John Kenny
Author of Before the First Fleet : Europeans in Australia 1606-1777
Series
Works by John Kenny
For Men Only: A Cook Book 3 copies
Encore (short story) 2 copies
Albedo 1 #21 1 copy
Box Of Delights — Editor; Contributor — 1 copy
Truth in Advertising 1 copy
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Gender
- male
- Birthplace
- Dublin, Ireland
- Places of residence
- Dublin, Ireland
Members
Reviews
Awards
You May Also Like
Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 15
- Also by
- 4
- Members
- 47
- Popularity
- #330,643
- Rating
- 4.0
- Reviews
- 3
- ISBNs
- 10
- Languages
- 1
The firefighting backdrop for dramas, be it on television, film or in books always appeals me. 'Backdraft' has always been a favourite of mine (although, Kurt Russell may have had something to do with that). This excellently written book had me smitten.
Donny Robertson is a dedicated fireman, and when he is seriously injured and his best friend, Fitz, the captain of his unit, is killed in a fire, his dedication to his job spills over into a pursuit to find the answers into why and/or how the callout ended so tragically. But the route is a perilous one. He becomes a watched man and a hunted one. What is it he’s uncovering and why does he have to be silenced?
There’s no doubt that writing about something in which you have a lifetime experience…or rather, a working lifetime experience…gives a reader a tremendous insight and understanding into the subject. This author does it with incredible skill. As a firefighter of twenty-five years’ standing, he really does know what he’s talking about. He doesn’t just profile the bones of the job: what stands out in this novel, is the dedication, fearlessness, bravery, selflessness, and courage of firefighters along with the bond, camaraderie, friendship and spirit that develops in a unit. I wouldn’t be surprised if each of the firemen characterised in this book is based on a real person, because that’s how the characters come over: as real and personable. I’d be happy to be rescued by any of them.
But, on top of all that, is a very solid, well-paced plot that keeps you on your toes to the very end. There’s everything in this book: murder, crime, revenge, humour, wit, heroism, and love. The dialogue is real, the emotions tangible, the characters believable.
I have one gripe, however. This is the author’s first (and brilliant) but ONLY (to date) novel. I want more...soon.
If there’s one book you need to read this year, it’s this one.
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