Dystopian
Camp Zero
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Don’t be fooled by the floating cities and brain implants, this mysterious polar camp riven by inequality is no utopia.
Multiple viewpoints
Slow build
Tech world
Immigration
In the far north of Canada sits Camp Zero, an American building project hiding many secrets.
Desperate to help her climate-displaced Korean immigrant mother, Rose agrees to travel to Camp Zero and spy on its architect in exchange for housing. She arrives at the same time as another newcomer, a college professor named Grant who is determined to flee his wealthy family’s dark legacy. Gradually, they realize that there is more to the architect than previously thought, and a disturbing mystery lurks beneath the surface of the camp. At the same time, rumors abound of an elite group of women soldiers living and working at a nearby Cold War-era climate research station. What are they doing there? And who is leading them?
An electrifying page-turner where nothing is as it seems, Camp Zero cleverly explores how the intersection of gender, class, and migration will impact who and what will survive in a warming world.
Picture this: a near-future Earth ravaged by the climate crisis. Technological marvels abound, with “floating cities” that are protected from the worst of the environment and the “Flick”: a new technology that is implanted at birth, providing the population with virtual reality and internet access at every waking moment. It’s a setting that feels both revolutionary and disturbing, but eerily possible.
Removed from all this chaos is Camp Zero, a building project led by a peculiar architect in Canada’s far north. We experience life at Camp Zero through three expertly-crafted points of view. First is Rose, an escort who flees the safety of her city for the Canadian settlement after striking a deal to spy on the architect. Soon after arrives Grant, a college professor desperately trying to escape his past and the grip of his wealthy father. Our final perspective is that of White Alice, a mysterious group of female soldiers training nearby. As life in Camp Zero unfolds, we learn that the secrets and entanglements of the camp run deeper than could ever be imagined.
At its core, Camp Zero is about the importance of both solidarity and communal support in times of societal collapse. With flowing prose and a chillingly evocative atmosphere, Michelle Min Sterling creates the perfect blend of dystopia and mystery that will keep you reading late into the night.
Kyra B.
Fredericksburg, VA
It’s been forever since I read a great dystopian novel like this! It’s the first one I’ve read that reminded me of “Parable of the Sower” (in the best way possible). Can’t wait to see her next book!!!
Sarah E.
Pueblo West, CO
The multiple and compelling interwoven storylines had me turning the pages constantly! While the ending wasn’t as tidy as I would’ve liked, I’m crossing my fingers that it means a sequel is imminent!
Elizabeth M.
Blacksburg, VA
I read this in less than 24 hours (despite many other things I should have been doing!). It’s a thoughtful page-turner that gets more complex with every chapter… can’t wait for more from the author!
Zuri B.
Honolulu , HI
Maybe cold is the gold of a rapidly warming future. And perhaps VR is a greater threat to humanity than AI… After all, what’s life without solid memories, real experiences and sustainable futures? 4/5
Kim B.
Pleasant Hill, CA
It until about 3/4 through this book did I really have a feel as to what was going on….but up until then it was fun to guess the plot and where the book was headed! Surprises abounded here! Well done