The Last Outpost (Frozen World Book 1)

The Last Outpost is a dystopian science fiction novel set in Antarctica. Scott "Buck" Buckley, an environmental scientist, takes a position at the McMurdo research station. After signing a secrecy agreement, he learns of Geyser Valley, a warm microclimate region inhabited by the mysterious indigenous Anai people. World governments have concealed the Anai's existence to prevent restrictions on resource extraction and land division. Scott becomes drawn to Anai culture through visits to their valley and develops a friendship with Ki Tahan, the young clan chieftainess. He encounters a society living in harmony with nature. As global instability escalates and war breaks out worldwide, the research station becomes isolated during Antarctica's long, sunless winter with severed communications and supply lines. During the dark season, Scott confronts urgent questions: the origins and identity of the Anai people, the validity of their legends about ancient frozen reptiles that may revive, how McMurdo will survive until contact is restored, and what ethical boundaries should not be crossed in the name of survival.