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The Sinking of the Angie Piper
Ed and his childhood friend Danny are gearing up in Kodiak, Alaska, preparing to join the Angie Piper’s crew for another season of crab fishing. Ed is a relative newcomer, but despite the perils of the trade, he sees no reason to fear for Danny’s safety. The Angie Piper has always been blessed. She has a stalwart captain, Fred, a crack engineer, Dave, and two time-tested pros to keep the rest of the operation running smoothly, exuberant Loni and the more reticent Salazar.
Every season has a greenhorn, the one who works for a pittance in order to learn the ropes. This time around it is Ed’s friend Danny, no ordinary crewman. Their shared history is complex. Though strong, brave, and hardworking, Danny is a simple soul, and Ed is weighed down by guilt, dark memories of the many times he failed to defend his friend against the inevitable bullying. And cantankerous Dave believes Danny is a bad omen, so much so that his bitter opposition may endanger them all.
The season starts off strong, and the crew is elated by the bounty of their catch. Then their luck turns. The skies grow dark, the waves swell, and Mother Nature bears down on them with her full arsenal. When the storm finally abates, who will live to tell the tale?
Every season has a greenhorn, the one who works for a pittance in order to learn the ropes. This time around it is Ed’s friend Danny, no ordinary crewman. Their shared history is complex. Though strong, brave, and hardworking, Danny is a simple soul, and Ed is weighed down by guilt, dark memories of the many times he failed to defend his friend against the inevitable bullying. And cantankerous Dave believes Danny is a bad omen, so much so that his bitter opposition may endanger them all.
The season starts off strong, and the crew is elated by the bounty of their catch. Then their luck turns. The skies grow dark, the waves swell, and Mother Nature bears down on them with her full arsenal. When the storm finally abates, who will live to tell the tale?
- GenresFiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2017
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Chris Riley
6 books50 followersChris Riley lives near Sacramento, California, vowing one day to move back to the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, he teaches special education, writes awesome stories, and hides from the blasting heat for six months out of the year. He has had dozens of short stories published in various magazines and anthologies, and across various genres. The Sinking of the Angie Piper is his first novel. For more information, check out his website at www.chrisrileyauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 10, 2021
What a beautiful story. I feel messed up, full of emotions, and don’t even know if can give a review that will do this book justice.
I wasn’t expecting to laugh and cry listening to this. I like sea stories and thought okay this will be a Wicked Tuna/ Deadliest Catch, but she’ll sink...a thrilling adventure.
What I got was friendship, brotherhood and courage (grabbing more Kleenex). My favorite book this year!
I wasn’t expecting to laugh and cry listening to this. I like sea stories and thought okay this will be a Wicked Tuna/ Deadliest Catch, but she’ll sink...a thrilling adventure.
What I got was friendship, brotherhood and courage (grabbing more Kleenex). My favorite book this year!
March 12, 2024
My debut novel, one of literary suspense. Hope you enjoy it!
July 17, 2017
A family vacation to Alaska is on my horizon later this summer, so it’s fitting that I read The Sinking of the Angie Piper by Chris Riley.
On that trip I think I’ll stick close to shore.
Riley, a Sacramento-based writer like myself, creates a richly textured backdrop of Alaskan fishing culture against which he tells the tale of the Angie Piper and her crew of commercial crab fishermen working the Gulf of Alaska in winter. Narrator Edward Thurman, a young but not novice member of the crew, has brought his best friend Danny Wilson aboard as the ship’s greenhorn (new crewman)–an act met by the derision of one of the crew, because Danny has Down Syndrome. The reader gets into the ship’s rhythm of hard work and recovery amid terrible cold on the unforgiving sea, feeling the icy spray and alternating ecstasy and weariness of the men.
Then the weather changes.
Grievances and regrets fall away amid an escalating struggle to survive. Author Chris Riley steadily raises the stakes, pushing you to turn the pages toward a satisfying conclusion.
This book does an amazing job of transporting the reader to a distant and strange world on the crabbing vessel which feels totally real. Author Riley has personal experience as an educator working with Down’s kids, which shows in his tender but never maudlin portrayal of Danny. As narrator Ed learns to see that there is more to Danny than he thought, so does the reader.
The Sinking of the Angie Piper is a superb short novel that blends the best of literary and suspense fiction with dramatic themes of man vs himself and man vs nature, with redemption in the end.
Chris Riley got his start writing short stories, and he has written many. His focus is science fiction, horror, and weird/strange stories. Many have been published; explore his work here.
I read an advance copy of this book which I received for free from the author.
On that trip I think I’ll stick close to shore.
Riley, a Sacramento-based writer like myself, creates a richly textured backdrop of Alaskan fishing culture against which he tells the tale of the Angie Piper and her crew of commercial crab fishermen working the Gulf of Alaska in winter. Narrator Edward Thurman, a young but not novice member of the crew, has brought his best friend Danny Wilson aboard as the ship’s greenhorn (new crewman)–an act met by the derision of one of the crew, because Danny has Down Syndrome. The reader gets into the ship’s rhythm of hard work and recovery amid terrible cold on the unforgiving sea, feeling the icy spray and alternating ecstasy and weariness of the men.
Then the weather changes.
Grievances and regrets fall away amid an escalating struggle to survive. Author Chris Riley steadily raises the stakes, pushing you to turn the pages toward a satisfying conclusion.
This book does an amazing job of transporting the reader to a distant and strange world on the crabbing vessel which feels totally real. Author Riley has personal experience as an educator working with Down’s kids, which shows in his tender but never maudlin portrayal of Danny. As narrator Ed learns to see that there is more to Danny than he thought, so does the reader.
The Sinking of the Angie Piper is a superb short novel that blends the best of literary and suspense fiction with dramatic themes of man vs himself and man vs nature, with redemption in the end.
Chris Riley got his start writing short stories, and he has written many. His focus is science fiction, horror, and weird/strange stories. Many have been published; explore his work here.
I read an advance copy of this book which I received for free from the author.
July 5, 2017
I was contacted by the author to give this read a fair and honest shake ...I enjoyed this read, so many on the edge of your sit kind of moments, suspense, and if you know anything about me, I am a true lover or anything mystery ...that is always my go-to-genre of style of book 1st off. I love mysteries, this is one book that had me so pleased, my kind of read. gotta sleep but don't wanna put it down moments too & I am new to this author, I can wait to see what Christian Riley will write in the future. I have watch plenty of Alaskan boat fishing tv shows ...I have never traveled to Alaska but it is one of the last 2 states the hubby & I gotta see (go & see all the amazing must see sights) Hawaii being the other one ... I have heard so many tales of what it is like out there in Alaska vast, quiet, serene and just gorgeous. Like no other state we have ever been too. I can't wait! I look forward to it. I can not imagine being one with the sea. Just Beth and the quiet. I am so ready. I have taken many a boat rides out on ocean and just around here and there on smaller lakes (even what some might call a pond compared to the large sized bodies of water.) Being pushed and pulled around. Never gotten sea sick as of yet, KNOCK ON WOOD about that!! don't wanna be sick, never slept over night on a boat though??! At times the wakes coming up and over the boats and even our cars, it was wild!!!! so I can imagine this read could be possible. a can't put it down kind of read, I don't wanna reveal any tidbits about this book, no spoilers from me, read the synopsis and know you will get a fun filled, action, suspense filled read, edge of your sit kind of read, please go check it out!! it will be so awesome! promise! I wish Christian all the best and thank you kindly for allowed me to read this ... here's wishing you must success in the future. ( :
July 16, 2017
I would give this book 4 1/2 stars
This is one intense book! You might have seen some of the reality TV shows about those that fish or crab in Alaska or that general area. This book brings the harsh reality of that what those men (and possibly women) endure in this profession.
But the book is about a little bit more than that. It is also about a relationship between Ed and Danny. While it takes awhile to really figure out what is wrong with Danny (mentally challenged), the relationship between these two men has many facets. From Ed's guilt at not protecting his friend as he should have growing up, to Danny's loyalty to Ed. There are some harsh realities that Ed has to learn and face to become a better man.
I felt that the book really reflected the grittiness of their profession and how quickly mother nature can rain down and create havoc for those on the boats. There is a lot they have to do and need to be quick on their feet to avoid going overboard or having the boat sink on their watch.
The only thing I wasn't wild about was the number of f* bombs. yes perhaps it was called for in some situations, but if there needs to be cussing how about using other words? I had to deduct 1/2 star for that. But other than this one thing, the book is well worth reading.
This is one intense book! You might have seen some of the reality TV shows about those that fish or crab in Alaska or that general area. This book brings the harsh reality of that what those men (and possibly women) endure in this profession.
But the book is about a little bit more than that. It is also about a relationship between Ed and Danny. While it takes awhile to really figure out what is wrong with Danny (mentally challenged), the relationship between these two men has many facets. From Ed's guilt at not protecting his friend as he should have growing up, to Danny's loyalty to Ed. There are some harsh realities that Ed has to learn and face to become a better man.
I felt that the book really reflected the grittiness of their profession and how quickly mother nature can rain down and create havoc for those on the boats. There is a lot they have to do and need to be quick on their feet to avoid going overboard or having the boat sink on their watch.
The only thing I wasn't wild about was the number of f* bombs. yes perhaps it was called for in some situations, but if there needs to be cussing how about using other words? I had to deduct 1/2 star for that. But other than this one thing, the book is well worth reading.
September 6, 2017
I read this a while back, but I'm just now getting around to writing my review. I liked this one so much, I bought a second copy for my father who grew up in Alaska and around the parts described in this book.
Chris Riley’s debut novel, The Sinking of the Angie Piper, is one of those books that hooks you from the start and doesn’t let go. What makes TSAP stand out is that while it could have been a simple but well written adventure tale of the sea, Riley makes it more a book about the human heart. The narrator, Ed, has secured a job for his friend Danny on a commercial crab-fishing boat off the coast of Alaska, and it isn’t long before Danny has to endure a bit of hazing and ultimately prove his courage to himself and the rest of the crew in the face of disaster. While this may sound like Jack London-esque coming-of-age story, it is important to note that Danny has Down syndrome. I have no doubt that in the hands of a lesser writer, this concept may have come across like an after school special, but TSAP is a gripping read that simultaneously explores the experiences of those with cognitive disabilities.
Between the high-seas action and the touching story of bravery and friendship, Riley’s TSAP is a rare book that truly can be read by just about everyone. The book is structured in a way similar to some of Kurosawa’s samurai films: the first half is spent introducing the characters, and there’s a colorful and memorable crew on board. The second half of the book focuses on how everyone has to band together when disaster strikes. And both parts are enthralling. Each chapter lures you deeper and deeper in, and I found myself literally saying “Okay, one more chapter, just one more” time and time again.
I found it refreshing to read a book so well paced. There isn’t ever a dull moment. It reminded me of my youth and some of the books that kept me reading long into the night, totally wrapped up in the story. I hadn’t felt that way in a long time. Though I’ve read books with characters with disabilities, TSAP’s Danny is easily one of the most memorable. Danny has always wanted to be a Navy SEAL and is eager to prove himself. And the great thing is that he does prove himself. He proves himself to his friend Ed, to the crew of the Angie Piper, and to the readers. And he’ll prove himself to you, too.
Chris Riley’s debut novel, The Sinking of the Angie Piper, is one of those books that hooks you from the start and doesn’t let go. What makes TSAP stand out is that while it could have been a simple but well written adventure tale of the sea, Riley makes it more a book about the human heart. The narrator, Ed, has secured a job for his friend Danny on a commercial crab-fishing boat off the coast of Alaska, and it isn’t long before Danny has to endure a bit of hazing and ultimately prove his courage to himself and the rest of the crew in the face of disaster. While this may sound like Jack London-esque coming-of-age story, it is important to note that Danny has Down syndrome. I have no doubt that in the hands of a lesser writer, this concept may have come across like an after school special, but TSAP is a gripping read that simultaneously explores the experiences of those with cognitive disabilities.
Between the high-seas action and the touching story of bravery and friendship, Riley’s TSAP is a rare book that truly can be read by just about everyone. The book is structured in a way similar to some of Kurosawa’s samurai films: the first half is spent introducing the characters, and there’s a colorful and memorable crew on board. The second half of the book focuses on how everyone has to band together when disaster strikes. And both parts are enthralling. Each chapter lures you deeper and deeper in, and I found myself literally saying “Okay, one more chapter, just one more” time and time again.
I found it refreshing to read a book so well paced. There isn’t ever a dull moment. It reminded me of my youth and some of the books that kept me reading long into the night, totally wrapped up in the story. I hadn’t felt that way in a long time. Though I’ve read books with characters with disabilities, TSAP’s Danny is easily one of the most memorable. Danny has always wanted to be a Navy SEAL and is eager to prove himself. And the great thing is that he does prove himself. He proves himself to his friend Ed, to the crew of the Angie Piper, and to the readers. And he’ll prove himself to you, too.
August 7, 2017
This was a fantastic story. It was entertaining from start to finish.
The thing that stuck out the most for me was the characters. They were complex and tackled a variety of emotions and issues all of us can relate to at some point or another. Using a disability such as Down Syndrome and working it into a setting such as crabbing in the Alaskan waters is such an interesting combination that Riley wove together very well.
This book will keep your attention all the way to the end, without the need for guns, politics, or larger-than-life diabolical schemes. A worthy investment indeed.
The thing that stuck out the most for me was the characters. They were complex and tackled a variety of emotions and issues all of us can relate to at some point or another. Using a disability such as Down Syndrome and working it into a setting such as crabbing in the Alaskan waters is such an interesting combination that Riley wove together very well.
This book will keep your attention all the way to the end, without the need for guns, politics, or larger-than-life diabolical schemes. A worthy investment indeed.
February 21, 2018
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘The Sinking of the Angie Piper’ by Chris Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on February 15, 2018
GIVEN A FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$5.99 on Kindle | $12.58 in Paperback | $14.95 on Audible
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In Kodiak, Alaska, two childhood friends with a complicated history, Ed and Danny, prepare to work on the Angie Piper, a commercial crabbing vessel. This is the most dangerous job in the world, but the Angie Piper has always been blessed.
Every season, the Angie Piper brings on a new greenhorn. This season, it’s Danny. Danny is strong and extremely hard-working, but he’s not like everyone else aboard the ship. He has Down Syndrome.
Despite some lash back from the ship’s engineer, Dave, Ed is confident Danny is the perfect fit for the job. Dave, on the other hand, believes Danny is bad luck.
The season starts off strong, but when a monster storm hits, the Angie Piper and her crew are forced to do anything and everything they can to survive.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
‘The Sinking of the Angie Piper’, at its core is a story about friendship. Ed and Danny have been friends since they were little, and while Ed has always accepted and embraced Danny’s differences, he never stood up for his friend when other people singled him out. Danny, though, has never held Ed’s actions (or rather, inactions) against him. He’s as faithful as the waves on which the Angie Piper coasts.
When things go south on the Angie Piper, Ed is forced to confront his cowardly nature once and for all. To become a better man, and it’s all thanks to Danny.
I am not typically a fan of stories surrounding sailing. In my opinion, they tend to focus a lot on the technicalities of being on a boat, and that bores me really quickly. ‘The Sinking of the Angie Piper’ does delve into what it takes to run a crabbing vessel, but the explanations are weaved seamlessly into the storyline. I didn’t feel like I was reading a “how-to” manual which I was extremely thankful for.
Danny is the perfect example of forgiveness, faithfulness, and hard work. He’s a lovely character. He’s a counterbalance to Ed’s flaws. We could all do well to be more like Danny.
This is a well-paced and simply but beautifully written story. This is Chris Riley’s debut novel, but you’d never know it.
Pick up ‘The Sinking of the Angie Piper’ if you’re in the mood for a heartwarming tale of survival and friendship as well as a thrilling ride on the sea.
‘The Sinking of the Angie Piper’ by Chris Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on February 15, 2018
GIVEN A FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$5.99 on Kindle | $12.58 in Paperback | $14.95 on Audible
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In Kodiak, Alaska, two childhood friends with a complicated history, Ed and Danny, prepare to work on the Angie Piper, a commercial crabbing vessel. This is the most dangerous job in the world, but the Angie Piper has always been blessed.
Every season, the Angie Piper brings on a new greenhorn. This season, it’s Danny. Danny is strong and extremely hard-working, but he’s not like everyone else aboard the ship. He has Down Syndrome.
Despite some lash back from the ship’s engineer, Dave, Ed is confident Danny is the perfect fit for the job. Dave, on the other hand, believes Danny is bad luck.
The season starts off strong, but when a monster storm hits, the Angie Piper and her crew are forced to do anything and everything they can to survive.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
‘The Sinking of the Angie Piper’, at its core is a story about friendship. Ed and Danny have been friends since they were little, and while Ed has always accepted and embraced Danny’s differences, he never stood up for his friend when other people singled him out. Danny, though, has never held Ed’s actions (or rather, inactions) against him. He’s as faithful as the waves on which the Angie Piper coasts.
When things go south on the Angie Piper, Ed is forced to confront his cowardly nature once and for all. To become a better man, and it’s all thanks to Danny.
I am not typically a fan of stories surrounding sailing. In my opinion, they tend to focus a lot on the technicalities of being on a boat, and that bores me really quickly. ‘The Sinking of the Angie Piper’ does delve into what it takes to run a crabbing vessel, but the explanations are weaved seamlessly into the storyline. I didn’t feel like I was reading a “how-to” manual which I was extremely thankful for.
Danny is the perfect example of forgiveness, faithfulness, and hard work. He’s a lovely character. He’s a counterbalance to Ed’s flaws. We could all do well to be more like Danny.
This is a well-paced and simply but beautifully written story. This is Chris Riley’s debut novel, but you’d never know it.
Pick up ‘The Sinking of the Angie Piper’ if you’re in the mood for a heartwarming tale of survival and friendship as well as a thrilling ride on the sea.
May 23, 2023
Chris Riley's incredible novel immerses readers in the perilous realm of crab fishing in Kodiak, Alaska. Ed prepares to return the Angie Piper, a legendary vessel known for its blessings, and he enlists his childhood friend Danny to join him. Neither suspects this is the ship's final voyage.
Danny is a simple soul, who brings his own complex history, while Ed carries the weight of past failures to protect his friend from bullying. It is a voyage that will challenge them both physically and emotionally.
However, trouble comes in multiple forms, first, in the form of the Angie Piper's engineer Dave, who harbors a superstition that Danny's presence on the ship is an ill omen, and then with Alaska's predictably unpredictable weather. Just as the ship begins raking in the crabs, Mother Nature unleashes her fury upon the Angie Piper.
The Sinking of the Angie Piper is a riveting exploration of friendship, guilt, and the unyielding human spirit. Through vivid descriptions (the author HAD to have fished crab!) and nuanced character development, Riley breathes life into the crew of the Angie Piper, allowing readers to share in their triumphs and trials.
This story mesmerized me--I felt like I was on board, facing the unforgiving Alaskan waters, and watching while these bonds of friendship were forged, tested, and ultimately transformed. The Sinking of the Angie Piper is an unforgettable journey that leaves you with your jaw hanging, contemplating the depths of human resilience.
Danny is a simple soul, who brings his own complex history, while Ed carries the weight of past failures to protect his friend from bullying. It is a voyage that will challenge them both physically and emotionally.
However, trouble comes in multiple forms, first, in the form of the Angie Piper's engineer Dave, who harbors a superstition that Danny's presence on the ship is an ill omen, and then with Alaska's predictably unpredictable weather. Just as the ship begins raking in the crabs, Mother Nature unleashes her fury upon the Angie Piper.
The Sinking of the Angie Piper is a riveting exploration of friendship, guilt, and the unyielding human spirit. Through vivid descriptions (the author HAD to have fished crab!) and nuanced character development, Riley breathes life into the crew of the Angie Piper, allowing readers to share in their triumphs and trials.
This story mesmerized me--I felt like I was on board, facing the unforgiving Alaskan waters, and watching while these bonds of friendship were forged, tested, and ultimately transformed. The Sinking of the Angie Piper is an unforgettable journey that leaves you with your jaw hanging, contemplating the depths of human resilience.
May 30, 2017
This book is still yet to be published, but I received an Advance Review Copy from the author. I enjoyed the beginning of this book and learning about Alaska and the culture of crab fishing. It was also exciting to meet the characters and get involved in the unique challenge each one was facing by stepping on board the Angie Piper. The characters' personalities played well off one another. When the going got tough though, and the Angie Piper was en route to sinking (that's not a spoiler, it's actually part of the title), the gritty edge of the story wore off for me and what should have been suspenseful and climactic felt almost like an ordinary series of events. The words were there describing a life threatening situation, but the tone of the book and emotions of the characters didn't match the feel of one. At the end of the book, I also felt like the main character's internal conflict didn't get resolved for the reader. There was something he always regretted in his past, which at the end we still didn't get to see him resolve though he had the opportunity. The book is well written for sure, but the reveal of the book's main event in its title gets in the way of the story somewhat.
January 16, 2026
This book is an amazing, terrifying, exciting experience.
Based on the real lives of fisherman in the Alaskan seas, the adventure and danger is overwhelming.
This story focuses on on the job of a crab fisherman, and the friendships of the crew, on the Angie Piper fishing boat.The job is hard, the elements excruciating, but the money is great. The crew puts their lives on the line every day.
On this particular job, Ed brings his buddy , Danny, along as the new guy. Danny is extremely strong, and will be an asset to the crew. Danny also has Downs Syndrome, and one crew member is very opposed to his presence on the Angie Piper. However, the captain is all in favor of giving Danny a chance, and Ed trains him to do his job. As time goes on , and the crew experiences both good and bad days, Danny proves himself as an exemplary and devoted worker.
Unfortunately, big storms force the journey into trouble.
This book was literally a very wild and scary ride.
It is hard to put down the book, and reads very quickly.
It’s a testament to the brave fishermen in Alaskan seas, who put their lives on the line every season, so well portrayed by Chris Riley, author.
Based on the real lives of fisherman in the Alaskan seas, the adventure and danger is overwhelming.
This story focuses on on the job of a crab fisherman, and the friendships of the crew, on the Angie Piper fishing boat.The job is hard, the elements excruciating, but the money is great. The crew puts their lives on the line every day.
On this particular job, Ed brings his buddy , Danny, along as the new guy. Danny is extremely strong, and will be an asset to the crew. Danny also has Downs Syndrome, and one crew member is very opposed to his presence on the Angie Piper. However, the captain is all in favor of giving Danny a chance, and Ed trains him to do his job. As time goes on , and the crew experiences both good and bad days, Danny proves himself as an exemplary and devoted worker.
Unfortunately, big storms force the journey into trouble.
This book was literally a very wild and scary ride.
It is hard to put down the book, and reads very quickly.
It’s a testament to the brave fishermen in Alaskan seas, who put their lives on the line every season, so well portrayed by Chris Riley, author.
January 26, 2026
You may have watched the TV show about Alaskan crabbers. I did and was enthralled. Coming from a much smaller and much safer fishing village in the NE, I have long respected the hard work and peril of fishermen and been fascinated with their stories. What makes Chris Riley’s The Sinking of the Angie Piper more intense is that from the opening pages, you are in the fisherman’s dive bar in Kodiak, Alaska and you are with the characters in every sense of the word. From the smell of bait and diesel in the air, the last diner lunch the characters will have on land before heading out and every sway of the Angie Piper, from gentle rocking to the terror of a rogue wave, you are in deep. You are not watching this or just reading this story. Riley puts you in these scenes from the wet, frozen feet to the nausea.
Combine the above with a friendship reminiscent to Lennie and George in Of Mice and Men, and you have an incredible work of fiction. Just who is protecting who on the boat? Who is the smarter friend and who is the better friend? Who will survive the dangerous crabbing season?
I highly recommend this work and believe it will stay with you for a long time.
Combine the above with a friendship reminiscent to Lennie and George in Of Mice and Men, and you have an incredible work of fiction. Just who is protecting who on the boat? Who is the smarter friend and who is the better friend? Who will survive the dangerous crabbing season?
I highly recommend this work and believe it will stay with you for a long time.
July 30, 2017
The Sinking of the Angie Piper is the debut novel by Chris Riley. The plot is based on the friendship between Ed and his childhood friend Danny who happens to have Down Syndrome. With Ed's urging, they decide to apply for a job to go crab fishing in the Gulf of Alaska. The author does a masterful job of illustrating the dangers of what can go wrong crabbing in Alaskan waters while telling a unique story about the capabilities as well as liabilities someone with Down Syndrome has. The author's gripping story and descriptive prose will have you feeling as if you're right there in the middle of an arctic storm. I'm anxious to see what other novels Chris Riley will follow this one with.
June 22, 2018
Gripping!
I read that this is Riley's debut novel, and what a way to have a debut. It's a gripping and intense adventure that brings the reader on right onto the ship. The characters are novel and have great connections, and the backstory of the crew makes sense. The path of survival depends on how the crew works together and deal with the obstacles of the raging seas. It's a story worth reading more than once.
I read that this is Riley's debut novel, and what a way to have a debut. It's a gripping and intense adventure that brings the reader on right onto the ship. The characters are novel and have great connections, and the backstory of the crew makes sense. The path of survival depends on how the crew works together and deal with the obstacles of the raging seas. It's a story worth reading more than once.
July 21, 2017
A wild, exciting adventure upon the high seas, full of danger, hardships, and uncertainty... but also triumphs, self realizations, and hope. The crew is a memorable collection of personalities, but the way they come together when all heck breaks loose, will steal your breath and stir your heart. Definite top pick for adventure seekers, both of the armchair and real life varieties.
June 11, 2024
Wow. This is an emotional, suspenseful read that is filled with real-life characters doing dangerous work. The story is well done and realistic, but the characters are the stars. Even the side characters have personalities and are full of life. I will miss Danny and Ed and wish I could read more about them. I would read more from this talented author.
April 17, 2018
This was a good book even for me a teen age kid. It made me look at kids with special abilities in a different way. It has a few bad words but nothing as bad as what I hear in the PE locker room. I would recommend it to any of my friend or teachers.
June 25, 2017
Great story! A beautiful book about forgiveness and second chances. A must read for everyone. I would highly recommend this book!
August 25, 2017
Great story. Could not put it down. Must read.
December 13, 2017
Thrilling and suspenseful action. An exciting adventure!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews