Review: All The White Spaces by Ally Wilkes

All The White Spaces intertwines a tense, Antarctic horror with a trans man’s coming of age story.

After the death of his brothers in the First World War, Jonathan Morgan stows away on the Antarctic expedition they had always dreamed of. He’s soon discovered on the ship but manages to convince the grizzly crew to let him stay on. It’s hard work, but he’s never been happier. Until disaster strikes, and the men must take to land in the darkest of winters – where something watches them from the ice.

Horror set in an isolated location is always entertaining, and The White Spaces is no exception. Ally Wilkes masterfully builds tension as the characters realise there’s no one coming to rescue them. The book tackled many intriguing themes. It combines exploration, with a coming-of-age transmasculinity story, and the horror of being a survivor. Set just after the First World War, many of the cast face PTSD and grief, which serve to intensify the horrors they face. However, the character development could have been stronger. Some emotional beats didn’t hit as hard as they should have due to wrangling a large cast and ambitious themes. Regardless, this is a fantastic debut, that fans of Arctic/Antarctic horror should pick up.

Thanks to Titan Books and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ally Wilkes grew up in a succession of isolated, possibly haunted, country houses.

After studying Law at Oxford, she went on to spend eleven interesting and dramatic years as a criminal barrister in London, fascinated by how extreme situations brought out the best – or worst – in people.

She now lives in Greenwich with far too many books about Antarctica, and has returned to her first love: spooky stories and survival horror.

All the White Spaces is her first novel.

If you want to remember to check out this book you should Add to Goodreads!

You can order the book from major retail sites such as Waterstones & Blackwells!

I’d recommend checking out your local indie bookshop!