A Tree for Antarctica

Described by reviewers as “Gripping” and “Destined to be celebrated,” for its characters, realism, writing, and well researched scenarios, A Tree for Antarctica grabs hold from the first page and does not let go! Action starts in Chile, moves to South Carolina and high Canada, before plunging to the tip of South America and – you guessed it – ANTARCTICA!

Dal Riley is a decorated climate rescue pilot about to marry his sweetheart Ana, when he quits his job to take on a desperate mission planned by an old man who has outlived his allowed years but is hanging on to life. The Mission: to save Antarctica from exploitation while trying to reduce the dangerously high CO2 in earth’s atmosphere. Ruthless Black Coats and an unexpected disaster throw his team into chaos, while putting his life and marriage to Ana in extreme peril. The twists and turns in this futuristic thriller will keep readers wondering until the very last page!

Praise for A Tree for Antarctica

“With gripping pace and unforgettable characters, A Tree for Antarctica propels us into humanity’s fight to survive a future world of global climate change. V. J. Michaux has written a triumphant novel embracing the humanity of The Grapes of Wrath and the scientific precision of Silent Spring. Destined to be celebrated for its prescience.”

—Scott Pelley, CBS “60 Minutes” correspondent and author of Truth Worth Telling

“Earth’s polar regions are pivotal to humanity’s future. A compelling, important thriller, with realistic and memorable characters. V. J. Michaux has written an intriguing page-turner. How her engaging characters navigate our landscapes to come is both enjoyable and also un- forgettable. A must-read book.”

—Liv Arnesen, the first woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole (1994). She is the author of Skiing into the Bright Open, soon to be published in English, and with Ann Bancroft, No Horizon Is So Far. She was the first woman to cross the Antarctic continent (with Ann Bancroft, 2000–2001). Arnesen and Bancroft reached millions of youth on their Antarctic crossing and continue to combine adventure with education. More about that on www.bancroftarnesen.com

“With engaging writing that is inviting, not confrontational, realistic but not bleeding heart, V. J. Michaux brings attention to the urgency of needed change regarding human impact on climate. This is reflected in the challenges faced by Dal, Naija, and Walt as they navigate seemingly insurmountable odds. The book engages within the confines of individuals, while articulating broader implications for the whole planet.”

—Dr. Donald Johanson, paleoanthropologist and discoverer of Australopithecus africansis, or “Lucy.” He won the National Book Award for Lucy: The Beginnings of Humankind

“V. J. Michaux mixes fictionalized characters impacted by and trying to mitigate the state of the world produced by advanced climate change with scientifically realistic scenarios, creating both an enjoyable and informative read.”

—Dr. Paul Andrew Mayewski, director and professor at the Climate Change Institute of University of Maine, author of five hundred scientific publications and two popular books: The Ice Chronicles and Journey into Climate. He was the first to lead scientific climate expeditions to “the Three Poles”—Arctic, Antarctic, and Everest

“As the imperatives for action on climate change enter a critical phase, it is brilliant stories like this that engage, inform, and influence. Treat this as a reconnoiter, and buckle up for an eye-opening encounter—even for a seasoned polar explorer.”

—Pen Hadow, arctic explorer, ocean conservationist, and author of SOLO, The North Pole: Alone and Unsupported. His epic feat of arctic exploration in 2003 has never been replicated.

“V. J. Michaux has created a spine-chilling novel, supporting her picture of the future with well-researched facts within a five-star narrative. A Tree for Antarctica is an enthralling page-turner. I consider this book one of the most important to be written recently on the subject of preserving the world we live in. As important a message as Silent Spring.”

—Alfred Balm, art historian, conservationist, and author of six books including The Fake Rembrandt (soon to become a major film). His latest novel is The Fake President.

“V. J. Michaux’s eloquent and compelling depiction of our planet in the not-too-distant future is a prompting to all that now is the time to take action and work together to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

—Lorie Karnath, president of Next Breath, former president of the Explorers Club, author of books on science and exploration, and founder and managing editor of Molecular Frontiers Journal.

"A brilliantly inventive novel, following Dal Riley on his most dangerous mission of all, in which he carries hope and the future of the planet with him—and the chance of failure is high. The characters are rich and interesting, showing the best and worst of human nature. It is a tale of hope for survival against the odds. A gripping page-turner."

—Ann Daniels, British polar explorer, writer, and speaker, has numerous firsts and six North Pole treks. In 2002, she and teammate Caroline Hamilton became the first women to reach both poles in all-female efforts. She co-led the Caitlin Arctic Survey, and received an honorary degree from Staffordshire University for her environmental work.

"A well-written, informing, and above all intriguing novel."

—Rosamund (Pom) Oliver, polar explorer and former film producer (Hoodwink, Cathy’s Child, Biggles). She was a member of the first all-women’s relay team to ski from Canada to the North Pole, and also of the first all-female team to ski the whole distance from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole.

"During our thirty-plus years spent studying penguins and skuas in Ant- arctica, we documented more than 50% declines in two penguin species populations, and we clearly linked these to climate warming. The scenario presented in A Tree for Antarctica is very plausible, particularly if we do nothing to curb the use of fossil fuels. We should definitely see this book as a wake-up call to what is possible in the future."

—Wayne and Sue Trivelpiece, US Antarctic Research Division, NOAA-NMFS (retired). Article in Proceeds of the National Academy of Sciences.