Who Would Like This Book:
If you love your horror atmospheric and ice-cold, this one is for you. Ally Wilkes mixes supernatural chills with the real terror of polar exploration, skillfully weaving post-WWI trauma, gender identity, and survival into a tense, gripping narrative. Jonathan, the trans protagonist, is particularly compelling, and fans of 'The Terror,' Michelle Paver, or Lovecraftian vibes will feel right at home. It’s also a standout for readers who appreciate LGBTQ+ representation in historical settings.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some found the pacing slow, especially in the first half, and felt the buildup of atmosphere sometimes overshadowed action or plot development. If you’re looking for non-stop thrills or a strictly plot-driven story, this might not scratch that itch. The horror is more psychological than gory, and it leans heavily into historical research and introspection, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
About:
All the White Spaces by Ally Wilkes tells a gripping story set in the early 20th century during a harrowing Antarctic expedition shortly after World War I. The protagonist, Jonathan, is a trans man who stows away on a ship to escape his past and fulfill his late brothers' dreams of adventure. As the crew faces the brutal cold and isolation, they encounter a chilling supernatural presence that exacerbates their struggle for survival. The narrative expertly intertwines themes of grief, gender exploration, and the horrors of the icy landscape, resulting in a haunting and thought-provoking tale.
Wilkes' writing style is captivating, characterized by vivid descriptions and a tense atmosphere that immerses readers in the frozen Arctic setting. The characters are fully fleshed out, making their emotional journeys resonate deeply as they grapple with loss and identity amidst the encroaching darkness. The pacing keeps readers on edge as the story unfolds, revealing the psychological turmoil of the crew in addition to the unfolding supernatural threats. This novel has been praised for its rich themes and compelling storytelling, making it a noteworthy entry in the horror genre.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains high content warnings due to graphic descriptions of trauma, death, illness, and the psychological effects of warfare.
From The Publisher:
A Bram Stoker Award nominee
"Some of the best survival horror we've read in years, with a uniquely menacing adversary at its heart." - Vulture , The Best Horror Novels of 2022
"Epic." - Esquire , The 22 Best Horror Books of 2022
Something deadly and mysterious stalks the members of an isolated polar expedition in this haunting and spellbinding historical horror novel, perfect for fans of Dan Simmons's The Terror and Alma Katsu's The Hunger .
In the wake of the First World War, Jonathan Morgan stows away on an Antarctic expedition, determined to find his rightful place in the world of men. Aboard the expeditionary ship of his hero, the world-famous explorer James "Australis" Randall, Jonathan may live as his true self-and true gender-and have the adventures he has always been denied. But not all is smooth sailing: the war casts its long shadow over them all, and grief, guilt, and mistrust skulk among the explorers.
When disaster strikes in Antarctica's frozen Weddell Sea, the men must take to the land and overwinter somewhere which immediately seems both eerie and wrong; a place not marked on any of their part-drawn maps of the vast white continent. Now completely isolated, Randall's expedition has no ability to contact the outside world. And no one is coming to rescue them.
In the freezing darkness of the Polar night, where the aurora creeps across the sky, something terrible has been waiting to lure them out into its deadly landscape…
As the harsh Antarctic winter descends, this supernatural force will prey on their deepest desires and deepest fears to pick them off one by one. It is up to Jonathan to overcome his own ghosts before he and the expedition are utterly destroyed.
Ratings (10)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (3) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (41):
Read It (10) | |
Want To Read (17) | |
Not Interested (14) |
What can you read after
All the White Spaces?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
