Random House Publishing Group | February 2018 | 400 pgs
Source: Library
There are books that make great escapism, then there are books that make you think and reflect along the ride and I've to say this book belongs to the latter.
The book opens with our main protagonist, Nate McHale, returning to his childhood home in Greystone Lake after fourteen years. His purpose of visit is to attend the funeral of his first girlfriend, Lucy Bennett. Lucy and his Adirondack hometown brought him many past memories, including an automobile accident that had claimed his parents and his younger brother's life. Then, there were the teenage angst fueled by life's unfairness as well as some deeds done by a few fellow schoolmates and their families. Together with his three other friends they formed a pact to right the wrongs, calling Nate the "Storm King" and naming their deeds as Thunder Runs. With the thunderstorms as their perfect guise, what they've done are easily dismissed as accidents caused by natural disaster. Their deeds vary from pranks to "accidents", until a day Nate felt he's done enough and thereafter left Greystone Lake for good until he's heard news about Lucy's death and that there are someone who seem to be copying what they did those years.
As the adult Nate reconnects with his estranged friends and even old enemies, he has a feeling that what's happened in the past isn't the end of everything and that a reckoning is coming and they've to pay for the deeds they'd done.
Wow. Where shall I even begin? This book is probably one of the best books I read so far this year. Great plot, great characterisations, great writing and not to mention a great message behind this wonderfully crafted story. This may be a suspense story but I felt there are so much more than it - coming-of-age, the atmospheric feel between the storms and the haunting legend of The Night Ship Girls surrounding Greystone Lake and finally, the psychological thrill of a murder crime. This will be one of those books that will stay with me for some time. Highly recommended!
The book opens with our main protagonist, Nate McHale, returning to his childhood home in Greystone Lake after fourteen years. His purpose of visit is to attend the funeral of his first girlfriend, Lucy Bennett. Lucy and his Adirondack hometown brought him many past memories, including an automobile accident that had claimed his parents and his younger brother's life. Then, there were the teenage angst fueled by life's unfairness as well as some deeds done by a few fellow schoolmates and their families. Together with his three other friends they formed a pact to right the wrongs, calling Nate the "Storm King" and naming their deeds as Thunder Runs. With the thunderstorms as their perfect guise, what they've done are easily dismissed as accidents caused by natural disaster. Their deeds vary from pranks to "accidents", until a day Nate felt he's done enough and thereafter left Greystone Lake for good until he's heard news about Lucy's death and that there are someone who seem to be copying what they did those years.
As the adult Nate reconnects with his estranged friends and even old enemies, he has a feeling that what's happened in the past isn't the end of everything and that a reckoning is coming and they've to pay for the deeds they'd done.
Wow. Where shall I even begin? This book is probably one of the best books I read so far this year. Great plot, great characterisations, great writing and not to mention a great message behind this wonderfully crafted story. This may be a suspense story but I felt there are so much more than it - coming-of-age, the atmospheric feel between the storms and the haunting legend of The Night Ship Girls surrounding Greystone Lake and finally, the psychological thrill of a murder crime. This will be one of those books that will stay with me for some time. Highly recommended!
June is approaching and the school holidays have started today. And what does that mean? Busy and a short break is in order but I've scheduled two reviews (a drama and a book review respectively) to be posted next week, though. Until then, and happy reading!
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First of all, enjoy your break, Melody! I find them quite refreshing. Secondly, I'm not sure why I haven't picked this book up to read quite yet. I own it. Ha! Your review makes me think it will be in my near future. So, thanks! See you after a bit!
I liked this one, too. It is one of those books that make you uneasy as you know there will be consequences and you wish you could give advice to the young people whose pranks become more serious. I'm eager for another Brendan Duffy. :)
Enjoy your break. This book intrigues me. What an interesting premise.
That's quite a recommendation coming from you. I will definitely be reading this one! And I hope you enjoy your break. Are you going any where fun, or staying at home? Have fun! :D
Kay - Thanks, Kay! I'll be curious of your take in this book. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
Jenclair - Indeed, Jenclair. I can't wait to find out what's in store for his next book.
Jenny - Thanks, Jenny! It was a great read and I'm glad I read it.
Lark - Thanks, Lark! Yes, I enjoyed this book a lot. And yep, we're going somewhere fun. :) I'll probably write about it if I've the time. Shall see.
Oh I want to read this one! Sounds like such a great book with lots going for it. Enjoy your break Melody!
Iliana - This was an awesome read. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did, Iliana.