Dr. Blackstone genetically modifies a chokecherry tree to absorb 1000 times the amount of CO2 of any other plant. The discovery can be a boon for mankind to help control climate change. He sends a sample of seeds to Dr. Knox for validation, with a promise of more. Lila shows up for work, retrieves a bag of seeds, finds Blackstone dead in the greenhouse, and makes a run for it. She meets Keaton and Harry and tells them someone is after her. They decide to help her deliver the seeds to Knox, with crooks chasing them across the country. Lila reveals to them why the seeds are so valuable, but she does not trust the government with the discovery, fearing they would bury it. What follows are harrowing adventures for the three of them, culminating in a final encounter.

With The Antidote, A.W. Baldwin distills all the elements of an intricate book into a succinct and eminently entertaining novella. The pace will keep readers interested, and the plot twists don’t reveal anything until the final encounter between Lila and the bad guys. The work necessarily relies on action to keep it moving, but A.W. Baldwin injects sufficient personality into the main characters for readers to connect and sympathize with their plight. However, the bad guys are not so well rounded, which leaves them somewhat bland. Because The Antidote is a novella, the work lacks the depth and scope otherwise present in a full-length novel. Although a satisfying work, readers will be left wishing for much more. However, it is very well written with crisp dialogue and prose, so this novella will find an appreciative audience.

Lila, a Canadian immigrant who violated one of the conditions of her student visa, believed that her impending deportation was the biggest issue she had at the moment. She proceeds to ask her boss, Dr. Blackstone, an excellent scientist, for his assistance in fixing the error, only to discover him dead in cold-blooded murder. When she realizes that the killer is still at the scene and also determined to kill her, she flees while carrying a bag of seeds intended for delivery. What she does not know is that that bag of seeds is Dr. Blackstone's landmark discovery that has the potential to stem the tide of climate change. This discovery has caught the attention of desperate individuals who will stop at nothing to have that bag in their possession. Will Lila withstand this organized attack on her life and keep the bag safe? Find out in The Antidote by A.W. Baldwin!

From a third-person point of view, the author points out various themes of The Antidote such as survival, desperation, betrayal, friendship, generosity, sacrifice, and love for humanity. I love how A.W. Baldwin uses suspense and imagery to make sure there is never a dull moment while reading. Additionally, I picked up some new words, which helped me expand my vocabulary. The Antidote also includes words from botany that botanists studying the subject could find useful. Everyone can benefit from learning the deep life lessons revealed in The Antidote. There is no confusion at any point in The Antidote as the author makes sure the background story of every character and event is perfectly explained. I applaud A.W. Baldwin for his efforts in making The Antidote a gripping novel.