This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Through The Fire
Bethany House (July 1, 2009)
by
Shawn Grady
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shawn Grady signed with Bethany House Publishers in 2008. He was named “Most Promising New Writer” at the 39th Annual Mount Hermon Writers Conference. Through the Fire is his debut novel.
Shawn has served for over a decade as a firefighter and paramedic in northern Nevada. From fire engines and ambulances to tillered ladder trucks and helicopters, Shawn’s work environment has always been dynamic. The line of duty has carried him to a variety of locale, from high-rise fires in the city to the burning heavy timber of the eastern Sierras.
Shawn attended Point Loma Nazarene University as a Theology undergrad before shifting direction to acquire an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science Technology as well as Paramedic licensure through Truckee Meadows Community College.
Shawn currently lives in Reno, Nevada, just outside of Lake Tahoe. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife, three children and yellow Labrador.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Firefighting burns in Aidan O’Neill’s blood. The son of a fireman, O’Neill has a sixth sense about fire and often takes dangerous risks. When one act of disobedience nearly gets a rookie killed, O’Neill is suspended. His weeks off are supposed to be a time to reflect but instead he escapes to Mexico, where another rash act of bravery actually kills him. But only for a few minutes.
Called back to Reno, he’s now haunted by visions of hell and paralyzed in the face of fire. And at the worst time, because an arsonist is targeting Reno. With a growing love interest with one of the investigators complicating everything, Aidan must discover where his trust rests as the fires creep ever closer.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Through The Fire, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Guilt ridden over his father’s death and angry at God for letting it happen, Aiden O’Neill tries to prove that he can conquer the fires in his own strength. After his own brush with death, his confidence wanes and he finds himself haunted by the fire. As an increasing number of fires appear to be tied to the same arsonist who may have also been responsible for the fire that killed his father, Aiden begins to work with an attractive investigator to try to solve the cases. They soon find themselves targets as they rush to put an end to the destruction. With the help of several people who truly care about him, Aiden finally realizes that only the Lord can see him through the fire.
Through The Fire is a fast moving, exciting story that quickly pulls the reader into it. Filled with details only a firefighter could know, I gained new respect for what these brave men experience daily to protect their area. I enjoyed Through The Fire and look forward to more from this excellent new author.
