Today I’ve invited my boyfriend’s mom, Chris, to the blog to review a book for me. Though Chris is an avid reader, she is new to the online book world. I have already introduced Chris to Goodreads (connect with her there!), and we’re now beginning the scary book blogging introduction! So please welcome Chris to On a Book Bender!
Arctic Fire by Stephen Frey
Genre: Mystery
Format: paperback provided by Kaye Publicity/Thomas & Mercer
Finished Reading: 10/13/2012
In Six Words: Sometimes trust viciously bad good guys
Links
Stephen Frey — Website | Facebook | Twitter
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads
Synopsis
Written by Chris
Arctic Fire might be a reference to the beautiful splendor of the Northern Lights, but in Stephen Frey’s latest thriller, something more deadly is intended. This is a compelling story of two brothers, one of whom is adopted, who care very much for each other. The adopted son, Jack, is treated very badly by his adopted dad, no matter how Jack tries to please him.
The family was stunned to receive word from Alaska that the younger, natural born, favored son, Troy, was dead. He was swept from the deck of a crab boat, christened the Arctic Fire, into the cold and thundering Bering Sea. His body was not found, and he was presumed drowned.
Jack knows that Troy is not the type to fall from a boat, no matter how high the waves or cold the water. Other people adventuring with Troy may be injured or die, but never Troy. Unlike Jack, Troy is a danger junkie, and rarely turns down a dare. He has sailed twice around the world solo and climbed the seven summits of the world. Jack immediately heads for Alaska to find out the truth, very much against his father’s wishes. His stepmother quietly gives him a large sum of cash to use so he would be more difficult to follow. Hard truths and dangerous people try to stop Jack, but he will not give up on his brother.
Why I Started Reading This Book
Someone whom I admire very much asked me to read and review this book. I don’t believe I have ever turned down a chance to read …all the way back to my childhood when I was at times reduced to reading the backs of cereal boxes.
My Thoughts
This is a fast paced story that will not let you decide who are the good guys or the bad guys. Trying to make up your mind keeps this book almost impossible to put down. The dichotomy of a gentle man who is afraid of heights willing to risk all to find his reckless daredevil brother is a compelling tale. This is a terrific read, and fits perfectly on the same shelf as conspiracy thrillers by Dan Brown, Lee Child, and Vince Flynn.
Although paranormal and time travel (to the past only – I know, it’s a quirk) will hook me every time, conspiracies and black ops with a save mankind imperative will always have room on my to read list. I will definitely read more of Stephen Frey’s body of work.
Mary @ BookSwarm November 19, 2012 at 6:37 am
I really like when you can’t quite tell who’s the baddie and who’s supposed to be good. We all have our bad sides so I feel it’s more realistic when the bad guy isn’t quite so obvious.
Chris November 20, 2012 at 8:59 pm
I agree Mary. It’s always fun to root for the guy that could be a little bit dangerous, because it is so hard to know where the dividing line might be.
Your are my very first responder. Thank you!
Smash Attack November 19, 2012 at 8:23 am
Hi, Chris!
I feel terrible for Jack fro this review alone! I wonder what mysteries he will uncover…
Chris November 20, 2012 at 9:02 pm
I did too! I kept thinking that no one is that noble. Jack makes a great hero.
Rummanah November 19, 2012 at 9:12 am
I completely agree with Mary’s comment above. I hate when the heroes and the villains are so cookie-cuttered. It makes them boring and obvious. A plot where you know exactly what will happen before the characters do, totally takes out of the fun with following them on a cool journey.
Chris November 20, 2012 at 9:05 pm
That is where I take the book and throw it across the room (but only if it my own book … and a paperback).
Jenny November 19, 2012 at 9:13 am
YEAH CHRIS!!! *high five for family blogging* I love that you’re taking part in Amanda’s blog (she’s a favorite blogger of mine) and I hope you review more for her in the future!
I love books where it’s difficult to discern the good from the bad, that always keeps me on the edge of my seat while reading.. Sounds like a winner to me!
Chris November 20, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Thanks Jenny. I was honored that Amanda invited me. It was another first for me. I love to try new things.
Felicia November 19, 2012 at 9:36 am
YEAH Chris! Also I agree that Stephen Fry writes a really good thriller! I can’t wait to read more of your reviews and I am adding you on goodreads right now :)
Chris November 20, 2012 at 9:14 pm
I’d better get myself over to goodreads asap. It’s pretty messy. My list is extremely eclectic. I originally joined so that I could have a list of what I have already read, since I cannot remember.
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter) November 19, 2012 at 9:40 am
I’m terrified of heights! I’m sure my knees would be shaking through the whole book … eep!
Welcome, Chris!
Chris November 20, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Thanks Kristilyn (what a pretty name).
Leanne Yang @ Escaping With Books November 19, 2012 at 9:51 pm
Welcome Chris! :D
Chris November 20, 2012 at 9:17 pm
Thank you, Leanne. Amanda’s On A Book Bender friends are all so very kind.