a few central characters as they travel by ship, stopping in Portugal and Mauritania, before arriving in Antarctica. Of course, not everyone is able to complete such a trip, and there are many casualties prior to arrival.
Once several groups arrive in Antarctica, it becomes unbelievably easy to inhabit. Another suspension of disbelief is required, especially since the supply chain has been completely disrupted and they seem to be able to cobble together whatever is needed while surviving in brutal cold. A key plot element is genetic manipulation to create the “cold people” of the title, who are able to survive the Antarctic weather. These cold people have abilities that humans have not anticipated, which lead to a chaotic scenario (which I will not spoil).
I like the premise of this book, the opening few chapters, and the journey. It is unusual to find a book that features Mauritania. The main characters at the beginning are people I could root for, but unfortunately, their role diminishes, and they disappear for long stretches of the narrative. The ending is particularly unsatisfying and an obvious setup for a sequel. (I really dislike these types of endings.) From the description, this book sounded like something I would enjoy. Unfortunately, it proved to be a misstep.
Once several groups arrive in Antarctica, it becomes unbelievably easy to inhabit. Another suspension of disbelief is required, especially since the supply chain has been completely disrupted and they seem to be able to cobble together whatever is needed while surviving in brutal cold. A key plot element is genetic manipulation to create the “cold people” of the title, who are able to survive the Antarctic weather. These cold people have abilities that humans have not anticipated, which lead to a chaotic scenario (which I will not spoil).
I like the premise of this book, the opening few chapters, and the journey. It is unusual to find a book that features Mauritania. The main characters at the beginning are people I could root for, but unfortunately, their role diminishes, and they disappear for long stretches of the narrative. The ending is particularly unsatisfying and an obvious setup for a sequel. (I really dislike these types of endings.) From the description, this book sounded like something I would enjoy. Unfortunately, it proved to be a misstep.
March 11, 2023
I don't know how to rate this book and am open to the argument that 2 stars is too low. The problem was...hmmm....it was well written and I read it in a few sittings but ...I didn't like the story. Is that fair? I don't know.
For one thing - I wanted to know about the aliens -what did they do with Earth - just wipe out humans and then leave? Why did they do what they did? Can anyone leave Antarctica? There was some mention of people leaving and never seen again - but did they die? or just resettle somewhere? and what about the animals? Yes, the Antarcticains were fishing but what about all the other earth animals?
Now the Cold People- I feel that in the end - the scientists didn't really move 'humanity' along - yes, of course the Cold People are genetically different - not really 'human' at all - but in the end they are warlike, vicious, and have no problems wiping out a species/group that is weaker than them to control the entire Antarctic - seems very human to me.
Also, I guess I didn't see why the genetic research/experiments were even needed. The people were surviving - births were happening and over time/generations genetic modifications to the environment would have taken place anyway. Why not build robots and send them out to see what's happening on earth? Why not use genetic science to develop food/plant species?
Often with dystopian stories - the worst of humanity is told - there always seem to be a contest between the best of people and the worst of people and to me, in this story, the worse people (the Cold People) were the winners -
For one thing - I wanted to know about the aliens -what did they do with Earth - just wipe out humans and then leave? Why did they do what they did? Can anyone leave Antarctica? There was some mention of people leaving and never seen again - but did they die? or just resettle somewhere? and what about the animals? Yes, the Antarcticains were fishing but what about all the other earth animals?
Now the Cold People- I feel that in the end - the scientists didn't really move 'humanity' along - yes, of course the Cold People are genetically different - not really 'human' at all - but in the end they are warlike, vicious, and have no problems wiping out a species/group that is weaker than them to control the entire Antarctic - seems very human to me.
Also, I guess I didn't see why the genetic research/experiments were even needed. The people were surviving - births were happening and over time/generations genetic modifications to the environment would have taken place anyway. Why not build robots and send them out to see what's happening on earth? Why not use genetic science to develop food/plant species?
Often with dystopian stories - the worst of humanity is told - there always seem to be a contest between the best of people and the worst of people and to me, in this story, the worse people (the Cold People) were the winners -
October 12, 2022
Amazing! Epic! Original and Memorable!
Tom Rob Smith has created a whole new world, in just a short book, he will take you an unforgettable odyssey.
Following a global apocalypse, humanity is forced to take shelter and in the inhospitable Antarctic. Split between three camps are the majority of the survivors while the previous presidents and high ups live in a scientific area working around the clock to create solutions to survival. One lone geneticist thinks she has the solutions.... What happens next is unbelievably gripping and sure to lead to more books. If you like world building, odysseys and obstacles, or just want to read a book before it is sure to become a great movie, Cold People is for you! #Scribner
Tom Rob Smith has created a whole new world, in just a short book, he will take you an unforgettable odyssey.
Following a global apocalypse, humanity is forced to take shelter and in the inhospitable Antarctic. Split between three camps are the majority of the survivors while the previous presidents and high ups live in a scientific area working around the clock to create solutions to survival. One lone geneticist thinks she has the solutions.... What happens next is unbelievably gripping and sure to lead to more books. If you like world building, odysseys and obstacles, or just want to read a book before it is sure to become a great movie, Cold People is for you! #Scribner
January 31, 2024
3.75 - loved this concept so much and the direction that it took. So many questions about what is morally "right" or not.
April 7, 2023
When my copy of Cold People arrived, I couldn’t start it soon enough. I just knew from the description that it was exactly my cup of tea.
And, oh my, it was… And so much more! I’m a huge apocalypse, post-apocalypse, science fiction, colonization (of new planets) fan. Throw in science, any kind of science, and I’m even more hooked. But the absolute kicker for me was the location this story takes place in. Antarctica. I spent 2 weeks traveling to and from, and visiting Antarctica and it was the trip of a lifetime. Yes, I was there during the summer, but it was so stunning and the sounds of the penguin colonies will stay with me forever. Smith gave us much history of this continent and I couldn’t get enough.
In Cold People, aliens swoop down to the earth and warn the entire population of Earth to make their way to Antarctica within 30 days or perish. Liza and Atto meet while Liza is on vacation in Portugal. Liza and her family get caught up trying to make their way to Antarctica. Out of the entire story, these chapters were my favorites. The extremes the people go to…!?
The story changes timelines several times from present day to twenty years in the future. The survivors and how they adapt to the extreme arctic cold was absolutely fascinating. We also find that the scientists have been working with genetics to make people that are more adapted for the cold. The readers are introduced to Echo, Liza and Atto’s cold adapted daughter. One of the Cold People.
I couldn’t read this book fast enough. It’s been several days since I closed the book and I still can’t get it out of my head. The story ended with it being set up for a possible sequel. Please, please, please let there be a sequel. I have questions! So many questions!
*Thank you so much to Scribner Books for the giveaway win of the advance copy. Pub date 2/7/23.*
And, oh my, it was… And so much more! I’m a huge apocalypse, post-apocalypse, science fiction, colonization (of new planets) fan. Throw in science, any kind of science, and I’m even more hooked. But the absolute kicker for me was the location this story takes place in. Antarctica. I spent 2 weeks traveling to and from, and visiting Antarctica and it was the trip of a lifetime. Yes, I was there during the summer, but it was so stunning and the sounds of the penguin colonies will stay with me forever. Smith gave us much history of this continent and I couldn’t get enough.
In Cold People, aliens swoop down to the earth and warn the entire population of Earth to make their way to Antarctica within 30 days or perish. Liza and Atto meet while Liza is on vacation in Portugal. Liza and her family get caught up trying to make their way to Antarctica. Out of the entire story, these chapters were my favorites. The extremes the people go to…!?
The story changes timelines several times from present day to twenty years in the future. The survivors and how they adapt to the extreme arctic cold was absolutely fascinating. We also find that the scientists have been working with genetics to make people that are more adapted for the cold. The readers are introduced to Echo, Liza and Atto’s cold adapted daughter. One of the Cold People.
I couldn’t read this book fast enough. It’s been several days since I closed the book and I still can’t get it out of my head. The story ended with it being set up for a possible sequel. Please, please, please let there be a sequel. I have questions! So many questions!
*Thank you so much to Scribner Books for the giveaway win of the advance copy. Pub date 2/7/23.*
January 9, 2024
This was a very interesting science fiction where, with no warning, huge alien ships appear above the earth and people are told that they have 30 days to evacuate to Antarctica. So this is the story of those who get there and how they survive. There ends up being quite a bit of science in this one. I think I will remember this one for a long time.
December 17, 2023
Two stars on the strength of a great premise and some interesting ideas on what it means to be human. Otherwise this book is a mess. I never thought a colossal genocide committed against humanity by space aliens could be rendered as such a throw-away plot device, but I stand corrected. It happens early in the book and is very rarely even mentioned again.
I could have gotten past it, though, if the rest of the book was on point. But no. We get flat characters spouting cringey dialogue who make unbelievable mistakes in basic logic. There are giant plot holes that the author never bothers to even try to close up because we're on to the next story beat and there's no time to waste. I feel like my time was wasted here, especially because this had the potential to be a good sci-fi novel. What this is doing in the 2024 Tournament of Books I have no idea. There were better options.
I could have gotten past it, though, if the rest of the book was on point. But no. We get flat characters spouting cringey dialogue who make unbelievable mistakes in basic logic. There are giant plot holes that the author never bothers to even try to close up because we're on to the next story beat and there's no time to waste. I feel like my time was wasted here, especially because this had the potential to be a good sci-fi novel. What this is doing in the 2024 Tournament of Books I have no idea. There were better options.
April 3, 2023
The premise of this novel is great, but unfortunately that's about all. Cold People tells the story of humankind's exile to Antarctica, and the struggles to set up a society on the planet's most inhospitable continent. Sadly, the story is inelegantly told; all of the pivotal plot points have very little depth and the internal logical of the world simply does not hold up. A frustrating read.
Shelved as 'abandoned'
February 9, 2023 I don't usually give up on a book this early (trying to read this over two weeks and still only on page 52), but there are too many great books out there waiting to be read and this one... well, wasn't.
May 16, 2023
I was pretty pleased to get an arc of this book: the only other book I’ve read by this author was Child 44 which I loved. I found this book difficult to appreciate fully. I read a lot of speculative fiction so the notion that I would find the ideas here implausible is silly. And yet… I could really imagine this as a made for tv disaster movie. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
May 31, 2023
I read The Farm by Tom Rob Smith in 2014 and I can still remember the gasp I made when I realised the predicament the main character was in. In 2014, I published my first ever Top 5 Books list and The Farm was proudly featured.
Next came Child 44, later made into a movie on the big screen starring Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman and Noomi Rapace. I gave this 4 stars in my review and went on to become the first Australian blogger to interview Tom Rob Smith.
So, when a copy of Cold People arrived in my mailbox, I knew the author could convincingly set a plot in the harshest climate in the world, as the freezing Russian conditions in Child 44 were expertly conveyed to the reader. I also knew that Tom Rob Smith could spin a terrific yarn - as he did in The Farm - so I rugged up and started reading.
By page 8, he was off to a cracking start with this description of a ship's captain living 150 years ago:
"...[Captain] Moray was an expert in choosing his crew from the variety of outcasts on offer, his preference being for the melancholic, the sexual deviants and the thieves. For the thieves there was nothing to steal, for the melancholic there was the ocean to meditate upon and for the deviants there were other deviants. Moray never shared the secrets of his own past, cultivating the appearance of a forceful but fair man, a bastion of order in this otherwise barbarous industry. There was room for only one murderer on this ship." Page 8
Wow! I was hooked right there and then! The premise of Cold People is that all of humanity has to relocate to Antarctica in 30 days in order to survive. The 'event' that kicks off the action was very well written and I enjoyed experiencing it from a few character's points of view, in the same way we did when the dome dramatically came down in Under the Dome by Stephen King.
The plotting style reminded me of Matthew Reilly, and I know you'll be thinking "that's probably because of Ice Station", but actually it's because of the action in The Great Zoo of China. Cold People felt cinematic in scale at times (oh the ships!) and if you enjoy Matthew Reilly, I think you'll enjoy this too.
It's probably relevant to acknowledge that I don't read many dystopian novels or books set in a post apocalyptic world. Just as I followed Maggie O'Farrell blindly into her memoir based purely on my love of her writing, Tom Rob Smith beckoned me into his glacially cold dystopian future and I'm glad I followed.
Cold People by Tom Rob Smith is inventive and optimistic about humanity while pointing out our flaws and I'm glad I stepped into this frightening futuristic portrayal.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
Next came Child 44, later made into a movie on the big screen starring Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman and Noomi Rapace. I gave this 4 stars in my review and went on to become the first Australian blogger to interview Tom Rob Smith.
So, when a copy of Cold People arrived in my mailbox, I knew the author could convincingly set a plot in the harshest climate in the world, as the freezing Russian conditions in Child 44 were expertly conveyed to the reader. I also knew that Tom Rob Smith could spin a terrific yarn - as he did in The Farm - so I rugged up and started reading.
By page 8, he was off to a cracking start with this description of a ship's captain living 150 years ago:
"...[Captain] Moray was an expert in choosing his crew from the variety of outcasts on offer, his preference being for the melancholic, the sexual deviants and the thieves. For the thieves there was nothing to steal, for the melancholic there was the ocean to meditate upon and for the deviants there were other deviants. Moray never shared the secrets of his own past, cultivating the appearance of a forceful but fair man, a bastion of order in this otherwise barbarous industry. There was room for only one murderer on this ship." Page 8
Wow! I was hooked right there and then! The premise of Cold People is that all of humanity has to relocate to Antarctica in 30 days in order to survive. The 'event' that kicks off the action was very well written and I enjoyed experiencing it from a few character's points of view, in the same way we did when the dome dramatically came down in Under the Dome by Stephen King.
The plotting style reminded me of Matthew Reilly, and I know you'll be thinking "that's probably because of Ice Station", but actually it's because of the action in The Great Zoo of China. Cold People felt cinematic in scale at times (oh the ships!) and if you enjoy Matthew Reilly, I think you'll enjoy this too.
It's probably relevant to acknowledge that I don't read many dystopian novels or books set in a post apocalyptic world. Just as I followed Maggie O'Farrell blindly into her memoir based purely on my love of her writing, Tom Rob Smith beckoned me into his glacially cold dystopian future and I'm glad I followed.
Cold People by Tom Rob Smith is inventive and optimistic about humanity while pointing out our flaws and I'm glad I stepped into this frightening futuristic portrayal.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
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