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Above the Fire  By  cover art

Above the Fire

By: Michael O’Donnell
Narrated by: Robert Fass
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Publisher's summary

An enthralling debut, Above the Fire crystallizes the relationship between a father and son as they survive a winter of isolation. Perfect for fans of The Dog Stars by Peter Heller and The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

Laboring under a shared loss, Doug and his young son, Tim, set out on a late season backpacking trip through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. They find beauty and solidarity in the outdoors, making friends along the trail and falling into the rhythms of an expedition. But when reports of warfare and social collapse reach the ranger station, Doug—seeking to protect the only family he has left—withdraws even further into the backcountry.

The alpine winter presents its own dangers, as father and son must endure the elements, the solitude, and the ever-present threat of outsiders. As their isolation intensifies, and the nature of the country’s disorder becomes more unsettling, their bond with each other grows more fierce. But as spring approaches, they must decide whether—and how—to confront the perils of a changed world.

©2023 Michael O'Donnell (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

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Diamond in the rough

I’m always looking for books like this. I have literally searched google and Reddit threads for books where someone or a group has to survive in a cabin against the elements. This book gives you all that and a sweet story between father and his young son. Highly recommend this reading and I was touched at the end where the author mentions he dedicated this book to his father who lived from 1946 to 2023. I have a father teaching the end that was born in 40 and it inspires me to go see and talk to him. I enjoyed the narrator as well. He has a calming effect on me when I hear his voice. Highly recommend. By the way you guys should consider turning this into a movie. Just seems like one of those independent movies that could win a bunch of awards and be done on a smaller budget.

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Terrific!!

This story of a father and his young son is woven beautifully around a probable catastrophe. Perfectly brought to a conclusion. The end of chapter 5 is enough to make you love this book!

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Beautiful story that stays with you…

This is fabulous story about a father and a son as the world crumbles around them. Even a couple weeks after I finished this I’m still thinking of some of its quiet beauty. Do yourself a favor and fall into this book that feels like a both like a journey and a moment close to home.

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Loved this book

It’s engaging from the start and the writing is so beautifully descriptive. A gripping and enjoyable story.

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