Camp Zero
Author:
Michelle Min Sterling
Review by Mel on 2023-12-02
Camp Zero presents a chilling vision of a dystopian future where climate disaster has reshaped the world. While the wealthy live in floating cities, the rest of humanity struggles to survive in extreme heat waves and natural catastrophes. Against this backdrop, a diverse group of people find themselves at Camp Zero in the Canadian North—each with their own secretive purpose.
The Diggers are laborers hired to construct a new settlement, while The Blooms, a group of women, serve the investors and provide distractions for the men. Meanwhile, Grant, a professor, has been brought in to educate the settlers. Further north, White Alice, an isolated group of women, is conducting climate research that may hold answers about the fate of the planet.
As the story unfolds, trust is tested, hidden agendas come to light, and survival becomes more than just a physical challenge—it’s a battle of wits and deception.
This novel masterfully blends environmental themes, feminist perspectives, and an eerie, not-so-distant future. While the setting and atmosphere are compelling, the story leaves some unanswered questions, and the ending may not satisfy all readers. Nonetheless, Camp Zero is a thought-provoking read for fans of dystopian fiction and speculative thrillers.