Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another threat to their community, but now it is on their turf. Everybody has to ban together to protect what they’ve built. Love for family and for their people puts pressure on everyone’s role and decisions. Read this book if you like challenges, love, and loyalty.
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Freyja and Cam are finally happy and at peace when they are, once again, thrust out into the world to determine the truth. Leaving their comfy home behind, they have to adventure out to discover what their fates had set up for them. If you love friendship, adventure, and plot twists, read this book. You won’t regret it.
The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my I wasn’t expecting so much of this series! I am so glad that I decided to read this post apocalyptic series even though it isn’t the norm for me. I did lose some sleep because I couldn’t wait to finish it. Quite a few times I fell asleep with the eBook in my hand, as I do most of my reading at night once my kiddos are in bed. Anyways, this series starts out with Cam. The first two books are in his point of view. The third book switches from his point of view to that of his wife’s (Freyja). Then books four and five are in her view. But book six is in Caitlin’s point of view. She is one of the children that grew up on Lewis. She and her sister Seraphine are fed up with their lives. As their lives have been calculated since before birth they long for something different. More adventure. They were created for the sole purpose of ensuring the survival of the human race. A virus in the water killed the world. The plants, the animals, and most of the humans. Scientist quickly came up with a plan to place biodomes around the world to try and save the human race (read more in book 1). There was a very lengthy test to pick candidates to live while everyone else perished. About 300 people were in each dome. Some domes connect, but that’s a whole thing (again read the rest of the series for all that craziness!) itself. Most domes were on the coast or on islands, but there were a few inland as well. Scientist resided in two of the domes, whereas the rest of the selected people were spread out in the other domes. Back to the girls. Being immune children who’s purpose is to save the human race, there is a lot of pressure on them. Ordered around and everything planned for them gets old fast. Being 21 with a special role to live up to, but what if you reject your sole purpose? You’ve been specifically designed for a reason, but you don’t care. Cait and Sera endanger not only themselves but everyone they love when they run off. Embarking on a very dangerous and yet thrilling journey, they reactivate the Nexus (read the other books for more info on that too!! Just read the set man!!) and discover new underwater worlds they never new existed. Will this journey end up killing one or both of them? What about their loved ones? Will they survive through these once again hard times. Dangerous people in a dangerous world that you know nothing about isn’t want these girls thought about, but now they must face that and more! They have opened up their home to invasion by struggling communities and they have to stay alive long enough to contact their family. Can they even get back home? What will they have to sacrifice in order to make it back? I can’t wait for the author to write more once rested! This is such a wonderful series!! If you read this set you HAVE to read it in order. You could read this one as a stand alone, BUT you get so much information in the others that you will probably kick yourself for it. Trust me, you want to read them all! I will be not so patiently waiting for more!!!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Have you started this set yet?? If not you need to!! Go grab them all and buckle down for a great story! This series can totally become a movie that I would watch! It is so good!! For those who haven’t read any of the books yet I will TRY not to give any spoilers from any of them, but if anything small slips in any of my reviews I apologize. It is such a great set and so much happens in ever single book! The first two books are in Cam’s point of view. The third starts in his view, but then switches to his wife’s (Freyja) point of view. Book 4 and 5 are also in her point of view. So here we go again…. After getting MORE life changing news, AGAIN! The residents of Lewis (& Roseglen) are once again thrust into the thick of things to protect their families. Drastic action is required and they are forced to see who behind this latest threat. Will life ever be normal again for this world? All they want is to be left in peace, be free, safe, and secure. Is that to much to ask in a post apocalyptic world? Discovering this newest threat and eliminating it is the only course here to keep their children protected and safe. Before it takes all their lives Freyja, some old friends, and even some new friends are forced into action. What will happen next?! I am sad that this set is coming to a close, but I can’t wait to read book 6 either! I am SO glad that I choose to read this series! As my first post apocalyptic set I am loving it more and more with each book. The author created this world, it’s characters, and all their stories so well. I can picture it all and some of it is quite scary to think about! Who knows what will come of the world! Off to read book 6 and find out!!
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book four is just as suspenseful and captivating as the first three!! This book starts in Freyja’s point of view after the third ended in hers’. Seven years later, Cam and Freyja are on Lewis living with their family and friends in their small sustainable community called Roseglen. They now have four kids of their own, but with all their family and friends they have their own small village which totals 13 kids! They all finally feel safe and are happy just living their simple “normal” lives. In a post apocalyptic world under a biodome that is. The water outside is still unsafe and scientists think that it will take generations before it starts to return to life. But things never go as planned with this family. When some doctors from the scientist’s domes show up with some kids and earth shattering news for Freyja, they are thrust into the thick of it again and off on another journey they never thought they’d take. Freyja, Cam and two friends who join them are off to find out the truth. Or more truths really. All the lies they’ve been told just keep stacking up higher and higher. Who knew about all these plans? Who knew and lied? Who and what will this effect now?? Making some close friends suspects to these diabolical godlike plans they have to unearth the truth and fast! So much is at stake. The journey takes weeks and along the way Freyja learns about Caim, which is a circle of protection from Gaelic roots. Feeling like their family is at risk, yet again she feels a little lighter after calling the circle. But once home again will things fall apart? Will the messengers be killed? And what about all the kids! They unfortunately get into some trouble and it leads to some life threating stuff too. Life changing events should be the theme of this series because this poor world sure goes through some stuff! If you haven’t started this series….why not?!?! It is so so good!! I’m trying so hard not to give anything away so if you read the reviews of all the books you get no spoilers from me, but let me tell you it is hard!! I want to mention so many things!! These characters are so easy to fall in love with and very relatable in many ways. It shows you that even in hard times traditions are important. Love, loyalty, and friendships are definitely tested in every book of this series so far, and I’m sure the rest will be the same. Trust me when I say you will not regret picking up this set!! You might lose a little sleep, but who hasn’t done that for a really good book…. right??!! I’m off for more adventure in book 5!!
Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh wow! This is getting better and better with every book!! Imagine that the world has ended….. A virus spreading that was unstoppable. Scary right?! It’s in the water and it kills everything! Plants, animals, and of course humans. You can’t drink it. You can’t cook with it. There is no filter to take it out. It is in the water, so it kills the planet! It’s a post apocalyptic world now. Scientists have made bio-domes throughout the earth to help save the human race from the virus. These bio-domes start with roughly 300 people and are all separated. They have to start everything right away to make sure there is food and shelters for everyone. Planting for food later on, breeding animals, and building house are top priority in those first five or so years. You only have so many resources to start with after all. Most of these domes are on coasts or islands that have a natural water source that is closed off before the virus spreads to it. Some of these domes are linked with portals (read book 1 & 2 for more information on that!), but most are cut off from the rest. It is later discovered that there are some inland domes and even some survivors without domes! Imagine how all that is! Now let’s get to Cam. He is the main character throughout these wonderful books. He has had a horrible go at all this so far. Of course everyone has with the world ending!! But he just can’t keep away from being thrust into situations that are so life changing. How much worse can it be since the world ended? Oh boy, don’t even ask that! You will jinx it!! Just read these books asap! I don’t want to give away ANYTHING from the other books (so you HAVE to read them!!!!), but boy does he go through some stuff! Finding love, being poisoned, finding loved ones (from before), losing loved ones, traveling in the dangerous virus reddened world, and all the stuff in between has Cam spiraling head first more than once in this series! In this book Cam finds out even more about the way the scientists choose people to survive, how and with whom they’d be placed them with in said domes, what they could and couldn’t have, and so so so much more!! Hard to believe that a few short years ago they thought they were alone on this world, but now they find out that there are others and they’re more connected than they know! Will this new knowledge threaten his life? His family? His friendships? Friendships will defiantly be and are tested! Some relationships might not last through all the lies and omissions. The book does shift to Freyja’s point of view and it finishes that way. Freyja is Cam’s 1st & 3rd wife (read the other books for those details!!). Man oh man do you have to read this set of books! This is the first bio-dome post apocalyptic series that I have read and I can’t wait to finish it!! I am loving it so much! This book will have you staying up all night, on the edge of you seat, gripped in, and sometimes even crying! The characters and the world are put together so well. You can see the heart and soul put into this book the more you read. I’m off to read book 4!!!!
The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had me in tears!!! Seriously!! The Author builds the world and characters so well that you are so attached to it all! The characters are so diverse and relatable that you can’t help but fall in love with so many of them. And maybe even dislike a few too! When anything happens you are on the edge of your seat, reading as fast as you can to find out what will happen next! I did this a few times and stayed up way to late to find out! This is only book two in the set and I have to say that I am hooked and can’t wait to read the rest! Cam is happy with his new life on Lewis with his new wife (Read book one for more info on all that craziness!!). Anyways, he has become a welcomed productive member of this new community and he feels at home. Not at all like how he was treated in his last community. Settling into Lewis has been much easier and he treasures that and the people so much. As he is getting into that new life, Cam is burdened with some news. Someone he loves from “before” may still be alive! What do you do when it’s the end of the world and you find out someone you love might be out there somewhere? Torn between leaving his wife and making yet another torturous journey into the rings or staying and letting the past be the past, he must make a choice. Traveling yet again in the gray unknown world has him embarking on a path that will forever change his life. Again! How much more can one man deal with?! Virus that kills the whole world and now all this! Who knew the end of the world would be so challenging! Don’t say ” what else can happen?” because even more does!!!! Pick up this book NOW and get reading!! You won’t be disappointed with this set!! So far it is SSSSOOOO good!!! Look for my other reviews on the other books in the set because I AM going to be reading them ALL!!!!
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What would you do when a global outbreak threatens to decimate the whole planet? A virus that is killing off everything and is spread through water! Well a group of scientists come up with a plan but picking a group of young people who have certain skills is hard. A crazy long test that asks about anything and everything help sort out who will stay and who will go. Could you leave your family behind to die while you try to live and save the human race? Campbell (Cam) is one of the few to be chosen. The guilt of him being picked over others has him homesick. Being lonely when surrounded by 300 people is heartbreaking. His anxiety is crippling at first, but he slowly over comes it and finds that his new life isn’t so bad. He finds friendship and belonging in the community and slowly everyone adjusts to the new ways of this world they’re trying to save. Cam unfortunately finds himself alone and he’s pulled through the crazy vortexes of life in a dome. Circumstances change quickly and he must overcome even more obstacles in this post-apocalyptic society. Such a great read! I CAN NOT wait to finish the rest in the set!! This is the first set that I have read that is post-apocalyptic with biospheres of people trying to keep the human race going. The author really does a great job in building the world and characters. Coming up with solutions for the rain, wind, cooking, farming and sustainability had to take a lot of research and thought and you can tell the love and care that went into this book. I would totally recommend this book to everyone! I am off to read part two!!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Two decades have come and gone since the beginning of the storyline’s pandemic. Our fledgling societies have begun to struggle with fear, discrimination, and paranoia. Some main characters struggle with PTSD. The author forced characters to come to terms with serious issues that impact a beginning society. This has been an incredible journey!
Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story does not disappoint! I relish the scientific details and information to be gleaned from reading these books. I feel they are well-researched. The science behind the details is explained in such ways that non-science lovers can understand. Another great read, and the introduction of another character’s point of view adds dimension to the story.
The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The second installment does not disappoint! In a post-pandemic world, the main character goes on journeys both physical and emotional. And what journeys they are! From the bliss of becoming a first-time parent, to the hope of a reunion with a close family member left behind. From betrayal to forgiveness to acceptance- things we all deal with in our own lives. Readers may laugh, and they may cry. One thing is for certain though: if you pick up this book, you will learn some geography, some science, and grapple with situational ethics like never before.
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If a global pandemic hit Earth, and some people were chosen to survive it, would I make the cut? Absolutely not! I’d like to think that I am intelligent enough, but as for the other criteria- ages roughly 20-30, single, no children? Well, I’m single all right, my three kids are all in college, but I have family members that I help with. Commitments. This book is so fantastic with the details of how a community would get started, as well as the difficulties that would be faced. I am so glad it is a series, and I can hardly wait to delve into the second installment!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay, the beginning of this book threw me. I even went back to book 4 to make sure I hadn’t missed anything, so right off the bat I was deeply invested. What a wild rid this book was! As always with this author, packed full of adventure and full of twists and turns! The ending was so sweet though, I can’t imagine what book 6 has in store for us.
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
(SPOILERS) (CONTENT WARNING: Self Harm/SA)
Honestly I’m waiting for the day this series gets a TV contract. This would make such a good show. Always full of twists and turns, and of course, the drama. It starts off I think 6 or 7 years from where the last book ends, with Cam and Frejya with a full brood of kids. There’s adventure, action, and even some mystery. And of course, there’s a moment in here where I try not to bawl my eyes out. I know books need to be dramatic for readers to keep reading, like movies, but Jesus Christ, can Cam and Frey finally catch a break? Like cmon… make someone else suffer for once! My heart can’t take it!
However, I do wish there had been a bit of a content warning at the beginning, because there is a graphic scene of self harm, as well as a graphic scene of a character being forced against her will.
Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book definitely held my attention better than the first two. It is a switch POV book, and we get a larger look into Freyja’s life since the Virus. There’s a lot of reconciliation and healing in the first part, which I absolutely adored. There’s a lot more about the other societies and (small spoiler) about the true plans the governments had for the communities around the world. I wonder what book 4 has to bring!
The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Well, what a place to start after the end of Antipodes! This book was pretty good, once again it took a bit to get through all of it, but I liked it. It does have some plot twists that were executed very well, and had me on the edge of my seat. You definitely see a little more growth with Cam in this book, and let me say- it is so FULL of drama, and I liked it! The ending has you ready for the next adventure, which I’m ready to dive into!
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m not normally a sci-fi person, I lean more towards fantasy. But this was a good book. A little scary, considering the way the world has been with covid over the past couple of years, but still good.
It is a bit of a slower book. It took me a couple days to work through it, although that could be because I recently got promoted at work and I don’t have as much time I used to read. I really liked the writing style, and that the author put footnotes in the book for some Australian or Scottish phrases that as an American, I wouldn’t fully understand. On to book 2!
The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another new POV switch right from the get go! I was so excited to get a glimpse into the newest character view and to see where we left off from book 5. I loved the adventure that this book dived into, and I think it’s my favorite out of all 6 books! I loved seeing the new adventurers, and it was a nice installment after the ending of the last book. After reading all of them, if you’re someone who enjoys adventure, sci-fi, and a little romance, these are the books for you!
The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The 45th Parallel is a great continuation in the Antipodes Series. This book focuses more on the next generation of survivors, the children of the people chosen to live within the domes. Caitlin and Seraphina have lived their whole lives within the dome on Lewis, but long for adventure as they grow up. Adventure they find when they reactivate the antipodal point that allowed travel between communities. However, new communities are discovered, along with a whole new set of threats and dangers. This book had me on edge from the very beginning. Although this book could be read as a stand alone, I think the whole series is better read in order. There are so many characters, as well as so many different communities and backstories, that it would be difficult to understand any of the later books without first reading the books that came before. T. S. Simons is one of my new favorite authors! She has consistently delivered wonderful characters, full of life, and ones you can’t help but feel connected to, as well as surprisingly realistic worlds and settings. I can’t wait to read more from her!
The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book, 6th in the Antipodes series is proving an author can exceptionally craft a series with this many books and not lose their readers along the way! The Antipodes series and especially this book were just addicting to read. There is such a balance, great character growth and an indescribable set theme. I enjoy the strong female leads and I definitely enjoy the variety and story line that has brought us here. Well worth reading this whole series!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Just when you think Cam and Freyja, along with the other characters in T. S. Simons’s Antipodes Series, have had all they can take with their many, often perilous adventures, a new danger threatens all of the children. Sessrumnir definitely kicked my momma bear instincts into high gear. How far would you go to protect your own children? Connections must be strengthened and friendships must be tested in order for them to save their offspring. As with the other books in the series, T. S. Simons creates highly detailed settings so the reader feels like they are there with the characters. The characters continue to be lovable, realistic, and relatable. Especially the seemingly strong, tough, take-no-shit Freyja, who we find out is suffering from mental illness. This fifth book in the series definitely pulls at your heartstrings and keeps you on your toes from beginning to end.
The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so surprised and thrilled to hear that Simons has continued this series! This story focuses on Seraphine and Caitlin, two of the immune children against the infested waters. In the beginnings of their adulthood and feeling oppressed with how they have been living. As many of the adventures they have grown up hearing about, they are very eager to have one of their own and see what they find. They end up finding another underwater parallel that has been surviving on their own means as they also learn of other struggling communities. Through the emotional upheavals, they learn through this experience and bring them to the point of thinking whether they will be able to go back to their upbringing community or stay within this new one. To best understand the story, I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series and it will be so worth it!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sessrùmnir
Antipodes Series Book 5
By: T.S. Simons
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
This series has swallowed me whole and I cannot stop! Another beautiful read with such intense emotion that bleeds from the page. You can sense the urgency and need to protect the children. I absolutely love T.S Simons ability to pose deep questions to the reader in every book of her series! That paired with her talent to create such relatable characters like Freyja and Illyria, you can’t help but be completely drawn in and invested. This is the most thought provoking series I’ve read in a long time! I almost don’t want to read book 6 The 45th Parallel because I don’t want this series to end! This series is a must read!
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caim is the fourth installment in the Antipodes Series and this book seems even darker than some of the other books. Cam and Freyja must embark on yet another journey outside the safety of their dome on Lewis. Simons explores the nature of family, love, heartache, loss, and connection. Caim has the same realistic, lovable characters that I have come to feel connected with from the first three books. Having followed their journey from young adults thrust into a tough situation to the dynamic adults they have become, I am now invested in their survival and happiness. T. S. Simons is great at using descriptive language so the reader feels what the characters feel, the suspense, guilt, sadness, anger, happiness, etc. I can’t wait to read the fifth book!
Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caim
Antipodes Series Book 4
By: T.S. Simons
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
What would you risk for those you love? T.S. Simons has asked me so many questions I can’t help but dwell on. I love when a book or a series just stays with you for a while after you’ve read it, and this series will do the same. I am an emotional wreck after this book. T.S. Simons beyond tugs at the heartstrings in this installment when Cam, Freyja, and friends must brave the peril of another journey and discover the truth about why they were chosen. I know I’ve said this with every book so far but Caim is my favorite. Simons writing is just so incredible. Each book just keeps getting better and every twist is more mind blowing! Thank you T.S. Simons for this gem! Highly recommend it!
Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Continuing the story from the second book, this third installment, Ouroboros, finds Cam on a journey to find closure following a harrowing series of events. Freyja joins him on the second part of his journey, and this is where things take a surprising turn. Freyja and Cam find themselves reconnected and happy, only to be thrust into more terrifying situations than anyone should ever have to endure. They arrive safely to their destination but begin to learn the real truth behind the selection of the survivors. This Antipodes Series continues to shock and amaze me. Not only does it explore friendships, love, survival, and community, but also touches on death, disease, science and the sometimes misguided truth behind why things are the way they are. I find myself conflicted on what I would do if thrust into a situation such as this. There are still such realistic, believable characters in Ouroboros as there are in the first two books. T. S. Simons also continues with amazing world building and scene development. On par with the first two books for sure, added with some heavy twists and turns!
Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ouroboros
Antipodes Series book 3
By: T.S. Simons
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
Ouroboros is my favorite installment of the Antipodes series so far. The intensity never stops! I absolutely love it! So far each book has upped the Ante and Ouroboros was no different! T.S. Simons has kept me on the edge of my seat for all three books and I can’t wait for more! She creates such a vivid and unique world, with a journey through romance and friendship, that just keeps you glued to the pages. Book 3 Ouroboros is a flawless continuation of Cam and Freyja’s story. It has everything you want in a book: tension, adventure, tests of friendship, danger, and romance. I can totally see this series being a big hit on Netflix! I highly recommend reading the Antipodes series in order to get the best experience possible from this amazing series! I can’t wait for what book 4, Caim, has in store!
The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the Antipodes Series, if not slightly more! Having already “connected” with many of the characters while reading the first book, I felt more invested in the outcome of the struggles. Cam, and the rest of the community on Lewis, learn that there were several more communities created than originally thought to ensure the survival of as many humans as possible. A list of those taken to these communities is circulated and Cam embarks on a new journey to find family. I found the idea of liminal space discussed in this book rather interesting. This is the idea that all of the big moments in our lives are connected by a transitional period, or liminal space, and neither can exist without the other. T. S. Simons delivers the same wonderful characters and world building as the first book and I am quickly moving on to the next book!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sessrumnir is the fifth book in the series. It’s worth reading. I love how the characters have grown and developed as the story progressed throughout the series. Everything in the book, dealing with loss, gaining new experiences, and how the characters interact together are very relatable. The plot flows well through the different events that are happening throughout the story.
The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Liminal Space
Antipodes series Book 2
By: T.S. Simons
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
I am obsessed with the Antipodes series and its ability to make you think about the important questions in life. If you had the opportunity to start over, would you? I couldn’t help but put myself in Cam’s shoes and relate to his character and emotions. T.S. Simons writes with such emotion it pulls you right in. If you love any sort of dystopian sci-fi you will absolutely love this series. It is delightfully unpredictable and deep. This installment, book two The Liminal space, has such a great and seamless flow from book one. I can’t wait to read the next book in this fantastic series, Ouroboros!
