Rinehart debuts with an action-packed thriller bolstered by a touch of romance, following the efforts of geologist Thomas Jackson and disaster response expert Catherine Craft, along with an assembled military team, as they work together to stop a potential eruption in Yellowstone National Park that could lead to "the end of the United States if it goes off." When Thomas's mentor and long-time friend commits suicide during their investigation, he and the team learn that someone is behind the volatile shift in the Yellowstone caldera that's contributing to its potential eruption, igniting their race against time to prevent the deaths of millions of people.
"Power is all that matters" in this zero-hour thriller, as Thomas scrambles to puzzle out the science that will stop the eruption Catherine sets out on her own mission-to find out who is funding the project that first set this natural disaster in motion. As Thomas and Catherine's love story develops, their sweet romance in the midst of chaos provides soft moments within the explosive, constantly moving plot, yet even as they grow closer, Catherine learns that Thomas is keeping secrets of his own. Rinehart masterfully weaves the suspense and romance together, as the couple must learn to rely on each other while they deal with government corruption, family drama, and the potential end of the world.
Beyond that budding relationship, the core of the novel delves into the destruction that comes with abuse of power and greed, filling the pages with scenes of betrayal and violence that create heart-pounding tension until the shocking conclusion. The ensemble of characters is immense, and with multiple subplots providing twists and turns throughout, it's hard to tell who to trust. Fans of exhilarating thrillers with multiple storylines and intricate characterization will enjoy this wild ride that stays unpredictable until the very last page.
Recommended by the US Review of Books. "The consequences of a cataclysm have provided fuel for countless movies and books, yet the drama and action that unfold in this entry surpass many of its forerunners and contemporaries. The weight of the world is on Thomas Jackson's shoulders, and he carries that burden along with a chip on one of them. He is a wounded man from a painful past, but he is resolved in his mission. He is a lone wolf until he meets and becomes enamored with Catherine. The relationship between Thomas and Catherine serves as one aspect of a multilayered narrative. The corrupt and depraved individuals attempting to prevent Thomas' plan provide more than their fair share of intrigue through their murderous conspiring. This book proves both amusing and unsettling in its subject matter but is nevertheless interesting."
Book Life Review. "Rinehart debuts with an action-packed thriller bolstered by a touch of romance, following the efforts of geologist Thomas Jackson and disaster response expert Catherine Craft, along with an assembled military team, as they work together to stop a potential eruption in Yellowstone National Park that could lead to "the end of the United States if it goes off." When Thomas's mentor and long-time friend commits suicide during their investigation, he and the team learn that someone is behind the volatile shift in the Yellowstone caldera that's contributing to its potential eruption, igniting their race against time to prevent the deaths of millions of people.
Takeaway: A roller coaster ride of romance, secrets, and government cover-ups.
Comparable Titles: Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny's
State of Terror, Stacey Abram's
While Justice Sleeps."
