Speed the Dawn

Philip
Donlay
Genre: 
Suspense-Thriller

Donovan Nash is ready to launch his new research ship from his company Eco-Watch. His wife, Dr. Lauren McKenna, is flying in with colleagues for the launch when a meteor shower blankets  California. The plane just barely makes its emergency landing. As Donovan searches for his mentor, the power is wiped out by the tsunami that follows the meteor shower, leaving him and the other survivors in apocalypse-like times as they try to fight their way out to safety. Meanwhile, from the safety of the ship, Dr. McKenna is working with the Pentagon. She makes a decision that could save millions of lives but kill those in the line of fire — including her husband Donovan.

This action-packed narrative will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, turning page after page. The tension is palpable, the constant calamities intense. Donovan, the main character, has an interesting secret, adding another element of intrigue. Dr. Lauren McKenna is a noble character who adapts to the tensions well. She is the big mover and shaker in the story, rather than Donovan, which is refreshing and surprising. "Speed the Dawn" is indeed fast paced, and in fact readers could use a reprieve from the constant action. When there is a break, the author inundates readers with information; more balance would be beneficial, and give the characters much-needed room for development. This novel, the eighth in the Donovan Nash series, is constantly in motion, and thriller fans will be delighted.

Jessica Samuelsen